0001193125-12-196708.txt : 20120430 0001193125-12-196708.hdr.sgml : 20120430 20120430172358 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-12-196708 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: F-4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 16 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120430 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WPP plc CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000806968 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-ADVERTISING AGENCIES [7311] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-181055-04 FILM NUMBER: 12796611 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 ELY PLACE CITY: DUBLIN STATE: L2 ZIP: 2 BUSINESS PHONE: 011442074082204 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 ELY PLACE CITY: DUBLIN STATE: L2 ZIP: 2 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WPP GROUP PLC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19960514 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WPP 2005 LTD CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001406528 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-ADVERTISING AGENCIES [7311] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: X0 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-181055-02 FILM NUMBER: 12796609 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 27 FARM STREET CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: W1X 6RD BUSINESS PHONE: 011-44-207-318-0021 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 27 FARM STREET CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: W1X 6RD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WPP Air 1 Ltd CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001464857 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-ADVERTISING AGENCIES [7311] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: L2 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-181055-03 FILM NUMBER: 12796610 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 ELY PLACE CITY: DUBLIN STATE: L2 ZIP: 2 BUSINESS PHONE: 01135316690333 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 ELY PLACE CITY: DUBLIN STATE: L2 ZIP: 2 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WPP 2008 Ltd CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001464899 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-ADVERTISING AGENCIES [7311] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: X0 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-181055-01 FILM NUMBER: 12796608 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 27 FARM STREET CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: W1J 5RJ BUSINESS PHONE: 011442073180082 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 27 FARM STREET CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: W1J 5RJ FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WPP Finance 2010 CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001548589 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: X0 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-181055 FILM NUMBER: 12796607 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 27 FARM STREET CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: W1J 5RJ BUSINESS PHONE: 0044 20 7408 2204 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 27 FARM STREET CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: W1J 5RJ F-4 1 d341681df4.htm FORM F-4 Form F-4
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012

Registration No. 333-[]

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

WPP Finance 2010

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

United Kingdom   7311   Not applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

6 Ely Place

Dublin 2, Ireland

Telephone: 011–353–1–669–0333

(Address and telephone number of registrants’ principal executive offices)

 

 

(FOR CO-REGISTRANTS, PLEASE SEE “TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS” ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE)

 

 

Andrea Harris, Esq.

Group Chief Counsel

6 Ely Place

Dublin 2, Ireland

Telephone: 011–353–1–669–0333

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

with a copy to:

Adam Kupitz, Esq.

Allen & Overy LLP

One Bishops Square

London E1 6AD

Telephone: (011 44) 20 3088 0000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As promptly as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

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

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

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ¨          

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of
securities to be registered
  Amount
to be
registered
  Proposed
maximum
offering price
per note
 

Proposed
maximum
aggregate

offering price(1)

  Amount of
registration fee

4.75% Notes due 2021

  $812,387,000   100%   $812,387,000   $93,100

Guarantees of 4.75% Notes due 2021

  N/A(2)       (2)       (2)       (2)

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee under Rule 457(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(2) No separate consideration will be received for the guarantees. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no separate filing fee is required for the guarantees.

 

 

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

 

 

 


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TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS

 

Exact Name as
Specified in
Charter

  

State or other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or
Organization

  

Primary Standard
Industrial
Classification Number

  

I.R.S. Employer
Identification
Number

  

Address, Including Zip Code and

Telephone Number, Including Area

Code, of Principal Executive Offices

WPP plc    Jersey    7311    Not Applicable   

6 Ely Place

Dublin 2, Ireland

Telephone: 011–353–1–669–0333

WPP Air 1

Limited

   Ireland    7311    Not Applicable   

6 Ely Place

Dublin 2, Ireland

Telephone: 011–353–1–669–0333

WPP 2005

Limited

   United Kingdom    7311    Not Applicable   

6 Ely Place

Dublin 2, Ireland

Telephone: 011–353–1–669–0333

WPP 2008

Limited

   United Kingdom    7311    Not Applicable   

6 Ely Place

Dublin 2, Ireland

Telephone: 011–353–1–669–0333


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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 or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 30, 2012

PROSPECTUS

WPP Finance 2010

Offer to Exchange up to

$812,387,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 issued by WPP Finance 2010

For Any and All Outstanding Unregistered

$812,387,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 issued by WPP Finance 2010

 

 

We are conducting the Exchange Offer (as defined below) in order to provide you with an opportunity to exchange your unregistered notes for freely tradable notes that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

   

We will exchange all outstanding Old Notes (as defined below) that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for an equal principal amount of New Notes (as defined below) that are freely tradable.

 

   

You may withdraw tenders of Old Notes at any time prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) of the Exchange Offer.

 

   

The Exchange Offer for Old Notes expires midnight, New York City time, on [], 2012, unless extended.

 

   

The terms of the New Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer are substantially identical to the Old Notes, except that the New Notes will be freely tradable. The New Notes will have the same financial terms as the Old Notes, and are subject to the same business and financial risks.

All untendered Old Notes will continue to be subject to any applicable restrictions on transfer set forth in the Old Notes and in the indenture governing the Old Notes. In general, the Old Notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the Exchange Offer, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the Old Notes under the Securities Act.

Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. By so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for the Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 90 days commencing on the day the Exchange Offer is consummated (or such shorter period during which participating broker-dealers are required by law to deliver such prospectus) we will make available a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act for use by broker-dealers in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

 

For a more detailed description of the New Notes, see “Description of the New Notes and the Guarantees” beginning on page 25.

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 for a discussion of certain risks you should consider before participating in the Exchange Offer.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of the New Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

[], 2012


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     i   

GENERAL INFORMATION

     iii   

CURRENCY OF PRESENTATION AND EXCHANGE RATES

     iv   

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     v   

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

     vi   

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     vii   

SUMMARY

     1   

RISK FACTORS

     8   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     13   

EXCHANGE RATES

     14   

CAPITALIZATION

     15   

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     16   

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

     17   

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES

     25   

SUMMARY OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     48   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     49   

VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

     51   

EXPERTS

     52   

 

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them, which means we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes earlier information.

The following information has been filed with the SEC and shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and to form part of, this prospectus: the Annual Report of WPP plc filed with the SEC on Form 20-F on April 30, 2012 in respect of the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “Form 20-F”).

The Form 20-F may also be accessed via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Where reference is made to a website in this prospectus, the contents of that website do not form part of this prospectus.

In addition, we will incorporate by reference into this prospectus all documents that we file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and, to the extent, if any, we designate therein, reports on Form 6-K we furnish to the SEC after the date of this prospectus and until the Exchange Offer is completed.

We are incorporating by reference into this document important business and financial information that is not included in or delivered with this document. This information is available without charge to you upon written or oral request. You should direct your requests to 6 Ely Place Dublin 2, Ireland (telephone: +353–1–669–0333).

 

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In order to ensure timely delivery of such documents, you must request this information no later than five business days before the date you must make your investment decision. Accordingly, you should make any request for documents by [] 2012 to ensure timely delivery of the documents prior to the expiration date of the Exchange Offer.

In making an investment decision, prospective participants in the Exchange Offer must rely on their own examination of us and the terms of the Exchange Offer, including the merits and risks involved. Prospective participants in the Exchange Offer should not construe anything in this prospectus as legal, business or tax advice. Each prospective participant in the Exchange Offer should consult its own advisors as needed to make its investment decision, to determine whether it is legally permitted to participate in the Exchange Offer under applicable laws and regulations and to determine the particular tax consequences to it of participating in the Exchange Offer. Participants in the Exchange Offer should be aware that they may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment in the New Notes for an indefinite period of time.

This prospectus contains summaries believed to be accurate with respect to certain documents, but reference is made to the actual documents themselves for complete information. All such summaries are qualified in their entirety by such reference. You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. You should assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus or as of the date of the documents incorporated by reference, as applicable. We are not making an offer of securities in any jurisdiction where such offer is not permitted.

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION

As used in this prospectus, the “Company,” the “Group” and “WPP Group” refer to WPP plc and its consolidated subsidiaries; the “Issuer” refers to WPP Finance 2010, excluding its subsidiaries and affiliates; the “Subsidiary Guarantors” refers to WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited, excluding their subsidiaries; and the “Parent Guarantor” refers to WPP plc, excluding its subsidiaries and affiliates. References to the “Guarantors” refers collectively to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiary Guarantors, in each case unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified. References to “we,” “our” and “us” refer to the Issuer and WPP plc, collectively, in each case unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified.

 

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CURRENCY OF PRESENTATION AND EXCHANGE RATES

WPP plc publishes its consolidated financial statements in pounds sterling.

In this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, references to “$,” “U.S.$, dollars” and “U.S. dollars” are to the lawful currency of the United States; references to “£,” “pounds sterling,” “pounds” and “pence” are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom; and references to “€” or “euro” are to the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty Establishing the European Community, as amended. Solely for the convenience of the reader, this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain translations of certain pounds sterling amounts into U.S. dollars at the rate or rates indicated. These translations should not be construed as representations that the pound amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, pound sterling amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 have been translated at the Bloomberg Closing Mid Point rate on December 31, 2011 of £1.00 = U.S.$1.5509. As of April 20, 2012, the Bloomberg Closing Mid Point rate was £1.00 = U.S.$1.6124.

Certain monetary amounts and currency translations included in this document have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as currency translations in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures which preceded them.

 

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

WPP plc files reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, with, and furnishes other information to, the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may read and copy any materials filed with or furnished to the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Any documents WPP plc files or furnishes electronically will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

WPP Finance 2010 is a private unlimited liability company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. WPP plc is a public company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Jersey. WPP Air 1 Limited is a company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Ireland. WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited are private limited liability companies incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. Some of the directors and officers of the Issuer and the Guarantors, and certain of the experts named herein, reside outside of the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for investors to effect service of process within the United States against the Issuer and the Guarantors or their respective directors and officers and certain experts or to enforce against any of them judgments, including those obtained in original actions or in actions to enforce judgments of the U.S. courts, predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.

The Issuer and the Guarantors have expressly submitted to the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal or state courts sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or procedure to enforce the New Notes, the Old Notes or the related guarantees and have appointed CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 to accept service of process in any such action.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for historical statements and discussions, statements contained in this prospectus constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Other documents of WPP plc filed with or furnished to the SEC, including those incorporated by reference in this prospectus, may also include forward-looking statements, and other written or oral forward-looking statements have been made and may in the future be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, plans, objectives, projections and anticipated future economic performance based on assumptions and the like that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of terms such as “ambition,” “may,” “hope,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “seek,” “continue” or similar terms.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industries in which we operate, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied from the forward-looking statements.

Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation:

 

   

the unanticipated loss of a material client or key personnel,

 

   

delays or reductions in client advertising budgets,

 

   

shifts in industry rates of compensation,

 

   

regulatory compliance costs or litigation,

 

   

natural disasters or acts of terrorism,

 

   

the Company’s exposure to changes in the values of major currencies other than the UK pound sterling (because a substantial portion of its revenues are derived and costs incurred outside of the United Kingdom), and

 

   

the overall level of economic activity in the Company’s major markets (which varies depending on, among other things, regional, national and international political and economic conditions and government regulations in the world’s advertising markets).

The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. For further discussion of these and other factors, see Item 3.D. “Risk Factors,” Item 4. “Information on the Company,” Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in the Form 20-F.

As a result of these and other factors, no assurance can be given as to our future results and achievements. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are neither predictions nor guarantees of future events or circumstances. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are similarly qualified.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights key information described in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference. You should read carefully the entire prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference before making an investment decision in relation to the Exchange Offer and an investment in the New Notes and guarantees.

The Group

The Group comprises one of the largest communication services businesses in the world. It operates through a number of established global, multinational and national advertising and marketing services companies that are organised into four business segments: Advertising and Media Investment Management; Consumer Insight; Public Relations & Public Affairs; and Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications (including direct, digital, promotion and relationship marketing). It operates from over 2,500 offices in 107 countries, including associates. At December 31, 2011, the Group had 113,615 employees. Including all employees of associated companies, this figure was approximately 158,000. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Group had revenue of approximately £10,022 million and operating profit of approximately £1,192 million.

The Group’s largest segment is Advertising and Media Investment Management, where it operates the advertising networks Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, JWT, Y&R, Grey, bates and the United Network, as well as Media Investment Management companies such as MediaCom, MEC, Mindshare, Maxus and tenthavenue. Consumer Insight operations are conducted through Kantar. Public Relations & Public Affairs operates through companies that include Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe, Hill & Knowlton and Ogilvy Public Relations. Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications operations are conducted by companies that include B to D Group, ghg, Wunderman, Sudler & Hennessey, OgilvyOne Worldwide, Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide, G2, OgilvyAction, 24/7 Media and other companies.

WPP plc’s executive office is located at 6 Ely Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, Tel: 011-353-1-669-0333 and its registered office is located at 22 Grenville Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PX.

The Issuer

WPP Finance 2010 was incorporated on October 26, 2010 and is a private unlimited liability company under the laws of England and Wales (company number 7419716). It is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of WPP plc.

The Guarantors

WPP plc was incorporated on September 12, 2008 as a public company limited by shares in Jersey (company number 101749) and became the ultimate parent of the Group on November 19, 2008.

WPP Air 1 Limited was incorporated on September 30, 2008 as a company limited by shares in Ireland (company number 462735). It is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of WPP plc.

WPP 2008 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc) was incorporated on August 16, 2005 and is now a private limited company in England and Wales (company number 05537577). It is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of WPP Air 1 Limited. WPP 2008 Limited was the ultimate parent of the Group from October 25, 2005 until November 19, 2008.

WPP 2005 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc) was incorporated on March 1, 1971 and is now a private limited company in England and Wales (company number 1003653). It is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of WPP 2008 Limited. WPP 2005 Limited was the ultimate parent of the Group until October 25, 2005.

 

 

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Summary of the Exchange Offer

Background

On November 21, 2011, WPP Finance 2010 issued $500,000,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 in a private offering (the “Old Cash Offer Notes”) and on December 2, 2011, WPP Finance 2010 issued a further $312,387,000 principal amount of the 4.75% Notes due 2021 in a private exchange offer (the “Old Exchange Offer Notes” and together with the Old Cash Offer Notes, the “Old Notes”).

We are required to conduct the Exchange Offer pursuant to a registration rights agreement dated November 21, 2011 for the purpose of allowing holders to exchange their Old Notes for New Notes which have been registered under the Securities Act.

 

The Exchange Offer

We are offering U.S.$812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 registered under the Securities Act for any and all outstanding unregistered U.S.$812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 issued on November 21, 2011 and December 2, 2011.

 

  We refer to the above offer as an “Exchange Offer.” Additionally, we refer to the notes described above that are being offered in exchange for the Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer as the “New Notes.”

 

  In order to exchange an Old Note, you must follow the required procedures and we must accept the Old Note for exchange. We will exchange all Old Notes validly offered for exchange, or “tendered,” and not validly withdrawn.

 

Expiration Date

The Exchange Offer expires at midnight, New York City time, on [] 2012, unless we extend such date or time for the Exchange Offer, which we refer to as the “Expiration Date.” We may extend the Expiration Date for any reason. We will complete the Exchange Offer and issue the New Notes promptly after the Expiration Date.

 

Resale of New Notes

Based on interpretive letters of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” staff to third parties, we believe that you may offer for resale, resell and otherwise transfer New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if you:

 

   

are not a broker-dealer that acquired the Old Notes from us or in market-making transactions or other trading activities;

 

   

acquire the New Notes issued in the Exchange Offer in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

are not participating, and do not intend to participate, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, the distribution of the New Notes issued in the Exchange Offer; and

 

 

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are not an “affiliate” of ours, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

  By tendering Old Notes as described in “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering,” you will be making representations to this effect. If you fail to satisfy any of these conditions, you cannot rely on the position of the SEC set forth in the interpretive letters referred to above and you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the New Notes.

 

  If you are a broker-dealer that acquired Old Notes as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you must comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the New Notes as described in this summary under “Restrictions on Sale by Broker-Dealers” below.

 

  We base our belief on interpretations by the SEC staff in interpretive letters issued to other issuers in exchange offers like ours. We cannot guarantee that the SEC would make a similar decision about our Exchange Offer. If our belief is wrong, you could incur liability under the Securities Act. We will not protect you against any loss incurred as a result of this liability under the Securities Act.

 

Restrictions on Sale by Broker-Dealers

If you are a broker-dealer that has received New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you must acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of New Notes. For a period of 90 days commencing on the day the Exchange Offer is consummated (or such shorter period during which participating broker-dealers are required by law to deliver such prospectus) we will make available a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act for use by broker-dealers in connection with any such resale.

 

Consequences If You Do Not Exchange Your Old Notes

If you are eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer and you do not tender your Old Notes, your Old Notes will continue to be subject to any applicable transfer restrictions. These transfer restrictions and the availability of New Notes could adversely affect the trading market for your Old Notes. The Old Notes and the New Notes will not be fungible.

 

Procedures for Tendering

If you wish to participate in the Exchange Offer and your Old Notes are held by a custodial entity, such as a bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee, you must instruct that custodial entity to tender your Old Notes on your behalf pursuant to the procedures of that custodial entity. Old Notes held in DTC may be tendered in the

 

 

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Exchange Offer using DTC’s ATOP system. Eligible holders should be aware that the bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee through which they hold their Old Notes may have earlier deadlines for taking action pursuant to the Exchange Offer and, accordingly, eligible holders are urged to contact their bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee to determine any additional deadline that may have been established for taking action in relation to the Exchange Offer. See “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Old Notes.”

 

Withdrawal Rights

You may withdraw your tender of Old Notes any time prior to the Expiration Date.

 

Tax Consequences

The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer generally should not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For a summary of certain income tax consequences of the Exchange Offer and the New Notes, see “Summary of Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. In consideration for issuing the New Notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will receive in exchange a like principal amount of Old Notes, the terms of which are identical in all material respects to the New Notes. The Old Notes surrendered in exchange for the New Notes will be cancelled.

 

Exchange Agent

Citibank, N.A., London Branch is the Exchange Agent (the “Exchange Agent”) for the Exchange Offer. The address and telephone number of the Exchange Agent is listed “The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent.”

 

 

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Summary of the New Notes and Guarantees

The summary below describes the principal terms of the New Notes and the related guarantees. For a more complete understanding of the terms of the New Notes, the guarantees and the indenture governing the New Notes and the guarantees, you should read the section entitled “Description of the New Notes and the Guarantees.”

 

Issuer

WPP Finance 2010

 

Guarantors

WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited

 

Maturity

The New Notes will mature on November 21, 2021.

 

Interest Rate

The New Notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.75% per year from November 21, 2011.

 

Interest Payment Dates

Interest on the New Notes will be payable semi-annually on May 21 and November 21, beginning on May 21, 2012.

 

Interest Rate Adjustment

The interest rate payable on the New Notes will be subject to adjustment from time to time if a rating assigned to the New Notes is downgraded (or subsequently upgraded) as described under “Description of the New Notes and the Guarantees—General—Interest Rate Adjustment.”

 

Guarantees

Payments of principal, premium, if any, interest and additional amounts due under the New Notes will be guaranteed by WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited on a joint and several basis, as described under the heading “Description of the New Notes and Guarantees—Guarantees.”

 

Ranking

The New Notes will be the Issuer’s senior, unsecured indebtedness and will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations from time to time outstanding.

 

  The guarantees will be unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited and will rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior, unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations from time to time outstanding of WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited, respectively.

 

  The New Notes and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to any existing and future secured indebtedness of WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited, respectively, to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness.

 

 

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  As of December 31, 2011, none of WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited had any secured indebtedness outstanding.

 

  As of December 31, 2011, the Subsidiary Guarantors’ indebtedness and their guarantees of parent company and subsidiary indebtedness was approximately £3,893.0 million (U.S.$6,037.7 million), excluding overdrawn bank balances associated with the Group’s cash management activities of approximately £4,192.3 million (U.S.$6,501.8 million).

 

  As of December 31, 2011, WPP plc’s subsidiaries, other than the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, had liabilities, including indebtedness and trade payables, of approximately £15,065.7 million (U.S.$23,365.4 million), of which approximately £1,882.7 million (U.S.$2,919.9 million) was indebtedness.

 

  WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited are holding companies and currently conduct all of their operations through their subsidiaries. None of the subsidiaries of WPP plc other than the Issuer and the existing Subsidiary Guarantors will have any obligations with respect to the New Notes unless other entities become guarantors. As a result, the New Notes and guarantees will be effectively subordinated to claims of creditors (including trade creditors and preferred stockholders, if any) of each of the subsidiaries other than the Issuer and the existing Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

Optional Redemption

The Issuer will have the right, at its option, to redeem the New Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to their maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of the principal amount of such New Notes and the applicable “make-whole” amount, plus in each case accrued interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, as described under “Description of the New Notes and Guarantees—Redemption—Optional Redemption” in this prospectus.

 

Tax Redemption

Upon the occurrence of certain events relating to taxation, as a result of which the Issuer or a Guarantor becomes obligated to pay additional amounts on the New Notes, we may redeem the outstanding New Notes in whole (but not in part), at any time, at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

 

Change of Control Repurchase Right

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event, as defined under “Description of the New Notes and the Guarantees—Repurchase upon Change of Control Repurchase Event” in this prospectus, the Issuer will be required to make an offer to purchase the New Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the repurchase date.

 

 

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Form and Denomination

Except as described below, the New Notes will be issued only in registered form without coupons and in denominations of U.S.$1,000 principal amount and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof. See “Description of the New Notes and Guarantees—Form, Transfer and Book-Entry Procedures.”

 

  The New Notes will initially be issued to investors in book-entry form only. Fully-registered global notes representing the total aggregate principal amount of the New Notes will be issued and registered in the name of a nominee for DTC, the securities depositary for the New Notes, for credit to accounts of direct or indirect participants in DTC, including Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“Clearstream”), in Luxembourg and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (“Euroclear”), in Brussels, Belgium. Unless and until New Notes in definitive certificated form are issued, the only holder will be Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or the nominee of a successor depositary. Except as described in this prospectus, a beneficial owner of any interest in a Global Note (as defined below) will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of definitive New Notes. Accordingly, each beneficial owner of any interest in a Global Note must rely on the procedures of DTC or its participants, as applicable, to exercise any rights under the New Notes.

 

Listing

Application has been made to admit the New Notes to listing on the official list of the United Kingdom Financial Authority and to trading on the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange.

 

Trustee

Wilmington Trust, National Association

 

Security Registrar and Paying Agent

Citibank, N.A.

 

Governing Law

State of New York

 

Risk Factors

Before making an investment decision in relation to the Exchange Offer, eligible holders should consider carefully all of the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including, in particular, the information under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and the information under “Risk Factors” in WPP plc’s Form 20-F.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

Participation in the Exchange Offer and an investment in the New Notes involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below and those described in WPP plc’s Form 20-F, as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The value of the New Notes and/or the Old Notes could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we believe these risks describe the principal material risks relating to participation in the Exchange Offer and an investment in the New Notes, additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.

Risks Related to Our Business

For a discussion of risks relating to our business, see Item 3 (“Key Information—Risk Factors”) and Item 11 (“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”) in the Form 20-F incorporated by reference herein.

Risks Related to the Exchange Offer

If you do not properly tender your Old Notes, you will continue to hold unregistered Old Notes and your ability to transfer Old Notes will continue to be subject to any applicable transfer restrictions, which may adversely affect their market price.

If you do not properly tender your Old Notes for New Notes in the Exchange Offer, you will continue to be subject to any applicable restrictions on the transfer of your Old Notes. In general, the Old Notes may not be offered or sold unless they are registered under the Securities Act, as well as applicable state securities laws, or exempt from registration thereunder. We do not intend to register resales of the Old Notes under the Securities Act. You should refer to “The Exchange Offer—Procedures For Tendering” for information about how to tender your Old Notes. The tender of Old Notes under the Exchange Offer will reduce the outstanding amount of each series of the Old Notes, which may have an adverse effect upon, and increase the volatility of, the market prices of the Old Notes due to a reduction in liquidity.

Late deliveries of Old Notes and other required documents could prevent you from exchanging your Old Notes.

Holders are responsible for complying with all procedures of the Exchange Offer. The issuance of New Notes in exchange for Old Notes will occur only upon completion of the procedures described in “The Exchange Offer—Procedures For Tendering.” Therefore, holders of Old Notes who wish to exchange them for New Notes should allow sufficient time for timely completion of the exchange procedure. Neither we nor the Exchange Agent are obligated to extend the Exchange Offer or notify you of any failure to follow the proper procedure or waive any defect if you fail to follow the proper procedure.

If you are a broker-dealer, your ability to transfer the New Notes may be restricted.

A broker-dealer that purchased Old Notes for its own account as part of market making or trading activities must comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act when it sells the New Notes. Our obligation to make this prospectus available to broker-dealers is limited. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that a current prospectus will be available to broker-dealers wishing to resell their New Notes.

 

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Risks Related to the New Notes and the Guarantees

The Issuer is a finance company that will depend on payments under intercompany loans to provide it with funds to meet its obligations under the New Notes.

The Issuer is a financing vehicle that has no business operations or subsidiaries and its only assets will be intercompany advances it will make to the Group. As such, the Issuer’s ability to make payments of interest, principal and premium, if any, on the New Notes will be wholly dependent upon payments from the Group under the intercompany loans to provide it with funds to make payments due on the New Notes.

The New Notes and the guarantees will be unsecured obligations.

The New Notes will be senior, unsecured indebtedness of the Issuer and will rank equally in right of payment with all future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer. The guarantees will rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior, unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of each Guarantor. The New Notes and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to any future secured indebtedness of the Issuer and each Guarantor, respectively, to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness. As of December 31, 2011, neither the Issuer nor the Guarantors had any secured indebtedness outstanding. For more information on the ranking of the New Notes, see “Description of the New Notes and Guarantees.”

The Guarantors are holding companies and will depend upon funds from their subsidiaries to meet their obligations under the New Notes and guarantees.

The Guarantors are holding companies and their only significant assets are their investments in their subsidiaries. As holding companies, the Guarantors are dependent upon dividends, loans or advances, or other intercompany transfers of funds from their subsidiaries to meet their obligations under the guarantees. The ability of their subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other payments to the Guarantors may be restricted by, among other things, applicable laws as well as agreements to which those subsidiaries may be a party. Therefore, the Guarantors’ ability to make payments with respect to the guarantees may be limited.

The Guarantors currently conduct all of their operations through their subsidiaries, and none of the subsidiaries of WPP plc other than the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors will have any obligations with respect to such New Notes and guarantees unless other entities become guarantors. As a result, the debt securities will be structurally subordinated to claims of creditors (including trade creditors and preferred stockholders, if any) of all of the subsidiaries of WPP plc other than the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, unless and except to the extent that any of those entities become guarantors. As of December 31, 2011, WPP plc’s subsidiaries, other than the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, had liabilities, including indebtedness and trade payables, of approximately £15,065.7 million (U.S.$23,365.4 million), of which approximately £1,882.7 million (U.S.$2,919.9 million) was indebtedness. In addition, WPP Air 3 Limited, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of WPP Air 1 Limited, is a guarantor of £450 million of 5.75% convertible bonds due May 2014 issued by WPP plc, and Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of WPP Air 1 Limited, is a guarantor of U.S.$368.6 million of 5.875% notes due June 2014 issued by WPP Finance (UK).

We may be unable to purchase the New Notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event, as defined in the indenture governing the New Notes, we are required to offer to purchase all of the New Notes then outstanding for cash at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. If a Change of Control Repurchase Event occurs, we may not have sufficient funds to pay the repurchase price, and we may be required to secure third party financing to do so. We may not be able to obtain this financing on commercially reasonable terms, or on terms acceptable to us, or at all. The events that cause a Change of Control Repurchase Event under the indenture may also result in an event of default under our credit facilities and certain

 

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of our other debt instruments, which may cause the acceleration of our other indebtedness. Our future indebtedness may also contain restrictions on our ability to repurchase the New Notes upon certain events, including transactions that would constitute a Change of Control Repurchase Event under the indenture. Our failure to repurchase the New Notes following the occurrence of a change of control repurchase event would constitute an event of default under the indenture.

The provisions relating to change of control repurchase events set forth in the indenture governing the New Notes may not protect you in the event we consummate a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger or other similar transaction, unless such transaction constitutes a change of control repurchase event under the indenture. Such a transaction may not involve a change in voting power or beneficial ownership or a downgrading or withdrawal of the requisite credit ratings by rating agencies so as to trigger our obligation to repurchase the New Notes. Except as otherwise described above, the indenture does not contain provisions that permit the holders of the New Notes to require us to repurchase or redeem the New Notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.

Civil liabilities or judgments against the Issuer, the Guarantors or their directors, officers or experts based on U.S. federal or state securities laws may be difficult or impossible to enforce.

The Issuer and the Guarantors are companies incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, Jersey and Ireland. Future guarantors are also expected to be organized outside the United States. Some of the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ directors and officers reside outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for investors to effect service of process within the United States against the Issuer or the Guarantors or their directors and officers or to enforce against any of them judgments, including those obtained in original actions or in actions to enforce judgments of the U.S. courts, predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal or state securities laws of the United States.

Payments on the New Notes or the guarantees could be subject to withholding under the European Union Savings Directive.

Under European Council Directive 2003/48/EC on the taxation of savings income (the “Directive”), European Union Member States are required to provide to the tax authorities of another Member State details of payments of interest (or similar income) paid by a person within its jurisdiction to an individual resident in that other Member State or to certain limited types of entities established in that other Member State. However, for a transitional period, Luxembourg and Austria are instead required (unless during that period they elect otherwise) to operate a withholding system in relation to such payments (the ending of such transitional period being dependent upon the conclusion of certain other agreements relating to information exchange with certain other countries). A number of non-European Union countries and territories including Switzerland have adopted similar measures (a withholding system in the case of Switzerland).

The European Commission has proposed certain amendments to the Directive, which may, if implemented, amend or broaden the scope of the requirements described above.

If a payment were to be made or collected through a member state of the European Union that has opted for a withholding system and an amount of, or in respect of, tax were to be withheld from that payment, neither the Issuer nor the Guarantors nor any paying agent nor any other person would be obliged to pay additional amounts with respect to any New Notes as a result of the imposition of such withholding tax. The Issuer will be required to maintain a paying agent in a member state of the European Union that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to the Directive.

 

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The New Notes may not be a suitable investment for all investors.

Each potential investor in the New Notes must determine the suitability of that investment in light of its own circumstances. In particular, each potential investor should:

 

   

have sufficient knowledge and experience to make a meaningful evaluation of the New Notes, the merits and risks of investing in the New Notes and the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus;

 

   

have access to, and knowledge of, appropriate analytical tools to evaluate, in the context of its particular financial situation, an investment in the New Notes and the impact such investment will have on its overall investment portfolio;

 

   

have sufficient financial resources and liquidity to bear all of the risks of an investment in the New Notes;

 

   

understand thoroughly the terms of the New Notes; and

 

   

be able to evaluate (either alone or with the help of a financial adviser) possible scenarios for economic, interest rate and other factors that may affect its investment and its ability to bear the applicable risks.

There may not be a liquid trading market for the New Notes.

The Issuer intends to list the New Notes on the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange. Nevertheless, an active market for the New Notes may not develop, and any market that develops may not last. If the New Notes are traded, they may trade at a discount from their initial price, depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our performance and other factors. To the extent that an active trading market does not develop, you may not be able to resell your New Notes at a fair market value or at all.

The value of your investment in the New Notes may be subject to exchange rate fluctuations. We may become subject to exchange controls, which may similarly negatively impact the value of your investment in the New Notes.

The Issuer (and, failing the Issuer, the Guarantors and any other guarantors, if the New Notes are guaranteed by any such other guarantors) will pay principal and interest on the New Notes in dollars. This presents certain risks relating to currency conversions if an investor’s financial activities are denominated principally in a currency or currency unit (the “Investor’s Currency”) other than dollars. These include the risk that exchange rates may significantly change (including changes due to devaluation of the dollar or revaluation of the investor’s currency) and the risk that authorities with jurisdiction over the Investor’s Currency may impose or modify exchange controls. An appreciation in the value of the Investor’s Currency relative to the dollar would decrease (1) the investor’s currency equivalent yield on the New Notes, (2) the investor’s currency equivalent value of the principal payable on the New Notes and (3) the investor’s currency equivalent market value of the New Notes.

Government and monetary authorities may impose (as some have done in the past) exchange controls that could adversely affect an applicable exchange rate. As a result, investors may receive less interest or principal than expected, or no interest or principal.

The value of your investment in the New Notes may be subject to interest rate fluctuations.

Investment in the New Notes involves the risk that subsequent changes in market interest rates may adversely affect the value of the New Notes.

 

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Credit ratings may not reflect all risks.

One or more independent credit rating agencies may assign credit ratings to the New Notes. Any such ratings may not reflect the potential impact of all risks related to structure, market, additional factors discussed above, and other factors that may affect the value of the New Notes. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be revised or withdrawn by the rating agency at any time.

Legal considerations may restrict certain investments.

The investment activities of certain investors are subject to investment laws and regulations, or review or regulation by certain authorities. Each eligible holder should consult its legal advisers to determine whether and to what extent (1) the New Notes are legal investments for it, (2) the New Notes can be used as collateral for various types of borrowing and (3) other restrictions apply to its purchase or pledge of any of the New Notes. Financial institutions should consult their legal advisers or the appropriate regulators to determine the appropriate treatment of the New Notes under any applicable risk-based capital or similar rules.

As a “foreign private issuer” in the United States, we are exempt from a number of rules under the U.S. securities laws and are permitted to file less information with the SEC.

As a “foreign private issuer,” we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that impose certain disclosure obligations and procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning us than there is for U.S. public companies.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. In consideration for issuing the New Notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will receive in exchange a like principal amount of Old Notes, the terms of which are substantially identical in all material respects to the New Notes. The Old Notes surrendered in exchange for the New Notes will be cancelled.

We used all of the net proceeds from the sale of the Old Cash Offer Notes for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of certain Group indebtedness.

 

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EXCHANGE RATES

The annual average exchange rate of the pound sterling and the U.S. dollar for each of the five years ended December 31, 2011 was:

 

Year ended December 31,

   Average  

2007

     2.0019   

2008

     1.8524   

2009

     1.5667   

2010

     1.5461   

2011

     1.6032   

The following table sets forth, for each of the most recent six completed months, the high and low exchange rates. As of [], 2012, the closing exchange rate was £1.00 = U.S.$[].

 

Month ended

   High      Low  

November 30, 2011

     1.6083         1.5436   

December 31, 2011

     1.5702         1.5399   

January 31, 2012

     1.5749         1.5295   

February 29, 2012

     1.5937         1.5664   

March 31, 2012

     1.5991         1.5635   

April 30, 2012

     []         []   

There can be no assurance that the pound sterling will depreciate or appreciate significantly in the future.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the Group’s consolidated capitalization as at December 31, 2011. The Group has prepared this table using the accounting policies adopted by the Group in the preparation of the Form 20-F and this table should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by, the Form 20-F, which has been incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Available Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.” U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for your convenience.

 

     As at December 31, 2011  
     £m     U.S.$m(1)  

Cash and Short-Term Deposits

     1,946.6        3,019.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short-Term Indebtedness

    

Overdrafts & loans due within one year

     518.4        804.0   

Long-Term Indebtedness

    

4.375% bonds due 2013

     501.4        777.6   

5.875% notes due 2014

     237.7        368.6   

5.25% bonds due 2015

     417.8        648.0   

6.625% bonds due 2016

     626.7        971.9   

6.0% bonds due 2017

     400.0        620.4   

6.375% bonds due 2020

     200.0        310.2   

5.75% convertible bonds due 2014

     450.0        697.9   

8.0% bonds due 2014

     386.9        600.0   

6.22% & 6.34% notes due 2012 & 2014

     35.5        55.1   

Drawings under revolving credit facility due 2016

     79.7        123.6   

Old Notes

     523.8        812.4   

Derivative financial instruments & other adjustments

     33.5        52.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Indebtedness

     4,411.4        6,841.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital and Reserves

    

Called up share capital

     126.6        196.3   

Share premium account

     105.7        163.9   

Shares to be issued

     2.4        3.7   

Other reserves

     (4,197.3     (6,509.6

Own shares

     (177.6     (275.4

Retained earnings

     10,803.5        16,755.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     6,663.3        10,334.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Capitalization

     11,074.7        17,175.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) All U.S. dollar amounts in this table have been translated from pounds sterling based on the closing rate on December 31, 2011 of £1.00=$1.5509.

As at December 31, 2011, none of WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited had any secured indebtedness outstanding.

 

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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The data presented below is derived from the financial statements included in the documents incorporated by reference and other financial information previously filed with the SEC as part of the Form 20-F. WPP plc prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

The following table sets forth WPP plc’s unaudited consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The table should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and other financial information included in the documents incorporated by reference.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2011      2010      2009      2008      2007  
    

(£ millions)

 

EARNINGS

              

Profit before taxation (excluding share of results of associates)

     942.3         796.1         605.6         700.8         678.0   

Dividend from associates

     57.2         53.3         45.5         44.6         28.0   

Interest expense

     253.4         230.9         309.3         280.5         216.3   

Interest component of rent expense

     151.2         147.3         144.8         108.4         87.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Earnings

     1,404.1         1,227.6         1,105.2         1,134.3         1,009.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

FIXED CHARGES

              

Interest expense(1)

     253.4         230.9         309.3         280.5         216.3   

Interest component of rent expense(2)

     151.2         147.3         144.8         108.4         87.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Fixed Charges

     404.6         378.2         454.1         388.9         303.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     3.47x         3.25x         2.43x         2.92x         3.33x   

 

(1) Interest expense excludes interest on pension schemes liabilities and revaluation of financial instruments accounted at fair value through profit and loss.
(2) The interest component of rent expense is one-third of rent expense as representative of the interest portion of rentals.

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose of Exchange Offer

On November 21, 2011, WPP Finance 2010 issued $500,000,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 in a private offering (the “Old Cash Offer Notes”) and on December 2, 2011, WPP Finance 2010 issued a further $312,387,000 principal amount of the 4.75% Notes due 2021 in a private exchange offer (the “Old Exchange Offer Notes” and together with the Old Cash Offer Notes, the “Old Notes”).

We are required to conduct the Exchange Offer pursuant to a registration rights agreement dated November 21, 2011 for the purpose of allowing holders to exchange their Old Notes for New Notes which have been registered under the Securities Act.

We are offering U.S.$812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 registered under the Securities Act for any and all outstanding unregistered U.S.$812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 issued on November 21, 2011 and December 2, 2011.

We refer to the above offer as an “Exchange Offer.” Additionally, we refer to the notes described above that are being offered in exchange for the Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer as the “New Notes.”

The Old Cash Offer Notes were purchased by the initial purchasers set forth in Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement dated November 2, 2011, among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers thereunder, for resale to qualified institutional buyers in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside of the United States to non-U.S. qualified offerees (as defined in the cash offering memorandum dated November 2, 2011) in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Old Exchange Offer Notes were issued to qualified institutional buyers in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside of the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act to non-U.S. qualified offerees, as defined in and pursuant to the exchange offering memorandum dated November 2, 2011.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus, for each $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes properly surrendered and not withdrawn before the Expiration Date of the applicable Exchange Offer, we will issue $1,000 principal amount of New Notes. Holders may tender some or all of their Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. In addition, untendered portions of Old Notes must be in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of Old Notes being tendered.

The form and terms of the New Notes will be the same as the form and terms of the Old Notes except that:

 

   

the New Notes will have a different CUSIP number from the Old Notes; and

 

   

the New Notes will be registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, the global securities representing the New Notes will not bear legends restricting the transfer of interests in the New Notes.

No interest will be paid on either the New Notes or the Old Notes at the time of the exchange. The New Notes will accrue interest from and including the last interest payment date to which interest has been paid on the Old Notes or, if no interest has been paid on the Old Notes, from the date of original issue of the Old Notes. Accordingly, the holders of Old Notes that are accepted for exchange will not receive accrued but unpaid interest on Old Notes at the time of tender. Rather, that interest will be payable on the New Notes delivered in exchange for the Old Notes on the first interest payment date after the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer.

 

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Under existing SEC interpretations, the New Notes would generally be freely transferable after the Exchange Offer without further registration under the Securities Act, except that broker-dealers receiving the New Notes in the Exchange Offer will be subject to a prospectus delivery requirement with respect to their resale. This view is based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC in interpretative letters issued to other issuers in exchange offers like this one. We have not, however, asked the SEC to consider this particular Exchange Offer in the context of an interpretative letter. Therefore, the SEC might not treat this Exchange Offer in the same way it has treated other exchange offers in the past. You will be relying on the interpretative letters that the SEC has issued to third parties in circumstances that we believe are similar to ours. Based on these interpretative letters, the following conditions must be met in order to receive freely transferable New Notes:

 

   

you must not be a broker-dealer that acquired the Old Notes from us or in market-making transactions or other trading activities;

 

   

you must acquire the New Notes in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

you must not be participating in, and do must not intend to participate in, and have no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in, the distribution of the New Notes within the meaning of the Securities Act; and

 

   

you must not be an affiliate of ours, as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

By tendering your Old Notes as described in “—Procedures for Tendering,” you will be representing to us that you satisfy all of the above listed conditions. If you do not satisfy all of the above listed conditions:

 

   

you cannot rely on the position of the SEC set forth in the interpretative letters referred to above; and

 

   

you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the New Notes.

For a full list of the representations that each tendering holder of Old Notes must make in order to participate in one or more of the Exchange Offer, see “—Representations on Tendering Old Notes.”

The SEC considers broker-dealers that acquired Old Notes directly from us, but not as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, to be making a distribution of the New Notes if they participate in the Exchange Offer. Consequently, these broker-dealers must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the New Notes.

A broker-dealer that has bought Old Notes for market-making or other trading activities must comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in order to resell any New Notes it receives for its own account in the Exchange Offer. The SEC has taken the position that broker-dealers may use this prospectus to fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the New Notes.

In addition, the Exchange Offer is made to all holders of Old Notes other than to any such holder in the European Economic Area to whom the Exchange Offer cannot be made without requiring the production of a prospectus for purposes of the Directive 2003/71/EC (which condition may be certified or validated by way of representations from such holders).

Unless you are required to do so because you are a broker-dealer, you may not use this prospectus for an offer to resell, resale or other retransfer of New Notes. We are not making this Exchange Offer to, nor will we accept tenders for exchange from, holders of Old Notes in any jurisdiction in which the Exchange Offer or the acceptance of it would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of that jurisdiction.

Holders of Old Notes do not have appraisal or dissenters’ rights under state law. We intend to conduct the Exchange Offer in accordance with the applicable requirements of Regulation 14E under the Exchange Act.

 

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Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments

The Expiration Date for the Exchange Offer is midnight, New York City time, on [], 2012, unless we extend the Expiration Date with respect to the Exchange Offer. We may extend the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer in our sole discretion. If we so extend the Expiration Date, the term “Expiration Date” shall mean the latest date and time to which we extend the Exchange Offer. With respect to the Exchange Offer, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

 

   

to, prior to the applicable Expiration Date, delay accepting any Old Notes;

 

   

to extend the Exchange Offer; or

 

   

to amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any way we determine.

We will give oral notice promptly followed by written notice of any delay, extension or termination to the Exchange Agent. In addition, we will give, as promptly as practicable, oral or written notice regarding any delay in acceptance, extension or termination of the Exchange Offer to the registered holders of Old Notes. If we amend the Exchange Offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, or if we waive a material condition, we will (i) promptly disclose the amendment or waiver in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of the applicable series of Old Notes of the amendment or waiver and (ii) extend the Exchange Offer if necessary so that at least five business days remain in the Exchange Offer following notice of the material change, or as otherwise required by law.

We intend to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination, amendment or waiver regarding an Exchange Offer prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date for the Exchange Offer. Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make such announcement, we will not, unless otherwise required by law, have any obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any such announcement other than by issuing a press release to an appropriate news agency or another means of announcement that we deem appropriate.

Procedures for Tendering Old Notes

General

In order to participate in the Exchange Offer, you must validly tender your Old Notes to the Exchange Agent as described below. It is your responsibility to validly tender your Old Notes or, if your Old Notes are held by a custodial entity, such as a bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee, to ensure that such entity validly tenders your Old Notes on your behalf, as described below. We have the right to waive any defects. However, we are not required to waive any defects and are not required to notify you of defects in your tender.

Any beneficial owner whose Old Notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender Old Notes should contact such holder promptly and instruct such holder to tender Old Notes on such beneficial owner’s behalf.

Tendering holders will not be required to pay any fees or commissions to the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Exchange Agent in connection with the Exchange Offer. If your Old Notes are held through a broker or other nominee who tenders such Old Notes on your behalf, your broker may charge you a commission for doing so. You should consult with your broker or nominee to determine whether any charges will apply.

If you have any questions or need help in tendering your Old Notes, please contact the Exchange Agent whose address and telephone number is listed below under “—Exchange Agent.” Holders whose Old Notes are held by a custodial entity such as a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee should be aware that such nominee may have deadlines other than the deadlines specified in this prospectus for such nominees to be advised of the action that you wish them to take with respect to your Old Notes.

 

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Old Notes must be tendered through DTC. DTC participants must electronically transmit their acceptance of the Exchange Offer through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”), for which the transaction will be eligible. In accordance with ATOP procedures, DTC will then verify the acceptance of the Exchange Offer and send an agent’s message (as hereinafter defined) to the Exchange Agent for its acceptance. An “agent’s message” is a message transmitted by DTC, received by the Exchange Agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgement from you that you have received this prospectus and agree to be bound by the terms of this prospectus (including the acknowledgements, representations, warranties and undertakings in this prospectus), and that we may enforce such agreement against you.

We have not provided guaranteed delivery procedures in conjunction with the Exchange Offer or under this prospectus or any other offer materials provided therewith. Holders must timely tender their Old Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in this prospectus.

Effect of a Valid Tender

Subject to and effective upon the acceptance for exchange, and exchange, of Old Notes tendered thereby, by tendering Old Notes using ATOP, you (1) irrevocably surrender, assign and transfer to or upon the order of us all right, title and interest in and to all the Old Notes tendered thereby and (2) irrevocably appoint the Exchange Agent as your true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact (with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent also acts as our agent with respect to the tendered Old Notes, with full power coupled with an interest) to:

 

   

deliver certificates representing the Old Notes, or transfer ownership of the Old Notes on the account books maintained by DTC, together with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon our order;

 

   

present the Old Notes for transfer, surrender or redemption on the relevant security register; and

 

   

receive all benefits or otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of the Old Notes (except that the Exchange Agent will have no rights to or control over, our funds, except as our agent, for the offer consideration for any tendered Old Notes that are exchanged by us), all in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer.

Determination of Validity

All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tendered Old Notes pursuant to any of the procedures described above, and the form and validity (including time of receipt of notices of withdrawal) of all documents will be determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of any Old Notes determined by us not to be in proper form, or if the acceptance of, or exchange of, such Old Notes may, in the opinion of our counsel, give rise to a breach or violation of applicable laws, rules or regulations. We also reserve the right to waive defects in any tender and any conditions to the Exchange Offer that we are legally permitted to waive. Unless waived, any irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such time as we shall determine. A waiver of any defect or irregularity with respect to the tender of one Old Note shall not constitute a waiver of the same or any other defect or irregularity with respect to the tender of any other Old Note unless we expressly otherwise so provide.

Your tender will not be deemed to have been validly made until all defects or irregularities in your tender have been cured or waived. Neither we nor the Exchange Agent nor any other person or entity is under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in any tender of any Old Notes, or will incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. Please send all materials to the Exchange Agent, and not to us.

 

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Acknowledgements, Representations, Warranties and Undertakings

In accordance with “—Procedures for Tendering Old Notes” above, if you tender your Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you are deemed to acknowledge, represent, warrant and undertake as follows:

1. You acknowledge that you have received the prospectus and have reviewed and accept the terms of the Exchange Offer as set forth in the prospectus;

2. You are assuming all the risks inherent in participation in the Exchange Offer and have undertaken all the appropriate analysis of the implications of the Exchange Offer without reliance on the Issuer, the Exchange Agent or the trustee under the Old Notes or the New Notes;

3. You (1) irrevocably sell, assign and transfer to the Issuer all right, title and interest in and to all Old Notes that you tender in the Exchange Offer, (2) waive any and all other rights with respect to the Old Notes tendered by you in the Exchange Offer (including without limitation, any existing or past defaults and their consequences in respect of such Old Notes and the applicable indenture under which such Old Notes were issued) and release and discharge the Issuer from any and all claims you may have now, or may have in the future, arising out of, or related to, such Old Notes, including without limitation any claims that you are entitled to receive additional principal or interest payments with respect to such Old Notes or to participate in any redemption or defeasance of such Old Notes and (3) irrevocably appoint the Exchange Agent as your agent and attorney-in-fact (with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent is also acting as agent of the Issuer with respect to the tendered Old Notes with full power coupled with an interest) to (a) transfer ownership of the Old Notes on the account books maintained by DTC, together with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the Issuer’s order, (b) present the Old Notes for transfer on the relevant security register and (c) receive all benefits or otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of the Old Notes, all in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer;

4. You represent and warrant that you have full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Old Notes that you tender in the Exchange Offer and to acquire any New Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Old Notes, and that, when the Old Notes are accepted for exchange, the Issuer will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, security interests, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and that the Old Notes tendered hereby are not subject to any adverse claim, right or proxy;

5. You agree that all authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by your tender in the Exchange Offer shall survive your death or incapacity and any of your obligations in relation to the Exchange Offer shall be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, legal representatives, successors and assigns;

6. You are acquiring the New Notes issued in the Exchange Offer in the ordinary course of your business;

7. If you are not a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act, you are not participating in or intending to participate in the distribution of the New Notes, and you do not intend to engage in and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer;

8. If you are a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act, you did not purchase the Old Notes to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer from the Issuer or any of its affiliates, you will acquire the New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and you will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale of the New Notes, and you cannot rely on the position of the SEC’s staff in their interpretative letters and, in the European Economic Area, you will not make any offer or sale which will require the Issuer to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of Directive 2003/71/EC (the “Prospectus Directive”);

 

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9. You are not prohibited by any law or policy from participating in the Exchange Offer;

10. You are not an affiliate of ours, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or if you are such an “affiliate,” you will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable;

11. You are not located in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive or, if you are located in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, you are a qualified investor (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) or otherwise fall within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive;

12. You are not located or resident in the United Kingdom or, if you are located or resident in the United Kingdom, you are a person falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Promotion Order) or within Article 43 of the Financial Promotion Order, or to whom this prospectus and any other documents or materials relating to the Exchange Offer may otherwise lawfully be communicated in accordance with the Financial Promotion Order;

13. You acknowledge that (a) neither WPP plc nor the Issuer has made any statement, representation, or warranty, express or implied, to you with respect to the Issuer, the Guarantors or the offer or sale of any New Notes, other than the information that has been included in the prospectus, including the information incorporated herein by reference (and as supplemented to the Expiration Date), and (b) any information you desire concerning the Issuer, the Guarantors, the New Notes or any other matter relevant to your decision to acquire the New Notes (including a copy of the prospectus) is or has been made available to you;

14. You acknowledge that none of the Exchange Agent or any person acting on behalf of any of the foregoing has made any statement, representation, or warranty, express or implied, to you with respect to the Issuer, the Guarantors or the offer or sale of any New Notes or the accuracy or completeness of this prospectus;

15. You are not acting on behalf of someone who cannot truthfully and completely make such representations; and

16. You acknowledge that WPP plc, the Issuer, the Guarantors and others will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing acknowledgements, representations and agreements.

Withdrawal of Tenders

Your tender of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer is irrevocable except as otherwise provided in this section. You may withdraw tenders of Old Notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date by transmitting to the Exchange Agent a withdrawal instruction via DTC in accordance with its standard procedures.

A holder who validly withdraws previously tendered Old Notes and does not validly re-tender Old Notes prior to the Expiration Date will not receive any New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

All questions as to the validity of any withdrawal instruction (including time of receipt thereof) will be determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any or all withdrawal instructions determined by us not to be in proper form, or if the acceptance of which may, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects in any withdrawal instructions that we are legally permitted to waive. Unless waived, any irregularities in connection with withdrawal instructions must be cured prior to the withdrawal deadline. A waiver of any defect or irregularity with respect to withdrawal instructions with regard to one Old Note shall not constitute a waiver of the same or any other defect or irregularity with respect to withdrawal instructions for any other Old Note unless we expressly otherwise so provide.

 

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Any withdrawal instruction will not be deemed to be valid until all defects or irregularities relating to such instruction have been cured or waived. Neither we nor the Exchange Agent nor any other person or entity is under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in any withdrawal of any Old Notes, or will incur any liability for failure to give any such notification.

If you withdraw Old Notes, you will have the right to re-tender them prior to the Expiration Date in accordance with the procedures described above for tendering outstanding Old Notes. If we amend or modify the terms of the Exchange Offer or the information concerning the Exchange Offer in a manner determined by us to constitute a material change to the holders, we will disseminate additional offer materials and extend the period of the Exchange Offer, including any withdrawal rights, to the extent required by law and as we determine necessary. An extension of the early participation date or Expiration Date or an increase in the maximum exchange amount will not affect a holder’s withdrawal rights, unless otherwise provided or as required by applicable law.

Exchange Agent

In connection with the Exchange Offer, WPP plc and the Issuer have retained Citibank, N.A., London Branch to act as Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer, each of which will receive customary fees for its services. WPP plc has agreed to reimburse the Exchange Agent for its respective reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and to indemnify it against certain liabilities, including liabilities under federal securities laws and to contribute to payments that they may be required to make in respect thereof. No fees or commissions have been or will be paid by WPP plc or the Issuer to any broker, dealer or other person, other than the Exchange Agent in connection with the Exchange Offer.

Questions and requests for assistance or additional copies of this prospectus may be directed to the Exchange Agent at its address and telephone number set forth below. Holders of Old Notes or New Notes may also contact their broker, dealer, custodian bank, depository, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.

Citibank, N.A., London Branch

13th Floor

Citigroup Centre

Canada Square

London E14 5LB

United Kingdom

+44-20-7508-3867

Fees and Expenses

The expense of soliciting tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be borne by us.

We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the Exchange Offer and we will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or other persons soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. We will, however, pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We may also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding copies of this prospectus, letters of transmittal and related documents to the beneficial owners of the Old Notes and in handling or forwarding tenders for exchange.

Holders who tender their Old Notes for exchange will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes. If, however, a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer, then the tendering holder must pay the amount of any transfer taxes due, whether imposed on

 

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the registered holder or any other persons. If the tendering holder does not submit satisfactory evidence of payment of these taxes or exemption from them with the letter of transmittal, the amount of these transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder.

Consequences of Failure to Properly Tender Old Notes in the Exchange

We will issue the New Notes in exchange for Old Notes under the Exchange Offer only after timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the Old Notes into the Exchange Agent’s account and timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of an agent’s message and all other required documents specified in the letter of transmittal. Therefore, holders of the Old Notes desiring to tender Old Notes in exchange for New Notes should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. We are under no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities of tenders of Old Notes for exchange or waive any such defects or irregularities.

Old Notes that are not tendered or that are tendered but not accepted by us will, following completion of the Exchange Offer, continue to be subject to any existing restrictions upon transfer under the Securities Act. In addition, any such Old Notes not exchanged for New Notes will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest.

Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary. In the event the Exchange Offer is completed, we will not be required to register the remaining Old Notes. Remaining Old Notes will continue to be subject to the following restrictions on transfer:

 

   

holders may resell Old Notes only if an exemption from registration is available or, outside the United States, to non-U.S. persons in accordance with the requirements of Regulation S under the Securities Act; and

 

   

the remaining Old Notes will bear a legend restricting transfer in the absence of registration or an exemption.

To the extent that Old Notes are tendered and accepted in connection with the Exchange Offer, any trading market for remaining Old Notes could be adversely affected.

Neither we nor our board of directors or similar body make any recommendation to holders of Old Notes as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Moreover, no one has been authorized to make any such recommendation. Holders of Old Notes must make their own decision whether to tender pursuant to the Exchange Offer and, if so, the aggregate amount of Old Notes to tender, after reading this prospectus and the letter of transmittal and consulting with their advisors, if any, based on their own financial position and requirements.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES

The New Notes will be issued, as were the Old Notes, under an indenture, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture, each dated November 21, 2011, among WPP Finance 2010, as Issuer, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited, as Guarantors, Wilmington Trust Company, as “Trustee,” and Citibank N.A, London Branch, as “Security Registrar” and “Paying Agent.” References hereafter to the “Indenture” include the supplemental indenture. The following summaries of certain provisions of the New Notes and the Indenture do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the New Notes and the Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms contained therein. The Indenture is by its terms subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The Indenture and the supplemental indenture thereto are included as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 of this Form F-4.

In this Description of the New Notes and the Guarantees, references to “Holders” mean persons who have New Notes registered in their names on the books that we, the Trustee or the Security Registrar, as applicable, maintain for this purpose, and not those who own beneficial interests in New Notes issued in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company or in New Notes registered in street name. See “—Form, Transfer and Book-Entry Procedures.”

New Notes and Old Notes Will Represent Same Debt

The New Notes will be issued solely in exchange for an equal principal amount of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offers. The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes and both classes of notes will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and treated as a single series of debt securities. The terms of the New Notes will be the same in all material respects as the Old Notes except that the New Notes will be registered under the Securities Act, and therefore, will not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof.

General

Principal and Interest

The aggregate principal amount of the New Notes issuable in the Exchange Offer will be up to U.S.$812,387,000. As discussed below under the heading “Further Issues,” additional New Notes may be issued in future offerings. The New Notes will mature on November 21, 2021.

The New Notes will bear interest at a rate of 4.75% per year, from November 21, 2011. Interest on the New Notes will be payable semi-annually on May 21 and November 21 of each year, beginning on May 21, 2012, to the Holders in whose names the New Notes are registered at the close of business on the May 6 or November 6 immediately preceding the related interest payment date.

The Issuer will pay interest on the New Notes on the interest payment dates stated above and at maturity. Each payment of interest due on an interest payment date or at maturity will include interest accrued from and including the last date to which interest has been paid or made available for payment, or from the issue date, if none has been paid or made available for payment, to but excluding the relevant payment date. The Issuer will compute interest on the New Notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

Interest Rate Adjustment

The interest rate payable on the New Notes will be subject to adjustments from time to time if either Moody’s (defined below) or S&P (defined below), or in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency (defined below) thereof, downgrades (or subsequently upgrades) the rating assigned to the New Notes, in the manner described below.

 

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If the rating of the New Notes from Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the New Notes will increase from the interest rate payable on the New Notes on their date of issuance by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

Moody’s Rating*

   Percentage Points  

Ba1

     0.25   

Ba2

     0.50   

Ba3

     0.75   

B1 or below

     1.00   

 

* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

If the rating of the New Notes from S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the New Notes will increase from the interest rate payable on the New Notes on the date of their issuance by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

S&P Rating*

   Percentage Points  

BB+

     0.25   

BB

     0.50   

BB-

     0.75   

B+ or below

     1.00   

 

* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

If at any time the interest rate on the New Notes has been adjusted upward and either Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency thereof), as the case may be, subsequently increases its rating of the New Notes to any of the ratings set forth in the tables above, the interest rate on the New Notes will be decreased such that the interest rate for the New Notes equals the interest rate payable on the New Notes on their date of issuance plus the applicable percentage points set forth opposite the ratings in the tables above in effect immediately following the ratings increase. If Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof subsequently increases its rating of the New Notes to Baa3 (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher and S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof increases its rating to BBB- (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher, the interest rate on the New Notes will be decreased to the interest rate payable on the New Notes on their date of issuance.

Each adjustment required by any decrease or increase in a rating set forth above, whether occasioned by the action of Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), will be made independent of any and all other adjustments. In no event will (1) the interest rate on the New Notes be reduced to below the interest rate payable on the New Notes on their date of issuance or (2) the total increase in the interest rate on the New Notes exceed 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the New Notes on their date of issuance.

No adjustments in the interest rate of the New Notes will be made solely as a result of a Rating Agency ceasing to provide a rating of the New Notes. If, at any time, less than two Rating Agencies provide a rating of the New Notes for any reason beyond the Issuer’s control, the Issuer will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a rating of the New Notes from a Substitute Rating Agency, to the extent one exists, and if a Substitute Rating Agency exists, for purposes of determining any increase or decrease in the interest rate on the New Notes pursuant to the table above (x) such Substitute Rating Agency will be substituted for the last Rating Agency to provide a rating of the New Notes but which has since ceased to provide such rating, (y) the relative ratings scale used by such Substitute Rating Agency to assign ratings to senior unsecured debt will be determined in good faith by an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by the Issuer and, for

 

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purposes of determining the applicable ratings included in the applicable table above with respect to such Substitute Rating Agency, such ratings will be deemed to be the equivalent ratings used by Moody’s or S&P, as applicable, in such table and (z) the interest rate on the New Notes will increase or decrease, as the case may be, such that the interest rate equals the interest rate payable on the New Notes on their date of issuance plus the appropriate percentage points, if any, set forth opposite the rating from such Substitute Rating Agency in the applicable table above (taking into account the provisions of clause (y) above) (plus any applicable percentage points resulting from a decreased rating by the other Rating Agency).

For so long as only one Rating Agency provides a rating of the New Notes, any subsequent increase or decrease in the interest rate of the New Notes necessitated by a reduction or increase in the rating by such Rating Agency will be twice the percentage points set forth in the applicable table above. For so long as no Rating Agency provides a rating of the New Notes, the interest rate on the New Notes will increase to, or remain at, as the case may be, 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the New Notes on their date of issuance.

In addition, the interest rate on the New Notes will permanently cease to be subject to any adjustment described above (notwithstanding any subsequent decrease in the ratings by either or both Rating Agencies) if the New Notes become rated A2 and A (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher by Moody’s and S&P, respectively (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), or one of these ratings if the New Notes are only rated by one Rating Agency.

Any interest rate increase or decrease described above will take effect from the first day of the interest period during which a rating change requires an adjustment in the interest rate. If Moody’s or S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof changes its rating of the New Notes more than once during any particular interest period, the last change by such agency during such period will control for purposes of any interest rate increase or decrease with respect to the New Notes described above relating to such Rating Agency’s action.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Services, Inc., or any successor thereto.

“Rating Agencies” means each of Moody’s and S&P and, if any of Moody’s and S&P ceases to rate the New Notes or fails to make a rating of the New Notes publicly available for reasons outside of the control of the Issuer, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer (as certified by a board resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P or both of them, as the case may be.

“Substitute Rating Agency” means a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer (pursuant to a Board Resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or both of them, as the case may be.

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

Guarantees

The Guarantors will guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the full and punctual payment of principal, premium, if any, interest, additional amounts and any other amounts that may become due and payable by the Issuer in respect of the New Notes and under the Indenture. Each of the guarantees will be full and unconditional subject to the possible release or replacement of such guarantee upon certain mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of a Guarantor’s properties and assets or upon the satisfaction or defeasance of the New Notes. If the Issuer fails to pay any such amount, the Guarantors will immediately pay the amount that is due and required to be paid.

 

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If any direct or indirect parent of WPP plc, or any of WPP plc’s subsidiaries that is not a guarantor, or any other subsidiary of any guarantor that is a parent of us, becomes a guarantor under any of the Eurobonds, Sterling bonds or USA notes, then such guaranteeing entity shall become a guarantor of the New Notes. As used herein, the term “Eurobonds” means the €500 million of 5.25% bonds due January 2015 issued by WPP Finance S.A., the €600 million of 4.375% bonds due December 2013 issued by WPP 2008 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc) and the €750 million of 6.625% bonds due in 2016 issued by WPP 2008 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc); the term “Sterling bonds” means the £400 million of 6% bonds due April 2017 issued by WPP 2008 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc), the £200 million of 6.375% bonds due November 2020 issued by WPP Finance S.A. and the £450 million of 5.75% convertible bonds due May 2014 issued by WPP plc; and the term “USA notes” means the U.S.$368.6 million of 5.875% notes due June 2014 issued by WPP Finance (UK) and the U.S.$600 million of 8% senior notes due September 2014 issued by WPP Finance (UK). Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither WPP Air 3 Limited, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of WPP Air 1 Limited and a guarantor of the £450 million of 5.75% convertible bonds due May 2014, nor Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of WPP Air 1 Limited and a guarantor of the USA notes, will be required to become a guarantor of any New Notes issued and sold under the Indenture.

Ranking of Notes and Guarantees

WPP plc is a holding company and its principal assets are shares that it holds in its subsidiaries. The New Notes will not be secured by any of the Issuer’s assets or properties. As a result, by owning the New Notes, you will be one of the Issuer’s unsecured creditors. The New Notes will not be subordinated to any of the Issuer’s other unsecured debt obligations. In the event of a bankruptcy or liquidation proceeding against the Issuer, the New Notes would rank equally in right of payment with all of the Issuer’s other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

The Guarantors’ guarantees of the New Notes will not be secured by any of their assets or properties. As a result, if the Guarantors are required to pay under the guarantees, Holders of the New Notes would be unsecured creditors of the Guarantors. The guarantees will not be subordinated to any of the Guarantors’ other unsecured debt obligations. In the event of a bankruptcy or liquidation proceeding against any of the Guarantors, the guarantees would rank equally in right of payment with all of such Guarantor’s other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited are holding companies and currently conduct all of their operations through their subsidiaries. None of the subsidiaries of WPP plc other than the Issuer and the existing Subsidiary Guarantors will have any obligations with respect to the New Notes unless other entities become guarantors. As a result, the New Notes and guarantees will be effectively subordinated to claims of creditors (including trade creditors and preferred stockholders, if any) of each of the subsidiaries other than the Issuer and the existing Subsidiary Guarantors.

As of December 31, 2011, WPP plc’s subsidiaries, other than the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, had liabilities, including indebtedness and trade payables, of approximately £15,065.7 million (U.S.$23,365.4 million), of which approximately £1,882.7 million (U.S.$2,919.9 million) was indebtedness. In addition, WPP Air 3 Limited, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of WPP Air 1 Limited, is a guarantor of £450 million of 5.75% convertible bonds due May 2014 issued by WPP plc and Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of WPP Air 1 Limited, is a guarantor of U.S.$368.6 million of 5.875% notes due June 2014 issued by WPP Finance (UK).

Stated Maturity and Maturity

The day on which the principal amount of the New Notes is scheduled to become due is called the “stated maturity” of the principal of such New Notes. The principal of the New Notes may become due before its stated maturity by reason of redemption or acceleration after a default. The day on which the principal of the New Notes actually becomes due, whether at its stated maturity or earlier, is called the “maturity” of the principal of the New Notes.

 

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We also use the terms “stated maturity” and “maturity” to refer to the dates when interest payments become due. For example, we may refer to a regular interest payment date when an installment of interest is scheduled to become due as the “stated maturity” of that installment. When we refer to the “stated maturity” or the “maturity” of the New Notes without specifying a particular payment, we mean the stated maturity or maturity, as the case may be, of the principal of the New Notes.

Registered Form and Denominations

The New Notes will be issued only in registered form without coupons and in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

Except in limited circumstances, the New Notes will be issued in the form of global notes. See “—Form, Transfer and Book-Entry Procedures.”

Further Issues

We reserve the right, from time to time without the consent of Holders of the New Notes, to issue additional New Notes on terms and conditions identical to those of the New Notes, which additional New Notes shall increase the aggregate principal amount of, and shall be consolidated and form a single series with, the New Notes offered hereby.

Payments on the Notes

The Issuer will pay interest on the New Notes on the interest payment dates and at maturity. Each payment of interest due on an interest payment date or at maturity will include interest accrued from and including the last date to which interest has been paid or made available for payment, or from the issue date, if none has been paid or made available for payment, to but excluding the relevant payment date.

For interest due on a New Note on an interest payment date, the Issuer will pay the interest to the Holder in whose name the New Note is registered at the close of business on the regular record date relating to the interest payment date. For interest due at maturity but on a day that is not an interest payment date, the Issuer will pay the interest to the person or entity entitled to receive the principal of the New Note. For principal due on a New Note at maturity, the Issuer will pay the amount to the Holder of the New Note against surrender of the New Note at the proper place of payment.

Payments on Notes in Global Form. For New Notes issued in global form, the Issuer will make payments on New Notes in accordance with the applicable policies of The Depository Trust Company or other depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, the Issuer will make payments directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect Holders who own beneficial interests in a global note. An indirect Holder’s right to receive those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants.

Payments on Certificated Notes. For New Notes issued in certificated form, the Issuer will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the Holder at the Holder’s address shown on the Trustee’s or the Security Registrar’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date, and the Issuer will make all other payments by check to the Paying Agent described below, against surrender of the New Note. All payments by check may be made in next-day funds, that is, funds that become available on the day after the check is cashed. If the Issuer issues New Notes in certificated form, Holders of New Notes in certificated form will be able to receive payments of principal and interest on their New Notes at the office of the Issuer’s Paying Agent maintained in New York City.

 

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Payment When Offices Are Closed

If any payment is due on a New Note on a day that is not a business day, the Issuer will make the payment on the day that is the next business day. Payments postponed to the next business day in this situation will be treated under the Indenture as if they were made on the original due date. Postponement of this kind will not result in a default under the New Notes, guarantees or the Indenture. No interest will accrue on the postponed amount from the original due date to the next day that is a business day.

“Business day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City or London generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close.

Paying Agents

If the Issuer issues New Notes in certificated form, the Issuer may appoint one or more financial institutions to act as its paying agents, at whose designated offices the New Notes may be surrendered for payment at their maturity. The Issuer may add, replace or terminate paying agents from time to time, provided that if any New Notes are issued in certificated form, so long as such New Notes are outstanding, the Issuer will maintain a paying agent in New York City. The Issuer may also choose to act as its own paying agent. Initially, the Issuer has appointed Citibank, N.A. as principal Paying Agent and Citibank, N.A., London Branch as a Paying Agent. The Issuer must notify you of changes in the paying agents as described under “—Notices” below.

In addition, the Issuer will undertake to maintain paying agents having offices in at least one major European city and a paying agent in a member state of the European Union that is not obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive.

Unclaimed Payments

All money paid by the Issuer or a Guarantor to a paying agent that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after the amount is due to a Holder will be repaid to the Issuer or such Guarantor. After that two-year period, the Holder may look only to the Issuer and the Guarantors for payment and not to the Trustee, any paying agent or anyone else.

Payment of Additional Amounts

All payments in respect of the New Notes and the guarantees shall be made without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, levies, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (“taxes”) imposed or levied by or on behalf of (i) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or any of the Guarantors is incorporated or resident (or deemed for tax purposes to be resident), (ii) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or any Guarantor makes payment on the New Notes or the guarantees, or (iii) the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (each, an “applicable taxing jurisdiction”), unless such taxes are required by the applicable taxing jurisdiction to be withheld or deducted. In that event, the Issuer or the Guarantors will pay by way of additional interest on the New Notes such additional amounts of, or in respect of, principal, premium, if any, and interest (“additional amounts”) as will result (after deduction of such taxes and any additional taxes payable in respect of such additional amounts) in the payment to each Holder of the New Notes of the amounts that would have been payable in respect of such New Note or guarantee had no such withholding or deduction been required, except that no additional amounts shall be so payable for or on account of:

 

(1) any taxes that would not have been imposed but for the fact that such Holder:

 

  (a)

was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the applicable taxing jurisdiction or otherwise had some

 

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  connection with the applicable taxing jurisdiction other than the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such New Note or guarantee;

 

  (b) presented (if presentation is required) such New Note or guarantee for payment in the applicable taxing jurisdiction, unless such New Note or guarantee could not have been presented for payment in another member state of the European Union; or

 

  (c) presented (if presentation is required) such New Note or guarantee, as the case may be, more than 30 days after the date on which the payment in respect of such New Note first became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the Holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts if it had presented such New Note or guarantee for payment on any day within such period of 30 days;

 

(2) any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar taxes;

 

(3) any taxes that are payable otherwise than by withholding or deduction from payments of, or in respect of, principal, premium, if any, or interest on such New Note or guarantee, as the case may be;

 

(4) any taxes that are imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial owner of a New Note with a request from the Issuer or any Guarantor addressed to the Holder and received by such Holder at least 30 days prior to the first payment date with respect to which such information is required (a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (a) or (b), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the applicable taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

(5) any tax imposed on a payment to an individual and required to be made pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC on the taxation of savings income or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive;

 

(6) any taxes payable by or on behalf of a Holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant New Note or related guarantee to another paying agent in a member state of the European Union; or

 

(7) any combination of items (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6);

nor shall additional amounts be paid with respect to any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any such New Note or guarantee to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the applicable taxing jurisdiction to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settler with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder of the New Note.

Whenever there is mentioned, in any context, the payment in respect of the New Notes or the guarantees, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of additional amounts provided for in the Indenture to the extent that, in such context, additional amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the Indenture.

Redemption

The Issuer will not be permitted to redeem the New Notes before their stated maturity, except as set forth below. The New Notes will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund—meaning that we will not deposit money on a regular basis into any separate account to repay your New Notes. In addition, you will not be entitled to require the Issuer or the Guarantors to repurchase your New Notes from you before the stated maturity, except as set forth below under “—Repurchase upon Change of Control Repurchase Event.”

 

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Optional Redemption

We will have the right at our option to redeem the New Notes in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to their maturity, on at least 30 days’ but not more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of such New Notes and (2) the sum of the present values of each remaining scheduled payment of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 40 basis points (the “make-whole amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the New Notes to, but excluding, the redemption date.

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

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

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

“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date (1) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation or (2) if the Issuer obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and RBS Securities Inc. or their respective affiliates which are primary United States government securities dealers and two other leading primary United States government securities dealers in New York City reasonably designated by us; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary United States government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”), we will substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.

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

On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the New Notes or any portion of the New Notes called for redemption (unless we default in the payment of the redemption price and accrued interest). On or before the redemption date, we will deposit with the Trustee or a paying agent, as applicable, money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and (unless the redemption date shall be an interest payment date) accrued interest to, but excluding, the redemption date on the New Notes to be redeemed on such date. If less than all of the New Notes are to be redeemed, the New Notes to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee, Security Registrar or Paying Agent, as applicable, by such method as the Trustee, Security Registrar or Paying Agent, as applicable, shall deem fair and appropriate.

Tax Redemption

If as the result of any change in or any amendment to the laws, regulations or published tax rulings of the applicable taxing jurisdiction affecting taxation, or any change in the official administration, application or

 

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interpretation of such laws, regulations or published tax rulings either generally or in relation to the New Notes or the guarantees, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the original issue date of the New Notes, it is determined by the Issuer and the Guarantors that the Issuer or a Guarantor (x) would be required to pay any additional amounts pursuant to the Indenture or the terms of any New Note or guarantee in respect of interest on the next succeeding interest payment date (assuming, in the case of a Guarantor, a payment in respect of such interest was required to be made by such Guarantor under its guarantee thereof on such interest payment date), and (y) such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer or such Guarantor taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or such Guarantor (including by having payments with respect to the New Notes or guarantees made by the Issuer or a Guarantor that would not be required to pay any additional amounts), the Issuer may, at its option, redeem all (but not less than all) the New Notes, at any time following such an event, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice as provided in the Indenture, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest and additional amounts, if any) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption; provided, however, that (a) no such notice of redemption may be given earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer or such Guarantor would be obligated to pay such additional amounts were a payment in respect of the New Notes or related guarantees, as the case may be, then due and (b) at the time any such redemption notice is given, such obligation to pay such additional amounts must remain in effect. Prior to the mailing of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee (i) an opinion of independent legal adviser of recognized standing in the relevant jurisdiction to the effect that the Issuer or a Guarantor would be required to pay additional amounts on the next payment in respect of the New Notes and (ii) an officers’ certificate to the effect that such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer or such Guarantor, taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or the Guarantor, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such opinion and officers’ certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the condition precedent set out above in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on the Holders of the New Notes.

If (1) the Issuer or the Guarantors shall have on any date (the “succession date”) consolidated with or merged into, or conveyed or transferred or leased all or substantially all of the Issuer’s or the Guarantors’ properties and assets to any successor person (as defined in the Indenture) that is organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction in which the Issuer or any Guarantor is organized, (2) as the result of any change in or any amendment to the laws, regulations or published tax rulings of such jurisdiction of organization, or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, affecting taxation, or any change in the official administration, application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or published tax rulings either generally or in relation to the New Notes or the related guarantees, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the succession date, such successor person would be required to pay any additional amounts pursuant to the Indenture or the terms of the New Notes or the related guarantees in respect of interest on any New Notes on the next succeeding interest payment date, and (3) such obligation cannot be avoided by the successor person taking reasonable measures available to it, the Issuer or such successor person may at the Issuer’s or such successor person’s option, redeem all (but not less than all) of the New Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice as provided in the Indenture, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption and additional amounts, if any; provided, however, that (1) no such notice of redemption may be given earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which a successor person would be obligated to pay such additional amounts were a payment in respect of the New Notes or the related guarantees, as the case may be, then due, and (2) at the time any such redemption notice is given, such obligation to pay such additional amounts must remain in effect. Prior to the mailing of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph, the successor person shall deliver to the Trustee (i) an opinion of independent legal adviser of recognized standing in the relevant jurisdiction to the effect that such successor person would be required to pay additional amounts on the next payment in respect of the New Notes and (ii) an officers’ certificate to the effect that such obligation cannot be avoided by the successor person taking reasonable measures available to it, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such opinion and officers’ certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the condition precedent set out above in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on the Holders of the New Notes.

 

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Repurchase upon Change of Control Repurchase Event

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined below), unless we have exercised our right to redeem the New Notes, each Holder shall have the option to require us to repurchase all or any portion of its New Notes (in principal amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) on the Repurchase Date (as defined below) at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of New Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

Promptly upon our becoming aware that a Change of Control Repurchase Event has occurred we shall, and at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware, the Trustee may, and if so requested by the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding, shall (subject, in each case, to the Trustee being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction), give notice (a “Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice”) to the Holders specifying the nature of the Change of Control Repurchase Event and the procedure for exercising the Holders’ repurchase option. If not previously sent, the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice must be sent to the Holders, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and the Paying Agent no later than 30 days after the occurrence of the Change of Control Repurchase Event.

To exercise the option to require the repurchase of a New Note following the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event the Holder of the New Note must deliver such New Note, on any business day during the period (the “Repurchase Period”) beginning on the date the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice is given and ending 45 days thereafter, at the specified office of the Trustee, accompanied by a duly signed and completed notice of exercise (a “Change of Control Repurchase Notice”) in the form (for the time being current) which shall be provided with the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice. A Change of Control Repurchase Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable unless we elect to permit revocations. All New Notes submitted for repurchase shall be purchased by us on the date that is 3 business days after the expiration of the Repurchase Period (the “Repurchase Date”).

On the Repurchase Date, we will:

 

   

accept for payment all New Notes or portions of New Notes (in principal amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) properly tendered pursuant to the repurchase option;

 

   

deposit with the Trustee or Paying Agent, as applicable, an amount equal to the aggregate repurchase price in respect of all New Notes or portions of New Notes properly tendered; and

 

   

deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the New Notes properly accepted, together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of New Notes being purchased by us.

The Trustee or Paying Agent, as applicable, will promptly mail to each Holder of New Notes properly tendered the repurchase price for the New Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each Holder a new New Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of any New Notes surrendered; provided, that each new New Note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder, to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the New Notes as a result of a Change of Control Repurchase Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the New Notes, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the New Notes by virtue of such conflict.

We will not be required to make an offer to repurchase the New Notes upon Change of Control Repurchase Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the

 

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requirements for an offer made by us, and such third party purchases all New Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.

The Trustee and the Paying Agent are under no obligation to ascertain whether a Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control has occurred and, until it shall have actual knowledge or notice pursuant to the Indenture to the contrary, the Trustee and the Paying Agent may assume that no Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control (as defined below) or other such event has occurred.

A “Change of Control Repurchase Event” will be deemed to occur if:

 

  (I) (a)(i) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than a holding company whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to WPP plc’s shareholders immediately prior to such company becoming WPP plc’s parent company, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, as a result of a purchase, merger or otherwise, of (x) more than 50 percent of the issued ordinary share capital of WPP plc, or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent (as defined below), more than 50 percent of the issued ordinary share capital of the New Parent or (y) shares in the capital of WPP plc carrying more than 50 percent of the voting rights (“Voting Stock”) normally exercisable at a general meeting of WPP plc, or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, more than 50 percent of the Voting Stock of the New Parent normally exercisable at a general meeting of the New Parent or (ii) any Guarantor ceases to be a direct or indirect Subsidiary of WPP plc or any Parent Guarantor;

 

  (b) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of WPP plc and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than to WPP plc or one of its Subsidiaries or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the New Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than to the New Parent or one of its Subsidiaries;

 

  (c) WPP plc consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, WPP plc, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of WPP plc or such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of the Voting Stock of WPP plc outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the New Parent consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the New Parent, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the New Parent or such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of the Voting Stock of the New Parent outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction;

 

  (d) the majority of the members of the board of directors of WPP plc shall cease to be Continuing Directors or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the majority of the members of the board of directors of the New Parent shall cease to be Continuing Directors; or

 

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  (e) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of WPP plc or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the New Parent (each of the events set forth in clauses (a) through (e), a “Change of Control”); and

(II) at the time of the occurrence of a Change of Control, the New Notes carry an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB-, or equivalent, or better), from any Rating Agency and such rating from any Rating Agency is, within a period ending 120 days after announcement of the Change of Control having occurred (or such longer period as the New Notes are under consideration, announced publicly within such 120 day period, for rating review), either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Bal/BB+, or equivalent, or worse) or withdrawn.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) if at the time of the occurrence of the Change of Control the New Notes carry either a non-investment grade credit rating from each Rating Agency then assigning a credit rating to the New Notes or no credit rating from any Rating Agency, a Change of Control Repurchase Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone; and (b) if at the time of the occurrence of the Change of Control the New Notes carry a rating from more than one Rating Agency, at least one of which is investment grade, then sub-paragraph (II) will apply.

For the purposes of the foregoing provisions, “New Parent” means any Parent Guarantor whose equity ownership is substantially the same as WPP plc or any prior Parent Guarantor immediately prior to such New Parent becoming a Parent Guarantor.

If the rating designations employed by any of Moody’s or S&P are changed from those which are described in sub-paragraph (II) above, or if a rating is procured from a Substitute Rating Agency, we shall determine, with the agreement of the Trustee (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), the rating designations of Moody’s or S&P or such Substitute Rating Agency (as appropriate) as are most equivalent to the prior rating designations of Moody’s or S&P and sub-paragraph (II) shall be read accordingly.

For the purposes of the foregoing provisions, “Continuing Director” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of WPP plc who:

(1) was a member of such board of directors on the date of the Indenture; or

(2) was nominated for election or elected to such board of directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such board of directors at the time of such nomination or election, provided that, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, “Continuing Director” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of the New Parent who:

(i) was a member of such board of directors on the date that the New Parent became a guarantor under the Indenture; or

(ii) was nominated for election or elected to such board of directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such board of directors at the time of such nomination or election.

For the purposes of the foregoing provisions, “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Covenants

The following covenants will apply to WPP plc and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined below) for so long as any New Note remains outstanding. These covenants restrict WPP plc’s ability and the ability of these subsidiaries to enter into certain transactions. However, these covenants do not limit the ability of any entity to incur indebtedness or require compliance with financial ratios or the maintenance of specified levels of net worth or liquidity.

 

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Negative Pledge

Pursuant to the Indenture, for so long as any of the New Notes remain outstanding, WPP plc will not, and will not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, suffer or permit to subsist any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other security interest (each, a “Security Interest” and, collectively, “Security Interests”) on the whole or any part of our or their respective present or future assets (other than Permitted Security Interests) without making effective provision whereby all the New Notes shall be directly secured equally and ratably with the obligation secured by such Security Interest.

If, as provided above under “—Guarantees,” a direct or indirect parent of WPP plc becomes a Guarantor of the New Notes, then the foregoing covenant shall cease to have effect and it shall be replaced by a covenant providing that, for so long as any of the New Notes remain outstanding, the Parent Guarantor will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, suffer or permit to subsist any Security Interest on the whole or any part of our or their respective present or future assets (other than Permitted Security Interests) without making effective provision whereby all the New Notes shall be directly secured equally and ratably with the obligation secured by such Security Interest.

Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

Pursuant to the Indenture, for so long as any of the New Notes remain outstanding, WPP plc will not, and will not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (not including WPP plc or any of its Subsidiaries), or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by WPP plc or such Subsidiary for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any assets that have been owned by WPP plc or any Restricted Subsidiary for more than 270 days and which have been or are to be sold or transferred by WPP plc or any Restricted Subsidiary to such lender or investor or, as a part of such arrangement, to any Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such assets (a “sale and leaseback transaction”) unless WPP plc or such Restricted Subsidiary, within one year after the sale or transfer will have been made by WPP plc or such Restricted Subsidiary, applies an amount equal to the net proceeds of the sale of the assets sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement (a) to the retirement of Indebtedness incurred, assumed or guaranteed by WPP plc or any of its Subsidiaries which by its terms matures at, or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to, a date more than 12 months after the date of incurring, assuming or guaranteeing such Indebtedness or (b) to investment in any of WPP plc’s assets or the assets any of our Subsidiaries.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, WPP plc or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into sale and leaseback transactions with respect to their respective assets in addition to those permitted above; provided, however, that at the time of entering into such sale and leaseback transactions and after giving effect thereto, WPP plc or the Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled pursuant to any Permitted Security Interests to create, suffer or permit to subsist a Security Interest on such assets without making effective provision whereby all the New Notes shall be directly secured equally and ratably with such Indebtedness.

If, as provided above under “—Guarantees,” a direct or indirect parent of WPP plc becomes a Guarantor of the New Notes, then the foregoing covenant shall cease to have effect and it shall be replaced by a covenant providing that, for so long as any of the New Notes remain outstanding, the Parent Guarantor will not, and it will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (not including the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries), or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by the Parent Guarantor or any such Restricted Subsidiary for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any assets which have been owned by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for more than 270 days and which have been or are to be sold or transferred by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to such lender or investor or, as a part of such arrangement, to any Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such assets (a “sale and leaseback transaction”) unless the Parent Guarantor applies or such Restricted Subsidiary, within one year after the sale or transfer will have been made by the Parent Guarantor or

 

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such Restricted Subsidiary, applies an amount equal to the net proceeds of the sale of the assets sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement (a) to the retirement of Indebtedness incurred, assumed or guaranteed by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries which by its terms matures at, or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to, a date more than 12 months after the date of incurring, assuming or guaranteeing such Indebtedness or (b) to investment in any assets of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parent Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into sale and leaseback transactions with respect to its or their respective assets in addition to those permitted above; provided, however, that at the time of entering into such sale and leaseback transactions and after giving effect thereto, the Parent Guarantor or the Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled pursuant to any Permitted Security Interests to create, suffer or permit to subsist a Security Interest on such assets without making effective provision whereby all the New Notes shall be directly secured equally and ratably with such Indebtedness.

Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease

The Indenture will provide that for so long as any of the New Notes are outstanding, neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with or into any other person, or convey, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, unless (i) any person formed by such consolidation or into which the Issuer or such Guarantor is merged or to whom the Issuer or such Guarantor has conveyed, transferred or leased all or substantially all of its properties and assets is a corporation, partnership, trust, company or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of the United Kingdom or any jurisdiction thereof, Jersey, any jurisdiction included from time to time in the European Union (or its successors), the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and such person expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee, the Issuer’s or such Guarantor’s obligations on the New Notes or the guarantees, as the case may be, and under the Indenture (including any obligation to pay any additional amounts and, in the case of a Guarantor, the performance or observation of its guarantees), (ii) in the case of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease by the Issuer or any Guarantor, immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing, (iii) any such person, or any Parent of such person, shall expressly agree by a supplemental indenture, among other things, to indemnify the Holder of each New Note against (a) any tax, duty, levy, assessment or governmental charge imposed on such Holder or required to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and (b) any costs or expenses of the act of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and (iv) certain other conditions are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this covenant shall not apply to any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of any entity to the extent that the person to which such properties or assets are conveyed, transferred or leased is a Guarantor of the New Notes or becomes a guarantor of the New Notes concurrent with any such conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our or its properties and assets, or is a wholly-owned subsidiary of any such Guarantor or person who so becomes a guarantor.

Provision of Information

WPP plc or any successor Parent Guarantor will furnish the Trustee with copies of its annual report and the information, documents and other reports that it is required to file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K or copies of the information included in such reports on Form 6-K (or annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, if the reporting person is not a foreign private issuer). In addition, to the extent that such reports are not available on the SEC’s website or the website of WPP plc or any successor Parent Guarantor, then such entity will make the same information, documents and other reports available, at its expense, to Holders who so request in writing. In addition, during any period when WPP plc or any successor Parent Guarantor is not required to file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act periodic and current reports (and not exempt from reporting pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b)

 

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under the Exchange Act), then such entity shall provide to Holders and prospective Holders designated by Holders with the information contemplated by Rule 144A(d)(4).

If any of WPP plc’s executive officers becomes aware that a default or event of default or an event that with notice or the lapse of time would be an event of default has occurred and is continuing, as the case may be, WPP plc will also file a certificate with the Trustee describing the details thereof and the action we are taking or propose to take.

For so long as the New Notes are listed on a securities exchange, WPP plc or any Parent Guarantor will make any reports or other information supplied to the Trustee pursuant to this covenant available at the office of WPP plc’s Paying Agent or transfer agent in the jurisdiction where such exchange is located and will notify such exchange of the occurrence of any event of default and, prior to publication of notice of such event of default in the jurisdiction where such exchange is located, submit a draft of the notice to such exchange.

Definitions

“Indebtedness” means any indebtedness of any person for money borrowed, whether incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and including obligations under capitalized leases.

“Permitted Security Interests” means:

(1) Security Interests arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of business including, without limitation, statutory liens and encumbrances;

(2) any Security Interest over the assets and/or revenues of a company which became or becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer or a Guarantor after the date of the Indenture and which Security Interest is in existence or contracted to be given as at the date it becomes a Subsidiary (and which was not created in contemplation of it becoming a Subsidiary);

(3) those Security Interests existing at the date of the Indenture;

(4) Security Interests securing the performance of bids, tenders, bonds, leases, contracts (other than in respect of Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety, customs and appeal bonds and other obligations of like nature (but not including obligations in respect of Indebtedness) incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(5) Security Interests arising out of judgments or awards which are being contested in good faith and with respect to which an appeal or proceeding for review has been instituted or the time for doing so has not yet expired;

(6) Security Interests upon any property which are created or incurred contemporaneously with the acquisition of such property to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price of such property (but no other amounts); provided that any such Security Interest shall not apply to any other property of the purchaser thereof;

(7) any Security Interest arising out of title retention provisions in a supplier’s conditions of supply of goods or services acquired by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(8) any right of any bank or financial institution of combination or consolidation of accounts or right to set-off or transfer any sum or sums standing to the credit of any account (or appropriate any securities held by such bank or financial institution) in or towards satisfaction of any present or future liabilities to that bank or financial institution;

 

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(9) any Security Interest securing Indebtedness re-financing Indebtedness secured by Security Interests permitted by clauses (2), (3) or (6) above or this clause (9); provided that the maximum principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Security Interests at the time of such refinancing is not increased and such Security Interests do not extend to any assets which were not subject to the Security Interests securing the re-financed Indebtedness;

(10) Security Interests in favor of WPP plc or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or, after the time that the New Notes are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other than WPP plc, Security Interests in favor of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(11) (a) any Security Interests created or outstanding on or over any of the assets of WPP plc or any of its Subsidiaries issued in connection with an accounts receivable purchase facility, provided that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by such Security Interests permitted by this clause (11)(a) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed 15% of the total assets (meaning fixed assets plus current assets as shown on our consolidated financial statements) of WPP plc as reported at the most recent year-end or (b) after the time that the New Notes are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other than WPP plc (following which time clause (11)(a) shall cease to have effect), any Security Interests created or outstanding on or over any of the Parent Guarantor’s assets or the assets of any of its Subsidiaries issued in connection with an accounts receivable purchase facility provided that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by such Security Interests permitted by this clause (11)(b) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed 15% of the total assets (meaning fixed assets plus current assets as shown on our consolidated financial statements) of the Parent Guarantor as reported at the most recent year-end (or if the Parent Guarantor did not file reports as of the most recent year-end, 15% of the total assets (meaning fixed assets plus current assets as shown on our consolidated financial statements) of WPP plc as reported at the most recent year-end as reported by WPP plc); and

(12) (a) any other Security Interest created or outstanding on or over any of the assets of WPP plc or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by all such Security Interests permitted by this clause (12)(a) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed $40,000,000 or (b) after the time that the New Notes are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other than WPP plc (following which time clause (12)(a) shall cease to have effect), any other Security Interest created or outstanding on or over any of the Parent Guarantor’s assets or the assets of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, further, that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by all such Security Interests permitted by this clause (12)(b) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed $40,000,000.

“Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary whose consolidated revenue shall have exceeded 5% of the consolidated revenues of WPP plc and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole for that financial year or any other Subsidiary designated by WPP plc from time to time as a Restricted Subsidiary in WPP plc’s sole discretion; provided, that after the time that the New Notes are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other than WPP plc, “Restricted Subsidiary” shall be any Subsidiary whose consolidated revenue shall have exceeded 5% of consolidated revenues of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole for that financial year (or if the Parent Guarantor has existed for less than one year, 5% of the consolidated revenues of WPP plc and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole for that financial year), or any other Subsidiary designated by the Parent Guarantor from time to time as a Restricted Subsidiary in the Parent Guarantor’s sole discretion.

“Subsidiary” of a specified person means that specified person holds a majority of the voting rights in it, or is a member of it and has the right to appoint or remove a majority of its board of directors or is a member of it and controls alone, pursuant to an agreement with other shareholders or members, a majority of the voting rights in it, or if it is a subsidiary of a company which is itself a subsidiary of that specified person.

 

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Events of Default and Remedies

The following are events of default (“Events of Default”) under the Indenture with respect to the New Notes and the related guarantees:

 

  (a) failure to pay principal of or any premium on any New Notes when due;

 

  (b) failure to pay any interest (including additional amounts, if any) on any New Notes when due, continued for 30 days;

 

  (c) failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to perform any other covenant or warranty in the New Notes or the Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of a different series of the debt securities) continued for 45 days after written notice has been given by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding New Notes, as provided in the Indenture;

 

  (d) default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for money borrowed by the Issuer or any Guarantor in an amount in excess of U.S.$25,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in other currencies or currency units) which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness being accelerated prior to the date on which it would otherwise become due and payable, unless such indebtedness is discharged or such acceleration is rescinded or annulled within 10 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture has been given by the Trustee;

 

  (e) any guarantee of such New Notes is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect, or any Guarantor, or any person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under the guarantees of such New Notes; and

 

  (f) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, examinership, reorganization, or désastre proceedings of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of WPP plc’s “significant subsidiaries” (as defined in Regulation S-X under the Securities Act).

If an Event of Default with respect to the New Notes occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding by notice as provided in the Indenture may declare the aggregate principal amount of all the New Notes to be due and payable immediately. After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of amounts due solely because of such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture. For information as to waiver of defaults, see “—Modification and Waiver.”

An Event of Default for the New Notes will not necessarily constitute an event of default for any other series of debt securities issued under the Indenture.

Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to such New Notes.

No Holder of a New Note will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless

 

  (1) such Holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the New Notes;

 

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  (2) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding have made written request, and such Holder or Holders have offered, to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it to institute such proceeding as Trustee; and

 

  (3) the Trustee has failed to institute such proceeding, and has not received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, within 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer.

Such limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted by a Holder of a New Note for the enforcement of payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest (including additional amounts, if any) on such New Note on or after the applicable due date specified in such New Note.

Modification and Waiver

Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding New Notes; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding New Note affected thereby, among other things:

 

  (1) change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or premium or interest (including additional amounts, if any), on, any New Notes or change the obligation of the Issuer or the Guarantors to pay any additional amounts;

 

  (2) reduce the principal amount of, or rate of interest (or additional amounts, if any), on, or any premium payable upon the redemption or repurchase of, any New Notes;

 

  (3) change the place of payment where, or the currency in which, any New Notes or any premium or interest (including additional amounts, if any) thereon is payable;

 

  (4) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any New Notes on or after the stated maturity or redemption or repurchase date;

 

  (5) reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding New Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for modification or amendment of the Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults;

 

  (6) change in any manner adverse to the Holders of the outstanding New Notes the terms and conditions of the obligations of any Guarantor under its guarantee in respect of the New Notes in respect of the due and punctual payment of the principal thereof and any premium or interest (including additional amounts, if any) thereon; or

 

  (7) modify such provisions with respect to modification and waiver.

The Indenture may also be modified or amended without the consent of Holders of the New Notes, among other things:

 

  (1) to evidence the succession of another person to the Issuer or a Guarantor in accordance with certain requirements set forth in the Indenture;

 

  (2) to add to the covenants of the Issuer or a Guarantor for the benefit of Holders of the New Notes or to surrender any power conferred upon the Issuer or a Guarantor;

 

  (3) to add any Events of Default;

 

  (4) to add or to change provisions of the Indenture to permit or facilitate the issuance of New Notes in bearer form, Registrable or not Registrable or uncertificated form;

 

  (5) to add to or change or eliminate any of the provisions of the Indenture; provided that any such addition, change or elimination (a) will not apply to any debt securities created prior thereto, (b) will not modify the rights of the Holder of any New Note with respect to such provision or (c) will only apply to future issuances;

 

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  (6) to modify the restrictions on transferability of the New Notes in order to comply with applicable law;

 

  (7) to secure the New Notes or the related guarantees;

 

  (8) to establish the form or terms of other series of debt securities as permitted by the Indenture;

 

  (9) to provide for successor or additional trustees;

 

  (10) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of any Holders of the New Notes;

 

  (11) to conform the terms of the New Notes with the description thereof set forth in this prospectus and any related term sheet;

 

  (12) to add one or more additional guarantors;

 

  (13) to amend the Indenture to conform to the provisions of the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; or

 

  (14) to make any other change that does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the New Notes in any material respect.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding New Notes may, on behalf of all Holders of such New Notes, waive compliance by the Issuer and/or a Guarantor with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding New Notes may, on behalf of all Holders of the New Notes, waive any past default under the Indenture and its consequences, except a default in the payment of principal of, premiums if any, or interest (including additional amounts, if any) on, any outstanding New Note or in respect of a covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding New Note.

Except in certain limited circumstances, the Issuer or a Guarantor will be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of outstanding New Notes entitled to give or take any direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action under the Indenture, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Indenture. If a record date is set for any action to be taken by Holders, such action may be taken only by persons who are Holders of outstanding New Notes on the record date. To be effective, such action must be taken by Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of such New Notes within a specified period following the record date. For any particular record date, this period will be 180 days or such shorter period as may be specified by the Issuer or a Guarantor, and may be shortened or lengthened (but not beyond 180 days) from time to time.

Defeasance

The Indenture will provide that the Issuer and the Guarantors (i) will be deemed to have been discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the New Notes and the related guarantees (except for certain obligations to register the transfer of or exchange such New Notes, to replace stolen, lost, destroyed or mutilated New Notes) upon satisfaction of certain requirements (including, without limitation, providing such security or indemnity as the Trustee and the Issuer may require), to maintain paying agents, to pay additional amounts and to hold certain moneys in trust for payment) or (ii) need not comply with certain restrictive covenants of the Indenture (including those described under “Covenants—Negative Pledge” and “Covenants—Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions” and certain other obligations under the Indenture), in each case if the Issuer or a Guarantor deposits, in trust with the Trustee or Paying Agent, as applicable, money in an amount, or U.S. Government Obligations (as defined in the Indenture) that through the scheduled payment of principal and interest (including additional amounts, if any) in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the

 

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opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay all the principal of, and any premium and interest (including additional amounts, if any) on, the New Notes on the dates such payments are due in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and such New Notes. In connection with exercising the option pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, the Issuer is required to deliver to the Trustee (x) opinions of counsel stating that (a) the beneficial owners of the New Notes will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes or be subject to any taxes or recognize gain or loss for income tax purposes in the jurisdictions in which the Issuer is organized, resident or carries on business as a result of the exercise of such option and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax and income taxes, capital and other taxes, including withholding taxes, in such jurisdictions in the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such option had not been exercised, which in the case of clause (i) must be based on a change in law or published ruling by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and (b) the deposit shall not result in the Issuer being deemed an “investment company” required to register under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (y) an officers’ certificate to the effect that New Notes, if then listed on any securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result of such deposit and (z) an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel as to compliance with all applicable conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to the defeasance of such New Notes.

Distributable Reserves Consent

Each Holder will be deemed to consent to the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any additional or successor Guarantor) applying to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order sanctioning a reduction in any of its share capital accounts including, without limitation, by re-characterizing any sum standing to the credit of a share premium account as a distributable reserve.

Notices

As long as the New Notes remain in global form, notices to be given to Holders of the New Notes will be given to DTC, in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time. If the Issuer issues New Notes in certificated form, notices to be given to Holders will be sent by mail to the respective addresses of the Holders as they appear in the Trustee’s or the Security Registrar’s records, and will be deemed given when mailed. For so long as any New Notes are listed on any securities exchange, the Issuer will publish such notices as may be required by the rules and regulations of such securities exchange.

Neither the failure to give any notice to a particular Holder, nor any defect in a notice given to a particular Holder, will affect the sufficiency of any notice given to another Holder.

Governing Law

The Indenture, the New Notes and the guarantees will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Consent to Service of Process; Submission to Jurisdiction

The Indenture will provide that the Issuer and the Guarantors will each appoint CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011, as its authorized agent for service of process in any legal action or proceeding arising out of or in relation to the Indenture, the New Notes or the guarantees brought in any Federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York, and the Issuer and the Guarantors will each irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

Currency Indemnity

The obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the New Notes and the guarantees, respectively, will be discharged only to the extent that the relevant Holder is able to purchase U.S. dollars with any other currency

 

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paid to that Holder in accordance with any judgment or otherwise. If the Holder cannot purchase U.S. dollars in the amount originally to be paid, the Issuer and the Guarantors will pay the difference. The Holder, however, agrees that, if the amount of U.S. dollars purchased exceeds the amount originally to be paid to such Holder, the Holder will reimburse the excess to the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be. The Holder will not be obligated to make this reimbursement if the Issuer or the Guarantors are in default of their respective obligations under the New Notes or the related guarantees.

Concerning the Trustee, the Security Registrar and the Paying Agents

Wilmington Trust, National Association has been appointed Trustee under the Indenture.

Citibank, N.A. has been appointed Security Registrar and Paying Agent under the Indenture and Citibank, N.A., London Branch has been appointed a Paying Agent.

The Indenture provides that the Issuer and the Guarantors will indemnify the Trustee, Paying Agent and Security Registrar against any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or willful misconduct of the Trustee, Paying Agent and Security Registrar in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust created by the Indenture.

Form, Transfer and Book-Entry Procedures

The New Notes will be issued only in fully registered form, without interest coupons, in minimum denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof. The New Notes will not be issued in bearer form. The New Notes will be issued at the closing of the offering only against payment in immediately available funds.

Global Notes

The New Notes will, at least initially, be represented by one or more New Notes in registered, global form without interest coupons. We refer to these New Notes collectively as the “Global Note.”

Once issued, the Global Note will be deposited with the Trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below.

Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream), which may change from time to time. Except as set forth below, the Global Note may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to DTC, a nominee of DTC or to their successors. You may not exchange your beneficial interest in a Global Note for New Notes in certificated or non-book entry form except in the limited circumstances described below. See “—Certificated Notes.”

Certificated Notes

Beneficial interests in the Global Note may not be exchanged for New Notes in physical, certificated form unless:

 

   

DTC notifies us at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Note and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days;

 

   

DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days;

 

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we, at our option, notify the Trustee and the Security Registrar that we elect to cause the issuance of certificated New Notes; or

 

   

certain other events provided in the Indenture occur, including the occurrence and continuance of an event of default with respect to the New Notes.

In all cases, certificated New Notes delivered in exchange for the Global Note will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by the depositary.

Exchanges Between Certificated Notes

You may transfer or exchange a certificated New Note or replace any lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed certificated New Note for a new certificated New Note of like tenor and principal amount upon surrender at the office of the Security Registrar, together with a form of transfer duly completed and executed and any other evidence that the Security Registrar may reasonably require; provided that all transfers, exchanges and replacements must be effected in accordance with the Indenture and the supplemental Indenture. In the case of a transfer of only part of a certificated New Note, a new certificated New Note will be issued to the transferee in respect of the part transferred and a further new certificated New Note in respect of the balance of the original certificated New Note not transferred will be issued to the transferor.

Book-Entry Procedures for the Global Note

The following descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream are provided to you solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to change from time to time. We take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge you to contact the systems or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

DTC has advised us that it is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations, known as participants, and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between participants through electronic book-entry changes in the accounts of its participants. The participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. These persons are known as indirect participants. Persons who are not participants or indirect participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through participants or indirect participants. The ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of participants and indirect participants.

DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established by it:

 

   

upon deposit of the Global Note, DTC will credit, on its internal system, the accounts of participants with portions of the principal amount of the Global Note, and

 

   

ownership of the interests in the Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of the interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC, in the case of participants, or by participants and indirect participants, in the case of other owners of beneficial interests in the Global Note.

You may hold your interest in the Global Note through Euroclear or Clearstream, if you are a participant in those systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in those systems. You may also hold interests in the Global Note through organizations other than Euroclear and Clearstream that are participants in the DTC system. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests in the Global Note on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in their own names on the books of their depositaries. The depositaries, in turn, will hold such interests in the Global Note in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on

 

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the books of DTC. All interests in the Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Transfers and exchange of interests in the Global Note will also be subject to the restrictions described above under “—Certificated Notes.”

The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery of the New Notes that they own. Consequently, your ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Global Note to others may be limited. Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants, which in turn act on behalf of indirect participants and certain banks, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in the Global Note to pledge such interests to persons or entities that do not participate in the depositary system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

As long as DTC or its nominee is the registered holder of the Global Note, DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole owner and Holder of the New Notes represented by the Global Note for all purposes under the Indenture, the supplemental Indenture and the New Notes. Except as described above, if you hold a book-entry interest in the Global Note, you:

 

   

will not have New Notes registered in your name;

 

   

will not receive physical delivery of the New Notes in certificated form; and

 

   

will not be considered the registered owner or Holder of the interest in the Global Note under the Indenture, the supplemental indenture or the New Notes.

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a Holder of the New Notes:

 

   

only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC interests in the Global Note are credited; and

 

   

only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes as to which the participant in question has given such direction.

If there is an event of default under the New Notes, however, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Note for legended New Notes in certificated form, and to distribute these New Notes to its participants.

Although we expect that DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream will follow the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Note among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the Trustee or Security Registrar will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations, which may include:

 

   

maintaining, supervising and reviewing the records related to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Note, and

 

   

any other action taken by any such depositary, participant or indirect participant.

 

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SUMMARY OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Exchange Offer. It applies to you only if you tender your Old Notes for New Notes in the Exchange Offer. This section is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, and published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect and subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER.

Treatment of the Exchange

The exchange of the Old Notes for the New Notes should not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes, and you therefore should not recognize gain or loss as a result of this exchange. Accordingly, for United States federal income tax purposes, your tax basis in the New Notes should equal your basis in your Old Notes, your holding period in the New Notes should include your holding period in your exchanged Old Notes, and payments of interest, premium and principal on the New Notes should be treated in the same manner as such payments were treated with respect to the Old Notes.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

This Exchange Offer does not constitute an invitation to participate in the Exchange Offer in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such invitation or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of this prospectus in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are required by the Issuer to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.

If you want to participate in the Exchange Offer, you must represent and agree, among other things, that:

 

   

you are acquiring the New Notes issued in the Exchange Offer in the ordinary course of your business;

 

   

if you are not a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act, you are not participating in or intending to participate in the distribution of the New Notes, and you do not intend to engage in and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer;

 

   

if you are a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act, you did not purchase the Old Notes to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer from the Issuer or any of its affiliates, you will acquire the New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and you will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale of the New Notes, and you cannot rely on the position of the SEC’s staff in their interpretative letters and, in the European Economic Area, you will not make any offer or sale which will require the Issuer to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive;

 

   

you are not prohibited by any law or policy from participating in the Exchange Offer;

 

   

you are not an affiliate of ours, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or if you are such an “affiliate,” you will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable;

 

   

you are not located in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive or, if you are located in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, you are a qualified investor (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) or otherwise fall within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive;

 

   

you are not located or resident in the United Kingdom or, if you are located or resident in the United Kingdom, you are a person falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Promotion Order) or within Article 43 of the Financial Promotion Order, or to whom this prospectus and any other documents or materials relating to the Exchange Offer may otherwise lawfully be communicated in accordance with the Financial Promotion Order; and you will not make any offer which will require the Issuer to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive; and

 

   

you are not acting on behalf of someone who cannot truthfully and completely make such representations.

If you fail to satisfy any of these conditions, you cannot rely on the position of the SEC set forth in the interpretative letters referred to above under “The Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer” and you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the New Notes.

Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where such New Notes were acquired as a result of market making activities or other trading activities.

 

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

For a period of 90 days after the Expiration Date, we will send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. Any such requests should be directed to the Exchange Agent.

By accepting the Exchange Offer, each broker-dealer that receives New Notes in the Exchange Offer agrees that it will stop using this prospectus if it receives notice from us of any event which makes any statement in this prospectus false in any material respect or which requires any changes in this prospectus in order to make the statements true.

We are delivering copies of this prospectus in electronic form through the facilities of DTC. You may obtain paper copies of the prospectus by contacting the Exchange Agent at its address specified on the inside back cover of this prospectus. By participating in the Exchange Offer, you will (unless you have requested paper delivery of documents) be consenting to electronic delivery of these documents.

 

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VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

The validity of the New Notes and the guarantees issued in the Exchange Offer will be passed upon for us by Allen & Overy LLP, our United States and English counsel. Certain matters of Jersey law relating to the guarantees will be passed upon for us by Mourant Ozannes, our Jersey counsel. Certain matters of Irish law relating to the guarantees will be passed upon for us by A&L Goodbody, our Irish counsel.

 

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EXPERTS

The financial statements incorporated in this Form F-4 by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated by reference herein. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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PART II—INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 20.-INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Article 67 of WPP Finance 2010’s Articles of Association provides:

 

  “(a) Subject to paragraph (e), a relevant director of the company or of an associated company may be indemnified out of the company’s assets against:

 

  (i) any liability incurred by that director in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company or an associated company;

 

  (ii) any liability incurred by that director in connection with the activities of the company or an associated company in its capacity as a trustee of an occupational pension scheme (as defined in section 235(6) of the Companies Act);

 

  (iii) any other liability incurred by that director as an officer of the company or an associated company.

 

  (b) The company may fund the expenditure of a relevant director of the company or of any associated company for the purposes permitted under the Companies Act and may do anything to enable such relevant director to avoid incurring such expenditure as provided in the Companies Act.

 

  (c) No relevant director of the company or of any associated company shall be accountable to the company or the shareholders for any benefit provided pursuant to this article and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a director of the company.

 

  (d) The powers given by this article shall not limit any general powers of the company to grant indemnities, purchase and maintain insurance or provide funds (whether by way of loan or otherwise) to any person in connection with any legal or regulatory proceedings or applications for relief.

 

  (e) This article does not authorise any indemnity which would be prohibited or rendered void by any provision of the Companies Act or by any other provision of law.

 

  (f) In this article and in article 68:

 

  (i) companies are associated if one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of the same body corporate; and

 

  (ii) a relevant director means any director or former director of the company or of an associated company.”

Article 148 of WPP plc’s Articles of Association provides:

“As far as the legislation allows, the Company may:

 

  (a) indemnify any director of the Company (or of an associated body corporate) against any liability;

 

  (b) indemnify a director of a company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme for employees (or former employees) of the Company (or of an associated body corporate) against liability incurred in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of the scheme;

 

  (c) purchase and maintain insurance against any liability for any director referred to in (a) or (b) above; and

 

  (d) provide any director referred to in (a) or (b) above with funds (whether by loan or otherwise) to meet expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him in defending any criminal, regulatory or civil proceedings or in connection with an application for relief (or to enable any such director to avoid incurring such expenditure).

The powers given by this article shall not limit any general powers of the Company to grant indemnities, purchase and maintain insurance or provide funds (whether by way of loan or otherwise) to any person in connection with any legal or regulatory proceedings or applications for relief.”

 

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Article 35 of WPP Air 1 Limited’s Articles of Association provides:

“Subject to the Acts, every director, managing director, agent, auditor, secretary and other officer for the time being of the company shall be indemnified out of the assets of the company against any liability incurred by him in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in relation to his acts while acting in such office, in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or in connection with any application under section 391 of the Act in which relief is granted to him by the court. Regulation 138 of Part I of Table A will not apply.”

Article 122 of WPP 2008 Limited’s Articles of Association provides:

 

  “(a) As far as the legislation allows, the Company may:

 

  (i) indemnify any director of the Company (or of an associated body corporate) against any liability,

 

  (ii) indemnify a director of a company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme for employees (or former employees) of the Company (or of an associated body corporate) against liability incurred in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of the scheme,

 

  (iii) purchase and maintain insurance against any liability for any director referred to in (i) or (ii) above, and

 

  (iv) provide any director referred to in (i) or (ii) above with funds (whether by loan or otherwise) to meet expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him in defending any criminal, regulatory or civil proceedings or in connection with an application for relief (or to enable any such director to avoid incurring such expenditure)

 

  (b) The powers given by this article shall not limit any general powers of the Company to grant indemnities, purchase and maintain insurance or provide funds (whether by way of loan or otherwise) to any person in connection with any legal or regulatory proceedings or applications for relief

 

  (c) Regulation 118 of Table A shall not apply”

Article 69 of WPP 2005 Limited’s New Articles of Association provides:

 

  “(a) Subject to paragraph (e), a relevant director of the Company or of an associated company may be indemnified out of the Company’s assets against:

 

  (i) any liability incurred by that director in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the Company or an associated company;

 

  (ii) any liability incurred by that director in connection with the activities of the Company or an associated company in its capacity as a trustee of an occupational pension scheme (as defined in section 235(6) of the Companies Act);

 

  (iii) any other liability incurred by that director as an officer of the Company or an associated company.

 

  (b) The Company may fund the expenditure of a relevant director of the Company or of any associated company for the purposes permitted under the Companies Act and may do anything to enable such relevant director to avoid incurring such expenditure as provided in the Companies Act.

 

  (c) No relevant director of the Company or of any associated company shall be accountable to the Company or the shareholders for any benefit provided pursuant to this article and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a director of the Company.

 

  (d) The powers given by this article shall not limit any general powers of the Company to grant indemnities, purchase and maintain insurance or provide funds (whether by way of loan or otherwise) to any person in connection with any legal or regulatory proceedings or applications for relief.

 

  (e) This article does not authorise any indemnity which would be prohibited or rendered void by any provision of the Companies Act or by any other provision of law.

 

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  (f) In this article and in article 70:

 

  (i) companies are associated if one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of the same body corporate; and

 

  (ii) a relevant director means any director or former director of the Company or of an associated company.”

Articles 77 and 212 of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (as amended), applicable to WPP plc, provide as follows:

“77. Indemnity of officers and former officers

 

  (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), any provision, whether contained in the articles of, or in a contract with, a company or otherwise, whereby the company or any of its subsidiaries or any other person, for some benefit conferred or detriment suffered directly or indirectly by the company, agrees to exempt any person from, or indemnify any person against, any liability which by law would otherwise attach to the person by reason of the fact that the person is or was an officer of the company shall be void.

 

  (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a provision for exempting a person from or indemnifying the person against:

 

  (a) any liabilities incurred in defending any proceedings (whether civil or criminal)—

 

  (i) in which judgment is given in the person’s favour or the person is acquitted,

 

  (ii) which are discontinued otherwise than for some benefit conferred by the person or on the person’s behalf or some detriment suffered by the person, or

 

  (iii) which are settled on terms which include such benefit or detriment and, in the opinion of a majority of the directors of the company (excluding any director who conferred such benefit or on whose behalf such benefit was conferred or who suffered such detriment), the person was substantially successful on the merits in the person’s resistance to the proceedings;

 

  (b) any liability incurred otherwise than to the company if the person acted in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company;

 

  (c) any liability incurred in connection with an application made under Article 212 in which relief is granted to the person by the court; or

 

  (d) any liability against which the company normally maintains insurance for persons other than directors.

 

  (3) Nothing in this Article shall deprive a person of any exemption or indemnity to which the person was lawfully entitled in respect of anything done or omitted by the person before the coming into force of this Article.

 

  (4) This Article does not prevent a company from purchasing and maintaining for any such officer insurance against any such liability.”

“212 Power of court to grant relief in certain cases

 

  (1) If in proceedings for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust against an officer of a company or a person employed by a company as auditor it appears to the court that officer or person is or may be liable in respect of the negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, but that the person has acted honestly and that having regard to all the circumstances of the case (including those connected with his or her appointment) he or she ought fairly to be excused for the negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, the court may relieve the person, either wholly or partly, from his or her liability on such terms as it thinks fit.

 

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  (2) If an officer or person mentioned in paragraph (1) has reason to apprehend that a claim will or might be made against the person in respect of negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, he or she may apply to the court for relief; and the court on the application has the same power to relieve the person as it would have had if proceedings against him or her for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust had been brought.”

WPP plc maintains an insurance policy for its directors and officers in respect of liabilities arising from any act, error or omission while acting in their capacities as directors or officers of WPP plc or any associated company.

Section 200 of the Companies Act 1963 of Ireland (as amended), applicable to WPP Air 1 Limited, provides as follows:

“200 Avoidance of provisions exempting officers and auditors of company from liability

 

  (1) Subject as hereinafter provided, any provision whether contained in the articles of a company or in any contract with a company or otherwise for exempting any officer of the company or any person employed by the company as auditor from, or indemnifying him against, any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise attach to him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which he may be guilty in relation to the company shall be void, so, however, that—

 

  (a) nothing in this section shall operate to deprive any person of any exemption or right to be indemnified in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him while any such provision was in force; and

 

  (b) notwithstanding anything in this section, a company may, in pursuance of any such provision as aforesaid, indemnify any such officer or auditor against any liability incurred by him in defending proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted, or in connection with any application under section 391 or section 42 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983 in which relief is granted to him by the court.

 

  (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a company may purchase and maintain for any of its officers or auditors insurance in respect of any liability referred to in that subsection.

 

  (3) Notwithstanding any provision contained in an enactment, the articles of a company or otherwise, a director may be counted in the quorum and may vote on any resolution to purchase or maintain any insurance under which the director might benefit.

 

  (4) Any directors’ and officers’ insurance purchased or maintained by a company before the date on which the amendments made to this section by the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 came into operation is as valid and effective as it would have been if those amendments had been in operation when that insurance was purchased or maintained.

 

  (5) In this section a reference to an officer or auditor includes any former or current officer or auditor of the company, as the case may be.”

Sections 232—235 and Section 1157 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, applicable to WPP Finance 2010, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited, provide as follows:

“232 Provisions protecting directors from liability

 

  (1) Any provision that purports to exempt a director of a company (to any extent) from any liability that would otherwise attach to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company is void.

 

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  (2) Any provision by which a company directly or indirectly provides an indemnity (to any extent) for a director of the company, or of an associated company, against any liability attaching to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company of which he is a director is void, except as permitted by—

 

  (a) section 233 (provision of insurance),

 

  (b) section 234 (qualifying third party indemnity provision), or

 

  (c) section 235 (qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision).

 

  (3) This section applies to any provision, whether contained in a company’s articles or in any contract with the company or otherwise.

 

  (4) Nothing in this section prevents a company’s articles from making such provision as has previously been lawful for dealing with conflicts of interest.”

“233 Provision of insurance

Section 232(2) (voidness of provisions for indemnifying directors) does not prevent a company from purchasing and maintaining for a director of the company, or of an associated company, insurance against any such liability as is mentioned in that subsection.”

“234 Qualifying third party indemnity provision

 

  (1) Section 232(2) (voidness of provisions for indemnifying directors) does not apply to qualifying third party indemnity provision.

 

  (2) Third party indemnity provision means provision for indemnity against liability incurred by the director to a person other than the company or an associated company.

Such provision is qualifying third party indemnity provision if the following requirements are met.

 

  (3) The provision must not provide any indemnity against—

 

  (a) any liability of the director to pay—

 

  (i) a fine imposed in criminal proceedings, or

 

  (ii) a sum payable to a regulatory authority by way of a penalty in respect of non-compliance with any requirement of a regulatory nature (however arising); or

 

  (b) any liability incurred by the director—

 

  (i) in defending criminal proceedings in which he is convicted, or

 

  (ii) in defending civil proceedings brought by the company, or an associated company, in which judgment is given against him, or

 

  (iii) in connection with an application for relief (see subsection (6)) in which the court refuses to grant him relief.

 

  (4) The references in subsection (3)(b) to a conviction, judgment or refusal of relief are to the final decision in the proceedings.

 

  (5) For this purpose—

 

  (a) a conviction, judgment or refusal of relief becomes final—

 

  (i) if not appealed against, at the end of the period for bringing an appeal, or

 

  (ii) if appealed against, at the time when the appeal (or any further appeal) is disposed of; and

 

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  (b) an appeal is disposed of—

 

  (i) if it is determined and the period for bringing any further appeal has ended, or

 

  (ii) if it is abandoned or otherwise ceases to have effect.

 

  (6) The reference in subsection (3)(b)(iii) to an application for relief is to an application for relief under—

section 661(3) or (4) (power of court to grant relief in case of acquisition of shares by innocent nominee), or

section 1157 (general power of court to grant relief in case of honest and reasonable conduct).”

“235 Qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision

 

  (1) Section 232(2) (voidness of provisions for indemnifying directors) does not apply to qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision.

 

  (2) Pension scheme indemnity provision means provision indemnifying a director of a company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme against liability incurred in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of the scheme.

Such provision is qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision if the following requirements are met.

 

  (3) The provision must not provide any indemnity against—

 

  (a) any liability of the director to pay—

 

  (i) a fine imposed in criminal proceedings, or

 

  (ii) a sum payable to a regulatory authority by way of a penalty in respect of non-compliance with any requirement of a regulatory nature (however arising); or

 

  (b) any liability incurred by the director in defending criminal proceedings in which he is convicted.

 

  (4) The reference in subsection (3)(b) to a conviction is to the final decision in the proceedings.

 

  (5) For this purpose—

 

  (a) a conviction becomes final—

 

  (i) if not appealed against, at the end of the period for bringing an appeal, or

 

  (ii) if appealed against, at the time when the appeal (or any further appeal) is disposed of; and

 

  (b) an appeal is disposed of—

 

  (i) if it is determined and the period for bringing any further appeal has ended, or

 

  (ii) if it is abandoned or otherwise ceases to have effect.

 

  (6) In this section “occupational pension scheme” means an occupational pension scheme as defined in section 150(5) of the Finance Act 2004 (c. 12) that is established under a trust.”

“1157 Power of court to grant relief in certain cases

 

  (1) If in proceedings for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust against—

 

  (a) an officer of a company, or

 

  (b) a person employed by a company as auditor (whether he is or is not an officer of the company),

it appears to the court hearing the case that the officer or person is or may be liable but that he acted honestly and reasonably, and that having regard to all the circumstances of the case (including those

 

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connected with his appointment) he ought fairly to be excused, the court may relieve him, either wholly or in part, from his liability on such terms as it thinks fit.

 

  (2) If any such officer or person has reason to apprehend that a claim will or might be made against him in respect of negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust—

 

  (a) he may apply to the court for relief, and

 

  (b) the court has the same power to relieve him as it would have had if it had been a court before which proceedings against him for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust had been brought.

 

  (3) Where a case to which subsection (1) applies is being tried by a judge with a jury, the judge, after hearing the evidence, may, if he is satisfied that the defendant (in Scotland, the defender) ought in pursuance of that subsection to be relieved either in whole or in part from the liability sought to be enforced against him, withdraw the case from the jury and forthwith direct judgment to be entered for the defendant (in Scotland, grant decree of absolvitor) on such terms as to costs (in Scotland, expenses) or otherwise as the judge may think proper.”

 

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ITEM 21. EXHIBITS

 

3.1    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP Finance 2010.
3.2    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP plc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of its filing on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012).
3.3    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP Air 1 Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of its filing on Form F-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3, 2009).
3.4    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP 2008 Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of its filing on Form F-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3, 2009).
3.5    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP 2005 Limited.
4.1    Indenture among WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited, WPP 2005 Limited and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, dated November 21, 2011.
4.2    First Supplemental Indenture among WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited, WPP 2005 Limited and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, dated November 21, 2011.
4.3    Form of New Notes (included in Exhibit 4.2).
4.4    Form of guarantee (included in Exhibit 4.2).
4.5    Registration Rights Agreement among WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP 2005 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited, and Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBS Securities Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as representatives of the Initial Purchasers, and Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc. as Dealer Managers, dated November 21, 2011.
5.1    Opinion of Allen & Overy LLP as to matters of US law.
5.2    Opinion of Allen & Overy LLP as to matters of English law.
5.3    Opinion of Mourant du Feu & Jeune.
5.4    Opinion of A&L Goodbody.
23.1    Consent of Deloitte LLP.
23.2    Consent of Allen & Overy LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.3    Consent of Allen & Overy LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2).
23.4    Consent of Mourant du Feu & Jeune (included in Exhibit 5.3).
23.5    Consent of A&L Goodbody (included in Exhibit 5.4).
24.1    Powers of attorney (included in the signature pages of this registration statement).
25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee with respect to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2.
  

 

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ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS

The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake:

 

(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) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

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

 

(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.

 

(4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act need not be furnished, provided, that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements.

 

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

 

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

 

  (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of such undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(7) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this 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.

 

(8) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of Form F-4, within one business day of receipt of such request, to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means, and to arrange or provide for a facility in the United States for the purpose of responding to such requests. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

 

(9) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

(10) 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 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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SIGNATURES OF WPP FINANCE 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F–4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in London, England, on April 30, 2012.

 

WPP FINANCE 2010
By:   /s/ Christopher Sweetland
Name:   Christopher Sweetland
Title:   Director

Power of Attorney

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated in respect of WPP Finance 2010. In addition, each of the undersigned hereby severally and individually constitutes and appoints Paul Delaney and Paul W. G. Richardson his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the registration statement on Form F–4, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact and agents may deem necessary or advisable to enable WPP Finance 2010 to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of securities registered pursuant hereto, granting unto each said attorneys-in-fact and agents 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 he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    Paul Delaney        

Paul Delaney

  

Director and Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  April 30, 2012

/s/    Christopher P. Sweetland        

Christopher P. Sweetland

  

Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/    Paul W. G. Richardson        

Paul W. G. Richardson

  

Authorized Representative in the United States

  April 30, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES OF WPP PLC

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F–4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Dublin, Ireland, on April 30, 2012.

 

WPP PLC
By:   /s/ Paul Richardson
Name:   Paul Richardson
Title:   Director

Power of Attorney

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated in respect of WPP plc. In addition, each of the undersigned hereby severally and individually constitutes and appoints Paul Delaney and Paul W. G. Richardson his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the registration statement on Form F–4, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact and agents may deem necessary or advisable to enable WPP plc to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of securities registered pursuant hereto, granting unto each said attorneys-in-fact and agents 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 he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Philip Lader

Philip Lader

  

Chairman (non-executive) of the Board of Directors

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Sir Martin Sorrell

Sir Martin Sorrell

  

Group Chief Executive
(Principal Executive Officer and Director)

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Paul Richardson

Paul Richardson

  

Group Finance Director
(Principal Financial Officer and Director) and Authorized Representative in the United States

  April 30, 2012

/s/ David Barker

David Barker

  

Group Finance Controller (Controller)

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Mark Read

Mark Read

  

Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Colin Day

Colin Day

  

Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

 

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Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Esther Dyson

Esther Dyson

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

 

Orit Gadiesh

  

Non-Executive Director

 

/s/ Ruigang Li

Ruigang Li

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Stanley Morten

Stanley Morten

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Koichiro Naganuma

Koichiro Naganuma

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

 

Lubna Olayan

  

Non-Executive Director

 

/s/ John Quelch

John Quelch

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Jeffrey Rosen

Jeffrey Rosen

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Timothy Shriver

Timothy Shriver

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Paul Spencer

Paul Spencer

  

Non-Executive Director

  April 30, 2012

 

Sol Trujillo

  

Non-Executive Director

 

 

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SIGNATURES OF WPP AIR 1 LIMITED

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F–4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Dublin, Ireland, on April 30, 2012.

 

WPP AIR 1 LIMITED
By:   /s/ Paul Richardson
Name:   Paul Richardson
Title:   Director

Power of Attorney

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated in respect of WPP Air 1 Limited. In addition, each of the undersigned hereby severally and individually constitutes and appoints Paul Delaney and Paul W. G. Richardson his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the registration statement on Form F–4, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact and agents may deem necessary or advisable to enable WPP Air 1 Limited to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of securities registered pursuant hereto, granting unto each said attorneys-in-fact and agents 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 he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ David Haugh

David Haugh

  

Director and Chairman

  April 30, 2012

/s/ J.P. Donnelly

J.P. Donnelly

  

Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Jim Condren

Jim Condren

  

Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Thierry Lenders

Thierry Lenders

  

Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Paul W. G. Richardson

Paul W. G. Richardson

  

Director and Authorized Representative in the United States

  April 30, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES OF WPP 2008 LIMITED

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F–4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in London, England, on April 30, 2012.

 

WPP 2008 LIMITED
By:   /s/ Christopher Sweetland
Name:   Christopher Sweetland
Title:   Director

Power of Attorney

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated in respect of WPP 2008 Limited. In addition, each of the undersigned hereby severally and individually constitutes and appoints Paul Delaney and Paul W. G. Richardson his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the registration statement on Form F–4, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact and agents may deem necessary or advisable to enable WPP 2008 Limited to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of securities registered pursuant hereto, granting unto each said attorneys-in-fact and agents 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 he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Paul Delaney

Paul Delaney

  

Director and Chairman

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott

  

Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Christopher P. Sweetland

Christopher P. Sweetland

  

Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Paul W. G. Richardson

Paul W. G. Richardson

  

Authorized Representative in the United States

  April 30, 2012

 

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SIGNATURES OF WPP 2005 LIMITED

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F–4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in London, England, on April 30, 2012.

 

WPP 2005 LIMITED
By:   /s/ Christopher Sweetland
Name:   Christopher Sweetland
Title:   Director

Power of Attorney

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated in respect of WPP 2005 Limited. In addition, each of the undersigned hereby severally and individually constitutes and appoints Paul Delaney and Paul W. G. Richardson his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution, in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the registration statement on Form F–4, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact and agents may deem necessary or advisable to enable WPP 2005 Limited to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in connection with the registration under said Act of securities registered pursuant hereto, granting unto each said attorneys-in-fact and agents 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 he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Paul Delaney

Paul Delaney

  

Director and Chairman

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Christopher P. Sweetland

Christopher P. Sweetland

  

Director

  April 30, 2012

/s/ Paul W. G. Richardson

Paul W. G. Richardson

  

Authorized Representative in the United States

  April 30, 2012

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Exhibit

  3.1    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP Finance 2010.
  3.2    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP plc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of its filing on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2012).
  3.3    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP Air 1 Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of its filing on Form F-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3, 2009).
  3.4    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP 2008 Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of its filing on Form F-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3, 2009).
  3.5    Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP 2005 Limited.
  4.1    Indenture among WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited, WPP 2005 Limited and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, dated November 21, 2011.
  4.2    First Supplemental Indenture among WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited, WPP 2005 Limited and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee, dated November 21, 2011.
  4.3    Form of New Notes (included in Exhibit 4.2).
  4.4    Form of guarantee (included in Exhibit 4.2).
  4.5    Registration Rights Agreement among WPP Finance 2010, WPP plc, WPP 2005 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited, and Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBS Securities Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as representatives of the Initial Purchasers, and Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc. as Dealer Managers, dated November 21, 2011.
  5.1    Opinion of Allen & Overy LLP as to matters of US law.
  5.2    Opinion of Allen & Overy LLP as to matters of English law.
  5.3    Opinion of Mourant du Feu & Jeune.
  5.4    Opinion of A&L Goodbody.
23.1    Consent of Deloitte LLP.
23.2    Consent of Allen & Overy LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.3    Consent of Allen & Overy LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2).
23.4    Consent of Mourant du Feu & Jeune (included in Exhibit 5.3).
23.5    Consent of A&L Goodbody (included in Exhibit 5.4).
24.1    Powers of attorney (included in the signature pages of this registration statement).
25.1    Form T–1 Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee with respect to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2.

 

II-17

EX-3.1 2 d341681dex31.htm MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF WPP FINANCE 2010 Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP Finance 2010

Exhibit 3.1

Company number

7419716

THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

AN UNLIMITED COMPANY HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

OF

WPP FINANCE 2010

Each subscriber to this memorandum of association wishes to form a company under the Companies Act 2006 and agrees to become a member of the company and to take at least one share.

 

   
Name of each subscriber   Authentication of each subscriber
      
   
WPP Finance (UK)  
27 Farm Street   for and on behalf of
London W1J 5RJ   WPP Finance (UK)
WPP Group (Nominees) Limited  
27 Farm Street   for and on behalf of
London W1J 5RJ   WPP Group (Nominees) Limited

 

 

Dated 26 October 2010

 

1


THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

AN UNLIMITED COMPANY HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

of

WPP FINANCE 2010

No. 7419716

 

LOGO

Allen & Overy LLP


INDEX TO THE ARTICLES

 

Article        Page  

PRELIMINARY

  

1.

  Model articles do not apply      1   

INTERPRETATION

  

2.

  Defined terms      1   

OBJECTS

  

3.

  Unrestricted objects      2   

DIRECTORS

  

DIRECTORS’ GENERAL POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  

4.

  Directors’ general powers      3   

5.

  Shareholders’ reserve power      3   

6.

  Directors’ duties      3   

7.

  Directors may delegate      3   

8.

  Committees      4   

DECISION-MAKING BY DIRECTORS

  

9.

  Directors to take decisions collectively      4   

10.

  Unanimous decisions      4   

11.

  Calling a directors’ meeting      4   

12.

  Participation in directors’ meetings      5   

13.

  Quorum for directors’ meetings      5   

14.

  Chairing of directors’ meetings      5   

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

  

15.

  Directors’ interests in relation to transactions or arrangements with the company      6   

16.

  Directors’ interests other than in relation to transactions or arrangements with the company      6   

17.

  Directors’ interests generally and voting      7   

18.

  Records of decisions to be kept      8   

19.

  Directors’ discretion to make further rules      8   

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

  

20.

  Methods of appointing directors      8   

21.

  Termination of director’s appointment      9   

22.

  Appointment and termination of appointments of directors by majority shareholders      9   

23.

  Directors’ services and remuneration      9   

24.

  Directors’ expenses      10   

25.

  Directors’ pensions and other benefits      10   

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

  

26.

  Appointment and removal of alternates      10   

27.

  Rights and responsibilities of alternate directors      11   

28.

  Alternates voting at directors’ meetings      11   

29.

  Termination of alternate directorship      12   

COMPANY NAME

  

30.

  Directors’ power to change company name      12   

SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS – SHARES

  

31.

  All shares to be fully paid up      12   

32.

  Powers to allot shares      12   

33.

  Company not bound by less than absolute interests      12   

34.

  Share certificates      13   

35.

  Replacement share certificates      13   

36.

  Share transfers      14   

37.

  Transmission of shares      14   

 

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38.

  Exercise of transmittees’ rights      14   

39.

  Transmittees bound by prior notices      15   

40.

  Alteration of share capital      15   

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

  

41.

  Procedure for declaring dividends      15   

42.

  Payment of dividends and other distributions      16   

43.

  No interest on distributions      16   

44.

  Unclaimed distributions      16   

45.

  Non-cash distributions      17   

46.

  Waiver of distributions      17   

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

  

47.

  Authority to capitalise and appropriation of capitalised sums      17   

DECISION-MAKING BY SHAREHOLDERS – ORGANISATION OF GENERAL MEETINGS

  

48.

  Notice of general meeting      18   

49.

  Attendance and speaking at general meetings      18   

50.

  Quorum for general meetings      19   

51.

  Chairing general meetings      19   

52.

  Attendance and speaking by directors and non-shareholders      19   

53.

  Adjournment      19   

VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS

  

54.

 

Voting: general

     20   

55.

  Errors and disputes      20   

56.

  Poll votes      20   

57.

  Content of proxy notices      21   

58.

  Delivery of proxy notices etc.      21   

59.

  Amendments to resolutions      22   

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

  

60.

  Means of communication to be used      22   

61.

  When a communication from the company is deemed received      22   

62.

  Notices in writing given to the company by majority shareholders      23   

63.

  Company seals      23   

64.

  No right to inspect accounts and other records      24   

65.

  Provision for employees on cessation of business      24   

WINDING UP

  

66.

  Winding up      24   

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

  

67.

  Indemnity      24   

68.

  Insurance      25   

 

ii


Company number

7419716

THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

AN UNLIMITED COMPANY HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

WPP FINANCE 2010

PRELIMINARY

 

1. Model articles do not apply

None of the articles in the model articles set out in The Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 shall apply to the company.

INTERPRETATION

 

2. Defined terms

 

(a) In the articles, unless the context requires otherwise:

alternate or alternate director has the meaning given in article 26 and article 27 respectively;

articles means the company’s articles of association, as from time to time amended;

bankruptcy includes individual insolvency proceedings in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales or Northern Ireland which have an effect similar to that of bankruptcy;

chairman has the meaning given in article 14;

chairman of the meeting has the meaning given in article 51;

Companies Act means the Companies Act 2006 including any statutory modification or re-enactment of it for the time being in force;

company means WPP Finance 2010 (registered number 7419716);

director means a director of the company, and includes any person occupying the position of director, by whatever name called;

distribution recipient has the meaning given in article 42;

document includes, unless otherwise specified, any document sent or supplied in electronic form;

electronic form has the meaning given in section 1168 of the Companies Act;

 

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eligible director means a director who is entitled to vote on the relevant matter at a directors’ meeting but excluding any director whose vote is not to be counted in respect of the relevant matter;

fully paid in relation to a share, means that the nominal value and any premium to be paid to the company in respect of that share have been paid to the company;

hard copy form has the meaning given in section 1168 of the Companies Act;

holder in relation to shares means the person whose name is entered in the register of members as the holder of the shares;

instrument means a document in hard copy form;

ordinary resolution has the meaning given in section 282 of the Companies Act;

paid means paid or credited as paid;

participate, in relation to a directors’ meeting, has the meaning given in article 12;

proxy notice has the meaning given in article 57;

relevant situation has the meaning given in article 16;

shareholder means a person who is the holder of a share;

shares means shares in the company;

special resolution has the meaning given in section 283 of the Companies Act;

subsidiary has the meaning given in section 1159 of the Companies Act;

transmittee means a person entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder or otherwise by operation of law; and

writing means the representation or reproduction of words, symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.

 

(b) Unless the context otherwise requires, other words or expressions contained in these articles bear the same meaning as in the Companies Act as in force on the date when these articles become binding on the company.

 

(c) Unless the contrary intention appears, words importing the singular number include the plural number and vice versa, words importing one gender include all genders and words importing persons include bodies corporate and unincorporated associations.

 

(d) Headings to the articles are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect construction.

OBJECTS

 

3. Unrestricted objects

Nothing in the articles shall constitute a restriction on the objects of the company to do (or omit to do) any act and in accordance with section 31(1) of the Companies Act, the company’s objects are unrestricted.

 

2


DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS’ GENERAL POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

4. Directors’ general powers

Subject to the articles, the directors are responsible for the management of the company’s business, for which purpose they may exercise all the powers of the company.

 

5. Shareholders’ reserve power

 

(a) The shareholders may, by special resolution, direct the directors to take, or refrain from taking, specified action.

 

(b) No such special resolution invalidates anything which the directors have done before the passing of the resolution.

 

6. Directors’ duties

 

(a) The purpose of the company:

 

  (i) may, if and to the extent that the directors consider it appropriate; and

 

  (ii) shall, if directed by the holders of the majority of the shares by notice in writing to the company,

include promoting the success of the group as a whole or of any one or more members of the group (and in this context group means the company, any other body corporate which is its holding company or subsidiary and any other body corporate which is a subsidiary of that holding company).

 

(b) In the exercise of his duties, a director shall not be restricted by any duty of confidentiality to the company from providing information regarding the company to a holding company of the company but a director who is also a director of any holding company of the company shall owe a strict duty of confidentiality to that holding company in relation to confidential information of the holding company.

 

7. Directors may delegate

 

(a) Subject to the articles, the directors may delegate any of the powers which are conferred on them under the articles:

 

  (i) to such person or committee;

 

  (ii) by such means (including by power of attorney);

 

  (iii) to such an extent;

 

  (iv) in relation to such matters or territories; and

 

  (v) on such terms and conditions,

as they think fit.

 

(b) If the directors so specify, any such delegation may authorise further delegation of the directors’ powers by any person to whom they are delegated.

 

3


(c) The directors may revoke any delegation in whole or part, or alter its terms and conditions.

 

8. Committees

 

(a) Committees to which the directors delegate any of their powers must follow procedures which are based as far as they are applicable on those provisions of the articles which govern the taking of decisions by directors.

 

(b) The directors may make rules of procedure for all or any committees, which prevail over rules derived from the articles if they are not consistent with them.

DECISION-MAKING BY DIRECTORS

 

9. Directors to take decisions collectively

 

(a) The general rule about decision-making by directors is that any decision of the directors must be either a majority decision at a meeting or a decision taken in accordance with article 10.

 

(b) If:

 

  (i) the company only has one director; and

 

  (ii) no provision of the articles requires it to have more than one director,

the general rule does not apply, and the director may take decisions without regard to any of the provisions of the articles relating to directors’ decision-making.

 

10. Unanimous decisions

 

(a) A decision of the directors is taken in accordance with this article when all eligible directors indicate to each other by any means that they share a common view on a matter.

 

(b) Such a decision may take the form of a resolution in writing, copies of which have been signed by each eligible director or to which each eligible director has otherwise indicated agreement in writing.

 

(c) A decision may not be taken in accordance with this article if the eligible directors would not have formed a quorum at such a meeting.

 

11. Calling a directors’ meeting

 

(a) Any director may call a directors’ meeting by giving notice of the meeting to the directors or by authorising the company secretary (if any) to give such notice.

 

(b) Notice of any directors’ meeting must indicate:

 

  (i) its proposed date and time;

 

  (ii) where it is to take place; and

 

  (iii) if it is anticipated that directors participating in the meeting will not be in the same place, how it is proposed that they should communicate with each other during the meeting.

 

(c) Notice of a directors’ meeting must be given to each director, but need not be in writing.

 

4


(d) Notice of a directors’ meeting need not be given to directors who waive their entitlement to notice of that meeting, by giving notice to that effect to the company not more than 7 days after the date on which the meeting is held. Where such notice is given after the meeting has been held, that does not affect the validity of the meeting, or of any business conducted at it.

 

12. Participation in directors’ meetings

 

(a) Subject to the articles, directors participate in a directors’ meeting, or part of a directors’ meeting, when:

 

  (i) the meeting has been called and takes place in accordance with the articles; and

 

  (ii) they can each communicate to the others any information or opinions they have on any particular item of the business of the meeting.

 

(b) In determining whether directors are participating in a directors’ meeting, it is irrelevant where any director is or how they communicate with each other.

 

(c) If all the directors participating in a meeting are not in the same place, they may decide that the meeting is to be treated as taking place wherever any of them is. In the absence of such a decision, the meeting is deemed to take place at the location from where the chairman participates.

 

13. Quorum for directors’ meetings

 

(a) At a directors’ meeting, unless a quorum is participating, no proposal is to be voted on, except a proposal to call another meeting.

 

(b) The quorum for directors’ meetings may be fixed from time to time by a decision of the directors, but subject to paragraph (c), it must never be less than two eligible directors, and unless otherwise fixed it is two eligible directors.

 

(c) For the purpose of any directors’ meeting (or part of a meeting) held in accordance with article 16 to authorise a director’s conflict of interest, if only one eligible director is in office, the quorum is one eligible director.

 

(d) If the total number of directors for the time being in office is less than the quorum required, the director or directors in office must not take any decision other than a decision:

 

  (i) to appoint further directors; or

 

  (ii) to call a general meeting so as to enable the shareholders to appoint further directors.

 

14. Chairing of directors’ meetings

 

(a) The directors may appoint a director to chair their meetings.

 

(b) The person so appointed for the time being is known as the chairman.

 

(c) The directors may terminate the chairman’s appointment at any time.

 

(d) If the chairman is not participating in a directors’ meeting within ten minutes of the time at which it was to start, the participating directors may appoint one of themselves to chair it.

 

5


DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

 

15. Directors’ interests in relation to transactions or arrangements with the company

The relevant provisions of the Companies Act (including without limitation sections 177 and 182 of the Companies Act) shall apply in relation to declarations of interests in proposed and existing transactions or arrangements with the company.

 

16. Directors’ interests other than in relation to transactions or arrangements with the company

 

(a) If a situation (a relevant situation) arises in which a director has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the company (including, without limitation, in relation to the exploitation of any property, information or opportunity, whether or not the company could take advantage of it but excluding any situation which cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest) the following provisions shall apply if the conflict of interest does not arise in relation to a transaction or arrangement with the company:

 

  (i) if the relevant situation arises from the appointment or proposed appointment of a person as a director of the company:

 

  (A) the directors (other than the director, and any other director with a similar interest, who shall not be counted in the quorum at the meeting and shall not vote on the resolution); or

 

  (B) the shareholders (by ordinary resolution or by notice in writing given to the company by the holders of a majority of the shares),

may resolve to authorise the appointment of the director and the relevant situation on such terms as they may determine;

 

  (ii) if the relevant situation arises in circumstances other than in paragraph (i):

 

  (A) the directors (other than the director and any other director with a similar interest who shall not be counted in the quorum at the meeting and shall not vote on the resolution); or

 

  (B) the shareholders (by ordinary resolution or by notice in writing given to the company by the holders of a majority of the shares),

may resolve to authorise the relevant situation and the continuing performance by the director of his duties on such terms as they may determine.

 

(b) Any reference in paragraph (a) to a conflict of interest includes a conflict of interest and duty and a conflict of duties.

 

(c) Any terms determined by the directors or the shareholders under paragraphs (a)(i) or (a)(ii) may be imposed at the time of the authorisation or may be imposed or varied subsequently by either the directors or the shareholders and may include (without limitation):

 

  (i) whether the interested directors may vote (and be counted in the quorum at any meeting) in relation to any decision relating to the relevant situation;

 

  (ii) the exclusion of the interested directors from all information and discussion by the company of the relevant situation; and

 

6


  (iii) (without prejudice to the general obligations of confidentiality) the application to the interested directors of a strict duty of confidentiality to the company for any confidential information of the company in relation to the relevant situation.

 

(d) Any authorisation given under paragraphs (a)(i) or (a)(ii) may be withdrawn by either the directors or the shareholders by giving notice to the director concerned.

 

(e) An interested director must act in accordance with any terms determined by the directors or the shareholders under paragraphs (a)(i) or (a)(ii).

 

(f) Except as specified in paragraph (a), any proposal made to the directors and any authorisation by the directors in relation to a relevant situation shall be dealt with in the same way as any other matter may be proposed to and decided by the directors in accordance with the articles.

 

(g) Any authorisation of a relevant situation given by the directors or the shareholders under paragraph (a) may provide that, where the interested director obtains (other than through his position as a director of the company) information that is confidential to a third party, he will not be obliged to disclose it to the company or to use it in relation to the company’s affairs in circumstances where to do so would amount to a breach of that confidence.

 

(h)

(i)

If the directors make an authorisation under paragraph (a), impose or vary the terms of an authorisation under paragraph (c), or withdraw an authorisation under paragraph (d), they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify the shareholders of this fact and provide, where applicable, any relevant particulars regarding the authorisation or its terms.

 

  (ii) If the shareholders make an authorisation under paragraph (a), impose or vary the terms of an authorisation under paragraph (c), or withdraw an authorisation under paragraph (d), they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify the directors of this fact and provide, where applicable, any relevant particulars regarding the authorisation or its terms.

 

(i)     (i) A director shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, declare the nature and extent of his interest in a relevant situation within paragraph (a)(i) or (a)(ii) to the other directors and the shareholders.

Failure to comply with this requirement does not affect the underlying duty to make the declaration of interest.

 

  (ii) If a declaration of interest in relation to a relevant situation proves to be, or becomes, inaccurate or incomplete, a further declaration must be made.

 

17. Directors’ interests generally and voting

 

(a) Subject to the Companies Act and to articles 15 and 16, a director notwithstanding his office:

 

  (i) may be a party to, or otherwise interested or participate in, any transaction or arrangement with the company or in which the company is otherwise interested, including any such pensions, other benefits, transactions or arrangements as are referred to in article 25;

 

  (ii) may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for the company (except as auditor) and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration as if he were not a director;

 

  (iii) may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate promoted by the company or in which the company is otherwise interested; and

 

7


  (iv) shall not, by reason of his office (or of the fiduciary relationship established by holding that office), be accountable to the company for any remuneration, profit or other benefit resulting from any relevant situation authorised under article 16 or any interest permitted under paragraphs (a)(i), (a)(ii), or (a)(iii), and no contract, transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the grounds of any director having an interest authorised under article 16 or permitted under paragraphs (a)(i), (a)(ii), or (a)(iii).

 

(b) Subject to articles 15 and 16 and to any contrary direction from the holders of a majority of the shares, a director shall be entitled to vote on any decision concerning any matter in which he has, directly or indirectly, an interest or a duty.

 

(c) In the case of an alternate director, an interest of his appointor shall be treated as an interest of the alternate in addition to any interest which the alternate otherwise has.

 

(d) Subject to the Companies Act, the company may, by ordinary resolution or by notice in writing given to the company by the holders of a majority of the shares, suspend or relax the provisions of this article to any extent or ratify any contract, transaction or arrangement not duly authorised by reason of a contravention of this article.

 

(e) Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment of two or more directors to offices or employments with the company or any body corporate in which the company is interested, the proposals may be divided and considered in relation to each director separately and (provided he is not otherwise precluded from voting) each of the directors concerned shall be entitled to vote (and to form part of the quorum) in respect of each proposal except that concerning his own appointment.

 

(f) Subject to paragraph (g), if a question arises at a meeting of directors or of a committee of directors as to the right of a director to participate in the meeting (or part of the meeting) for voting and quorum purposes, the question may, before the conclusion of the meeting, be referred to the chairman whose ruling in relation to any director other than the chairman is to be final and conclusive.

 

(g) If any question as to the right to participate in the meeting (or part of the meeting) should arise in respect of the chairman, the question is to be decided by a decision of the directors at that meeting, for which purpose the chairman is not to be counted as participating in the meeting (or that part of the meeting) for voting and quorum purposes.

 

18. Records of decisions to be kept

The directors must ensure that the company keeps a record, in writing, for at least 10 years from the date of the decision recorded, of every unanimous or majority decision taken by the directors.

 

19. Directors’ discretion to make further rules

Subject to the articles, the directors may make any rule which they think fit about how they take decisions, and about how such rules are to be recorded or communicated to directors.

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

 

20. Methods of appointing directors

 

(a) Any person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, may be appointed to be a director:

 

  (i) by ordinary resolution; or

 

8


  (ii) by a decision of the directors.

 

(b) In any case where, as a result of death, the company has no shareholders and no directors, the personal representatives of the last shareholder to have died have the right, by notice in writing, to appoint a person to be a director.

 

(c) For the purposes of paragraph (b), where 2 or more shareholders die in circumstances rendering it uncertain who was the last to die, a younger shareholder is deemed to have survived an older shareholder.

 

21. Termination of director’s appointment

A person ceases to be a director as soon as:

 

  (a) that person ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the Companies Act or is prohibited from being a director by law;

 

  (b) a bankruptcy order is made against that person;

 

  (c) a composition is made with that person’s creditors generally in satisfaction of that person’s debts;

 

  (d) a registered medical practitioner who has examined him gives a written opinion to the company stating that that person has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director and may remain so for more than three months;

 

  (e) by reason of that person’s mental health, a court makes an order which wholly or partly prevents that person from personally exercising any powers or rights which that person would otherwise have; or

 

  (f) notification is received by the company from the director that the director is resigning from office, and such resignation has taken effect in accordance with its terms.

 

22. Appointment and termination of appointments of directors by majority shareholders

The holders of the majority of the shares may appoint any person as a director and may remove any director. Any appointment or removal shall be made by notice in writing to the company signed by the holders or on their behalf and shall take effect when it is lodged at the registered office or produced at any directors’ meeting. Articles 20 and 21 shall be amended accordingly.

 

23. Directors’ services and remuneration

 

(a) Directors may undertake any services for the company that the directors decide and the company may enter into a contract of service with any director on such terms as the directors think fit.

 

(b) Any appointment of a director to an executive office shall terminate if he ceases to be a director but without prejudice to any claim to damages for breach of contract of service between the director and the company.

 

(c) Directors are entitled to such remuneration as the directors determine:

 

  (i) for their services to the company as directors; and

 

  (ii) for any other service which they undertake for the company.

 

9


(d) Subject to the articles, a director’s remuneration may take any form.

 

(e) Unless the directors decide otherwise, directors’ remuneration accrues from day to day.

 

24. Directors’ expenses

The company may pay any reasonable expenses which the directors, alternate directors and the company secretary (if any) properly incur in connection with their attendance at:

 

  (a) meetings of directors or committees of directors;

 

  (b) general meetings; or

 

  (c) separate meetings of the holders of any class of shares or of debentures of the company,

or otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their responsibilities in relation to the company.

 

25. Directors’ pensions and other benefits

The directors may exercise all the powers of the company to:

 

  (a) pay, provide, arrange or procure the grant of pensions or other retirement benefits, death, disability or sickness benefits, health, accident and other insurances or other such benefits, allowances, gratuities or insurances, including in relation to the termination of employment, to or for the benefit of any person who is or has been at any time a director of the company or in the employment or service of the company or of any body corporate which is or was associated with the company or of the predecessors in business of the company or any such associated body corporate, or the relatives or dependants of any such person. For that purpose, the directors may procure the establishment and maintenance of, or participation in, or contribution to, any pension fund, scheme or arrangement and the payment of any insurance premiums;

 

  (b) establish, maintain, adopt and enable participation in any profit sharing or incentive scheme including shares, share options or cash or any similar schemes for the benefit of any director or employee of the company or of any associated body corporate, and to lend money to any such director or employee or to trustees on their behalf to enable any such schemes to be established, maintained or adopted; and

 

  (c) support and subscribe to any institution or association which may be for the benefit of the company or associated body corporate or any directors or employees of the company or associated body corporate or their relatives or dependants or connected with any town or place where the company or an associated body corporate carries on business, and to support and subscribe to any charitable or public object whatsoever.

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

 

26. Appointment and removal of alternates

 

(a) Any director (the appointor) may appoint as an alternate any other director, or any other person to:

 

  (i) exercise that director’s powers; and

 

  (ii) carry out that director’s responsibilities,

in relation to the taking of decisions by the directors in the absence of the alternate’s appointor.

 

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(b) Any appointment or removal of an alternate must be effected by notice in writing to the company signed by the appointor, or in any other manner approved by the directors.

 

(c) The notice must:

 

  (i) identify the proposed alternate; and

 

  (ii) in the case of a notice of appointment, contain a statement signed by the proposed alternate that the proposed alternate is willing to act as the alternate of the director giving the notice.

 

27. Rights and responsibilities of alternate directors

 

(a) Subject to the articles, an alternate may act as an alternate director to more than one director and has the same rights, in relation to any decision of the directors as the alternate’s appointor.

 

(b) Except as the articles specify otherwise, alternate directors:

 

  (i) are deemed for all purposes to be directors;

 

  (ii) are liable for their own acts and omissions;

 

  (iii) are subject to the same restrictions as their appointors; and

 

  (iv) are not deemed to be agents of or for their appointors,

and, in particular, each alternate director shall be entitled to receive notice of all directors’ meetings and of all committee meetings of directors of which his appointor is a member.

 

(c) Subject to the articles, a person who is an alternate director but not a director:

 

  (i) may be counted as participating for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is present (but only if that person’s appointor is not participating); and

 

  (ii) may otherwise participate in a unanimous decision of the directors (but only if his appointor is an eligible director in relation to that decision and is not participating).

No alternate may be counted as more than one director for such purposes.

 

(d) An alternate director is not entitled to receive any remuneration from the company for serving as an alternate director except such part of the alternate’s appointor’s remuneration as the appointor may direct by notice in writing made to the company.

 

28. Alternates voting at directors’ meetings

Subject to the articles, a director who is also an alternate director has an additional vote at a directors’ meeting on behalf of each appointor who is:

 

  (a) not participating in the directors’ meeting; and

 

  (b) would have been an eligible director if he were participating in it.

No alternate may be counted as more than one director for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.

 

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29. Termination of alternate directorship

An alternate director’s appointment as an alternate terminates:

 

  (a) when the alternate’s appointor revokes the appointment by notice to the company in writing specifying when it is to terminate;

 

  (b) on the occurrence in relation to the alternate of any event which, if it occurred in relation to the alternate’s appointor, would result in the termination of the appointor’s appointment as a director;

 

  (c) on the death of the alternate’s appointor;

 

  (d) when the alternate’s appointor’s appointment as a director terminates; or

 

  (e) where the directors otherwise decide.

COMPANY NAME

 

30. Directors’ power to change company name

The directors may change the name of the company.

SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS – SHARES

 

31. All shares to be fully paid up

 

(a) No share is to be issued for less than the aggregate of its nominal value and any premium to be paid to the company in consideration for its issue.

 

(b) This does not apply to shares taken on the formation of the company by the subscribers to the company’s memorandum.

 

32. Powers to allot shares

 

(a) In accordance with section 550 of the Companies Act, the directors may exercise any power of the company to allot shares or to grant rights to subscribe for or convert any security into shares with such rights and restrictions as they may determine.

 

(b) Subject to the articles, but without prejudice to paragraph (a) or to the rights attached to any existing share, the company may issue further classes of shares with such rights or restrictions as may be determined by ordinary resolution.

 

(c) Sections 561 and 562 of the Companies Act are excluded.

 

(d) In the event that rights and restrictions attaching to shares are determined by ordinary resolution or by the directors pursuant to this article, those rights and restrictions shall apply, in particular in place of any rights or restrictions that would otherwise apply by virtue of the Companies Act in the absence of any provisions in the articles of a company, as if those rights and restrictions were set out in the articles.

 

33. Company not bound by less than absolute interests

Except as required by law, no person is to be recognised by the company as holding any share upon any trust, and except as otherwise required by law or the articles, the company is not in any way to be bound by or recognise any interest in a share other than the holder’s absolute ownership of it and all the rights attaching to it.

 

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34. Share certificates

 

(a) The company must issue each shareholder, free of charge, with one or more certificates in respect of the shares which that shareholder holds.

 

(b) Every certificate must specify:

 

  (i) in respect of how many shares, of what class, it is issued;

 

  (ii) the nominal value of those shares;

 

  (iii) that the shares are fully paid; and

 

  (iv) any distinguishing numbers assigned to them.

 

(c) No certificate may be issued in respect of shares of more than one class.

 

(d) If more than one person holds a share, only one certificate may be issued in respect of it.

 

(e) Certificates must:

 

  (i) have affixed to them the company’s common or official seal and in the case of an official seal, unless otherwise determined by the directors, the certificate does not need to be signed.; or

 

  (ii) be otherwise executed in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

35. Replacement share certificates

 

(a) If a certificate issued in respect of a shareholder’s shares is:

 

  (i) damaged or defaced; or

 

  (ii) said to be lost, stolen or destroyed,

that shareholder is entitled to be issued with a replacement certificate in respect of the same shares.

 

(b) A shareholder exercising the right to be issued with such a replacement certificate:

 

  (i) may at the same time exercise the right to be issued with a single certificate or separate certificates;

 

  (ii) must return the certificate which is to be replaced to the company if it is damaged or defaced; and

 

  (iii) must comply with such conditions as to evidence, indemnity and the payment of a reasonable fee as the directors decide.

 

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36. Share transfers

 

(a) Shares may be transferred by means of an instrument of transfer in any usual form or any other form approved by the directors. Share transfers must be executed both by or on behalf of the transferor and by or on behalf of the transferee.

 

(b) No fee may be charged for registering any instrument of transfer or other document relating to or affecting the title to any share.

 

(c) The company may retain any instrument of transfer which is registered.

 

(d) The transferor remains the holder of a share until the transferee’s name is entered in the register of members as holder of it.

 

(e) The directors may refuse to register the transfer of a share unless:

 

  (i) it is lodged at the registered office or at such place as the directors may appoint and is accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

  (ii) it is in respect of one class of shares only; and

 

  (iii) it is in favour of not more than four transferees.

 

37. Transmission of shares

 

(a) If title to a share passes to a transmittee, the company may only recognise the transmittee as having any title to that share.

 

(b) A transmittee who produces such evidence of entitlement to shares as the directors may properly require:

 

  (i) may, subject to the articles, choose either to become the holder of those shares or to have them transferred to another person; and

 

  (ii) subject to the articles, and pending any transfer of the shares to another person, has the same rights as the holder had.

 

(c) But transmittees do not have the right to attend or vote at a general meeting, or agree to a proposed written resolution, in respect of shares to which they are entitled, by reason of the holder’s death or bankruptcy or otherwise, unless they become the holders of those shares.

 

38. Exercise of transmittees’ rights

 

(a) Transmittees who wish to become the holders of shares to which they have become entitled must notify the company in writing of that wish.

 

(b) If the transmittee wishes to have a share transferred to another person, the transmittee must execute an instrument of transfer in respect of it.

 

(c) Any transfer made or executed under this article is to be treated as if it were made or executed by the person from whom the transmittee has derived rights in respect of the share, and as if the event which gave rise to the transmission had not occurred.

 

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39. Transmittees bound by prior notices

If a notice is given to a shareholder in respect of shares and a transmittee (or a transferee nominated by such transmittee pursuant to article 38) is entitled to those shares, the transmittee (or transferee) is bound by the notice if it was given to the shareholder before the transmittee’s (or transferee’s) name has been entered in the register of members.

 

40. Alteration of share capital

The company may by special resolution:

 

  (a) increase its share capital by allotting new shares;

 

  (b) sub-divide its shares, or any of them into shares of a smaller nominal amount than its existing shares or consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of a larger nominal amount than its existing shares;

 

  (c) cancel any shares which at the date of the passing of the resolution have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person; and

 

  (d) reduce its share capital and share premium account in any way.

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

 

41. Procedure for declaring dividends

 

(a) The company may by ordinary resolution declare dividends, and the directors may decide to pay interim dividends.

 

(b) A dividend must not be declared unless the directors have made a recommendation as to its amount. Such a dividend must not exceed the amount recommended by the directors.

 

(c) No dividend may be declared or paid unless it is in accordance with shareholders’ respective rights.

 

(d) Unless the shareholders’ resolution to declare or directors’ decision to pay a dividend, or the terms on which shares are issued, specify otherwise, it must be paid by reference to each shareholder’s holding of shares on the date of the resolution or decision to declare or pay it.

 

(e) If the company’s share capital is divided into different classes, no interim dividend may be paid on shares carrying deferred or non-preferred rights if, at the time of payment, any preferential dividend is in arrear.

 

(f) The directors may pay at intervals any dividend payable at a fixed rate if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution justify the payment.

 

(g) If the directors act in good faith, they do not incur any liability to the holders of shares conferring preferred rights for any loss they may suffer by the lawful payment of an interim dividend on shares with deferred or non-preferred rights.

 

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42. Payment of dividends and other distributions

 

(a) Where a dividend or other sum which is a distribution is payable in respect of a share, it must be paid by one or more of the following means:

 

  (i) transfer to a bank or building society account specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide;

 

  (ii) sending a cheque made payable to the distribution recipient by post to the distribution recipient at the distribution recipient’s registered address (if the distribution recipient is a holder of the share), or (in any other case) to an address specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide;

 

  (iii) sending a cheque made payable to such person by post to such person at such address as the distribution recipient has specified either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide; or

 

  (iv) any other means of payment as the directors agree with the distribution recipient either in writing or by such other means as the directors decide.

 

(b) In the articles, the distribution recipient means, in respect of a share in respect of which a dividend or other sum is payable:

 

  (i) the holder of the share; or

 

  (ii) if the share has two or more joint holders, whichever of them is named first in the register of members; or

 

  (iii) if the holder is no longer entitled to the share by reason of death or bankruptcy, or otherwise by operation of law, the transmittee.

 

43. No interest on distributions

The company may not pay interest on any dividend or other sum payable in respect of a share unless otherwise provided by:

 

  (a) the terms on which the share was issued; or

 

  (b) the provisions of another agreement between the holder of that share and the company.

 

44. Unclaimed distributions

 

(a) All dividends or other sums which are:

 

  (i) payable in respect of shares; and

 

  (ii) unclaimed after having been declared or become payable,

may be invested or otherwise made use of by the directors for the benefit of the company until claimed.

 

(b) The payment of any such dividend or other sum into a separate account does not make the company a trustee in respect of it.

 

(c) If:

 

  (i) twelve years have passed from the date on which a dividend or other sum became due for payment; and

 

  (ii) the distribution recipient has not claimed it,

 

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the distribution recipient is no longer entitled to that dividend or other sum and it ceases to remain owing by the company.

 

45. Non-cash distributions

 

(a) Subject to the terms of issue of the share in question, the company may, by ordinary resolution on the recommendation of the directors, decide to pay all or part of a dividend or other distribution payable in respect of a share by transferring non-cash assets of equivalent value (including, without limitation, shares or other securities in any company).

 

(b) For the purposes of paying a non-cash distribution, the directors may make whatever arrangements they think fit, including, where any difficulty arises regarding the distribution:

 

  (i) fixing the value of any assets;

 

  (ii) paying cash to any distribution recipient on the basis of that value in order to adjust the rights of recipients; and

 

  (iii) vesting any assets in trustees.

 

46. Waiver of distributions

 

(a) Distribution recipients may waive their entitlement to a dividend or other distribution payable in respect of a share by giving the company notice in writing to that effect, but if:

 

  (i) the share has more than one holder; or

 

  (ii) more than one person is entitled to the share, whether by reason of the death or bankruptcy of one or more joint holders, or otherwise,

the notice is not effective unless it is expressed to be given, and signed, by all the holders or persons otherwise entitled to the share.

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

 

47. Authority to capitalise and appropriation of capitalised sums

 

(a) Subject to the articles, the directors may, if they are so authorised by an ordinary resolution:

 

  (i) decide to capitalise any profits of the company (whether or not they are available for distribution) which are not required for paying a preferential dividend, or any sum standing to the credit of the company’s share premium account or capital redemption reserve; and

 

  (ii) appropriate any sum which they so decide to capitalise (a capitalised sum) to the persons who would have been entitled to it if it were distributed by way of dividend (the persons entitled) and in the same proportions.

 

(b) Capitalised sums must be applied:

 

  (i) on behalf of the persons entitled; and

 

  (ii) in the same proportions as a dividend would have been distributed to them.

 

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(c) Any capitalised sum may be applied in paying up new shares of a nominal amount equal to the capitalised sum which are then allotted credited as fully paid to the persons entitled or as they may direct.

 

(d) A capitalised sum which was appropriated from profits available for distribution may be applied in paying up new debentures of the company which are then allotted credited as fully paid to the persons entitled or as they may direct.

 

(e) Subject to the articles the directors may:

 

  (i) apply capitalised sums in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) partly in one way and partly in another;

 

  (ii) make such arrangements as they think fit to deal with shares or debentures becoming distributable in fractions under this article (including the issuing of fractional certificates or the making of cash payments); and

 

  (iii) authorise any person to enter into an agreement with the company on behalf of all the persons entitled which is binding on them in respect of the allotment of shares and debentures to them under this article.

DECISION-MAKING BY SHAREHOLDERS – ORGANISATION OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

48. Notice of general meeting

A shareholder present either in person or by proxy, at any general meeting of the company shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which the meeting was convened.

 

49. Attendance and speaking at general meetings

 

(a) A person is able to exercise the right to speak at a general meeting when that person is in a position to communicate to all those attending the meeting, during the meeting, any information or opinions which that person has on the business of the meeting.

 

(b) A person is able to exercise the right to vote at a general meeting when:

 

  (i) that person is able to vote, during the meeting, on resolutions put to the vote at the meeting; and

 

  (ii) that person’s vote can be taken into account in determining whether or not such resolutions are passed at the same time as the votes of all the other persons attending the meeting.

 

(c) The directors may make whatever arrangements they consider appropriate to enable those attending a general meeting to exercise their rights to speak or vote at it.

 

(d) In determining attendance at a general meeting, it is immaterial whether any two or more shareholders attending it are in the same place as each other.

 

(e) Two or more persons who are not in the same place as each other attend a general meeting if their circumstances are such that if they have (or were to have) rights to speak and vote at that meeting, they are (or would be) able to exercise them.

 

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50. Quorum for general meetings

No business other than the appointment of the chairman of the meeting is to be transacted at a general meeting if the persons attending it do not constitute a quorum.

 

51. Chairing general meetings

 

(a) If the directors have appointed a chairman, the chairman shall chair general meetings if present and willing to do so.

 

(b) If the directors have not appointed a chairman, or if the chairman is unwilling to chair the meeting or is not present within ten minutes of the time at which a meeting was due to start:

 

  (i) the directors present; or

 

  (ii) (if no directors are present), the meeting,

must appoint a director or shareholder (including a proxy or a corporate representative) to chair the meeting, and the appointment of the chairman of the meeting must be the first business of the meeting.

 

(c) The person chairing a meeting in accordance with this article is referred to as the chairman of the meeting.

 

52. Attendance and speaking by directors and non-shareholders

 

(a) Directors may attend and speak at general meetings, whether or not they are shareholders.

 

(b) The chairman of the meeting may permit other persons who are not:

 

  (i) shareholders of the company; or

 

  (ii) otherwise entitled to exercise the rights of shareholders in relation to general meetings,

to attend and speak at a general meeting.

 

53. Adjournment

 

(a) If the persons attending a general meeting within half an hour of the time at which the meeting was due to start do not constitute a quorum, or if during a meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the chairman of the meeting must adjourn it.

 

(b) The chairman of the meeting may adjourn a general meeting at which a quorum is present if:

 

  (i) the meeting consents to an adjournment; or

 

  (ii) it appears to the chairman of the meeting that an adjournment is necessary to protect the safety of any person attending the meeting or ensure that the business of the meeting is conducted in an orderly manner.

 

(c) The chairman of the meeting must adjourn a general meeting if directed to do so by the meeting.

 

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(d) When adjourning a general meeting, the chairman of the meeting must:

 

  (i) either specify the time and place to which it is adjourned or state that it is to continue at a time and place to be fixed by the directors; and

 

  (ii) have regard to any directions as to the time and place of any adjournment which have been given by the meeting.

 

(e) If the continuation of an adjourned meeting is to take place more than 14 days after it was adjourned, the company must give at least 7 clear days’ notice of it (that is, excluding the day of the adjourned meeting and the day on which the notice is given):

 

  (i) to the same persons to whom notice of the company’s general meetings is required to be given; and

 

  (ii) containing the same information which such notice is required to contain.

 

(f) No business may be transacted at an adjourned general meeting which could not properly have been transacted at the meeting if the adjournment had not taken place.

VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

54. Voting: general

A resolution put to the vote of a general meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is duly demanded in accordance with the articles.

 

55. Errors and disputes

 

(a) No objection may be raised to the qualification of any person voting at a general meeting except at the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is tendered, and every vote not disallowed at the meeting is valid.

 

(b) Any such objection must be referred to the chairman of the meeting, whose decision is final.

 

56. Poll votes

 

(a) A poll on a resolution may be demanded:

 

  (i) in advance of the general meeting where it is to be put to the vote; or

 

  (ii) at a general meeting, either before a show of hands on that resolution or immediately after the result of a show of hands on that resolution is declared.

 

(b) A poll may be demanded by:

 

  (i) the chairman of the meeting;

 

  (ii) the directors;

 

  (iii) two or more persons having the right to vote on the resolution; or

 

  (iv) a person or persons representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote on the resolution.

 

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(c) A demand for a poll may be withdrawn if:

 

  (i) the poll has not yet been taken; and

 

  (ii) the chairman of the meeting consents to the withdrawal.

 

(d) Polls must be taken immediately and in such manner as the chairman of the meeting directs.

 

57. Content of proxy notices

 

(a) Proxies may only validly be appointed by a notice in writing (a proxy notice) which:

 

  (i) states the name and address of the shareholder appointing the proxy;

 

  (ii) identifies the person appointed to be that shareholder’s proxy and the general meeting in relation to which that person is appointed;

 

  (iii) is signed by or on behalf of the shareholder appointing the proxy, or is authenticated in such manner as the directors may determine; and

 

  (iv) is delivered to the company in accordance with the articles and any instructions contained in the notice of the general meeting (or adjourned meeting) to which they relate.

 

(b) The company may require proxy notices to be delivered in a particular form, and may specify different forms for different purposes.

 

(c) Proxy notices may specify how the proxy appointed under them is to vote (or that the proxy is to abstain from voting) on one or more resolutions.

 

(d) Unless a proxy notice indicates otherwise, it must be treated as:

 

  (i) allowing the person appointed under it as a proxy discretion as to how to vote on any ancillary or procedural resolutions put to the meeting; and

 

  (ii) appointing that person as a proxy in relation to any adjournment of the general meeting to which it relates as well as the meeting itself.

 

58. Delivery of proxy notices etc.

 

(a) A person who is entitled to attend, speak or vote (either on a show of hands or on a poll) at a general meeting remains so entitled in respect of that meeting or any adjournment of it, even though a valid proxy notice has been delivered to the company by or on behalf of that person.

 

(b) An appointment under a proxy notice may be revoked by delivering to the company a notice in writing given by or on behalf of the person by whom or on whose behalf the proxy notice was given.

 

(c) A notice revoking a proxy appointment only takes effect if it is delivered before the start of the meeting or adjourned meeting to which it relates.

 

(d) If a proxy notice is not executed by the person appointing the proxy, it must be accompanied by written evidence of the authority of the person who executed it to execute it on the appointor’s behalf.

 

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59. Amendments to resolutions

 

(a) An ordinary resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution if:

 

  (i) notice of the proposed amendment is given to the company in writing by a person entitled to vote at the general meeting at which it is to be proposed not less than 48 hours before the meeting is to take place (or such later time as the chairman of the meeting may determine); and

 

  (ii) the proposed amendment does not, in the reasonable opinion of the chairman of the meeting, materially alter the scope of the resolution.

 

(b) A special resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution, if:

 

  (i) the chairman of the meeting proposes the amendment at the general meeting at which the resolution is to be proposed; and

 

  (ii) the amendment does not go beyond what is necessary to correct a grammatical or other non-substantive error in the resolution.

 

(c) If the chairman of the meeting, acting in good faith, wrongly decides that an amendment to a resolution is out of order, the chairman’s error does not invalidate the vote on that resolution.

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

 

60. Means of communication to be used

 

(a) Subject to the articles, anything sent or supplied by or to the company under the articles may be sent or supplied in any way in which the Companies Act provides for documents or information which are authorised or required by any provision of that Act to be sent or supplied by or to the company.

 

(b) Subject to the articles, any notice or document to be sent or supplied to a director in connection with the taking of decisions by directors may also be sent or supplied by the means by which that director has asked to be sent or supplied with such notices or documents for the time being.

 

(c) A director may agree with the company that notices or documents sent to that director in a particular way are to be deemed to have been received within a specified time of their being sent, and for the specified time to be less than 48 hours.

 

61. When a communication from the company is deemed received

 

(a) Any document or information, if sent by first class post, shall be deemed to have been received on the day following that on which the envelope containing it is put into the post, or, if sent by second class post, shall be deemed to have been received on the second day following that on which the envelope containing it is put into the post and in proving that a document or information has been received it shall be sufficient to prove that the letter, envelope or wrapper containing the document or information was properly addressed, prepaid and put into the post.

 

(b) Any document or information not sent by post but left at a registered address or address at which a document or information may be received shall be deemed to have been received on the day it was so left.

 

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(c) Any document or information, if sent or supplied by electronic means, shall be deemed to have been received on the day on which the document or information was sent or supplied by or on behalf of the company.

 

(d) If the company receives a delivery failure notification following a communication by electronic means in accordance with paragraph (c), the company shall send or supply the document or information in hard copy or electronic form (but not by electronic means) to the shareholder either personally or by post addressed to the shareholder at his registered address or by leaving it at that address. This shall not affect when the document or information was deemed to be received in accordance with paragraph (c).

 

(e) Where a document or information is sent or supplied by means of a website, it shall be deemed to have been received:

 

  (i) when the material was first made available on the website; or

 

  (ii) if later, when the recipient was deemed to have received notice of the fact that the material was available on the website.

 

(f) Every person who becomes entitled to a share shall be bound by every notice in respect of that share which before his name is entered in the register of members was given to the person from whom he derives his title to the share.

 

62. Notices in writing given to the company by majority shareholders

Any notice in writing given to the company by the holders of a majority of the shares shall take effect when it is lodged at the registered office or produced to any directors’ meeting.

 

63. Company seals

 

(a) Any common seal may only be used by the authority of the directors or of a committee of the directors.

 

(b) The directors may decide by what means and in what form any common seal is to be used.

 

(c) Unless otherwise decided by the directors, if the company has a common seal and it is affixed to a document, the document must also be signed by at least one authorised person in the presence of a witness who attests the signature.

 

(d) For the purposes of this article, an authorised person is:

(i) any director of the company;

 

  (ii) the company secretary (if any); or

 

  (iii) any person authorised by the directors for the purpose of signing documents to which the common seal is applied.

 

(e) The company may exercise the powers conferred by the Companies Act with regard to having official seals and those powers shall be vested in the directors. Subject to the Companies Act, any instrument to which an official seal is affixed shall be signed by such persons, if any, and affixed in such manner as the directors may from time to time determine.

 

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64. No right to inspect accounts and other records

Except as provided by law or authorised by the directors or an ordinary resolution of the company, no person is entitled to inspect any of the company’s accounting or other records or documents merely by virtue of being a shareholder.

 

65. Provision for employees on cessation of business

The directors may decide to make provision for the benefit of persons employed or formerly employed by the company or any of its subsidiaries (other than a director or former director or shadow director) in connection with the cessation or transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the company or that subsidiary.

WINDING UP

 

66. Winding up

If the company is wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the company and any other sanction required by the Companies Act, divide among the shareholders in specie the whole or any part of the assets of the company and may, for that purpose, value any assets and determine how the division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as he with like sanction determines, but no shareholder shall be compelled to accept any assets upon which there is liability.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

 

67. Indemnity

 

(a) Subject to paragraph (e), a relevant director of the company or of an associated company may be indemnified out of the company’s assets against:

 

  (i) any liability incurred by that director in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company or an associated company;

 

  (ii) any liability incurred by that director in connection with the activities of the company or an associated company in its capacity as a trustee of an occupational pension scheme (as defined in section 235(6) of the Companies Act);

 

  (iii) any other liability incurred by that director as an officer of the company or an associated company.

 

(b) The company may fund the expenditure of a relevant director of the company or of any associated company for the purposes permitted under the Companies Act and may do anything to enable such relevant director to avoid incurring such expenditure as provided in the Companies Act.

 

(c) No relevant director of the company or of any associated company shall be accountable to the company or the shareholders for any benefit provided pursuant to this article and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a director of the company.

 

(d) The powers given by this article shall not limit any general powers of the company to grant indemnities, purchase and maintain insurance or provide funds (whether by way of loan or otherwise) to any person in connection with any legal or regulatory proceedings or applications for relief.

 

24


(e) This article does not authorise any indemnity which would be prohibited or rendered void by any provision of the Companies Act or by any other provision of law.

 

(f) In this article and in article 68:

 

  (i) companies are associated if one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of the same body corporate; and

 

  (ii) a relevant director means any director or former director of the company or of an associated company.

 

68. Insurance

 

  (a) The directors may decide to purchase and maintain insurance, at the expense of the company, for the benefit of any relevant director in respect of any relevant loss.

 

  (b) In this article, a relevant loss means any loss or liability which has been or may be incurred by a relevant director in connection with that director’s duties or powers in relation to the company, any associated company or any pension fund or employees’ share scheme of the company or associated company.

 

   
Name of each subscriber   Authentication of each subscriber
      
   
WPP Finance (UK)  

27 Farm Street

  for and on behalf of

London W1J 5RJ

  WPP Finance (UK)

WPP Group (Nominees) Ltd

 

27 Farm Street

  for and on behalf of

London W1J 5RJ

  WPP Group (Nominees) Ltd

 

 

 

25

EX-3.5 3 d341681dex35.htm MEMORANDUM AND ARTICILES OF ASSOCIATION OF WPP 2005 LIMITED Memorandum and Articiles of Association of WPP 2005 Limited

Exhibit 3.5

Company number

1003653

THE COMPANIES ACT 1948 to 1967

AND

THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

OF

WPP 2005 LIMITED

(Incorporating all amendments to 23 December 2009)

We, the several persons whose names, addresses and descriptions are subscribed, are desirous of being formed into a Company in pursuance of this Memorandum of Association, and we respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the Company set opposite our respective names.

 

NAMES, ADDRESSES AND DESCRIPTIONS

OF SUBSCRIBERS

  Number of Shares (in words) taken by
each Subscriber

Dorothy May Graeme,

61 Fairview Avenue,

Wigmore, Gillingham,

Kent.

Company Director

  One

Paul Gordon Graeme,

61 Fairview Avenue,

Wigmore, Gillingham,

Kent.

Company Director

  One
        Total shares taken   Two

Dated the 11th day of February, 1971.

 

Witness to the above signatures:   

Janet Dorothy Louisc Graeme,

61 Fairview Avenue,

Wigmore, Gillingham,

Kent.

Company Director

 

LOGO

ALLEN & OVERY LLP

LONDON


THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

NEW ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

of

WPP 2005 LIMITED

(Adopted by special resolution passed on 23 December 2009)

No. 1003653

 

LOGO


INDEX TO THE ARTICLES

 

Article    Page  

PRELIMINARY

  

1.

  Model regulations do not apply      1   

INTERPRETATION

  

2.

  Defined terms      1   

OBJECTS

  

3.

  Unrestricted objects      2   

LIMITED LIABILITY

  

4.

  Liability of members      3   

DIRECTORS

  

DIRECTORS’ GENERAL POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  

5.

  Directors’ general powers      3   

6.

  Shareholders’ reserve power      3   

7.

  Directors’ duties      3   

8.

  Directors may delegate      3   

9.

  Committees      4   

DECISION-MAKING BY DIRECTORS

  

10.

  Directors to take decisions collectively      4   

11.

  Unanimous decisions      4   

12.

  Calling a directors’ meeting      4   

13.

  Participation in directors’ meetings      5   

14.

  Quorum for directors’ meetings      5   

15.

  Chairing of directors’ meetings      5   

DIRECTORS' INTERESTS

  

16.

  Directors’ interests in relation to transactions or arrangements with the Company      6   

17.

  Directors’ interests other than in relation to transactions or arrangements with the Company      6   

18.

  Directors’ interests generally and voting      7   

19.

  Records of decisions to be kept      8   

20.

  Directors’ discretion to make further rules      9   

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

  

21.

  Methods of appointing directors      9   

22.

  Termination of director’s appointment      9   

23.

  Appointment and termination of appointments of directors by majority shareholders      9   

24.

  Directors’ services and remuneration      10   

25.

  Directors’ expenses      10   

26.

  Directors’ pensions and other benefits      10   

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

  

27.

  Appointment and removal of alternates      11   

28.

  Rights and responsibilities of alternate directors      11   

29.

  Alternates voting at directors’ meetings      12   

30.

  Termination of alternate directorship      12   

COMPANY NAME

  

31.

  Directors’ power to change Company name      12   

SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS – SHARES

  

32.

  All shares to be fully paid up      12   

33.

  Powers to allot shares      12   

34.

  Variation of rights      13   

35.

  Share capital      14   

36.

  Company not bound by less than absolute interests      14   

 

i


37.

   Share certificates      14   

38.

   Replacement share certificates      15   

39.

   Share transfers      15   

40.

   Transmission of shares      16   

41.

   Exercise of transmittees’ rights      16   

42.

   Transmittees bound by prior notices      16   

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

  

43.

   Procedure for declaring dividends      16   

44.

   Payment of dividends and other distributions      17   

45.

   No interest on distributions      17   

46.

   Unclaimed distributions      17   

47.

   Non-cash distributions      18   

48.

   Waiver of distributions      18   

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

  

49.

   Authority to capitalise and appropriation of capitalised sums      18   

DECISION-MAKING BY SHAREHOLDERS – ORGANISATION OF GENERAL MEETINGS

  

50.

   Notice of general meeting      19   

51.

   Attendance and speaking at general meetings      19   

52.

   Quorum for general meetings      20   

53.

   Chairing general meetings      20   

54.

   Attendance and speaking by directors and non-shareholders      20   

55.

   Adjournment      20   

VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS

  

56.

   Voting: general      21   

57.

   Errors and disputes      21   

58.

   Poll votes      21   

59.

   Content of proxy notices      22   

60.

   Delivery of proxy notices etc.      22   

61.

   Amendments to resolutions      23   

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

  

62.

   Means of communication to be used      23   

63.

   When a communication from the Company is deemed received      23   

64.

   Notices in writing given to the Company by majority shareholders      24   

65.

   Company seals      24   

66.

   No right to inspect accounts and other records      25   

67.

   Provision for employees on cessation of business      25   

WINDING UP

  

68.

   Winding up      25   

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

  

69.

   Indemnity      25   

70.

   Insurance      26   

 

ii


Company number

1003653

THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

NEW ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

WPP 2005 LIMITED

(the Company)

(adopted by special resolution passed on 23 December 2009)

PRELIMINARY

 

1. Model regulations do not apply

None of the regulations in Table A in the Schedule to the Companies (Tables A to F) Regulations 1985, as amended shall apply to the Company.

INTERPRETATION

 

2. Defined terms

 

(a) In the articles, unless the context requires otherwise:

alternate or alternate director has the meaning given in article 27 and article 28 respectively;

articles means the Company’s articles of association, as from time to time amended;

bankruptcy includes individual insolvency proceedings in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales or Northern Ireland which have an effect similar to that of bankruptcy;

chairman has the meaning given in article 15;

chairman of the meeting has the meaning given in article 53;

Companies Act means the Companies Act 2006 including any statutory modification or re-enactment of it for the time being in force;

director means a director of the Company, and includes any person occupying the position of director, by whatever name called;

distribution recipient has the meaning given in article 44;

document includes, unless otherwise specified, any document sent or supplied in electronic form;

electronic form has the meaning given in section 1168 of the Companies Act;

 

1


eligible director means a director who is entitled to vote on the relevant matter at a directors’ meeting but excluding any director whose vote is not to be counted in respect of the relevant matter;

fully paid in relation to a share, means that the nominal value and any premium to be paid to the Company in respect of that share have been paid to the Company;

hard copy form has the meaning given in section 1168 of the Companies Act;

holder in relation to shares means the person whose name is entered in the register of members as the holder of the shares;

instrument means a document in hard copy form;

ordinary resolution has the meaning given in section 282 of the Companies Act;

paid means paid or credited as paid;

participate, in relation to a directors’ meeting, has the meaning given in article 13;

proxy notice has the meaning given in article 59;

relevant situation has the meaning given in article 17;

shareholder means a person who is the holder of a share;

shares means shares in the Company;

special resolution has the meaning given in section 283 of the Companies Act;

subsidiary has the meaning given in section 1159 of the Companies Act;

transmittee means a person entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder or otherwise by operation of law; and

writing means the representation or reproduction of words, symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.

 

(b) Unless the context otherwise requires, other words or expressions contained in these articles bear the same meaning as in the Companies Act as in force on the date when these articles become binding on the Company.

 

(c) Unless the contrary intention appears, words importing the singular number include the plural number and vice versa, words importing one gender include all genders and words importing persons include bodies corporate and unincorporated associations.

 

(d) Headings to the articles are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect construction.

OBJECTS

 

3. Unrestricted objects

Nothing in the articles shall constitute a restriction on the objects of the Company to do (or omit to do) any act and in accordance with section 31(1) of the Companies Act, the Company’s objects are unrestricted.

 

2


LIMITED LIABILITY

 

4. Liability of members

The liability of the members is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held by them.

DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS’ GENERAL POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

5. Directors’ general powers

Subject to the articles, the directors are responsible for the management of the Company’s business, for which purpose they may exercise all the powers of the Company.

 

6. Shareholders’ reserve power

 

(a) The shareholders may, by special resolution, direct the directors to take, or refrain from taking, specified action.

 

(b) No such special resolution invalidates anything which the directors have done before the passing of the resolution.

 

7. Directors’ duties

 

(a) The purpose of the Company:

 

  (i) may, if and to the extent that the directors consider it appropriate; and

 

  (ii) shall, if directed by holders representing a majority of the total voting rights of shareholders by notice in writing to the Company,

include promoting the success of the group as a whole or of any one or more members of the group (and in this context group means the Company, any other body corporate which is its holding company or subsidiary and any other body corporate which is a subsidiary of that holding company).

 

(b) In the exercise of his duties, a director shall not be restricted by any duty of confidentiality to the Company from providing information regarding the Company to a holding company of the Company but a director who is also a director of any holding company of the Company shall owe a strict duty of confidentiality to that holding company in relation to confidential information of the holding company.

 

8. Directors may delegate

 

(a) Subject to the articles, the directors may delegate any of the powers which are conferred on them under the articles:

 

  (i) to such person or committee;

 

  (ii) by such means (including by power of attorney);

 

  (iii) to such an extent;

 

  (iv) in relation to such matters or territories; and

 

3


  (v) on such terms and conditions,

as they think fit.

 

(b) If the directors so specify, any such delegation may authorise further delegation of the directors’ powers by any person to whom they are delegated.

 

(c) The directors may revoke any delegation in whole or part, or alter its terms and conditions.

 

9. Committees

 

(a) Committees to which the directors delegate any of their powers must follow procedures which are based as far as they are applicable on those provisions of the articles which govern the taking of decisions by directors.

 

(b) The directors may make rules of procedure for all or any committees, which prevail over rules derived from the articles if they are not consistent with them.

DECISION-MAKING BY DIRECTORS

 

10. Directors to take decisions collectively

 

(a) The general rule about decision-making by directors is that any decision of the directors must be either a majority decision at a meeting or a decision taken in accordance with article 11.

 

(b) If:

 

  (i) the Company only has one director; and

 

  (ii) no provision of the articles requires it to have more than one director,

the general rule does not apply, and the director may take decisions without regard to any of the provisions of the articles relating to directors’ decision-making.

 

11. Unanimous decisions

 

(a) A decision of the directors is taken in accordance with this article when all eligible directors indicate to each other by any means that they share a common view on a matter.

 

(b) Such a decision may take the form of a resolution in writing, copies of which have been signed by each eligible director or to which each eligible director has otherwise indicated agreement in writing.

 

(c) A decision may not be taken in accordance with this article if the eligible directors would not have formed a quorum at such a meeting.

 

12. Calling a directors’ meeting

 

(a) Any director may call a directors’ meeting by giving notice of the meeting to the directors or by authorising the company secretary (if any) to give such notice.

 

(b) Notice of any directors’ meeting must indicate:

 

  (i) its proposed date and time;

 

  (ii) where it is to take place; and

 

4


  (iii) if it is anticipated that directors participating in the meeting will not be in the same place, how it is proposed that they should communicate with each other during the meeting.

 

(c) Notice of a directors’ meeting must be given to each director, but need not be in writing.

 

(d) Notice of a directors’ meeting need not be given to directors who waive their entitlement to notice of that meeting, by giving notice to that effect to the Company not more than 7 days after the date on which the meeting is held. Where such notice is given after the meeting has been held, that does not affect the validity of the meeting, or of any business conducted at it.

 

13. Participation in directors’ meetings

 

(a) Subject to the articles, directors participate in a directors’ meeting, or part of a directors’ meeting, when:

 

  (i) the meeting has been called and takes place in accordance with the articles; and

 

  (ii) they can each communicate to the others any information or opinions they have on any particular item of the business of the meeting.

 

(b) In determining whether directors are participating in a directors’ meeting, it is irrelevant where any director is or how they communicate with each other.

 

(c) If all the directors participating in a meeting are not in the same place, they may decide that the meeting is to be treated as taking place wherever any of them is. In the absence of such a decision, the meeting is deemed to take place at the location from where the chairman participates.

 

14. Quorum for directors’ meetings

 

(a) At a directors’ meeting, unless a quorum is participating, no proposal is to be voted on, except a proposal to call another meeting.

 

(b) The quorum for directors’ meetings may be fixed from time to time by a decision of the directors, but subject to paragraph (c), it must never be less than two eligible directors, and unless otherwise fixed it is two eligible directors.

 

(c) For the purpose of any directors’ meeting (or part of a meeting) held in accordance with article 17 to authorise a director’s conflict of interest, if only one eligible director is in office, the quorum is one eligible director.

 

(d) If the total number of directors for the time being in office is less than the quorum required, the director or directors in office must not take any decision other than a decision:

 

  (i) to appoint further directors; or

 

  (ii) to call a general meeting so as to enable the shareholders to appoint further directors.

 

15. Chairing of directors’ meetings

 

(a) The directors may appoint a director to chair their meetings.

 

(b) The person so appointed for the time being is known as the chairman.

 

(c) The directors may terminate the chairman’s appointment at any time.

 

5


(d) If the chairman is not participating in a directors’ meeting within ten minutes of the time at which it was to start, the participating directors may appoint one of themselves to chair it.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

 

16. Directors’ interests in relation to transactions or arrangements with the Company

The relevant provisions of the Companies Act (including without limitation sections 177 and 182 of the Companies Act) shall apply in relation to declarations of interests in proposed and existing transactions or arrangements with the Company.

 

17. Directors’ interests other than in relation to transactions or arrangements with the Company

 

(a) If a situation (a relevant situation) arises in which a director has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (including, without limitation, in relation to the exploitation of any property, information or opportunity, whether or not the Company could take advantage of it but excluding any situation which cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest) the following provisions shall apply if the conflict of interest does not arise in relation to a transaction or arrangement with the Company:

 

  (i) if the relevant situation arises from the appointment or proposed appointment of a person as a director of the Company:

 

  (A) the directors (other than the director, and any other director with a similar interest, who shall not be counted in the quorum at the meeting and shall not vote on the resolution); or

 

  (B) the shareholders (by ordinary resolution or by notice in writing given to the Company by holders representing a majority of the total voting rights of shareholders),

may resolve to authorise the appointment of the director and the relevant situation on such terms as they may determine;

 

  (ii) if the relevant situation arises in circumstances other than in paragraph (i):

 

  (A) the directors (other than the director and any other director with a similar interest who shall not be counted in the quorum at the meeting and shall not vote on the resolution); or

 

  (B) the shareholders (by ordinary resolution or by notice in writing given to the Company by holders representing a majority of the total voting rights of shareholders),

may resolve to authorise the relevant situation and the continuing performance by the director of his duties on such terms as they may determine.

 

(b) Any reference in paragraph (a) to a conflict of interest includes a conflict of interest and duty and a conflict of duties.

 

6


(c) Any terms determined by the directors or the shareholders under paragraphs (a)(i) or (a)(ii) may be imposed at the time of the authorisation or may be imposed or varied subsequently by either the directors or the shareholders and may include (without limitation):

 

  (i) whether the interested directors may vote (and be counted in the quorum at any meeting) in relation to any decision relating to the relevant situation;

 

  (ii) the exclusion of the interested directors from all information and discussion by the Company of the relevant situation; and

 

  (iii) (without prejudice to the general obligations of confidentiality) the application to the interested directors of a strict duty of confidentiality to the Company for any confidential information of the Company in relation to the relevant situation.

 

(d) Any authorisation given under paragraphs (a)(i) or (a)(ii) may be withdrawn by either the directors or the shareholders by giving notice to the director concerned.

 

(e) An interested director must act in accordance with any terms determined by the directors or the shareholders under paragraphs (a)(i) or (a)(ii).

 

(f) Except as specified in paragraph (a), any proposal made to the directors and any authorisation by the directors in relation to a relevant situation shall be dealt with in the same way as any other matter may be proposed to and decided by the directors in accordance with the articles.

 

(g) Any authorisation of a relevant situation given by the directors or the shareholders under paragraph (a) may provide that, where the interested director obtains (other than through his position as a director of the Company) information that is confidential to a third party, he will not be obliged to disclose it to the Company or to use it in relation to the Company’s affairs in circumstances where to do so would amount to a breach of that confidence.

 

(h)   (i)   If the directors make an authorisation under paragraph (a), impose or vary the terms of an authorisation under paragraph (c), or withdraw an authorisation under paragraph (d), they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify the shareholders of this fact and provide, where applicable, any relevant particulars regarding the authorisation or its terms.
  (ii)   If the shareholders make an authorisation under paragraph (a), impose or vary the terms of an authorisation under paragraph (c), or withdraw an authorisation under paragraph (d), they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify the directors of this fact and provide, where applicable, any relevant particulars regarding the authorisation or its terms.
(i)   (i)   A director shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, declare the nature and extent of his interest in a relevant situation within paragraph (a)(i) or (a)(ii) to the other directors and the shareholders.
    Failure to comply with this requirement does not affect the underlying duty to make the declaration of interest.
  (ii)   If a declaration of interest in relation to a relevant situation proves to be, or becomes, inaccurate or incomplete, a further declaration must be made.

 

18. Directors’ interests generally and voting

 

(a) Subject to the Companies Act and to articles 16 and 17, a director notwithstanding his office:

 

7


  (i) may be a party to, or otherwise interested or participate in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested, including any such pensions, other benefits, transactions or arrangements as are referred to in article 26;

 

  (ii) may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for the Company (except as auditor) and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration as if he were not a director;

 

  (iii) may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; and

 

  (iv) shall not, by reason of his office (or of the fiduciary relationship established by holding that office), be accountable to the Company for any remuneration, profit or other benefit resulting from any relevant situation authorised under article 17 or any interest permitted under paragraphs (a)(i), (a)(ii), or (a)(iii), and no contract, transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the grounds of any director having an interest authorised under article 17 or permitted under paragraphs (a)(i), (a)(ii), or (a)(iii).

 

(b) Subject to articles 16 and 17 and to any contrary direction from the holders of a majority of the shares, a director shall be entitled to vote on any decision concerning any matter in which he has, directly or indirectly, an interest or a duty.

 

(c) In the case of an alternate director, an interest of his appointor shall be treated as an interest of the alternate in addition to any interest which the alternate otherwise has.

 

(d) Subject to the Companies Act, the Company may, by ordinary resolution or by notice in writing given to the Company by holders representing a majority of the total voting rights of shareholders, suspend or relax the provisions of this article to any extent or ratify any contract, transaction or arrangement not duly authorised by reason of a contravention of this article.

 

(e) Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment of two or more directors to offices or employments with the Company or any body corporate in which the Company is interested, the proposals may be divided and considered in relation to each director separately and (provided he is not otherwise precluded from voting) each of the directors concerned shall be entitled to vote (and to form part of the quorum) in respect of each proposal except that concerning his own appointment.

 

(f) Subject to paragraph (g), if a question arises at a meeting of directors or of a committee of directors as to the right of a director to participate in the meeting (or part of the meeting) for voting and quorum purposes, the question may, before the conclusion of the meeting, be referred to the chairman whose ruling in relation to any director other than the chairman is to be final and conclusive.

 

(g) If any question as to the right to participate in the meeting (or part of the meeting) should arise in respect of the chairman, the question is to be decided by a decision of the directors at that meeting, for which purpose the chairman is not to be counted as participating in the meeting (or that part of the meeting) for voting and quorum purposes.

 

19. Records of decisions to be kept

The directors must ensure that the Company keeps a record, in writing, for at least 10 years from the date of the decision recorded, of every unanimous or majority decision taken by the directors.

 

8


20. Directors’ discretion to make further rules

Subject to the articles, the directors may make any rule which they think fit about how they take decisions, and about how such rules are to be recorded or communicated to directors.

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS

 

21. Methods of appointing directors

 

(a) Any person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, may be appointed to be a director:

 

  (i) by ordinary resolution; or

 

  (ii) by a decision of the directors.

 

(b) In any case where, as a result of death, the Company has no shareholders and no directors, the personal representatives of the last shareholder to have died have the right, by notice in writing, to appoint a person to be a director.

 

(c) For the purposes of paragraph (b), where 2 or more shareholders die in circumstances rendering it uncertain who was the last to die, a younger shareholder is deemed to have survived an older shareholder.

 

22. Termination of director’s appointment

A person ceases to be a director as soon as:

 

  (a) that person ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the Companies Act or is prohibited from being a director by law;

 

  (b) a bankruptcy order is made against that person;

 

  (c) a composition is made with that person’s creditors generally in satisfaction of that person’s debts;

 

  (d) a registered medical practitioner who has examined him gives a written opinion to the Company stating that that person has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director and may remain so for more than three months;

 

  (e) by reason of that person’s mental health, a court makes an order which wholly or partly prevents that person from personally exercising any powers or rights which that person would otherwise have; or

 

  (f) notification is received by the Company from the director that the director is resigning from office, and such resignation has taken effect in accordance with its terms.

 

23. Appointment and termination of appointments of directors by majority shareholders

Holders representing a majority of the total voting rights of shareholders may appoint any person as a director and may remove any director. Any appointment or removal shall be made by notice in writing to the Company signed by the holders or on their behalf and shall take effect when it is lodged at the registered office or produced at any directors’ meeting. Articles 21 and 22 shall be amended accordingly.

 

9


24. Directors’ services and remuneration

 

(a) Directors may undertake any services for the Company that the directors decide and the Company may enter into a contract of service with any director on such terms as the directors think fit.

 

(b) Any appointment of a director to an executive office shall terminate if he ceases to be a director but without prejudice to any claim to damages for breach of contract of service between the director and the Company.

 

(c) Directors are entitled to such remuneration as the directors determine:

 

  (i) for their services to the Company as directors; and

 

  (ii) for any other service which they undertake for the Company.

 

(d) Subject to the articles, a director’s remuneration may take any form.

 

(e) Unless the directors decide otherwise, directors’ remuneration accrues from day to day.

 

25. Directors’ expenses

The Company may pay any reasonable expenses which the directors, alternate directors and the company secretary (if any) properly incur in connection with their attendance at:

 

  (a) meetings of directors or committees of directors;

 

  (b) general meetings; or

 

  (c) separate meetings of the holders of any class of shares or of debentures of the Company,

or otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their responsibilities in relation to the Company.

 

26. Directors’ pensions and other benefits

 

  The directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to:

 

  (a) pay, provide, arrange or procure the grant of pensions or other retirement benefits, death, disability or sickness benefits, health, accident and other insurances or other such benefits, allowances, gratuities or insurances, including in relation to the termination of employment, to or for the benefit of any person who is or has been at any time a director of the Company or in the employment or service of the Company or of any body corporate which is or was associated with the Company or of the predecessors in business of the Company or any such associated body corporate, or the relatives or dependants of any such person. For that purpose, the directors may procure the establishment and maintenance of, or participation in, or contribution to, any pension fund, scheme or arrangement and the payment of any insurance premiums;

 

  (b) establish, maintain, adopt and enable participation in any profit sharing or incentive scheme including shares, share options or cash or any similar schemes for the benefit of any director or employee of the Company or of any associated body corporate, and to lend money to any such director or employee or to trustees on their behalf to enable any such schemes to be established, maintained or adopted; and

 

10


  (c) support and subscribe to any institution or association which may be for the benefit of the Company or associated body corporate or any directors or employees of the Company or associated body corporate or their relatives or dependants or connected with any town or place where the Company or an associated body corporate carries on business, and to support and subscribe to any charitable or public object whatsoever.

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

 

27. Appointment and removal of alternates

 

(a) Any director (the appointor) may appoint as an alternate any other director, or any other person to:

 

  (i) exercise that director’s powers; and

 

  (ii) carry out that director’s responsibilities,

in relation to the taking of decisions by the directors in the absence of the alternate’s appointor.

 

(b) Any appointment or removal of an alternate must be effected by notice in writing to the Company signed by the appointor, or in any other manner approved by the directors.

 

(c) The notice must:

 

  (i) identify the proposed alternate; and

 

  (ii) in the case of a notice of appointment, contain a statement signed by the proposed alternate that the proposed alternate is willing to act as the alternate of the director giving the notice.

 

28. Rights and responsibilities of alternate directors

 

(a) Subject to the articles, an alternate may act as an alternate director to more than one director and has the same rights, in relation to any decision of the directors as the alternate’s appointor.

 

(b) Except as the articles specify otherwise, alternate directors:

 

  (i) are deemed for all purposes to be directors;

 

  (ii) are liable for their own acts and omissions;

 

  (iii) are subject to the same restrictions as their appointors; and

 

  (iv) are not deemed to be agents of or for their appointors,

and, in particular, each alternate director shall be entitled to receive notice of all directors’ meetings and of all committee meetings of directors of which his appointor is a member.

 

(c) Subject to the articles, a person who is an alternate director but not a director:

 

  (i) may be counted as participating for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is present (but only if that person’s appointor is not participating); and

 

  (ii) may otherwise participate in a unanimous decision of the directors (but only if his appointor is an eligible director in relation to that decision and is not participating).

No alternate may be counted as more than one director for such purposes.

 

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(d) An alternate director is not entitled to receive any remuneration from the Company for serving as an alternate director except such part of the alternate’s appointor’s remuneration as the appointor may direct by notice in writing made to the Company.

 

29. Alternates voting at directors’ meetings

Subject to the articles, a director who is also an alternate director has an additional vote at a directors’ meeting on behalf of each appointor who is:

 

  (a) not participating in the directors’ meeting; and

 

  (b) would have been an eligible director if he were participating in it.

No alternate may be counted as more than one director for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.

 

30. Termination of alternate directorship

An alternate director’s appointment as an alternate terminates:

 

  (a) when the alternate’s appointor revokes the appointment by notice to the Company in writing specifying when it is to terminate;

 

  (b) on the occurrence in relation to the alternate of any event which, if it occurred in relation to the alternate’s appointor, would result in the termination of the appointor’s appointment as a director;

 

  (c) on the death of the alternate’s appointor;

 

  (d) when the alternate’s appointor’s appointment as a director terminates; or

 

  (e) where the directors otherwise decide.

COMPANY NAME

 

31. Directors’ power to change Company name

The directors may change the name of the Company.

SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS – SHARES

 

32. All shares to be fully paid up

 

(a) No share is to be issued for less than the aggregate of its nominal value and any premium to be paid to the Company in consideration for its issue.

 

(b) This does not apply to shares taken on the formation of the Company by the subscribers to the Company’s memorandum.

 

33. Powers to allot shares

 

(a) The Company may from time to time pass an ordinary resolution referring to this article and authorising, in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act, the directors to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company or to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares in the Company and:

 

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  (i) on the passing of the resolution the board shall be generally and unconditionally authorised to allot such shares or grant such rights up to the maximum nominal amount specified in the resolution; and

 

  (ii) unless previously revoked, the authority shall expire on the day specified in the resolution (being a date not more than five years from the date on which the resolution is passed),

but any authority given under this article shall allow the Company, before the authority expires, to make an offer or agreement which would or might require shares to be allotted or rights to be granted after it expires.

 

(b) Subject to the articles, but without prejudice to paragraph (a) or to the rights attached to any existing share, the Company may issue further classes of shares with such rights or restrictions as may be determined by ordinary resolution.

 

(c) Sections 561 and 562 of the Companies Act are excluded.

 

(d) The Company may issue shares which are to be redeemed, or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the Company or the holder, and the directors may determine the terms, conditions and manner of redemption of any such shares.

 

(e) In the event that rights and restrictions attaching to shares are determined by ordinary resolution, those rights and restrictions shall apply, in particular in place of any rights or restrictions that would otherwise apply by virtue of the Companies Act in the absence of any provisions in the articles of a Company, as if those rights and restrictions were set out in the articles.

 

34. Variation of rights

 

(a) Whenever the share capital of the Company is divided into different classes of shares, all or any of the rights for the time being attached to any class of shares in issue may from time to time (whether or not the Company is being wound up) be varied in such manner as those rights may provide or (if no such provision is made) either with the consent in writing of the holders of three-fourths in nominal value of the issued shares of that class or with the authority of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of those shares.

 

(b) The provisions of these articles relating to general meetings of the Company or to the proceedings at general meetings shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to every such separate general meeting, except that:

 

  (i) the quorum at any such meeting shall be one member present in person or by proxy holding at least one-third in nominal amount of the issued shares of the class;

 

  (ii) every holder of shares of the class shall, on a poll, have one vote in respect of every share of the class held by him; and

 

  (iii) a poll may be demanded by any one holder of shares of the class whether present in person or by proxy.

 

(c) Unless otherwise expressly provided by the rights attached to any class of shares those rights shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with them or by the purchase or redemption by the Company of any of its own shares.

 

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35. Share capital

 

(a) The share capital of the Company at the date of adoption of these articles is £ £125,014,304.10 divided into 1,249,143,041 ordinary shares of £0.10 each (Ordinary Shares) and one special voting 6 per cent. cumulative preference share of £100,000 (Preference Share).

 

(b) The Preference Share shall confer on the holder the right:

 

  (i) to receive, out of the profits of the Company available for distribution and resolved to be distributed and in priority to the holders of any other class of shares in the capital of the Company, a fixed cumulative preferential dividend at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum on the capital for the time being paid up on that share, such dividend to accrue from day to day and to be paid on 31 December in each year in respect of the year ending on that date, except that the first payment will be made on 31 December 2010 in respect of the period from the date of allotment of the share to that date;

 

  (ii) on a winding-up or other return of capital, to receive, in priority to the holders of any other class of shares in the capital of the Company, repayment in full of the capital paid up on the share and payment of a sum equal to any arrears or accruals of the fixed cumulative preferential dividend on that share, whether or not earned or declared, calculated up to and including the date of the return of capital.

 

(c) The Preference Share shall not confer on the holder any further or other right to participate in the profits or assets of the Company.

 

(d) The Preference Share shall confer on the holder the right to receive notice of any general meeting of the Company and to attend, speak and vote on all matters at any such meeting. The Preference Share shall confer on the holder the right to exercise 85 per cent. of the aggregate total voting rights attributed to the entire issued share capital of the Company from time to time, including the Preference Share, whether voting is on a show of hands, by way of a poll or otherwise.

 

36. Company not bound by less than absolute interests

 

(a) Except as required by law, no person is to be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon any trust, and except as otherwise required by law or the articles, the Company is not in any way to be bound by or recognise any interest in a share other than the holder’s absolute ownership of it and all the rights attaching to it.

 

37. Share certificates

 

(a) The Company must issue each shareholder, free of charge, with one or more certificates in respect of the shares which that shareholder holds.

 

(b) Every certificate must specify:

 

  (i) in respect of how many shares, of what class, it is issued;

 

  (ii) the nominal value of those shares;

 

  (iii) that the shares are fully paid; and

 

  (iv) any distinguishing numbers assigned to them.

 

(c) No certificate may be issued in respect of shares of more than one class.

 

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(d) If more than one person holds a share, only one certificate may be issued in respect of it.

 

(e) Certificates must:

 

  (i) have affixed to them the Company’s common or official seal and in the case of an official seal, unless otherwise determined by the directors, the certificate does not need to be signed; or

 

  (ii) be otherwise executed in accordance with the Companies Act.

 

38. Replacement share certificates

 

(a) If a certificate issued in respect of a shareholder’s shares is:

 

  (i) damaged or defaced; or

 

  (ii) said to be lost, stolen or destroyed,

that shareholder is entitled to be issued with a replacement certificate in respect of the same shares.

 

(b) A shareholder exercising the right to be issued with such a replacement certificate:

 

  (i) may at the same time exercise the right to be issued with a single certificate or separate certificates;

 

  (ii) must return the certificate which is to be replaced to the Company if it is damaged or defaced; and

 

  (iii) must comply with such conditions as to evidence, indemnity and the payment of a reasonable fee as the directors decide.

 

39. Share transfers

 

(a) Shares may be transferred by means of an instrument of transfer in any usual form or any other form approved by the directors, which is executed by or on behalf of the transferor.

 

(b) No fee may be charged for registering any instrument of transfer or other document relating to or affecting the title to any share.

 

(c) The Company may retain any instrument of transfer which is registered.

 

(d) The transferor remains the holder of a share until the transferee’s name is entered in the register of members as holder of it.

 

(e) The directors may refuse to register the transfer of a share unless:

 

  (i) it is lodged at the registered office or at such place as the directors may appoint and is accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other evidence as the directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

  (ii) it is in respect of one class of shares only; and

 

  (iii) it is in favour of not more than four transferees.

 

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40. Transmission of shares

 

(a) If title to a share passes to a transmittee, the Company may only recognise the transmittee as having any title to that share.

 

(b) A transmittee who produces such evidence of entitlement to shares as the directors may properly require:

 

  (i) may, subject to the articles, choose either to become the holder of those shares or to have them transferred to another person; and

 

  (ii) subject to the articles, and pending any transfer of the shares to another person, has the same rights as the holder had.

 

(c) But transmittees do not have the right to attend or vote at a general meeting, or agree to a proposed written resolution, in respect of shares to which they are entitled, by reason of the holder’s death or bankruptcy or otherwise, unless they become the holders of those shares.

 

41. Exercise of transmittees’ rights

 

(a) Transmittees who wish to become the holders of shares to which they have become entitled must notify the Company in writing of that wish.

 

(b) If the transmittee wishes to have a share transferred to another person, the transmittee must execute an instrument of transfer in respect of it.

 

(c) Any transfer made or executed under this article is to be treated as if it were made or executed by the person from whom the transmittee has derived rights in respect of the share, and as if the event which gave rise to the transmission had not occurred.

 

42. Transmittees bound by prior notices

If a notice is given to a shareholder in respect of shares and a transmittee (or a transferee nominated by such transmittee pursuant to article 41) is entitled to those shares, the transmittee (or transferee) is bound by the notice if it was given to the shareholder before the transmittee’s (or transferee’s) name has been entered in the register of members.

DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

 

43. Procedure for declaring dividends

 

(a) The Company may by ordinary resolution declare dividends, and the directors may decide to pay interim dividends.

 

(b) A dividend must not be declared unless the directors have made a recommendation as to its amount. Such a dividend must not exceed the amount recommended by the directors.

 

(c) No dividend may be declared or paid unless it is in accordance with shareholders’ respective rights.

 

(d) Unless the shareholders’ resolution to declare or directors’ decision to pay a dividend, or the terms on which shares are issued, specify otherwise, it must be paid by reference to each shareholder’s holding of shares on the date of the resolution or decision to declare or pay it.

 

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(e) If the Company’s share capital is divided into different classes, no interim dividend may be paid on shares carrying deferred or non-preferred rights if, at the time of payment, any preferential dividend is in arrear.

 

(f) The directors may pay at intervals any dividend payable at a fixed rate if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution justify the payment.

 

(g) If the directors act in good faith, they do not incur any liability to the holders of shares conferring preferred rights for any loss they may suffer by the lawful payment of an interim dividend on shares with deferred or non-preferred rights.

 

44. Payment of dividends and other distributions

 

(a) Where a dividend or other sum which is a distribution is payable in respect of a share, it must be paid by one or more of the following means:

 

  (i) transfer to a bank or building society account specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide;

 

  (ii) sending a cheque made payable to the distribution recipient by post to the distribution recipient at the distribution recipient’s registered address (if the distribution recipient is a holder of the share), or (in any other case) to an address specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide;

 

  (iii) sending a cheque made payable to such person by post to such person at such address as the distribution recipient has specified either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide; or

 

  (iv) any other means of payment as the directors agree with the distribution recipient either in writing or by such other means as the directors decide.

 

(b) In the articles, the distribution recipient means, in respect of a share in respect of which a dividend or other sum is payable:

 

  (i) the holder of the share; or

 

  (ii) if the share has two or more joint holders, whichever of them is named first in the register of members; or

 

  (iii) if the holder is no longer entitled to the share by reason of death or bankruptcy, or otherwise by operation of law, the transmittee.

 

45. No interest on distributions

The Company may not pay interest on any dividend or other sum payable in respect of a share unless otherwise provided by:

 

  (a) the terms on which the share was issued; or

 

  (b) the provisions of another agreement between the holder of that share and the Company.

 

46. Unclaimed distributions

 

(a) All dividends or other sums which are:

 

17


  (i) payable in respect of shares; and

 

  (ii) unclaimed after having been declared or become payable,

may be invested or otherwise made use of by the directors for the benefit of the Company until claimed.

 

(b) The payment of any such dividend or other sum into a separate account does not make the Company a trustee in respect of it.

 

(c) If:

 

  (i) twelve years have passed from the date on which a dividend or other sum became due for payment; and

 

  (ii) the distribution recipient has not claimed it,

the distribution recipient is no longer entitled to that dividend or other sum and it ceases to remain owing by the Company.

 

47. Non-cash distributions

 

(a) Subject to the terms of issue of the share in question, the Company may, by ordinary resolution on the recommendation of the directors, decide to pay all or part of a dividend or other distribution payable in respect of a share by transferring non-cash assets of equivalent value (including, without limitation, shares or other securities in any company).

 

(b) For the purposes of paying a non-cash distribution, the directors may make whatever arrangements they think fit, including, where any difficulty arises regarding the distribution:

 

  (i) fixing the value of any assets;

 

  (ii) paying cash to any distribution recipient on the basis of that value in order to adjust the rights of recipients; and

 

  (iii) vesting any assets in trustees.

 

48. Waiver of distributions

 

(a) Distribution recipients may waive their entitlement to a dividend or other distribution payable in respect of a share by giving the Company notice in writing to that effect, but if:

 

  (i) the share has more than one holder; or

 

  (ii) more than one person is entitled to the share, whether by reason of the death or bankruptcy of one or more joint holders, or otherwise,

the notice is not effective unless it is expressed to be given, and signed, by all the holders or persons otherwise entitled to the share.

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

 

49. Authority to capitalise and appropriation of capitalised sums

 

(a) Subject to the articles, the directors may, if they are so authorised by an ordinary resolution:

 

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  (i) decide to capitalise any profits of the Company (whether or not they are available for distribution) which are not required for paying a preferential dividend, or any sum standing to the credit of the Company’s share premium account or capital redemption reserve; and

 

  (ii) appropriate any sum which they so decide to capitalise (a capitalised sum) to the persons who would have been entitled to it if it were distributed by way of dividend (the persons entitled) and in the same proportions.

 

(b) Capitalised sums must be applied:

 

  (i) on behalf of the persons entitled; and

 

  (ii) in the same proportions as a dividend would have been distributed to them.

 

(c) Any capitalised sum may be applied in paying up new shares of a nominal amount equal to the capitalised sum which are then allotted credited as fully paid to the persons entitled or as they may direct.

 

(d) A capitalised sum which was appropriated from profits available for distribution may be applied in paying up new debentures of the Company which are then allotted credited as fully paid to the persons entitled or as they may direct.

 

(e) Subject to the articles the directors may:

 

  (i) apply capitalised sums in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) partly in one way and partly in another;

 

  (ii) make such arrangements as they think fit to deal with shares or debentures becoming distributable in fractions under this article (including the issuing of fractional certificates or the making of cash payments); and

 

  (iii) authorise any person to enter into an agreement with the Company on behalf of all the persons entitled which is binding on them in respect of the allotment of shares and debentures to them under this article.

DECISION-MAKING BY SHAREHOLDERS – ORGANISATION OF GENERAL MEETINGS

 

50. Notice of general meeting

A shareholder present either in person or by proxy, at any general meeting of the Company shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which the meeting was convened.

 

51. Attendance and speaking at general meetings

 

(a) A person is able to exercise the right to speak at a general meeting when that person is in a position to communicate to all those attending the meeting, during the meeting, any information or opinions which that person has on the business of the meeting.

 

(b) A person is able to exercise the right to vote at a general meeting when:

 

  (i) that person is able to vote, during the meeting, on resolutions put to the vote at the meeting; and

 

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  (ii) that person’s vote can be taken into account in determining whether or not such resolutions are passed at the same time as the votes of all the other persons attending the meeting.

 

(c) The directors may make whatever arrangements they consider appropriate to enable those attending a general meeting to exercise their rights to speak or vote at it.

 

(d) In determining attendance at a general meeting, it is immaterial whether any two or more shareholders attending it are in the same place as each other.

 

(e) Two or more persons who are not in the same place as each other attend a general meeting if their circumstances are such that if they have (or were to have) rights to speak and vote at that meeting, they are (or would be) able to exercise them.

 

52. Quorum for general meetings

No business other than the appointment of the chairman of the meeting is to be transacted at a general meeting if the persons attending it do not constitute a quorum.

 

53. Chairing general meetings

 

(a) If the directors have appointed a chairman, the chairman shall chair general meetings if present and willing to do so.

 

(b) If the directors have not appointed a chairman, or if the chairman is unwilling to chair the meeting or is not present within ten minutes of the time at which a meeting was due to start:

 

  (i) the directors present; or

 

  (ii) (if no directors are present), the meeting,

must appoint a director or shareholder (including a proxy or a corporate representative) to chair the meeting, and the appointment of the chairman of the meeting must be the first business of the meeting.

 

(c) The person chairing a meeting in accordance with this article is referred to as the chairman of the meeting.

 

54. Attendance and speaking by directors and non-shareholders

 

(a) Directors may attend and speak at general meetings, whether or not they are shareholders.

 

(b) The chairman of the meeting may permit other persons who are not:

 

  (i) shareholders of the Company; or

 

  (ii) otherwise entitled to exercise the rights of shareholders in relation to general meetings,

to attend and speak at a general meeting.

 

55. Adjournment

 

(a) If the persons attending a general meeting within half an hour of the time at which the meeting was due to start do not constitute a quorum, or if during a meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the chairman of the meeting must adjourn it.

 

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(b) The chairman of the meeting may adjourn a general meeting at which a quorum is present if:

 

  (i) the meeting consents to an adjournment; or

 

  (ii) it appears to the chairman of the meeting that an adjournment is necessary to protect the safety of any person attending the meeting or ensure that the business of the meeting is conducted in an orderly manner.

 

(c) The chairman of the meeting must adjourn a general meeting if directed to do so by the meeting.

 

(d) When adjourning a general meeting, the chairman of the meeting must:

 

  (i) either specify the time and place to which it is adjourned or state that it is to continue at a time and place to be fixed by the directors; and

 

  (ii) have regard to any directions as to the time and place of any adjournment which have been given by the meeting.

 

(e) If the continuation of an adjourned meeting is to take place more than 14 days after it was adjourned, the Company must give at least 7 clear days’ notice of it (that is, excluding the day of the adjourned meeting and the day on which the notice is given):

 

  (i) to the same persons to whom notice of the Company’s general meetings is required to be given; and

 

  (ii) containing the same information which such notice is required to contain.

 

(f) No business may be transacted at an adjourned general meeting which could not properly have been transacted at the meeting if the adjournment had not taken place.

VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS

 

56. Voting: general

A resolution put to the vote of a general meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is duly demanded in accordance with the articles.

 

57. Errors and disputes

 

(a) No objection may be raised to the qualification of any person voting at a general meeting except at the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is tendered, and every vote not disallowed at the meeting is valid.

 

(b) Any such objection must be referred to the chairman of the meeting, whose decision is final.

 

58. Poll votes

 

(a) A poll on a resolution may be demanded:

 

  (i) in advance of the general meeting where it is to be put to the vote; or

 

  (ii) at a general meeting, either before a show of hands on that resolution or immediately after the result of a show of hands on that resolution is declared.

 

(b) A poll may be demanded by:

 

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  (i) the chairman of the meeting;

 

  (ii) the directors;

 

  (iii) two or more persons having the right to vote on the resolution; or

 

  (iv) a person or persons representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote on the resolution.

 

(c) A demand for a poll may be withdrawn if:

 

  (i) the poll has not yet been taken; and

 

  (ii) the chairman of the meeting consents to the withdrawal.

 

(d) Polls must be taken immediately and in such manner as the chairman of the meeting directs.

 

59. Content of proxy notices

 

(a) Proxies may only validly be appointed by a notice in writing (a proxy notice) which:

 

  (i) states the name and address of the shareholder appointing the proxy;

 

  (ii) identifies the person appointed to be that shareholder’s proxy and the general meeting in relation to which that person is appointed;

 

  (iii) is signed by or on behalf of the shareholder appointing the proxy, or is authenticated in such manner as the directors may determine; and

 

  (iv) is delivered to the Company in accordance with the articles and any instructions contained in the notice of the general meeting (or adjourned meeting) to which they relate.

 

(b) The Company may require proxy notices to be delivered in a particular form, and may specify different forms for different purposes.

 

(c) Proxy notices may specify how the proxy appointed under them is to vote (or that the proxy is to abstain from voting) on one or more resolutions.

 

(d) Unless a proxy notice indicates otherwise, it must be treated as:

 

  (i) allowing the person appointed under it as a proxy discretion as to how to vote on any ancillary or procedural resolutions put to the meeting; and

 

  (ii) appointing that person as a proxy in relation to any adjournment of the general meeting to which it relates as well as the meeting itself.

 

60. Delivery of proxy notices etc.

 

(a) A person who is entitled to attend, speak or vote (either on a show of hands or on a poll) at a general meeting remains so entitled in respect of that meeting or any adjournment of it, even though a valid proxy notice has been delivered to the Company by or on behalf of that person.

 

(b) An appointment under a proxy notice may be revoked by delivering to the Company a notice in writing given by or on behalf of the person by whom or on whose behalf the proxy notice was given.

 

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(c) A notice revoking a proxy appointment only takes effect if it is delivered before the start of the meeting or adjourned meeting to which it relates.

 

(d) If a proxy notice is not executed by the person appointing the proxy, it must be accompanied by written evidence of the authority of the person who executed it to execute it on the appointor’s behalf.

 

61. Amendments to resolutions

 

(a) An ordinary resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution if:

 

  (i) notice of the proposed amendment is given to the Company in writing by a person entitled to vote at the general meeting at which it is to be proposed not less than 48 hours before the meeting is to take place (or such later time as the chairman of the meeting may determine); and

 

  (ii) the proposed amendment does not, in the reasonable opinion of the chairman of the meeting, materially alter the scope of the resolution.

 

(b) A special resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution, if:

 

  (i) the chairman of the meeting proposes the amendment at the general meeting at which the resolution is to be proposed; and

 

  (ii) the amendment does not go beyond what is necessary to correct a grammatical or other non-substantive error in the resolution.

 

(c) If the chairman of the meeting, acting in good faith, wrongly decides that an amendment to a resolution is out of order, the chairman’s error does not invalidate the vote on that resolution.

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

 

62. Means of communication to be used

 

(a) Subject to the articles, anything sent or supplied by or to the Company under the articles may be sent or supplied in any way in which the Companies Act provides for documents or information which are authorised or required by any provision of that Act to be sent or supplied by or to the Company.

 

(b) Subject to the articles, any notice or document to be sent or supplied to a director in connection with the taking of decisions by directors may also be sent or supplied by the means by which that director has asked to be sent or supplied with such notices or documents for the time being.

 

(c) A director may agree with the Company that notices or documents sent to that director in a particular way are to be deemed to have been received within a specified time of their being sent, and for the specified time to be less than 48 hours.

 

63. When a communication from the Company is deemed received

 

(a) Any document or information, if sent by first class post, shall be deemed to have been received on the day following that on which the envelope containing it is put into the post, or, if sent by second class post, shall be deemed to have been received on the second day following that on which the envelope containing it is put into the post and in proving that a document or information has been received it shall be sufficient to prove that the letter, envelope or wrapper containing the document or information was properly addressed, prepaid and put into the post.

 

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(b) Any document or information not sent by post but left at a registered address or address at which a document or information may be received shall be deemed to have been received on the day it was so left.

 

(c) Any document or information, if sent or supplied by electronic means, shall be deemed to have been received on the day on which the document or information was sent or supplied by or on behalf of the Company.

 

(d) If the Company receives a delivery failure notification following a communication by electronic means in accordance with paragraph (c), the Company shall send or supply the document or information in hard copy or electronic form (but not by electronic means) to the shareholder either personally or by post addressed to the shareholder at his registered address or by leaving it at that address. This shall not affect when the document or information was deemed to be received in accordance with paragraph (c).

 

(e) Where a document or information is sent or supplied by means of a website, it shall be deemed to have been received:

 

  (i) when the material was first made available on the website; or

 

  (ii) if later, when the recipient was deemed to have received notice of the fact that the material was available on the website.

 

(f) Every person who becomes entitled to a share shall be bound by every notice in respect of that share which before his name is entered in the register of members was given to the person from whom he derives his title to the share.

 

64. Notices in writing given to the Company by majority shareholders

Any notice in writing given to the Company by holders representing a majority of the total voting rights of shareholders shall take effect when it is lodged at the registered office or produced to any directors’ meeting.

 

65. Company seals

 

(a) Any common seal may only be used by the authority of the directors or of a committee of the directors.

 

(b) The directors may decide by what means and in what form any common seal is to be used.

 

(c) Unless otherwise decided by the directors, if the Company has a common seal and it is affixed to a document, the document must also be signed by at least one authorised person in the presence of a witness who attests the signature.

 

(d) For the purposes of this article, an authorised person is:

 

  (i) any director of the Company;

 

  (ii) the company secretary (if any); or

 

  (iii) any person authorised by the directors for the purpose of signing documents to which the common seal is applied.

 

24


(e) The Company may exercise the powers conferred by the Companies Act with regard to having official seals and those powers shall be vested in the directors. Subject to the Companies Act, any instrument to which an official seal is affixed shall be signed by such persons, if any, and affixed in such manner as the directors may from time to time determine.

 

66. No right to inspect accounts and other records

Except as provided by law or authorised by the directors or an ordinary resolution of the Company, no person is entitled to inspect any of the Company’s accounting or other records or documents merely by virtue of being a shareholder.

 

67. Provision for employees on cessation of business

The directors may decide to make provision for the benefit of persons employed or formerly employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than a director or former director or shadow director) in connection with the cessation or transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the Company or that subsidiary.

WINDING UP

 

68. Winding up

If the Company is wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution of the Company and any other sanction required by the Companies Act, divide among the shareholders in specie the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for that purpose, value any assets and determine how the division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as he with like sanction determines, but no shareholder shall be compelled to accept any assets upon which there is liability.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

 

69. Indemnity

 

(a) Subject to paragraph (e), a relevant director of the Company or of an associated company may be indemnified out of the Company’s assets against:

 

  (i) any liability incurred by that director in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the Company or an associated company;

 

  (ii) any liability incurred by that director in connection with the activities of the Company or an associated company in its capacity as a trustee of an occupational pension scheme (as defined in section 235(6) of the Companies Act);

 

  (iii) any other liability incurred by that director as an officer of the Company or an associated company.

 

(b) The Company may fund the expenditure of a relevant director of the Company or of any associated company for the purposes permitted under the Companies Act and may do anything to enable such relevant director to avoid incurring such expenditure as provided in the Companies Act.

 

(c) No relevant director of the Company or of any associated company shall be accountable to the Company or the shareholders for any benefit provided pursuant to this article and the receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a director of the Company.

 

25


(d) The powers given by this article shall not limit any general powers of the Company to grant indemnities, purchase and maintain insurance or provide funds (whether by way of loan or otherwise) to any person in connection with any legal or regulatory proceedings or applications for relief.

 

(e) This article does not authorise any indemnity which would be prohibited or rendered void by any provision of the Companies Act or by any other provision of law.

 

(f) In this article and in article 70:

 

  (i) companies are associated if one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of the same body corporate; and

 

  (ii) a relevant director means any director or former director of the Company or of an associated company.

 

70. Insurance

 

(a) The directors may decide to purchase and maintain insurance, at the expense of the Company, for the benefit of any relevant director in respect of any relevant loss.

 

(b) In this article, a relevant loss means any loss or liability which has been or may be incurred by a relevant director in connection with that director’s duties or powers in relation to the Company, any associated company or any pension fund or employees’ share scheme of the Company or associated company.

 

26

EX-4.1 4 d341681dex41.htm INDENTURE Indenture

Exhibit 4.1

 

 

WPP FINANCE 2010,

as Issuer

and

WPP PLC,

as Parent Guarantor

and

WPP AIR 1 LIMITED,

WPP 2008 LIMITED,

WPP 2005 LIMITED,

as Subsidiary Guarantors

and

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

and

CITIBANK, N.A.,

as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent

and

CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH,

as a Paying Agent

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of November 21, 2011

 

 

Debt Securities and Guarantees

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Parties

     1   

Recitals of the Issuer

     1   
ARTICLE ONE   
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION   

SECTION 101.

  Definitions      1   

SECTION 102.

  Compliance Certificates and Opinions      12   

SECTION 103.

  Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee      12   

SECTION 104.

  Acts of Holders; Record Dates      13   

SECTION 105.

  Notices, Etc., to Trustee, Issuer and Guarantors      15   

SECTION 106.

  Notice to Holders; Waiver      15   

SECTION 107.

  Conflict with Trust Indenture Act      16   

SECTION 108.

  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents      16   

SECTION 109.

  Successors and Assigns      16   

SECTION 110.

  Separability Clause      17   

SECTION 111.

  Counterparts      17   

SECTION 112.

  Benefits of Indenture      17   

SECTION 113.

  Governing Law      17   

SECTION 114.

  Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service of Process; Waiver of Jury Trial      17   

SECTION 115.

  Legal Holidays      18   

SECTION 116.

  Force Majeure      19   

SECTION 117.

  Waiver of Jersey Customary Law Rights      19   

SECTION 118.

  U.S.A. Patriot Act      19   
ARTICLE TWO   
SECURITY FORMS   

SECTION 201.

  Forms Generally      19   

SECTION 202.

  Form of Face of Security      20   

SECTION 203.

  Form of Reverse of Security      23   

SECTION 204.

  Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication      37   
ARTICLE THREE   
THE SECURITIES   

SECTION 301.

  Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series      37   

SECTION 302.

  Denominations      40   

SECTION 303.

  Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating      40   

 

ii


SECTION 304.

  Temporary Securities      42   

SECTION 305.

  Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange      42   

SECTION 306.

  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities      45   

SECTION 307.

  Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved      46   

SECTION 308.

  Persons Deemed Owners      47   

SECTION 309.

  Cancellation      47   

SECTION 310.

  Computation of Interest      48   

SECTION 311.

  CUSIP and ISIN Numbers      48   

SECTION 312.

  Agents      48   
ARTICLE FOUR   
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE   

SECTION 401.

  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture      48   

SECTION 402.

  Application of Trust Money      50   
ARTICLE FIVE   
REMEDIES   

SECTION 501.

  Events of Default      50   

SECTION 502.

  Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment      52   

SECTION 503.

  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee      53   

SECTION 504.

  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      54   

SECTION 505.

  Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities      54   

SECTION 506.

  Application of Money Collected      54   

SECTION 507.

  Limitation on Suits      55   

SECTION 508.

  Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest      56   

SECTION 509.

  Restoration of Rights and Remedies      56   

SECTION 510.

  Rights and Remedies Cumulative      56   

SECTION 511.

  Delay or Omission Not Waiver      56   

SECTION 512.

  Control by Holders      57   

SECTION 513.

  Waiver of Past Defaults      57   

SECTION 514.

  Undertaking for Costs      57   

SECTION 515.

  Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws      58   
ARTICLE SIX   
THE TRUSTEE   

SECTION 601.

  Certain Duties and Responsibilities      58   

SECTION 602.

  Notice of Defaults      59   

SECTION 603.

  Certain Rights of Trustee      59   

SECTION 604.

  Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities      61   

SECTION 605.

  May Hold Securities      61   

 

Note: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

 

iii


SECTION 606.

  Money Held in Trust      61   

SECTION 607.

  Compensation and Reimbursement      61   

SECTION 608.

  Conflicting Interests      63   

SECTION 609.

  Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility      63   

SECTION 610.

  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor      63   

SECTION 611.

  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor      65   

SECTION 612.

  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business      66   

SECTION 613.

  Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer or Guarantors      66   

SECTION 614.

  Appointment of Authenticating Agent      66   

SECTION 615.

  Trustee’s Duties Regarding Reductions of Capital      68   
ARTICLE SEVEN   
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND ISSUER AND GUARANTOR   

SECTION 701.

  Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders      68   

SECTION 702.

  Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders      69   

SECTION 703.

  Reports by Trustee      69   

SECTION 704.

  Reports by Issuer and Guarantors      69   
ARTICLE EIGHT   
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE   

SECTION 801.

  Issuer or Guarantors May Consolidate, Etc. Only on Certain Terms      70   

SECTION 802.

  Successor Substituted      71   
ARTICLE NINE   
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES   

SECTION 901.

  Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders      71   

SECTION 902.

  Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders      73   

SECTION 903.

  Execution of Supplemental Indentures      74   

SECTION 904.

  Effect of Supplemental Indentures      75   

SECTION 905.

  Conformity with Trust Indenture Act      75   

SECTION 906.

  Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures      75   
ARTICLE TEN   
COVENANTS   

SECTION 1001.

  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest      75   

SECTION 1002.

  Maintenance of Office or Agency      75   

SECTION 1003.

  Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust      77   

SECTION 1004.

  Statement by Officers as to Default      78   

SECTION 1005.

  Existence      79   

 

Note: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

 

iv


SECTION 1006.

  Payment of Taxes and Other Claims      79   

SECTION 1007.

  Additional Amounts      79   

SECTION 1008.

  Additional Guarantees      82   

SECTION 1009.

  Limitations on Security Interests      83   

SECTION 1010.

  Limitation on Sale and Leaseback      83   

SECTION 1011.

  Waiver of Certain Covenants      85   

SECTION 1012.

  Indemnification of Judgment Currency      85   

SECTION 1013.

  Provision of Exchange Act Reports and Other Information      85   
ARTICLE ELEVEN   
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES   

SECTION 1101.

  Applicability of Article      86   

SECTION 1102.

  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee      86   

SECTION 1103.

  Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed      87   

SECTION 1104.

  Notice of Redemption      87   

SECTION 1105.

  Deposit of Redemption Price      88   

SECTION 1106.

  Securities Payable on Redemption Date      89   

SECTION 1107.

  Securities Redeemed in Part      89   

SECTION 1108.

  Optional Redemption Due to Changes in Tax Treatment      89   
ARTICLE TWELVE   
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE   

SECTION 1201.

  Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance      91   

SECTION 1202.

  Defeasance and Discharge      91   

SECTION 1203.

  Covenant Defeasance      92   

SECTION 1204.

  Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance      92   

SECTION 1205.

  Deposited Money and US. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions      94   

SECTION 1206.

  Reinstatement      94   
ARTICLE THIRTEEN   
GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES   

SECTION 1301.

  Guarantee      95   

SECTION 1302.

  Execution and Delivery of Indenture      96   

 

Note:     This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

 

v


INDENTURE, dated as of November 21, 2011, among WPP FINANCE 2010, a private unlimited liability company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Issuer”), having its principal office at 27 Farm Street, London W1J 5RJ, WPP PLC, a public company limited by shares incorporated under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (the “Parent Guarantor”), WPP AIR 1 LIMITED, a company limited by shares incorporated in Ireland, WPP 2008 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales and WPP 2005 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Parent Guarantor, the “Guarantors”), WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”), CITIBANK, N.A., as the initial Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent, and CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH, as a Paying Agent.

RECITALS

The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its debt securities (herein called collectively the “Securities”), to be issued in one or more series as provided in this Indenture.

The Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the Guarantees of the Securities provided for herein.

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer and the Guarantors, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series thereof, as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

SECTION 101. Definitions.

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) the terms defined in this Article One have the meanings assigned to them in this Article One and include the plural as well as the singular;


(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at the date of such computation;

(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture;

(5) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a statute, rule or regulation refers to the same (including any successor statute, rule or regulation thereto) as it may be amended from time to time; and

(6) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

“Act”, when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104.

“Additional Amounts” has the meaning specified in Section 1007. Any reference in this Indenture to principal, premium or interest in respect of the Securities shall be deemed also to refer to any Additional Amounts that may be payable as set forth herein and under the Securities or the Guarantees.

“Additional Taxing Jurisdiction” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

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

“Agent” means any of the Security Registrar or the Paying Agents and “Agents” shall mean all of them.

“Agent Members” has the meaning specified in Section 305(b)(5).

 

2


“Applicable Procedures of the Depositary” means, with respect to any matter at any time, the policies and procedures of the Depositary, if any, that are applicable to such matter at such time.

“Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

“Authenticating Agent” means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

“Authorized Agent” has the meaning specified in Section 114.

“Authorized Officer” means any person (whether designated by name or the persons for the time being holding a designated office) appointed by or pursuant to a Board Resolution for the purpose, or a particular purpose, of this Indenture, provided that written notice of such appointment shall have been given to the Trustee.

“beneficial owner” has the meaning determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act and the terms “beneficial ownership” and “beneficially owned” have meanings correlative to the definition of beneficial owner.

“Board of Directors”, when used with reference to the Issuer or a Guarantor, means the board of directors of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, or any committee of that board duly authorized to act for it in respect hereof.

“Board Resolution”, when used with reference to the Issuer or a Guarantor, means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

“Business Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City or London generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close.

“Clearstream” has the meaning specified in Section 305(b)(5).

“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under applicable law, then the body performing such duties at such time.

“Corporate Trust Office” means the designated office of the Trustee in which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office as of the date hereof is located at Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890, Attention: Corporate Capital Market Services.

 

3


“corporation” means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust.

“Covenant Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1203.

“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.

“Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1202.

“Defeasible Series” has the meaning specified in Section 1201.

“Depositary” means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by Section 301. Unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 301, the Depositary shall be The Depository Trust Company until a successor Depositary shall have become Depositary pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Depositary” shall mean such successor Depositary.

“Director” means any member of a Board of Directors.

“Dollar” and “U.S.$” mean a U.S. dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

“Eurobonds” means the 5.25% bonds due January 2015 issued by WPP Finance S.A., the 4.375% bonds due December 2013 issued by WPP 2008 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc) and the 6.625% bonds due in 2016 issued by WPP 2008 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc).

“Euroclear” has the meaning specified in Section 305(b)(5).

“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.

“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including any successor act thereto), as amended from time to time, and (unless the context otherwise requires) includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

“Expiration Date” has the meaning specified in Section 104.

“Global Security” means a Security held by or on behalf of a Depositary and in which beneficial interests are evidenced on the records of such Depositary or its Agent Members.

“Guarantee” means the guarantee by a Guarantor of any Security of any series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture (i) if provided for in a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, (ii) if specified in a Board Resolution of a Guarantor as contemplated by Section 301 or (iii) as otherwise applicable to Article Thirteen.

 

4


“Guarantor” means each of the Persons named as a “Subsidiary Guarantor” in this instrument and any “Parent Guarantor” and any other entity guaranteeing any Security, in each case until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Guarantor” shall mean such successor Person.

“Holder” means, with respect to a Security, the Person in whose name such Security is registered in the Security Register.

“Indebtedness” means any indebtedness of any Person for money borrowed, whether incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and includes obligations under capitalized leases.

“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more supplemental indentures hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term “Indenture” shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301.

“Interest Payment Date” means, when used with respect to any Security, the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

“Investment Company Act” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (including any successor act thereto), as amended from time to time, and (unless the content otherwise requires) includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

“Issuer” means the Person named as the “Issuer” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Issuer” shall mean such successor Person.

“Issuer Request” or “Issuer Order” means, with respect to Securities of a series, a written request or order signed in the name of the Issuer of such Securities by any of the Issuer’s Directors and/or Authorized Officers, and delivered to the Trustee.

“Judgment Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 1012.

“Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein provided or established as contemplated by Section 301, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, call for repurchase or otherwise.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Services, Inc., or any successor thereto.

“Notice of Default” means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 501(3) or (4).

 

5


“Officers’ Certificate”, with respect to the Issuer or a Guarantor, means a certificate signed by any executive director or Authorized Officer and the secretary or a deputy or assistant secretary of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee.

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Issuer or a Guarantor, and delivered to the Trustee.

“Outstanding”, when used with respect to Securities, means as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

(i) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(ii) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent (other than the Issuer or a Guarantor) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Issuer (if the Issuer or a Guarantor shall act as its own or their own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(iii) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 1202; and

(iv) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Issuer;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, (A) if the principal amount of a Security payable at Maturity is to be determined by reference to an index or indices, the principal amount of such Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the face amount thereof, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as established as contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner established as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (C) Securities owned by the Issuer, a

 

6


Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Issuer, a Guarantor or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or a Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Issuer or a Guarantor or of such other obligor.

“Parent Guarantor” means WPP plc or any Person who owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the common equity of the Issuer and all of the other Subsidiary Guarantors and which is a guarantor of the Securities, until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Parent Guarantor” shall mean such successor Person.

“Paying Agents” means the Principal Paying Agent together with any other Person authorized by the Issuer to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Issuer.

“Permitted Sale and Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning specified in Section 1010.

“Permitted Security Interests” means

(1) Security Interests arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of business including, without limitation, statutory liens and encumbrances;

(2) any Security Interest over the assets and/or revenues of a company which became or becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer or a Guarantor after the date of this Indenture and which Security Interest is in existence or contracted to be given as at the date it becomes a Subsidiary (and which was not created in contemplation of it becoming a Subsidiary);

(3) those Security Interests existing at the date of this Indenture;

(4) Security Interests securing the performance of bids, tenders, bonds, leases, contracts (other than in respect of Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety, customs and appeal bonds and other obligations of like nature (but not including obligations in respect of Indebtedness) incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(5) Security Interests arising out of judgments or awards which are being contested in good faith and with respect to which an appeal or proceeding for review has been instituted or the time for doing so has not yet expired;

 

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(6) Security Interests upon any property which are created or incurred contemporaneously with the acquisition of such property to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price of such property (but no other amounts); provided that any such Security Interest shall not apply to any other property of the purchaser thereof;

(7) any Security Interest arising out of title retention provisions in a supplier’s conditions of supply of goods or services acquired by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of its business;

(8) any right of any bank or financial institution of combination or consolidation of accounts or right to set-off or transfer any sum or sums standing to the credit of any account (or appropriate any securities held by such bank or financial institution) in or towards satisfaction of any present or future liabilities to that bank or financial institution;

(9) any Security Interest securing Indebtedness re-financing Indebtedness secured by Security Interests permitted by clauses (2), (3) or (6) above or this clause (9); provided that the maximum principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Security Interests at the time of such refinancing is not increased and such Security Interests do not extend to any assets which were not subject to the Security Interests securing the re-financed indebtedness;

(10) Security Interests in favor of WPP plc or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or, after the time that the Securities are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other then WPP plc, Security Interests in favor of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(11) (a) any Security Interests created or outstanding on or over any of the assets of WPP plc or the assets of any of its Subsidiaries issued in connection with an accounts receivable purchase facility, provided that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by such Security Interests permitted by this clause (11)(a) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed 15% of the total assets (meaning fixed assets plus current assets as shown on its consolidated financial statements) of WPP plc as reported at the most recent year-end or (b) after the time that the debt securities are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other than WPP plc (following which time clause (11)(a) shall cease to have effect), any Security Interests created or outstanding on or over any of the Parent Guarantor’s assets or the assets of any of its Subsidiaries issued in connection with an accounts receivable purchase facility provided that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by such Security Interests permitted by this clause (11)(b) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed 15% of the total assets (meaning fixed assets plus current assets as shown on its consolidated financial statements) of the Parent Guarantor as reported at the most recent year-end (or if the Parent Guarantor did not file reports as of the most recent year-end, 15% of the total assets (meaning fixed assets plus current assets as shown on its consolidated financial statements) of WPP plc as reported at the most recent year-end as reported by WPP plc); and

 

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(12) (a) any other Security Interest created or outstanding on or over any assets of WPP plc or any Restricted Subsidiary provided that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by all such Security Interests permitted by this clause (12)(a) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed U.S.$40,000,000 or (b) after the time that the Securities are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other than WPP plc (following which time clause (12)(a) shall cease to have effect), any other Security Interest created or outstanding on or over any of the Parent Guarantor’s assets or the assets of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, further, that the aggregate outstanding amount secured by all such Security Interests permitted by this clause (12)(b) created or outstanding shall not at any time exceed $40,000,000.

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“Place of Payment”, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable established as contemplated by Section 301.

“Predecessor Security” of any particular Security, means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

“Property” of any Person means all types of real, personal, tangible, intangible or mixed property (including any related contractual rights) owned by such Person whether or not included in the most recent consolidated balance sheet of such Person under United States generally accepted accounting principles.

“Redemption Date” when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption established as contemplated by Section 301.

“Redemption Price” when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed established as contemplated by Section 301.

“Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on any Security of any series means the date established for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301 irrespective whether such date is a Business Day.

“Repurchase Date” when used with respect to any Security to be repurchased, means the date fixed for such repurchase established as contemplated by Section 301.

“Responsible Officer” when used with respect to the Trustee, shall mean an officer assigned to the Corporate Trust Office, including any vice president, assistant vice president, senior trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing

 

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functions similar to those performed by any of the above-designated officers and having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

“Restricted Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary whose consolidated revenue shall have exceeded 5% of the consolidated revenues of WPP plc and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole for that financial year or any other Subsidiary designated by WPP plc from time to time as a Restricted Subsidiary in its sole discretion; provided, that after the time that the Securities are guaranteed by a Parent Guarantor other than WPP plc, a “Restricted Subsidiary” shall be any Subsidiary whose consolidated revenue shall have exceeded 5% of consolidated revenues of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole for that financial year (or if the Parent Guarantor has existed for less than one year, 5% of the consolidated revenues of WPP plc and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole for that financial year), or any other Subsidiary designated by the Parent Guarantor from time to time as a Restricted Subsidiary in the Parent Guarantor’s sole discretion.

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning specified in Section 1010.

“Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (including any successor act thereto), as amended from time to time, and (unless the context otherwise requires) includes the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

“Security Interests” means, with respect to any Property, any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other security interest in respect of such Property. For purposes of this Indenture, the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to own, subject to a Security Interest, any Property which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such Property.

“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.

“Significant Subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

“Special Record Date” means, for the payment of any Defaulted Interest, a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

“Stated Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable established as contemplated by Section 301.

 

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“Sterling Bonds” means the 6% bonds due April 2017 issued by WPP 2008 Limited (formerly WPP Group plc), the 6.375% bonds due November 2020 issued by WPP Finance S.A. and the 5.75% convertible bonds due May 2014 issued by WPP plc.

“Subsidiary” of a specified person means that specified person holds a majority of the voting rights in it, or is a member of it and has the right to appoint or remove a majority of its board of directors or is a member of it and controls alone, pursuant to an agreement with other shareholders or members, a majority of the voting rights in it, or if it is a subsidiary of a company which is itself a subsidiary of that specified person.

“Subsidiary Guarantor” means each of WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited, WPP 2005 Limited, and any other Subsidiaries of the Issuer or any Parent Guarantor that becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor, each until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Subsidiary Guarantor” shall mean such successor Person in lieu of such original Subsidiary Guarantor.

“Substitute Rating Agency” means a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer (pursuant to a Board Resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or both of them, as the case may be.

“Succession Date” has the meaning specified in Section 1108.

“Successor Guarantor” and “Successor Person” have the respective meanings specified in Section 801.

“taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

“transfer” means, with respect to any Security, any sale, pledge, transfer, hypothecation or other disposition of such Security or any interest therein.

“Trust Indenture Act” means the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (including any successor act thereto), as it may be amended from time to time, and (unless the context otherwise requires) includes the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used herein shall be deemed to mean the person acting as Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

 

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“United States” means the United States of America (including the States thereof and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.

“USA Notes” means the 5.875% notes due June 2014 issued by WPP Finance (UK) and the 8% senior notes due September 2014 issued by WPP Finance (UK).

“U.S. Government Obligation” has the meaning specified in Section 1204.

SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

Upon any application or request by the Issuer or a Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, shall furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be reasonably required hereunder or under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Issuer or a Guarantor, or an Opinion of Counsel if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Each certificate or opinion by or on behalf of the Issuer or a Guarantor with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 1004) shall include,

(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

 

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Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Issuer or of a Guarantor may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Issuer or a Guarantor, as the case may be, stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer and the Guarantors. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Sections 601 and 603) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuer or the Guarantors, if made in the manner provided in this Section 104.

(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register and the Trustee may conclusively rely on such information and shall not be affected by notice to the contrary.

(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the

 

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same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, the Issuer or the Guarantors in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

(e) The Issuer may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series; provided that the Issuer may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Issuer from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Issuer, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.

(f) The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and without any action by any Person be canceled and of no effect), nor shall anything in this paragraph be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set

 

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pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer or the Guarantors, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Issuer and the Guarantors in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.

(g) With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 104, the party hereto that sets such record dates may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other parties hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 104, the party hereto that set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 180th day after the applicable record date.

Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.

SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee, Issuer and Guarantors.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Issuer or the Guarantors shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and mailed first class postage paid to or otherwise made, given, furnished or filed in writing (which may be by facsimile) to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Capital Market Services, or

(2) the Issuer or the Guarantors by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Issuer or the Guarantors addressed to such parties at the respective addresses of their principal offices specified in the first paragraph of this Instrument or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee.

SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid at the expense of the Issuer, to each Holder affected by

 

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such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

While any Securities are represented by one or more Global Securities, all notices with respect to such Global Securities shall be delivered to the Depositary for such Global Securities, as applicable for communication to entitled account holders.

For so long as any Securities are listed on any securities exchange, the Issuer shall publish such notices as may be required by the rules and regulations of such securities exchange.

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture once this Indenture is qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns.

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Issuer or the Guarantors shall bind their successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not. All agreements of the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, in this Indenture shall bind their successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

 

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SECTION 110. Separability Clause.

In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture, the Securities or the Guarantees shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions contained in this Indenture, and to the extent and only to the extent that any such provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, this Indenture, the Securities and the Guarantees shall be construed as if such provision had never been contained herein or therein.

SECTION 111. Counterparts.

This Indenture may be simultaneously executed and delivered in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. To the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, the exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

SECTION 112. Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders of Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

SECTION 113. Governing Law.

THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES AND THE GUARANTEES (AND ANY NON-CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS OUT OF OR RELATED THERETO) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

SECTION 114. Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service of Process; Waiver of Jury Trial.

The Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Agents agree that any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture, and each of the Issuer and the Guarantors agrees that any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Securities and the Guarantees, may be instituted in any U.S. federal or New York state court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and each waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such legal suit, action or proceeding, waives any immunity from jurisdiction or to service of process in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding, waives any right to which it may be entitled on account of place of residence or domicile and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Issuer

 

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and each Guarantor hereby appoints CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011, as its authorized agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon which process may be served in any legal action or proceeding against it with respect to its obligations under this Indenture, the Securities of any series or the Guarantees, as the case may be, instituted in any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York by the Trustee or by the Holder of any Security. The Issuer and each Guarantor reserves the right to appoint another person located or with an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, selected in their discretion, as a successor Authorized Agent, and upon acceptance of such appointment by such a successor and notice to the Trustee and the Holders of the successor Authorized Agent, the appointment of the prior Authorized Agent shall terminate. If for any reason the designee, appointee and agent hereunder ceases to be able to act as the Authorized Agent or to have an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall appoint a successor Authorized Agent in accordance with the preceding sentence. The Issuer and each Guarantor further agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment of such agent in full force and effect until this Indenture has been satisfied and discharged in accordance with Article Four or Article Twelve hereof. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent addressed to it at the address set forth above, as such address may be changed within the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York by notice given by the Authorized Agent to the Trustee, together with written notice of such service mailed or delivered to the Issuer or the Guarantors shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process on the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action arising out of or relating to this Indenture may be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction in England. Each of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Agents hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture, the Securities, the Guarantees and the transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 115. Legal Holidays.

In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security established as contemplated by Section 301 which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity, as the case may be; provided that no interest with respect to such payment shall accrue for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

 

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SECTION 116. Force Majeure.

In no event shall the Trustee or the Agents be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

SECTION 117. Waiver of Jersey Customary Law Rights.

Each of the Issuer and each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally waives such right as it may have or claim under Jersey law:

(a) whether by virtue of the droit de discussion or otherwise to require that recourse be had to the assets of any other person before any claim is enforced against it under this Indenture or any Guarantee in respect of the obligations assumed by it under this Indenture or any Guarantee; and

(b) whether by virtue of the droit de division or otherwise to require that any liability under this Indenture or any Guarantee be divided or apportioned with any other person or reduced in any manner whatsoever.

SECTION 118. U.S.A. Patriot Act.

The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may reasonably request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.

ARTICLE TWO

SECURITY FORMS

SECTION 201. Forms Generally.

The Securities of each series and the Trustee’s certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the forms set forth in this Article Two or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to Board Resolutions or in one or more supplemental indentures hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such

 

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letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer and each Guarantor and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Issuer Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

The Guarantees of the Guarantors expressed in Article Thirteen shall establish such Guarantees with respect to the Securities of each series without any further notation or endorsement of or attachment to the form of any Security. Likewise, the Guarantees of any other Guarantor created by the acceptance of the terms of Article Thirteen expressed in an applicable Board Resolution of such Guarantor in accordance with Section 301 or indenture supplemental hereto shall establish its Guarantee with respect to the Securities of the relevant series without any further notation or endorsement of or attachment to the form of any Security.

The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

SECTION 202. Form of Face of Security.

The following legend shall appear on the face of each Global Security:

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, WHICH MAY BE TREATED BY THE ISSUER, ANY GUARANTOR, THE TRUSTEE AND ANY AGENT THEREOF AS OWNER AND HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY FOR ALL PURPOSES.

The following legend shall appear on the face of each Global Security for which The Depository Trust Company is to be the Depositary:

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS CERTIFICATE OR ANY PORTION HEREOF IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON OTHER THAN DTC OR A NOMINEE THEREOF IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

20


UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR REGISTERED SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES REFERRED TO IN THE INDENTURE, THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.

[Insert any legend required by the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder]

WPP FINANCE 2010

 

 

No.                
CUSIP No.               
ISIN No.                U.S.$            

WPP Finance 2010 (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any Successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), an unlimited liability company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales, for value received, hereby promises to pay to             , or registered assigns, [include if this Security is a Global Security — the initial principal amount specified on Schedule A hereto (such initial principal amount, as it may from time to time be adjusted by endorsement on Schedule A hereto, is hereinafter referred to as the “principal”)] [include if this Security is not a Global Security — the principal sum of             Dollars] on             or any other Maturity Date. [if the Security is to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert — This Note shall bear interest at the rate of [            ]% per annum, from [            ], [            ] or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, as the case may be, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest shall be payable semi-annually on [            ] and [            ] (each an “Interest Payment Date”), beginning on [            ], [            ], to the Holders in whose names this Note is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the related Interest Payment Date. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.]

[if applicable, insert — ; Any principal [and premium], and any such installment of interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of             % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand].

 

21


Any interest payable, but not so punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture].

[If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert — The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal [and any overdue premium] shall bear interest at the rate of             % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal [or premium] shall be payable on demand. Any such interest on overdue principal or premium which is not paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate of             % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest on interest shall be legally enforceable), from the date of such demand until the amount so demanded is paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue interest shall be payable on demand.]

Payment of the principal of, [premium, if any,] and [if applicable, insert — interest] on this Security shall be made pursuant to the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary as permitted in the Indenture; provided, however, that if this Security is not a Global Security, payment may be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York, New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, against surrender of this Security in the case of any payment due at the Maturity of the principal thereof (other than any payment of interest that first becomes payable on a day other than an Interest Payment Date); and provided, further, that at the option of the Issuer, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register [if applicable, insert — ; and provided, further, that at the option of the Issuer payments of any interest on the Securities (other than at Maturity) may be made, in the case of a registered Holder of at least U.S.$5,000,000 principal amount of Securities, by electronic funds transfer of immediately available funds to a United States dollar account maintained by the payee; provided such registered Holder so elects by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent designating such account, no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion). Unless such designation is revoked, any such designation made by such Holder with respect to such Securities shall remain in effect with respect to any future payments with respect to such Securities payable to such Holder. The Issuer shall pay any administrative costs imposed by banks in connection with making payments by wire transfer.]

 

22


Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed by a Director or Authorized Officer.

Executed as a Deed by WPP FINANCE 2010

______________________________________

SECTION 203. Form of Reverse of Security.

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2011 (herein called the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented by a [            ] Supplemental Indenture dated as of [            ] (herein called the “[            ] Supplemental Indenture”; the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the [            ] Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”), each among the Issuer, WPP PLC, a public company limited by shares incorporated under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (the “Parent Guarantor”), WPP 2008 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales, WPP 2005 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales and WPP AIR 1 LIMITED, a company limited by shares incorporated in Ireland (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Parent Guarantor, the “Guarantors” which term includes any successor guarantor under the Indenture), Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), Citibank, N.A., as the initial Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as a Paying Agent, and reference is hereby made to the Indenture[, as supplemented by the             Supplemental Indenture,] for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee and Agents and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof [if applicable, insert — , limited in initial aggregate principal amount to U.S.$            ]. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

The Subsidiary Guarantors and the Parent Guarantor have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, the full and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, Additional Amounts and any other amounts payable in respect of the Securities, when and as the same shall become due and payable

 

23


by the Issuer in respect of the Securities, whether at the stated maturity thereof, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, call for repurchase or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of the Securities and of the Indenture. To the extent set forth in the applicable Board Resolutions or a supplemental indenture, the full and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, Additional Amounts and any other amounts payable in respect of the Securities, when and as the same shall become due and payable by the Issuer in respect of the Securities, whether at the stated maturity thereof, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, call for repurchase or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of the Securities and of the Indenture may also be guaranteed by any other Guarantor that may guarantee the Securities.

[If applicable, insert — The interest rate payable on the Securities shall be subject to adjustments from time to time if either Moody’s or S&P, or in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency thereof, downgrades (or subsequently upgrades) the rating assigned to the Securities, in the manner described below.

If the rating of the Securities from Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the Securities shall increase from the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

Moody’s Rating*    Percentage
Points
 

Ba1

     0.25   

Ba2

     0.50   

Ba3

     0.75   

B1 or below

     1.00   

 

* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

If the rating of the Securities from S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the Securities shall increase from the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

S&P Rating*    Percentage
Points
 

BB+

     0.25   

BB

     0.50   

BB-

     0.75   

B+ or below

     1.00   

 

* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

If at any time the interest rate on the Securities has been adjusted upward and either Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency thereof), as the case may be, subsequently increases its rating of the Securities to any of the ratings set

 

24


forth in the tables above, the interest rate on the Securities shall be decreased such that the interest rate for the Securities equals the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date plus the applicable percentage points set forth opposite the ratings in the tables above in effect immediately following the ratings increase. If Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof subsequently increases its rating of the Securities to Baa3 (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher and S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof increases its rating to BBB- (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher, the interest rate on the Securities shall be decreased to the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date.

Each adjustment required by any decrease or increase in a rating set forth above, whether occasioned by the action of Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), shall be made independent of any and all other adjustments. In no event shall (i) the interest rate on the Securities be reduced to below the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date or (ii) the total increase in the interest rate on the Securities exceed 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date.

No adjustments in the interest rate of the Securities shall be made solely as a result of a Rating Agency ceasing to provide a rating of the Securities. If, at any time, less than two Rating Agencies provide a rating of the Securities for reason beyond the Issuer’s control, the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a rating of the Securities from a Substitute Rating Agency, to the extent one exists, and if a Substitute Rating Agency exists, for purposes of determining any increase or decrease in the interest rate on the Securities pursuant to the table above (x) such Substitute Rating Agency shall be substituted for the last Rating Agency to provide a rating of the Securities but which has since ceased to provide such rating, (y) the relative ratings scale used by such Substitute Rating Agency to assign ratings to senior unsecured debt shall be determined in good faith by an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by the Issuer and, for purposes of determining the applicable ratings included in the applicable table above with respect to such Substitute Rating Agency, such ratings shall be deemed to be the equivalent ratings used by Moody’s or S&P, as applicable, in such table and (z) the interest rate on the Securities shall increase or decrease, as the case may be, such that the interest rate equals the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date plus the appropriate percentage points, if any, set forth opposite the rating from such Substitute Rating Agency in the applicable table above (taking into account the provisions of clause (y) above) (plus any applicable percentage points resulting from a decreased rating by the other Rating Agency).

For so long as only one Rating Agency provides a rating of the Securities, any subsequent increase or decrease in the interest rate of the Securities necessitated by a reduction or increase in the rating by such Rating Agency shall be twice the percentage points set forth in the applicable table above. For so long as no Rating Agency provides a rating of the Securities, the interest rate on the Securities shall increase to, or remain at, as the case may be, 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the Securities on the Issue Date.

 

25


The interest rate on the Securities shall permanently cease to be subject to any adjustment described above (notwithstanding any subsequent decrease in the ratings by either or both Rating Agencies) if the Securities become rated A2 and A (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher by Moody’s and S&P, respectively (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), or one of these ratings if the Securities are only rated by one Rating Agency.

Any interest rate increase or decrease described herein shall take effect from the first day of the interest period during which a rating change requires an adjustment in the interest rate. If Moody’s or S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof changes its rating of the Securities more than once during any particular interest period, the last change by such agency during such period shall control for purposes of any interest rate increase or decrease with respect to the Securities described above relating to such Rating Agency’s action.

If the interest rate payable on the Securities is increased as described above, then the term “interest,” as used in this Security, shall be deemed to include any such additional interest unless the context otherwise requires.

The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee and the Principal Paying Agent, if the Trustee shall not then be acting as Principal Paying Agent, within five calendar days after either Moody’s or S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof downgrades, or subsequently upgrades, the rating assigned to the Securities as described above, an Officers’ Certificate stating (i) that the rating downgrade, or subsequent upgrade, as the case may be, has occurred and (ii) the current rating or ratings upon which the interest rate payable on the Securities shall be based.]

[If applicable, insert — The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days’, nor more than 60 days’, notice, as a whole or in part, at the election of the Issuer, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert — on or before             ,             %, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning             of the years indicated,

 

Year

 

Redemption

Price

 

Year

 

Redemption

Price

     

and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to             % of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]

 

26


[If applicable, insert – The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days’, nor more than 60 days’, notice by mail, [If applicable, insert—(1) on             in any year commencing with the year             and ending with the year             , and (2)] at any time [If applicable, insert — on or after             ], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Issuer at 100% of the principal amount of such Securities plus a premium (determined by the Issuer) equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the present value of all interest and principal payments scheduled to become due after the date of such redemption in respect of the portion of such Securities to be redeemed (such present value to be determined by the Issuer on the basis of a discount rate equal to the yield on maturity on U.S. Treasury instruments with a maturity as close as practicable to the remaining average life of such Securities) over (ii) the principal amount of such Securities to be redeemed.]

[If applicable, insert – The Issuer shall have the right, at its option, to redeem the Securities in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to their Stated Maturity, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities and (2) the sum of the present values of each remaining scheduled payment of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued and unpaid to the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in Section 301 hereof) plus [            ] basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the Securities to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity or interpolated maturity (on a day count basis) of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

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

“Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Issuer.

“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any Redemption Date (1) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation or (2) if the Issuer obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

 

27


“Reference Treasury Dealer” means [NAMES OF DESIGNATED DEALERS] or their respective affiliates which are primary United States government securities dealers and two other leading primary United States government securities dealers in New York City reasonably designated by the Issuer; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary United States government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”), the Issuer shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.

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

[If applicable, insert – Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer may not, prior to             , redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [If applicable, insert – Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Issuer (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than             % per annum.]

[If applicable, insert – In addition to its ability to redeem this Security pursuant to the foregoing, this] [This] Security may be redeemed by the Issuer on the terms set forth and as more fully described in the Indenture, in certain circumstances where the Issuer or a Guarantor would be required to pay Additional Amounts in respect hereof as a result of a change or amendment of any law, regulation or published tax ruling of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or any of the Guarantors or any Successor Person are organized pursuant to Article Eight of the Indenture, affecting taxation, or change in the official administration, interpretation or application thereof, in each case occurring after the issue date hereof or which change in such official administration, interpretation or application shall not have been available to the public prior to the issue date hereof, which change shall require the Issuer or a Guarantor to pay Additional Amounts and such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer or such Guarantor by taking reasonable measures available to the Issuer or the Guarantor, as provided in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert — In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]

[If applicable, insert – [As provided in the [            ] Supplemental Indenture,] the Issuer shall have the right to redeem the Securities upon the occurrence of certain events relating to taxation, as a result of which the Issuer or a Guarantor becomes obligated to pay Additional Amounts on the Securities, in which case the Issuer may redeem the Securities in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest and Additional Amounts, if any) to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

 

28


On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Securities or any portion of the Notes called for redemption (unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price and accrued and unpaid interest). On or before the Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and (unless the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date on the Securities to be redeemed on such date. If less than all of the Securities are to be redeemed, the Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee, Security Registrar or Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, by such method as the Trustee, Security Registrar or Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, shall deem fair and appropriate.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event, unless the Issuer has exercised its right to redeem the Securities [pursuant to the [            ] Supplemental Indenture], each Holder shall have the option to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any portion of its Securities (in principal amounts of $[            ] and integral multiples of $[            ] in excess thereof) on the Repurchase Date (as defined in Section 301) at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

Promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Change of Control Repurchase Event has occurred, the Issuer shall, and at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware, the Trustee may, and if so requested by Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities then outstanding, shall (subject in each case to the Trustee being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction), give notice (the “Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice”) to the Holders specifying the nature of the Change of Control Repurchase Event and the procedure for exercising the Holders’ repurchase option. If not previously sent, the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice must be sent to the Holders, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and the Principal Paying Agent no later than 30 days after the occurrence of the Change of Control Repurchase Event.

To exercise the option to require the repurchase of a Note following the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event the Holder of the Note shall deliver such Security, on any Business Day during the period (the “Repurchase Period”) beginning on the date the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice is given and ending 45 days thereafter, at the specified office of the Trustee, accompanied by a duly signed and completed notice of exercise (a “Change of Control Repurchase Notice”) in the form (for the time being current) which shall be provided with the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice. A Change of Control Repurchase Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable unless the Issuer elects to permit revocations. All Securities submitted for repurchase shall be purchased by the Issuer on the date that is 3 Business Days after the expiration of the Repurchase Period (the “Repurchase Date”).

 

29


On the Repurchase Date, the Issuer shall:

(i) accept for payment all Securities or portions of Securities (in principal amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) properly tendered pursuant to the repurchase option;

(ii) deposit with the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, an amount equal to the aggregate repurchase price in respect of all Securities or portions of Securities properly tendered; and

(iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Securities properly accepted, together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Securities being purchased by the Issuer.

The Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, shall promptly mail to each Holder of Securities properly tendered the repurchase price for the Securities, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of any Securities surrendered; provided, that each new Note shall be in a principal amount of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

The Issuer shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder, to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Securities as a result of a Change of Control Repurchase Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the Securities, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached the Issuer’s obligations under the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the Securities by virtue of such conflict.

The Issuer shall not be required to make an offer to repurchase the Securities upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by the Issuer, and such third party purchases all Securities properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.

The Trustee and the Principal Paying Agent are under no obligation to ascertain whether a Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control has occurred and, until it shall have actual knowledge or notice pursuant to the Indenture to the contrary, the Trustee and the Principal Paying Agent may assume that no Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.]

 

30


If an Event of Default with respect to Securities shall occur and be continuing, the aggregate principal amount of the Securities may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of the series of which this Security is a part or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

In any case where the due date for the payment of the principal amount of, or any premium or interest with respect to, any Security or the date fixed for redemption of any Security shall not be a Business Day at a Place of Payment, then payment of the principal amount, premium, if any, or interest, need not be made on such date at such Place of Payment, with the same force and effect as if made on the date for such payment or the date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date.

All payments pursuant to the Securities and the Guarantees shall be made without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, levies, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (“taxes”) imposed or levied by or on behalf of (i) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor is incorporated or resident (or deemed for tax purposes to be resident), (ii) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor makes payment on the Securities or the Guarantees or (iii) the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (each, an “Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction”), unless such taxes are required by the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction to be withheld or deducted. In that event, the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor shall pay by way of additional interest on the Securities such additional amounts of, or in respect of, principal, premium, if any, and interest (“Additional Amounts”) as will result (after deduction of such taxes and any additional taxes payable in respect of such Additional Amounts) in the payment to each Holder of such Securities of the amounts which would have been payable in respect of such Security or Guarantee had no such withholding or deduction been required, except that no Additional Amounts shall be so payable for or on account of:

(i) any taxes that would not have been imposed but for the fact that such Holder:

(a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction or otherwise had some connection with the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction other than the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such Security or Guarantee;

(b) presented (if presentation is required) such Security or Guarantee for payment in the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction, unless such Security or Guarantee could not have been presented for payment in another member state of the European Union; or

 

31


(c) presented (if presentation is required) such Security or Guarantee, as the case may be, more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the payment in respect of such Security first became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the Holder would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts if it had presented such Security or Guarantee for payment on any day within such period of thirty (30) days;

(ii) any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar taxes;

(iii) any taxes that are payable otherwise than by withholding or deduction from payments of, or in respect of, principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities or Guarantee, as the case may be;

(iv) any taxes that are imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial owner of a Note with a request of the Issuer or any Guarantor addressed to the Holder and received by such Holder at least thirty (30) days prior to the first payment date with respect to which such information is required (a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (a) or (b), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

(v) any tax imposed on a payment to an individual and required to be made pursuant to the European Council Directive 2003/48/EC on the taxation of savings income or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced to conform to, such Directive;

(vi) any taxes payable by or on behalf of a Holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant Note or Guarantee to another Paying Agent in a member state of the European Union; or

(vii) any combination of items (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi);

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid with respect to any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any such Security or Guarantee to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such Additional Amounts had it been the Holder of the Note.

 

32


All references herein, in the Indenture, and in one or more supplemental indentures thereto, the Securities and the Guarantees to principal, premium, if any, interest or any other amount payable in respect of any Note shall be deemed to include all Additional Amounts, if any, payable in respect of such principal, premium, interest or other amount payable, unless the context otherwise requires, and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts in any provision hereof shall not be construed as excluding reference to Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series on the other hand to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, compliance by the Issuer or the Guarantors, or all or any of them, with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

[If applicable, insert — Each Holder hereby consents to the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any additional or successor Guarantor) applying to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order sanctioning a reduction in any of its share capital accounts including, without limitation, by re-characterizing any sum standing to the credit of a share premium account as a distributable reserve (a “Reduction of Capital”). Each Holder hereby authorizes and requests the Trustee, on behalf of the Holder, to sign any necessary form of consent that the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any additional or successor Guarantor) may reasonably request in connection with a Reduction of Capital.]

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal

 

33


amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and the Trustee shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

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

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Issuer in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, shall be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$ [            ] and any integral multiple of U.S.$ [            ] in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

[This Security is a Global Security and is subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to Global Securities, including the limitations in Section 305 thereof on transfers and exchanges of Global Securities.]

[Insert other terms applicable to the Securities, as appropriate.]

This Security, the Guarantees and the Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

34


All terms used in this Security and the Guarantees set forth below which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

 

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription of the face of this Security, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM—as tenants in common    UNIF GIFT MIN ACT—____________
TEN ENT—as tenants by the entireties                                         (Cust)                                 
   Custodian _____________ under Uniform
JT TEN—as joint tenants with right                                 (Minor)

of survivorship and not as

   Gifts to Minors Act ______________

tenants in common

                                    (State)                                         

Additional abbreviations may also be used

though not in the above list.

 

35


[IF SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY, INSERT AS A SEPARATE PAGE—

Schedule A

SCHEDULE OF ADJUSTMENTS

Initial Principal Amount: U.S.$

 

Date
adjustment
made

 

Principal
amount
increase

 

Principal
amount
decrease

 

Principal
amount
following
adjustment

 

Notation made
on behalf of the
Security
Registrar

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36


SECTION 204. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.

The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

Certificate of Authentication:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:                     

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

    as Trustee

By:                                                                                                  

      Authorized Signatory

ARTICLE THREE

THE SECURITIES

SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to Board Resolutions of the Issuer and each Guarantor, as appropriate, and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more supplemental indentures hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series,

(1) the title of the Securities, including “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers, of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series);

(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, or upon partial redemption of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

 

37


(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;

(4) the date or dates on which the principal of, and any premium on, the Securities of the series is payable;

(5) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date for any interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;

(6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner in which any payment may be made;

(7) if applicable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Issuer of such Securities and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Issuer of such Securities to redeem the Securities shall be evidenced and any provisions in addition to or in lieu of the provisions of Article Eleven applicable to Securities of the series;

(8) the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem or purchase any Securities of the series at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(9) if other than denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(10) if the amount of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(11) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units (including composite currencies) in which payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 101;

 

38


(12) if the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Issuer or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units (including composite currencies) other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units (including composite currencies) in which the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined);

(13) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;

(14) if other than as provided in Section 201, the form or forms of the Securities;

(15) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined);

(16) where appropriate, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall not be defeasible pursuant to Section 1202 or Section 1203 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Issuer to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;

(17) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 202 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof, and any circumstances in addition or in lieu of those set forth in Section 305 in which transfers of interests in Global Securities may be made;

(18) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to the Securities of the series;

 

39


(19) the guarantees to apply with respect to the Securities of the series; and

(20) if there is more than one Trustee, the identity of the Trustee and, if not Citibank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, the identity of each of the Agents, as applicable, with respect to such Securities;

(21) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(5)).

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be established in or pursuant to Board Resolutions or supplemental indentures referred to above.

To the extent any terms of the Securities of the series are established pursuant to Board Resolutions or supplemental indentures, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer and each Guarantor, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.

SECTION 302. Denominations.

The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such specified denomination with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Issuer by any one Director or Authorized Officer of the Issuer. The signature of any such Director or Authorized Officer of the Issuer on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper Director or Authorized Officer of the Issuer shall bind the Issuer notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, together with an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with such Issuer Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Sections 601 and 603) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,

 

40


(1) if any form of such Securities has been established pursuant to Board Resolutions or indentures supplemental hereto as permitted by Section 201, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(2) if any terms of such Securities have been established pursuant to Board Resolution or indentures supplemental hereto as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(3) that all conditions precedent to the authentication and delivery of such securities have been complied with and that such Securities and the Guarantees thereof, when such Securities have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer and the Guarantors in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors, respectively, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles and to such other matters as counsel shall specify therein; and

(4) that all applicable laws and requirements in respect of the execution and delivery by the Issuer of such Securities have been complied with.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities, the Guarantees and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee or if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not be lawfully taken.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the second preceding paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the Issuer Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such second preceding paragraph at or prior to the authentication of such Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued and reasonably contemplate the original issuance of such Security of such series.

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

No Security or related Guarantee shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security or Guarantee has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold

 

41


by the Issuer, and the Issuer shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security and any Guarantee shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture including, if applicable, the Guarantee.

Each Guarantor by its execution of this Indenture or an indenture supplemental hereto authorizes the Issuer, in the name and on behalf of such Guarantor, to confirm the Guarantee of such Guarantor to the Holder of each Security authenticated and delivered hereunder by its execution and delivery of each such Security, with such Guarantee noted thereon, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee. The Guarantee of a Guarantor with respect to any Security, whether established by this Indenture, by Board Resolutions of such Guarantor in accordance with Section 301 or by an indenture supplemental hereto, shall bind such Guarantor notwithstanding the fact that no Guarantee may be endorsed on such Security.

SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Issuer may execute temporary Securities, and upon compliance with Section 303 the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, such temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the Directors or Authorized Officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Issuer shall cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of such Issuer in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor, one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.

SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

(a) General

The Issuer shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office or with the Security Registrar, as applicable, a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Issuer in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable

 

42


regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. Citibank, N.A. is hereby appointed by the Issuer as the initial “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the office or agency of the Issuer in a Place of Payment for that series, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like terms and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to this Section 305, at the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like terms and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer (and the related Guarantees shall be the valid obligations of the Guarantors), evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange thereof.

Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Issuer or the Security Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Security Registrar and duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing. Such transfer or exchange will be effected upon the Security Registrar being satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the people making the request.

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.

If the Securities of any series are to be redeemed in part, the Issuer shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified terms, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any such Securities selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.

 

43


(b) Global Securities

Except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 301, this Section 305(b) shall apply only to Global Securities.

(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture or the Securities, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary or a nominee thereof unless (A) the Depositary (i) has notified the Issuer at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security and a successor Depositary is not appointed within 90 days or (ii) has ceased to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor Depositary is not appointed within 90 days, (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series or (C) a request for certificates has been made by the Issuer upon 60 days’ prior written notice given to the Trustee in accordance with the Depositary’s customary procedures and a copy of such notice has been received by the Issuer from the Trustee. Any Global Security exchanged pursuant to Clause (A) above shall be so exchanged in whole and not in part and any Global Security exchanged pursuant to Clause (B) or (C) above may be exchanged in whole or from time to time in part as directed by the Depositary. Any Security issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be a Global Security; provided that any such Security so issued that is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary or a nominee thereof shall not be a Global Security.

(3) Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof pursuant to Clause (2) above shall be issued in definitive, fully registered form, without interest coupons, shall have an aggregate principal amount equal to that of such Global Security or portion thereof to be so exchanged, shall be registered in such names and be in such authorized denominations as the Depositary shall designate and shall bear any legends required hereunder. Any Global Security to be exchanged in whole shall be surrendered by the Depositary to the Trustee or the Security Registrar, as applicable. With regard to any Global Security to be exchanged in part, either such Global Security shall be so surrendered for exchange or, if the Trustee or the Security Registrar, as applicable, is acting as custodian for the Depositary or its nominee with respect to such Global Security, the principal amount thereof shall be reduced, by an amount equal to the portion thereof to be so exchanged, by means of an appropriate adjustment made on the records of the Trustee or Security Registrar, as applicable. Upon any such surrender or adjustment, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver the Security issuable on such exchange to or upon the order of the Depositary or an authorized representative thereof.

 

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(4) In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Clause (2) above, the Issuer shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of certificated Securities in definitive, fully registered form, without interest coupons.

(5) Neither any members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“Agent Members”) nor any other Persons on whose behalf Agent Members may act (including Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V. (“Euroclear”) and Clearstream Banking, S.A. (“Clearstream”) and account holders and participants therein) shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security, or under any Global Security, and the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee, the Agents and any agent of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, as the absolute owner and holder of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee and the Agents or any agent of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, or impair, as between the Depositary, its Agent Members and any other person on whose behalf an Agent Member may act, the operation of customary practices of such Persons governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Security.

(6) None of the Trustee, the Agents or any Agent Member shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.

SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount, having and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

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

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

 

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

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

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

SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

(1) The Issuer or a Guarantor may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Issuer or a Guarantor shall notify the Trustee and Principal Paying Agent in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Issuer or such Guarantor shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Issuer or such Guarantor shall

 

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promptly notify the Trustee of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer or such Guarantor, the Trustee shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).

(2) The Issuer or a Guarantor may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Issuer or such Guarantor to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 307, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.

Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Registrar, the Principal Paying Agent and any agent of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Registrar, the Principal Paying Agent nor any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee, the Security Registrar or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

SECTION 309. Cancellation.

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee or the Security Registrar, as applicable, be delivered to the Trustee or Security Registrar, as applicable, and shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Issuer or any Guarantor may at any time deliver to the Trustee or the Security Registrar, as applicable, for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Issuer or any Guarantor may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee or Security Registrar, as applicable (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee or

 

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Security Registrar, as applicable) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Issuer has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee or Security Registrar, as applicable. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee or Security Registrar, as applicable, shall be disposed of in accordance with the Trustee’s or Security Registrar’s customary practice.

 

SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise established as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

SECTION 311. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers.

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

SECTION 312. Agents.

The rights, powers, duties, obligations and actions of each Agent under this Indenture are several and not joint or joint and several. Except as otherwise provided herein, no Agent shall be under any fiduciary duty or other obligation towards, or have any relationship or other agency or trust, for or with any Person other than the Issuer and the Guarantors.

ARTICLE FOUR

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

This Indenture shall upon request of the Issuer, made in an Issuer Request, cease to be of further effect (except as provided in the last paragraph to this Section 401) with respect to the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in respect of all Securities of the Issuer, and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute instruments in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, the Issuer and the Guarantors acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Issuer and its Securities, when

 

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(a) either

(1) all Securities of the Issuer theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer or a Guarantor and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

(i) have become due and payable, or

(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

(iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer,

and the Issuer or a Guarantor, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

(b) the Issuer or a Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid or made provision satisfactory to the Trustee for the payment of all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer; and

(c) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the Trustee and the lien of the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Issuer to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614, any obligations of the Trustee under Section 402, the rights and obligations set forth in the last paragraph of Section 1003 and any rights of registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of Securities provided in Sections 304, 305, 306, 906, 1002 or 1107 and any rights to Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1007 shall survive.

 

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SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through the Principal Paying Agent (including the Issuer or any Guarantor acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and any interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.

ARTICLE FIVE

REMEDIES

SECTION 501. Events of Default.

“Event of Default”, wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series of the Issuer or the Guarantees thereof, means any one of the following events with respect to the Issuer of such series or any Guarantor (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series at its Maturity; or

(2) default in the payment of any interest (including Additional Amounts, if any) upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

(3) default in the performance, or breach, of any other covenant or warranty of the Issuer of the Securities of that series or any Guarantor in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section 501 specifically dealt with or which has expressly been established as contemplated by Section 301 solely for the benefit of a series of Securities other than that series) and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 45 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer and the Guarantors by the Trustee or to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach, requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or

(4) a default or defaults under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for money borrowed by the Issuer or any Guarantor (including a default with respect to Securities of any series other than that series) having an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least U.S.$25,000,000 (or

 

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the equivalent thereof in other currencies or currency units), or under any mortgage, indenture, agreement or instrument (including this Indenture) under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Issuer or any Guarantor having an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least U.S.$25,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in other currencies or currency units), whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness (in each such case being, such indebtedness of at least U.S.$25,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in other currencies or currency units) aggregate principal amount outstanding) becoming or being validly declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such indebtedness having been discharged or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within a period of 10 days after there shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer and the Guarantors by the Trustee a written notice specifying such default and requiring the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, to cause such indebtedness to be discharged or cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled, as the case may be, and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; provided, however, that, subject to the provisions of Sections 601 and 602, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of such default unless either (A) a Responsible Officer shall have actual knowledge of such default or (B) the Trustee shall have received at the Corporate Trust Office written notice of such default from the Issuer, from any Guarantor, or from the trustee under any such mortgage, indenture or other instrument; or

(5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer or any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, examinership or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Issuer or any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor a bankrupt or insolvent or their property en désastre, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Issuer or any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, as the case may be, under any applicable law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator, examiner or other similar official (including the Viscount in the case of a désastre) of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days in any such case other than such decree or order made or a resolution passed for the purposes of a reconstruction, amalgamation or reorganization where the Issuer or any Guarantor or the relevant Significant Subsidiary is solvent; or

 

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(6) the commencement by the Issuer or any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor of a voluntary case or proceeding (including a winding up or désastre proceedings) under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, examinership or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer or any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, as the case may be, in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, examinership or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator, examiner or other similar official (including the Viscount in the case of a désastre) of the Issuer or any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Issuer or any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor in furtherance of any such action in any such case other than such case or proceeding undertaken, consent given or filing made for the purposes of a reconstruction, amalgamation or reorganization where the Issuer or any Guarantor or the relevant Significant Subsidiary is insolvent;

(7) any Guarantee of Securities of that series is held by a final, non-appealable order resulting from any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under the Guarantees of Securities of that series; or

(8) any other Event of Default established as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to Securities of that series.

An Event of Default for one series of Securities shall not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of Securities issued hereunder.

SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series of the Issuer at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series of the Issuer may declare the aggregate principal amount of all the Securities of that series of the Issuer to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Issuer and the Guarantor (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such aggregate principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable.

 

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At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article Five provided, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

(1) the Issuer or the Guarantors have paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

(A) all overdue interest and any Additional Amounts thereon on all of the Securities of that series;

(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities;

(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates established pursuant to Section 301 therefor; and

(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and all amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607; and

(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Issuer and each Guarantor covenant that if:

(1) default is made in the payment of any interest (including any Additional Amounts) on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

(2) default is made in the payment of the principal (including any Redemption Price) of, or premium, if any, on any Security at the Maturity thereof,

the Issuer and the Guarantors will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest, and, to the extent that payment of

 

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such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates established pursuant to Section 301 therefor, together with any Additional Amounts thereon, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, fees, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of that series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Issuer and any Guarantor (or any other obligor upon the Securities of a series), their property or their creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator, examiner or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.

SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities or the Guarantees may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and other amounts due to it under Section 607, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected.

Any money and other property collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article Five shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

 

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FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, and any predecessor thereof under Section 607;

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Issuer, to the Guarantors or any other Person or Persons entitled thereto.

SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Securities of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

(2) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute action or proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such action or proceeding; and

(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly

 

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prejudicial to such Holders). For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section 507, each and every Holder of the Outstanding Securities of any series and the Trustee shall be entitled, subject to Section 513, to such relief as can be given at law or in equity.

SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security pursuant to the terms thereof or the Guarantees thereof (and any Additional Amounts) on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article Five or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

 

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SECTION 512. Control by Holders.

Subject to Section 603(5), the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series; provided that:

(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture;

(2) the Trustee shall not determine that the action so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders not taking part in such direction or result in individual liability for the Trustee; or

(3) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction;

provided, further that the Trustee shall be under no obligation to determine whether any such direction shall be in such conflict or so unjustly prejudicial.

Nothing in this Indenture shall impair the right of the Trustee in its discretion to take any action deemed proper by the Trustee and which is not inconsistent with such direction by Holders of Securities.

SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default

(1) in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest (including Additional Amounts, if any) on any Security of such series, or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs.

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of

 

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such suit, and may assess costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section 514 nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Issuer or any Guarantor, the Trustee or any Holder or group of Holders holding in aggregate more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Outstanding Security of any series on or after the due date expressed in such Security in accordance with its terms.

SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.

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

ARTICLE SIX

THE TRUSTEE

SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 601.

Except during the continuance of an Event of Default, (1) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and (2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture.

 

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In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.

If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series of which the Trustee has knowledge, the Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(3) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 45 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section 602, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.

SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to the provisions of Section 601:

(1) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, security, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(2) any request or direction of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Request or Issuer Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any Guarantor may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

(3) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely conclusively upon an Officers’ Certificate;

(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel or other professional advisors of its own choice and the advice of such counsel or other professional advisors or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

 

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(6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, security, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document in connection with this Indenture, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation;

(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder; provided that the Trustee shall be required to terminate any such agent if it has actual knowledge of any failure by such agent to perform its delegated duties;

(8) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured;

(9) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was reckless or grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

(10) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;

(11) the permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties;

(12) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;

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

 

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

(15) the Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder; and

(16) if the Trustee receives any conflicting, unclear or equivocal instructions, it may refrain from taking action until such conflict is resolved or such instructions are clarified and shall suffer no liability for so doing.

SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer or the Guarantors, and neither the Trustee nor any Authentication Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities or the Guarantees. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer or the Guarantors of the Securities or the proceeds thereof.

SECTION 605. May Hold Securities.

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Agent or any other agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Issuer and the Guarantors with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, any Agent or such other agent.

SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust.

Money held by the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Neither the Trustee nor the Principal Paying Agent shall be under any liability for interest on or investment of any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be. Any funds held by the Principal Paying Agent shall be held as banker and not subject to the UK FSA Client Money Rules.

SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Issuer and the Guarantors jointly and severally agree:

 

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(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed in writing with the Issuer for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust and any payments 60 days past due shall be made with interest at the Trustee’s prime lending rate):

(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all expenses, fees, disbursements and advances incurred in good faith or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the compensation and the expenses, fees and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except to the extent any such expense, disbursement or advance may be attributable to its negligence or willful misconduct; and

(3) to indemnify each of the Trustee and its agents for, and to defend and hold it harmless against, any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or expense (including the compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel and including taxes payable by it, other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee or such agent), arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder or the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuer, the Guarantors or any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence or willful misconduct.

“Trustee” for purposes of this Section 607 shall include any predecessor Trustee, but the negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee shall not affect the rights or obligations of any other Trustee hereunder. As used in this Section 607, “Trustee” shall also include each Agent, as applicable.

To secure the obligations under this Section 607, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Holders acknowledge that pursuant to the trust arrangements hereunder, the Trustee has a first-priority lien against all money or other property held by the Trustee.

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or Section 501(6), the expenses (including charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.

The provisions of this Section 607 shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the termination or expiration of this Indenture.

 

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SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests.

If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one series.

SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be the Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, has a combined capital and surplus of at least U.S.$50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 609 and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 609, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article Six shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611.

The Trustee and each Agent may resign at any time, without liability for doing so, with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Issuer and the Guarantors. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction, at the expense of the Issuer and the Guarantors, for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Issuer and the Guarantors. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of removal, the Trustee being removed may petition, at the expense of the Issuer and the Guarantors, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

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If at any time:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Issuer or any Guarantor or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months;

(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Issuer or any Guarantor or by any such Holder; or

(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation;

then, in any such case, (A) the Issuer or any Guarantor by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Issuer and the Guarantors, by Board Resolutions, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Issuer and the Guarantors. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Issuer and the Guarantors or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

The Issuer shall give notice or, having provided the Security Registrar with the form of such notice, shall cause the Security Registrar to give notice, of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each

 

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appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Issuer, the Guarantors and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver a supplemental indenture hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Issuer or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

 

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Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.

No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

Any Person into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation or other entity succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder; provided such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. As soon as practicable, the successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Holders of the Securities then Outstanding. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee and itself authenticated such Securities.

SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer or Guarantors.

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Issuer or a Guarantor (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Issuer or a Guarantor (or any such other obligor).

SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

The Trustee with the consent of the Issuer and the Guarantors, may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities of the Issuer which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, except upon original issue or pursuant to Section 306, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Issuer and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of

 

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America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than U.S.$50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be the combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section 614.

Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent; provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee, to the Issuer and to the Guarantors. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent, to the Issuer and to each of the Guarantors. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 614, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Issuer and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section 614.

The Issuer agrees to pay to such Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 614.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section 614, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:

This is one of the Securities referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

    as Trustee

By:    
  as Authenticating Agent
By:    
  Authorized Signatory

 

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If all of the Securities of a series may not be originally issued at one time, and if the Trustee does not have an office capable of authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Issuer wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested by the Issuer in writing or by facsimile (which writing need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), shall appoint in accordance with this Section an Authenticating Agent having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Issuer with respect of such series of Securities.

SECTION 615. Trustee’s Duties Regarding Reductions of Capital.

Each Holder hereby consents to the Issuer or any Guarantor applying to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order sanctioning a reduction in any of its share capital accounts including, without limitation, by re-characterizing any sum standing to the credit of a share premium account as a distributable reserve (a “Reduction of Capital”). Each Holder hereby agrees that the Trustee, on behalf of the Holder, is authorized and directed to give its consent to any such Reduction of Capital.

ARTICLE SEVEN

HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND ISSUER AND GUARANTOR

SECTION 701. Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall furnish or cause the Security Registrar to furnish to the Trustee:

(a) semi-annually, not later than ten days after each Regular Record Date with respect to each series of Securities, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series as of such Regular Record Date, and

(b) at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished; excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar, to the extent the Trustee is then acting as Security Registrar.

 

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SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar, to the extent the Trustee is then acting as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

The rights of Holders of the Securities of any series to communicate with other Holders of Securities of such series with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities or the Guarantees, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee that none of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee nor any agent of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act or other applicable law.

SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.

Within 60 days of each June 30, beginning with June 30, 2012, the Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Issuer. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

SECTION 704. Reports by Issuer and Guarantors.

(a) The Issuer and the Guarantors shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders of Securities, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 1013.

 

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(b) With respect to the Securities of any series and for so long as the Securities of such series are Outstanding, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall furnish to the Trustee as soon as practicable, at the expense of the Issuer and the Guarantors, and the Trustee shall promptly distribute to the Holders of Securities of such series, any other information as is specified in a supplemental indenture or Board Resolution as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.

Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s and/or the Guarantors’ compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

ARTICLE EIGHT

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

SECTION 801. Issuer or Guarantors May Consolidate, Etc. Only on Certain Terms.

Neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with or into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, unless:

(1) any Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Issuer or such Guarantor is merged or to whom the Issuer or such Guarantor has conveyed, transferred or leased all or substantially all of its properties and assets is a corporation, partnership, trust, company or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of the United Kingdom or any jurisdiction thereof, Jersey, any jurisdiction included from time to time in the European Union (or its successors), the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and such Person expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, the Issuer’s or such Guarantor’s obligations on the Securities or the Guarantees, as the case may be, and under the Indenture (including any obligation to pay any Additional Amounts and, in the case of a Guarantor, the performance or observance of its Guarantee);

(2) in the case of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease by the Issuer or any Guarantor, immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing;

(3) any such Person, or any parent of such Person, shall expressly agree, by an supplemental indenture hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, to indemnify the Holder of each Security of the Issuer against (i) any tax, duty, levy, assessment or governmental charge imposed on such Holder or required to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, and (ii) any costs or expenses of the act of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease; and

 

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(4) the Issuer or such Guarantor has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 801 shall not apply to any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer or any Guarantor to the extent that the Person to which such properties or assets are conveyed, transferred or leased is a Guarantor of the Securities or becomes a Guarantor of the Securities concurrent with any such conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the Issuer’s or such Guarantor’s properties and assets, or is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of any such Guarantor or person who so becomes a Guarantor.

SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.

Upon any consolidation of the Issuer or a Guarantor with, or merger of the Issuer or a Guarantor with or into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer or a Guarantor, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or with or into which the Issuer or such Guarantor is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities or the Guarantees, as the case may be.

ARTICLE NINE

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders, the Issuer and the Guarantors when authorized by a Board Resolution of the Issuer and each Guarantor, as the case may be, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

 

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(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Issuer or a Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Issuer or such Guarantor herein and in the Securities or Guarantees; or

(2) to add to the covenants of the Issuer or a Guarantor or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer or a Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants or surrenders are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants or surrenders are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or

(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or

(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; or

(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities; provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or

(6) to modify the restrictions on the transferability of any Securities, and the procedures for resales and other transfers of the Securities to reflect any change in applicable law or regulation (or the interpretation thereof) or to provide alternative procedures in compliance with applicable law and practices relating to the resale or other transfer of restricted securities generally; or

(7) to secure the Securities pursuant to the requirements of Article Ten or otherwise; or

(8) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 or 301; or

(9) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611; or

 

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(10) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture; provided that such action pursuant to this clause (10) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect; or

(11) to amend this Indenture to conform the terms of any series of Securities with the description thereof set forth in the related prospectus supplement, prospectus and any term sheet related thereto or set forth in the related offering memorandum and any term sheet related thereto; or

(12) to add one or more additional guarantors of the obligations under the Securities and this Indenture for the benefit of all or any series of Securities; or

(13) to amend this Indenture to conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as in effect at the time of the execution of such supplemental indenture; and

(14) to make any other change that does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Securities in any material respect.

SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with tender offers or exchange offers), by Act of said Holders delivered to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, the Issuer and the Guarantors, when authorized by Board Resolutions of, respectively, the Issuer and each Guarantor, and the Trustee may enter into one or more supplemental indentures hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,

(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest (including Additional Amounts, if any) on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest (or Additional Amounts, if any) thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption or repurchase thereof, or change any obligation of the Issuer or the Guarantors to pay any Additional Amounts or reduce the amount of the principal of any other Security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, or modify in any way the Issuer’s obligation to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1007 or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or interest (including Additional Amounts, if any) thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repurchase, on or after the Redemption Date or the Repurchase Date), or

 

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(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or

(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902, Section 513 or Section 1011, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section 902 and Section 1011, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 612 and 901(8), or

(4) change in any manner adverse to the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series the terms and conditions of the obligations of the Guarantors under their Guarantees in respect of the full and punctual payment of the principal thereof and any premium and interest thereon (and any Additional Amounts in respect thereof).

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section 902 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article Nine or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall receive, in addition to the documents required under Section 102, and (subject to Section 601 and 603) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, that such supplemental indenture is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer and the Guarantors, and that all conditions precedent have been complied with. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

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SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby, except to the extent, if any, therein expressly provided otherwise.

SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

Subsequent to the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article Nine shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article Nine may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Issuer and the Guarantors shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Issuer and the Guarantors, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Issuer and such Securities may be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

ARTICLE TEN

COVENANTS

SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

The Issuer covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities of the Issuer that it shall duly and punctually pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.

SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

With respect to any Global Security, and except as otherwise may be specified for such Global Security as contemplated by Section 301, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee shall be the Place of Payment where such Global Security may be presented or surrendered for payment or for registration of transfer or exchange, or where successor Securities may be delivered in exchange therefor; provided, however, that any such payment, presentation, surrender or delivery effected pursuant to the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary for such Global Security shall be deemed to have been effected at the Place of Payment for such Global Security in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

 

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With respect to any securities that are not in the form of a Global Security, the Issuer shall maintain in each Place of Payment, including, without limitation, in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series of the Issuer may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Issuer hereby appoints Citibank, N.A. as such agent. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

The Guarantors shall maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities to which their Guarantees apply an office or agency where Securities of such series may be presented or surrendered for payment pursuant to any Guarantee and where notices and demands to or upon the Guarantors in respect of any Guarantee and this Indenture may be served. The Guarantors shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Guarantors shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Guarantors hereby appoint the Trustee as their agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders and demands.

The Guarantors may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series to which their Guarantees apply may be presented or surrendered for such purpose or where such notices or demands may be served and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve any Guarantor of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Guarantors hereby appoint Citibank, N.A. as such agent. The Guarantors shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

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SECTION 1003. Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust.

If the Issuer or any Guarantor shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it shall, on or before each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of its action or failure so to act.

Whenever the Issuer shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it shall, no later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with the Principal Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided in the Trust Indenture Act for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal or any premium or interest, and (unless such Principal Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of its action or failure so to act. The Issuer shall confirm to the Principal Paying Agent by 10:00 a.m. (local time in the city of the Principal Paying Agent’s specified office) on the second Business Day in the city of the Principal Paying Agent’s specified office before the due date for any such payment that irrevocable instructions have been issued. If the Principal Paying Agent determines in its absolute discretion that payment in accordance with this Section 1003 is required to be made earlier, it shall provide the Issuer with no less than 21 days’ prior notice in writing of such requirement. If the Principal Paying Agent pays out any amount due under the terms of the Securities on or after the due date therefor on the assumption that the corresponding payment for such amount has been or will be made by the Issuer and such payment has in fact not been so made by the Issuer prior to the time that the Principal Paying Agent pays such amount, then the Issuer, on demand, shall reimburse the Principal Paying Agent for such amount and pay interest to the Principal Paying Agent on such amount from the date on which it is paid out to the date of reimbursement at a rate per annum equal to the cost to the Principal Paying Agent of funding the amount paid out as certified by the Principal Paying Agent and expressed as a rate per annum. Nothing in this Section 1003 shall require the Principal Paying Agent to pay out any amount due under the terms of the Securities prior to receiving payment thereof in immediately available funds from the Issuer or any Guarantor.

The Principal Paying Agent shall be entitled to make payments net of any taxes or other sums required by any applicable law to be withheld or deducted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such withholding or deduction is without prejudice to the obligations of each of the Issuer and the Guarantors to make payments in full of all amounts due and payable under the terms of this Indenture, any supplemental indenture and the Securities of any series.

The Issuer and the Guarantors hereby appoint Citibank, N.A. as initial Principal Paying Agent for the Securities and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as a Paying Agent for the Securities.

 

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The Issuer shall cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities that is not a party to this Indenture to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent shall (1) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series or any Guarantee, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series or the Guarantees.

The Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Issuer Order direct the Principal Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Issuer or such Principal Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Issuer or such Principal Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by the Principal Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Principal Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuer or any Guarantor, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, interest or Additional Amounts has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer or to such Guarantor by the Trustee or such Principal Paying Agent, or (if then held by the Issuer or such Guarantor) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer or the Guarantors for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Principal Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuer or such Guarantor as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

SECTION 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate (one of which officers signing such certificate shall be, for the purposes of this Section 1004, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting office of the Issuer and the Guarantors), stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof the Issuer and the Guarantors are in compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and if the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as possible and in any event within 10 days after the Issuer or any Guarantor becomes aware that a default or an Event of Default, or an event that, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, as the case may be, has occurred and is continuing, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or default and the action which the Issuer proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

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SECTION 1005. Existence.

Subject to Article Eight, the Issuer and the Guarantors each shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Issuer and each Guarantor shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if its respective Board of Directors shall determine in a Board Resolution that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer or such Guarantor and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 1006. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Issuer or the Guarantors or upon the income, profits or property of the Issuer or the Guarantors, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Issuer or the Guarantors; provided, however, that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not be required to pay or 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 and for which adequate reserves have been established.

SECTION 1007. Additional Amounts.

All payments pursuant to the Securities and the Guarantees shall be made without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, levies, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (“taxes”) imposed or levied by or on behalf of (i) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor is incorporated or resident (or deemed for tax purposes to be resident), (ii) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor makes payment on the Securities or the Guarantees or (iii) the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (each, an “Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction”), unless such taxes are required by the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction to be withheld or deducted. In that event, the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor shall pay by way of additional interest on the Securities such additional amounts of, or in respect of, principal, premium, if any, and interest (“Additional Amounts”) as will result (after deduction of such taxes and any additional taxes payable in respect of such Additional Amounts) in the payment to each Holder of such Securities of the amounts which would have been payable in respect of such Security or Guarantee had no such withholding or deduction been required, except that no Additional Amounts shall be so payable for or on account of:

 

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(i) any taxes that would not have been imposed but for the fact that such Holder:

(a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction or otherwise had some connection with the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction other than the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such Security or Guarantee;

(b) presented (if presentation is required) such Security or Guarantee for payment in the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction, unless such Security or Guarantee could not have been presented for payment in another member state of the European Union; or

(c) presented (if presentation is required) such Security or Guarantee, as the case may be, more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the payment in respect of such Security first became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the Holder would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts if it had presented such Security or Guarantee for payment on any day within such period of thirty (30) days;

(ii) any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar taxes;

(iii) any taxes that are payable otherwise than by withholding or deduction from payments of, or in respect of, principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities or Guarantee, as the case may be;

(iv) any taxes that are imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial owner of a Security with a request of the Issuer or any Guarantor addressed to the Holder and received by such Holder at least thirty (30) days prior to the first payment date with respect to which such information is required (a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (a) or (b), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

(v) any tax imposed on a payment to an individual and required to be made pursuant to the European Council Directive 2003/48/EC on the taxation of savings income or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced to conform to, such Directive;

(vi) any taxes payable by or on behalf of a Holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant Security or Guarantee to another Paying Agent in a member state of the European Union; or

(vii) any combination of items (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi);

 

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nor shall Additional Amounts be paid with respect to any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any such Security or Guarantee to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such Additional Amounts had it been the Holder of the Security.

Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, payment pursuant to the Securities or the Guarantee such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided for in this Section 1007 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

The Issuer or the Guarantors shall (i) make any required withholding or deduction and (ii) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law. The Issuer or the Guarantors shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain certified copies of tax receipts evidencing the payment of any taxes so deducted or withheld from each Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction imposing such taxes and will provide such certified copies to each Holder. The Issuer or the Guarantors shall attach to each certified copy a certificate stating (x) that the amount of withholding taxes evidenced by the certified copy was paid in connection with payments in respect of the principal amount of Securities then outstanding and (y) the amount of such withholding taxes paid per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of the Securities. Copies of such documentation will be available for inspection during ordinary business hours at the office of the Trustee by the Holders of the Securities upon request and will be made available at the offices of the Paying Agent located in Luxembourg if the Securities are then listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

At least 30 days prior to each date on which any payment under or with respect to the Securities of a series or the related Guarantee is due and payable (unless such obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises shortly before or after the 30th day prior to such date, in which case it shall be promptly thereafter), if the Issuer or the Guarantors shall be obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment, the Issuer or the Guarantors shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating the fact that such Additional Amounts will be payable, the amounts so payable and will set forth such other information necessary to enable the Trustee to pay such Additional Amounts to Holders on the payment date. Each such Officers’ Certificate shall be relied upon until receipt of a further Officers’ Certificate addressing such matters.

 

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If the Issuer or any Guarantor conducts business in any jurisdiction (an “Additional Taxing Jurisdiction”) other than an Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction and, as a result, is required by the law of such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction to deduct or withhold any amount on account of taxes imposed by such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction from payments under the Securities or the Guarantees, as the case may be, which would not have been required to be so deducted or withheld but for such conduct of business in such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction, the Additional Amounts provision described above shall be considered to apply to such Holders as if references in such provision to “taxes” included taxes imposed by way of deduction or withholding by any such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof or taxing authority therein).

The Issuer or the Guarantors shall pay any present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes, or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise in any jurisdiction from the execution, delivery or registration of any Security or any other document or instrument referred to therein (other than a transfer of the Securities), or the receipt of any payments with respect to the Securities or the Guarantees, excluding any such taxes, charges or similar levies imposed by any jurisdiction outside Luxembourg, the United States, the United Kingdom, Jersey, Ireland or any jurisdiction in which a Paying Agent is located, other than those resulting from, or required to be paid in connection with, the enforcement of the Securities, the Guarantees or any other such document or instrument following the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Securities.

The foregoing obligations will survive any termination, defeasance or discharge of the Indenture and will apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor to the Issuer or any Guarantor is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.

The Issuer undertakes that it will ensure that it maintains Paying Agents having offices in at least one major European city and a Paying Agent in a member state of the European Union that is not obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive and that at all times there shall at all times be a Paying Agent in a jurisdiction within continental Europe, other than the jurisdiction in which the Issuer or any Guarantor is incorporated.

SECTION 1008. Additional Guarantees.

If any direct or indirect parent of WPP plc, or any of the subsidiaries of WPP plc that is not a Guarantor, or any other subsidiary of any Parent Guarantor, becomes a guarantor of any of the Eurobonds, the Sterling Bonds or the USA Notes, then such guaranteeing entity shall:

(a) execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee pursuant to which such entity shall become a Guarantor of the debt securities; and

 

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(b) deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel (which may contain customary exceptions) that such supplemental indenture and guarantee have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such guaranteeing entity and constitute legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of such guaranteeing entity;

provided, however, that unless otherwise specified in a supplemental indenture, neither WPP Air 3 Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated in Ireland, nor Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings, a private unlimited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales, shall be required to become a Guarantor of any Securities issued under this Indenture.

SECTION 1009. Limitations on Security Interests.

(a) For so long as any Securities remain Outstanding under this Indenture, WPP plc shall not, and shall not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries to create, suffer or permit to subsist any Security Interest (except for Permitted Security Interests) on the whole or any part of their respective Property (whether owned as of the date of this Indenture or thereafter acquired) without making effective provision whereby all the Securities shall be directly secured equally and ratably with the obligation secured by such Security Interest.

(b) If, as provided in Section 1008, a direct or indirect parent of WPP plc becomes a Guarantor of the Securities, then Section 1009(a) shall cease to have effect and the covenant set forth in this Section 1009(b) shall become operative and thereafter, for so long as any Securities remain Outstanding under this Indenture, the Parent Guarantor shall not, and shall not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries to create, suffer or permit to subsist any Security Interest (except for Permitted Security Interests) on the whole or any part of their respective Property (whether owned as of the date of this Indenture or thereafter acquired) without making effective provision whereby all the Securities shall be directly secured equally and ratably with the obligation secured by such Security Interest.

SECTION 1010. Limitation on Sale and Leaseback.

(a) For so long as any Securities remain Outstanding under this Indenture, WPP plc shall not, and shall not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (not including WPP plc or any of its Subsidiaries), or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by WPP plc or such Restricted Subsidiary for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any assets which have been owned by WPP plc or any Restricted Subsidiary for more than 270 days and which have been or are to be sold or transferred by WPP plc or any Restricted Subsidiary to such lender or investor or, as a part of such arrangement, to any Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such assets (herein referred to as a “sale and leaseback transaction”) unless WPP plc or such Restricted Subsidiary, within one year after the sale or transfer will have been made by WPP plc or such Restricted Subsidiary, applies an amount equal to the net proceeds of the sale of the

 

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assets sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement (i) to the retirement of Indebtedness incurred, assumed or guaranteed by WPP plc or any of its Subsidiaries which by its terms matures at, or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to, a date more than 12 months after the date of incurring, assuming or guaranteeing such Indebtedness or (ii) to investment in any assets of WPP plc or any of its Subsidiaries (herein referred to as a “Permitted Sale and Leaseback Transaction”).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, WPP plc or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into sale and leaseback transactions with respect to their respective assets in addition to those permitted above; provided, however, that at the time of entering into such sale and leaseback transactions and after giving effect thereto, WPP plc or the Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled pursuant to any Permitted Security Interests to create, suffer or permit to subsist a Security Interest on such assets without making effective provision whereby all the Securities shall be directly secured equally and ratably with such indebtedness.

(b) If, as provided in Section 1008, a direct or indirect parent of WPP plc becomes a Guarantor of the Securities, then Section 1010(a) shall cease to have effect and the covenant set forth in this Section 1010(b) shall become operative and thereafter, for so long as any Securities remain Outstanding under this Indenture, the Parent Guarantor shall not, and shall not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (not including the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries), or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by the Parent Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any assets which have been owned by the Parent Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary for more than 270 days and which have been or are to be sold or transferred by the Parent Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary to such lender or investor or, as a part of such arrangement, to any Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such assets (herein referred to as a “sale and leaseback transaction”) unless the Parent Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary, within one year after the sale or transfer will have been made by the Parent Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary, applies an amount equal to the net proceeds of the sale of the assets sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement (i) to the retirement of Indebtedness incurred, assumed or guaranteed by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries which by its terms matures at, or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to, a date more than 12 months after the date of incurring, assuming or guaranteeing such Indebtedness or (ii) to investment in any assets of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries (herein referred to as a “Permitted Sale and Leaseback Transaction”).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parent Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into sale and leaseback transactions with respect to their respective assets in addition to those permitted above; provided, however, that at the time of entering into such sale and leaseback transactions and after giving effect thereto, the Parent Guarantor or the Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled pursuant to any Permitted Security Interests to create, suffer or permit to subsist a Security Interest on such assets without making effective provision whereby all the Securities shall be directly secured equally and ratably with such indebtedness.

 

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SECTION 1011. Waiver of Certain Covenants.

Except as otherwise established as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities of any series, the Issuer and any Guarantor may, with respect to the Securities of such series of the Issuer, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant adopted by a supplemental indenture under Sections 301(19), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series, or in any of Sections 1005, 1006, 1009 or 1010, if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 1012. Indemnification of Judgment Currency.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall indemnify the Trustee and any Holder of a Security against any loss incurred by the Trustee or such Holder, as the case may be, as a result of any judgment or order being given or made for any amount due under this Indenture or such Security and being expressed and paid in a currency (the “Judgment Currency”) other than Dollars, and as a result of any variation between (i) the rate of exchange at which the Dollar amount is converted into the Judgment Currency for the purpose of such judgment or order and (ii) the spot rate of exchange in The City of New York at which the Trustee or such Holder, as the case may be, on the date of payment of such judgment or order is able to purchase Dollars with the amount of the Judgment Currency actually received by the Trustee or such Holder. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence of this Section 1012, in the event that the amount of Dollars purchased by any Holder as a result of such indemnification exceeds the amount originally to be paid to such Holder, such Holder shall reimburse such excess to the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be. The foregoing indemnity shall constitute a separate and independent obligation of the Issuer and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any such judgment or order as aforesaid. The term “spot rate of exchange” shall include any premiums and costs of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of, or conversion into, Dollars.

SECTION 1013. Provision of Exchange Act Reports and Other Information.

WPP plc, Parent Guarantor or any successor shall furnish the Trustee, within 15 days after it files or furnishes the same with the Commission, copies of WPP plc’s annual report or any Parent Guarantor’s annual report and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may by rules and regulations prescribe) which WPP plc or the Parent Guarantor, if any, is required to file with or furnish to the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

 

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Exchange Act, including its annual reports on Form 20-F and its reports on Form 6-K or copies of the information included in such reports on Form 6-K (or its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, if the reporting person is not a foreign private issuer, as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act). In addition, to the extent that such reports are not available on the Commission’s website or WPP plc’s or the Parent Guarantor’s website, WPP plc or the Parent Guarantor shall make the same information, documents and other reports available, at its expense, to Holders who so request in writing. In the event that, in the future, neither WPP plc nor the Parent Guarantor is required to file such information, documents or other reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and is not exempt from such reporting obligations pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b)), WPP plc or the Parent Guarantor shall furnish to Holders, and to prospective Holders designated by Holders, the information contemplated by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s and/or any Guarantor’s compliance with any of its respective covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

For so long as the Securities of a series are listed on a securities exchange, the Issuer or the Parent Guarantor, if any, shall make any reports or other information supplied to the Trustee pursuant to this Section available at the office of the Issuer’s paying agent or transfer agent in the jurisdiction where such exchange is located and shall notify such exchange of the occurrence of any Event of Default and, prior to publication of notice of such Event of Default in the jurisdiction where such exchange is located, submit a draft of the notice to the exchange.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.

Securities of any series that are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms established as contemplated by Section 301 and (except as otherwise established as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities of such series) in accordance with this Article.

SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Issuer to redeem any Securities of any series of the Issuer shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution of the Issuer. In case of any redemption at the election of the Issuer of any of the Securities of any series of the Issuer (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Issuer shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Issuer (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to

 

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the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the Redemption Price, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities established as contemplated by Section 301, the Issuer shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.

SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.

If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, Security Registrar or Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee, Security Registrar or Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series; provided that the unredeemed portion of the principal of any Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed (unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, Security Registrar or Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security.

For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the Security Register.

 

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All notices of redemption shall state:

(1) the Redemption Date,

(2) the Redemption Price and accrued and unpaid interest, if any,

(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed,

(4) that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price (together with any accrued and unpaid interest payable to, but excluding the Redemption Date) will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,

(5) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and

(6) the “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers, if any.

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Issuer shall be given by the Issuer or, at the Issuer’s written request given to the Trustee at least 15 days before the date such notice is to be given to the Holders (unless a shorter period is agreed to by the Trustee), by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, and shall be irrevocable.

SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.

On or before 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on any Redemption Date, the Issuer or the Guarantors shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Principal Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued and unpaid interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. The Issuer shall confirm to the Principal Paying Agent by 10:00 a.m. (local time in the city of the Principal Paying Agent’s specified office) on the second Business Day in the city of the Principal Paying Agent’s specified office before the due date for any such payment that irrevocable instructions have been issued. If the Principal Paying Agent determines in its absolute discretion that payment in accordance with this Section 1105 is required to be made earlier, it shall provide the Issuer with no less than 21 days’ prior notice in writing of such requirement.

 

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SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price applicable thereto, and from and after such date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued and unpaid interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Issuer or the Guarantors at the Redemption Price, together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Date according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any Redemption Price shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the terms of the Security established as contemplated by Section 301.

SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.

Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Issuer or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

SECTION 1108. Optional Redemption Due to Changes in Tax Treatment.

If as the result of any change in or any amendment to the laws, regulations or published tax rulings of the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction affecting taxation, or any change in the official administration, application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or published tax rulings either generally or in relation to any particular Securities or Guarantee thereof, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the original issue date of such Securities, it is determined by the Issuer and the Guarantors that the Issuer or a Guarantor (x) would be required to pay any Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1007 of this Indenture or the terms of any Security or Guarantee thereof in respect of interest on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date (assuming, in the case of a Guarantor, a payment in respect of such interest was required to be made by such Guarantor under its Guarantee thereof on such Interest Payment Date), and (y) such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer or such Guarantor taking reasonable measures available to it or such Guarantor (including by having payments with respect to Securities or Guarantees made by the Issuer or a Guarantor which would not be required to pay any Additional Amounts), the Issuer may, at its option, redeem all

 

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(but not less than all) the Securities of any series in respect of which such Additional Amounts would be so payable at any time, upon notice as provided in Sections 1102 and 1104, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest and Additional Amounts, if any) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption; provided, however, that (a) no such notice of redemption may be given earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer or such Guarantor would be obligated to pay such Additional Amounts were a payment in respect of the Securities or the Guarantee thereof, as the case may be, then due and (b) at the time any such redemption notice is given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts must remain in effect.

Prior to the mailing of any notice of redemption pursuant to this Section, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee (i) an Opinion of Counsel of independent tax counsel of recognized standing in the relevant jurisdiction to the effect that the Issuer or a Guarantor would be required to pay Additional Amounts on the next payment in respect of such Securities, and (ii) an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such obligation cannot be avoided by the Issuer or such Guarantor, taking reasonable measures available to it, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such opinion and Officers’ Certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the condition precedent set out above in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on the Holders of such Securities.

If (1) the Issuer or any Guarantor shall have on any date (the “Succession Date”) consolidated with or merged into, or conveyed or transferred or leased all or substantially all of its properties and assets to, any Successor Person which is organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction in which the Issuer or such Guarantor is organized, (2) as the result of any change in or any amendment to the laws, regulations or published tax rulings of such jurisdiction of organization, or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, affecting taxation, or any change in the official administration, application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or published tax rulings either generally or in relation to any particular Securities or the Guarantees thereof, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the Succession Date, such Successor Person would be required to pay any Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 801(3) hereof or the terms of any Security or the Guarantees thereof in respect of interest on any Securities on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date (assuming, in the case of a Successor Guarantor, that a payment in respect of such interest were required to be made by such Successor Guarantor under the Guarantee on such Interest Payment Date), and (3) such obligation cannot be avoided by the Successor Person taking reasonable measures available to it, the Issuer or such Successor Person may, at its option, redeem all (but not less than all) of the Securities of any series in respect of which such Additional Amounts would be so payable at any time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice as provided in Section 1102 and 1104, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption and Additional Amounts, if any; provided, however, that (1) no such notice of redemption may be given earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which a Successor Person would be obligated to pay such Additional Amounts were a payment in respect of the Securities or Guarantee thereof, as the case may be, then due, and (2) at the time any such redemption notice is given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts must remain in effect.

 

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Prior to the mailing of any notice of redemption to all Holders pursuant to this Section, the Successor Person shall deliver to the Trustee (i) an Opinion of Counsel of independent tax counsel of recognized standing in the relevant jurisdiction to the effect that such Successor Person would be required to pay Additional Amounts on the next payment in respect of such Securities, and (ii) an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such obligation cannot be avoided by the Successor Person taking reasonable measures available to it, and the Trustee shall accept such opinion and Officers’ Certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the condition precedent set out above in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on the Holders of such Securities.

ARTICLE TWELVE

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

SECTION 1201. Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

Section 1202 and Section 1203 shall apply to the Outstanding Securities of any series (a “Defeasible Series”) to the extent that the terms of such Securities established as contemplated by Section 301 provide for such applicability.

SECTION 1202. Defeasance and Discharge.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall be deemed to have been discharged from their respective obligations with respect to the Outstanding Securities of any Defeasible Series, as provided in this Section 1202 on and after the date the applicable conditions set forth in Section 1204 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Defeasance”) with respect to such Securities. For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Outstanding Securities of such series and to have satisfied all their other respective obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture insofar as the Securities of such series are concerned (and the Trustee, at the written request and expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of Securities of such series to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1204 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of, any premium and interest and Additional Amounts on, such Securities of such series when payments are due, (2) the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations with respect to the Securities of such series under Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002, 1003, 1007 (to the extent then unknown) and 1012, (3) the rights (including without limitation, the rights set forth in Section 607), powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Issuer or the Guarantors may defease any Securities pursuant to this Section notwithstanding the prior Covenant Defeasance of such Securities pursuant to Section 1203.

 

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SECTION 1203. Covenant Defeasance.

On and after the date the applicable conditions set forth in Section 1204 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Covenant Defeasance”) with respect to the Outstanding Securities of any Defeasible Series of the Issuer, pursuant to this Section 1203, (1) the Issuer and the Guarantors shall be released from their respective obligations under Section 801, 1005, 1006, 1009, 1010, 1011 and 1013, and any covenants established as contemplated by Section 301 or adopted by supplemental indenture hereto under Section 901(2) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 501(3) and 501(4) or pursuant to Section 501(7) with respect to any obligations referred to in Clause (1) of this Section 1203 shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series as provided in this Section. For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that the Issuer and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section (to the extent so specified in the case of Section 501(4)), whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or Article or by reason of any reference in any such Section or Article to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and the Securities of such series shall be unaffected thereby.

SECTION 1204. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The following shall be the conditions to the Defeasance pursuant to Section 1202 or the Covenant Defeasance pursuant to Section 1203 of the Outstanding Securities of any Defeasible Series of the Issuer:

(a) The Issuer or any Guarantor shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements contemplated by Section 609 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this Article applicable to it) or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of such series on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Securities of such series.

As used herein, “U.S. Government Obligation” means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the

 

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United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.

(b) The Issuer or any Guarantor shall have delivered to the Trustee Opinions of Counsel to the effect that (a) the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Securities of such series will not recognize gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes or be subject to any taxes or recognize gain or loss for income tax purposes in the jurisdictions in which the Issuer is organized, resident or carries on business as a result of the deposit and Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series and will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax and income taxes, capital gains and other taxes, including withholding taxes in such jurisdictions in the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance were not to occur, which in the case of Defeasance pursuant to Section 1202 must be based on a change in law or published ruling by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and (b) the deposit shall not result in the Issuer being deemed an “investment company” required to register under the Investment Company Act.

(c) The Issuer or any Guarantor shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that the Securities of such series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will not be delisted as a result of such deposit.

(d) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified in Sections 501(5) and (6), at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).

(e) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).

(f) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which it or they are bound.

 

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(g) The Issuer or any Guarantor shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

SECTION 1205. Deposited Money and US. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 1206, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively as the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1204 in respect of any Securities of the Issuer shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through the Principal Paying Agent (or the Issuer or any Guarantor if the Issuer or a Guarantor shall then be acting as its own or their own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but money so held in trust need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

The Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1204 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of Outstanding Securities.

Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, from time to time upon an Issuer Request any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1204 with respect to any Securities which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to such Securities.

SECTION 1206. Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities of the Issuer by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Issuer and the Guarantors have been discharged or released pursuant to Section 1202 or 1203 shall be revived and reinstated, as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or such Principal Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 1205 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Issuer or any Guarantor makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.

 

94


ARTICLE THIRTEEN

GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES

SECTION 1301. Guarantee.

Each Guarantor hereby, jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Security of each series issued by the Issuer that has been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, and to the Trustee, the full and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on such Security (and any Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof), when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, call for repurchase or otherwise, and any other amounts due under this Indenture, all in accordance with the terms of such Security and of this Indenture. Each Guarantee is a direct, unsubordinated and unsecured obligation of such Guarantor and ranks pari passu with all other unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of such Guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be as if it were a principal debtor and not merely a surety, and shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of any Security of any series or this Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of any Security of any series or this Indenture, any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto, by the Holder of any Security of any series or the Trustee, or any other circumstances which may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantee; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no such waiver, modification or indulgence shall, without the consent of the Guarantor increase the principal amount of a Security or the interest rate thereon or increase any premium payable upon redemption thereof. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, the benefit of discussion, protest or notice with respect to any Security or the indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guarantee will not be discharged with respect to any Security except by payment in full of the principal thereof and any premium and interest thereon or as provided in Article Four, Section 802 or Article Twelve. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between such Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, the Maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article Five hereof for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby.

Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of each Holder of Securities against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder by such Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Guarantee; provided, however, that such Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities of the same series and of like tenor shall have been paid in full.

 

95


No past, present or future stockholder, officer, director, employee or incorporator of any Guarantor shall have any personal liability under the Guarantee set forth in this Section 1301 by reason of his or its status as such stockholder, officer, director, employee or incorporator.

SECTION 1302. Execution and Delivery of Indenture.

To further evidence a Guarantee set forth in Section 1301, each Guarantor hereby agrees that this Indenture, or a supplemental indenture hereto, shall be executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an Officer of such Guarantor. The validity and enforceability of any Guarantee shall not be affected by the fact that it is not affixed to any particular Security.

Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 1301 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Security a notation of such Guarantee.

If an Officer of a Guarantor whose signature is on this Indenture, or an indenture supplemental hereto, no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Securities or at any time thereafter, such Guarantor’s Guarantee (pursuant to this Indenture) of such Security shall be valid nevertheless.

The delivery of the Securities of any series by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantees set forth in this Indenture on behalf of such Guarantor.

 

96


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, as of the day and year first above written.

 

   ISSUER:
  
   WPP FINANCE 2010 acting by Paul Delaney, a director
  
  

/s/  Paul Delaney

   Director
  
   In the presence of:
  
  

/s/  Katherine Barltrop

  

Witness’s signature

Name:    Katherine Barltrop

Occupation:    Legal Adviser

Address:    Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London, SWH ONH

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]


 

   

PARENT GUARANTOR:

 

    WPP PLC
     
    By:  

/s/  Paul Delaney

    Name:   Paul Delaney
    Title:   Authorised Person, Pursuant to Written Resolutions of the Finance Committee Dated September 18, 2011

 

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]


 

   GUARANTOR:
  
  

SIGNED AND DELIVERED as a DEED

for and on behalf of

WPP AIR 1 LIMITED,

as Subsidiary Guarantor

by its lawfully appointed attorney pursuant to a power of attorney dated September 7, 2011

  
  

Paul Delaney

  
   In the presence of
  
  

/s/ Paul Delaney

   Signature of Attorney
  
  

Katherine Barltrop

   Signature of Witness
  
  

Legal Adviser

   Occupation of Witness
  
  

Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London, SWH ONH

   Address of Witness

 

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]


 

   GUARANTOR:
  
   WPP 2008 Limited acting by Paul Delaney, a director
  
  

/s/  Paul Delaney

   Director
  
   In the presence of:
  
  

/s/  Katherine Barltrop

  

Witness’s signature

Name:    Katherine Barltrop

Occupation:    Legal Adviser

Address:    Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London, SWH ONH

 

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]


   GUARANTOR:
  
   WPP 2005 Limited acting by Paul Delaney, a director
  
  

/s/  Paul Delaney

   Director
  
   In the presence of:
  
  

/s/  Katherine Barltrop

  

Witness’s signature

Name:    Katherine Barltrop

Occupation:    Legal Adviser

Address:    Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London, SWH ONH

 

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]


   

TRUSTEE:

 

   

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

     
    By:  

/s/  Michael G. Oller, Jr.

    Name:   Michael G. Oller, Jr.
    Title:   Assistant Vice President

 

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]


   

SECURITY REGISTRAR AND PRINCIPAL PAYING AGENT:

 

   

CITIBANK, N.A.,

as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent

     
    By:  

/s/  Wafaa Orfy

    Name:   Wafaa Orfy
    Title:   Vice President

 

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]


   

PAYING AGENT:

 

   

CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH,

as a Paying Agent

     
    By:  

/s/  Peter Larsen

    Name:   Peter Larsen
    Title:   Vice President

 

[WPP Finance 2010 Indenture]

EX-4.2 5 d341681dex42.htm FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE First Supplemental Indenture

Exhibit 4.2

 

 

WPP FINANCE 2010,

as Issuer

and

WPP PLC,

as Parent Guarantor

and

WPP AIR 1 LIMITED,

WPP 2008 LIMITED,

WPP 2005 LIMITED,

as Subsidiary Guarantors

and

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

and

CITIBANK, N.A.,

as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent

and

CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH,

as a Paying Agent

 

 

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

Dated as of November 21, 2011

 

 

4.75% Senior Notes due 2021

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS

     2   

Section 1.01

   Provisions of the Base Indenture      2   

Section 1.02

   Definitions      2   

ARTICLE TWO GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES

     7   

Section 2.01

   Designation and Principal Amount.      7   

Section 2.02

   Stated Maturity      8   

Section 2.03

   Interest      8   

Section 2.04

   Authorized Denominations      11   

Section 2.05

   Listing      12   

Section 2.06

   Optional Redemption      12   

Section 2.07

   Tax Redemption      12   

Section 2.08

   Repurchase upon Change of Control Repurchase Event      12   

Section 2.09

   Ranking      12   

Section 2.10

   Guarantees      13   

Section 2.11

   Defeasance      13   

Section 2.12

   Waiver of Jersey Customary Law Rights.      13   

ARTICLE THREE FORM OF NOTES

     14   

Section 3.01

   Forms Generally.      14   

Section 3.02

   Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication      33   

Section 3.03

   Transfers and Exchanges      33   

ARTICLE FOUR MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     37   

Section 4.01

   Separability of Invalid Provisions      37   

Section 4.02

   Execution in Counterparts      37   

Section 4.03

   Certain Matters      37   

Section 4.04

   Conflict with Trust Indenture Act      37   

Section 4.05

   Effect of Headings and Table of Contents      38   

Section 4.06

   Successors and Assigns      38   

Section 4.07

   Benefits of Indenture      38   

Section 4.08

   Governing Law      38   

Section 4.09

   Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service of Process      38   

Section 4.10

   Priority of First Supplemental Indenture      39   

Section 4.11

   Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities      39   

Section 4.12

   Liquidated Damages Notice      39   

Section 4.13

   U.S.A. Patriot Act      40   


FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of November 21, 2011, among WPP FINANCE 2010, a private unlimited liability company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Issuer”), having its principal office at 27 Farm Street, London W1J 5RJ, WPP PLC, a public company limited by shares incorporated under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (the “Parent Guarantor”), WPP AIR 1 LIMITED, a company limited by shares incorporated in Ireland, WPP 2008 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales and WPP 2005 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Parent Guarantor, the “Guarantors”), WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”), CITIBANK, N.A., as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent, and CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH, as a Paying Agent, to the Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2011, among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent and the Paying Agent (as amended and supplemented from time to time, exclusive of any supplemental indentures creating a new series of Securities, herein called the “Base Indenture”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Base Indenture provides for the issuance from time to time thereunder, in series, of debt Securities of the Issuer, and Section 901 of the Base Indenture provides for the establishment of the form or terms of Securities issued thereunder through one or more supplemental indentures;

WHEREAS, the Issuer desires by this First Supplemental Indenture to create a series of Securities to be issuable under the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, and to be known as the Issuer’s “4.75% Senior Notes due 2021” (the “Notes”), which are to be initially limited in aggregate principal amount as specified in this First Supplemental Indenture and the terms and provisions of which are to be as specified in this First Supplemental Indenture;

WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture to establish the Notes as a series of Securities under the Base Indenture and to provide for, among other things, the issuance of and the form and terms of the Notes and additional covenants for purposes of the Notes and the Holders thereof;

WHEREAS, the Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture to provide for the Guarantees of the Notes; and

WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this First Supplemental Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer and the Guarantors, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the purchase and acceptance of the Notes by the Holders thereof and for the purpose of setting forth, as provided in the Base Indenture, the form of the Notes and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof, the Issuer and the Guarantors covenant and agree with the Trustee as follows:


ARTICLE ONE

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Provisions of the Base Indenture.

Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, all the definitions, provisions, terms and conditions of the Base Indenture shall remain in full force and effect with respect to the Notes. The Base Indenture, as amended and supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Base Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and considered as one and the same instrument for all purposes and every Holder of Notes of any series authenticated and delivered under the Base Indenture shall be bound hereby.

Section 1.02 Definitions.

For all purposes of this First Supplemental Indenture and the Notes, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the subject matter or context otherwise requires:

(a) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or Section, as the case may be, of this First Supplemental Indenture;

(b) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this First Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;

(c) all terms used in this First Supplemental Indenture that are defined in the Base Indenture have the meanings assigned to them in the Base Indenture, except as otherwise provided in this First Supplemental Indenture;

(d) the term “Securities” as defined in the Base Indenture and as used in any definition therein, shall be deemed to include or refer to, as applicable, the Notes; and

(e) the following terms have the meanings given to them in this Section 1.02(e):

“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or transaction involving a Global Note or beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream for such Global Note, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.

 

2


A “Change of Control Repurchase Event” shall be deemed to occur if:

 

  (i) (a) (i) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than a holding company whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the Parent Guarantor’s shareholders immediately prior to such company becoming the Parent Guarantor’s parent company, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, as a result of a purchase, merger or otherwise, of (x) more than 50% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Parent Guarantor, or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, more than 50% of the issued ordinary share capital of the New Parent or (y) shares in the capital of the Parent Guarantor carrying more than 50% of the voting rights (“Voting Stock”) normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Parent Guarantor, or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the New Parent normally exercisable at a general meeting of the New Parent or (ii) any Guarantor ceases to be a direct or indirect Subsidiary of any Parent Guarantor;

(b) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than to the Parent Guarantor or one of its Subsidiaries or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the New Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than to the New Parent or one of its Subsidiaries;

(c) the Parent Guarantor consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Parent Guarantor, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor or such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of the Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the

 

3


Voting Stock of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the New Parent consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the New Parent, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the New Parent or such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of the Voting Stock of the New Parent outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction;

(d) the majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Guarantor shall cease to be Continuing Directors or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the majority of the members of the board of directors of the New Parent shall cease to be Continuing Directors; or

(e) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Parent Guarantor or, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the New Parent (each of the events set forth in clauses (a) through (e), a “Change of Control”); and

(ii) at the time of the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Notes carry an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB-, or equivalent, or better), from any Rating Agency and such rating from any Rating Agency is, within a period ending 120 days after announcement of the Change of Control having occurred (or such longer period as the Notes are under consideration, announced publicly within such 120 day period, for rating review), either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Bal/BB+, or equivalent, or worse) or withdrawn.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) if at the time of the occurrence of the Change of Control the Notes carry either a non-investment grade credit rating from each Rating Agency then assigning a credit rating to the Notes or no credit rating from any Rating Agency, a Change of Control Repurchase Event shall be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone; and (b) if at the time of the occurrence of the Change of Control the Notes carry a rating from more than one Rating Agency, at least one of which is investment grade, then sub-paragraph (ii) shall apply.

“Continuing Director” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of the Parent Guarantor who:

 

4


(i) was a member of such board of directors on the date hereof; or

(ii) was nominated for election or elected to such board of directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such board of directors at the time of such nomination or election,

provided that, in lieu thereof after the creation of a New Parent, “Continuing Director” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of the New Parent who:

(i) was a member of such board of directors on the date that the New Parent became a guarantor under the Indenture; or

(ii) was nominated for election or elected to such board of directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such board of directors at the time of such nomination or election.

“Dealer Managers” means Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc., in their capacity as dealer managers for the Private Exchange Offer.

“Global Note” means a Note that evidences all or part of the Notes and is authenticated and delivered to, and registered in the name of, the Depositary for such Notes or a nominee thereof. Global Notes shall include Regulation S Global Notes, Restricted Global Notes and Unrestricted Global Notes.

“Initial Purchasers” means the initial purchasers named in Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement, dated November 2, 2011, among the Issuer, the Guarantors and Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBS Securities Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representatives of the Initial Purchasers.

“Issue Date” means the date that Notes were originally issued under this First Supplemental Indenture.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Services, Inc., or any successor thereto.

“New Parent” means any Parent Guarantor whose equity ownership is substantially the same as WPP plc or any prior Parent Guarantor immediately prior to such New Parent becoming a Parent Guarantor.

“Original Notes” means all Notes (including any additional notes issued pursuant to Section 2.01(b) hereof) other than Registered Notes.

“Owner Transferee” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b)(i) hereof.

 

5


“Owner Transferor” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b)(i) hereof.

“Predecessor Note” means, with respect to any particular Note, every previous Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Note; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Note authenticated and delivered under Section 305 of the Base Indenture in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note.

“Private Exchange Offer” means the private offer of the Issuer, commenced on November 2, 2011, to exchange up to $450 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes for the outstanding 5.875% Senior Notes due 2014 of WPP Finance (UK).

“Qualified Institutional Buyer” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

“Rating Agencies” means each of Moody’s and S&P and, if any of Moody’s and S&P ceases to rate the Notes or fails to make a rating of the Notes publicly available for reasons outside of the control of the Issuer, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer (as certified by a Board Resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P or both of them, as the case may be.

“Registered Offer” means an offer made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act by the Issuer and the Guarantors providing for the issuance of Registered Notes and related Guarantees for tendered Registrable Notes and related Guarantees as required by the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Registered Notes” means all Notes issued pursuant to the Registered Offer or sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

“Registrable Notes” means “Registrable Securities” as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Registration Default” means the occurrence of any of the events set forth in Section 2(e) of the Registration Rights Agreement which gives rise to an obligation on the part of the Issuer to pay additional interest on the Registrable Notes in accordance therewith.

“Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers, as such agreement may be amended from time to time.

“Regulation S” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

6


“Regulation S Global Note” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01 hereof.

“Regulation S Note” means Notes offered and sold in their initial distribution in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance upon Regulation S.

“Restricted Global Note” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01 hereof.

“Restricted Global Transferred Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b)(i) hereof.

“Restricted Notes” means Notes offered and sold in their initial distribution in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than pursuant to Regulation S.

“Restricted Period” means the period of 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the earlier of (i) the day on which the Private Exchange Offer is terminated and (ii) the day on which Original Notes are issued pursuant to the Private Exchange Offer.

“Restrictive Legends” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(a) hereof.

“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

“Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

“Substitute Rating Agency” means a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer (pursuant to a Board Resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or both of them, as the case may be.

“Unrestricted Global Note” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01 hereof.

ARTICLE TWO

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES

Section 2.01 Designation and Principal Amount.

(a) There is hereby authorized and established a series of Securities designated the “4.75% Senior Notes due 2021” (the “Notes”), in an initial aggregate principal amount of U.S.$500,000,000, which amount shall be specified in the Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of Notes pursuant to Section 303 of the Base Indenture.

 

7


(b) The Issuer may, from time to time and without the consent of the Holders, issue additional Notes, with Guarantees as provided in the Indenture, on terms and conditions identical to those of the Notes previously issued, which additional Notes, shall increase the aggregate principal amount of, and shall be consolidated and form a single series with, the Notes previously issued. At any time and from time to time, the Trustee shall upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate and deliver any additional Notes in an aggregate principal amount specified in such Authentication Order for such additional Notes issued hereunder.

(c) The Issuer and the Guarantors may issue Registered Notes and related Guarantees pursuant to a Registered Offer, in each case pursuant to a Board Resolution and subject to Section 303 of the Base Indenture, in authorized denominations for a like principal amount of the Original Notes and related Guarantees exchanged pursuant to the Registered Offer. In connection with any such transaction, the Original Notes surrendered shall be canceled in accordance with Section 309 of the Base Indenture and shall no longer be deemed Outstanding for any purpose. In addition, Registered Notes may be issued in exchange for Original Notes sold pursuant to the shelf registration statement contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement. The Original Notes and any Registered Notes shall vote and consent together on all matters as one class and none of the Original Notes nor the Registered Notes shall have the right to vote or consent as a class separate from one another on any matter.

Section 2.02 Stated Maturity

The Stated Maturity of the Notes shall be November 21, 2021.

Section 2.03 Interest

(a) The Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 4.75% per annum, subject to Section 2.03(b) and Section 2.03(c), from November 21, 2011 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, as the case may be. Interest shall be payable semi-annually on May 21 and November 21 (each an “Interest Payment Date”), beginning on May 21, 2012, to the Holders in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the related Interest Payment Date. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

Any amount of interest on any Note which is overdue shall bear interest (to the extent that payment thereof shall be legally enforceable) at the rate per annum then borne by such Note (giving effect to the adjustments to the interest rate contemplated by Section 2.03(b) and Section 2.03(c)), from the date such amount is due to the day it is paid or made available for payment, and such overdue interest shall be paid as provided in Section 307 of the Base Indenture.

(b) The interest rate payable on the Notes shall be subject to adjustments from time to time if either Moody’s or S&P, or in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency thereof, downgrades (or subsequently upgrades) the rating assigned to the Notes, in the manner described below.

 

8


(i) If the rating of the Notes from Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the Notes shall increase from the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

Moody’s Rating*    Percentage Points  

Ba1

     0.25   

Ba2

     0.50   

Ba3

     0.75   

B1 or below

     1.00   
* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

(ii) If the rating of the Notes from S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the Notes shall increase from the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

S&P Rating*    Percentage Points  

BB+

     0.25   

BB

     0.50   

BB-

     0.75   

B+ or below

     1.00   
* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

(iii) If, at any time, the interest rate on the Notes has been adjusted upward and either Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency thereof), as the case may be, subsequently increases its rating of the Notes to any of the ratings set forth in the tables above, the interest rate on the Notes shall be decreased such that the interest rate for the Notes equals the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date plus the applicable percentage points set forth opposite the ratings in the tables above in effect immediately following the ratings increase. If Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof subsequently increases its rating of the Notes to Baa3 (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher and S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof increases its rating to BBB- (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher, the interest rate on the Notes shall be decreased to the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date.

 

9


(iv) Each adjustment required by any decrease or increase in a rating set forth above, whether occasioned by the action of Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), shall be made independent of any and all other adjustments. In no event shall (i) the interest rate on the Notes be reduced to below the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date or (ii) the total increase in the interest rate on the Notes exceed 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date.

(v) No adjustments in the interest rate of the Notes shall be made solely as a result of a Rating Agency ceasing to provide a rating of the Notes. If, at any time, less than two Rating Agencies provide a rating of the Notes for any reason beyond the Issuer’s control, the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a rating of the Notes from a Substitute Rating Agency, to the extent one exists, and if a Substitute Rating Agency exists, for purposes of determining any increase or decrease in the interest rate on the Notes pursuant to the table above (x) such Substitute Rating Agency shall be substituted for the last Rating Agency to provide a rating of the Notes but which has since ceased to provide such rating, (y) the relative ratings scale used by such Substitute Rating Agency to assign ratings to senior unsecured debt shall be determined in good faith by an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by the Issuer and, for purposes of determining the applicable ratings included in the applicable table in Section 2.03(b)(i) or 2.03(b)(ii) with respect to such Substitute Rating Agency, such ratings shall be deemed to be the equivalent ratings used by Moody’s or S&P, as applicable, in such table and (z) the interest rate on the Notes shall increase or decrease, as the case may be, such that the interest rate equals the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date plus the appropriate percentage points, if any, set forth opposite the rating from such Substitute Rating Agency in the applicable table in Section 2.03(b)(i) or 2.03(b)(ii) (taking into account the provisions of clause (y) above) (plus any applicable percentage points resulting from a decreased rating by the other Rating Agency).

(vi) For so long as only one Rating Agency provides a rating of the Notes, any subsequent increase or decrease in the interest rate of the Notes necessitated by a reduction or increase in the rating by such Rating Agency shall be twice the percentage points set forth in the applicable table above. For so long as no Rating Agency provides a rating of the Notes, the interest rate on the Notes shall increase to, or remain at, as the case may be, 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date.

(vii) The interest rate on the Notes shall permanently cease to be subject to any adjustment described in this Section 2.03(b) (notwithstanding any subsequent decrease in the ratings by either or both Rating Agencies) if the Notes become rated A2 and A (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher by Moody’s and S&P, respectively (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), or one of these ratings if the Notes are only rated by one Rating Agency.

 

10


(viii) Any interest rate increase or decrease described in this Section 2.03(b) shall take effect from the first day of the interest period during which a rating change requires an adjustment in the interest rate. If Moody’s or S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof changes its rating of the Notes more than once during any particular interest period, the last change by such agency during such period shall control for purposes of any interest rate increase or decrease with respect to the Notes described above relating to such Rating Agency’s action.

(ix) If the interest rate payable on the Notes is increased as described in this Section 2.03(b), then the term “interest,” as used in this First Supplemental Indenture, the Base Indenture and the Notes, shall be deemed to include any such additional interest unless the context otherwise requires.

(x) The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee and Principal Paying Agent, if the Trustee shall not then be acting as Principal Paying Agent, within five calendar days after either Moody’s or S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof downgrades, or subsequently upgrades, the rating assigned to the Notes as described by this Section 2.03(b), an Officers’ Certificate stating (i) that the rating downgrade, or subsequent upgrade, as the case may be, has occurred and (ii) the current rating or ratings upon which the interest rate payable on the Notes shall be based.

(c) With respect to any Registrable Notes, if a Registration Default occurs, such Registrable Notes shall bear additional interest as a result thereof (at an incremental rate per annum of 0.25%), as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, from the day such Registration Default occurs to, but not including, the first day thereafter that no Registration Default is continuing, all in accordance with the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, payable on each Interest Payment Date commencing on the first Interest Payment Date after the day on which such Registration Default occurs. If Registrable Notes shall bear additional interest as a result of a Registration Default, as described in this Section 2.03(c), then the term “interest,” as used in this First Supplemental Indenture, the Base Indenture and the Notes, shall be deemed to include any such additional interest unless the context otherwise requires.

Section 2.04 Authorized Denominations

The Notes of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof.

 

11


Section 2.05 Listing

The Issuer shall use its best reasonable efforts to list the Notes, subject to official notice of issuance, on the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange and shall from time to time take such other actions as shall be necessary or advisable to maintain any listing of the Notes in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.05.

Section 2.06 Optional Redemption

As provided in Section 3.01 hereof, the Issuer shall have the right, at its option to redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to their Stated Maturity, on at least 30 days’ but not more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of such Notes and (2) the sum of the present values of each remaining scheduled payment of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in Section 3.01 hereof) plus 40 basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the Notes to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

Section 2.07 Tax Redemption

As provided Section 1108 of the Base Indenture (and as shall be modified in Section 3.01 hereof), the Issuer shall have the right to redeem the Notes upon the occurrence of certain events relating to taxation, as a result of which the Issuer or a Guarantor becomes obligated to pay Additional Amounts on the Notes, in which case the Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest and Additional Amounts, if any) to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

Section 2.08 Repurchase upon Change of Control Repurchase Event

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event, unless the Issuer has exercised earlier its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to this First Supplemental Indenture, each Holder shall have the option to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any portion of its Notes (in principal amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) on the Repurchase Date (as defined in Section 3.01) at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

Section 2.09 Ranking

The Notes shall be the Issuer’s senior, unsecured indebtedness and rank equally in right of payment with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations from time to time outstanding.

 

12


Section 2.10 Guarantees

The Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the full and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, Additional Amounts and any other amounts payable in respect of the Notes or under the Indenture, when and as the same shall become due and payable by the Issuer in respect of the Notes, whether at the Stated Maturity thereof, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, call for repurchase or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of the Notes and of the Indenture. The full and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, Additional Amounts and any other amounts payable in respect of the Notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable by the Issuer in respect of the Notes, whether at the Stated Maturity thereof, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, call for repurchase or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of the Notes and of the Indenture shall also be guaranteed by any other Guarantor that may guarantee the Notes.

The Guarantees shall be senior, unsecured obligations of each Guarantor and rank equally in right of payment with all of such Guarantor’s other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations from time to time outstanding.

Section 2.11 Defeasance

The Issuer may elect, at its option at any time but subject to compliance with Article 12 of the Base Indenture, to effect legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to the Notes in whole but not in part pursuant to Section 1202 or Section 1203 of the Base Indenture (or both).

Section 2.12 Waiver of Jersey Customary Law Rights.

Each of the Issuer and each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally waives such right as it may have or claim under Jersey law:

(a) whether by virtue of the droit de discussion or otherwise to require that recourse be had to the assets of any other person before any claim is enforced against it under this First Supplemental Indenture or any Guarantee in respect of the obligations assumed by it under this First Supplemental Indenture or any Guarantee; and

(b) whether by virtue of the droit de division or otherwise to require that any liability under this First Supplemental Indenture or any Guarantee be divided or apportioned with any other person or reduced in any manner whatsoever.

 

13


ARTICLE THREE

FORM OF NOTES

Section 3.01 Forms Generally.

The Notes shall be in substantially the forms set forth in this Section 3.01, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this First Supplemental Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Notes, as evidenced by their execution thereof.

Upon their original issuance, Notes offered and sold to Qualified Institutional Buyers in accordance with Rule 144A shall be issued in the form of one or more Global Notes in definitive, fully registered form, without coupons, substantially in the form set forth in this Section 3.01, with such applicable legends as provided herein (each, a “Restricted Global Note”). Such Restricted Global Notes shall be registered in the name of the Depositary, or its nominee, and deposited with the Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office, as custodian for the Depositary, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The aggregate amount of any Restricted Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary, as provided in Section 3.03 hereof.

Upon their original issuance, Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall initially be issued in the form of one or more Global Notes in definitive, fully registered form, without coupons, substantially in the form set forth in this Section 3.01, with such applicable legends as provided herein (each, a “Regulation S Global Note”). Such Regulation S Global Notes shall be registered in the name of the Depositary, or its nominee, and deposited with the Trustee, at its Corporate Trustee Office, as custodian for the Depositary, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as herein provided, for credit by the Depositary to the respective accounts of beneficial owners of such Notes (or to such other accounts as they may direct) at Euroclear or Clearstream. After such time as the applicable Restricted Period shall have terminated, each such Regulation S Global Note shall be referred to herein as an “Unrestricted Global Note.” The aggregate principal amount of any Regulation S Global Note or any Unrestricted Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary, as provided in Section 3.03 hereof.

For all purposes of this First Supplemental Indenture, the term “Restricted Notes” shall include all Notes issued upon registration or transfer of, in exchange for or in lieu of, Restricted Notes except as otherwise provided in Section 3.03 hereof.

 

14


(a) Form of Face of Note.

[INCLUDE IF NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE—THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO, AS SUPPLEMENTED BY THE FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO, AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, WHICH MAY BE TREATED BY THE ISSUER, ANY GUARANTOR, THE TRUSTEE AND ANY AGENT THEREOF AS OWNER AND HOLDER OF THIS NOTE FOR ALL PURPOSES.]

[INCLUDE IF NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE AND THE DEPOSITARY IS THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY—UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), TO WPP FINANCE 2010 OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS CERTIFICATE OR ANY PORTION HEREOF IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON OTHER THAN DTC OR A NOMINEE THEREOF IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR REGISTERED NOTES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES REFERRED TO IN THE INDENTURE, AS SUPPLEMENTED BY THE FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.]

[INCLUDE IF NOTE IS A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE (UNLESS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 3.03 OF THE FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, WPP PLC DETERMINES AND CERTIFIES TO THE TRUSTEE THAT THE LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW)—NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). NEITHER THIS GLOBAL NOTE NOR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (1) TO WPP PLC OR

 

15


ONE OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (2) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER OR BUYERS IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (3) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (4) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (5) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (PROVIDED, THAT AS A CONDITION TO REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE OTHERWISE THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE, WPP PLC OR THE TRUSTEE MAY REQUIRE DELIVERY OF ANY DOCUMENTS OR OTHER EVIDENCE THAT IT, IN ITS REASONABLE DISCRETION, DEEMS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO EVIDENCE COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH EXEMPTION), AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

THIS LEGEND MAY ONLY BE REMOVED WITH THE CONSENT OF WPP PLC.]

[INCLUDE IF NOTE IS A REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE (UNLESS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 3.03 OF THE FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, WPP PLC DETERMINES AND CERTIFIES TO THE TRUSTEE THAT THE LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW) – NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND NEITHER MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD OR DELIVERED IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY U.S. PERSON, UNLESS SUCH NOTE OR BENEFICIAL INTEREST IS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS THEREOF IS AVAILABLE.

THE FOREGOING SHALL NOT APPLY FOLLOWING THE EXPIRATION OF 40 DAYS FROM THE EARLIER OF (i) THE DATE ON WHICH THE PRIVATE EXCHANGE OFFER (AS DEFINED IN THE FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE) IS TERMINATED AND (ii) THE DATE ON WHICH ORIGINAL NOTES (AS DEFINED IN THE FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE) ARE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE PRIVATE EXCHANGE OFFER.

WPP FINANCE 2010

 

No. .........

   U.S.$ ......   

 

16


[If Restricted Note — CUSIP No. 92936MAA5 / ISIN Number: US92936MAA53 / Common Code: 070425203]

[If Regulation S Note — CUSIP Number: G70800AA8 / ISIN Number: USG70800AA88 / Common Code: 070425521]

[If Registered Note — CUSIP Number: 92936MAB3 / ISIN Number: US92936MAB37 / Common Code: [XXXXXXXXX]]

WPP Finance 2010 (herein called the “Issuer”, which term includes any Successor Person under the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture hereinafter referred to), an unlimited liability company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales, for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of $500,000,000 Dollars, [insert if a Global Note: as such amount may from time to time be revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in the Global Note attached hereto] (such principal amount[insert if a Global Note: , as it may from time to time be revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in the Global Note attached hereto,] is hereinafter referred to as the “principal”) on November 21, 2021 or any other Maturity Date. This Note shall bear interest at the rate of 4.75% per annum, subject to adjustments as a result of downgrades (or subsequent upgrades) in the rating assigned to the Notes and subject to additional interest as a result of any Registration Default (as defined in the First Supplemental Indenture), in each case as described on the reverse hereof, from November 21, 2011 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, as the case may be. Interest shall be payable semi-annually on May 21 and November 21 (each an “Interest Payment Date”), beginning on May 21, 2012, to the Holders in whose names this Note is registered at the close of business on the May 6 or November 6, as the case may be, immediately preceding the related Interest Payment Date. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

Any principal and premium, and any such installment of interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 4.75% per annum, subject to adjustments as a result of downgrades (or subsequent upgrades) in the rating assigned to the Notes and subject to additional interest as a result of any Registration Default (as defined in the First Supplemental Indenture), in each case as described on the reverse hereof (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand. Any interest payable, but not so punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Notes not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture.

 

17


Payment of principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, on this Note shall be made pursuant to the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary as permitted in the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, provided, however, that if this Note is not a Global Note, payment may be made at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in New York, New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, against surrender of this Note in the case of any payment due at the Maturity of the principal thereof (other than any payment of interest that first becomes payable on a day other than an Interest Payment Date); and payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register; and provided, further, that at the option of the Issuer payments of any interest on the Notes (other than at Maturity) may be made, in the case of a registered Holder of at least U.S.$5,000,000 principal amount of Notes, by electronic funds transfer of immediately available funds to a United States dollar account maintained by the payee, provided such registered Holder so elects by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent designating such account, no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion). Unless such designation is revoked, any such designation made by such Holder with respect to such Notes shall remain in effect with respect to any future payments with respect to such Notes payable to such Holder. The Issuer shall pay any administrative costs imposed by banks in connection with making payments by wire transfer.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed by a Director or Authorized Officer.

 

WPP FINANCE 2010
   

Certificate of Authentication:

This is one of the Notes of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

18


Dated:             

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

By:    
  Authorized Signatory

(b) Form of Reverse of Note.

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the “Notes”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2011 (herein called the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 21, 2011 (herein called the “First Supplemental Indenture”; the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”), each among the Issuer, WPP PLC, a public company limited by shares incorporated under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (the “Parent Guarantor”), WPP AIR 1 LIMITED, a company limited by shares incorporated in Ireland, WPP 2008 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales and WPP 2005 LIMITED, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Parent Guarantor, the “Guarantors” which term includes any Successor Person under the Indenture), Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), Citibank, N.A., as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as a Paying Agent, and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Agents and the Holders of the Notes and of the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Note is one of the series designated on the face hereof. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

The interest rate payable on the Notes shall be subject to adjustments from time to time if either Moody’s or S&P, or in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency thereof, downgrades (or subsequently upgrades) the rating assigned to the Notes, in the manner described below.

If the rating of the Notes from Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the Notes shall increase from the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

19


Moody’s Rating*    Percentage Points  

Ba1

     0.25   

Ba2

     0.50   

Ba3

     0.75   

B1 or below

     1.00   
* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

If the rating of the Notes from S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table, the interest rate on the Notes shall increase from the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date by the percentage points set forth below opposite that rating:

 

S&P Rating*    Percentage Points  

BB+

     0.25   

BB

     0.50   

BB-

     0.75   

B+ or below

     1.00   
* Including the equivalent ratings of any Substitute Rating Agency.

If, at any time, the interest rate on the Notes has been adjusted upward and either Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, a Substitute Rating Agency thereof), as the case may be, subsequently increases its rating of the Notes to any of the ratings set forth in the tables above, the interest rate on the Notes shall be decreased such that the interest rate for the Notes equals the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date plus the applicable percentage points set forth opposite the ratings in the tables above in effect immediately following the ratings increase. If Moody’s or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof subsequently increases its rating of the Notes to Baa3 (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher and S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof increases its rating to BBB- (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher, the interest rate on the Notes shall be decreased to the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date.

Each adjustment required by any decrease or increase in a rating set forth above, whether occasioned by the action of Moody’s or S&P (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), shall be made independent of any and all other adjustments. In no event shall (i) the interest rate on the Notes be reduced to below the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date or (ii) the total increase in the interest rate on the Notes exceed 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date.

 

20


No adjustments in the interest rate of the Notes shall be made solely as a result of a Rating Agency ceasing to provide a rating of the Notes. If, at any time, less than two Rating Agencies provide a rating of the Notes for any reason beyond the Issuer’s control, the Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a rating of the Notes from a Substitute Rating Agency, to the extent one exists, and if a Substitute Rating Agency exists, for purposes of determining any increase or decrease in the interest rate on the Notes pursuant to the table above (x) such Substitute Rating Agency shall be substituted for the last Rating Agency to provide a rating of the Notes but which has since ceased to provide such rating, (y) the relative ratings scale used by such Substitute Rating Agency to assign ratings to senior unsecured debt shall be determined in good faith by an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by the Issuer and, for purposes of determining the applicable ratings included in the applicable table above with respect to such Substitute Rating Agency, such ratings shall be deemed to be the equivalent ratings used by Moody’s or S&P, as applicable, in such table and (z) the interest rate on the Notes shall increase or decrease, as the case may be, such that the interest rate equals the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date plus the appropriate percentage points, if any, set forth opposite the rating from such Substitute Rating Agency in the applicable table above (taking into account the provisions of clause (y) above) (plus any applicable percentage points resulting from a decreased rating by the other Rating Agency).

For so long as only one Rating Agency provides a rating of the Notes, any subsequent increase or decrease in the interest rate of the Notes necessitated by a reduction or increase in the rating by such Rating Agency shall be twice the percentage points set forth in the applicable table above. For so long as no Rating Agency provides a rating of the Notes, the interest rate on the Notes shall increase to, or remain at, as the case may be, 2.00 percentage points above the interest rate payable on the Notes on the Issue Date.

The interest rate on the Notes shall permanently cease to be subject to any adjustment described above (notwithstanding any subsequent decrease in the ratings by either or both Rating Agencies) if the Notes become rated A2 and A (or its equivalent, in the case of a Substitute Rating Agency) or higher by Moody’s and S&P, respectively (or, in either case, any Substitute Rating Agency thereof), or one of these ratings if the Notes are only rated by one Rating Agency.

Any interest rate increase or decrease described herein shall take effect from the first day of the interest period during which a rating change requires an adjustment in the interest rate. If Moody’s or S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof changes its rating of the Notes more than once during any particular interest period, the last change by such agency during such period shall control for purposes of any interest rate increase or decrease with respect to the Notes described above relating to such Rating Agency’s action.

“Rating Agencies” means each of Moody’s and S&P and, if any of Moody’s and S&P ceases to rate the Notes or fails to make a rating of the Notes publicly available for reasons outside of the control of the Issuer, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer (as certified by a Board Resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P or both of them, as the case may be.

 

21


“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

“Substitute Rating Agency” means a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer (pursuant to a Board Resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or both of them, as the case may be.

If the interest rate payable on the Notes is increased as described above, then the term “interest,” as used herein, shall be deemed to include any such additional interest unless the context otherwise requires.

The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee and the Principal Paying Agent, if the Trustee shall not then be acting as Principal Paying Agent, within five calendar days after either Moody’s or S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency thereof downgrades, or subsequently upgrades, the rating assigned to the Notes as described above, an Officers’ Certificate stating (i) that the rating downgrade, or subsequent upgrade, as the case may be, has occurred and (ii) the current rating or ratings upon which the interest rate payable on the Notes shall be based.

Upon the occurrence of a Registration Default, the per annum interest rate borne by this Note shall increase by adding 0.25% thereto, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for the period from the first day on which such Registration Default occurs to but not including the first day thereafter until no Registration Default is continuing, all in accordance with the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, and in which case the Issuer shall provide notice to the Trustee of such increase in interest rate, and shall cause the Trustee to provide appropriate notice thereof to the Holder of this Note. If this Note shall bear additional interest as the result of any Registration Default, then the term “interest,” as used herein, shall be deemed to include any such additional interest unless the context otherwise requires.

Any accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest as a result of any Registration Default, if applicable) on this Note upon the issuance of a Registered Note in exchange for this Note shall cease to be payable to the Holder hereof and shall be payable instead on the next Interest Payment Date for such Registered Note to the Holder thereof on the related Regular Record Date.

The Subsidiary Guarantors and the Parent Guarantor have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the full and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, Additional Amounts and any other amounts payable in respect of the Notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable by the Issuer in respect of the Notes, whether at the stated maturity thereof, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption,

 

22


call for repurchase or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of the Notes and of the Indenture. To the extent set forth in the applicable Board Resolutions or a supplemental indenture, the full and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, Additional Amounts and any other amounts payable in respect of the Notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable by the Issuer in respect of the Notes, whether at the stated maturity thereof, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, call for repurchase or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of the Notes and of the Indenture may also be guaranteed by any other Guarantor that may guarantee the Notes.

The Issuer shall have the right, at its option to redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to their Stated Maturity, on at least 30 days’ but no more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of such Notes and (2) the sum of the present values of each remaining scheduled payment of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined below) plus 40 basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the Notes to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity or interpolated maturity (on a day count basis) of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

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

“Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Issuer.

“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any Redemption Date (1) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation or (2) if the Issuer obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc. or their respective affiliates which are primary United States government securities dealers and two other leading primary United States government securities dealers in New York City reasonably designated by the Issuer; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary United States government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”), the Issuer shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.

 

23


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

In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note or Notes and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

As provided in the First Supplemental Indenture, the Issuer shall have the right to redeem the Notes upon the occurrence of certain events relating to taxation, as a result of which the Issuer or a Guarantor becomes obligated to pay Additional Amounts on the Notes, in which case the Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest and Additional Amounts, if any) to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or any portion of the Notes called for redemption (unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price and accrued and unpaid interest). On or before the Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and (unless the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date on the Notes to be redeemed on such date. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the Notes to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee, Security Registrar or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, by such method as the Trustee, Security Registrar or the Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, shall deem fair and appropriate.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event, unless the Issuer has exercised its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the First Supplemental Indenture, each Holder shall have the option to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any portion of its Notes (in principal amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) on the Repurchase Date (as defined in Section 3.01) at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

24


Promptly upon the Issuer becoming aware that a Change of Control Repurchase Event has occurred, the Issuer shall, and at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware, the Trustee may, and if so requested by Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, shall (subject in each case to the Trustee being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction), give notice (the “Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice”) to the Holders specifying the nature of the Change of Control Repurchase Event and the procedure for exercising the Holders’ repurchase option. If not previously sent, the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice must be sent to the Holders, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and the Principal Paying Agent no later than 30 days after the occurrence of the Change of Control Repurchase Event.

To exercise the option to require the repurchase of a Note following the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event the Holder of the Note shall deliver such Note, on any Business Day during the period (the “Repurchase Period”) beginning on the date the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice is given and ending 45 days thereafter, at the specified office of the Trustee, accompanied by a duly signed and completed notice of exercise (a “Change of Control Repurchase Notice”) in the form (for the time being current) which shall be provided with the Change of Control Repurchase Event Notice. A Change of Control Repurchase Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable unless the Issuer elects to permit revocations. All Notes submitted for repurchase shall be purchased by the Issuer on the date that is 3 Business Days after the expiration of the Repurchase Period (the “Repurchase Date”).

On the Repurchase Date, the Issuer shall:

(i) accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes (in principal amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) properly tendered pursuant to the repurchase option;

(ii) deposit with the Trustee or Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, an amount equal to the aggregate repurchase price in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered; and

(iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted, together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes being purchased by the Issuer.

The Trustee or Principal Paying Agent, as applicable, shall promptly mail to each Holder properly tendered the repurchase price for the Notes, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of any Notes surrendered; provided, that each new Note shall be in a principal amount of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

The Issuer shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder, to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control Repurchase Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities

 

25


laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the Notes, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached the Issuer’s obligations under the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the Notes by virtue of such conflict.

The Issuer shall not be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by the Issuer, and such third party purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.

The Trustee and the Principal Paying Agent are under no obligation to ascertain whether a Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control has occurred and, until it shall have actual knowledge or notice pursuant to the Indenture to the contrary, the Trustee and the Principal Paying Agent may assume that no Change of Control Repurchase Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.

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

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of the series of which this Note is a part or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Note, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

In any case where the due date for the payment of the principal amount of, or any premium or interest with respect to, any Note or the date fixed for redemption of any Note shall not be a Business Day at a Place of Payment, then payment of the principal amount, premium, if any, or interest, need not be made on such date at such Place of Payment, with the same force and effect as if made on the date for such payment or the date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date.

All payments pursuant to the Notes and the Guarantees shall be made without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, levies, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (“taxes”) imposed or levied by or on behalf of (i) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor is incorporated or resident (or deemed for tax purposes to be resident), (ii) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor makes payment on the Notes or the Guarantees or (iii) the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (each, an “Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction”), unless such taxes are required by the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction to be withheld or deducted. In that event,

 

26


the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Parent Guarantor shall pay by way of additional interest on the Notes such additional amounts of, or in respect of, principal, premium, if any, and interest (“Additional Amounts”) as will result (after deduction of such taxes and any additional taxes payable in respect of such Additional Amounts) in the payment to each Holder of such Notes of the amounts which would have been payable in respect of such Note or Guarantee had no such withholding or deduction been required, except that no Additional Amounts shall be so payable for or on account of:

(i) any taxes that would not have been imposed but for the fact that such Holder:

(a) was a resident, domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction or otherwise had some connection with the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction other than the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such Note or Guarantee;

(b) presented (if presentation is required) such Note or Guarantee for payment in the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction, unless such Note or Guarantee could not have been presented for payment in another member state of the European Union; or

(c) presented (if presentation is required) such Note or Guarantee, as the case may be, more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the payment in respect of such Note first became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the Holder would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts if it had presented such Note or Guarantee for payment on any day within such period of thirty (30) days;

(ii) any estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar taxes;

(iii) any taxes that are payable otherwise than by withholding or deduction from payments of, or in respect of, principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes or Guarantee, as the case may be;

(iv) any taxes that are imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial owner of a Note with a request of the Issuer or any Guarantor addressed to the Holder and received by such Holder at least thirty (30) days prior to the first payment date with respect to which such information is required (a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (a) or (b), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

27


(v) any tax imposed on a payment to an individual and required to be made pursuant to the European Council Directive 2003/48/EC on the taxation of savings income or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced to conform to, such Directive;

(vi) any taxes payable by or on behalf of a Holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the relevant Note or Guarantee to another Paying Agent in a member state of the European Union; or

(vii) any combination of items (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi);

nor shall Additional Amounts be paid with respect to any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any such Note or Guarantee to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the Applicable Taxing Jurisdiction to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such Additional Amounts had it been the Holder of the Note.

All references herein, in the Indenture, and in one or more supplemental indentures thereto, the Notes and the Guarantees to principal, premium, if any, interest or any other amount payable in respect of any Note shall be deemed to include all Additional Amounts, if any, payable in respect of such principal, premium, interest or other amount payable, unless the context otherwise requires, and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts in any provision hereof shall not be construed as excluding reference to Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the rights of the Holders of the Notes of each series, on the other hand, to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Notes of such series, to waive, on behalf of the Holders of all Notes of such series, compliance by the Issuer or the Guarantors, or all or any of them, with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

 

28


Each Holder hereby consents to any Guarantor (or any additional or successor Guarantor) applying to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order sanctioning a reduction in any of its share capital accounts including, without limitation, by re-characterizing any sum standing to the credit of a share premium account as a distributable reserve (a “Reduction of Capital”). Each Holder hereby authorizes and requests the Trustee, on behalf of the Holder, to sign any necessary form of consent that any Guarantor (or any additional or successor Guarantor) may reasonably request in connection with a Reduction of Capital.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Note shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes, the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Notes at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and the Trustee shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Note for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

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

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Issuer in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Note are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, shall be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

29


No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

This Note is a Global Note and is subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to Global Notes, including the limitations in Section 305 of the Base Indenture on transfers and exchanges of Global Notes.

This Note, the Guarantees and the Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

All terms used in this Note and the Guarantees set forth below which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

 

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription of the face of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM — as tenants in common

     UNIF GIFT MIN ACT—                                                                   

TEN ENT—as tenants by the entireties

     (Cust)                                         
     Custodian _____________ under Uniform

JT TEN—as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common

    

(Minor)                                 

Gifts to Minors Act ______________

                                         (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used

though not in the above list.

 

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[IF NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE, INSERT AS A SEPARATE PAGE—

SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTE

The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:

 

Date of Transfer or Exchange

   Amount of
decrease in
Principal Amount
of this Global
Note
   Amount of
increase in
Principal
Amount of this
Global Note
   Principal
Amount of this
Global Note
following such
decrease or
increase
   Signature of
authorized
signatory of
Trustee or Note
Custodian

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE

To assign and transfer this Note, fill in the form below:

I or we assign and transfer this Note to

————————————————————————

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

—————————————————————

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)

and irrevocably appoint                     agent to transfer this

Note on the books of the Guarantors. The agent may

substitute another to act for him.

Date:                                                                                          Your Signature:                                                     

Signature Guarantee:                                                                                                                                                

(Signature must be guaranteed)

—————————————————————————————————————————

Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.

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

———————————————————

Signature

Signature Guarantee:

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––                 ————————————————––

(Signature must be guaranteed)                                 Signature

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

 

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Section 3.02 Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication

The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

Certificate of Authentication:

This is one of the Notes of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:                         

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

By:    
  Authorized Signatory

Section 3.03 Transfers and Exchanges

(a) Restricted Notes. Restricted Notes shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer (the “Transfer Restrictions”) provided in the applicable legend(s) (the “Restrictive Legends”) required to be set forth on the face of each Restricted Note pursuant to Section 3.01, unless compliance with the Transfer Restrictions shall no longer be legally required and the Transfer Restrictions shall be waived by WPP plc in writing delivered to the Trustee.

The Transfer Restrictions shall cease and terminate with respect to any particular Restricted Note upon receipt by WPP plc of evidence satisfactory to it (which may include an opinion of independent counsel experienced in matters of U.S. federal securities law) that, as of the date of determination, such Restricted Note (a) has been transferred by the Holder thereof pursuant to Rule 144, (b) has been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or (c) has been transferred in a transaction satisfying all the requirements of Rule 903 or Rule 904 (as applicable) of Regulation S, and receipt by the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate certifying that WPP plc has received such evidence which may include an opinion of counsel stating that the Transfer Restrictions have ceased and terminated with respect to such Note. All references in the preceding sentence to any regulation, rule or provision thereof shall be deemed also to refer to any successor provisions thereof. In addition, WPP plc may terminate the Transfer Restrictions, subject to applicable law, with respect to any particular Restricted Note in such other circumstances as it determines are appropriate for this purpose and shall deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel, if any, and Officers’ Certificate certifying that the Transfer Restrictions have ceased and terminated with respect to such Note.

 

33


At the request of the Holder and upon the surrender of such Restricted Notes to the Trustee or Security Registrar for exchange in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.03, any Restricted Note as to which the Transfer Restrictions shall have terminated in accordance with the preceding paragraph shall be exchanged for a new Note of like aggregate principal amount, but without the Restrictive Legends. Any Restricted Note as to which the Restrictive Legends shall have been removed pursuant to this paragraph (and any Note issued upon registration of transfer of, exchange for or in lieu of such Restricted Note) shall thereupon cease to be a “Restricted Note” for all purposes of this First Supplemental Indenture.

WPP plc shall notify the Trustee in writing of the effective date of any registration statement registering any Restricted Notes under the Securities Act and shall ensure that any opinion of counsel received by it in connection with the removal of any Restrictive Legend is also addressed to the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and without negligence on its part in accordance with such notice or any opinion of counsel.

As used in this Section 3.03(a), the term “transfer” encompasses any sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition of any Notes referred to herein.

(b) Transfers Between Global Notes.

(i) Restricted Global Note to Regulation S Global Note. If the owner of a beneficial interest (an “Owner Transferor”) in a Restricted Global Note wishes at any time to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person (an “Owner Transferee”) who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note, such transfer may be effected, subject to the Applicable Procedures, only in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.03(b)(i). Upon receipt by the Security Registrar of (l) written instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures from the Agent Member, whose account is to be debited (an “Agent Member Transferor”) with respect to the Restricted Global Note, directing the Security Registrar to credit or cause to be credited to a specified account of another Agent Member (an “Agent Member Transferee”) (which shall be an account of Euroclear or Clearstream or both) a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note in a principal amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note to be so transferred (the “Restricted Global Transferred Amount”), (2) a written order given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the account of the Agent Member Transferee to be credited with, and the Agent Member Transferor to be debited by, the Restricted Global Transferred Amount, and (3) a certificate in substantially the form set forth in Annex A hereto given by the Owner Transferor, the Security Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note, and to increase the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note, by the Restricted Global Transferred Amount, and to credit, or cause to be credited to, the account of the Agent Member Transferee a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, and to debit, or cause to be debited to, the account of the Agent Member Transferor a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note, in each case having a principal amount equal to the Restricted Global Transferred Amount.

 

34


(ii) Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Global Note. If an Owner Transferor wishes at any time to transfer a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to an Owner Transferee who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, such transfer may be effected, subject to the Applicable Procedures, only in accordance with this Section 3.03(b)(ii). Upon receipt by the Security Registrar of (l) written instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures from the Agent Member Transferor directing the Security Registrar to credit or cause to be credited to a specified account of an Agent Member Transferee (which may but need not be an account of Euroclear or Clearstream) a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note in a principal amount equal to the Restricted Global Transferred Amount, (2) a written order given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the account of the Agent Member Transferee to be credited with, and the account of the Agent Member Transferor to be debited for, the Restricted Global Transferred Amount, and (3) a certificate in substantially the form set forth in Annex B hereto given by the Owner Transferor, the Security Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note, and to increase the principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note, by the Restricted Global Transferred Amount, and to credit, or cause to be credited to, the account of the Agent Member Transferee a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, and to debit, or cause to be debited to, the account of the Agent Member Transferor a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note, in each case having a principal amount equal to the Restricted Global Transferred Amount.

(iii) Regulation S Global Note or Unrestricted Global Note to Restricted Global Note. If an Owner Transferor wishes at any time to transfer a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note or an Unrestricted Global Note to an Owner Transferee who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, such transfer may be effected, subject to the Applicable Procedures, only in accordance with this Section 3.03(b)(iii). Upon receipt by the Security Registrar of (1) written instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures from the Agent Member Transferor, directing the Security Registrar to credit, or cause to be credited to, a specified account of an Agent Member Transferee a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note in a principal amount equal to that of the beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or Unrestricted Global Note to be so transferred, (2) a written order given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the account of the Agent Member Transferee to be credited with, and the account of the Agent Member Transferor

 

35


(which, in the case of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, must be an account of Euroclear or Clearstream or both) to be debited for, such beneficial interest, and (3) with respect to a transfer of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note (but not the Unrestricted Global Note), a certificate in substantially the form set forth in Annex C hereto given by the Owner Transferor, the Security Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note or Unrestricted Global Note, as the case may be, and increase the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note, by the principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or Unrestricted Global Note to be so transferred, and to credit, or cause to be credited to, the account of the Agent Member Transferee such beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note, and to debit, or cause to be debited to, the account of the Agent Member Transferor such beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or Unrestricted Global Note, as the case may be.

(c) In case of any transfer or exchange the procedures and requirements for which are not addressed in detail in this Section 3.03, such transfer or exchange shall be subject to such procedures and requirements as may be reasonably prescribed by WPP plc and the Trustee from time to time and, in the case of a transfer or exchange invoking a Global Note, the Applicable Procedures.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the period of one year after the earlier of (a) the day on which the Private Exchange Offer is terminated and (b) the day on which Original Notes are issued pursuant to the Private Exchange Offer, WPP plc shall not, and shall not permit any of its Affiliates that are Subsidiaries to, purchase or agree to purchase or otherwise acquire any Restricted Notes, whether as beneficial owner or otherwise (except as agent on behalf of and for the account of customers in the ordinary course of business as a securities broker in unsolicited broker’s transactions) unless, immediately upon any such purchase, WPP plc or any such Affiliate shall submit such Restricted Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. WPP plc further agrees to ask its Affiliates that are not Subsidiaries to agree not to purchase or otherwise acquire any Restricted Notes, whether as beneficial owner or otherwise, except as permitted in the preceding sentence.

(e) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this First Supplemental Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Agent Members or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this First Supplemental Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

36


ARTICLE FOUR

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 4.01 Separability of Invalid Provisions

In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this First Supplemental Indenture should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions contained in this First Supplemental Indenture, and to the extent and only to the extent that any such provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, this First Supplemental Indenture shall be construed as if such provision had never been contained herein.

Section 4.02 Execution in Counterparts

This First Supplemental Indenture may be simultaneously executed and delivered in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. To the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, the exchange of copies of this First Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original First Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

Section 4.03 Certain Matters

The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which are made solely by the Issuer and the Guarantors.

Section 4.04 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern the Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, once the Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, is qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of the Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to the Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

 

37


Section 4.05 Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

Section 4.06 Successors and Assigns.

All covenants and agreements in this First Supplemental Indenture by the Issuer and the Guarantors shall bind their successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

Section 4.07 Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in the Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, or in the Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders of Notes, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under the Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture.

Section 4.08 Governing Law.

THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES (AND ANY NON-CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS OUT OF OR RELATED THERETO) THEREOF SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Section 4.09 Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service of Process.

The Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Agents agree that any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this First Supplemental Indenture, and each of the Issuer and the Guarantors agrees that any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Notes and the Guarantees, may be instituted in any U.S. federal or New York state court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and each waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such legal suit, action or proceeding, waives any immunity from jurisdiction or to service of process in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding, waives any right to which it may be entitled on account of place of residence or domicile and irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby appoints CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10011, as its authorized agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon which process may be served in any legal action or proceeding against it with respect to its obligations under this First Supplemental Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees, as the case may be, instituted in any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York by the Trustee or by the Holder of any Note. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors reserves the right to appoint another person located or with an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, selected in their discretion, as a successor Authorized Agent, and upon acceptance of such appointment by such a successor and notice to the Trustee and the Holders the

 

38


appointment of the prior Authorized Agent shall terminate. If for any reason the designee, appointee and agent hereunder ceases to be able to act as the Authorized Agent or to have an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall appoint a successor Authorized Agent in accordance with the preceding sentence. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors further agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment of such agent in full force and effect until this First Supplemental Indenture has been satisfied and discharged in accordance with Article Four or Article Thirteen of the Indenture. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent addressed to it at the address set forth above, as such address may be changed within the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York by notice given by the Authorized Agent to the Trustee, together with written notice of such service mailed or delivered to the Issuer or the Guarantors shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process on the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action arising out of or relating to this First Supplemental Indenture may be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction in England. Each of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Agents hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this First Supplemental Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 4.10 Priority of First Supplemental Indenture.

In the event any conflict arises between the terms of the Indenture and the terms of this First Supplemental Indenture, the terms of this First Supplemental Indenture shall be controlling and supersede such conflicting terms of the Indenture. Unless otherwise specifically modified or amended hereby, the terms of the Indenture shall remain in full force and effect with respect to the Notes.

Section 4.11 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer and the Guarantors, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental Indenture or of the Notes. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer or the Guarantors of the Notes or the proceeds thereof.

Section 4.12 Liquidated Damages Notice.

In the event that the Issuer is required to pay liquidated damages to holders of Notes as the result of a Registration Default pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuer will provide written notice (the “Liquidated Damages Notice”) to the Trustee of its obligation to pay such liquidated damages no later than 15 days prior to the proposed payment date for such liquidated damages, and the Liquidated Damages Notice shall set forth the amount of liquidated damages to be paid by the Issuer on such

 

39


payment date. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of Notes to determine the liquidated damages, or with respect to the nature, extent, or calculation of the amount of liquidated damages owed, or with respect to the method employed in such calculation of the liquidated damages.

Section 4.13 U.S.A. Patriot Act.

The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may reasonably request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.

 

40


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed on their respective behalves, all as of the day and year first written above.

 

ISSUER:
WPP FINANCE 2010 acting by Paul
Delaney, a director
/s/ Paul Delaney
Director
In the presence of:
/s/ Katherine Barltrop
Witness’s signature
Name: Katherine Barltrop
Occupation: Legal Adviser

Address: Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London,

SWH 0NH

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


PARENT GUARANTOR:
WPP PLC
By:   /s/ Paul Delaney
Name:   Paul Delaney
Title:   Authorised Person, Pursuant to Written Resolutions of the Finance Committee Dated September 18, 2011

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


GUARANTOR:

 

SIGNED AND DELIVERED as a DEED
for and on behalf of
WPP AIR 1 LIMITED,
as Subsidiary Guarantor
by its lawfully appointed attorney pursuant to a Power of Attorney dated September 7, 2011
Paul Delaney
In the presence of
/s/ Paul Delaney
Signature of Attorney
/s/ Katherine Barltrop
Signature of Witness
Legal Adviser
Occupation of Witness
Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London, SWH 0NH
Address of Witness

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


GUARANTOR:

 

WPP 2008 Limited acting by Paul
Delaney, a director
/s/ Paul Delaney
Director
In the presence of:
/s/ Katherine Barltrop
Witness’s signature
Name: Katherine Barltrop
Occupation: Legal Adviser
Address: Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London, SWH 0NH

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


GUARANTOR:

 

WPP 2005 Limited acting by Paul
Delaney, a director
/s/ Paul Delaney
Director
In the presence of:
/s/ Katherine Barltrop
Witness’s signature
Name: Katherine Barltrop
Occupation: Legal Adviser
Address: Flat 2, 64 The Chase, London, SWH 0NH

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


TRUSTEE:

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
By:   /s/ Michael G. Oller, Jr.
Name:   Michael G. Oller, Jr.
Title:   Assistant Vice President

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


SECURITY REGISTRAR AND
PAYING AGENT:
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Security Registrar and Principal Paying
Agent
By:   /s/ Wafaa Orfy
Name:   Wafaa Orfy
Title:   Vice President

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


PAYING AGENT:
CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH,
as Paying Agent
By:   /s/ Peter Larsen
Name:   Peter Larsen
Title:   Vice President

 

[WPP Finance 2010 First Supplemental Indenture]


ANNEX A

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE

FOR TRANSFER FROM RESTRICTED GLOBAL

NOTE TO REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE

(Transfers pursuant to § 3.03(b)(i)

of the First Supplemental Indenture)

Citibank, N.A.,

as Security Registrar

 

  Re: 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 of

WPP Finance 2010 (the “Notes”)

Reference is hereby made to the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2011 (the “First Supplemental Indenture), among WPP Finance 2010, as Issuer (the “Issuer”), WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited (collectively, the “Guarantors”), Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), Citibank, N.A., as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as a Paying Agent, to the Indenture dated as of November 21, 2011 among the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent and the Paying Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the First Supplemental Indenture.

This letter relates to U.S.$                 principal amount of Notes which are evidenced by one or more Restricted Global Notes (CUSIP No. 92936MAA5) and held with the Depositary in the name of [INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR] (the “Transferor”). The Transferor has requested a transfer of such beneficial interest in the Notes to a person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an equal principal amount of Notes evidenced by one or more Regulation S Global Notes (CUSIP No. G70800AA8), which amount, immediately after such transfer, is to be held with the Depositary through Euroclear or Clearstream or both (Common Code 070425521; ISIN No. USG70800AA88).

In connection with such request and in respect of such Notes, the Transferor does hereby certify that such transfer has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with either (i) Rule 903 or Rule 904 (as applicable) under the Securities Act, or (ii) Rule 144, and accordingly the Transferor does hereby further certify that:

(i) If the transfer is being effected pursuant to Rule 903 and Rule 904:

 

  (1) the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;

 

  (2) either:

(A) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or the Transferor and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States, or

(B) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither the Transferor nor any person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;

 

A-1


  (3) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or 904(b) of Regulations S, as applicable;

 

  (4) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act; and

 

  (5) upon completion of the transaction, the beneficial interest being transferred as described above is to be held with the Depositary through Euroclear or Clearstream or both.

(ii) If the transfer is being effected pursuant to Rule 144, the Notes are being transferred in a transaction permitted by
Rule 144.

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers, if any, of the initial offering of such Notes being transferred. Terms used in this certificate and not otherwise defined in the First Supplemental Indenture have the meanings set forth in Regulation S or Rule 144.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Dated:

 

cc: WPP plc and WPP Finance 2010

 

A-2


ANNEX B

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE

FOR TRANSFER FROM RESTRICTED GLOBAL

NOTE TO UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

(Transfers Pursuant to § 3.03(b)(ii)

of the First Supplemental Indenture)

Citibank, N.A.,

    as Security Registrar

 

  Re: 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 of

WPP Finance 2010 (the “Notes”)

Reference is hereby made to the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2011 (the “First Supplemental Indenture), among WPP Finance 2010, as Issuer (the “Issuer”), WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited (collectively, the “Guarantors”), Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), Citibank, N.A., as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as a Paying Agent, to the Indenture dated as of November 21, 2011 among the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent and the Paying Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the First Supplemental Indenture.

This letter relates to U.S.$         principal amount of Notes which are evidenced by one or more Regulation S Global Notes (CUSIP No. G70800AA8) and held with the Depositary in the name of [INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR] (the “Transferor”). The Transferor has requested a transfer of such beneficial interest in the Notes to a person that shall take delivery thereof in the form of an equal principal amount of Notes evidenced by one or more Unrestricted Global Notes (CUSIP No. 92936MAB3).

In connection with such request and in respect of such Notes, the Transferor does hereby certify that such transfer has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with either (i) Rule 903 or Rule 904 (as applicable) under the Securities Act, or (ii) Rule 144, and accordingly the Transferor does hereby further certify that:

(i) If the transfer has been effected pursuant to Rule 903 and Rule 904:

 

  (1) the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;

 

  (2) either:

(A) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or the Transferor and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States, or

(B) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither the Transferor nor any person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;

 

B-1


  (3) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or 904(b) of Regulation S, as applicable; and

 

  (4) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

(ii) If the transfer has been effected pursuant to Rule 144, the Notes have been transferred in a transaction permitted by Rule 144.

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers, if any, of the initial offering of such Notes being transferred. Terms used in this certificate and not otherwise defined in the First Supplemental Indenture have the meanings set forth in Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Dated:

 

cc: WPP plc and WPP Finance 2010

 

B-2


ANNEX C

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATES

FOR TRANSFER FROM REGULATION S GLOBAL

NOTE OR UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

TO RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

(Transfers Pursuant to § 3.03(b)(iii)

of the First Supplemental Indenture)

[Transferor Certificate]

Citibank, N.A.,

    as Security Registrar

 

  Re: 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 of

WPP Finance 2010 (the “Notes”)

Reference is hereby made to the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2011 (the “First Supplemental Indenture), among WPP Finance 2010, as Issuer (the “Issuer”), WPP plc, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited (collectively, the “Guarantors”), Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), Citibank, N.A., as Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as a Paying Agent, to the Indenture dated as of November 21, 2011 among the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Registrar and Principal Paying Agent and the Paying Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the First Supplemental Indenture.

This letter relates to U.S.$         principal amount of Notes which are evidenced by one or more Regulation S Global Notes (CUSIP No. G70800AA8) and held with the Depositary through [Euroclear] [Clearstream] (Common Code 070425521; ISIN No. USG70800AA88) in the name of [INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR] (the “Transferor”). The Transferor has requested a transfer of such beneficial interest in the Notes to a person that shall take delivery thereof (the “Transferee”) in the form of an equal principal amount of Notes evidenced by one or more Restricted Global Notes (CUSIP No. 92936MAA5).

In connection with such request and in respect of such Notes, the Transferor does hereby certify that:

 

  (1) such transfer is being effected in accordance with all applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction;

 

  (2) the Notes are being transferred in accordance with Rule 144A to a transferee whom the Transferor reasonably believes is a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A and is purchasing the Notes for its own account or any account with respect to which the transferee exercises sole investment discretion, in each case in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A; and

 

  (3) it has notified the transferee that it has relied on Rule 144A as a basis for the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act used in connection with the transfer.

 

C-1


This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer, the Guarantors and the underwriter or initial purchasers, if any, of the initial offering of such Notes being transferred. Terms used in this certificate and not otherwise defined in the First Supplemental Indenture have the meanings set forth in Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

Dated:

 

cc: WPP plc and WPP Finance 2010

 

C-2

EX-4.5 6 d341681dex45.htm REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT Registration Rights Agreement

Exhibit 4.5

 

 

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 21, 2011

among

WPP FINANCE 2010,

WPP PLC,

WPP 2005 LIMITED,

WPP AIR 1 LIMITED,

and

WPP 2008 LIMITED

and

BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC.,

HSBC SECURITIES (USA) INC.,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

RBS SECURITIES INC.,

BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP.

and

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

as Representatives of the Initial Purchasers

and

BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC.,

HSBC SECURITIES (USA) INC.,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

and

RBS SECURITIES INC.

as Dealer Managers

 

 

 


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT dated as of November 21, 2011 (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between WPP FINANCE 2010 (the “Issuer”), a private unlimited liability company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales, WPP plc, a public company limited by shares incorporated under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (the “Parent Guarantor”), WPP 2008 Limited, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales, WPP 2005 Limited, a private limited company organized and existing under the laws of England and Wales and WPP Air 1 Limited, a company limited by shares incorporated in Ireland (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Parent Guarantor, the “Guarantors”) and Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, RBS Securities Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representatives (the “Representatives”), of the initial purchasers named in Schedule 1 to the Purchase Agreement referred to below (the “Initial Purchasers”) and Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc., as dealer managers pursuant to the Dealer Managers Agreement referred to below (the “Dealer Managers”).

The Issuer, the Guarantors and the Representatives are parties to the Purchase Agreement dated November 2, 2011 (the “Purchase Agreement”), which provides for the sale by the Issuer to the Initial Purchasers of U.S.$500,000,000 principal amount of its 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Notes”), to be fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the “Guarantees” and, together with the Notes, the “Securities”) by the Guarantors. As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Issuer and the Guarantors have agreed to provide to the Initial Purchasers and their direct and indirect transferees the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the closing under the Purchase Agreement.

The Issuer, the Guarantors and the Dealer Managers are parties to the Dealer Managers Agreement dated November 2, 2011 (the “Dealer Managers Agreement”), pursuant to which the Parent Guarantor has arranged for the Issuer and WPP Finance (UK) (the “Old Notes Issuer”) to offer to exchange (the “Private Exchange Offer”) up to $450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes for the Old Notes Issuer’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2014 (the “Old Notes”). As an inducement to the Dealer Managers to enter into the Dealer Managers Agreement and as an inducement for holders of the Old Notes to participate in the Private Exchange Offer, the Issuer and the Guarantors have agreed to provide to the participants in the Private Exchange Offer and their direct and indirect transferees the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the Dealer Managers’ obligations under the Dealer Managers Agreement.

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

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

 

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Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City or London are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

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

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

Depositary” means The Depository Trust Company until a successor Depositary should have become Depositary pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Indenture, and the thereafter “Depositary” should mean such successor Depositary.

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

Free Writing Prospectus” means each free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer or used or referred to by the Issuer in connection with the offer or sale of the Securities or the Registered Securities.

Guarantees” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Guarantors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Holder” means any of the Initial Purchasers or Dealer Managers, for so long as it owns any Registrable Securities, and each of its successors, assigns and direct and indirect transferees who become owners of Registrable Securities under the Indenture; provided that for purposes of Section 4 and Section 5 hereof, the term “Holders” shall include Participating Broker-Dealers.

Initial Purchasers” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Indenture” means, collectively, the Indenture dated as of November 21, 2011 among the Issuer, the Guarantors, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, Citibank, N.A., as security registrar and principal paying agent, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as paying agent, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of the date hereof among the Issuer, the Guarantors, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, Citibank, N.A., as security registrar and principal paying agent, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as paying agent, relating to the Securities, in each case, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

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

 

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Issuer Information” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

Majority Holders” means the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Registrable Securities; provided that, whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, Registrable Securities or Registered Securities owned directly or indirectly by the Issuer or any of its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage or amount.

Notes” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall include both Notes issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and Notes issued pursuant to the Private Exchange Offer.

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

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

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

Participating Broker-Dealers” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

Person” means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Private Exchange Offer” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

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

Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Registered Offer” means the offer by the Issuer of Registered Securities for Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.

Registered Offer Registration” means a registration under the Securities Act effected pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.

 

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Registered Offer Registration Statement” means a registration statement on Form F-4 (or, if applicable, on another appropriate form) and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

Registered Securities” means the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 issued by the Issuer under the Indenture containing terms substantially identical to the Notes, and related guarantees of the Guarantors under the Indenture containing terms substantially identical to the Guarantees (except that (i) interest thereon shall accrue from the last date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for on the Notes or, if no such interest has been paid or duly provided for, from the Closing Date, (ii) the transfer restrictions and legends relating to restrictions on ownership and transfer thereof as a result of the issuance of the Notes without registration under the Securities Act shall be eliminated and (iii) the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 shall be represented by one or more global Registered Securities in book-entry form unless exchanged for Registered Securities in definitive certificated form under the limited circumstances provided in the Indenture) to be offered to Holders of Registrable Securities for Registered Securities pursuant to the Registered Offer.

Registrable Securities” means all of the Securities; provided that the Notes and Guarantees shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a Registration Statement with respect to such Securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such Securities shall have been disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) such Securities shall have ceased to be outstanding, or (iii) such Securities have been exchanged for Registered Securities which have been registered pursuant to the Registered Offer Registration Statement upon consummation of the Registered Offer unless, in the case of any Registered Securities referred to in this clause (iii), such Registered Securities are held by a Participating Broker-Dealer or otherwise are not freely tradable without any limitations or restrictions under the Securities Act (in which case such Registered Securities will be deemed to be Registrable Securities until expiration of the period specified in Section 4(b) hereof).

Registration Dates” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(ii) hereof.

Registration Expenses” means any expenses and costs incident to performance of or compliance by the Issuer and the Guarantors with this Agreement, including without limitation: (i) all SEC or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority registration and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws in jurisdictions designated pursuant to Section 3(e) hereof (including reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of counsel for any Holders in connection with blue sky qualification of any Registered Securities or Registrable Securities), (iii) all expenses of any Persons in preparing or assisting in preparing, word processing, printing and distributing any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any

 

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Free Writing Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, securities sales agreements or other similar agreements and any other documents relating to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, (iv) any rating agency fees, (v) all fees and disbursements relating to the qualification of the Indenture under applicable securities laws, (vi) the fees and disbursements of the Trustee and its counsel, (vii) the fees and disbursements of U.S., U.K., Jersey, Irish and other counsel to the Issuer and the Guarantors, and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of one U.S. counsel and, if applicable, one U.K. counsel, for the Holders, the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers (which counsel shall be Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Herbert Smith LLP or such other counsel as may be selected by the Majority Holders and which counsel may also be counsel for the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers), (viii) all fees relating to the listing of Registered Securities or Registrable Securities on the London Stock Exchange for trading, (ix) the fees and disbursements of the independent public accountants of the Issuer and the Guarantors; however, the term “Registration Expenses” shall exclude fees and expenses of counsel for the Holders and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable Securities by a Holder.

Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Issuer and the Guarantors that covers any of the Registered Securities or Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and all amendments and supplements to any such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall include both Notes and Guarantees issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and Notes and Guarantees issued pursuant to the Private Exchange Offer.

Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Shelf Effectiveness Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration” means a registration effected pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement” means a “shelf” registration statement of the Issuer that covers all the Registrable Securities on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC, and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

 

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Subsidiary Guarantors” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall also include the Subsidiary Guarantors’ successors.

Trust Indenture Act” means the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended from time to time, or any rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder.

Trustee” means the Trustee with respect to the Notes under the Indenture.

For purposes of this Agreement, (i) all references in this Agreement to any Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the version filed with the SEC pursuant to its EDGAR; (ii) all references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information which is “contained,” “included” or “stated” in any Registration Statement or Prospectus (or other similar references) shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as the case may be; (iii) all references in this Agreement to amendments or supplements to any Registration Statement or Prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include the filing of any document under the Exchange Act which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as the case may be; (iv) all references in this Agreement to Rule 144, Rule 144A or Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and all references to any sections or subsections thereof or terms defined therein, shall include any successor provisions thereto; and (v) all references in this Agreement to “days” (but not to Business Days) means calendar days.

2. Registration Under the Securities Act. (a) To the extent not prohibited by any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and except in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(b)(i) hereof, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to (i) cause to be filed with the SEC a Registered Offer Registration Statement covering an offer to the Holders to exchange all the Registrable Securities for Registered Securities within 60 days after the Closing Date, (ii) cause such Registered Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act as soon as practicable following filing with the SEC, and (iii) have such Registration Statement remain effective until the earlier of (A) 120 days after the closing of the Registered Offer and (B) such time as all Participating Broker-Dealers no longer own any Registrable Securities. The Issuer and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to commence the Registered Offer promptly after the Registered Offer Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC and to complete the Registered Offer not later than 60 days after such effective date. For purposes of this Agreement, the Registered Offer shall be deemed completed upon the earlier to occur of (i) the Issuer and the Guarantors having exchanged the Registered Securities for all outstanding Registrable Securities (other than those held by Holders that are ineligible to participate in the Registered Offer) pursuant to the Registered Offer and (ii) the Issuer and the Guarantors having

 

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exchanged, pursuant to the Registered Offer, Registered Securities for all Registrable Securities that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn before the expiration of the Registered Offer; provided, however, that the Issuer and the Guarantors may, in their discretion, accept tenders of Registrable Securities for Registered Securities subsequent to the date the Issuer and the Guarantors consummate the Registered Offer with respect to Registrable Securities tendered as of the date of initial consummation, and the Registered Offer shall be deemed to have been consummated notwithstanding any such extension of the tender period.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall commence the Registered Offer by mailing the related Prospectus, appropriate letters of transmittal and other accompanying documents to each Holder stating, in addition to such other disclosures as are required by applicable law:

(i) that the Registered Offer is being made pursuant to this Agreement and that all Registrable Securities validly tendered and not properly withdrawn will be accepted for exchange;

(ii) the dates of acceptance for exchange (which shall be a period of at least 20 Business Days from the date such notice is mailed) (the “Registration Dates”);

(iii) that any Registrable Note not tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest but will not retain any rights under this Agreement;

(iv) that any Holder electing to have a Registrable Note exchanged pursuant to the Registered Offer will be required to surrender such Registrable Note, together with the appropriate letters of transmittal, to the institution and at the address (located in New York City) and in the manner specified in the notice, prior to the close of business on the last Registration Date; and

(v) that any Holder will be entitled to withdraw its election, not later than the close of business on the last Registration Date, in the manner specified in such notice.

As a condition to participating in the Registered Offer, a Holder will be required to represent to the Issuer and the Guarantors that (i) any Registered Securities to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) at the time of the commencement of the Registered Offer it has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Registered Securities in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (iii) it is not an “affiliate” (within the meaning of Rule 405 under Securities Act) of the Issuer and the Guarantors and (iv) if such Holder is a broker-dealer, that it will receive Registered Securities for its own account in exchange for Registrable Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, and that it will deliver, to the extent required by applicable law or regulation or SEC pronouncement, a Prospectus in connection with any resale of such Registered Securities.

 

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As soon as practicable after the last Registration Date, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall:

(i) accept for exchange Registrable Securities or portions thereof validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Registered Offer; and

(ii) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Securities or portions thereof so accepted by the Issuer and issue, and cause the Trustee to promptly authenticate and deliver to each Holder, Registered Securities equal in principal amount to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities surrendered by such Holder.

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Registered Offer as provided above and shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable laws and regulations in connection with the Registered Offer.

(b) In the event that (i) the Issuer and the Guarantors determine that the Registered Offer Registration provided for in Section 2(a) hereof is not permitted or may not be completed as soon as practicable after the last Registration Date because it would violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff of the SEC, or because the Registered Securities received by Holders are not or would not be, upon receipt, transferable by each such holder without need for further compliance with Section 5 of the Securities Act (except for the requirement to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any resale by a Participating Broker-Dealer), (ii) the Registered Offer is not for any other reason completed by June 30, 2012 or (iii) upon completion of the Registered Offer any of the Initial Purchasers shall so request in connection with any offering or sale of Registrable Securities initially purchased by it pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause to be filed as soon as practicable after such determination, date or request, as the case may be, a Shelf Registration Statement providing for the sale of all the Registrable Securities by the Holders thereof and to have such Shelf Registration Statement become effective under the Securities Act.

If the Issuer and the Guarantors receive reasonable advance notice that they will be required to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to clause (iii) of the preceding paragraph, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to file and have become effective under the Securities Act both a Registered Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof with respect to all Registrable Securities and a Shelf Registration Statement (which may be a combined Registration Statement with the Registered Offer Registration Statement) with respect to offers and sales of Registrable Securities held by the Initial Purchasers and Dealer Managers after completion of the Registered Offer.

 

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The Issuer and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period of not less than 90 days with respect to the Registrable Securities or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement (the “Shelf Effectiveness Period”). The Issuer and the Guarantors further agree that during the Shelf Effectiveness Period they will supplement or amend the Shelf Registration Statement, the related Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Issuer and the Guarantors for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act or by any other rules and regulations thereunder for shelf registration or if reasonably requested by a Holder of Registrable Securities with respect to information relating to such Holder, and will use their reasonable best efforts to cause any such amendment to become effective and such Shelf Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to become usable as soon as thereafter practicable. The Issuer and the Guarantors agree to furnish to the Holders of Registrable Securities copies of any such supplement or amendment promptly after its being used or filed with the SEC.

(c) The Issuer and the Guarantors shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with the registration provided in Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof. Each Holder shall pay all transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

(d) A Registered Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC. A Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC or becomes automatically effective upon filing with the SEC as provided by Rule 462 under the Securities Act. Any obligation to file with the SEC a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof will be deemed to be satisfied if the Issuer and the Guarantors have previously filed a registration statement with the SEC that may be used without limitation or restriction for the purposes contemplated by Section 2(b) hereof.

(e) In the event that either the Registered Offer is not completed or the Shelf Registration Statement, if required hereby, has not become effective under the Securities Act on or prior to June 30, 2012, the interest rate on the Registrable Securities will be increased by 0.25% per annum until the Registered Offer is completed or the Shelf Registration Statement, if required hereby, become effective under the Securities Act, at which time, if any, the increased interest shall cease to accrue.

If the Shelf Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and thereafter either ceases to be effective or the Prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable at any time during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, and such failure to remain effective or usable exists for more than 30 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period (two suspensions not to exceed 30 days each in any 365-day period in the case of a suspension described in Section 3 hereof), then the interest rate on the Registrable Securities will be increased by 0.25% per annum commencing on the 31st day in such 12-month period and ending

 

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on such date that the Shelf Registration Statement has again become effective under the Securities Act or the Prospectus again becomes usable, at which time the increased interest shall cease to accrue; provided, however, that if the Prospectus ceases to be usable because financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference in the Shelf Registration Statement to comply with the undertaking of the Issuer pursuant to Item 512(a)(4) of Regulation S-K (or any successor provision), such a suspension shall not be a suspension for purposes of the foregoing provision unless and to the extent its duration exceeds 60 days.

3. Registration Procedures. In connection with its obligations pursuant to Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall as expeditiously as possible:

(a) prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement on the appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form shall (i) be selected by the Issuer and the Guarantors, (ii) in the case of a Shelf Registration, be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by selling Holders thereof and (iii) comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include all financial statements and other information required by the SEC to be filed therewith; and use their reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof;

(b) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof and cause each Prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement and, as so supplemented, to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; and keep each Prospectus current during the period described in Section 4(3) of and Rule 174 under the Securities Act that is applicable to transactions by brokers or dealers with respect to the Registrable Securities or Registered Securities;

(c) to the extent any Free Writing Prospectus is used, file with the SEC any Free Writing Prospectus that is required to be filed by the Issuer with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act and to retain any Free Writing Prospectus not required to be filed;

(d) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Holder of Registrable Securities, to U.S. counsel for the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers and to counsel for such Holders, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus, including each preliminary Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto as they may reasonably request, in order to facilitate the sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities thereunder during the Shelf Effectiveness Period; and the Issuer and the Guarantors consent to the use of such Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law by each of the selling Holders of Registrable Securities in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by and in the manner described in such Prospectus, preliminary Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law;

 

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(e) use their reasonable best efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities under all applicable state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as a majority of the Holders of Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement shall reasonably request in writing by the time the applicable Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act; cooperate with the Holders in connection with any filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority; and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each Holder to complete the disposition in each such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder; provided that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not be required to (i) qualify as foreign corporations or other entities or as dealers in securities in any such jurisdiction where they would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (ii) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction, or (iii) subject themselves to taxation in any such jurisdiction if they is not otherwise so subject;

(f) in the case of a Shelf Registration, notify each Holder of Registrable Securities, counsel for such Holders and counsel for the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers promptly and, if requested by any such Holder or counsel, confirm such advice in writing (i) when a Registration Statement has become effective and when any post-effective amendment thereto has been filed and becomes effective, when any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed, (ii) of any request by the SEC or any state securities authority for amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement, Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information after the Registration Statement has become effective, (iii) of the issuance by the SEC or any state securities authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, including the receipt by the Issuer of any notice of objection of the SEC to the use of a Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, (iv) of the happening of any event during the period a Shelf Registration Statement is effective that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading and (v) of any determination by the Issuer that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus would be appropriate;

(g) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or, in the case of a Shelf Registration, the resolution of any objection of the SEC pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2), including by filing an amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement on the proper form, at the earliest possible moment and provide immediate notice to each Holder of the withdrawal of any such order;

 

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(h) use all reasonable efforts to obtain the consent or approval of each U.K. or U.S. governmental agency or authority, whether federal or state that may be required to effect the Registered Offer and the offering and sale of Registered Securities;

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

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

(k) in the case of a Shelf Registration, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 3(f)(v) hereof, use its reasonable best efforts to prepare and file with the SEC a supplement or post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available) to purchasers of the Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and the Issuer and the Guarantors shall notify the Holders of Registrable Securities to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus as promptly as practicable after the occurrence of such an event, and such Holders hereby agree to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, until the Issuer and the Guarantors have amended or supplemented the Prospectus or the Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to correct such misstatement or omission;

(l) if reasonably requested by the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers or Holders and their respective counsel, a reasonable time prior to the filing of any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment to a Registration Statement or amendment or supplement to a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus or of any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus after initial filing of a Registration Statement (and prior to the completion of a Registered Offer in the case of a Registered Offer Registration Statement), provide copies of such document to the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers and U.S. counsel for the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, to the Holders of Registrable Securities and their counsel) and make such of the representatives of the Issuer and the Guarantors as shall be reasonably requested by the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers or such counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf

 

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Registration Statement, the Holders of Registrable Securities or their counsel) available for discussion of such document; and, in such event, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not, at any time after initial filing of a Registration Statement, use or file any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment of or supplement to a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, or any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, of which the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers and such counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Holders of Registrable Securities and their counsel) shall not have previously been advised and furnished a copy or to which the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers or such counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Holders or their counsel) shall reasonably and timely object;

(m) obtain CUSIP and ISIN numbers for all Registered Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be, not later than the effective date of a Registration Statement, and provide the Trustee with printed or word-processed certificates for the Registered Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be, in a form eligible for deposit with the Depositary;

(n) take all reasonable action necessary to ensure that the Registered Securities, at the time of the consummation of the Registered Offer (or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter), are admitted to listing on the London Stock Exchange for trading;

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

(p) in the case of a Shelf Registration, make available for inspection by a representative of Holders of Registrable Securities that confirm to the Issuer and the Guarantors that it is their current intention to sell Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration (an “Inspector”), and counsel and accountants designated by the Holders, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, all pertinent financial and other records, documents and properties of the Issuer and the Guarantors as may be reasonably requested by any such Inspector, counsel or accountant in connection with a Shelf Registration Statement, and cause the respective officers, directors and employees of the Issuer and the Guarantors to supply such information; provided that if any such information is identified in writing by the Issuer and the Guarantors as being confidential or proprietary, each Person receiving such information shall use such Person’s reasonable best efforts to protect the confidentiality of such information to the extent such action is otherwise not inconsistent with, an impairment of or in derogation of the substantial and necessary rights and interests of any Inspector or Holder; and

 

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(q) if reasonably requested by any Holder of Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information with respect to such Holder as such Holder reasonably requests to be included therein and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as the Issuer and the Guarantors have received notification of the matters to be incorporated in such filing.

In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Issuer and the Guarantors may require each Holder of Registrable Securities to furnish to the Issuer and the Guarantors such information regarding such Holder and the proposed disposition by such Holder of such Registrable Securities as the Issuer may from time to time reasonably request in writing.

In the case of any Registration Statement, each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Issuer to the effect of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(f)(iii) hereof or that the Prospectus included in any Registration Statement cannot be used for any other reason, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus contemplated by Section 3(k) hereof and, if so directed by the Issuer and the Guarantors, such Holder will deliver to the Issuer all copies in its possession, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities that is current at the time of receipt of such notice. The Issuer and the Guarantors may give any such notice only twice during any 365-day period and any such suspensions shall not exceed 30 days for each suspension and there shall not be more than two suspensions in effect during any 365-day period; provided, however, that if the Prospectus ceases to be usable because financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference in the Shelf Registration Statement to comply with the undertaking of the Issuer and the Guarantors pursuant to Item 512(a)(4) of Regulation S-K (or any successor provision), such a suspension shall not be a suspension for purposes of the foregoing provision unless and to the extent its duration exceeds 60 days.

If the Issuer and the Guarantors shall give any such notice to suspend the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall extend the period during which the Registration Statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when the Holders shall have received copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus necessary to resume such dispositions.

4. Participation of Broker-Dealers in Registered Offer. (a) The Staff of the SEC has taken the position that any broker-dealer that receives Registered Securities for its own account in the Registered Offer in exchange for Notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities (a “Participating Broker-Dealer”) may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Registered Securities.

 

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The Issuer and the Guarantors understand that it is the Staff’s position that if the Prospectus contained in the Registered Offer Registration Statement includes a plan of distribution containing a statement to the above effect and the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Registered Securities, without naming the Participating Broker-Dealers or specifying the amount of Registered Securities owned by them, such Prospectus may be delivered by Participating Broker-Dealers to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligation under the Securities Act in connection with resales of Registered Securities for their own accounts, so long as the Prospectus otherwise meets the requirements of the Securities Act.

(b) In light of the above, and notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, the Issuer and the Guarantors agree to amend or supplement the Prospectus contained in the Registered Offer Registration Statement, as would otherwise be contemplated by Section 3(k) hereof, for a period of up to 120 days after the last Registration Date (as such period may be extended pursuant to the penultimate paragraph of Section 3 hereof), if requested by the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers or by one or more Participating Broker-Dealers, in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of any Registered Securities by Participating Broker-Dealers consistent with the positions of the Staff recited in Section 4(a) hereof. The Issuer and the Guarantors further agree that Participating Broker-Dealers shall be authorized to deliver such Prospectus during such period in connection with the resales contemplated by this Section 4.

(c) The Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers shall have no liability to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any Holder with respect to any request that they may make pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof.

5. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) The Issuer and each of the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser and each Dealer Manager and each Holder, their respective affiliates, directors and officers and each Person, if any, who controls any Initial Purchaser, Dealer Manager or any Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, documented legal fees and other expenses incurred by any such entity or person in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (1) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (2) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or any “issuer information” (“Issuer Information”) filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were

 

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made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information furnished to the Issuer and the Guarantors in writing or to any selling Holder by or on behalf of such Person expressly for use therein.

(b) Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers and the other selling Holders, their respective affiliates, the directors of the Issuer and the Guarantors, each officer of the Issuer and the Guarantors who signed the Registration Statement and each Person, if any, who controls the Issuer and the Guarantors, any Initial Purchaser, any Dealer Manager and any other selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in Section 5(a) hereof, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Holder furnished to the Issuer and the Guarantors in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus and, subject to the limitation set forth immediately preceding this clause, shall reimburse such Persons for any legal or other expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any loss, claim, damage, liability or action in respect thereof, as such fees and expenses are incurred.

(c) If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any Person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to either Section 5(a) or Section 5(b) hereof, such Person (the “Indemnified Person”) shall promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “Indemnifying Person”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under this Section 5 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided, further, that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under this Section 5. If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the documented fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any

 

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impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm (x) for the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers, their respective affiliates, directors and officers and any control Persons of each of the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers shall be jointly designated in writing by the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers, (y) for any Holder, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control Persons of such Holder shall be designated in writing by the Majority Holders and (z) in all other cases shall be designated in writing by the Issuer. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested that an Indemnifying Person reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this Section 5(c), the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Indemnifying Person of such request and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (A) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (B) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

(d) If the indemnification provided for in Section 5(a) and Section 5 (b) hereof is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such Sections, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Issuer and the Guarantors from the offerings of the Securities and the Registered Securities, on the one hand, and by the Holders from receiving Securities or Registered Securities registered under the Securities Act, on the other hand, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the

 

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

(e) The Issuer, the Guarantors and the Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 5(d) hereof. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 5(d) hereof shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any documented legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5, in no event shall a Holder be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Notes or Registered Securities sold by such Holder exceeds the amount of any damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

(f) The remedies provided for in this Section 5 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies that may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.

(g) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 5 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers or any Holder, their respective affiliates or any Person controlling each of the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers or any Holder, or by or on behalf of the Issuer and the Guarantors, their affiliates or the officers or directors of or any Person controlling the Issuer, (iii) acceptance of any of the Registered Securities and (iv) any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement.

6. General.

(a) Rule 144 and Rule 144A. If the Parent Guarantor ceases to be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act, the Parent Guarantor covenants that it will upon the request of any Holder or beneficial owner of Registrable Securities (i) make publicly available such information (including, without limitation, the information specified in Rule 144(c)(2) under the Securities Act) as is necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, (ii) deliver or cause to be delivered, promptly following a request by any Holder or beneficial owner of Registrable Securities or any

 

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prospective purchaser or transferee designated by such Holder or beneficial owner, such information (including, without limitation, the information specified in Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act) as is necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and (iii) take such further action that is reasonable in the circumstances, in each case to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell its Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (A) to the extent applicable, Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, (B) Rule 144A under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or (C) any similar rules or regulations hereafter adopted by the SEC.

(b) Specific Performance. The Issuer and the Guarantors acknowledge that there would be no adequate remedy at law if the Issuer and the Guarantors failed to perform any of their obligations in this Agreement (including, without limitation, their obligations under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof) and that any such failure may result in material irreparable injuries to the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers and the Holders from time to time of the Registrable Securities and that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely, and, accordingly the Issuer and the Guarantors agree that the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers and such Holders, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to compel specific performance of the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in any U.S. federal or New York court located in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.

(c) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Issuer and the Guarantors represent, warrant and agree that (i) the rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of any other outstanding securities issued or guaranteed by the Issuer and the Guarantors under any other agreement and (ii) the Issuer and the Guarantors have not entered into, nor on or after the date of this Agreement will enter into, any agreement that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

(d) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Issuer has obtained the written consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent; provided that no amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent to any departure from the provisions of Section 5 hereof shall be effective as against any Holder of Registrable Securities unless consented to in writing by such Holder. Any amendments, modifications, supplements, waivers or consents pursuant to this Section 6(c) shall be by a writing executed by each of the parties hereto.

 

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(e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, telex, telecopier, or any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery (i) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Issuer by means of a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(d), which address initially is, with respect to the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers, the addresses set forth in the Purchase Agreement and the Dealer Managers Agreement and (ii) if to the Issuer and the Guarantors, initially at the Parent Guarantor’s address set forth in the Purchase Agreement and the Dealer Managers Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(d). All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery. Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee, at the address specified in the Indenture.

(f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders; provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Indenture. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such Person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such Person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof. The Initial Purchasers (in their capacity as Initial Purchasers) and the Dealer Managers (in their capacity as Dealer Managers) shall have no liability or obligation to the Issuer and the Guarantors with respect to any failure by a Holder to comply with, or any breach by any Holder of, any of the obligations of such Holder under this Agreement.

(g) Third-Party Beneficiaries. Each Holder shall be a third-party beneficiary to the agreements made hereunder between the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers and the Dealer Managers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights or the rights of other Holders hereunder.

(h) Purchases and Sales of Securities. The Issuer and the Guarantors shall not, and shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause their affiliates (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) not to, purchase and then resell or otherwise transfer any Registrable Securities.

(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

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(j) Jurisdiction, Venue and Service of Process. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or New York state court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in respect of actions brought against any such party as a defendant, in any legal suit, action or proceeding based on or arising under this Agreement and agrees that all claims in respect of such suit or proceeding may be determined in any such court. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled on account of place of residence or domicile. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors waives, to the extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect to the maintenance of such legal suit, action or proceeding. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors hereby designates and appoints CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10011 (the “Process Agent”), as its authorized agent, upon whom process may be served in any such legal suit, action or proceeding based on or arising under this Agreement, it being understood that the designation and appointment of CT Corporation System as such authorized agent shall become effective immediately without any further action on the part of the Issuer or any Guarantor. Such appointment shall be irrevocable to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the appointment of a successor agent in the United States on terms substantially similar to those contained in this Section 6(j). If the Process Agent shall cease to act as agent for service of process, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall appoint, without unreasonable delay, another such agent, and notify the holders of such appointment. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors represents to the holders that it has notified the Process Agent of such designation and appointment and that the Process Agent has accepted the same in writing. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors hereby authorizes and directs the Process Agent to accept such service. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors further agrees that service of process upon the Process Agent shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, in any such legal suit, action or proceeding. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any holder or any person controlling any holder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action arising out of or based upon this Agreement may be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction in England.

(k) Additional Amounts. If any amounts to be received by the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers or the Holders under this Agreement are subject to any present or future taxes, assessments, deductions, withholdings, governmental charges or charges of any nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the United Kingdom, Jersey, Ireland or any political subdivision thereof or taxing authority therein (“Taxes”), then the Issuer shall pay to the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers and the Holders, as the case may be, an additional amount so that such Initial Purchasers, Dealer Managers and Holders, shall receive and retain, after taking into consideration all such Taxes, an amount equal to the amounts owed to them under this Agreement as if such amounts had not been subject to the Taxes. If any Taxes are collected by deduction or withholding, the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor(s) shall, upon request provide to the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers and the Holders, copies of documentation evidencing

 

21


the transmittal to the proper authorities of the amount of Taxes deducted or withheld. Notwithstanding the preceding sentences of this Section 6(k), any withholding or deduction of the Taxes in respect of payments under the Notes (as opposed to amounts to be received by the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers or the Holders under this Agreement) shall be subject to the gross-up provisions of the Notes and the Indenture.

(l) Judgment Currency. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall indemnify the Initial Purchasers, the Dealer Managers and the Holders against any loss incurred by them as a result of any judgment or order against the Issuer or any of the Guarantors being given or made and expressed and paid in a currency (“Judgment Currency”) other than U.S. dollars and as a result of any variation as between (i) the rate of exchange at which the U.S. dollar amount is converted into the Judgment Currency for the purpose of such judgment or order and (ii) the spot rate of exchange in New York, New York at which the Initial Purchasers and/or the Dealer Managers on the date of payment of such judgment or order are able to purchase U.S. dollars with the amount of the Judgment Currency actually received by the Initial Purchasers and/or the Dealer Managers. The foregoing indemnity shall constitute a separate and independent obligation of the Issuer and the Guarantors and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any such judgment or order as aforesaid. The term “spot rate of exchange” shall include any premiums and costs of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of, or conversion into, U.S. dollars.

(m) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not a part of this Agreement and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(n) Severability. The remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

(o) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

(p) Miscellaneous. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all oral statements and prior writings with respect thereto. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable or against public policy, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions

 

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contained herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. The Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers and Dealer Managers, on the other hand, shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions.

(q) Waiver of Jersey Law Customary Rights. Each of the Issuer and each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally waives such right as it may have or claim under Jersey law (i) whether by virtue of the droit de discussion or otherwise to require that recourse be had to the assets of any other person before any claim is enforced against it under this Agreement in respect of the obligations assumed by it under this Agreement; and (ii) whether by virtue of the droit de division or otherwise to require that any liability under this Agreement be divided or apportioned with any other person or reduced in any manner whatsoever.

[Signature page follows]

 

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

 

Very truly yours,
WPP FINANCE 2010
By:   /s/ Paul Delaney
Name:   Paul Delaney
Title:   Director
WPP PLC
By:   /s/ Paul Delaney
Name:   Paul Delaney
Title:  

Authorised Person, pursuant to written resolutions of the Finance Committee dated September 18, 2011

WPP 2005 LIMITED
By:   /s/ Paul Delaney
Name:   Paul Delaney
Title:   Director
WPP AIR 1 LIMITED
By:   /s/ Paul Delaney
Name:   Paul Delaney
Title:   Attorney, pursuant to power of attorney dated September 7, 2011
WPP 2008 LIMITED
By:   /s/ Paul Delaney
Name:   Paul Delaney
Title:   Director

 

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Accepted and agreed as of the date

first written above

 

BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC.
By   /s/ Pamela Kendall
Name:   Pamela Kendall
Title:   Director
HSBC SECURITIES (USA) INC.
By   /s/ Diane M. Kenna
Name:   Diane M. Kenna
Title:   Senior Vice President
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
By   /s/ Joseph A. Crowley
Name:   Joseph A. Crowley
Title:   Director
RBS SECURITIES INC.
By   /s/ Thomas Bausano
Name:   Thomas Bausano
Title:   Managing Director
BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP.
By   /s/ Jim Turner
Name:   Jim Turner
Title:   Managing Director
  Debt Capital Markets

 

25


CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.

By   /s/ Brian Bednarski
Name:   Brian Bednarski
Title:   Managing Director

For themselves as Initial Purchasers and

as Representatives of the other Initial Purchasers.

 

26


BARCLAYS CAPITAL INC.
By   /s/ Pamela Kendall
Name:   Pamela Kendall
Title:   Director

HSBC SECURITIES (USA) INC.

By   /s/ Diane M. Kenna
Name:   Diane M. Kenna
Title:   Senior Vice President
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
By   /s/ Joseph A. Crowley
Name:   Joseph A. Crowley
Title:   Director
RBS SECURITIES INC.
By   /s/ Thomas Bausano
Name:   Thomas Bausano
Title:   Managing Director

For themselves as Dealer Managers.

 

27

EX-5.1 7 d341681dex51.htm OPINION OF ALLEN & OVERY LLP AS TO MATTERS OF US LAW <![CDATA[Opinion of Allen & Overy LLP as to matters of US law]]>

EXHIBIT 5.1

 

LOGO

 

WPP Finance 2010

27 Farm Street

London W1J 5RJ

United Kingdom

     

Allen & Overy LLP

One Bishops Square

London E1 6AD United Kingdom

 

Tel             +44 (0)20 3088 0000

Fax             +44 (0)20 3088 0088

Our ref                         0016432-0000550 ICM:14854698.2   
April 30, 2012      

WPP Finance 2010

Registration Statement on Form F-4

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have acted as special United States and New York counsel to WPP Finance 2010, a private unlimited liability company organized under the laws of England and Wales (the Issuer), WPP plc, a public company limited by shares in Jersey (WPP), WPP Air 1 Limited, a company limited by shares in Ireland (WPP Air 1), WPP 2008 Limited, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of England and Wales (WPP 2008) and WPP 2005 Limited, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of England and Wales (WPP 2005, and together with WPP, WPP Air 1 and WPP 2008, the Guarantors), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), of (i) $812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 of the Issuer (the Notes), to be issued in exchange for the Issuer’s outstanding $812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021, pursuant to the indenture, dated November 21, 2011, as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture dated November 21, 2011 (together, the Indenture), each among the Issuer, the Guarantors, Wilmington Trust, National Association as trustee and Citibank, N.A. as paying agent and (ii) the guarantees (the Guarantees) of each of the Guarantors of the Notes.

1. SCOPE OF REVIEW AND RELIANCE

For purposes of this opinion letter, we have reviewed such documents, and made such other investigation, as we have deemed appropriate including without limitation:

 

(a) the Registration Statement on Form F-4 relating to the Notes and the Guarantees (the Registration Statement);

 

(b) the Indenture; and

 

(c) the forms of the Notes and the Guarantees.

Allen & Overy LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC306763. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Allen & Overy LLP or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications. A list of the members of Allen & Overy LLP and of the non-members who are designated as partners is open to inspection at its registered office, One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD.

Allen & Overy LLP or an affiliated undertaking has an office in each of: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Athens, Bangkok, Beijing, Belfast, Bratislava, Brussels, Bucharest (associated office), Budapest, Casablanca, Doha, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Jakarta (associated office), London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Mannheim, Milan, Moscow, Munich, New York, Paris, Perth, Prague, Riyadh (associated office), Rome, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Warsaw and Washington, D.C.


2. ASSUMPTIONS

We have made the following assumptions, which we have not independently verified or established and on which we express no opinion:

 

(a) We have assumed the legal capacity of all signatories, the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity to original documents and the completeness of all documents submitted to us as copies or received by us by facsimile or other electronic transmission, and the authenticity and completeness of the originals of those documents and of all documents submitted to us as originals.

 

(b) We have assumed that:

 

  (i) each party to the Indenture is duly organized and validly existing, has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the Agreements to which it is a party, has taken all action necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of those Agreements, and has (except in the case of the Issuer and the Guarantors, to the extent that New York law is applicable) duly executed and delivered those Agreements.

 

  (ii) the Indenture constitutes, and the Notes and the Guarantees will constitute, the valid and binding obligations of the respective parties thereto (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors, as applicable), enforceable against those parties in accordance with their respective terms;

 

  (iii) under the laws of England, Ireland and Jersey, the Indenture constitutes, and the Notes and the Guarantees will constitute, the valid and binding obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors, as applicable, enforceable against the Issuer and the Guarantors in accordance with their respective terms; and

 

  (iv) the execution, delivery and performance of the Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees by the respective parties thereto do not and will not contravene or conflict with any law, rule or regulation binding upon such party (other than, solely with respect to the Issuer and the Guarantors, the Applicable Laws, as defined below), the constitutive documents of any party, any agreement or instrument to which any such party is a party or by which its properties or assets are bound, or any judicial or administrative judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon any such party or its properties.

 

(c) We have assumed that no law other than the Applicable Laws, as defined below, would affect any of the conclusions stated in this opinion letter.

3. LIMITATIONS

We are members of the bar of the State of New York and we have not investigated and do not express any opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Applicable Laws. For purposes of this opinion, Applicable Laws means those laws, rules and regulations of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States of America, in each case in effect on the date of this opinion and to the extent they are normally applicable to transactions of the type provided for in the Agreements and excluding any law, rule or regulation relating to the securities or “blue sky” laws of the State of New York.

 

2


4. OPINIONS

Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications below, we are of the opinion that:

 

(a) When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and the Notes have been duly executed by the Issuer, duly authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and exchanged as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Notes will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with their terms, and the Notes will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

 

(b) When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and the Notes have been duly executed by the Issuer, duly authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and exchanged as contemplated in the Registration Statement, each of the Guarantees will constitute valid and binding obligations of the respective Guarantors, enforceable against such Guarantors in accordance with their terms, and the Guarantees will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

5. QUALIFICATIONS

Our opinions are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, preference, equitable subordination, moratorium and other similar laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally and to possible judicial action giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights. Our opinions are also subject to the effect of general principles of equity, including without limitation concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law. We give no opinion as to the availability of equitable remedies.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the heading “Validity of the Securities” in the prospectus that is a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Allen & Overy LLP

 

3

EX-5.2 8 d341681dex52.htm OPINION OF ALLEN & OVERY LLP AS TO MATTERS OF ENGLISH LAW <![CDATA[Opinion of Allen & Overy LLP as to matters of English law]]>

EXHIBIT 5.2

 

WPP Finance 2010

27 Farm Street

London

W1J 5RJ

     

Allen & Overy LLP

One Bishops Square

London E1 6AD United Kingdom

 

Tel             +44 (0)20 3088 0000

Fax             +44 (0)20 3088 0088

Our ref: MCTH/CCMB/0016432-0000550 ICM:14852920.3   
30 April 2012      

WPP Finance 2010

Registration Statement on Form F-4

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have acted as English counsel to WPP Finance 2010, a private unlimited liability company organized under the laws of England and Wales (the Issuer) and WPP plc, a public company limited by shares in Jersey (WPP), WPP Air 1 Limited, a company limited by shares in Ireland (WPP Air 1), WPP 2008 Limited, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of England and Wales (WPP 2008) and WPP 2005 Limited, a private limited liability company organized under the laws of England and Wales (WPP 2005, and together with WPP, WPP Air 1 and WPP 2008 the Guarantors) in connection with the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), of (i) U.S.$812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 of the Issuer (the Notes), to be issued in exchange for the Issuer’s outstanding U.S.$812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021, pursuant to the indenture, dated November 21, 2011, as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture dated 21 November 2011 (together, the Indenture), each among the Issuer, the Guarantors, Wilmington Trust, National Association as trustee and Citibank, N.A. as paying agent and (ii) the guarantees (the Guarantees) of each of the Guarantors of the Notes.

1. SCOPE OF REVIEW AND RELIANCE

For the purposes of this opinion letter, we have reviewed such documents, and made such other investigation, as we have deemed appropriate including without limitation:

 

(a) the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Issuer, certified as being those now in force;

 

(b) the Memorandum and Articles of Association of each of WPP 2008 and WPP 2005, certified as being those now in force;

 

(c) a certified copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Issuer passed on 25 April 2012;

Allen & Overy LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC306763. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Allen & Overy LLP or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications. A list of the members of Allen & Overy LLP and of the non-members who are designated as partners is open to inspection at its registered office, One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD.

Allen & Overy LLP or an affiliated undertaking has an office in each of: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Athens, Bangkok, Beijing, Belfast, Bratislava, Brussels, Bucharest (associated office), Budapest, Casablanca, Doha, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Jakarta (associated office), London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Mannheim, Milan, Moscow, Munich, New York, Paris, Perth, Prague, Riyadh (associated office), Rome, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Warsaw and Washington, D.C.


(d) a certified copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors of WPP 2008 passed on 25 April 2012;

 

(e) a certified copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors of WPP 2005 passed on 25 April 2012;

 

(f) a certificate from the company secretary of the Issuer as to, inter alia, the resolutions passed at meetings referred to in (c) above and to the effect that there will be no contravention of any borrowing limit to which the Issuer is subject as a result of the issue of the Notes by the Issuer;

 

(g) a certificate from the company secretary of WPP 2008 as to, inter alia, the resolutions passed at meetings referred to in (d) above and to the effect that there will be no contravention of any borrowing limit to which WPP 2008 is subject as a result of the issue of the Notes and the giving of the Guarantees in respect of the Notes by the Guarantors;

 

(h) a certificate from the company secretary of WPP 2005 as to, inter alia, the resolutions passed at meetings referred to in (e) above and to the effect that there will be no contravention of any borrowing limit to which WPP 2005 is subject as a result of the issue of the Notes and the giving of the Guarantees in respect of the Notes by the Guarantors;

 

(i) the Registration Statement on Form F-4 relating to the Notes and the Guarantees (the Registration Statement);

 

(j) the Indenture; and

 

(k) the forms of the Notes and the Guarantees.

The Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees are each referred to in this opinion as a Transaction Document and, together, the Transaction Documents.

2. ASSUMPTIONS

We have assumed that, so far as the laws of every jurisdiction other than England and Wales are concerned, all restrictions, laws, guidelines, regulations of reporting requirements that apply to the issue of the Notes have been complied with and that such laws do not qualify or affect our opinion as set out below.

We have also made the following assumptions, which we have not independently verified or established and on which we express no opinion:

 

(a) insofar as any obligation falls to be performed in any jurisdiction outside England, its performance will not be illegal or ineffective by virtue of the laws of that jurisdiction;

 

(b) all signatures on the executed documents which, or copies (whether photocopies, certified copies, facsimile copies or electronic copies) of which, we have examined are genuine and that such copies confirm to the original documents executed;

 

(c) each of the parties to the Transaction Documents, other than the Issuer, WPP 2008 and WPP 2005, is able lawfully to enter into such Transaction Document;

 

(d) the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents have been or will be duly authorised by each of the parties thereto, other than the Issuer, WPP 2008 and WPP 2005, and that such documents have been or will be duly executed and delivered by such parties (other than the Issuer, WPP 2008 and WPP 2005);

 

2


(e) each of the parties to the Transaction Documents who is carrying on, or purporting to carry on, any regulated activity in the United Kingdom is an authorised person permitted to carry on that relevant regulated activity or an exempt person in respect of that regulated activity under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the FSMA) and no such agreement was or will be entered into in consequence of a communication made in breach of section 21(1) of the FSMA;

 

(f) the Notes will be duly prepared and completed in accordance with the provisions and arrangements contained or described in the Indenture and will be in the form of the Global Notes as provided for and set out in the Indenture;

 

(g) the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Issuer, WPP 2008 and WPP 2005 which we have examined are those in force and the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Issuer and the resolutions of the Boards of Directors of WPP 2008 and WPP 2005 which we have examined were passed at meetings duly convened and held, have not been amended, rescinded, modified or revoked and are in full force and effect and the certifications referred to in 1(a) to (h) above are true and accurate;

 

(h) neither the issue of the Notes nor the giving of the Guarantees will cause any limit on borrowings to which any of the Issuer, WPP 2008 or WPP 2005 is subject to be exceeded;

 

(i) the absence of any other arrangements between any of the parties to the Transaction Documents which modify or supersede any of their terms;

 

(j) the Issuer is neither an authorised person nor an exempt person in relation to the regulated activity of accepting deposits under the FSMA;

 

(k) no request will be made to admit any Note to trading on a regulated market situated or operating in the United Kingdom;

 

(l) no steps have been, or will be, taken to have the Registration Statement treated as an approved prospectus under section 87H of the FSMA;

 

(m) having had regard to all matters they considered relevant (including those set out in section 172 of the Companies Act 2006), the Directors of each of WPP 2008 and WPP 2005 considered that the giving of the relevant Guarantees would promote the success of WPP 2008 or, as the case may be, WPP 2005 for the benefit of its members as a whole; and

 

(n) all documents presented to us as originals are true and accurate and all documents submitted to us as copies (including faxed copies) conform with the originals and that any documents in draft form which we have examined for the purposes hereof will not change when in final form in such a way as could affect our opinion herein.

3. LIMITATIONS

Our opinion is confined solely to English law.

The Transaction Documents are expressed to be governed by the laws of the State of New York. We have made no investigation of such laws and do not express or imply any opinion on such laws. In addition, we have assumed that, so far as the laws of the State of New York and US securities laws are concerned, the Transaction Documents constitute or will, on issue in accordance with the Indenture, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors and that such laws do not qualify or affect our opinion as set out below.

 

3


4. OPINIONS

On the basis of the foregoing, and having regard to such legal considerations as we deem relevant and subject as set out below, we are of the opinion that:

 

1. The issue of the Notes has been duly authorised by the Issuer and, so far as English law is concerned, when (a) the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and (b) the Notes have been duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and exchanged as contemplated in the Registration Statement, there is no reason why the obligations assumed by the Issuer under the Notes should not constitute legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Issuer.

 

2. The giving of the Guarantees has been duly authorised by WPP 2008 and WPP 2005 and, so far as English law is concerned, when (a) the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and (b) the Notes have been duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and exchanged as contemplated in the Registration Statement, there is no reason why the obligations assumed by WPP 2008 and WPP 2005 under the Guarantees should not constitute legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of WPP 2008 and WPP 2005, respectively.

Nothing in this opinion shall be taken as implying that an English court would exercise jurisdiction in any proceedings relating to the Transaction Documents or accordingly that any remedy would be available in England for the enforcement of obligations arising under the Transaction Documents.

5. QUALIFICATIONS

This opinion is subject to the following:

 

(a) There could be circumstances in which an English court would not treat as conclusive those certificates and determinations which the Transaction Documents state are to be so treated.

 

(b) Any provision in the Transaction Documents which involves an indemnity for the costs of litigation is subject to the discretion of the court to decide whether and to what extent a party to litigation should be awarded the costs incurred by it in connection with the litigation.

 

(c) Any provision in any agreement or deed which amounts to an undertaking to assume the liability on account of the absence of payment of stamp duty or an indemnity to pay stamp duty may be void.

 

(d) As used in this opinion, the term enforceable means that each obligation or document is of a type and form enforced by the English courts. It is not certain, however, that each obligation or document will be enforced in accordance with its terms in every circumstance, enforcement being subject to, inter alia, the nature of the remedies available in the English courts, the acceptance by such courts of jurisdiction, the power of such courts to stay proceedings, the fact that claims may be time-barred or subject to defences of set-off or counterclaim, and other principles of law and equity of general application.

 

(e) The opinions set out above are subject to (i) all applicable limitations arising from bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, administration, reorganisation, moratorium, reconstruction or similar laws and (ii) all applicable general principles of law affecting the rights of contractual parties and/or creditors generally.

 

(f) The Registration Statement has been prepared by the Issuer and the Guarantors, which have accepted responsibility for the information contained therein. We have not investigated or verified the truth or accuracy of the information contained in the Registration Statement, nor have we been responsible for ensuring that no material information has been omitted from it.

 

4


(g) The effectiveness of terms exculpating a party from a liability or duty otherwise owed is limited by law.

 

(h) There is doubt as to the enforceability in England and Wales of US judgments in respect of civil judgments predicated purely on US securities law.

 

(i) No account has been taken in this opinion of the future exercise of powers by the UK Government pursuant to section 5(4) of the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980.

 

(j) Insofar as any obligation under the Transaction Documents is to be performed in any jurisdiction other than England and Wales, an English court may have to have regard to the law of that jurisdiction in relation to the manner of performance and the steps to be taken in the event of defective performance.

 

(k) We express no opinion as to whether specific performance, injunctive relief or any other form of equitable remedy would be available in respect of any obligation of the Issuer or the Guarantors under or in respect of the Transaction Documents.

 

(l) Any trust established pursuant to the Indenture may be set aside by an English court if at the time of the relevant deposit the Issuer or either WPP 2008 or WPP 2005 is unable to pay its debts within the meaning of Section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or becomes unable to pay its debts within the meaning of that section as a consequence of the relevant deposit.

This opinion, which shall be construed in accordance with English law, is given to the Issuerin connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Notes. This opinion is not addressed to the holders of any Notes or Guarantees and may not be passed on to, or relied upon by, any holder or any other person for any purpose. You may not give copies of this opinion to others without our prior written permission.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the heading “Validity of Securities” in the prospectus that is a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

This opinion is given on the basis of English law in force and applied by English courts at the date of this opinion and on the basis that there has been no amendment to, or termination or replacement of, any of the documents examined by us and no change in any of the facts assumed by us for the purposes of giving this opinion. It is also given on the basis that we have no obligation to notify any addressee of this opinion of any change in English law or its application after the date of this opinion.

Yours faithfully,

/s/ Allen & Overy LLP

 

5

EX-5.3 9 d341681dex53.htm OPINION OF MOURANT DU FEU & JEUNE <![CDATA[Opinion of Mourant du Feu & Jeune]]>

EXHIBIT 5.3

 

   

22 Grenville Street

St Helier

Jersey JE4 8PX

Channel Islands

T +44 1534 676 000

F +44 1534 676 333

mourantozannes.com

WPP Finance 2010

27 Farm Street

London W1J 5RJ

United Kingdom

(the Issuer)

30 April 2012

Our ref: 3003893/ROCHJ/MdFJ/4118103/2

Dear Sirs

WPP plc (the Parent Guarantor) – guarantee of debt securities to be issued by the Issuer

We act as Jersey legal counsel to the Parent Guarantor.

We understand that pursuant to the Indenture (as defined below), the Issuer will issue up to $812,387,000 in principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 (the Notes), to be issued in exchange for the Issuer’s outstanding $812,387,000 in principal amount of 4.75% notes due 2021, and that the Notes will be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act).

We also understand that the Notes will be guaranteed by the Parent Guarantor, WPP Air 1 Limited, WPP 2008 Limited and WPP 2005 Limited (together, the Guarantors) pursuant to a guarantee (the Guarantee) set out in the Indenture.

1. Documents and searches

 

1.1 For the purposes of this opinion, we have examined a copy of each of the following documents:

 

  (a) an indenture dated 21 November 2011 between the Guarantors, the Issuer, Wilmington Trust, National Association (as trustee) and Citibank, N.A. (as paying agent), as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture dated 21 November 2011 between the same parties (together, the Indenture);

 

  (b) the registration statement on Form F-4 relating to the Notes and the Guarantee (the Registration Statement);

 

  (c) an extract (the Board Extract) of the minutes of a meeting of the board of directors of the Parent Guarantor held on 11 and 12 April 2011 (the Directors’ Meeting) at which the directors resolved (among other things) to approve, in principle, the Parent Guarantor’s guarantee of the Notes and to establish a finance committee (the Finance Committee) of the board of directors with power to (among other things) approve the Parent Guarantor’s entry into the Indenture and its guarantee of the Notes);

Mourant Ozannes is a Jersey partnership

Partners: D J Birtwistle, M Chambers, G R P Corbin, E C Devenport, S J V Felton, S M Gould, J Harvey-Hills, T J Herbert, R A Hickling, J E Hill, B H Lacey, W Lambert, B J Lincoln, J H Rainer, J A Richomme, G A Rigby, J D Rigby, B C Robins, J F Ruane, H E Ruelle, J P Speck, A J R Syvret, M Temple, J C Walker.

Consultants: A R Binnington, I C James.


  (d) resolutions of the Finance Committee passed in writing on 18 September 2011 (the Finance Committee Resolutions) pursuant to which the Finance Committee resolved (among other things) that the Parent Guarantor should enter into the Indenture; and

 

  (e) the certificate of incorporation and the memorandum and articles of association of the Parent Guarantor.

 

1.2 We have conducted the following searches (together the Searches):

 

  (a) a search conducted on 30 April 2012 of the public record of the Parent Guarantor (the Company Search) maintained by the Jersey Registrar of Companies (the Registrar); and

 

  (b) an enquiry made on 30 April 2012 at the office of the Viscount (the executive officer of the Jersey courts) in relation to the Parent Guarantor (the Bankruptcy Search).

 

1.3 We have relied on a certificate of a director of the Parent Guarantor dated 30 April 2012 (the Opinion Certificate), a copy of which is attached to this opinion.

 

1.4 We have not examined for these purposes any other agreements or other documents (the Other Documents) to be entered into by the Parent Guarantor (including, without limitation, any supplemental indenture or any documents incorporated by reference in or otherwise referred to in the Indenture or the Registration Statement) and we offer no opinion on any such Other Document.

 

1.5 In this opinion a reference to a document having been executed refers to it having been signed (or, as the case may be, sealed) by or on behalf of each party to it, dated and unconditionally delivered by or on behalf of each party to it.

2. Assumptions

  We have assumed that:

 

2.1 each document examined by us (and any signature, initial, stamp or seal on it) is genuine and, where it is a copy, it conforms to the original document;

 

2.2 where an incomplete or uncompleted document or signature pages only have been supplied to us, the original document has been duly completed and is in substantially the same form as the last draft of that document examined by us;

 

2.3 the Opinion Certificate remains accurate;

 

2.4 each director of the Parent Guarantor (and each alternate) has disclosed to the Parent Guarantor any interests that, directly or indirectly, conflict or may conflict to a material extent with the interests of the Parent Guarantor and any of its subsidiaries with regard to the transactions and other matters recorded in the Board Extract and such disclosures are recorded in the minutes of the Directors’ Meeting, or previous board minutes, of the Parent Guarantor;

 

2.5 the Finance Committee Resolutions and the resolutions set out in the Board Extract were duly passed, are in full force and effect and have not been amended, revoked or superseded and any meeting at which such resolutions were passed was duly convened and quorate throughout;

 

2


2.6 each document examined by us and executed by the Parent Guarantor has been executed by the person(s) authorised by the Parent Guarantor pursuant to the Finance Committee Resolutions to execute it;

 

2.7 each party to the Indenture (other than the Parent Guarantor as a matter of Jersey law) has:

 

  (a) the capacity and power;

 

  (b) taken all the necessary action; and

 

  (c) obtained all the necessary agreements, approvals, authorisations, consents, licences, registrations or qualifications (whether as a matter of any law or regulation applicable to it or as a matter of any contract binding upon it),

  to execute and perform its obligations under the Indenture;

 

2.8 the Indenture is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms as a matter of all applicable laws other than Jersey law;

 

2.9 in causing the Parent Guarantor to enter into the Indenture, each of the directors of the Parent Guarantor was acting in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Parent Guarantor and was exercising the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances;

 

2.10 the Parent Guarantor is able to pay its debts as they fall due and will not become unable to do so by virtue of the execution of the Indenture or the performance of the transactions contemplated thereby and no steps have been taken or resolutions passed to wind up the Parent Guarantor;

 

2.11 the Parent Guarantor’s entry into, and the performance of its obligations under, the Indenture (including its obligations under the Guarantee) will not cause the Parent Guarantor to breach the limitation on borrowing contained in Article 83 (Power to borrow money) of its articles of association;

 

2.12 the Parent Guarantor, in entering into the Indenture, is acting as principal on its own behalf and not as an agent or trustee or in any other capacity;

 

2.13 there are no:

 

  (a) arrangements, agreements or deeds to which the Parent Guarantor is party (other than its memorandum and articles of association); or

 

  (b) resolutions passed by the Parent Guarantor,

  the terms of which could affect, conflict with, or be breached by, the terms of the Indenture or the Registration Statement;

 

2.14 all documents required to be filed in relation to the Parent Guarantor with the Registrar have been filed and the information disclosed by the Company Search was at the time of the Company Search (and remains) accurate and complete and there was nothing filed that did not appear on the records of the Parent Guarantor when searched; and

 

3


2.15 the information disclosed by the Bankruptcy Search was at the time of the search (and remains) accurate and complete.

3. Opinion

Subject to the assumptions, observations, qualifications and limitations set out in this opinion and to matters not disclosed to us, we are of the opinion that, once the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, and the Notes have been duly executed by the Issuer, duly authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and exchanged as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the obligations assumed by the Parent Guarantor under the Guarantee will constitute valid, legal, binding and enforceable obligations of the Parent Guarantor.

4. Qualifications and observations

Our opinion is subject to the following qualifications and observations:

 

4.1 This opinion is subject to all laws relating to bankruptcy, dissolution, insolvency, re-organisation, liquidation, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

4.2 The term enforceable, when used in our opinion at paragraph 3 above, means that the obligations are of a type which the Jersey courts will enforce. It does not mean that those obligations will necessarily be enforced in all circumstances or in accordance with their terms. In particular, but without limitation:

 

  (a) enforcement may be prevented by statutory provisions relating to the setting aside of transactions at an undervalue, preferences and extortionate credit transactions and the disclaiming of onerous property;

 

  (b) enforcement may be limited by general principles of equity, for example equitable remedies such as specific performance and injunction are discretionary and may not be available where damages are considered to be an adequate remedy;

 

  (c) enforcement of obligations may be invalidated by reason of fraud, duress, misrepresentation, mistake or undue influence;

 

  (d) contractual obligations that are regarded as penalties may not be enforceable or may be liable to be reduced if found to exceed the maximum damages which the claimant could have suffered as a result of a breach of contract;

 

  (e) the Jersey courts will not enforce all or any obligations if they are illegal or contrary to public policy in Jersey or, where obligations are to be performed in a jurisdiction other than Jersey, if such performance would be illegal under the laws of that jurisdiction;

 

  (f) the Jersey courts may not enforce the terms of an agreement:

 

  (i) to the extent that the transactions contemplated by such terms conflict with or breach economic or other sanctions imposed by any treaty, law, order or regulation applicable to Jersey;

 

  (ii) for the payment or reimbursement of, or indemnity against, the costs of enforcement (actual or contemplated) or of litigation brought before the Jersey courts or where the Jersey courts have themselves made an order for costs;

 

4


  (iii) that provide for matters to be determined by future agreement;

 

  (iv) that would involve the enforcement of any foreign revenue, penal or other public laws;

 

  (v) that are in breach of any applicable exchange control regulations;

 

  (vi) that purport to exclude the jurisdiction of the Jersey courts;

 

  (vii) that provide that if terms are found to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the other terms of the agreement will remain enforceable; or

 

  (viii) to the extent that they have been frustrated by events happening after the execution of the agreement;

 

  (g) the Jersey courts may refuse to allow unjust enrichment;

 

  (h) provisions in an agreement (including in articles of association) that purport to fetter any statutory power in relation to a Jersey company may not be enforceable;

 

  (i) claims may become time barred or may be (or become) subject to rights and defences of counter-claim, estoppel, laches, set-off, waiver and similar defences;

 

  (j) the effectiveness of terms that release or exculpate any party from, or limit or exclude, a liability or duty otherwise owed or indemnify a person in respect of a loss caused by the act or omission of that person, may be limited by law;

 

  (k) where any party to an agreement is party to it in more than one capacity that party may not be able to enforce obligations purportedly owed by it to itself; and

 

  (l) a trust is invalid to the extent that it purports to apply directly to Jersey situate immovable property.

 

4.3 Security purported to be created by or pursuant to the Indenture over any property situate in Jersey may not be enforceable in Jersey.

 

4.4 Where a director fails, in accordance with the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, to disclose an interest in a transaction entered into by a Jersey company or its subsidiary which conflicts or may conflict to a material extent with the interests of the company, the transaction is voidable.

 

4.5 The enforceability of a person’s obligations may be limited to the extent that such person successfully pleads either:

 

  (a) the droit de discussion (whereby a guarantor may require the beneficiary of the guarantee to exhaust the assets of the principal debtor before making a claim against the guarantor); or

 

5


  (b) the droit de division (whereby a co-obligor may require the person owed a joint obligation to make simultaneous claims in appropriate proportions upon all the co-obligors, thereby limiting its own liability),

unless the person has expressly waived such rights.

 

  4.6 Despite any term of an agreement to the contrary, the Jersey courts may hold that:

 

  (a) any certificate, calculation, determination or designation of any party to the agreement is not conclusive, final and/or binding;

 

  (b) any person exercising any discretion, judgment or opinion under the agreement must act in a reasonable manner; and

 

  (c) any power conferred by the agreement on one party to require another party to execute such documents or do such things as the first party requires must be exercised reasonably.

 

  4.7 The Jersey courts may stay or set aside proceedings where:

 

  (a) there is a more appropriate forum than Jersey where the action should be heard;

 

  (b) earlier or concurrent proceedings have been commenced elsewhere; or

 

  (c) there has already been a final determination of the matter by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

  4.8 The Company Search is not conclusively capable of revealing whether or not a shareholder resolution has been passed (or an order made) for:

 

  (a) the winding up or dissolution of the Parent Guarantor; or

 

  (b) the appointment of a liquidator in respect of the Parent Guarantor or any of its assets,

as notice of these matters is not required to be filed immediately or may not be filed within the time periods prescribed by law or, when filed, may not be entered on the public record of the Parent Guarantor immediately.

 

  4.9 The Bankruptcy Search relates only to the making of a declaration that the property of the Parent Guarantor is en désastre. There is no formal procedure for determining whether the Parent Guarantor has otherwise become bankrupt (as defined in the Interpretation (Jersey) Law 1954).

5. Limitations

 

  5.1 We have examined only the documents listed in paragraph 1.1 and have undertaken only the Searches for the purposes of issuing this opinion. We have not examined any term or document incorporated by reference in or otherwise referred to, whether in whole or part, in the Indenture and we offer no opinion on any such term or document.

 

6


5.2 We offer no opinion:

 

  (a) on the commercial terms of the Indenture or whether those terms reflect the intentions of the parties;

 

  (b) on any representation or warranty made or given in the Indenture;

 

  (c) as to whether the parties will be able to perform their obligations under the Indenture;

 

  (d) as to the title or interest of the Parent Guarantor to or in, or the existence of, any property or collateral the subject of the Indenture;

 

  (e) on any provision in the Indenture requiring written amendments and waivers of any of the provisions of the Indenture insofar as it suggests that oral amendments or waivers could not be agreed upon or granted by or between the parties or implied by the course of conduct of the parties; or

 

  (f) as to whether the acceptance, execution or performance of the Parent Guarantor’s obligations under the Indenture will result in the breach of or infringe any other agreement, deed or arrangement entered into by or binding on the Parent Guarantor other than the Parent Guarantor’s articles of association.

6. Jersey law

This opinion shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, Jersey law in force as at the date of this opinion. This opinion is limited to the matters expressly stated in it. We have made no investigation and express no opinion with respect to the laws of any other jurisdiction. We assume no obligation to update the Addressee in relation to changes of fact or law which may have a bearing on the continuing accuracy of this opinion.

7. Benefit of opinion

This opinion is only addressed to, and for the benefit of, the Issuer. This opinion may not, without our prior written consent, be transmitted or disclosed to, or used or relied upon by, any other person (including, without limitation, any holder of, or holder of beneficial interests in, any Notes) or be relied upon for any other purpose whatsoever.

We consent to the filing of a copy of this opinion as and exhibit to the Registration Statement and to reference to us being made under the heading “Validity of the Securities” in the prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act

Yours faithfully

/s/ Mourant Ozannes

Mourant Ozannes

 

7


WPP plc

22 Grenville Street

St Helier

Jersey JE4 8PX

Opinion Certificate

Mourant Ozannes

22 Grenville Street

St Helier

Jersey JE4 8PX

30 April 2012

Your ref:                     3003893/ROCHJ/MdFJ/4118719/2

Dear Sirs

WPP plc (the Parent Guarantor) — guarantee of debt securities to be issued by WPP Finance 2010

You have been asked to deliver an opinion in respect of the Parent Guarantor in connection with its guarantee of the Notes pursuant to the Indenture.

Definitions in your opinion apply in this certificate unless the context requires otherwise.

We understand that your opinion will be given in reliance on the matters certified below and accordingly I, a director of the Parent Guarantor, hereby certify for and on behalf of the Parent Guarantor (and without any personal liability) as follows:

 

1. You have been supplied with a true and complete copy of:

 

  (a) the Indenture;

 

  (b) the Registration Statement;

 

  (c) an extract (the Board Extract) of the minutes of a meeting of the board of directors of the Parent Guarantor held on 11 and 12 April 2011 (the Directors’ Meeting) at which the directors resolved (among other things) to approve, in principle, the Parent Guarantor’s guarantee of the Notes and to establish a finance committee (the Finance Committee) of the board of directors with power to (among other things) approve the Parent Guarantor’s entry into the Indenture and its guarantee of the Notes);

 

  (d) resolutions of the Finance Committee passed in writing on 18 September 2011 (the Finance Committee Resolutions) pursuant to which the Finance Committee resolved (among other things) that the Parent Guarantor should enter into the Indenture;

 

  (e) the Parent Guarantor’s certificates of incorporation; and

 

  (f) the Parent Guarantor’s memorandum and articles of association.

 

2. The memorandum and articles of association of the Parent Guarantor supplied to you are in full force and effect at the date hereof and have embodied in them or attached to them copies of all resolutions or agreements or acts of court to which the provisions of Articles 100 or 125 of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 apply.

 

8


3. The Directors’ Meeting was held outside of the United Kingdom and no director present at the Directors’ Meeting participated in the Directors’ Meeting from within the United Kingdom. The Directors’ Meeting was duly convened and quorate throughout.

 

4. The Board Extract provides an accurate record of the matters discussed, and decisions taken, at the Directors’ Meeting. The resolutions set out in the Board Extract are in full force and effect at the date hereof and have not been revoked, superseded or amended.

 

5. The Finance Committee has been duly constituted and authorised as a committee of the board of directors of the Parent Guarantor in accordance with the Parent Guarantor’s articles of association. The Finance Committee has authority and power to pass the Finance Committee Resolutions.

 

6. The Finance Committee Resolutions were duly signed or approved outside of the United Kingdom in accordance with the Parent Guarantor’s articles of association and are in full force and effect at the date hereof and have not been revoked, superseded or amended.

 

7. The directors of the Parent Guarantor are Esther Dyson, Jeffrey Rosen, Paul Richardson, Stanley Morten, Paul Spencer, Sir Martin Sorrell, Orit Gadiesh, Colin Day, John Quelch, Philip Lader, Mark Read, Lubna Olayan, Koichiro Naganuma, Timothy Shriver, Li Ruigang and Solomon Trujilo.

 

8. The members of the Finance Committee are: Paul Spencer (chair), Jeffrey Rosen, Solomon Trujillo and Colin Day.

 

9. The secretary of the Parent Guarantor is Marie Capes and the assistant secretaries are David Haugh and State Street Secretaries (Jersey) Limited.

 

10. No meetings of the shareholders of the Parent Guarantor have been called, nor have any resolutions been passed or been deemed to have been passed by the shareholders of the Parent Guarantor, in order to wind up the Parent Guarantor and no application has been made to the court by the directors or by the Parent Guarantor that the Parent Guarantor be wound up.

 

11. The Parent Guarantor is not carrying on unauthorised financial service business, as defined in the Financial Services (Jersey) Law 1998.

 

12. The Parent Guarantor has no consents, licences, approvals or authorisations of any governmental or other authority or agency in Jersey which, or the conditions attaching to which, could affect, conflict with or be breached by the transactions as recorded in each of the Board Extract and the Finance Committee Resolutions.

 

13. All documents required to be filed by the Parent Guarantor at the office of the registrar of companies in Jersey have been filed and appear on the file maintained in respect of the Parent Guarantor.

 

14. No resolution has been passed by the board of directors or the shareholders of the Parent Guarantor to limit the powers of the board of directors of the Parent Guarantor or the Finance Committee to authorise the Parent Guarantor to enter into, and perform its obligations under, the Indenture or to guarantee the Notes.

 

15. The Parent Guarantor has not breached the limitation on borrowing contained in Article 83 (Power to borrow money) of its articles of association and neither the Parent Guarantor’s entry into, and the performance of its obligations under, the Indenture nor the Parent Guarantor’s guarantee of the Notes will cause the Parent Guarantor to breach that limitation.

 

16. If your opinion is issued after the date of this certificate, you may continue to rely on the accuracy of this certificate unless I notify you in writing to the contrary.

 

9


17. I am duly authorised by the Parent Guarantor to give this certificate.

Yours faithfully

/s/ Paul Richardson

Paul Richardson

Director

For and on behalf of

WPP plc

 

10

EX-5.4 10 d341681dex54.htm OPINION OF A&L GOODBODY <![CDATA[Opinion of A&L Goodbody]]>

A&L Goodbody Solicitors International Financial Services Centre North Wall Quay Dublin 1

Tel: +353 1 649 2000     Fax: +353 1 649 2649    email: info@algoodbody.ie    website: www.algoodbody.ie    dx: 29 Dublin

 

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our ref |   your ref |   date | 30 April 2012

Exhibit 5.4 to Form F-4

 

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WPP Air 1 Limited

6 Ely Place

Dublin 2

Ireland

(the Company)

Dear Sirs,

We have acted on behalf of the Company in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) of $812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021 (the Notes) of WPP Finance 2010 (the Issuer), to be issued in exchange for the Issuer’s outstanding $812,387,000 principal amount of 4.75% Notes due 2021, pursuant to the indenture, dated November 21, 2011, as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture dated November 21, 2011 (together, the Indenture), each among the Issuer, the Company, WPP plc, WPP 2005 Limited and WPP 2008 Limited (the Other Guarantors) and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the Trustee). The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, amongst others, pursuant to guarantees set out in the Indenture (the Guarantees, together with the Notes, the Securities) (the Transaction).

 

1. We have examined facsimile copies of:

 

  1.1. the Indenture set out in Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement (as defined below);

 

  1.2. a corporate certificate (the Certificate) of the Company dated 30 April 2012 attaching:

 

  1.2.1. copies of the certificate of incorporation and memorandum and articles of association of the Company;

 

  1.2.2. copies of the minutes of meetings of the board of directors of the Company held on 26 April 2012; and

 

  1.2.3. copies of powers of attorney of the Company dated 26 April 2012

(together, the Corporate Documents);

 

  1.3. a registration statement in respect of the Securities (the Registration Statement) containing a prospectus in respect of the Securities (the Prospectus); and

and such other documents as we have considered necessary or desirable to examine in order that we may give this opinion

(the Indenture and the Registration Statement are together the Agreements).

Terms defined in the Agreements have the same meaning in this opinion letter.

 

2. For the purpose of giving this opinion we have assumed:

 

  2.1. the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the completeness and conformity to the originals of all copies of documents of any kind furnished to us;

Dublin Belfast London Boston New York

 

S.C. Hamilton

  J.H. Hickson   J.G. Grennan   S.M. Doggett   S. O’Riordan   K.P. Allen   N. O’Sullivan   S.O’Croinin   M.F. Barr   A. Roberts   D. Main

R.B. Buckley

  M.F. O’Gorman   I.B. Moore   B.McDermott   M.P.McKenna   E.A. Roberts   M.J. Ward   D.R. Baxter   A.J.Quinn   C. Widger   J. Cahir

M.T. Beresford

  C.E. Gill   J.Coman   C. Duffy   K.A. Feeney   D. Glynn   A.C. Burke   A.McCarthy   M.L. Stack   M. Dale  

P.M. Law

  J.A. O’Farrell   P.D. White   D. Solan   M.Sherlock   C. Rogers   J. Given   J.F. Whelan   B.Walsh   N. Coyne  

S.W. Haughey

  E.M. Fitzgerald   V.J. Power   E.M. Brady   E.P. Conlon   G. O’Toole   D. Widger   D.R. Conlon   A.M.Curran   C. McCourt  

P.J. Carroll

  B.M. Cotter   L.A. Kennedy   P.V. Maher   E. MacNeill   J.N. Kelly   C. Christle   J.B. Somerville   P.D. Walker   R.M. Moore  

Consultants:    J.R. Osborne    T.V. O’Connor    Professor J.C.W. Wylie    A.F. Browne    P.J.F. Taylor    M.A. Greene    C.M. Preston    A.V. Fanagan


 

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  2.2. that the copies produced to us of minutes of meetings and/or resolutions are true copies and correctly record the proceedings of such meetings and/or the subject-matter which they purport to record and that any meetings referred to in such copies were duly convened and held and that all resolutions set out in such minutes were duly passed and are in full force and effect;

 

  2.3. the genuineness of the signatures and seals on all original and copy documents which we have examined;

 

  2.4. that the memorandum and articles of association of the Company are correct and up to date;

 

  2.5. the accuracy and completeness as to factual matters of the representations and warranties of the parties contained in the Agreements and the accuracy of all certificates provided to us by the Company;

 

  2.6. that there are no agreements or arrangements in existence which in any way amend or vary the terms of the Transaction as disclosed by the Agreements;

 

  2.7. without having made any investigation, that the terms of the Agreements are lawful and fully enforceable under the laws of the State of New York and any other applicable laws other than the laws of Ireland;

 

  2.8. the accuracy and completeness of all information appearing on public records;

 

  2.9. that the Company has entered into the Transaction in good faith, for its legitimate business purposes, for good consideration, and that it derives commercial benefit from the Transaction commensurate with the risks undertaken by it in the Transaction;

 

  2.10. that the use of funds provided by the holders of Securities under the Agreements was not directly or indirectly used to finance a purchase, or subscription made or to be made, by any person for any shares in the Company, or where the Company is a subsidiary, in its holding company;

 

  2.11. that the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of WPP plc;

 

  2.12. that the Company’s principal purpose is not the issuance of guarantees, indemnities or other contracts of suretyship and it will not receive a fee for providing the Guarantees;

 

  2.13. all parties to the Agreements (other than the Company) have the capacity, power and authority to enter into the Agreements and to perform the terms of the Agreements and the obligations under each Agreement of each such party to it are legally valid and binding on that party;

 

  2.14. that the Indenture was executed in the form examined by us and (i) the Guarantees contained in the Indenture will remain in the same form and (ii) the terms of the Indenture provided for the exchange evidenced in the Registration Statement. To the extent the form of the Guarantees is amended or varied any changes will be of a de minimis nature and will not affect any of the obligations of the Company the subject of this opinion; and

 

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  2.15. that there has been no change to the obligations covered by the Guarantees.

 

3. We express no opinion as to any matters falling to be determined other than under the laws of Ireland and, without reference to provisions of other laws imported by Irish private international law, in Ireland as of the date of this letter. Subject to that qualification, the other qualifications and assumptions set out herein, we are of the opinion that the giving of the Guarantees has been duly authorised and, so far as Irish law is concerned, when the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and the Notes have been duly executed by the Issuer, duly authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and exchanged as contemplated by the Registration Statement, there is no reason, so far as Irish law is concerned, why the obligations assumed by the Guarantor under the Guarantees should not constitute the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Guarantor.

Nothing in this opinion shall be taken as implying that an Irish court would exercise jurisdiction in any proceedings relating to the Agreements or accordingly that any remedy would be available in Ireland for the enforcement of obligations arising under the Agreements.

 

4. The opinions set forth in this opinion letter are given subject to the following qualifications:

 

  4.1. as used in this opinion, the term enforceable means that each obligation or document is of a type and form enforced by the Irish courts. It is not certain, however, that each obligation or document will be enforced in accordance with its terms in every circumstance, enforcement being subject to, inter alia, the nature of the remedies available in the Irish courts, the acceptance by such courts of jurisdiction, the power of such courts to stay proceedings, the provisions of the fact that claims may be time-barred or subject to defences of set-off or counterclaim, and other principles of law and equity of general application and all applicable limitations resulting from the laws of bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, administration, reorganisation, moratorium, reconstruction, public policy, examination, receivership, court scheme of arrangement or similar laws and general principles of law affecting the rights of creditors generally;

 

  4.2. an order of specific performance or any other equitable remedy is a discretionary remedy and is not available when damages are considered to be an adequate remedy;

 

  4.3. this opinion is subject to the general laws relating to the limitation of actions in Ireland;

 

  4.4. a determination, description, calculation, opinion or certificate of any person as to any matter provided for in the Agreements might be held by the Irish courts not to be final, conclusive or binding if it could be shown to have an unreasonable, incorrect, or arbitrary basis or not to have been made in good faith;

 

  4.5. additional interest imposed by any clause of any Agreements might be held to constitute a penalty and the provisions of that clause imposing additional interest would thus be held to be void. The fact that such provisions are held to be void would not in itself prejudice the legality and enforceability of any other provisions of the relevant Agreements but could restrict the amount recoverable by way of interest under such Agreements;

 

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  4.6. claims may be or become subject to defences of set-off or counter-claim;

 

  4.7. an Irish court has power to stay an action where it is shown that there is some other forum having competent jurisdiction which is more appropriate for the trial of the action, in which the case can be tried more suitably for the interests of all the parties and the ends of justice;

 

  4.8. the enforceability of severance clauses is at the discretion of the court and may not be enforceable in all circumstances;

 

  4.9. a waiver of all defences to any proceedings may not be enforceable;

 

  4.10. provisions in any of the Agreements providing for indemnification resulting from loss suffered on conversion of the amount of a claim made in a foreign currency into euro in a liquidation may not be enforceable;

 

  4.11. an Irish court may refuse to give effect to undertakings contained in any of the Agreements that the Company will pay legal expenses and costs in respect of any action before the Irish courts; and

 

  4.12. we express no opinion on any taxation matters or the contractual terms of the relevant documents other than by reference to the legal character thereof.

This opinion is addressed only to WPP Air 1 Limited and may be relied upon only by the WPP Air 1 Limited for its sole benefit in connection with the Transaction and may not be relied on by any assignees of any such persons or any other person.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.4 to the Registration Statement and to the reference under the caption ‘Validity of Securities’ in the prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

This opinion is given on the basis of Irish law in force and applied by Irish courts at the date of this opinion and on the basis that there has been no amendment to, or termination or replacement of, any of the documents examined by us and no change in any of the facts assumed by us for the purposes of giving this opinion. It is also given on the basis that we have no obligation to notify any addressee of this opinion of any change in Irish law or its application after the date of this opinion.

Yours faithfully

/s/ A&L Goodbody

 

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EX-23.1 11 d341681dex231.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE LLP Consent of Deloitte LLP

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form F-4 of our reports dated 30 April 2012 relating to the consolidated financial statements of WPP plc and subsidiaries (the “Company”) and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of WPP plc for the year ended 31 December 2011 and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts”, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte LLP

London, United Kingdom

30 April 2012

EX-25.1 12 d341681dex251.htm FORM T-1 STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939

EXHIBIT 25.1

File No.            

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939

OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A

TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

16-1486454

(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19890

(Address of principal executive offices)

Robert C. Fiedler

Vice President and Counsel

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19890

(302) 651-8541

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

WPP Finance 2010

See Exhibit A for Co-obligors

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

United Kingdom   Not applicable
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
6 Ely Place  
Dublin 2, Ireland  
Telephone: 011-353-1-669-0333   7311
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

4.75% Notes due 2021

(Title of the indenture securities)


Exhibit A

 

EXACT NAME
AS SPECIFIED
IN CHARTER

 

STATE OR OTHER
JURISDICTION OF
INCORPORATION OR
ORGANIZATION

 

PRIMARY
STANDARD
INDUSTRIAL
CLASSIFICATION
NUMBER

  

I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER

  

ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP

CODE AND TELEPHONE

NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA

CODE, OF PRINCIPAL

EXECUTIVE OFFICES

WPP PLC

  JERSEY   7311    NOT APPLICABLE   

6 ELY PLACE

 

DUBLIN 2, IRELAND

TELEPHONE: 011–353–1–669–0333

WPP AIR 1 LIMITED   IRELAND   7311    NOT APPLICABLE   

6 ELY PLACE

 

DUBLIN 2, IRELAND

TELEPHONE: 011–353–1–669–0333

WPP 2005 LIMITED   UNITED KINGDOM   7311    NOT APPLICABLE   

6 ELY PLACE

 

DUBLIN 2, IRELAND

TELEPHONE: 011–353–1–669–0333

WPP 2008 LIMITED   UNITED KINGDOM   7311    NOT APPLICABLE   

6 ELY PLACE

 

DUBLIN 2, IRELAND

TELEPHONE: 011–353–1–669–0333


Item 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 

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

Comptroller of Currency, Washington, D.C.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

 

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

Yes.

 

Item 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each affiliation:

Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee and upon information furnished by the obligor, the obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.

 

Item 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS. Listed below are all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of Eligibility and Qualification.

 

  1. A copy of the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form T-1.

 

  2. The authority of Wilmington Trust, National Association to commence business was granted under the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form T-1.

 

  3. The authorization to exercise corporate trust powers was granted under the Charter for Wilmington Trust, National Association, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form T-1.

 

  4. A copy of the existing By-Laws of Trustee, as now in effect, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of form T-1.

 

  5. Not applicable.

 

  6. The consent of Trustee as required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6 of Form T-1.

 

  7. Current Report of the Condition of Trustee, published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached as Exhibit 7.

 

  8. Not applicable.

 

  9. Not applicable.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Wilmington and State of Delaware on the 27th day of April, 2012.

 

WILMINGTON TRUST,

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:   /s/ W. Thomas Morris, II

Name:

  W. Thomas Morris, II

Title:

  Vice President


EXHIBIT 1

CHARTER OF WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

For the purpose of organizing an association to perform any lawful activities of national banks, the undersigned do enter into the following articles of association:

FIRST. The title of this association shall be Wilmington Trust, National

Association.

SECOND. The main office of the association shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware. The general business of the association shall be conducted at its main office and its branches.

THIRD. The board of directors of this association shall consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five persons, unless the OCC has exempted the bank from the 25-member limit. The exact number is to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors or by resolution of a majority of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof. Each director shall own common or preferred stock of the association or of a holding company owning the association, with an aggregate par, fair market or equity value $1,000. Determination of these values may be based as of either (i) the date of purchase or (ii) the date the person became a director, whichever value is greater. Any combination of common or preferred stock of the association or holding company may be used.

Any vacancy in the board of directors may be filled by action of a majority of the remaining directors between meetings of shareholders. The board of directors may not increase the number of directors between meetings of shareholders to a number which:

 

  (1) exceeds by more than two the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 15 or less; or

 

  (2) exceeds by more than four the number of directors last elected by shareholders where the number was 16 or more, but in no event shall the number of directors exceed 25, unless the OCC has exempted the bank from the 25-member limit.

Directors shall be elected for terms of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of directors, including directors selected to fill vacancies, shall expire at the next regular meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected, unless the directors resign or are removed from office. Despite the expiration of a director’s term, the director shall continue to serve until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until there is a decrease in the number of directors and his or her position is eliminated.

Honorary or advisory members of the board of directors, without voting power or power of final decision in matters concerning the business of the association, may be appointed by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors, or by resolution of shareholders at any


annual or special meeting. Honorary or advisory directors shall not be counted to determine the number of directors of the association or the presence of a quorum in connection with any board action, and shall not be required to own qualifying shares.

FOURTH. There shall be an annual meeting of the shareholders to elect directors and transact whatever other business may be brought before the meeting. It shall be held at the main office or any other convenient place the board of directors may designate, on the day of each year specified therefor in the bylaws, or, if that day falls on a legal holiday in the state in which the association is located, on the next following banking day. If no election is held on the day fixed, or in the event of a legal holiday on the following banking day, an election may be held on any subsequent day within 60 days of the day fixed, to be designated by the board of directors, or, if the directors fail to fix the day, by shareholders representing two-thirds of the shares issued and outstanding. In all cases at least 10 days advance notice of the time, place and purpose of a shareholders’ meeting shall be given to the shareholders by first class mail, unless the OCC determines that an emergency circumstance exists. The sole shareholder of the bank is permitted to waive notice of the shareholders’ meeting.

In all elections of directors, the number of votes each common shareholder may cast will be determined by multiplying the number of shares such shareholder owns by the number of directors to be elected. Those votes may be cumulated and cast for a single candidate or may be distributed among two or more candidates in the manner selected by the shareholder. If, after the first ballot, subsequent ballots are necessary to elect directors, a shareholder may not vote shares that he or she has already fully cumulated and voted in favor of a successful candidate. On all other questions, each common shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by him or her.

Nominations for election to the board of directors may be made by the board of directors or by any stockholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the association entitled to vote for election of directors. Nominations other than those made by or on behalf of the existing management shall be made in writing and be delivered or mailed to the president of the association not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such nominations shall be mailed or delivered to the president of the association not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed. Such notification shall contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder:

 

  (1) The name and address of each proposed nominee.

 

  (2) The principal occupation of each proposed nominee.

 

  (3) The total number of shares of capital stock of the association that will be voted for each proposed nominee.

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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  (4) The name and residence address of the notifying shareholder.

 

  (5) The number of shares of capital stock of the association owned by the notifying shareholder.

Nominations not made in accordance herewith may, in his/her discretion, be disregarded by the chairperson of the meeting, and the vote tellers may disregard all votes cast for each such nominee. No bylaw may unreasonably restrict the nomination of directors by shareholders.

A director may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the board of directors, its chairperson, or to the association, which resignation shall be effective when the notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

A director may be removed by shareholders at a meeting called to remove the director, when notice of the meeting stating that the purpose or one of the purposes is to remove the director is provided, if there is a failure to fulfill one of the affirmative requirements for qualification, or for cause; provided, however, that a director may not be removed if the number of votes sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting is voted against the director’s removal.

FIFTH. The authorized amount of capital stock of this association shall be three million (3,000,000) shares of common stock of the par value of one dollar ($1.00) each; but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, according to the provisions of the laws of the United States.

No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the association shall have any preemptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any class of stock of the association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to any obligations convertible into stock of the association, issued, or sold, nor any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the board of directors, in its discretion, may from time to time determine and at such price as the board of directors may from time to time fix. Preemptive rights also must be approved by a vote of holders of two-thirds of the bank’s outstanding voting shares. Unless otherwise specified in these articles of association or required by law, (1) all matters requiring shareholder action, including amendments to the articles of association, must be approved by shareholders owning a majority voting interest in the outstanding voting stock, and (2) each shareholder shall be entitled to one vote per share.

Unless otherwise specified in these articles of association or required by law, all shares of voting stock shall be voted together as a class, on any matters requiring shareholder approval. If a proposed amendment would affect two or more classes or series in the same or a substantially similar way, all the classes or series so affected must vote together as a single voting group on the proposed amendment.

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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Shares of one class or series may be issued as a dividend for shares of the same class or series on a pro rata basis and without consideration. Shares of one class or series may be issued as share dividends for a different class or series of stock if approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the class or series to be issued, unless there are no outstanding shares of the class or series to be issued. Unless otherwise provided by the board of directors, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to a share dividend shall be the date authorized by the board of directors for the share dividend.

Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting is the close of business on the day before the first notice is mailed or otherwise sent to the shareholders, provided that in no event may a record date be more than 70 days before the meeting.

If a shareholder is entitled to fractional shares pursuant to a stock dividend, consolidation or merger, reverse stock split or otherwise, the association may: (a) issue fractional shares; (b) in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares, issue script or warrants entitling the holder to receive a full share upon surrendering enough script or warrants to equal a full share; (c) if there is an established and active market in the association’s stock, make reasonable arrangements to provide the shareholder with an opportunity to realize a fair price through sale of the fraction, or purchase of the additional fraction required for a full share; (d) remit the cash equivalent of the fraction to the shareholder; or (e) sell full shares representing all the fractions at public auction or to the highest bidder after having solicited and received sealed bids from at least three licensed stock brokers; and distribute the proceeds pro rata to shareholders who otherwise would be entitled to the fractional shares. The holder of a fractional share is entitled to exercise the rights for shareholder, including the right to vote, to receive dividends, and to participate in the assets of the association upon liquidation, in proportion to the fractional interest. The holder of script or warrants is not entitled to any of these rights unless the script or warrants explicitly provide for such rights. The script or warrants may be subject to such additional conditions as: (1) that the script or warrants will become void if not exchanged for full shares before a specified date; and (2) that the shares for which the script or warrants are exchangeable may be sold at the option of the association and the proceeds paid to scriptholders.

The association, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt obligations, whether or not subordinated, without the approval of the shareholders. Obligations classified as debt, whether or not subordinated, which may be issued by the association without the approval of shareholders, do not carry voting rights on any issue, including an increase or decrease in the aggregate number of the securities, or the exchange or reclassification of all or part of securities into securities of another class or series.

SIXTH. The board of directors shall appoint one of its members president of this association, and one of its members chairperson of the board and shall have the power to appoint one or more vice presidents, a secretary who shall keep minutes of the directors’ and

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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shareholders’ meetings and be responsible for authenticating the records of the association, and such other officers and employees as may be required to transact the business of this association. A duly appointed officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers if authorized by the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws.

The board of directors shall have the power to:

 

  (1) Define the duties of the officers, employees, and agents of the association.

 

  (2) Delegate the performance of its duties, but not the responsibility for its duties, to the officers, employees, and agents of the association.

 

  (3) Fix the compensation and enter into employment contracts with its officers and employees upon reasonable terms and conditions consistent with applicable law.

 

  (4) Dismiss officers and employees.

 

  (5) Require bonds from officers and employees and to fix the penalty thereof.

 

  (6) Ratify written policies authorized by the association’s management or committees of the board.

 

  (7) Regulate the manner in which any increase or decrease of the capital of the association shall be made, provided that nothing herein shall restrict the power of shareholders to increase or decrease the capital of the association in accordance with law, and nothing shall raise or lower from two-thirds the percentage required for shareholder approval to increase or reduce the capital.

 

  (8) Manage and administer the business and affairs of the association.

 

  (9) Adopt initial bylaws, not inconsistent with law or the articles of association, for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the association.

 

  (10) Amend or repeal bylaws, except to the extent that the articles of association reserve this power in whole or in part to shareholders.

 

  (11) Make contracts.

 

  (12) Generally perform all acts that are legal for a board of directors to perform.

SEVENTH. The board of directors shall have the power to change the location of the main office to any other place within the limits of Wilmington, Delaware, without the approval of the shareholders, or with a vote of shareholders owning two-thirds of the stock of such

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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association for a relocation outside such limits and upon receipt of a certificate of approval from the Comptroller of the Currency, to any other location within or outside the limits of Wilmington Delaware, but not more than 30 miles beyond such limits. The board of directors shall have the power to establish or change the location of any branch or branches of the association to any other location permitted under applicable law, without approval of shareholders, subject to approval by the Comptroller of the Currency.

EIGHTH. The corporate existence of this association shall continue until termination according to the laws of the United States.

NINTH. The board of directors of this association, or any one or more shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not less than 50 percent of the stock of this association, may call a special meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws or the laws of the United States, a notice of the time, place, and purpose of every annual and special meeting of the shareholders shall be given at least 10 days prior to the meeting by first-class mail, unless the OCC determines that an emergency circumstance exists. If the association is a wholly-owned subsidiary, the sole shareholder may waive notice of the shareholders’ meeting. Unless otherwise provided by the bylaws or these articles, any action requiring approval of shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting.

TENTH. For purposes of this Article Tenth, the term “institution-affiliated party” shall mean any institution-affiliated party of the association as such term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(u).

Any institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may be indemnified or reimbursed by the association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions or proceedings and appeals therein, whether civil, criminal, governmental, administrative or investigative, in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such law now or hereafter exists; provided, however, that when an administrative proceeding or action instituted by a federal banking agency results in a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association, then the association shall require the repayment of all legal fees and expenses advanced pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph and may not indemnify such institution-affiliated parties (or their heirs, executors or administrators) for expenses, including expenses for legal fees, penalties or other payments incurred. The association shall provide indemnification in connection with an action or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) only if such action or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors.

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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Expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding under 12 U.S.C. 164 or 1818 may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) a determination by the board of directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding that the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) has a reasonable basis for prevailing on the merits, (b) a determination that the indemnified individual (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) will have the financial capacity to reimburse the bank in the event he or she does not prevail, (c) a determination that the payment of expenses and fees by the association will not adversely affect the safety and soundness of the association, and (d) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event of a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association. In all other instances, expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding as to which indemnification may be given under these articles of association may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by or on behalf of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event that such institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification as authorized by these articles of association and (b) approval by the board of directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding or, if such a quorum is not obtainable, then approval by stockholders. To the extent permitted by law, the board of directors or, if applicable, the stockholders, shall not be required to find that the institution-affiliated party has met the applicable standard of conduct provided by law for indemnification in connection with such action or proceeding.

In the event that a majority of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the remaining members of the board may authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the remaining members of the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Article Tenth have been met. If independent legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the remaining members of the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.

In the event that all of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the board shall authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Article Tenth have been met. If legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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To the extent permitted under applicable law, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association (a) shall be available with respect to events occurring prior to the adoption of these articles of association, (b) shall continue to exist after any restrictive amendment of these articles of association with respect to events occurring prior to such amendment, (c) may be interpreted on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time of the occurrence of the event or events giving rise to the action or proceeding, or on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time such rights are claimed, and (d) are in the nature of contract rights which may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction as if the association and the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) for whom such rights are sought were parties to a separate written agreement.

The rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association shall not, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such institution affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may now or hereafter be otherwise entitled whether contained in these articles of association, the bylaws, a resolution of stockholders, a resolution of the board of directors, or an agreement providing such indemnification, the creation of such other rights being hereby expressly authorized. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights, pursuant to statute or otherwise, of any such institution-affiliated party (or of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in any such action or proceeding to have assessed or allowed in his or her favor, against the association or otherwise, his or her costs and expenses incurred therein or in connection therewith or any part thereof.

If this Article Tenth or any part hereof shall be held unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Article Tenth shall remain fully enforceable.

The association may, upon affirmative vote of a majority of its board of directors, purchase insurance to indemnify its institution-affiliated parties to the extent that such indemnification is allowed in these articles of association; provided, however, that no such insurance shall include coverage to pay or reimburse any institution-affiliated party for the cost of any judgment or civil money penalty assessed against such person in an administrative proceeding or civil action commenced by any federal banking agency. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit of all institution-affiliated parties.

ELEVENTH. These articles of association may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of this association, unless the vote of the holders of a greater amount of stock is required by law,

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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and in that case by the vote of the holders of such greater amount. The association’s board of directors may propose one or more amendments to the articles of association for submission to the shareholders.

 

[WTNA Articles of Association]

 

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EXHIBIT 4

BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


BYLAWS

OF

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I

Meetings of Shareholders

Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the shareholders to elect directors and transact whatever other business may properly come before the meeting shall be held at the main office of the association, Rodney Square North, 1100 Market Street, City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, at 1:00 o’clock p.m. on the first Tuesday in March of each year, or at such other place and time as the board of directors may designate, or if that date falls on a legal holiday in Delaware, on the next following banking day. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 10 days and no more than 60 days prior to the date thereof, addressed to each shareholder at his/her address appearing on the books of the association. If, for any cause, an election of directors is not made on that date, or in the event of a legal holiday, on the next following banking day, an election may be held on any subsequent day within 60 days of the date fixed, to be designated by the board of directors, or, if the directors fail to fix the date, by shareholders representing two-thirds of the shares. In these circumstances, at least 10 days’ notice must be given by first class mail to shareholders.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, special meetings of the shareholders may be called for any purpose at any time by the board of directors or by any one or more shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not less than fifty percent of the stock of the association. Every such special meeting, unless otherwise provided by law,


shall be called by mailing, postage prepaid, not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting, to each shareholder at the address appearing on the books of the association a notice stating the purpose of the meeting.

The board of directors may fix a record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice and to vote at any meeting, in reasonable proximity to the date of giving notice to the shareholders of such meeting. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to demand a special meeting is the date the first shareholder signs a demand for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held.

A special meeting may be called by shareholders or the board of directors to amend the articles of association or bylaws, whether or not such bylaws may be amended by the board of directors in the absence of shareholder approval.

If an annual or special shareholders’ meeting is adjourned to a different date, time, or place, notice need not be given of the new date, time or place, if the new date, time or place is announced at the meeting before adjournment, unless any additional items of business are to be considered, or the association becomes aware of an intervening event materially affecting any matter to be voted on more than 10 days prior to the date to which the meeting is adjourned. If a new record date for the adjourned meeting is fixed, however, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to persons who are shareholders as of the new record date. If, however, the meeting to elect the directors is adjourned before the election takes place, at least ten days’ notice of the new election must be given to the shareholders by first-class mail.

Section 3. Nominations of Directors. Nominations for election to the board of directors may be made by the board of directors or by any stockholder of any outstanding class of capital stock of the association entitled to vote for the election of directors. Nominations, other than

 

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those made by or on behalf of the existing management of the association, shall be made in writing and shall be delivered or mailed to the president of the association and the Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C., not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days’ notice of the meeting is given to shareholders, such nomination shall be mailed or delivered to the president of the association not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the day on which the notice of meeting was mailed. Such notification shall contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder:

 

  (1) The name and address of each proposed nominee;

 

  (2) The principal occupation of each proposed nominee;

 

  (3) The total number of shares of capital stock of the association that will be voted for each proposed nominee;

 

  (4) The name and residence of the notifying shareholder; and

 

  (5) The number of shares of capital stock of the association owned by the notifying shareholder.

Nominations not made in accordance herewith may, in his/her discretion, be disregarded by the chairperson of the meeting, and upon his/her instructions, the vote tellers may disregard all votes cast for each such nominee.

Section 4. Proxies. Shareholders may vote at any meeting of the shareholders by proxies duly authorized in writing, but no officer or employee of this association shall act as proxy. Proxies shall be valid only for one meeting, to be specified therein, and any adjournments of such meeting. Proxies shall be dated and filed with the records of the meeting. Proxies with facsimile signatures may be used and unexecuted proxies may be counted upon receipt of a written confirmation from the shareholder. Proxies meeting the above requirements submitted at any time during a meeting shall be accepted.

 

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Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the outstanding capital stock, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, unless otherwise provided by law, or by the shareholders or directors pursuant to Article IX, Section 2, but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further notice. A majority of the votes cast shall decide every question or matter submitted to the shareholders at any meeting, unless otherwise provided by law or by the articles of association, or by the shareholders or directors pursuant to Article IX, Section 2. If a meeting for the election of directors is not held on the fixed date, at least 10 days’ notice must be given by first-class mail to the shareholders.

ARTICLE II

Directors

Section 1. Board of Directors. The board of directors shall have the power to manage and administer the business and affairs of the association. Except as expressly limited by law, all corporate powers of the association shall be vested in and may be exercised by the board of directors.

Section 2. Number. The board of directors shall consist of not less than five nor more than twenty-five members, unless the OCC has exempted the bank from the 25-member limit. The exact number within such minimum and maximum limits is to be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors or by resolution of a majority of the shareholders at any meeting thereof.

 

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Section 3. Organization Meeting. The secretary or treasurer, upon receiving the certificate of the judges of the result of any election, shall notify the directors-elect of their election and of the time at which they are required to meet at the main office of the association, or at such other place in the cities of Wilmington, Delaware or Buffalo, New York, to organize the new board of directors and elect and appoint officers of the association for the succeeding year. Such meeting shall be held on the day of the election or as soon thereafter as practicable, and, in any event, within 30 days thereof. If, at the time fixed for such meeting, there shall not be a quorum, the directors present may adjourn the meeting, from time to time, until a quorum is obtained.

Section 4. Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors may, at any time and from time to time, by resolution designate the place, date and hour for the holding of a regular meeting, but in the absence of any such designation, regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held, without notice, on the first Tuesday of each March, June and September, and on the second Tuesday of each December at the main office or other such place as the board of directors may designate. When any regular meeting of the board of directors falls upon a holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next banking business day unless the board of directors shall designate another day.

Section 5. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board of the association, or at the request of two or more directors. Each member of the board of directors shall be given notice by telegram, first class mail, or in person stating the time and place of each special meeting.

Section 6. Quorum. A majority of the entire board then in office shall constitute a quorum at any meeting, except when otherwise provided by law or these bylaws, but a lesser number may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further notice. If the number of directors present at the meeting is reduced below the number that would constitute a quorum, no business may be transacted, except selecting

 

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directors to fill vacancies in conformance with Article II, Section 7. If a quorum is present, the board of directors may take action through the vote of a majority of the directors who are in attendance.

Section 7. Meetings by Conference Telephone. Any one or more members of the board of directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of such board or committees by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 8. Procedures. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the board of directors may be determined by the person presiding at the meeting.

Section 9. Removal of Directors. Any director may be removed for cause, at any meeting of stockholders notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by vote of the stockholders. Any director may be removed without cause, at any meeting of stockholders notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote. Any director may be removed for cause, at any meeting of the directors notice of which shall have referred to the proposed action, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

Section 10. Vacancies. When any vacancy occurs among the directors, a majority of the remaining members of the board of directors, according to the laws of the United States, may appoint a director to fill such vacancy at any regular meeting of the board of directors, or at a special meeting called for that purpose at which a quorum is present, or if the directors remaining in office constitute fewer than a quorum of the board of directors, by the affirmative vote of a

 

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majority of all the directors remaining in office, or by shareholders at a special meeting called for that purpose in conformance with Section 2 of Article I. At any such shareholder meeting, each shareholder entitled to vote shall have the right to multiply the number of votes he or she is entitled to cast by the number of vacancies being filled and cast the product for a single candidate or distribute the product among two or more candidates. A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date (by reason of a resignation effective at a later date) may be filled before the vacancy occurs but the new director may not take office until the vacancy occurs.

ARTICLE III

Committees of the Board

The board of directors has power over and is solely responsible for the management, supervision, and administration of the association. The board of directors may delegate its power, but none of its responsibilities, to such persons or committees as the board may determine.

The board of directors must formally ratify written policies authorized by committees of the board of directors before such policies become effective. Each committee must have one or more member(s), and who may be an officer of the association or an officer or director of any affiliate of the association, who serve at the pleasure of the board of directors. Provisions of the articles of association and these bylaws governing place of meetings, notice of meeting, quorum and voting requirements of the board of directors, apply to committees and their members as well. The creation of a committee and appointment of members to it must be approved by the board of directors.

 

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Section 1. Loan Committee. There shall be a loan committee composed of not less than 2 directors, appointed by the board of directors annually or more often. The loan committee, on behalf of the bank, shall have power to discount and purchase bills, notes and other evidences of debt, to buy and sell bills of exchange, to examine and approve loans and discounts, to exercise authority regarding loans and discounts, and to exercise, when the board of directors is not in session, all other powers of the board of directors that may lawfully be delegated. The loan committee shall keep minutes of its meetings, and such minutes shall be submitted at the next regular meeting of the board of directors at which a quorum is present, and any action taken by the board of directors with respect thereto shall be entered in the minutes of the board of directors.

Section 2. Investment Committee. There shall be an investment committee composed of not less than 2 directors, appointed by the board of directors annually or more often. The investment committee, on behalf of the bank, shall have the power to ensure adherence to the investment policy, to recommend amendments thereto, to purchase and sell securities, to exercise authority regarding investments and to exercise, when the board of directors is not in session, all other powers of the board of directors regarding investment securities that may be lawfully delegated. The investment committee shall keep minutes of its meetings, and such minutes shall be submitted at the next regular meeting of the board of directors at which a quorum is present, and any action taken by the board of directors with respect thereto shall be entered in the minutes of the board of directors.

Section 3. Examining Committee. There shall be an examining committee composed of not less than 2 directors, exclusive of any active officers, appointed by the board of directors annually or more often. The duty of that committee shall be to examine at least once during each calendar year and within 15 months of the last examination the affairs of the association or cause suitable examinations to be made by auditors responsible only to the board of directors and to report the result of such examination in writing to the board of directors at the next regular meeting thereafter. Such report shall state whether the association is in a sound condition, and

 

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whether adequate internal controls and procedures are being maintained and shall recommend to the board of directors such changes in the manner of conducting the affairs of the association as shall be deemed advisable.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the first paragraph of this section, the responsibility and authority of the Examining Committee may, if authorized by law, be given over to a duly constituted audit committee of the association’s parent corporation by a resolution duly adopted by the board of directors.

Section 4. Trust Audit Committee. There shall be a trust audit committee in conformance with Section 1 of Article V.

Section 5. Other Committees. The board of directors may appoint, from time to time, from its own members, compensation, special litigation and other committees of one or more persons, for such purposes and with such powers as the board of directors may determine.

However, a committee may not:

 

  (1) Authorize distributions of assets or dividends;

 

  (2) Approve action required to be approved by shareholders;

 

  (3) Fill vacancies on the board of directors or any of its committees;

 

  (4) Amend articles of association;

 

  (5) Adopt, amend or repeal bylaws; or

 

  (6) Authorize or approve issuance or sale or contract for sale of shares, or determine the designation and relative rights, preferences and limitations of a class or series of shares.

 

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Section 5. Committee Members’ Fees. Committee members may receive a fee for their services as committee members and traveling and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending any meeting of a committee of which they are a member. The fee may be a fixed sum to be paid for attending each meeting or a fixed sum to be paid quarterly, or semiannually, irrespective of the number of meetings attended or not attended. The amount of the fee and the basis on which it shall be paid shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

Officers and Employees

Section 1. Chairperson of the Board. The board of directors shall appoint one of its members to be the chairperson of the board to serve at its pleasure. Such person shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors. The chairperson of the board shall supervise the carrying out of the policies adopted or approved by the board of directors; shall have general executive powers, as well as the specific powers conferred by these bylaws; and shall also have and may exercise such further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon or assigned by the board of directors.

Section 2. President. The board of directors shall appoint one of its members to be the president of the association. In the absence of the chairperson, the president shall preside at any meeting of the board of directors. The president shall have general executive powers and shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation, or practice to the office of president, or imposed by these bylaws. The president shall also have and may exercise such further powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred or assigned by the board of directors.

 

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Section 3. Vice President. The board of directors may appoint one or more vice presidents. Each vice president shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned by the board of directors. One vice president shall be designated by the board of directors, in the absence of the president, to perform all the duties of the president.

Section 4. Secretary. The board of directors shall appoint a secretary, treasurer, or other designated officer who shall be secretary of the board of directors and of the association and who shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings. The secretary shall attend to the giving of all notices required by these bylaws; shall be custodian of the corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the association; shall provide for the keeping of proper records of all transactions of the association; shall have and may exercise any and all other powers and duties pertaining by law, regulation or practice to the office of treasurer, or imposed by these bylaws; and shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time, by the board of directors.

Section 5. Other Officers. The board of directors may appoint one or more assistant vice presidents, one or more trust officers, one or more assistant secretaries, one or more assistant treasurers, one or more managers and assistant managers of branches and such other officers and attorneys in fact as from time to time may appear to the board of directors to be required or desirable to transact the business of the association. Such officers shall respectively exercise such powers and perform such duties as pertain to their several offices, or as may be conferred upon or assigned to them by the board of directors, the chairperson of the board, or the president. The board of directors may authorize an officer to appoint one or more officers or assistant officers.

 

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Section 6. Tenure of Office. The president and all other officers shall hold office for the current year for which the board of directors was elected, unless they shall resign, become disqualified, or be removed; and any vacancy occurring in the office of president shall be filled promptly by the board of directors.

Section 7. Resignation. An officer may resign at any time by delivering notice to the association. A resignation is effective when the notice is given unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

ARTICLE V

Fiduciary Activities

Section 1. Trust Audit Committee. There shall be a Trust Audit Committee composed of not less than 2 directors, appointed by the board of directors, which shall, at least once during each calendar year make suitable audits of the association’s fiduciary activities or cause suitable audits to be made by auditors responsible only to the board, and at such time shall ascertain whether fiduciary powers have been administered according to law, Part 9 of the Regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency, and sound fiduciary principles, annually or more often. Such committee: (1) must not include any officers of the bank or an affiliate who participate significantly in the administration of the bank’s fiduciary activities; and (2) must consist of a majority of members who are not also members of any committee to which the board of directors has delegated power to manage and control the fiduciary activities of the bank.

Section 2. Fiduciary Files. There shall be maintained by the association all fiduciary records necessary to assure that its fiduciary responsibilities have been properly undertaken and discharged.

 

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Section 3. Trust Investments. Funds held in a fiduciary capacity shall be invested according to the instrument establishing the fiduciary relationship and applicable law. Where such instrument does not specify the character and class of investments to be made and does not vest in the association a discretion in the matter, funds held pursuant to such instrument shall be invested in investments in which corporate fiduciaries may invest under applicable law.

ARTICLE VI

Stock and Stock Certificates

Section 1. Transfers. Shares of stock shall be transferable on the books of the association, and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall be recorded. Every person becoming a shareholder by such transfer shall in proportion to such shareholder’s shares, succeed to all rights of the prior holder of such shares. The board of directors may impose conditions upon the transfer of the stock reasonably calculated to simplify the work of the association with respect to stock transfers, voting at shareholder meetings and related matters and to protect it against fraudulent transfers.

Section 2. Stock Certificates. Certificates of stock shall bear the signature of the president (which may be engraved, printed or impressed) and shall be signed manually or by facsimile process by the secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, or any other officer appointed by the board of directors for that purpose, to be known as an authorized officer, and the seal of the association shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall recite on its face that the stock represented thereby is transferable only upon the books of the association properly endorsed.

The board of directors may adopt or use procedures for replacing lost, stolen, or destroyed stock certificates as permitted by law.

The association may establish a procedure through which the beneficial owner of shares that are registered in the name of a nominee may be recognized by the association as the shareholder. The procedure may set forth:

 

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  (1) The types of nominees to which it applies;

 

  (2) The rights or privileges that the association recognizes in a beneficial owner;

 

  (3) How the nominee may request the association to recognize the beneficial owner as the shareholder;

 

  (4) The information that must be provided when the procedure is selected;

 

  (5) The period over which the association will continue to recognize the beneficial owner as the shareholder;

 

  (6) Other aspects of the rights and duties created.

ARTICLE VII

Corporate Seal

Section 1. Seal. The seal of the association shall be in such form as may be determined from time to time by the board of directors. The president, the treasurer, the secretary or any assistant treasurer or assistant secretary, or other officer thereunto designated by the board of directors shall have authority to affix the corporate seal to any document requiring such seal and to attest the same. The seal on any corporate obligation for the payment of money may be facsimile.

ARTICLE VIII

Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the association shall be the calendar year.

 

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Section 2. Execution of Instruments. All agreements, indentures, mortgages, deeds, conveyances, transfers, certificates, declarations, receipts, discharges, releases, satisfactions, settlements, petitions, schedules, accounts, affidavits, bonds, undertakings, proxies and other instruments or documents may be signed, executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted on behalf of the association by the chairperson of the board, or the president, or any vice president, or the secretary, or the treasurer, or, if in connection with the exercise of fiduciary powers of the association, by any of those offices or by any trust officer. Any such instruments may also be executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted on behalf of the association in such other manner and by such other officers as the board of directors may from time to time direct. The provisions of this section 2 are supplementary to any other provision of these bylaws.

Section 3. Records. The articles of association, the bylaws and the proceedings of all meetings of the shareholders, the board of directors, and standing committees of the board of directors shall be recorded in appropriate minute books provided for that purpose. The minutes of each meeting shall be signed by the secretary, treasurer or other officer appointed to act as secretary of the meeting.

Section 4. Corporate Governance Procedures. To the extent not inconsistent with federal banking statutes and regulations, or safe and sound banking practices, the association may follow the Delaware General Corporation Law, Del. Code Ann. tit. 8 (1991, as amended 1994, and as amended thereafter) with respect to matters of corporate governance procedures.

Section 5. Indemnification.

For purposes of this Section 5 of Article VIII, the term “institution-affiliated party” shall mean any institution-affiliated party of the association as such term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(u).

 

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Any institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may be indemnified or reimbursed by the association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions or proceedings and appeals therein, whether civil, criminal, governmental, administrative or investigative, in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such law now or hereafter exists; provided, however, that when an administrative proceeding or action instituted by a federal banking agency results in a final order or settlement pursuant to which such person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association, then the association shall require the repayment of all legal fees and expenses advanced pursuant to the next succeeding paragraph and may not indemnify such institution-affiliated parties (or their heirs, executors or administrators) for expenses, including expenses for legal fees, penalties or other payments incurred. The association shall provide indemnification in connection with an action or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) only if such action or proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the board of directors.

Expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding under 12 U.S.C. 164 or 1818 may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) a determination by the board of directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding that the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) has a reasonable basis for prevailing on the merits, (b) a determination that the indemnified individual (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) will have the financial capacity to reimburse the bank in the event he or she does not prevail, (c) a determination that the payment of expenses and fees by the association will not adversely affect the safety and soundness of the association, and (d) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event of a final order or settlement pursuant to which such

 

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person: (i) is assessed a civil money penalty, (ii) is removed from office or prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the association, or (iii) is required to cease and desist from or to take any affirmative action described in 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) with respect to the association. In all other instances, expenses incurred by an institution-affiliated party (or by his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in connection with any action or proceeding as to which indemnification may be given under these articles of association may be paid by the association in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon (a) receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such institution-affiliated party (or by or on behalf of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) to repay such advancement in the event that such institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification as authorized by these bylaws and (b) approval by the board of directors acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding or, if such a quorum is not obtainable, then approval by stockholders. To the extent permitted by law, the board of directors or, if applicable, the stockholders, shall not be required to find that the institution-affiliated party has met the applicable standard of conduct provided by law for indemnification in connection with such action or proceeding.

In the event that a majority of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the remaining members of the board may authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the remaining members of the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Section 5 of Article VIII have been met. If independent legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the remaining members of the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.

 

- 17 -


In the event that all of the members of the board of directors are named as respondents in an administrative proceeding or civil action and request indemnification, the board shall authorize independent legal counsel to review the indemnification request and provide the board with a written opinion of counsel as to whether the conditions delineated in the first four paragraphs of this Section 5 of Article VIII have been met. If legal counsel opines that said conditions have been met, the board of directors may rely on such opinion in authorizing the requested indemnification.

To the extent permitted under applicable law, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these articles of association (a) shall be available with respect to events occurring prior to the adoption of these bylaws, (b) shall continue to exist after any restrictive amendment of these bylaws with respect to events occurring prior to such amendment, (c) may be interpreted on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time of the occurrence of the event or events giving rise to the action or proceeding, or on the basis of applicable law in effect at the time such rights are claimed, and (d) are in the nature of contract rights which may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction as if the association and the institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) for whom such rights are sought were parties to a separate written agreement.

The rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these bylaws shall not, to the extent permitted under applicable law, be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such institution-affiliated party (or his or her heirs, executors or administrators) may now or hereafter be otherwise entitled whether contained in the association’s articles of association, these bylaws, a resolution of stockholders, a resolution of the board of directors, or an agreement providing such indemnification, the creation of such other rights being hereby expressly authorized. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rights of indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in these bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of any rights, pursuant to statute or otherwise, of any such institution-affiliated party (or of his or her heirs, executors or administrators) in any such action or proceeding to have assessed or allowed in his or her favor, against the association or otherwise, his or her costs and expenses incurred therein or in connection therewith or any part thereof.

 

- 18 -


If this Section 5 of Article VIII or any part hereof shall be held unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Section 5 of Article VIII shall remain fully enforceable.

The association may, upon affirmative vote of a majority of its board of directors, purchase insurance to indemnify its institution-affiliated parties to the extent that such indemnification is allowed in these bylaws; provided, however, that no such insurance shall include coverage for a final order assessing civil money penalties against such persons by a bank regulatory agency. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit of all institution-affiliated parties.

ARTICLE IX

Inspection and Amendments

Section 1. Inspection. A copy of the bylaws of the association, with all amendments, shall at all times be kept in a convenient place at the main office of the association, and shall be open for inspection to all shareholders during banking hours.

Section 2. Amendments. The bylaws of the association may be amended, altered or repealed, at any regular meeting of the board of directors, by a vote of a majority of the total number of the directors except as provided below, and provided that the following language accompany any such change.

I,                          , certify that: (1) I am the duly constituted (secretary or treasurer) of                     and secretary of its board of directors, and as such officer am the official custodian of its records; (2) the foregoing bylaws are the bylaws of the association, and all of them are now lawfully in force and effect.

 

- 19 -


I have hereunto affixed my official signature on this                     day of                         .

 

  

 

(Secretary or Treasurer)

The association’s shareholders may amend or repeal the bylaws even though the bylaws also may be amended or repealed by the board of directors.

 

- 20 -


EXHIBIT 6

Section 321(b) Consent

Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, Wilmington Trust, National Association hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.

 

   

WILMINGTON TRUST,

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Dated: April 27, 2012     By:   /s/ W. Thomas Morris, II
    Name:   W. Thomas Morris, II
    Title:   Vice President


EXHIBIT 7

REPORT OF CONDITION

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

As of the close of business on December 31, 2011:

 

ASSETS

     Thousands of Dollars   

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

     346,964   

Securities:

     25,961   

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell:

     0   

Loans and leases held for sale:

     0   

Loans and leases net of unearned income, allowance:

     637,423   

Premises and fixed assets:

     15,199   

Other real estate owned:

     96   

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies:

     0   

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures:

     0   

Intangible assets:

     11,906   

Other assets:

     70,654   

Total Assets:

     1,108,203   

LIABILITIES

     Thousands of Dollars   

Deposits

     410,436   

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     174,000   

Other borrowed money:

     0   

Other Liabilities:

     134,488   

Total Liabilities

     718,924   

EQUITY CAPITAL

     Thousands of Dollars   

Common Stock

     1,000   

Surplus

     380,538   

Retained Earnings

     19,055   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (11,314

Total Equity Capital

     389,279   

Total Liabilities and Equity Capital

     1,108,203   
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