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As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2009
Registration No. 333-163036
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1
to
FORM F-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Babcock & Brown Air Limited
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Bermuda
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98-0536376 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization)
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Identification Number) |
West Pier
Dun Laoghaire
County Dublin, Ireland
Tel. +353-1-231-1900
(Address and telephone number of registrants principal executive offices)
Puglisi & Associates
850 Library Avenue, Suite 204
Newark, Delaware 19711
Tel. (302) 738-6680
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Copies to:
Boris Dolgonos, Esq.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
(212) 310-8000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.
If only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous
basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act,
check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective
amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule
462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General
Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities
pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed maximum |
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Proposed maximum |
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Amount of |
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Title of each class of |
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Amount to be |
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aggregate |
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aggregate |
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registration |
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securities to be registered(1) |
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Registered(2) |
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price per unit(2) |
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offering price(3) |
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fee |
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Common Shares (4) |
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Preference Shares |
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Debt Securities |
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Warrants |
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Subscription Rights |
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Units |
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Total |
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$500,000,000 |
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$27,900 (5) |
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(1) |
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Securities registered hereunder may be sold separately, together or as units with other securities registered hereunder. |
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(2) |
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The proposed maximum aggregate offering price of each class of securities will be determined from time to time by the Registrant in connection with the issuance by
the Registrant of the securities registered hereunder and is not specified as to each class of securities pursuant to the General Instruction II.C. of Form F-3
under the Securities Act of 1933. |
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The Registrant is registering an indeterminate aggregate amount of securities of each identified class of securities up to a proposed aggregate offering price of
$500,000,000, which may be offered from time to time in unspecified numbers and at indeterminate prices, and as may be issued upon conversion, redemption,
repurchase, exchange or exercise of any securities registered hereunder, including under any applicable anti-dilution provisions. |
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Common shares may be represented by the Registrants American Depositary Shares, each of which represents one common share. American Depositary Shares issuable
upon deposit of the common shares registered hereby have been registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (333-145997). |
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(5) |
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Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act. This amount was previously paid. |
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.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 17, 2009
$500,000,000
Babcock & Brown Air Limited
COMMON SHARES
PREFERENCE SHARES
DEBT SECURITIES
WARRANTS
SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
UNITS
We may from time to time offer to sell our common shares, preference shares, debt securities, warrants or subscription rights, as well as units that include
any of these securities. The debt securities may consist of
debentures, notes or other types of debt. Our common shares, in the form of American Depositary
Shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and under the ticker symbol FLY. The debt
securities, preferred stock, warrants, rights and units may be convertible or exercisable for common shares or preference shares or other securities.
We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents,
or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. These securities also may be resold by
security holders.
This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by a prospectus
supplement. We will provide specific terms of any securities to be offered in supplements to this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully
before you invest.
Investing in our securities involves risks. See Risk Factors beginning on page 4 of our annual
report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, which is incorporated by reference
herein.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2009.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 (and its related regulations) has been obtained from
the Bermuda Monetary Authority for the issue and transfer of our ADSs and other securities to and
between persons resident and non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes provided our
ADSs remain listed on an appointed stock exchange, which includes the NYSE. This prospectus and any
applicable prospectus supplement will be filed with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda in
accordance with Bermuda law. In granting such consent and in accepting this prospectus for filing,
neither the Bermuda Monetary Authority nor the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda accepts any
responsibility for our financial soundness or the correctness of any of the statements made or
opinions expressed in this prospectus.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC) using a shelf registration process. Under the shelf process, we may sell
any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings, up to a
maximum aggregate offering price of $500,000,000.
This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each
time we sell securities described in the prospectus we will provide a supplement to this prospectus
that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific
amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update
or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read both this prospectus
and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials, together with the
additional information described under the heading Where You Can Find More Information.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus,
any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize
be provided to you. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different
information or additional information. If anyone provides you with different, inconsistent or
additional information, you should not rely on it. We are not making offers to sell or
solicitations to buy the securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not
authorized or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to
anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.
This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials do not
contain all of the information included in the registration statement as permitted by the rules and
regulations of the SEC. We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) and, therefore, file reports and other information
with the SEC. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or
other offering materials about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are
only summaries. If SEC rules require that any agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement, you should refer to that agreement or document for its complete contents.
You should assume that the information in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or
any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document
and that any information that we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of
the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any
applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of a security.
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SUMMARY
You should carefully read this entire prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement,
including each of the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference, before making an
investment decision. Unless the context requires otherwise, when used in this prospectus, (1) the
terms B&B Air, Company, we, us and our refer to Babcock & Brown Air Limited and its
subsidiaries and (2) all references to our shares refer to our
common shares held in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs).
We are a global lessor of modern, fuel-efficient commercial jet aircraft. Our aircraft are leased
under long-term to medium-term contracts to a diverse group of airlines throughout the world. As of
September 30, 2009, our portfolio consisted of 62 aircraft.
Our executive offices are located at West Pier, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland, our
telephone number at that location is +353-1-231-1900, and our website can be accessed at
www.babcockbrownair.com. Information contained on, or that can be assessed through, our website is
not incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement and does not
constitute part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the
risk factors incorporated by reference from our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and the
other information contained in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement, as updated
by our subsequent filings with the SEC, pursuant to Sections 13(a), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act, which are incorporated herein by reference, before buying our securities. For more information
see Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, the registration statement of which it forms a part, each prospectus supplement
and the documents incorporated by reference into these documents contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We use words such as
anticipates, believes, plans, expects, future, intends, will, foresee and similar
expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time we or our
representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. Furthermore,
such forward-looking statements may be included in various filings that we make with the SEC or
press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of one of our authorized executive
officers. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and
uncertainties, as well as assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause actual results to
differ include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form
20-F, which is incorporated by reference herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance
on any forward-looking statements contained herein, which reflect managements opinions only as of
the date hereof. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or publicly
release the results of any revision to any forward-looking statements. You are advised, however, to
consult any additional disclosures we have made or will make in our reports to the SEC on Forms
20-F and 6-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or
persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements
contained in this prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds of any
offering of securities for working capital and other general corporate purposes, which may include
the repayment or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness and the financing of future acquisitions.
We may have significant discretion in the use of any net proceeds. The net proceeds may be invested
temporarily in interest-bearing accounts and short-term interest-bearing securities until they are
used for their stated purpose. We may provide additional information on the use of the net proceeds
from the sale of the offered securities in an applicable prospectus supplement relating to the
offered securities.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our historical ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the
periods indicated:
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For the period |
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from May 3, |
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2007 |
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(incorporation |
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For the nine |
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date) to |
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ended |
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months ended |
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December 31, |
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September 30, |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
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1.23:1 |
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1.67:1 |
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2.58:1 |
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Fixed charges consist of interest on all indebtedness and amortized discounts and loan issuance
costs related to indebtedness. Earnings available to cover fixed charges consist of net income
before provision for income taxes plus fixed charges.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
The following description of our share capital reflects our memorandum of association and our
bye-laws. Holders of ADSs will be able to exercise their rights with respect to the common shares
underlying the ADSs only in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. See Description of
American Depositary Shares for more information.
Share Capital
Our authorized share capital consists of US$500,000 divided into 499,999,900 common shares and 100
manager shares par value US$0.001 each. Pursuant to our bye-laws, subject to any resolution of the
shareholders to the contrary, our board of directors is authorized to issue any of our authorized
but unissued shares. As of September 30, 2009, 30,279,948 common shares were outstanding.
Common Shares
Holders of common shares have no pre-emptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights.
Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of
holders of common shares. Unless a different majority is required by law or by our bye-laws,
resolutions to be approved by holders of common shares require approval by a simple majority of
votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. There are no limitations on the right of
non-Bermudians or non-residents of Bermuda to hold or vote our shares except as described herein.
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common shares are
entitled to share equally and ratably in our assets, if any, remaining after the payment of all of
our debts and liabilities, subject to any liquidation preference on any issued and outstanding
preference shares.
Preference Shares
Pursuant to Bermuda law and our bye-laws, our board of directors by resolution may establish one or
more series of preference shares having such number of shares, designations, dividend rates,
relative voting rights, conversion or exchange rights, redemption rights, liquidation rights and
other relative participation, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or
restrictions as may be fixed by the board without any further shareholder approval. The rights with
respect to a series of preference shares may be greater than the rights attached to our common
shares. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any preference shares on
the rights of holders of our common shares until our board of directors determines the specific
rights attached to those preference shares. The effect of issuing preference shares could include
one or more of the following:
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restricting dividends in respect of our common shares; |
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diluting the voting power of our common shares or providing
that holders of preference shares have the right to vote on matters as a class; |
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impairing the liquidation rights of our common shares; or |
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delaying or preventing a change of control of our company. |
As of the date of this prospectus, there are no preference shares outstanding.
Manager Shares
Our manager, Babcock & Brown Air Management Co. Limited, or the Manager, owns 100 manager shares
that are entitled to director appointment rights and the right to vote on amendments to the
provision of our bye-laws relating to termination of our management agreement with the Manager.
Manager shares does not convert into common shares. Upon a termination of our management agreement,
the manager shares will cease to have any appointment and voting rights and, to the extent
permitted under Section 42 of Companies Act 1981 (Bermuda), or the
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Companies Act, will be automatically redeemed for their par value. Manager shares are not entitled
to receive any dividends and, other than with respect to director appointment rights, holders of
manager shares have no voting rights.
Dividend Rights
Pursuant to Bermuda law, we are restricted from declaring or paying a dividend if there are
reasonable grounds for believing that (1) we are, or would after the payment be, unable to pay our
liabilities as they become due, or (2) the realizable value of our assets would thereby be less
than the aggregate of our liabilities and our issued share capital (the aggregate par value of our
issued and outstanding common shares). As a result, if the realizable value of our assets
decreases, our ability to make or maintain dividend payments may depend on our ability to transfer
balances to our contributed surplus account (to which we can allocate shareholder contributions
that are unrelated to any share subscription).
There are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda
dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of our common
shares.
Variation of Rights
If at any time we have more than one class of shares, the rights attaching to any class, unless
otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the relevant class, may be varied either: (1) with
the consent in writing of the holders of 50% of the issued shares of that class; or (2) with the
sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of the
relevant class of shareholders at which a quorum consisting of at least two persons holding or
representing two-thirds of the issued shares of the relevant class is present. Our bye-laws specify
that the creation or issue of shares ranking equally with existing shares will not, unless
expressly provided by the terms of issue of existing shares, vary the rights attached to existing
shares. In addition, the creation or issue of preference shares ranking prior to common shares will
not be deemed to vary the rights attached to common shares or, subject to the terms of any other
series of preference shares, to vary the rights attached to any other series of preference shares.
Election and Removal of Directors
Our bye-laws provide that our board shall consist of not less than two and not more than 15
directors as the board may from time to time determine. Our board of directors currently consists
of seven directors, each of whom serves a term commencing of their election or appointment and
continuing until the next annual general meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed
or their office is otherwise vacated. Our bye-laws provide that persons standing for election as
directors at a duly constituted and quorate annual general meeting are appointed by shareholders
holding shares carrying a plurality of the votes cast on the resolution. Our bye-laws provide that,
notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as Babcock & Brown Limited, or Babcock & Brown, the
parent of the Manager, holds any of our manager shares, our Manager has the right to appoint the
nearest whole number of directors on our board of directors that is not more than 3/7ths of the
number of directors on our board of directors at the time. The Managers appointees on our board of
directors will not be required to stand for election by our shareholders other than by Babcock &
Brown.
Any shareholder wishing to propose for election as a director someone who is not an existing
director or is not proposed by our board must give notice of the intention to propose the person
for election. Where a person is to be proposed for election as a director at an annual general
meeting by a shareholder, that notice must be given not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days
before the anniversary of the last annual general meeting prior to the giving of the notice or, in
the event the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not 25 days before or after such
anniversary the notice must be given not later than ten days following the earlier of the date on
which notice of the annual general meeting was posted to shareholders or the date on which public disclosure of the
date of the annual general meeting was made.
A director (other than a director appointed by the Manager pursuant to its appointment right
described above) may be removed with or without cause by a resolution including the affirmative
vote of shareholders holding shares carrying at least 80% of the votes of all shares then issued
and entitled to vote on the resolution, provided that notice of the shareholders meeting convened
to remove the director is given to the director. The notice must contain a
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statement of the intention to remove the director and must be served on the director not less than
14 days before the meeting. The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the
motion for his removal. A director appointed by the Manager pursuant to its appointment right
described above may be removed with or without cause by the Manager upon notice from the Manager.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The following is a summary of certain provisions of our bye-laws that may be deemed to have an
anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a
shareholder might consider to be in its best interest, including those attempts that might result
in a premium over the market price for the shares held by shareholders.
Pursuant to our bye-laws, our preference shares may be issued from time to time, and the board of
directors is authorized to determine the rights, preferences, privileges, qualifications,
limitations and restrictions. See Preference Shares.
The authorized but unissued common shares and our preference shares will be available for future
issuance by the board of directors, subject to any resolutions of the shareholders. These
additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public
offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The
existence of authorized but unissued common shares and preference shares could render more
difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control over us by means of a proxy contest, tender
offer, amalgamation or otherwise.
Our bye-laws provide that if a competitor of Babcock & Brown acquires beneficial ownership of 15%
or more of our common shares, then we have the option, but not the obligation, within 90 days of
the acquisition of such threshold beneficial ownership, to require that shareholder to tender for
all of our remaining common shares, or to sell such number of common shares to us or to third
parties at fair market value as would reduce its beneficial ownership to less than 15%. In
addition, our bye-laws provide that the vote of each common share held by a competitor of Babcock &
Brown that beneficially owns 15% or more, but less than 50%, of our common shares will be reduced
to three-tenths of a vote per share on all matters upon which shareholders may vote.
Certain Provisions of Bermuda Law
We have been designated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a non-resident for Bermuda exchange
control purposes. This designation allows us to engage in transactions in currencies other than the
Bermuda dollar, and there are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds (other than funds
denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States
residents who are holders of our common shares.
The Bermuda Monetary Authority has given its consent for the issue and free transferability of all
of the common shares that underlie the ADSs that are the subject of this offering to and between
non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, provided our ADSs remain listed on an
appointed stock exchange, which includes the NYSE. Approvals or permissions given by the Bermuda
Monetary Authority do not constitute a guarantee by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as to our
performance or our creditworthiness. Accordingly, in giving such consent or permissions, the
Bermuda Monetary Authority shall not be liable for the financial soundness, performance or default
of our business or for the correctness of any opinions or statements expressed in this prospectus.
Certain issues and transfers of common shares involving persons deemed resident in Bermuda for
exchange control purposes may require the specific consent of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
In accordance with Bermuda law, share certificates are only issued in the names of companies,
partnerships or individuals. In the case of a shareholder acting in a special capacity (for example
as a trustee), certificates may, at the request of the shareholder, record the capacity in which
the shareholder is acting. Notwithstanding such recording of any special capacity, we are not bound
to investigate or see to the execution of any such trust. We will take no notice of any trust
applicable to any of our shares, whether or not we have been notified of such trust.
Differences in Corporate Law
You should be aware that the Companies Act, which applies to us, differs in certain material
respects from laws
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generally applicable to Delaware corporations and their shareholders. In order to highlight these
differences, set forth below is a summary of certain significant provisions of the Companies Act
(including modifications adopted pursuant to our bye-laws) and Bermuda common law applicable to us
which differ in certain respects from provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware. Because the following statements are summaries, they do not address all aspects of
Bermuda law that may be relevant to us and our shareholders or all aspects of Delaware law which
may differ from Bermuda law.
Duties of Directors
Our bye-laws provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors. At
common law, members of the board of directors of a Bermuda company owe a fiduciary duty to the
company to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of the company and exercise their
powers and fulfill the duties of their office honestly. This duty includes the following essential
elements:
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a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company; |
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a duty not to make a personal profit from opportunities that arise from the office of
director; |
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a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and |
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a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. |
The Companies Act imposes a duty on directors and officers of a Bermuda company:
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to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company; and |
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to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would
exercise in comparable circumstances. |
In addition, the Companies Act imposes various duties on directors and officers of a company with
respect to certain matters of management and administration of the company.
Directors and officers generally owe fiduciary duties to the company, and not to the companys
individual shareholders. Our shareholders may not have a direct cause of action against our
directors.
Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the direction
of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a fiduciary duty
of care to protect the interests of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the
best interests of its shareholders. The duty of care requires that directors act in an informed and
deliberative manner and inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all material
information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that directors exercise
care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of corporate employees. The duty of loyalty may be
summarized as the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner which the
director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the shareholders.
Delaware law provides that a party challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of directors
bears the burden of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors by the
business judgment rule. The business judgment rule is a presumption that in making a business
decision, directors acted on an informed basis and that the action taken was in the best interests
of the company and its shareholders, and accordingly, unless the presumption is rebutted, a boards
decision will be upheld unless there can be no rational business purpose for the action or the
action constitutes corporate waste. If the presumption is not rebutted, the business judgment rule
attaches to protect the directors and their decisions, and their business judgments will not be
second guessed. Where, however, the presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of
demonstrating the entire fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Delaware courts may subject directors conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of defensive actions
taken in response to a threat to corporate control or the approval of a transaction resulting in a
sale of control of the corporation.
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Interested Directors
Bermuda law and our bye-laws provide that if a director has an interest in a material transaction
or proposed material transaction with us or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest in
any person that is a party to such a transaction, the director must disclose the nature of that
interest at the first opportunity either at a meeting of directors or in writing to the directors.
Our bye-laws provide that, after a director has made such a declaration of interest, he is allowed
to be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present and to vote on a transaction
in which he has an interest, unless disqualified from doing so by the chairman of the relevant
board meeting.
Under Delaware law, such transaction would not be voidable if (1) the material facts as to such
interested directors relationship or interests are disclosed or are known to the board of
directors and the board in good faith authorizes the transaction by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the disinterested directors, (2) such material facts are disclosed or are known to the
shareholders entitled to vote on such transaction and the transaction is specifically approved in
good faith by vote of the majority of shares entitled to vote thereon or (3) the transaction is
fair as to the company as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified. Under Delaware law,
such interested director could be held liable for a transaction in which such director derived an
improper personal benefit.
Voting Rights and Quorum Requirements
Under Bermuda law, the voting rights of our shareholders are regulated by our bye-laws and, in
certain circumstances, the Companies Act. Under our bye-laws, at any general meeting, two or more
persons present in person at the start of the meeting and representing in person or by proxy
shareholders holding shares carrying more than 25% of the votes of all shares entitled to vote on
the resolution shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Generally, except as
otherwise provided in the bye-laws, or the Companies Act, any action or resolution requiring
approval of the shareholders may be passed by a simple majority of votes cast except for the
election of directors which requires only a plurality of the votes cast.
Any individual who is a shareholder of our company and who is present at a meeting may vote in
person, as may any corporate shareholder that is represented by a duly authorized representative at
a meeting of shareholders. Our bye-laws also permit attendance at general meetings by proxy,
provided the instrument appointing the proxy is in the form specified in the bye-laws or such other
form as the board may determine. Under our bye-laws, each holder of common shares is entitled to
one vote per common share held.
Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in a companys certificate of incorporation, each
stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by the stockholder. Delaware law
provides that unless otherwise provided in a companys certificate of incorporation or bye-laws, a
majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a
quorum at a meeting of stockholders. In matters other than the election of directors, with the
exception of special voting requirements related to extraordinary transactions, and unless
otherwise provided in a companys certificate of incorporation or bye-laws, the affirmative vote of
a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting entitled to vote is
required for stockholder action, and the affirmative vote of a plurality of shares is required for
the election of directors.
Dividends
Pursuant to Bermuda law, a company is restricted from declaring or paying a dividend if there are
reasonable grounds for believing that: (1) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to
pay its liabilities as they become due or (2) that the realizable value of its assets would thereby
be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital. Under our bye-laws,
each common share is entitled to dividends if, as and when dividends are declared by our board of
directors, subject to any preferred dividend right of the holders of any preference shares. Issued
share capital is the aggregate par value of the companys issued and outstanding common shares.
Under Delaware law, subject to any restrictions contained in the companys certificate of
incorporation, a company may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net
profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and for the preceding fiscal year.
Delaware law also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if, after the payment
of the dividend, capital is less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all
classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets.
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Amalgamations, Mergers and Similar Arrangements
The amalgamation of a Bermuda company with another company or corporation (other than certain
affiliated companies) requires the amalgamation agreement to be approved by the companys board of
directors and by its shareholders. Unless the companys bye-laws provide otherwise, the approval of
75% of the shareholders voting at such meeting is required to approve the amalgamation agreement,
and the quorum for such meeting must be two persons holding or representing more than one-third of
the issued shares of the company. Our bye-laws provide that a merger or an amalgamation (other than
with a wholly owned subsidiary) that has been approved by the board must only be approved by a
majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of the shareholders at which the quorum shall be
two or more persons present in person and representing in person or by proxy shareholders holding
shares carrying more than 25% of the votes of all shares entitled to vote on the resolution. Any
merger or amalgamation not approved by our board must be approved by shareholders holding shares
carrying not less than 66% of the votes of all shares entitled to vote on the resolution.
Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation of a Bermuda company with another company or
corporation, a shareholder of the Bermuda company who did not vote in favor of the amalgamation and
is not satisfied that fair value has been offered for such shareholders shares may, within one
month of notice of the shareholders meeting, apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda to appraise the
fair value of those shares.
Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or
substantially all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors and a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon. Under Delaware law, a
shareholder of a corporation participating in certain major corporate transactions may, under
certain circumstances, be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to which such shareholder may
receive cash in the amount of the fair value of the shares held by such shareholder (as determined
by a court) in lieu of the consideration such shareholder would otherwise receive in the
transaction.
Takeovers
An acquiring party is generally able to acquire compulsorily the common shares of minority holders
of a company in the following ways:
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By a procedure under the Companies Act known as a scheme of arrangement. A scheme of
arrangement could be effected by obtaining the agreement of the company and of holders of
common shares, representing in the aggregate a majority in number and at least 75% in value
of the common shareholders present and voting at a court ordered meeting held to consider
the scheme of arrangement. The scheme of arrangement must then be sanctioned by the Bermuda
Supreme Court. If a scheme of arrangement receives all necessary agreements and sanctions,
upon the filing of the court order with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda, all holders
of common shares could be compelled to sell their shares under the terms of the scheme or
arrangement. |
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If the acquiring party is a company by acquiring pursuant to a tender offer 90% of the
shares or class of shares not already owned by, or by a nominee for, the acquiring party
(the offeror), or any of its subsidiaries. If an offeror has, within four months after the
making of an offer for all the shares or class of shares not owned by, or by a nominee for,
the offeror, or any of its subsidiaries, obtained the approval of the holders of 90% or
more of all the shares to which the offer relates, the offeror may, at any time within two
months beginning with the date on which the approval was obtained, require by notice any
nontendering shareholder to transfer its shares on the same terms as the original offer. In
those circumstances, nontendering shareholders will be compelled to sell their shares
unless the Supreme Court of Bermuda (on application made within a one-month period from the
date of the offerors notice of its intention to acquire such shares) orders otherwise. |
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Where the acquiring party or parties hold not less than 95% of the shares or a class of
shares of the company, by acquiring, pursuant to a notice given to the remaining
shareholders or class of shareholders, the shares of such remaining shareholders or class
of shareholders. When this notice is given, the acquiring party is entitled and bound to
acquire the shares of the remaining shareholders on the terms set out in the notice, unless
a remaining shareholder, within one month of receiving such notice, applies to the Supreme |
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Court of Bermuda for an appraisal of the value of their shares. This provision only applies
where the acquiring party offers the same terms to all holders of shares whose shares are
being acquired. |
Delaware law provides that a parent corporation, by resolution of its board of directors and
without any shareholder vote, may merge with any subsidiary of which it owns at least 90% of each
class of its capital stock. Upon any such merger, dissenting shareholders of the subsidiary would
have appraisal rights.
Shareholders Suits
Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law.
The Bermuda courts, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit a shareholder to commence an
action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong to the company where the act complained of is
alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or illegal, or would result in the
violation of the companys memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore, consideration would
be given by a Bermuda court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority
shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of the
companys shareholders than that which actually approved it.
Our bye-laws contain a provision by virtue of which our shareholders waive any claim or right of
action that they have, both individually and on our behalf, against any director or officer in
relation to any action or failure to take action by such director or officer, except in respect of
any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer. The operation of this provision as a waiver of
the right to sue for violations of federal securities laws may be unenforceable in U.S. courts.
Class actions and derivative actions generally are available to shareholders under Delaware law
for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in
accordance with applicable law. In such actions, the court generally has discretion to permit the
winning party to recover attorneys fees incurred in connection with such action.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 98 of the Companies Act provides generally that a Bermuda company may indemnify its
directors, officers and auditors against any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would
otherwise be imposed on them in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of
trust, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud or dishonesty of which such director,
officer or auditor may be guilty in relation to the company. Section 98 further provides that a
Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability incurred
by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is awarded in
their favor or in which they are acquitted or granted relief by the Supreme Court of Bermuda
pursuant to section 281 of the Companies Act.
We have adopted provisions in our bye-laws that provide that we shall indemnify our officers and
directors in respect of their actions and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or
dishonesty. We also have entered into directors service agreements with our directors, pursuant to
which we have agreed to indemnify them against any liability brought against them by reason of
their service as directors, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud, dishonesty, bad
faith, gross negligence, willful default or willful misfeasance. Our bye-laws provide that the
shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that they might have, individually or in right of
the company, against any of the companys directors or officers for any act or failure to act in
the performance of such directors or officers duties, except in respect of any fraud or
dishonesty of such director or officer. Section 98A of the Companies Act permits us to purchase and
maintain insurance for the benefit of any officer or director in respect of any loss or liability
attaching to him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, whether
or not we may otherwise indemnify such officer or director. We have purchased and maintain a
directors and officers liability policy for such a purpose.
Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation against
expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred in defense of an action, suit or proceeding by reason of such position if (1)
such director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (2) with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, such director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was unlawful.
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Inspection of Corporate Records
Members of the general public have the right to inspect our public documents available at the
office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda and our registered office in Bermuda, which will
include our memorandum of association (including its objects and powers) and certain alterations to
our memorandum of association. Our shareholders have the additional right to inspect our bye-laws,
minutes of general meetings and audited financial statements, which must be presented to the annual
general meeting of shareholders.
The register of members of a company is also open to inspection by shareholders, and by members of
the general public without charge. The register of members is required to be open for inspection
for not less than two hours in any business day (subject to the ability of a company to close the
register of members for not more than 30 days in a year). A company is required to maintain its
share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, establish a
branch register outside of Bermuda. A company is required to keep at its registered office a
register of directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in any
business day by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a
general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records.
Delaware law permits any shareholder to inspect or obtain copies of a corporations shareholder
list and its other books and records for any purpose reasonably related to such persons interest
as a shareholder.
Shareholder Proposals
Under Bermuda law, shareholders may, as set forth below and at their own expense (unless the
company otherwise resolves), require the company to: (1) give notice to all shareholders entitled
to receive notice of the annual general meeting of any resolution that the shareholders may
properly move at the next annual general meeting; and/or (2) circulate to all shareholders entitled
to receive notice of any general meeting a statement in respect of any matter referred to in the
proposed resolution or any business to be conducted at such general meeting. The number of
shareholders necessary for such a requisition is either: (1) any number of shareholders
representing not less than 5% of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote at
the meeting to which the requisition relates; or (2) not less than 100 shareholders.
Delaware law does not include a provision restricting the manner in which nominations for directors
may be made by shareholders or the manner in which business may be brought before a meeting
although restrictions may be included in a Delaware companys certificate of incorporation or
bye-laws.
Calling of Special Shareholders Meetings
Under our bye-laws, a special general meeting may be called by the President, the chairman of the
board or the board of directors. Bermuda law also provides that a special general meeting must be
called upon the request of shareholders holding not less than 10% of the paid-up capital of the
company carrying the right to vote at general meetings.
Delaware law permits the board of directors or any person who is authorized under a corporations
certificate of incorporation or bye-laws to call a special meeting of shareholders.
Amendment of Organizational Documents
Bermuda law provides that the memorandum of association of a company may be amended by a resolution
passed at a general meeting of shareholders of which due notice has been given. Certain amendments
to the memorandum of association may require approval of the Bermuda Minister of Finance, who may
grant or withhold approval at his or her discretion.
Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of not less than 20% in par value of a companys
issued share capital have the right to apply to the Bermuda courts for an annulment of any
amendment of the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting, other
than an amendment which alters or reduces a
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companys share capital as provided in the Companies Act. Where such an application is made, the
amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda court. An
application for an annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within
21 days after the date on which the resolution altering the companys memorandum of association is
passed and may be made on behalf of persons entitled to make the application by one or more of
their designees as such holders may appoint in writing for such purpose. No application may be made
by the shareholders voting in favor of the amendment.
Under Delaware law, amendment of the certificate of incorporation, which is the equivalent of a
memorandum of association, of a company must be made by a resolution of the board of directors
setting forth the amendment, declaring its advisability, and either calling a special meeting of
the shareholders entitled to vote or directing that the proposed amendment be considered at the
next annual meeting of the shareholders. Delaware law requires that, unless a different percentage
is provided for in the certificate of incorporation, a majority of the voting power of the
corporation is required to approve the amendment of the certificate of incorporation at the
shareholders meeting. If the amendment would alter the number of authorized shares or par value or
otherwise adversely affect the rights or preference of any class of a companys stock, the holders
of the issued and outstanding shares of such affected class, regardless of whether such holders are
entitled to vote by the certificate of incorporation, are entitled to vote as a class upon the
proposed amendment. However, the number of authorized shares of any class may be increased or
decreased, to the extent not falling below the number of shares then issued and outstanding, by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock entitled to vote, if so provided in the
companys certificate of incorporation that was authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of such class or classes of stock.
Amendment of Bye-laws
Our bye-laws provide that the bye-laws may only be rescinded, altered or amended upon approval by a
resolution of our board of directors and by a resolution of our shareholders, adopted by the
affirmative votes of at least a majority of all shares entitled to vote on the resolution. Our
bye-laws provide that, notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time that Babcock & Brown holds any of
our manager shares, rescission, alteration or amendment of the bye-law relating to our ability to
terminate the Managers appointment under our management agreement also requires the approval of
the holder of our manager shares.
Under Delaware law, unless the certificate of incorporation or bye-laws provide for a different
vote, holders of a majority of the voting power of a corporation and, if so provided in the
certificate of incorporation, the directors of the corporation have the power to adopt, amend and
repeal the bye-laws of a corporation. Those bye-laws dealing with the election of directors,
classes of directors and the term of office of directors may only be rescinded, altered or amended
upon approval by a resolution of the directors and by a resolution of shareholders carrying not
less than 66% of all shares entitled to vote on the resolution.
Transfer Agent
Codan Services Limited, Hamilton, Bermuda, acts as the registrar and transfer agent for our common
shares.
DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Receipts
All of our issued and outstanding common shares are held by the depositary, Deutsche Bank
Trust Company Americas (the Depositary) in the form of ADSs. The Depositary is a state chartered New York banking
corporation and a member of the United States Federal Reserve System, subject to regulation and
supervision principally by the United States Federal Reserve Board and the New York State Banking
Department. The Depositary was incorporated as a limited liability bank on March 5, 1903 in the
State of New York. The registered office of the Depositary is located at 60 Wall Street, New York,
NY 10005 and the registered number is BR1026. The principal executive office of the Depositary is
located at 60 Wall Street, New York NY 10005.
Each ADS represents an ownership interest in one common share which we deposit with the custodian
under the deposit agreement among ourselves, the Depositary, and ADS holders. Your ADSs are
evidenced by what are
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known as American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, in the same way a share is evidenced by a share
certificate. Your rights as a holder of ADSs is governed by the deposit agreement and our bye-laws.
The following is a summary of the material terms of the deposit agreement. Because it is a summary,
it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For more complete
information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR which contains the
terms of your ADSs. You can read a copy of the deposit agreement which is filed with the SEC as an
exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-6, as filed with the SEC on September 21, 2007, as
may be subsequently amended. You may also obtain a copy of the deposit agreement at the SECs
Public Reference Room, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, United
States of America. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by
calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. Copies of the deposit agreement and the form of ADR are also
available for inspection at the corporate trust office of the Depositary. The Depositary keeps
books at its corporate trust office for the registration of ADRs and transfer of ADRs which, at all
reasonable times, shall be open for inspection by ADS holders, provided that inspection shall not
be for the purposes of communicating with ADS holders in the interest of a business or object other
than our business or a matter related to the deposit agreement or the ADSs.
For a description of our bye-laws, see Description of Share Capital.
Holding the ADSs
Unless otherwise agreed among us and the Depositary in accordance with the terms of the deposit
agreement, the ADSs are held electronically in book-entry form either directly (by having an ADR
registered in your name) or indirectly through your broker or other financial institution. If you
hold ADSs directly, you are an ADR holder. This description assumes you hold your ADSs directly. If
you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial
institution to assert the rights of ADR holders described in this section. You should consult with
your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.
As an ADR holder, you are not treated as one of our shareholders and you do not have shareholder
rights. Bermuda law governs shareholder rights. The Depositary is the holder of the common shares
underlying your ADSs. As a holder of ADRs, you have ADR holder rights. A deposit agreement among
us, the Depositary and you, as an ADR holder, and the beneficial owners of ADRs sets out ADR holder
rights, representations and warranties as well as the rights and obligations of the Depositary. New
York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADRs.
Fees and Expenses
Except as described below, we pay all fees, charges and expenses of the Depositary and any agent of
the Depositary pursuant to agreements from time to time between us and the Depositary, except that
if you elect to withdraw the common shares underlying your ADRs from the Depositary you will be
required to pay the Depositary a fee of up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs surrendered or any portion
thereof, together with expenses incurred by the Depositary and any taxes or charges, such as stamp
taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, in connection with the withdrawal. We will not receive any
portion of the fee payable to the Depositary upon a withdrawal of shares from the Depositary. The
Depositary will not make any payments to us, and we will not receive any portion of any fees
collected by the Depositary.
Except as specified above in connection with a cancellation of ADSs and withdrawal of common shares
from the Depositary, we are required to pay any taxes and other governmental charges incurred by
the Depositary or the custodian on any ADR or common share underlying an ADR, including any
applicable interest and penalties thereon, any stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental
charges in any applicable jurisdiction.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The Depositary has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the
custodian receives on common shares or other deposited securities, less any fees described below
under Withholding Taxes, Duties and Other Governmental Charges. You will receive these
distributions in proportion to the number of common
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shares your ADSs represent as of the record date set by the Depositary with respect to the ADSs.
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Withholding Taxes, Duties and Other Governmental Charges. Before making a distribution,
the Depositary will deduct any withholding taxes, duties or other governmental charges that
must be paid. Dividends on our shares are subject to deduction of Irish withholding taxes,
unless an exemption to withholding is available. U.S. holders of ADSs (including U.S.
citizens or residents) are entitled to claim a refund of Irish withholding taxes on
dividends. Unless a U.S. holder of ADSs otherwise specifies, a customary fee of $0.003 per
ADS will be deducted from each dividend paid to such holder so that such dividend may be
paid gross of Irish withholding taxes. |
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Shares. The Depositary may distribute additional ADSs representing any common shares we
distribute as a dividend or free distribution to the extent permissible by law. If the
Depositary does not distribute additional ADRs, the outstanding ADSs will also represent
the new common shares. |
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Elective Distributions in Cash or Shares. If we offer holders of our common shares the
option to receive dividends in either cash or common shares, the Depositary will, after
consultation with us and to the extent permissible by law and reasonably practicable, offer
holders of ADSs the option to receive dividends in either cash or ADSs to the extent
permissible under applicable law and in accordance with the deposit agreement. |
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Rights to Receive Additional Shares. If we offer holders of our common shares any
rights to subscribe for additional common shares or any other rights, the Depositary, after
consultation with us and to the extent permissible by law and reasonably practicable, will
make these rights available to you as a holder of ADSs. If the Depositary makes rights
available to you, it will exercise the rights and purchase the common shares on your behalf
subject to your payment of applicable fees, taxes, charges and expenses. The Depositary
will then deposit the common shares and issue ADSs to you. It will only exercise rights if
you pay it the exercise price and any taxes and other governmental charges the rights
require you to pay. U.S. securities laws or Bermuda law may restrict the sale, deposit,
cancellation, and transfer of the ADSs issued after exercise of rights. Our intent is not
to offer holders any rights to subscribe for additional common shares unless the holders of
our ADSs would thereby be offered rights to receive ADSs in an offering registered under
U.S. securities laws. |
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Other Distributions. Subject to receipt of timely notice from us with the request to
make any such distribution available to you, and provided the Depositary has determined
that such distribution is lawful, practicable and feasible and in accordance with the terms
of the deposit agreement, the Depositary will send to you anything else we distribute on
deposited securities by any means it deems practical in proportion to the number of ADSs
held by you, net of any taxes and other governmental charges withheld. |
The Depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a
distribution available to any ADR holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, common shares,
rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other
action to permit the distribution of ADRs, common shares, rights or anything else to ADR holders.
This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them
if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you.
Deposit and Withdrawal
The Depositary delivers ADSs upon deposit of common shares with the custodian. The custodian holds
all deposited common shares, including those being deposited by us in connection with the offering
to which this prospectus relates, for the account of the Depositary. You thus have no direct
ownership interest in the common shares and only have the rights as are set out in the deposit
agreement. The custodian also holds any additional securities, property
and cash received on, or in substitution for, the deposited common shares. The deposited common
shares and any such additional items are all referred to collectively as deposited securities.
Upon each deposit of common shares, receipt of related delivery documentation and compliance with
the other
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provisions of the deposit agreement, the Depositary issues an ADR or ADRs in the name of
the person entitled thereto evidencing the number of ADSs to which that person is entitled.
Alternatively, at your request, risk and expense, the Depositary in its discretion will deliver
certificated ADRs at the Depositarys principal New York office or any other location that it may
designate as its transfer office.
You may surrender your ADRs at the Depositarys office or through instruction provided to your
broker. Upon payment of its fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, it and of any taxes or
charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the Depositary will deliver the
common shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADR to you or a person you
designate at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the Depositary
will deliver the deposited securities at its principal New York office or any other location that
it may designate as its transfer office, if feasible.
You have the right to cancel your ADSs and withdraw the underlying common shares at any time
subject only to:
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temporary delays caused by closing of our or the Depositarys transfer books, or the
deposit of common shares in connection with voting at a shareholders meeting, or the
payment of dividends; |
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the surrender of ADRs evidencing a number of ADSs representing other than a whole number
of common shares; |
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the payment of fees, charges, taxes and other governmental charges; or |
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where deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or us in good faith due to any
requirement of any U.S. or foreign laws, government, governmental body or commission, any
securities exchange on which the ADSs or common shares are listed or governmental
regulations relating to the ADSs or the withdrawal of the underlying common shares. |
U.S. securities laws provide that this right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other
provision of the deposit agreement. However, we do not intend to list our common shares for trading
on any exchange. Therefore, it may be more difficult to dispose of our common shares than it will
be to dispose of our ADSs.
Transmission of Notices to Shareholders
We will promptly transmit to the Depositary those communications that we make generally available
to our shareholders together with annual and other reports prepared in accordance with applicable
requirements of U.S. securities laws. Upon our request and at our expense, subject to the
distribution of any such communications being lawful and not in contravention of any regulatory
restrictions or requirements if so distributed and made available to holders, the Depositary will
arrange for the timely mailing of copies of such communications to all ADS holders and will make a
copy of such communications available for inspection at the Depositarys Corporate Trust Office,
the office of the custodian or any other designated transfer office of the Depositary.
Voting Rights
As soon as practicable upon receipt of timely notice of any meeting at which the holders of our
shares are entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of our shares,
the Depositary will fix a record date in respect of such meeting or solicitation of consent or
proxy. The Depositary will, if requested by us in writing in a timely manner, mail by regular,
ordinary mail delivery (or by electronic mail or as otherwise may be agreed between us and the
Depositary from time to time) or otherwise distribute to holders of ADSs as of the record date: (a)
such information as is contained in such notice of meeting (or solicitation of consent or proxy)
received by the Depositary
from us, (b) a statement that holders as of the record date will be entitled, insofar as
practicable and permitted under applicable law, the terms of the deposit agreement, the terms and
conditions of our common shares and of our bye-laws (and subject to such other requirements as we
shall notify the Depositary), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights
(or deemed exercise of voting rights), if any, pertaining to the amount of our common shares
represented by their respective ADSs, and (c) a statement as to the manner in which such
instructions may be
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given or may be deemed to have been given as described below if no
validly-completed instructions are received by the Depositary from a holder of ADSs by the ADS
voting cut off date set by the Depositary for such purpose. Upon the written request of a holder as
of such record date, received on or before the ADS voting cut off date, the Depositary will
endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the amount of our common shares
represented by the ADSs in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request.
To the extent no such instructions are received by the Depositary on or before the ADS voting cut
off date from holders of a sufficient number of shares so as to enable the Company to meet its
quorum requirements with respect to any such meeting of shareholders, the Depositary will, upon our
written request and at all times subject to applicable law, the terms of the deposit agreement, the
terms and conditions of our common shares and our bye-laws, deem such holder to: (A) have
instructed the Depositary to take such action as is necessary to cause the number of underlying
shares for which no voting instructions have been received from holders of ADSs so as to meet
applicable quorum requirements (currently 25% of our common shares) to be counted for the purposes
of satisfying applicable quorum requirements; and (B) have given a power of attorney to the
Depositary or the custodian, as its nominee, to cause such equal number of common shares so counted
under (A) above being counted for the purposes of establishing a quorum, with respect to any
resolution proposed by the Board of Directors of the Company within the agenda set for such
meeting, to be voted at any such meeting in proportion to the voting instructions duly-received by
the Depositary from holders of ADSs as of the record date by the ADS voting cut off date; provided,
however that, except to the extent we have provided the Depositary with at least 30 days written
notice of any such meeting, the common shares shall not be so counted and shall not be so voted
(proportionately to the voting instructions received by the Depositary from holders of ADSs as of
the record date by the ADS voting cut off date) with respect to any matter as to which the
Depositary informs us that the Depositary reasonably believes that with respect to any such
resolution: (i) substantial opposition exists or (ii) it materially affects the rights of holders
of common shares. For the purposes of this provision of the deposit agreement, by way of example
and not limitation, it is agreed that routine matters, such as appointing auditors and directors
(except where a competing director or slate of directors is proposed), and resolutions to approve
the public offering or private placement of securities, would not materially affect the rights of
holders of common shares.
There can be no assurance that holders generally or any holder in particular will receive the
notice described above with sufficient time to enable such holder to return voting instructions to
the Depositary by the ADS voting cut off date. In the deposit agreement, we have agreed that we
will endeavor to provide at least 30 days prior written notice to the Depositary which will enable
the timely notification of holders as to limitations on the ability of the Depositary to vote a
particular ADS according to the voting instructions received in regard to such ADS. Common shares
which have been withdrawn from the Depositary facility and transferred on our register of members
to a person other than the Depositary or its nominee may be voted by the holders thereof in
accordance with applicable law and our bye-laws. However, holders or beneficial owners of ADSs may
not receive sufficient advance notice of shareholder meetings to enable them to withdraw the common
shares and vote at such meetings.
Payment of Taxes
You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the
deposited securities underlying your ADRs. The Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, deliver ADRs,
register the transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs, or allow you to withdraw the deposited
securities underlying your ADSs until such payment is made including any applicable interest and
penalty thereon. We, the custodian or the Depositary may withhold or deduct the amounts of taxes
owed from any distributions to you or may sell deposited securities, by public or private sale, to
pay any taxes and any applicable interest and penalties owed. You will remain liable if the
proceeds of the sale are not enough to pay the taxes. If the Depositary sells deposited securities,
it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to you any proceeds,
or send to you any property remaining after it has paid the taxes.
Unless a U.S. holder of ADSs otherwise specifies, a customary fee of $0.003 per ADS will be
deducted from each dividend paid to such holder so that such dividend may be paid gross of Irish
withholding taxes.
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Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers
If we take actions that affect the deposited securities, including (1) any change in par value,
split-up, cancellation, consolidation or other reclassification of deposited securities to the
extent permitted by any applicable law, (2) any distribution on the common shares that is not
distributed to you and (3) any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation
or sale of our assets affecting us or to which we are a party resulting in a distribution of cash
or securities to our shareholders, then the cash, common shares or other securities received by the
Depositary in connection therewith will become deposited securities and be subject to the deposit
agreement and any applicable law, evidence the right to receive such additional deposited
securities, and the Depositary may choose to:
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distribute additional ADSs; |
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call for surrender of outstanding ADSs to be exchanged for new ADSs; |
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distribute cash, securities or other property it has received in connection with such
actions; |
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sell any securities or property received at public or private sale on an averaged or
other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among holders and distribute the
net proceeds as cash; or |
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treat the cash, securities or other property it receives as part of the deposited
securities, and each ADS will then represent a proportionate interest in that property. |
Amendment and Termination
We may agree with the Depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADSs without your consent
for any reason deemed necessary or desirable. You will be given at least 30 days notice of any
amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges, except for taxes, governmental charges,
delivery expenses or other charges specifically payable by ADS holders under the deposit agreement,
or which otherwise materially prejudices any substantial existing right of holders or beneficial
owners of ADSs. If an ADS holder continues to hold ADSs after being so notified of these changes,
that ADS holder is deemed to agree to that amendment and be bound by the ADRs and the agreement as
amended. An amendment can become effective before notice is given if necessary to ensure compliance
with a new law, rule or regulation.
At any time we may instruct the Depositary to terminate the deposit agreement, in which case the
Depositary will give notice to you at least 30 days prior to termination. The Depositary may also
terminate the deposit agreement if it has told us that it would like to resign or we have removed
the Depositary and we have not appointed a new Depositary bank within 90 days, in such instances,
the Depositary will give notice to you at least 30 days prior to termination. After termination,
the Depositarys only responsibility will be to deliver deposited securities to ADS holders who
surrender their ADSs upon payment of any fees, charges, taxes or other governmental charges, and to
hold or sell distributions received on deposited securities. After the expiration of six months
from the termination date, the Depositary may sell the deposited securities which remain and hold
the net proceeds of such sales, uninvested and without liability for interest, for the pro rata
benefit of ADS holders who have not yet surrendered their ADSs. After selling the deposited
securities, the Depositary has no obligations except to account for those net proceeds and other
cash. Upon termination of the deposit agreement, we will be discharged from all obligations except
for our obligations to the Depositary.
We intend to maintain a Depositary arrangement for so long as it facilitates U.S. holders in
benefiting from an exemption to Irish withholding taxes on dividends on our common shares.
Limitations on Obligations and Liability
The deposit agreement expressly limits our and the Depositarys obligations and liability.
We and the Depositary:
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are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement
without gross negligence or bad faith; |
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are not liable if either of us by law or circumstances beyond our control is prevented
from, or delayed in, performing any obligation under the agreement, including, without
limitation, requirements of any present or future law, regulation, governmental or
regulatory authority or stock exchange of any applicable jurisdiction, any present or
future provision of our memorandum of association and bye-laws, on account of possible
civil or criminal penalties or restraint, any provisions of or governing the deposited
securities, any act of God, war or other circumstances beyond each of our control as set
forth in the deposit agreement; |
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are not liable if either of us exercises or fails to exercise the discretion permitted
under the deposit agreement, the provisions of or governing the deposited securities or our
memorandum of association and bye-laws; |
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are not liable for any action/inaction on the advice or information of legal counsel,
accountants, any person presenting common shares for deposit, holders and beneficial owners
(or authorized representatives) of ADRs, or any person believed in good faith to be
competent to give such advice or information; |
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are not liable for the inability of any holder to benefit from any distribution,
offering, right or other benefit if made in accordance with the provisions of the deposit
agreement; |
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have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or other proceeding related to any
deposited securities or the ADSs or the deposit agreement on your behalf or on behalf of
any other party; |
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may rely upon any documents we believe in good faith to be genuine and to have been
signed or presented by the proper party; and |
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shall not incur any liability for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential
damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement. |
The Depositary and its agents shall not incur any liability under the deposit agreement for the
failure to carry out any instructions to vote, the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect
of any vote or failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably
practicable or allowing any rights to lapse in accordance with the provisions of the deposit
agreement, the failure or timeliness of any notice from us, the content of any information
submitted to it by us for distribution to you, any investment risk associated with the acquisition
of an interest in the deposited securities, the validity or worth of the deposited securities or
for any tax consequences that may result from ownership of ADSs, common shares or deposited
securities for the creditworthiness of any third party and for any indirect, special, punitive or
consequential damage.
We have agreed to indemnify the Depositary under certain circumstances. However, the deposit
agreement does not limit our liability under federal securities laws. The Depositary may own and
deal in any class of our securities and in the ADSs.
Requirements for Depositary Actions
Before the Depositary issues, delivers or registers a transfer of an ADS, makes a distribution on
an ADS, or permits withdrawal of common shares or other property, the Depositary may require:
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payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or
registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any common shares or other
deposited securities; |
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production of satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or
other information it deems necessary; and |
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compliance with regulations it may establish, from time to time, consistent with the
deposit agreement, including presentation of transfer documents. |
The Depositary also may suspend the issuance of ADSs, the deposit of common shares, the
registration, transfer, split-up or combination of ADSs or the withdrawal of deposited securities,
unless the deposit agreement provides otherwise, if the register for ADSs is closed or if we or the
Depositary decide any such action is necessary or advisable.
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas keeps books for the registration and transfer of ADRs at its
offices. You may reasonably inspect such books, except if you have a purpose other than our
business or a matter related to the deposit agreement or the ADRs.
Disclosure of Interests
By purchasing ADSs, you agree to comply with our memorandum of association and bye-laws and the
laws of Bermuda, the United States of America and any other relevant jurisdiction regarding any
disclosure requirements regarding ownership of common shares, all as if the ADSs were, for this
purpose, the common shares they represent.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The debt securities will have the terms described in this prospectus unless the prospectus
supplement describes different terms.
Each series of debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association. The trustee serves two principal roles:
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the trustee can enforce your rights against us if an Event of Default described
below occurs; and |
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the trustee performs various administrative duties. |
The following description is a summary of selected provisions relating to the debt securities and
the indenture. The summary is not complete. We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should not rely on this summary,
because the indenture and not this summary defines your rights as a holder of the debt securities.
When debt securities are offered in the future, the prospectus supplement will explain the
particular terms of those securities and the extent to which these general provisions may apply.
Capitalized terms used in the summary have the meanings specified in the indenture.
General
The debt securities will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The
indenture does not limit the total principal amount of debt securities that we can issue. We may
issue the debt securities in one or more series as we may authorize from time to time. In addition,
we may reopen a previous issue of debt securities by issuing additional debt securities of that
series.
A prospectus supplement and a supplemental indenture (or resolutions of our board of directors in
lieu of a supplemental indenture) relating to any series of debt securities being offered will
include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the
following:
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the title of the debt securities; |
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any limit on the total principal amount of the debt securities; |
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whether the debt securities are senior debt securities or subordinated debt
securities or a combination thereof; |
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the dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the debt securities will be
payable; |
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the interest rate (or method of determining the rate) that the debt securities will
bear, the interest payment dates for the debt securities and the record dates for
determination of the holders to whom interest is payable; |
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the place where we will pay principal, premium and interest on the debt securities; |
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any optional redemption periods and prices and any specific terms or conditions
related to optional redemptions; |
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whether the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable into other securities; |
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any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or
otherwise redeem the debt securities; |
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the denominations in which we will issue the debt securities, if other than $1,000
and any integral multiple thereof; |
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the manner in which we will determine the amounts of principal, premium or interest
payments on the debt securities if these amounts may be determined by reference to an
index; |
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the currency in which we will pay principal, premium and interest on the debt
securities if other than the United States dollar; |
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if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of
the debt securities (a) payable if the maturity of the debt securities is accelerated
or (b) provable in bankruptcy; |
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any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities; |
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any changes in or additions to the Events of Default (as defined below); |
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whether we will issue the debt securities in the form of global securities and the
terms and conditions of the global securities; |
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any changes or additions to the covenants; and |
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any other terms of the debt securities. |
We may issue debt securities at a discount below their stated principal amount. Even if we do not
issue the debt securities below their stated principal amount, for United States federal income tax
purposes the debt securities may be deemed to have been issued with a discount because of certain
interest payment characteristics. We will describe in a prospectus supplement the United States
federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued at a discount or deemed to
be issued at a discount. We will also describe in a prospectus supplement any special United States
federal income tax considerations or other restrictions or terms applicable to the debt securities
being issued, including, as applicable, securities issuable in bearer form, offered exclusively to
foreigners or denominated in a foreign currency.
We may issue debt securities in fully registered form without coupons or in a form registered as to
principal only with coupons or in bearer form with coupons. Unless specified in the prospectus
supplement, the debt securities will
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be in fully registered form without coupons. In addition, we
may issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities as described below.
Registration, Transfer and Payment
Principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on fully registered securities will be payable
at the place or places we designate for such purpose, or we may pay interest by check mailed to the
persons in whose names the securities are registered at the close of business on the day or days
specified in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus. The principal of, premium, if
any, and interest, if any, on debt securities in other forms will be payable in the manner and at
the place we designate as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
You may present fully registered securities for transfer or exchange at the corporate trust office
of the trustee or any other office or agency we maintain for that purpose, without the payment of
any service charge except for any tax or governmental charge incidental to the transfer or
exchange. Provisions for the transfer or exchange of securities in other forms will be set forth in
the applicable prospectus supplement.
Global Securities
We may issue the debt securities in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities.
A global security is a security, typically held by a depositary, that represents the beneficial
interests of a number of purchasers of such security. We will deposit global securities with the
depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. Unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for
debt securities in definitive form, a global certificate may generally be transferred only as a
whole to certain nominees of the depositary or to a successor depositary or nominee of a successor
depositary.
We will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt
securities in a prospectus supplement. We expect that the following provisions will generally apply
to our depositary arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons
that may hold interests through participants. The term participants means institutions that have
established accounts with the depositary or its nominee. Upon the issuance of a global security,
and the deposit of the global security with or on behalf of the depositary, the depositary will
credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the
debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of participants. The
underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the debt securities will designate the
accounts to be credited. If we offer and sell the debt securities directly or through agents,
either we or our agents will designate the accounts. Ownership of beneficial interests in the
global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through,
records maintained by the depositary and its participants. The laws of some jurisdictions require
that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities. Such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
Principal of, any premium on and any interest payments on debt securities represented by a global
security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or
its nominee as the registered owner of the global security. We and the trustee will treat the
depositary or its nominee as the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by a
global security for all purposes, including for paying principal, premium and interest. Except as
set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not:
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be entitled to have the debt securities represented by the global security
registered in their names; |
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receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities in
definitive form; or |
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be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities. |
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Therefore, we and the trustee do not have any direct responsibility or liability for the payment of
principal of, premium, if any, on or interest, if any, on any debt securities represented by a
global security to owners of beneficial interests in the global security.
We expect that the depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payments, will on the same date
credit participants accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the depositarys or its
nominees records. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interest in
the global security will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the
case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in street names and will
be the responsibility of these participants and will not be the responsibility of the depositary or
its nominee, the trustee or us. We or the trustee are responsible only for paying principal,
premium, if any, and interest, if any, to the depositary or its nominee. The depositary or its
nominee and the direct and indirect participants are responsible for disbursing these payments to
the owners of beneficial interests in the global securities.
If the depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a successor
depositary is not appointed by us within ninety days, we will issue individual debt securities in
exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion determine
not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by global securities and, in such
event, will issue debt securities of such series in exchange for the global security.
Neither we, nor the trustee or any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in
the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the
beneficial ownership interests. No such person will be liable for any delay by the depositary or
any of its participants in identifying the owners of beneficial interests in a global security, and
we, the trustee and any paying agent may conclusively rely on instructions from the depositary or
its nominee for all purposes.
Subordination
Senior debt securities will rank on an equal basis with all our other unsecured debt obligations
except subordinated debt.
Subordinated debt securities will rank subordinated and junior in right of payment, to the extent
set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subordinated debt securities, to all our
senior debt (which will be defined in the applicable prospectus supplement).
If we default in the payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior
debt when it becomes due and payable after any applicable grace period, then, unless and until the
default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we cannot make a payment on account of or redeem or
otherwise acquire the subordinated debt securities.
If there is any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar proceeding relating to us, our
creditors or our property, then all senior debt must be paid in full before any payment may be made
to any holders of subordinated debt securities.
Furthermore, if we default in the payment of the principal of and accrued interest on any
subordinated debt securities that is declared due and payable upon an event of default under the
indenture, holders of all senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash
before holders of the subordinated debt can receive any payments.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
The terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for
common shares or other of our securities will be detailed in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option
of the holder, or at our option, and may include
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provisions pursuant to which the number of shares
of our common stock or other of our securities to be received by the holders of the series of debt
securities would be subject to adjustment.
Consolidation, Merger or Sale
The indenture provides that, except as otherwise provided in any prospectus supplement, we may
consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease our properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to another person, if among other things:
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the resulting, surviving or transferee person (if other than us) assumes all our
obligations under the debt securities and the indenture; and |
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we or such successor person is not immediately thereafter in default under the
indenture. |
Upon the assumption our obligations by such a person upon the sale of all or substantially all the
assets in compliance with the indenture, we shall be discharged from all obligations under the debt
securities and the indenture. Although such transactions are permitted under the indenture, certain
of the foregoing transactions could constitute a change in control, as described in any
prospectus supplement, permitting each holder to require us to purchase the debt securities of such
holder as described in any prospectus supplement.
Modification and Waiver
The indenture (including the terms and conditions of the debt securities) may be modified or
amended by us and the trustee, with respect to any series of debt securities, without the consent
of the holder of such series of debt securities, for the purposes of, among other things:
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adding to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities of such
series; |
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surrendering any right or power conferred upon us in respect of such series; |
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providing for the assumption of our obligations to the holders of the debt securities of
such series in the case of a permitted merger, consolidation, conveyance, transfer or
lease; |
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complying with the requirements of the SEC in connection with the registration of the
debt securities of such series under the Securities Act and the qualification of the
indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, provided that such modification or amendment does
not, in the good faith opinion of our board of directors and the trustee, adversely affect
the interests of the holders of the debt securities of such series in any material respect;
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curing any ambiguity or correcting or supplementing any defective provision contained in
the indenture; provided that such modification or amendment does not materially adversely
affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of such series. |
Modifications and amendments to the indenture or to the terms and conditions of the debt securities
of such series may also be made, and past defaults by us may be waived, either:
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with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount at maturity of the debt securities of such series at the time outstanding; or |
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by the adoption of a resolution at a meeting of holders by at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount
at maturity of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting. |
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However, no such modification, amendment or waiver may, without the written consent or the
affirmative vote of the holder of each debt security so affected:
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change the stated maturity of such debt security; |
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reduce the principal amount at maturity, redemption price or purchase price on such debt
security; |
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change the currency of payment of such debt security or interest thereon; |
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reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount at maturity of any debt security
outstanding necessary to modify or amend the indenture or to waive any past default; or |
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impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment with respect to
such debt security. |
Events of Default
Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture provides that
the following are Events of Default with respect to any series of the debt securities issued
thereunder:
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default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any debt security of
such series when and as the same shall become due and payable; |
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default for 30 days in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt security
of such series when and as the same shall become due and payable; |
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default in the making or satisfaction of any sinking fund payment when the same shall
become due and payable on the terms of any debt securities of such series; |
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default for 60 days after notice in the performance of any other covenant in respect of
the debt securities of such series contained in the indenture; |
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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or |
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any other event of default described in the prospectus supplement for such series. |
An Event of Default with respect to any particular series of debt securities issued under an
indenture does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default with respect to any other series of
debt securities issued under such indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any
debt securities of any default (except in the payment of principal or interest) if it considers
such withholding is in the interests of such holders.
Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, if an Event of Default with
respect to any series of debt securities shall have occurred and be continuing, the trustee or the
holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series of debt securities may
declare the principal of all the debt securities of such series to be due and payable immediately;
provided, however, that subject to certain conditions, any such declaration and its consequences
may be rescinded and annulled by the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the debt securities of such series.
The indenture will require us to file annually with the trustee a certificate, signed by a
specified officer, stating whether or not such officer has obtained knowledge of any default by us
in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any condition or covenant of such indenture, and,
if so, specifying each such default and the nature thereof.
Subject to provisions relating to its duties in case of a default, a trustee shall be under no
obligation to exercise any
27
of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request, order or
direction of any holders, unless the holders shall have offered to such trustee reasonable
indemnity.
Subject to such provisions for indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of
the debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding or any remedy available to the appropriate trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon such trustee, with respect to the debt securities of such series.
Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance
With certain exceptions, we may satisfy and discharge its obligations under the indenture with
respect to any series of debt securities:
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by delivering to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding debt securities of such
series or by depositing with the trustee cash or securities (as applicable under the terms
of the indenture) sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness evidenced by the
outstanding debt securities of such series that have not then been delivered to the trustee
for cancellation when or after such securities have become due and payable; and |
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by paying all other sums payable by the us under the indenture with respect to the debt
securities of such series. |
Under federal income tax law as of the date of this prospectus, such deposit and discharge may be
treated as a disposition of the related debt securities. Each holder might be required to recognize
gain or loss equal to the difference between the holders cost or other tax basis in the debt
securities and the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received upon such
disposition. Holders might be required to include as income a different amount than would be
includable without the discharge. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors
as to the tax consequences of a discharge, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other
than the federal income tax law.
A series of debt securities may have no conditions for defeasance or may have additional or
different conditions for defeasance as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common shares, preference shares or debt securities. We
may issue warrants independently or together with any offered securities. The warrants may be
attached to or separate from those offered securities. We will issue the warrants under one or more
warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a warrant agent to be named in the applicable
prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the
warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any
holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer will contain the specific
terms of the warrants. These terms may include the following:
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the title of the warrants; |
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the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
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the designation, amount and terms of the securities for which the warrants are
exercisable; |
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the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the
warrants are to be issued and the number of warrants issued with each other
security; |
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the aggregate number of warrants; |
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any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable
upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants; |
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the price or prices at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the
warrants may be purchased; |
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if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the securities
purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable; |
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a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
to the exercise of the warrants; |
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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and the date
on which the right will expire; |
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the maximum or minimum number of warrants that may be exercised at any time; |
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and |
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any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations
relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants. |
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder of the warrant to purchase for cash the amount of common
shares, preference shares or debt securities at the exercise price stated or determinable in the
applicable prospectus supplement for the warrants. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the
close of business on the expiration date shown in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless
otherwise specified in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration
date, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised as described in the
applicable prospectus supplement. When the warrant holder makes the payment and properly completes
and signs the warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other
office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as possible, forward the common
shares, preference shares or debt securities that the warrant holder has purchased. If the warrant
holder exercises the warrant for less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant
certificate, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants.
The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any warrants we offer will not
necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable
warrant agreement and warrant certificate, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer warrants.
For more information on how you can obtain copies of any warrant certificate or warrant agreement
if we offer warrants, see Where You Can Find More Information. We urge you to read the applicable
warrant certificate, the applicable warrant agreement and any applicable prospectus supplement in
their entirety.
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
We may issue subscription rights to purchase common shares, preference shares, debt securities or
other securities. We may issue subscription rights independently or together with any other offered
security, which may or may not
be transferable by the securityholder. In connection with any offering of subscription rights, we
may enter into a
29
standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to
which the underwriters or other purchasers may be required to purchase any securities remaining
unsubscribed for after such offering.
The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we may offer will contain the
specific terms of the subscription rights. These terms may include the following:
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the price, if any, for the subscription rights; |
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the exercise price payable for each common share, preference share, debt
securities or other securities upon the exercise of the subscription rights; |
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the number of subscription rights issued to each securityholder; |
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the number and terms of each common share, preference share, debt securities or
other securities which may be purchased per each subscription right; |
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the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable; |
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any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable
upon exercise of the subscription rights or the exercise price of the subscription
rights; |
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any other terms of the subscription rights, including the terms, procedures and
limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights; |
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the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights shall commence,
and the date on which the subscription rights shall expire; |
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the extent to which the subscription rights may include an over-subscription
privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and |
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if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase
arrangement entered into by us in connection with the offering of subscription
rights. |
The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any
subscription rights we offer will
not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable
subscription rights certificate or subscription rights agreement, which will be filed with the SEC
if we offer subscription rights. For more information on how you can obtain copies of any
subscription rights certificate or subscription rights agreement if we offer subscription rights,
see Where You Can Find More Information. We urge you to read the applicable subscription rights
certificate, the applicable subscription rights agreement and any applicable prospectus supplement
in their entirety.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or
more debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, warrants, subscription rights or
any combination of such securities. In addition, the prospectus supplement relating to units will
describe the terms of any units we issue, including as applicable:
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the designation and terms of the units and the securities included in the units; |
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any provision for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units; |
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the date, if any, on and after which the units may be transferred separately; |
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whether we will apply to have the units traded on a securities exchange or securities
quotation system; |
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any material United States federal income tax consequences; and |
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how, for United States federal income tax purposes, the purchase price paid for the
units is to be allocated among the component securities. |
The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any units we offer will
not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable
unit certificate or unit agreement, which will be filed with the SEC
if we offer units. For more information on how you can obtain copies of any
unit certificate or unit agreement if we offer units,
see Where You Can Find More Information. We urge you to read the applicable unit
certificate, the applicable unit agreement and any applicable prospectus supplement
in their entirety.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, certain legal matters with
respect to the laws of Bermuda will be passed upon for us by Conyers Dill & Pearman, Hamilton,
Bermuda. Certain matters of U.S. federal and New York law will be passed upon for us by Weil,
Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our predecessors
consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31, 2008, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. Our predecessors consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in
reliance on Ernst & Young LLPs reports given on their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated
financial
30
statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31, 2008, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2008, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young
LLPs reports given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and are managed and controlled in Ireland. Our
business is based outside the United States, a majority of our directors and officers reside
outside the United States, and a majority of our assets and some or all of the assets of such
persons may be located in jurisdictions outside the United States. Although we have appointed
Puglisi & Associates, 850 Library Ave., Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711 as our agent to receive
service of process with respect to any actions against us arising out of violations of the U.S.
federal securities laws in any federal or state court in the United States relating to the
transactions covered by this prospectus, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of
process within the United States on our directors and officers who reside outside the United States
or to enforce against us or our directors and officers judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon
civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
There is no treaty in-force between the United States and Bermuda or Ireland providing for the
reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. As a result,
whether a U.S. judgment would be enforceable in Bermuda or Ireland against us or our directors and
officers depends on whether the U.S. court that entered the judgment is recognized by a Bermuda or
Irish court as having jurisdiction over us or our directors and officers, as determined by
reference to Bermuda or Irish conflict of law rules. The courts of Bermuda or Ireland would
recognize as a valid judgment, a final and conclusive judgment in personam obtained in a U.S. court
pursuant to which a sum of money is payable (other than a sum of money payable in respect of
multiple damages, taxes or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other
penalty). The courts of Bermuda or Ireland would give a judgment based on such a U.S. judgment as
long as (1) the U.S. court had proper jurisdiction over the parties subject to the judgment; (2)
the U.S. court did not contravene the rules of natural justice of Bermuda or Ireland; (3) the U.S.
judgment was not obtained by fraud; (4) the enforcement of the U.S. judgment would not be contrary
to the public policy of Bermuda or Ireland; (5) no new admissible evidence relevant to the action
is submitted prior to the rendering of the judgment by the courts of Bermuda or Ireland; (6) there
is due compliance with the correct procedures under the laws of Bermuda or Ireland; and (7) the
U.S. judgment is not inconsistent with any judgment of the courts of Bermuda or Ireland in respect
of the same matter.
In addition to and irrespective of jurisdictional issues, neither Bermuda nor Irish courts will
enforce a provision of the U.S. federal securities law that is either penal in nature or contrary
to public policy. It is the advice of our counsel that an action brought pursuant to a public or
penal law, the purpose of which is the enforcement of a sanction, power or right at the instance of
the state in its sovereign capacity, is unlikely to be entertained by Bermuda or Irish courts.
Specified remedies available under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, including specified remedies
under U.S. federal securities laws, may not be available under Bermuda or Irish law or enforceable
in a Bermuda or Irish court, as they are likely to be contrary to Bermuda or Irish public policy.
Further, no claim may be brought in Bermuda or Ireland against us or our directors and officers in
the first instance for a violation of U.S. federal securities laws because these laws have no
extraterritorial application under Bermuda or Irish law and do not have force of law in Bermuda or
Ireland.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus are available from us upon request. We
will provide a copy of any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, without charge, upon written or oral request. If you would like to obtain this
information from us, please direct your request, either in writing or by telephone, to:
Investor Relations
Babcock & Brown Air Limited
West Pier
Dun Laoghaire, County Ireland
Ireland
+353-1-231-1900
31
We are subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act
applicable to foreign private issuers and will fulfill the obligations with respect to those
requirements by filing reports with the SEC. These periodic reports and other information may be
inspected and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20549. Copies of these materials can also be obtained by mail at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Room of the SEC, 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. The SEC
maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding the Company and other issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The
address of the SEC internet site is www.sec.gov. This information is also available on our website
at www.babcockbrownair.com.
As a foreign private issuer, we will be exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act related to the
furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders
will be exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section
16 of the Exchange Act relating to their purchases and sales of common shares. In addition, we will
not be required under the Exchange Act to file annual, quarterly and current reports and financial
statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United States companies whose securities
are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we intend to file with the SEC, within 90 days
after the end of each fiscal year, an annual report on Form 20-F containing financial statements
audited by an independent public accounting firm. We also intend to furnish quarterly reports on
Form 6-K containing unaudited interim financial information for each of the first three quarters of
each fiscal year.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus, and any accompanying
prospectus supplement, the information we have filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose
important information by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by
reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with
the SEC prior to the termination of this offering will also be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents
and will automatically update and supersede previously filed information, including information
contained in this document.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement the
following documents that we have filed with the SEC:
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Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the
SEC on March 10, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to such Annual Report, filed with the
SEC on March 26, 2009; |
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Current Reports on Form 6-K dated March 19, 2009, May 8, 2009, June 2, 2009, August 7,
2009, August 13, 2009 and November 6, 2009; and |
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Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on September 25, 2007. |
Copies of these filings are available free of charge by writing to Babcock & Brown Air Limited,
West Pier, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland, Attention: Investor Relations, or by telephoning
us at +353-1-231-1900.
We are also incorporating by reference all subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F that we file with
the SEC and certain reports on Form 6-K that we furnish to the SEC between the date that we
initially file the registration statement to which this prospectus relates and the termination of
the offering of the securities (if they state that they are incorporated by reference into this
prospectus). In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information
included in this prospectus.
Any statement made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other
document is only a summary of the actual document. You may obtain a copy of any document summarized
in this prospectus at no cost by writing to or telephoning us at the address and telephone number
given above. Each statement regarding a
contract, agreement or other document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual
document.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 8. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The bye-laws of Babcock & Brown Air Limited (the Registrant) contain a broad waiver by its
shareholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on its behalf, against any of
its officers or directors. The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the
failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties,
except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or
director. The waiver limits the right of shareholders to assert claims against the Registrants
officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty. The
Registrants bye-laws also provide that the Registrant will indemnify its officers and directors in
respect of their actions and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or dishonesty. The
indemnification provided in the bye-laws is not exclusive of other indemnification rights to which
a director or officer may be entitled, provided these rights do not extend to his or her fraud or
dishonesty. The Registrant also has entered into directors service agreements with its directors,
pursuant to which the Registrant has agreed to indemnify them against any liability brought against
them by reason of their service as directors, except in cases where such liability arises from
fraud, dishonesty, bad faith, gross negligence, willful default or willful misfeasance.
Section 98 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (the Companies Act) provides generally that a
Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability which by
virtue of any rule of law would otherwise be imposed on them in respect of any negligence, default,
breach of duty or breach of trust, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud or
dishonesty of which such director, officer or auditor may be guilty in relation to the company.
Section 98 further provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and
auditors against any liability incurred by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or
criminal, in which judgment is awarded in their favor or in which they are acquitted or granted
relief by the Supreme Court of Bermuda pursuant to Section 281 of the Companies Act.
The Registrant maintains standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided (1) to its
directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other
wrongful act, and (2) to the registrant with respect to payments which may be made by the
registrant to such officers and directors pursuant to the above indemnification provision or
otherwise as a matter of law.
ITEM 9. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein:
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1.1
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Form of Underwriting Agreement.** |
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4.1
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Memorandum of Association.*** |
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4.2
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Bye-laws.*** |
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4.3
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Form of Common Share Certificate.*** |
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4.4
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Specimen Preference Share Certificate and Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences
and Rights with respect to any series of Preference Shares issued hereunder.** |
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4.5
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Deposit Agreement between Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and Babcock & Brown Air
Limited (including form of American Depositary Receipt).*** |
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4.6
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Form of Indenture, to be entered into between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest,
National Association, as Trustee.**** |
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4.7
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Form of Subscription Rights Agreement.** |
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4.8
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Form of Warrant Agreement.** |
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4.9
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Form of Share Purchase Contract.** |
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4.10
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Form of Unit Agreement.** |
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5.1
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Opinion of Conyers Dill & Pearman.* |
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5.2
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Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.* |
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12.1
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Statement regarding Computation of
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.**** |
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23.1
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Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.* |
II-1
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23.2
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Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.* |
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23.3
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Consent of Conyers Dill & Pearman (included in Exhibit 5.1). |
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23.4
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Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2). |
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24.1
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Power of Attorney of certain directors and officers of the Registrant (included in
signature page of this Registration Statement).**** |
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25.1
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Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
designated trustee under the Indenture.**** |
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Filed herewith. |
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To be incorporated by reference from
documents to be filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act. |
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Previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-145994. |
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Previously filed. |
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ITEM 10. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) |
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The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: |
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To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: |
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To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act); |
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(ii) |
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To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in this Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which
was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (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; |
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(iii) |
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To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement
or any material change to such information in this Registration
Statement; |
Provided, however, that:
Paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to
the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)
that is part of the registration statement.
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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. |
II-2
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To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering. |
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(4) |
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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 Securities 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 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with
respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective
amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and
information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or Rule
3-19 of Regulation S-K if such financial statements and information
are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d)
of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Form
F-3. |
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(5) |
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That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser: |
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424
(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of
the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the
registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(2),
or (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance
on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule
415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the
information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be
deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of
the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after
effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities
in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B,
for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that
date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective
date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the
registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however , that no
statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part
of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or
deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or
prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a
purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective
date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the
registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration
statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such
effective date.
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(6) |
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That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under
the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the
securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary
offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this
registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to
sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or
sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following
communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the
purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to
such purchaser: |
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(i) |
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Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned
registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to
Rule 424; |
II-3
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(ii) |
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Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or
on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by
the undersigned registrant; |
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(iii) |
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The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the
offering containing material information about the undersigned
registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the
undersigned registrant; and |
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(iv) |
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Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the
undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
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(7) |
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That, , for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the Registrants annual report pursuant to Section
13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable,
each filing of an employee benefit plans 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. |
(b) |
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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
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue. |
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable
grounds to believe it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form F-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
Dublin, Ireland, on December 17, 2009.
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Babcock & Brown Air Limited
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By: |
/s/ Colm Barrington
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Colm Barrington |
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Chief Executive Officer and Director |
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Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on
December 17, 2009.
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SIGNATURE |
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TITLE |
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/s/ Colm Barrington
Colm Barrington
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Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ Gary Dales
Gary Dales
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Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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Chairman |
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Director |
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Director |
II-5
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SIGNATURE |
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TITLE |
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Director |
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Director |
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Director |
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/s/
Donald Puglisi
Donald Puglisi
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Authorized Representative in the
United States |
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* By |
/s/
Colm Barrington
Attorney in fact
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II-6
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein:
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1.1
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Form of Underwriting Agreement.** |
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4.1
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Memorandum of Association.*** |
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4.2
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Bye-laws.*** |
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4.3
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Form of Common Share Certificate.*** |
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4.4
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Specimen Preference Share Certificate and Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences
and Rights with respect to any series of Preference Shares issued hereunder.** |
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4.5
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Deposit Agreement between Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and Babcock & Brown Air
Limited (including form of American Depositary Receipt).*** |
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4.6
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Form of Indenture, to be entered into between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest,
National Association, as Trustee.**** |
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4.7
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Form of Subscription Rights Agreement.** |
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4.8
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Form of Warrant Agreement.** |
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4.9
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Form of Share Purchase Contract.** |
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4.10
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Form of Unit Agreement.** |
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5.1
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Opinion of Conyers Dill & Pearman.* |
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5.2
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Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.* |
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12.1
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Statement regarding Computation of
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.**** |
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23.1
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Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.* |
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23.2
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Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.* |
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23.3
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Consent of Conyers Dill & Pearman (included in Exhibit 5.1). |
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23.4
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Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2). |
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24.1
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Power of Attorney of certain directors and officers of the Registrant (included in
signature page of this Registration Statement).**** |
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25.1
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Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
designated trustee under the Indenture.**** |
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* |
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Filed herewith. |
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** |
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To be filed by amendment to the Registration Statement or incorporated by reference from
documents filed or to be filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act. |
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*** |
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Previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form F-1, File No. 333-145994. |
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**** |
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Previously filed. |
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II-7