e424b5
The
information in this prospectus supplement is not complete and
may be changed. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not
soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction
where the offer or sale is not permitted.
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Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-146980
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 29, 2007
PRELIMINARY
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT (TO PROSPECTUS DATED OCTOBER 29,
2007)
$130,000,000
% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2037
We are offering
$130,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
our % Convertible Senior Notes
due 2037, or the notes. The notes will bear interest
at a rate of % per year (such
interest rate subject to reduction as described below). Interest
on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1
and November 1 of each year, beginning May 1, 2008. The
notes will mature on November 1, 2037. Beginning on
November 1, 2012, during any six-month period thereafter
from November 1 to April 30 and from May 1 to October 31,
if the average trading price (as defined herein) of a note for
the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
first day of the applicable six-month interest period equals or
exceeds 120% of the principal amount of the notes, we will
reduce the % interest rate for the
notes to % solely for the relevant
interest period.
Holders may convert
their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of
business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity
date. Upon conversion, we will deliver a number of shares of our
common stock, per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equal to the
applicable conversion rate (as defined herein). The initial base
conversion rate for the notes will
be shares
of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes,
equivalent to an initial base conversion price of approximately
$ per share of our common stock.
The applicable conversion rate for any notes to be converted
will be the sum of the daily conversion rate fractions (as
defined herein) for each of the 20 trading days in the relevant
observation period (as defined herein). If the last reported
sale price of our common stock on any trading day in the
observation period is less than or equal to the base conversion
price, then the daily conversion rate fraction for such trading
day will be equal to 1/20th of the base conversion rate. If
the last reported sale price of our common stock on any trading
day in the observation period is greater than the base
conversion price, then the daily conversion rate fraction for
such trading day will be subject to increase based on a formula
set forth in this prospectus supplement. The base conversion
rate will be subject to adjustment in certain events but will
not be adjusted for accrued but unpaid interest.
Following certain
corporate transactions, we will increase the applicable
conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in
connection with such corporate transactions by a number of
additional shares of common stock as described in this
prospectus supplement.
We may redeem the
notes, in whole or in part, for cash at any time on or after
November 1, 2012. Holders may require us to repurchase all
or a portion of their notes for cash on November 1, 2012,
November 1, 2017, November 1, 2022, November 1,
2027 and November 1, 2032 at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of notes to be purchased plus accrued and
unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date.
If we undergo a
fundamental change, as defined in this prospectus supplement,
holders may require us to purchase all or a portion of their
notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount
of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid
interest, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase
date.
The notes will be
our senior unsecured obligations, will rank equal in right of
payment with our other senior unsecured debt and will rank
senior to all of our subordinated debt. The notes will
effectively rank junior to any of our secured indebtedness to
the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness. The notes
will also be structurally subordinated in right of payment to
all indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments
(including trade payables and lease obligations) of our
subsidiaries.
For a more detailed
description of the notes, see Description of the
Notes beginning on
page S-25.
Our common stock is
listed on the New York Stock and Chicago Stock Exchanges under
the symbol CHB. On October 26, 2007, the last
reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange was $13.04 per share.
We do not intend to
apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for
inclusion of the notes in any automated quotation system.
See Risk
Factors beginning on
page S-16
of this prospectus supplement.
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Underwriting
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Proceeds to
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Price to
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Discounts and
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Champion
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Public(1)
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Commissions
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(before
expenses)
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Per Note
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%
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%
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%
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Total
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$
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$
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$
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(1)
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Plus accrued
interest, if any, from November , 2007
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The underwriter has
a 13-day
option to purchase a maximum of $19,500,000 additional principal
amount of the notes solely to cover over-allotments, if any.
Neither the
Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or
determined if this prospectus supplement or the prospectus to
which it relates is truthful or complete. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
Delivery of the
notes, in book-entry form, will be made on or about
November , 2007.
Credit
Suisse
The date of this
prospectus supplement is October , 2007.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Prospectus Supplement
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Page
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S-ii
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S-ii
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S-1
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S-9
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S-16
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S-23
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S-24
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S-24
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S-25
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S-45
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S-47
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S-53
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S-58
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S-58
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S-58
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Prospectus
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Page
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About This Prospectus
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1
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Risk Factors
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1
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Where You Can Find More
Information
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1
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Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
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2
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Our Company
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3
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Use of Proceeds
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3
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Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges
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3
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Description of Debt
Securities
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3
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Description of Capital
Stock
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10
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Description of Warrants
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12
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Plan of Distribution
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13
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Legal Matters
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15
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Experts
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15
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S-i
ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus
supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering
and risks related to an investment in the notes. The second
part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general
information, some of which may not apply to this offering, and a
discussion of risks our business faces. If the description of
this offering of notes varies between this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on the
information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared
by or on behalf of us. We have not, and the underwriters have
not, authorized any other person to provide you with different
information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not,
and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
You should assume that the information appearing in this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the
respective dates of those documents in which the information is
contained. Our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects may have changed since any of those
respective dates. You should read this entire prospectus
supplement, as well as the accompanying prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference that are described under
Where You Can Find More Information in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before
making your investment decision. Unless otherwise indicated
herein, the information in this prospectus supplement assumes no
exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional
notes described herein.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference herein, may contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
You can identify such forward-looking statements by the use of
terms such as expect, believe,
may, could, estimate,
intend or similar words or phrases. All such
statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21B of
the Exchange Act. These statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual
results, performance or achievements to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed
or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual events or
results may differ substantially. Important factors that could
cause our actual results to be materially different from the
forward-looking statements are disclosed under the heading
Risk Factors in the accompanying prospectus
supplement and are disclosed in the information incorporated by
reference in this prospectus, including in Item 1A. Risk
Factors, of our
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006. You should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
S-ii
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in
this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference. This summary does not
contain all of the information that you should consider before
deciding whether to invest in our notes. You should read this
entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and
the documents incorporated by reference carefully, including the
Risk Factors sections beginning on
page S-16
of this prospectus supplement and page 9 of our Annual
Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 30, 2006, as well as our
consolidated financial statements and the related notes
incorporated by reference.
Unless otherwise specified or unless the context requires
otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to
Champion, we, us,
our or similar references mean Champion Enterprises,
Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Our
Company
We are the second largest producer of manufactured homes in
North America, the largest producer of modular homes in North
America and the largest producer of modular structures in the
United Kingdom, based on revenues. We currently operate 28 North
American manufacturing facilities in 16 states and two
provinces in western Canada, and four manufacturing facilities
on one site in the United Kingdom. We also operate 16 retail
sales offices located throughout the state of California, which
sell manufactured homes to consumers primarily targeted to be
permanently sited in leased land communities.
Manufactured homes are single-family dwellings that are built in
sections in a controlled factory environment and constructed in
compliance with the federal Manufactured Home Construction and
Safety Standards, or the HUD Code. Manufactured homes are built
and transported to the home site on a steel chassis, which forms
a permanent part of the floor structure. Modular homes are
either single or multi-family dwellings that are also built in
sections in a controlled factory environment but are constructed
in compliance with applicable local and regional building codes.
Modular homes are generally built with wood floors, which are
similar to those found in traditional
on-site
construction, then transported to the home site on a special
carrier and set on a permanent foundation using a crane. Our
North American manufactured and modular homes are generally
wood-framed structures, typical of the housing and low-rise
commercial construction markets in North America.
The modular structures we build in the United Kingdom are
steel-framed and typically built for use as prisons, military
accommodations, hotels and high-density residential buildings.
While much of the factory construction process in the United
Kingdom is similar to that found in our North American
facilities, the end use for the units is significantly
different. Steel-framed modular units offer the ability to
produce high-rise and multi-story structures not generally
possible with wood. In the United Kingdom, our business is
involved in significant levels of site-work, including operating
as general contractor and engaging the services of
sub-contractors for a variety of
on-site
functions, including set up and completion of our modular
buildings.
Our strategy over the last several years has been focused on
improving margins and cash returns in our core manufactured
housing business and redeploying our cash resources to grow and
diversify the company. While we are a focused pure
play manufacturer, without the distraction of vertical
integration, we have diversified by increasing our domestic
modular penetration and adding a strong international modular
platform. We expect to continue driving this strategy forward
over the next several years.
S-1
2004
revenue breakdown ($1,150 million
total)(1)
($ in millions)
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(1)
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Presented as originally reported
before the subsequent reclassification of traditional retail
operations in 2005
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(2)
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HUD-Code revenues include revenues
from the sale of Canadian code units, retail segment revenues,
other manufacturing segment revenues, reduced by intercompany
sales elimination
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Revenue
breakdown during the twelve months ended September 29,
2007
($1,249 million total)
($ in millions)
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(1)
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HUD-Code revenues include revenues
from the sale of Canadian code units, retail segment revenues,
other manufacturing segment revenues, reduced by intercompany
sales elimination
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Manufactured and modular buildings have many advantages over
site-built structures, including shorter construction times,
less site disruption, better cost predictability, high and
consistent quality standards as a result of the controlled
manufacturing process and consequently total cost advantages.
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We do not purchase land for development, which recently
has triggered substantial inventory write-downs at traditional
homebuilders.
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We do not engage in speculative building, but manufacture
our homes to fill existing orders and within an average time to
build of only 3 to 7 days.
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Our $82 million of total inventories as of
September 29, 2007 represent only 7% of our
$1,249 million of sales in the twelve months ended
September 29, 2007.
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We do not provide consumer financing.
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While the difficult conditions in the U.S. housing market have
adversely impacted our domestic manufactured and modular housing
business, we believe that industry-wide manufactured housing
shipments will likely reach bottom in 2007, with an estimated
100,000 units shipped representing the lowest level of
annual manufactured housing shipments in 46 years,
according to the Manufactured Housing Institute. Our strong
international modular business that generated revenue growth of
176% in the third quarter 2007
S-2
compared to the third quarter 2006 allowed us to increase our
total revenues by 3% year over year in the third quarter 2007,
despite the challenging U.S. market environment. With a record
backlog of approximately $275 million, our international
operations are expected to continue to help us mitigate
weaknesses in the domestic housing markets.
Industry
Overview
Manufactured
Homes
Factory-built homes have been a significant part of the North
American housing industry over the last 50 years, and
include both manufactured and modular homes. According to
statistics published by the Institute for Building Technology
and Safety and United States Department of Commerce Bureau of
Census, or the USDOC, since 1980, industry shipments of
manufactured housing has represented approximately 22% of new
single-family home starts in the United States on average. Most
recently, this percentage has declined to only 8% in 2006 and 9%
on average over the last five years. We believe that
manufactured homes declined as a percentage of new single-family
home starts in part because of a shift in the relative ease with
which consumers could obtain financing for site-built homes.
USDOC estimates that in 2005 approximately 18 million
people lived in manufactured homes in the United States.
For decades, the manufactured housing industry has been marked
by sharp cyclicality. Following the United States recession in
the early 1990s, the manufactured housing industry experienced a
period of substantial growth as total wholesale shipments
increased from approximately 171,000 homes in 1991 to a peak of
over 373,000 homes in 1998. Growth during this period was driven
by the introduction of new multi-section designs that appealed
to a broader range of customers, a significant increase in the
number of retail sales locations and related inventory, and an
increase in the availability of consumer financing, including
financing for lower-income and higher-risk borrowers, much of
which has since been curtailed.
Since the peak in 1998, industry shipments have declined over
70% to approximately 98,000 homes during the last twelve months
ended August 31, 2007, the lowest level of annual
manufactured housing shipments since 1961. Related industry
capacity has declined as well. While average annual shipments of
manufactured homes over the last several decades have been in
the range of approximately 200,000-250,000 homes, the peak in
1998 was largely driven by the availability of aggressive
financing programs for consumers coupled with a rapid expansion
in the number of retail sales locations, which had the effect of
significantly increasing the number of manufactured homes sold
to retailers for stocking purposes and resulting in high levels
of retailer inventory. Beginning in 1999, consumer lending
standards and loan terms for the purchase of manufactured homes
tightened substantially, which resulted in sharp declines in
annual home sales. According to the Manufactured Housing
Institute, the total number of factories producing manufactured
homes has been reduced from a high of approximately 330 in 1999
to a current level of approximately 200. In addition, the number
of retail sales locations has declined from an estimated high of
approximately 9,500 locations in 1999 to an estimated 4,000
locations today.
While the availability of financing and the credit and loan
terms available to consumers for the purchase of manufactured
homes have been relatively stable over the last several years,
industry shipments have continued to decline, which was further
exacerbated by the relative ease of credit in mortgage markets
for site-built homes. Low or no down payment programs, low
initial or teaser interest rates, extended loan
terms and sub-prime credit programs have made traditional
mortgages for the purchase of site-constructed homes easier for
consumers. More recently, financing for site-built homes has
become more difficult to obtain. We believe that if this
persists, it could have a positive effect on sales of
manufactured homes once inventory levels of existing site-built
homes decline.
Modular
Homes
Throughout its history, the modular housing industry has been
less cyclical than the manufactured housing industry and has
performed more in line with trends in the broader United States
housing market. For many years, modular housing has accounted
for approximately 2-3% of total United States housing starts.
Over the last several decades, manufactured housing has been
dominated by larger, multi-plant operators. In
S-3
contrast, modular housing has typically been built by small,
generally single plant manufacturers, who serve a local or small
regional market. The modular housing industry saw steady growth
from 1999 through 2005, with modular starts increasing over 30%
while the United States housing market expanded and home
ownership levels in the United States reached new highs.
Although, modular starts declined modestly in 2006 and 2007
along with the broader housing market, modular construction
techniques continue to gain traction. In addition, as a greater
number of large and better-capitalized manufacturers like us
increase their participation in the modular housing industry and
are able to provide capital for growth and expansion, we expect
continued growth in this market segment.
Modular home starts totaled approximately 38,000 in 2006 and
approximately 16,000 in the first six months of 2007, many of
which were concentrated in the northeast, mid-west and
mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. We believe that this
geographical concentration is, in part, driven by the fact that
two of the primary advantages of modular homes relative to
traditional site-constructed homes are speed of construction and
less site disruption, making modular construction particularly
well suited for scattered site development and urban infill
situations, which are more often found in these regions.
Additionally, markets with a relatively short building season
due to winter weather conditions stand to benefit from the
shorter cycle times of modular construction. As a result, a
large percentage of modular manufacturers are located in these
regions of the United States.
Commercial
Modular
While modular construction of single and multi-family homes
represents the segment of the modular construction industry that
we have been most focused on historically, we also have a small
presence in the commercial modular industry. The commercial
modular industry is estimated by the Modular Building Institute,
or MBI, to be larger than the modular housing industry. MBI
estimates that, in 2005, approximately 168,000 modular floors
were produced for commercial construction applications. MBI
estimates that from 1999 to 2005 the commercial modular industry
grew from just over $3 billion in total revenues to an
estimated $4.2 billion. Like the modular housing industry,
the commercial modular marketplace has been and continues to be
dominated by small, generally single-factory operators that
serve a local or small regional market. Very few participants in
this market operate multiple factories that are able to serve a
broader geographic marketplace.
Commercial modular construction in North America is generally
bifurcated into two primary types of manufacturers. Wholesale or
indirect manufacturers account for roughly half of the industry
by total revenues. These manufacturers sell primarily through
other resellers and generally do not participate in turnkey
projects. Primary products in this segment tend to be temporary
buildings aimed at the office trailer and education markets.
Direct manufacturers account for the remaining production,
selling direct to end users
and/or
general contractors typically constructing permanent, custom
modular buildings. The primary market segments addressed by
direct manufacturers include the education market and
multi-family residential construction. Modular construction for
military applications such as barracks, maintenance facilities,
dining facilities and other buildings are constructed by both
wholesale and direct manufacturers. While a small number of
steel and concrete modular manufacturers participate in this
market, the dominant form of construction continues to be
wood-framed buildings.
The modular construction industry in the United Kingdom differs
somewhat from that in North America in that relatively few
single-family homes are constructed using modular techniques.
Rather, the modular construction industry in the United Kingdom
tends to be concentrated almost exclusively in the commercial
construction arena. The modular market in the United Kingdom can
generally be segmented into three major categories: temporary
buildings (generally comprised of leased units), semi-finished
permanent buildings and complete, custom permanent buildings.
Our operations in the United Kingdom are focused on the custom
permanent buildings segment of the market.
While industry data in the United Kingdom is not readily
available, our studies show that growth in the modular industry
over the last decade has been fairly steady and robust at an
average of approximately 6.5% per annum. This growth has been
driven in large part by substitution of modular construction for
traditional
S-4
site-based construction as a result of the advantages presented
by modular construction techniques. The advantages of modular
construction relative to traditional construction most cited in
our studies of this market include speed of construction,
factory quality, fewer time and cost overruns, less
on-site
disruption and, in certain applications, cost advantages.
The United Kingdom custom permanent buildings segment in which
we participate is typically segmented into the following product
categories: hotels, prisons, private housing, social housing,
education, health, retail and military. We currently participate
primarily in the prison, hotel, residential, and military
segments of the market. Two of our largest market segments
(prisons and military construction) are driven primarily by
public sector spending. While each of these segments has seen
significant growth over the last several years, we have worked
to diversify into other segments, such as hotels and residential
construction, in an effort to be less dependent on public
spending in the future. Each of these market segments has seen
strong, consistent growth over the last several years.
Competitive
Strengths
We possess a number of strengths which we believe enable us to
effectively compete in our industries, including:
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Market Experience and Leading Market
Positions. We have been in the factory-built
housing business since 1953 and have operated through a number
of business and economic cycles. As a result, we have vast
experience at both expanding and contracting our business
depending on market conditions. We hold leading market positions
in each of the industries we serve and the size and scope of our
operations better enables us both to withstand cyclical or
regional downturns and take advantage of cyclical or regional
growth opportunities.
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Diversity of Operations. Our business is
diversified geographically and is becoming increasingly
diversified from a product and market standpoint. Our operations
span the entire United States, with 26 plants located in
16 states serving customers throughout the 48 contiguous
states. We also operate two plants in western Canada and sell a
variety of products from the United States into both eastern and
western Canada. In addition, we have a large and growing
presence in the United Kingdom, where we operate four plants
serving primarily England and, to a lesser degree, Ireland. We
also operate in several different product segments. While our
primary line of business continues to be producing manufactured
housing in North America, we have built a significant market
presence in the modular housing industry and are working to
expand our presence in the North American commercial modular
industry. Our products also include steel-framed modular
structures produced for a variety of commercial uses in the
United Kingdom. This broad and increasingly diversified presence
enables us to better withstand regional economic declines as
well as industry or product declines. Furthermore, with the
established, diversified footprint that we have built, we are
well positioned to achieve an even greater diversity of
operations in the future.
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Scale Driven Efficiencies Make Us a Low Cost
Producer. We believe that our market leading
positions in the industries we serve allow us to purchase a
majority of the raw materials used in our production facilities
at advantageous prices relative to many of our competitors.
Because raw material purchases are a significant cost driver,
often up to half of our net sales, we believe that this
purchasing power is a significant competitive advantage. In
addition, our scale provides us with a deep management talent
pool, which helps us to quickly improve troubled operations, and
improve our manufacturing techniques using best practices, which
are broadly shared throughout the company. We believe that these
scale driven efficiencies make us a low cost producer with the
ability to drive out superior margins relative to our
competition.
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Focused Business Model. While we continue to
seek additional geographic and product diversification, our core
competency is building modular structures in factories. Our
business model is focused on leveraging our core manufacturing
competency across a variety of locations and industries. We are
not vertically integrated and are not therefore distracted by
non-core operations. Our focused
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business model is structured to generate superior cash returns
on invested capital, which we believe is a key competitive
strength.
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Experienced and Diverse Management Team. Our
executive management team is well entrenched but drawn from
varied and unique backgrounds, which we believe provides us with
the critical knowledge, insight and expertise necessary to grow,
further diversify our operations and deliver our strategic
objectives over the long term. Our operating management, while
less varied in terms of background, has significant industry and
product experience, which allows us to leverage an appropriate
mix of specific industry knowledge against the broader based
expertise of our executive management in delivering our
strategic objectives. We believe that we possess a unique
competitive strength given this combination of both experience
and diversity of our management team.
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Business
Strategy
We believe that developing and communicating a focused and
aggressive, yet achievable, long-term strategy is a critical
element of executive managements responsibilities. We
maintain and actively update our long-term strategic plan and
communicate our goals and objectives throughout our company to
attain the buy-in and support of our board of directors and each
of our employees and associates.
The guiding principals of our strategy are clear and simple. We
seek market-leading growth by leveraging our core manufacturing
skills to further diversify from our historical dependence on
producing manufactured homes in North America. We expect to do
this while delivering superior cash returns on invested capital
and employing reasonable financial leverage to drive this growth
and diversification.
More specifically, the key elements of our business strategy
include:
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Stabilize and Grow Our Core Manufactured Housing
Business. Our core business, since 1953, has been
producing high quality, affordable manufactured homes in North
America. While this industry has been under pressure for over
eight years, we believe that our products present consumers with
an attractive, high quality, lower cost alternative to
traditional site-constructed homes. While we are not a market
share driven company, we intend to grow our sales in this
segment in a profitable, cash-generating manner, which is driven
by our continued focus on improving factory efficiencies,
operating margins and cash flow. We will work to continually
strengthen our distribution by partnering with strong, reputable
independent retail partners. To do this, our programs must
remain fresh and market leading and our products must be
reasonably priced with attractive features and options.
|
|
|
|
Grow Our Domestic Residential Modular
Business. We intend to grow our domestic
residential modular business by expanding our distribution
primarily through builders and developers. We expect that this
growth will be both organic as a result of increased
distribution through our existing facilities and through
acquisitions of modular companies that meet our objectives. Our
primary competition for modular homes is new site-constructed
homes. We are continually refining our sales and marketing
outreach efforts in an attempt to attract the small to mid-sized
builders and developers for whom the benefits of modular
construction are most attractive. In order to gain a larger
share of new housing starts, modular homes must be competitive
with similarly priced site-constructed homes in terms of
quality, options and amenities offered, and overall product
appeal, while offering other benefits to our builder/developer
partners such as speed, lower all-in cost, higher returns on
capital, greater time and cost predictability and comparative
ease of management. We do not generally compete in the same
markets as the large public site-builders.
|
|
|
|
Increase Our Presence in the Domestic Commercial Modular
Industry. Our presence in the domestic commercial
modular industry is relatively limited today. While we have
successfully completed a number of commercial projects, we do
not currently have a significant on-going presence in this
market. We believe that commercial modular is a natural
extension of our manufactured and modular housing businesses in
that the core manufacturing process is substantially the same.
Because this market presents a good, well-aligned, strategically
attractive growth opportunity, we are devoting resources to
growing our share of this market. We are adding human resources
experienced in various
|
S-6
|
|
|
|
|
commercial construction capacities, including business
development, project management and contracting skills. We also
plan to introduce steel-framed construction techniques in this
market, leveraging the expertise of our United Kingdom
operations. We believe that this technology could have the
benefit of expanding the overall market and increasing our
penetration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expand Our International Commercial Modular
Footprint. Through our acquisition of Calsafe
Group (Holdings) Limited and its operating subsidiary,
Caledonian Building Systems Limited, or Caledonian, in the
United Kingdom in 2006, we immediately established a market
leading footprint in the United Kingdom modular construction
industry. The acquisition of Caledonian also gave us access to
new and important skills and technologies, which we believe
include critical elements of the foundation of our growth and
diversification strategy. The United Kingdom modular market has
seen growth and expansion over the last decade which we believe
will continue. We intend to grow this business both organically
and through targeted acquisitions that meet our objectives.
Because Caledonian has a strong cash generating business model,
we expect that much of the growth in the segment could be self
funded. We also intend to explore markets beyond the United
Kingdom for eventual expansion.
|
|
|
|
Evaluate and Enter Select International Residential Modular
Markets. We are in the process of evaluating
potential acquisition candidates and other market entry
opportunities outside of North America in the modular
construction industry. We believe that a number of European
countries have attractive, well-developed modular housing
industries which could include attractive acquisition targets.
We will seek to establish a footprint in the modular business
outside of North America from which we can further expand and
grow. On a long-term basis, we believe that the modular housing
business could also be attractive in other lesser developed
countries and countries such as China and Russia, which are
experiencing rapid economic growth and strong housing demand.
However, we do not envision a rapid entry into these markets,
rather a gradual international expansion after establishment of
a strong, leveragable footprint. We have completed select market
studies and plan to continue to devote financial and human
resources to this effort.
|
|
|
|
Maintain and Improve our Existing Retail
Operation. We have a small, non-traditional,
non-core retail operation, which today operates sales locations
throughout the state of California. While our strategy does not
contemplate acquisitions or aggressive expansion of this
non-traditional retail model, we do plan to grow and improve our
current operations. We believe that California is an attractive
market for manufactured housing and that this retail business
will continue to contribute to our overall results. Our focus in
the near term is on improving our returns on invested capital as
the California market struggles through a housing correction.
Over the long-term, however, we expect to devote the resources
necessary to grow and improve this business consistently so long
as the returns continue to meet our objectives.
|
Description
of Concurrent Transactions
In connection with and subject to this offering of notes, we
have commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all
of our outstanding
75/8% Senior
Notes due 2009, which we refer to as the 2009 notes.
In connection with this offering of notes, we, together with our
wholly-owned subsidiary, Champion Home Builders Co., and certain
additional subsidiaries expect to amend our existing credit
facility, effective upon the issuance of the notes and the
commencement of the tender offer for our 2009 notes, to modify
the interest rates in the credit facility and to allow for the
issuance of the notes, the repurchase of the 2009 notes, and
certain restructuring of our foreign subsidiaries, and,
effective upon the repurchase of the 2009 notes, to modify
certain financial covenants.
Approximately $100 million of the proceeds from this
offering will be used to:
|
|
|
|
|
repurchase any and all of the 2009 notes tendered in the offer
to purchase including tender premium and accrued interest;
|
|
|
|
repay no less than $8 million of the outstanding principal,
plus accrued interest, under our term loan due 2012; and
|
S-7
|
|
|
|
|
pay related fees and expenses.
|
The remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate
purposes.
The amount of total indebtedness expected to be outstanding as a
result of the transactions described above and this offering is
approximately $296 million. The term the
transactions refers to these transactions and the
application of the proceeds therefrom.
Corporate
Information
Our headquarters are located at 2701 Cambridge Court,
Suite 300, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, and our telephone number
is
(248) 340-9090.
Our website is www.championhomes.com. The information on
our website is expressly not incorporated by reference into, and
does not constitute a part of, this prospectus supplement.
S-8
The following summary contains basic information about this
offering and the notes and is not intended to be complete. It
does not contain all of the information that may be important to
you. For a more complete understanding of all of the terms and
provisions of the notes, please refer to the section of this
prospectus supplement entitled Description of the
Notes and the section of the accompanying prospectus
entitled Description of Debt Securities. For
purposes of the description of the notes included in this
prospectus supplement, references to the Company,
the issuer, us, we and
our refer only to Champion Enterprises, Inc. and do
not include any of our subsidiaries.
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
Champion Enterprises, Inc., a Michigan corporation. |
|
Securities |
|
$130,000,000 aggregate principal amount
of % Convertible Senior Notes
due 2037 (the notes). We have also granted the
underwriter a
13-day
option to purchase a maximum of $19,500,000 additional principal
amount of the notes solely to cover over-allotments, if any. |
|
Maturity |
|
The notes will mature on November 1, 2037, subject to
earlier redemption, repurchase or conversion. |
|
Interest |
|
% per year on the principal amount
(such interest rate subject to reduction as described below)
from November , 2007, payable semi-annually in
arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning
May 1, 2008. Beginning on November 1, 2012, during any
six-month period thereafter from November 1 to April 30 and from
May 1 to October 31, if the average trading price (as
defined herein) of a note for the five consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the first day of the applicable six-month
interest period equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount
of the notes, we will reduce the %
interest rate for the notes to %
solely for the relevant interest period. |
|
|
|
Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to the
term interest in this prospectus supplement are
deemed to include additional interest, if any, that accrues and
is payable in connection with our failure to comply with our
reporting obligations under the indenture as set forth below
under Description of the Notes Events of
Default. |
|
Conversion rights |
|
Holders may convert their notes at their option at any time
prior to the close of business on the business day immediately
preceding the maturity date for the notes. |
|
Conversion settlement |
|
Upon conversion, we will deliver a number of shares of our
common stock, per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equal to the
applicable conversion rate (as defined herein). See
Description of the Notes Conversion
Rights Settlement Upon Conversion. |
|
|
|
In addition, following certain corporate transactions, we will
increase the applicable conversion rate for a holder who elects
to convert in connection with such corporate transactions by a
number of additional shares of common stock as described under
Description of the Notes Conversion
Rights Adjustment to Shares Delivered Upon
Conversion Upon Certain Corporate Transactions. |
S-9
|
|
|
|
|
You will not receive any additional cash payment, including any
accrued but unpaid interest, upon conversion of a note except in
circumstances described in Description of the
Notes Conversion Rights General.
Instead, interest will be deemed paid by the shares of common
stock delivered to you upon conversion of a note. |
|
Conversion rate |
|
The applicable conversion rate for any notes to be converted
will equal the sum of the daily conversion rate fractions for
each of the 20 trading days in the relevant observation period
(as defined below). The daily conversion rate fraction for each
trading day in the relevant observation period will be
determined as follows: |
|
|
|
if the last reported sale price (as defined under
Description of the Notes Conversion
Rights General) of our common stock on such
trading day is less than or equal to the base conversion price
(as defined below), the daily conversion rate fraction for such
trading day will be equal to the base conversion rate divided
by 20; and
|
|
|
|
if the last reported sale price of our common stock
on such trading day is greater than the base conversion price,
the daily conversion rate fraction for such trading day will be
equal to
1/20th of
the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base Conversion Rate +
|
|
(Last Reported Sale Price of our Common Stock
on such Trading Day−Base Conversion Price)
Last
Reported Sale Price of our
Common Stock on such Trading Day
|
|
x
|
|
Incremental Share Factor
|
|
|
|
|
|
In no event, however, will the daily conversion rate fraction
for any day during the observation period exceed 1/20th
of shares
of our common stock (the daily share cap), subject
to adjustment in the same manner as the base conversion rate as
described herein. |
|
|
|
The base conversion rate
is shares
of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes,
subject to adjustment as described under Description of
the Notes Conversion Rights Conversion
Rate Adjustments. |
|
|
|
The base conversion price is a dollar amount
(initially, approximately $ )
determined by dividing $1,000 by the base conversion rate. |
|
|
|
The incremental share factor is
initially ,
subject to the same proportional adjustment as the base
conversion rate. |
|
|
|
The observation period, with respect to any note,
means the 20 consecutive trading day period beginning on, and
including, the second trading day after the conversion date for
such note, except that with respect to any conversion date that
is on or after the 24th scheduled trading day immediately
preceding the maturity date for the notes, the observation
period means the 20 consecutive trading days beginning on
and including the 22nd scheduled trading day immediately
preceding the maturity date for the notes. |
|
Sinking fund |
|
None. |
S-10
|
|
|
Optional redemption |
|
We may not redeem the notes before November 1, 2012. We may
redeem the notes, in whole or in part, for cash on or after
November 1, 2012, on at least 30 days but not
more than 60 days notice by mail to holders of notes
at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of
the notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest
to, but excluding, the redemption date. We will make at least 10
semi-annual interest payments (including the interest payment on
May 1, 2008) on the notes before we can redeem the
notes at our option. |
|
Repurchase right of holders |
|
Holders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their
notes for cash on November 1, 2012, November 1, 2017,
November 1, 2022, November 1, 2027 and
November 1, 2032 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus any
accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase
date. |
|
Fundamental change |
|
If we undergo a fundamental change (as defined under
Description of the Notes Fundamental Change
Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes), you will
have the option to require us to purchase all or any portion of
your notes. The fundamental change purchase price will be 100%
of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any
accrued and unpaid interest, to, but excluding, the fundamental
change purchase date. We will pay cash for all notes so
purchased. |
|
Ranking |
|
The notes will rank equally in right of payment with all our
existing and future unsecured senior debt and are senior in
right of payment to our subordinated debt, if any. The indenture
pursuant to which the notes are issued does not limit the amount
of debt that we or our subsidiaries may incur. The notes will
effectively rank junior to any of our secured indebtedness to
the extent of the value of the assets securing such
indebtedness. The notes will also be structurally subordinated
in right of payment to all indebtedness and other liabilities
and commitments (including trade payables and lease obligations)
of our subsidiaries. |
|
Use of proceeds |
|
We estimate that the proceeds from this offering will be
approximately $126 million, after deducting the
underwriters discounts and commissions and estimated
offering expenses, assuming the underwriter does not exercise
its option to purchase additional notes to cover
over-allotments. If the underwriter exercises its option to
purchase additional notes to cover over-allotments in full, we
estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be
approximately $145 million, after deducting the
underwriters discounts and commissions and estimated
offering expenses. |
|
|
|
We intend to use approximately $100 million of the proceeds
from this offering to repurchase the 2009 notes tendered in the
tender offer, to repay a portion of our outstanding principal
and accrued interest under our term loan due 2012 and pay
related fees and expenses. The remaining proceeds will be used
for general corporate purposes. See Use of Proceeds. |
S-11
|
|
|
Book-entry form |
|
The notes will be issued in book-entry form and will be
represented by permanent global certificates deposited with, or
on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, which we refer
to as DTC, and registered in the name of a nominee
of DTC. Beneficial interests in any of the notes will be shown
on, and transfers will be effected only through, records
maintained by DTC or its nominee and any such interest may not
be exchanged for certificated securities, except in limited
circumstances. |
|
Absence of a public market for the notes |
|
The notes are new securities and there is currently no
established market for the notes. The underwriter has advised us
that it currently intends to make a market in the notes.
However, it is not obligated to do so, and it may discontinue
any market making with respect to the notes without notice. We
do not intend to apply for a listing of the notes on any
national securities exchange or any automated dealer quotation
system. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the development
or liquidity of any market for the notes. Our common stock is
listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges under the
symbol CHB. |
|
U.S. federal income tax considerations |
|
We will treat, and each holder will agree in the indenture to
treat, the notes as contingent payment debt
instruments for U.S. federal income tax purposes and
to be bound by our application of the Treasury regulations that
govern contingent payment debt instruments, including our
projected payment schedule and our determination of the rate at
which interest will be deemed to accrue for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, which is the rate comparable to the rate at
which we would borrow on a non-contingent, nonconvertible
borrowing with terms otherwise similar to the notes. Based on
such agreement, (i) each holder will be required to accrue
interest at this rate, with the result that a holder will
recognize taxable income significantly in excess of any cash
received while the notes are outstanding and (ii) a holder
will generally be required to recognize ordinary income on the
gain, if any, realized on a sale, exchange, conversion or
redemption of the notes. See Certain United States Federal
Income Tax Considerations. |
|
Risk factors |
|
Investment in the notes involves risk. You should carefully
consider the information under the section titled Risk
Factors and all other information included in this
prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by
reference before investing in the notes. |
S-12
SUMMARY
FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING DATA
The following table summarizes our financial data for the
periods and as of the dates presented. We derived the income
statement, balance sheet and other financial data for each of
the fiscal years ended December 28, 2002, January 3,
2004, January 1, 2005, December 31, 2005 and
December 30, 2006 from our audited consolidated financial
statements. We derived the income statement, balance sheet and
other financial data for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006 and September 29, 2007 from our
unaudited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of
management, the unaudited financial statements have been
prepared on a consistent basis as the audited financial
statements and include all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring adjustments and accruals, considered necessary for
fair presentation. The results of operations for the nine months
ended September 29, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of
the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending
December 29, 2007. The information under As
Adjusted in the balance sheet data below reflects the
issuance of the notes offered in this offering and the receipt
by us of the estimated net proceeds. You should read this
information in conjunction with Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and our consolidated financial statements and
the notes thereto incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 29,
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufacturing
|
|
$
|
1,150,638
|
|
|
$
|
981,254
|
|
|
$
|
1,002,164
|
|
|
$
|
1,190,819
|
|
|
$
|
1,195,834
|
|
|
$
|
945,011
|
|
|
$
|
717,994
|
|
International
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,717
|
|
|
|
58,077
|
|
|
|
188,704
|
|
Retail
|
|
|
250,277
|
|
|
|
130,366
|
|
|
|
110,024
|
|
|
|
135,371
|
|
|
|
117,397
|
|
|
|
93,712
|
|
|
|
57,657
|
|
Less intercompany
|
|
|
(156,704
|
)
|
|
|
(109,686
|
)
|
|
|
(97,900
|
)
|
|
|
(53,600
|
)
|
|
|
(39,300
|
)
|
|
|
(33,100
|
)
|
|
|
(16,500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net sales
|
|
|
1,244,211
|
|
|
|
1,001,934
|
|
|
|
1,014,288
|
|
|
|
1,272,590
|
|
|
|
1,364,648
|
|
|
|
1,063,700
|
|
|
|
947,855
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
1,077,045
|
(b)
|
|
|
866,020
|
(b)
|
|
|
843,261
|
(b)
|
|
|
1,055,749
|
|
|
|
1,147,032
|
|
|
|
895,677
|
|
|
|
803,074
|
(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
167,166
|
|
|
|
135,914
|
|
|
|
171,027
|
|
|
|
216,841
|
|
|
|
217,616
|
|
|
|
168,023
|
|
|
|
144,781
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
197,317
|
|
|
|
146,513
|
|
|
|
129,096
|
|
|
|
151,810
|
|
|
|
154,518
|
|
|
|
115,996
|
|
|
|
112,629
|
|
Goodwill impairment charges
|
|
|
97,000
|
|
|
|
34,183
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restructuring charges
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
|
21,100
|
|
|
|
3,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,200
|
|
|
|
1,200
|
|
|
|
1,100
|
|
Amortization of intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,941
|
|
|
|
2,513
|
|
|
|
4,273
|
|
Mark-to-market charge (credit) for common stock warrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,300
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
(4,300
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Gain) loss on debt retirement
|
|
|
(7,385
|
)
|
|
|
(10,639
|
)
|
|
|
2,776
|
|
|
|
9,857
|
|
|
|
398
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
(159,766
|
)
|
|
|
(58,543
|
)
|
|
|
30,355
|
|
|
|
59,474
|
|
|
|
57,559
|
|
|
|
48,314
|
|
|
|
26,779
|
|
Net interest (expense)
|
|
|
(26,430
|
)
|
|
|
(26,399
|
)
|
|
|
(17,219
|
)
|
|
|
(13,986
|
)
|
|
|
(14,446
|
)
|
|
|
10,295
|
|
|
|
11,616
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax (loss) income-continuing operations
|
|
|
(186,196
|
)
|
|
|
(84,942
|
)
|
|
|
13,136
|
|
|
|
45,488
|
|
|
|
43,113
|
|
|
|
38,019
|
|
|
|
15,163
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
53,500
|
(d)
|
|
|
(5,500
|
)
|
|
|
(10,000
|
)(c)
|
|
|
3,300
|
|
|
|
(95,211
|
)(f)
|
|
|
(96,714
|
)
|
|
|
2,019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income-continuing operations
|
|
|
(239,696
|
)
|
|
|
(79,442
|
)
|
|
|
23,136
|
|
|
|
42,188
|
|
|
|
138,324
|
|
|
|
134,733
|
|
|
|
13,144
|
|
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(15,859
|
)(a)
|
|
|
(23,642
|
)(a)
|
|
|
(6,125
|
)(a)
|
|
|
(4,383
|
)(a)
|
|
|
(16
|
)(a)
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(255,555
|
)
|
|
$
|
(103,084
|
)
|
|
$
|
17,011
|
|
|
$
|
37,805
|
|
|
$
|
138,308
|
|
|
$
|
134,744
|
|
|
$
|
13,144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(g)
|
|
$
|
(138,614
|
)
|
|
$
|
(44,829
|
)
|
|
$
|
40,564
|
|
|
$
|
70,212
|
|
|
$
|
75,502
|
|
|
$
|
61,246
|
|
|
$
|
41,815
|
|
Cash flows provided by (used for) continuing operating activities
|
|
|
10,554
|
(e)
|
|
|
72,215
|
(e)
|
|
|
(7,319
|
)
|
|
|
38,406
|
|
|
|
59,874
|
|
|
|
59,402
|
|
|
|
35,139
|
|
Cash flows (used for) provided by discontinued operations
|
|
|
(37,633
|
)
|
|
|
(12,030
|
)
|
|
|
(1,976
|
)
|
|
|
15,438
|
|
|
|
1,201
|
|
|
|
1,168
|
|
|
|
285
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,152
|
|
|
|
13,714
|
|
|
|
10,209
|
|
|
|
10,738
|
|
|
|
17,943
|
|
|
|
12,932
|
|
|
|
15,036
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
6,063
|
|
|
|
5,912
|
|
|
|
8,440
|
|
|
|
11,785
|
|
|
|
17,582
|
|
|
|
14,279
|
|
|
|
5,494
|
|
S-13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 29,
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER STATISTICAL INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of employees at period-end
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
|
|
6,800
|
|
|
|
6,800
|
|
|
|
7,400
|
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
|
|
7,400
|
|
|
|
6,300
|
|
Homes sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manufacturing
|
|
|
32,460
|
|
|
|
25,483
|
|
|
|
22,978
|
|
|
|
23,960
|
|
|
|
21,126
|
|
|
|
16,907
|
|
|
|
11,735
|
|
Retail-new
|
|
|
6,006
|
|
|
|
3,432
|
|
|
|
687
|
|
|
|
748
|
|
|
|
629
|
|
|
|
495
|
|
|
|
295
|
|
Wholesale multi-section mix
|
|
|
82
|
%
|
|
|
84
|
%
|
|
|
85
|
%
|
|
|
79
|
%
|
|
|
80
|
%
|
|
|
80
|
%
|
|
|
78
|
%
|
BALANCE SHEET DATA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
77,381
|
|
|
$
|
145,868
|
|
|
$
|
142,266
|
|
|
$
|
126,979
|
|
|
$
|
70,208
|
|
|
$
|
106,439
|
|
|
$
|
111,282
|
|
Working capital(h)
|
|
|
77,624
|
|
|
|
73,487
|
|
|
|
109,170
|
|
|
|
112,065
|
|
|
|
59,980
|
|
|
|
91,100
|
|
|
|
82,816
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
127,129
|
|
|
|
87,365
|
|
|
|
80,957
|
|
|
|
91,173
|
|
|
|
112,527
|
|
|
|
113,153
|
|
|
|
105,182
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
728,091
|
|
|
|
528,300
|
|
|
|
517,042
|
|
|
|
566,654
|
|
|
|
800,615
|
|
|
|
886,781
|
|
|
|
873,495
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
341,612
|
|
|
|
244,669
|
|
|
|
200,758
|
|
|
|
201,727
|
|
|
|
252,449
|
|
|
|
283,665
|
|
|
|
254,090
|
|
Redeemable convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
29,256
|
|
|
|
8,689
|
|
|
|
20,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
37,325
|
|
|
|
14,989
|
|
|
|
77,300
|
|
|
|
147,305
|
|
|
|
301,762
|
|
|
|
290,991
|
|
|
|
324,440
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Discontinued operations consisted of the consumer finance
business, which was exited in 2003, and 66 retail lots that were
closed or sold in 2004 and 2005. |
|
(b) |
|
Included restructuring (credits) charges due to closing or
consolidation of manufacturing facilities and retail sales
centers of $0.2 million in 2007, $(1.3) million in
2004, $8.9 million in 2003 and $15.3 million in 2002
classified as cost of sales. |
|
(c) |
|
As a result of the finalization of certain tax examinations, the
allowance for tax adjustments was reduced by $12 million. |
|
(d) |
|
Included recording a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of
$101.5 million. |
|
(e) |
|
Included income tax refunds of $64 million in 2003 and
$22 million in 2002. |
|
(f) |
|
Included a non-cash tax benefit of $101.9 million from the
reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. |
|
(g) |
|
EBITDA consists of operating income or loss (income or loss
before interest, income taxes and discontinued operations) and
before depreciation and amortization. EBITDA as defined by us
may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other
companies. Although EBITDA is not a measure of performance
calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP), we believe it is a generally
recognized measure of performance used in the housing industry
and by analysts who issue reports on companies in the housing
industry. Nevertheless, EBITDA should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for operating income (loss), net
income (loss), net cash provided by (used for) operating
activities or any other measure for determining our operating
performance or liquidity that is calculated in accordance with
GAAP. |
S-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA Reconciliation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year
|
|
|
Sept. 30,
|
|
|
Sept. 29,
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(255,555
|
)
|
|
$
|
(103,084
|
)
|
|
$
|
17,011
|
|
|
$
|
37,805
|
|
|
$
|
138,308
|
|
|
$
|
134,744
|
|
|
$
|
13,144
|
|
Reconciliation to EBITDA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes (benefit)
|
|
|
53,500
|
|
|
|
(5,500
|
)
|
|
|
(10,000
|
)
|
|
|
3,300
|
|
|
|
(95,211
|
)
|
|
|
(96,714
|
)
|
|
|
2,019
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
26,430
|
|
|
|
26,399
|
|
|
|
17,219
|
|
|
|
13,986
|
|
|
|
14,446
|
|
|
|
10,295
|
|
|
|
11,616
|
|
Loss (income) from discontinued operations
|
|
|
15,859
|
|
|
|
23,642
|
|
|
|
6,125
|
|
|
|
4,383
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (loss) income
|
|
|
(159,766
|
)
|
|
|
(58,543
|
)
|
|
|
30,355
|
|
|
|
59,474
|
|
|
|
57,559
|
|
|
|
48,314
|
|
|
|
26,779
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,152
|
|
|
|
13,714
|
|
|
|
10,209
|
|
|
|
10,738
|
|
|
|
17,943
|
|
|
|
12,932
|
|
|
|
15,036
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
$
|
(138,614
|
)
|
|
$
|
(44,829
|
)
|
|
$
|
40,564
|
|
|
$
|
70,212
|
|
|
$
|
75,502
|
|
|
$
|
61,246
|
|
|
$
|
41,815
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h) |
|
Working capital is defined as current assets minus current
liabilities. |
S-15
Investing in the notes involves risks. In addition
to the risks of owning the notes, as a result of the conversion
feature of the notes, a holder will also be exposed to the risks
of owning our common stock, and the value of notes may fluctuate
with the value of our common stock. You should carefully
consider the risks described below relating to an investment in
notes and our common stock, as well as the risks relating to
Champions business described in Item IA. Risk Factors
of our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006, and the other
information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus before
making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties
described below, in the accompanying prospectus and in our other
filings with the SEC incorporated by reference herein are not
the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not
presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial
may also adversely affect us. If any of the following risks
occur, our business, financial condition or results of
operations could be materially harmed. In such case, the value
of the notes could decline and you could lose part or all of
your investment.
Risks
related to the notes, our common stock and this
offering
Our
substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial
health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the
notes.
We currently have a substantial amount of outstanding
indebtedness. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows
in the future to service our debt, we may be required to
refinance all or a portion of our existing debt or to obtain
additional financing. There can be no assurance that any
refinancings will be possible or that any additional financing
could be obtained on acceptable terms. The inability to
refinance our existing debt or to obtain additional financing
would have a material adverse effect on our financial position,
liquidity and results of operations.
The degree to which we are leveraged creates risks including:
|
|
|
|
|
we may be unable to satisfy our obligations under our
outstanding indebtedness;
|
|
|
|
we may find it more difficult to fund operating costs, capital
expenditures, stock repurchases, acquisitions, or general
corporate purposes;
|
|
|
|
we may have to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash
resources to the payments on our outstanding indebtedness,
thereby reducing the funds available for operations and future
business opportunities; and
|
|
|
|
we may be vulnerable to adverse general economic and industry
conditions.
|
Our credit facilities require us to comply with certain
financial ratios and covenants. These restrictions may interfere
with our ability to obtain financing or to engage in other
necessary or desirable business activities. As of
September 29, 2007, we were in compliance with all
financial and performance covenants on our credit facilities.
If we cannot comply with the requirements in our credit
facilities, then the lenders may increase our borrowing costs or
require us to repay immediately all of the outstanding debt. If
our debt payments were accelerated, our assets might not be
sufficient to fully repay the debt. These lenders may require us
to use all of our available cash to repay our debt, foreclose
upon their collateral or prevent us from making payments to
other creditors on certain portions of our outstanding debt.
These events may also result in a default under our senior note
indenture.
We may not be able to obtain a waiver of these provisions or
refinance our debt, if needed. In such case, our financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations would suffer.
S-16
Because
of our holding company structure and the security interests our
subsidiaries have granted in their assets, the repayment of the
notes will be effectively subordinated to substantially all of
our other debt, other than our outstanding 7.625% Senior
Notes due 2009.
The notes will be unsecured obligations of Champion Enterprises,
Inc. The notes will be effectively junior in right of payment to
all of our secured indebtedness. Holders of any secured
indebtedness of ours or our subsidiaries will have claims that
are senior to the claims of the holders of any debt securities
issued by us to the extent of the assets securing such other
indebtedness. Any debt securities issued by us, including the
notes, will effectively rank junior to that secured
indebtedness. As of September 29, 2007, the aggregate
amount of our and our subsidiaries secured indebtedness
was approximately $256 million.
If we defaulted under our obligations under any of our secured
debt, our secured lenders could proceed against the collateral
granted to them to secure that indebtedness. If any secured
indebtedness were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance
that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full that
indebtedness and our other indebtedness, including any debt
securities issued by us. In addition, upon any distribution of
assets pursuant to any liquidation, insolvency, dissolution,
reorganization or similar proceeding, the holders of secured
indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full from
the proceeds of the collateral securing our secured indebtedness
before the holders of the notes will be entitled to receive any
payment with respect thereto. As a result, the holders of the
notes may recover proportionally less than holders of secured
indebtedness.
Conversion
of the notes or future sales or issuances of common stock may
dilute the ownership interest of existing shareholders,
including holders who have previously converted their notes.
Such dilution may adversely affect the trading price of our
common stock and of the notes.
Any issuance of equity securities after this offering, including
the issuance of shares upon conversion of the notes, could
dilute the interests of our existing stockholders, including
holders who have received shares upon conversion of their notes,
and could substantially affect the trading price of our common
stock and the notes. In addition, the anticipated conversion of
the notes into shares of our common stock could depress the
price of our common stock.
We may issue equity securities in the future for a number of
reasons, including to finance our operations and business
strategy, to adjust our ratio of debt to equity, to satisfy our
obligations upon the exercise of outstanding warrants or
options, or upon conversion of preferred stock or debentures, or
for other reasons. As of September 29, 2007, there were:
|
|
|
|
|
883,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise
of outstanding options, at a weighted average exercise price of
$10.06 per share, all of which were exercisable; and
|
|
|
|
3.3 million shares of our common stock available for future
grant under our equity compensation plans.
|
In addition, the price of our common stock could also be
affected by possible sales of our common stock by investors who
view the notes as a more attractive means of equity
participation in our company and by hedging or arbitrage trading
activity that we expect to develop involving our common stock.
The hedging or arbitrage could, in turn, affect the trading
price of the notes.
Beginning
on November 1, 2012, the interest rate on the notes is
subject to reduction in certain circumstances.
Beginning on November 1, 2012, during any six-month period
thereafter from November 1 to April 30 and from May 1 to
October 31, if the average trading price (as defined
herein) of a note for the five consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the first day of the applicable six-month
interest period equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount
of the notes, we will reduce the %
interest rate for the notes to % solely
for the relevant interest period. See Description of the
Notes Interest. We cannot predict the trading
price of the notes and as a result, there can be no assurance
that the interest rate on the notes will not be subject to
reduction for some or all of the interest periods occurring on
or after November 1, 2012.
S-17
Despite
our current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may
still be able to incur substantially more debt, and this could
further exacerbate the risks described in this prospectus
supplement.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial
additional indebtedness in the future. We will not be restricted
under the terms of the notes or the indenture pursuant to which
the notes are to be issued from incurring additional
indebtedness, including secured debt. In addition, the notes do
not require us to achieve or maintain any minimum financial
results relating to our financial condition or results of
operations. Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt
and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the
terms of the notes could have the effect of diminishing our
ability to make payments on the notes when due. In addition, we
are not restricted from repurchasing common stock by the terms
of the notes.
We may
not be able to pay interest on the notes or repurchase the notes
at the option of the holder on specified dates or upon a
fundamental change.
The notes bear interest at a rate
of % per year. In addition, on
November 1, 2012, November 1, 2017, November 1,
2022, November 1, 2027 and November 1, 2032, holders
of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase all or a
portion of their notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of
their principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest up
to, but excluding the repurchase date. Holders of notes also
have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of
their notes for cash upon the occurrence of a fundamental
change. Any of our future debt agreements or securities may
contain similar provisions. We may not have sufficient funds to
pay interest to the note holders or to make the required
repurchase of the notes at the applicable time and, in such
circumstances, may not be able to arrange the necessary
financing on favorable terms, if at all. In addition, our
ability to make the required repurchase upon a fundamental
change is currently limited by the terms of our existing credit
agreement and may be limited by law or the terms of other debt
agreements or securities. Our failure to pay interest on the
notes or to make the required repurchase, as the case may be,
would constitute an event of default under the indenture
governing the notes which, in turn, could constitute an event of
default under other debt agreements or securities, thereby
resulting in their acceleration and required prepayment and
thereby further restrict our ability to make such interest
payments and repurchases. See Description of the
Notes Interest, Description of the
Notes Conversion Rights Settlement upon
Conversion, Description of the Notes
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase
Notes and Description of the Notes
Repurchase of Notes by Us at Option of Holder.
Although
the notes are referred to as senior notes, the notes
are effectively subordinated to the rights of our existing and
future secured creditors and any liabilities of our
subsidiaries.
Holders of our present and future secured indebtedness and the
secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries will have claims that
are senior to your claims as holders of the notes, to the extent
of the value of the assets securing such other indebtedness. The
notes will be effectively subordinated to existing secured
financings and any other secured indebtedness incurred by us. In
the event of any distribution or payment of our assets in any
foreclosure, dissolution,
winding-up,
liquidation, reorganization or other bankruptcy proceeding,
holders of secured indebtedness will have prior claim to those
assets that constitute their collateral. Holders of the notes
will participate ratably with all holders of our unsecured
indebtedness that is deemed to be of the same class as the
notes, and potentially with all of our other general creditors,
based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or
creditor, in our remaining assets. The notes will also be
structurally subordinated in right of payment to all
indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments (including
trade payables and lease obligations) of our subsidiaries.
In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of
any of our subsidiaries, holders of their indebtedness and their
trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their
claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets
are made available for distribution to us.
The
market price of the notes could be significantly affected by the
market price of our common stock and other
factors.
We expect that the market price of our notes will be
significantly affected by the market price of our common stock.
This may result in greater volatility in the market price of the
notes than would be expected
S-18
for nonconvertible debt securities. The market price of our
common stock will likely continue to fluctuate in response to
the factors discussed elsewhere in Risk Factors,
among others, many of which are beyond our control.
Settlement
of all conversions may be delayed and, as a result, you may
receive less consideration than expected for your
notes.
Upon conversion of the notes, settlement may be delayed until
the 24th trading day following the relevant conversion
date. See Description of the Notes Conversion
Rights General. As a result, upon conversion
of the notes, the value of the common stock you receive may be
less than expected because the value of our common stock may
decline (or not appreciate as much as you may expect) between
the day that you exercise your conversion right and the day our
conversion obligation in respect of your notes is finally
determined. In addition, upon conversion, you may receive shares
of our common stock with a value less than the principal amount
of notes being converted because the value of our common stock
may decline (or not appreciate as much as you expect) between
the day that you exercise your conversion right and the day our
conversion obligation in respect of your notes is finally
determined.
In the
event of a default, we may have insufficient funds to make any
payments due on the notes.
Our failure to convert the notes into shares of our common stock
upon exercise of a holders conversion right in accordance
with the provisions of the indenture pursuant to which the notes
are issued would constitute a default under the indenture. In
addition, a default under the indenture could lead to a default
under existing and future agreements governing our indebtedness.
If, due to a default, the repayment of related indebtedness were
to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods,
we may not have sufficient funds to repay such indebtedness and
the notes.
The
notes are not protected by restrictive covenants.
The indenture governing the notes does not contain any financial
or operating covenants or restrictions on the payments of
dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or the issuance or
repurchase of securities by us or any of our subsidiaries. In
addition, the indenture does not contain covenants or other
provisions to afford protection to holders of the notes in the
event of a change of control involving us except to the extent
described under Description of the Notes
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase
Notes and Description of the Notes
Conversion Rights Adjustment to Shares Delivered
Upon Conversion Upon Certain Corporate Transactions.
The
base conversion rate and the incremental share factor for the
notes may not be adjusted for all dilutive events.
The base conversion rate and the incremental share factor of the
notes are subject to adjustment for certain events, including,
but not limited to, the issuance of stock dividends on our
common stock, the issuance of certain rights or warrants,
subdivisions, combinations, distributions of capital stock,
indebtedness or assets, cash dividends and certain issuer tender
or exchange offers as described under Description of the
Notes Conversion Rights Conversion Rate
Adjustments. Neither the base conversion rate nor the
incremental share factor will be adjusted, however, for other
events, such as a third party tender or exchange offer or an
issuance of common stock for cash, that may adversely affect the
trading price of the notes or our common stock. In addition, an
event that adversely affects the value of the notes may occur,
and that event may not result in an adjustment to the base
conversion rate or the incremental share factor.
Some
significant restructuring transactions may not constitute a
fundamental change, in which case we would not be obligated to
offer to purchase the notes.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, you have the right
to require us to purchase your notes. However, the fundamental
change provisions will not afford protection to holders of notes
in the event of certain transactions. For example, transactions
such as leveraged recapitalizations, refinancings,
restructurings,
S-19
or acquisitions initiated by us may not constitute a fundamental
change requiring us to purchase the notes. In the event of any
such transaction, the holders would not have the right to
require us to purchase the notes, even though each of these
transactions could increase the amount of our indebtedness, or
otherwise adversely affect our capital structure or any credit
ratings, thereby adversely affecting the holders of notes.
The
adjustment to the applicable conversion rate for notes converted
in connection with certain corporate transactions may not
adequately compensate you for any lost value of your notes as a
result of such transaction.
If certain corporate transactions occur, under certain
circumstances we will increase the applicable conversion rate by
a number of additional shares of our common stock for notes
converted in connection with such specified corporate
transaction. The increase in the applicable conversion rate will
be determined based on the date on which such corporate
transaction becomes effective and the price paid per share of
our common stock in, or the price of our common stock over a
five
trading-day
period immediately preceding the effective date of, such
corporate transaction, as described below under
Description of the Notes Conversion
Rights Adjustment to Shares Delivered Upon
Conversion Upon Certain Corporate Transactions. The
adjustment to the applicable conversion rate for notes converted
in connection with such corporate transaction may not adequately
compensate you for any lost value of your notes as a result of
such transaction. In addition, if the price of our common stock
in, or the average price of our common stock over a five
trading-day
period immediately preceding the effective date of, such
corporate transaction is greater than
$ per share, or less than
$ per share, no adjustment will be
made to the applicable conversion rate. In addition, in no event
will the total number of shares of common stock issuable upon
conversion as a result of this adjustment
exceed
per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustments in
the same manner as the base conversion rate as set forth under
Description of the Notes Conversion
Rights Conversion Rate Adjustments.
Our obligation to increase the applicable conversion rate in
connection with any such specified corporate transaction could
be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability
thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness
of economic remedies.
We
cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for
the notes.
Prior to this offering, there has been no trading market for the
notes. We do not intend to apply for a listing of the notes on
any national securities exchange or any automated dealer
quotation system. The underwriter has advised us that it
currently intends to make a market in the notes after the
offering is completed. However, it is not obligated to do so,
and may discontinue market making with respect to the notes
without notice. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market
in the notes, and the market price quoted for the notes, may be
adversely affected by changes in the overall market for this
type of security and by changes in our financial performance or
prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry
generally. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active
trading market will develop for the notes.
Provisions
of the notes could discourage an acquisition of us by a third
party.
Certain provisions of the notes could make it more difficult or
more expensive for a third party to acquire us. Upon the
occurrence of certain transactions constituting a fundamental
change, holders of the notes will have the right, at their
option, to require us to repurchase for cash any or all of their
notes, or any portion of the principal amount of such notes that
is equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000, at a price
equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and
unpaid interest. See Description of the Notes
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase
Notes. We also may be required to issue additional shares
of our common stock upon conversion of outstanding notes in the
event of certain corporate transactions. See Description
of the Notes Conversion Rights
Adjustment to Shares Delivered Upon Conversion Upon Certain
Corporate Transactions.
S-20
Holding
the notes does not entitle you to any rights with respect to our
common stock, but you will be subject to all changes made with
respect to our common stock.
As a holder of the notes, you will not be entitled to any rights
with respect to our common stock (including, without limitation,
voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other
distributions on our common stock), but you will be subject to
all changes affecting our common stock. You will have rights
with respect to our common stock only if you convert your notes,
which you are permitted to do only in the limited circumstances
described in this prospectus supplement. For example, in the
event that an amendment is proposed to our restated articles of
incorporation or bylaws requiring shareholder approval and the
record date for determining the shareholders of record entitled
to vote on the amendment occurs prior to last day of the
relevant observation period, you will not be entitled to vote on
the amendment, although you will nevertheless be subject to any
changes in the powers, preferences or rights of our common stock.
We may
issue preferred stock with rights senior to our common
stock.
Our restated articles of incorporation, as amended, authorize
the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock
without shareholder approval. The shares may have dividend,
voting, liquidation and other rights and preferences that are
senior to the rights of our common stock. In addition, such
shares of preferred stock may be convertible into shares of our
common stock. Conversion of shares of our preferred stock into
shares of our common stock may dilute the value of our common
stock, which may adversely impact the value of your notes. The
rights and preferences of any class or series of preferred stock
issued by us would be established by our board of directors in
its sole discretion.
Our
restated articles of incorporation and Michigan law may have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, which
could adversely affect the value of the shares of our common
stock underlying the notes and the notes
themselves.
In addition to the ability of our board of directors to issue
shares of preferred stock, we are subject to Michigan statutes
regulating business combinations, takeovers and control share
acquisitions, which might also hinder or delay a change in
control of our company. Such statutes, along with anti-takeover
provisions that our board of directors might include in
preferred stock that they may choose to issue, could depress the
market price of our common stock, into which the notes are
convertible upon the terms described in this prospectus
supplement, as well as limit the shareholders ability to
receive a premium on their shares by discouraging takeover and
tender offer bids, even if such events might be beneficial to
shareholders.
You
may be subject to tax upon an adjustment to the base conversion
rate or the applicable conversion rate of the notes even though
you do not receive a corresponding cash
distribution.
The base conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment
in certain circumstances, including the payment of certain cash
dividends. If the base conversion rate is adjusted as a result
of a distribution that is taxable to our common shareholders,
such as a cash dividend, you will be deemed to have received a
taxable dividend to the extent of our earnings and profits that
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax without the
receipt of any cash. If you are a
non-U.S. holder
(as defined in Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations), such deemed dividend may be subject to
U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, or such lower
rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty, which may be
set off against subsequent payments on the notes. See
Price Range of Our Common Stock and Dividend Policy
and Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations.
If certain types of corporate transactions occur on or prior to
the maturity date of the notes, under some circumstances, we
will increase the applicable conversion rate for notes converted
in connection with the corporate transaction. See
Description of the Notes Conversion
Rights Adjustment to Shares Delivered Upon Conversion
Upon Certain Corporate Transactions. Such increase may be
treated as a distribution subject to U.S. federal income
tax as a dividend. See Certain United States Federal
Income Tax Considerations.
S-21
U.S.
Holders of the notes will recognize income for U.S. federal
income tax purposes significantly in excess of interest payments
on the notes, and gain (if any) recognized on a disposition of
notes will generally be taxed as ordinary income.
We and each holder of the notes agree in the indenture to treat
the notes, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as
contingent payment debt instruments. As a result of
such treatment, U.S. Holders (as defined under Certain
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations) of the
notes will be required to include interest in gross income in an
amount significantly in excess of the stated interest of the
notes. In addition, any gain recognized by a U.S. Holder on the
sale, exchange, repurchase, redemption, retirement or conversion
of a note will generally be ordinary interest income and any
loss will generally be ordinary loss to the extent of the
interest previously included in income by the U.S. Holder and,
thereafter, capital loss. There is some uncertainty as to the
proper application of the Treasury regulations governing
contingent payment debt instruments and, if our treatment is
successfully challenged by the Internal Revenue Service, it
might be determined that, among other things, you should have
accrued interest income at a lower or higher rate, or should
have recognized capital gain or loss, rather than ordinary
income or loss, upon the conversion or disposition of the notes.
See Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations.
Our
ability to use net operating loss carryforwards to offset future
taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be
subject to limitation as a result of future conversions of the
notes or other transactions.
In general, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code,
a corporation that undergoes an ownership change is
subject to limitations on its ability to utilize all or a
portion of its pre-change net operating losses, or NOLs, to
offset future taxable income. A corporation generally undergoes
an ownership change when the stock ownership
percentage (by value) of its 5 percent
stockholders increases by more than 50 percentage
points over any three-year testing period. We currently have
significant NOLs. Future transactions involving the sale or
other transfer of our stock, such as additional stock issuances
by us (including issuances upon future conversion of the notes)
or acquisitions or sales of shares by certain holders of our
shares, and the timing of such transactions, may result in an
ownership change. There can be no assurance that we will realize
any U.S. federal income tax benefit from any of our NOL
carryforwards.
S-22
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
September 29, 2007:
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on an actual basis; and
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on an as adjusted basis to reflect the completion of our sale of
the notes in this offering and the receipt and use of the
proceeds therefrom (assuming the underwriters option to
purchase additional senior convertible notes is not exercised)
as described in Use of Proceeds.
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The information presented below should be read in conjunction
with our historical financial statements as of and for the nine
months ended September 29, 2007 and Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations included in our quarterly report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 29, 2007 and incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement.
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Actual
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As Adjusted
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(In thousands)
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
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111,282
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$
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138,938
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Debt:
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75/8% Senior
Notes due 2009(a)
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$
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82,298
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$
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Notes offered hereby
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130,000
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Term Loan due 2012
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70,250
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62,250
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Sterling Term Loan due 2012
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90,210
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90,210
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Obligations under industrial revenue bonds
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12,430
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12,430
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Other debt(b)
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1,027
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1,027
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Total debt
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$
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256,215
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$
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295,917
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Shareholders equity(c)
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324,440
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321,849
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Total capitalization
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$
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580,655
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$
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617,766
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(a) |
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Assumes all of the 2009 notes are tendered and accepted in the
concurrent offer to purchase. |
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(b) |
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Other debt consists primarily of capitalized leases. |
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(c) |
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Adjustment to shareholders equity consists of the tender
premium relating to the repurchase of the 2009 notes of
approximately $4.0 million, net of taxes at an assumed rate of
35%. |
S-23
We estimate the net proceeds of this offering will be
approximately $126 million, after deducting the
underwriters discounts and commissions and estimated
offering expenses. Approximately $100 million of the
proceeds from this offering will be used to:
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repurchase any and all of the 2009 notes tendered in the offer
to purchase including tender premium and accrued interest;
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repay not less than $8 million of our outstanding
principal, plus accrued interest, under our term loan due
2012; and
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pay related fees and expense.
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The remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate
purposes.
If the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional
notes to cover over-allotments in full, we estimate that the net
proceeds from this offering will be approximately
$145 million, after deducting the underwriters
discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. To
the extent that less than $89 million of the proceeds are used
to repurchase the 2009 notes (including tender premium and
accrued interest), the difference between $89 million and
the amount actually used will instead be used to repay
additional amounts under our term loan due 2012.
PRICE
RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Set forth below, for the periods indicated, are the high and low
sale prices per share of common stock as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange.
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High
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Low
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2005
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First Quarter
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$
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12.25
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$
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9.11
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Second Quarter
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11.20
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8.33
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Third Quarter
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14.97
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9.58
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Fourth Quarter
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15.55
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12.30
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2006
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First Quarter
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$
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16.02
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$
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13.00
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Second Quarter
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16.32
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9.24
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Third Quarter
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10.56
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5.15
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Fourth Quarter
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10.09
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6.88
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2007
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First Quarter
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$
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10.34
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$
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7.18
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Second Quarter
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12.00
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8.63
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Third Quarter
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12.74
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8.80
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Fourth Quarter (through October 26, 2007)
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14.59
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10.94
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On October 26, 2007, the last reported sale price of our
common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $13.04 per share.
We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock since 1974
and do not plan to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the
near term. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to
finance the operation and expansion of our business.
S-24
We will issue the notes under an indenture, dated as of
November , 2007 and a first supplemental
indenture dated as of November , 2007, which
together we refer to as the indenture, between us
and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee, to whom we refer as the
trustee. The terms of the notes include those
expressly set forth in the indenture and those made part of the
indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended, which we refer to as the Trust Indenture
Act.
You may request a copy of the indenture from us. See Where
You Can Find More Information.
The following description is a summary of the material
provisions of the notes and the indenture and does not purport
to be complete. This description supplements, and should be read
together with, the description of the general terms and
provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying
prospectus under the heading Description of Debt
Securities and, to the extent it is inconsistent with the
accompanying prospectus, replaces the description in the
accompanying prospectus. This summary is subject to, and is
qualified by reference to, all the provisions of the notes and
the indenture, including the definitions of certain terms used
in these documents. We urge you to read the indenture because
it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of
the notes.
For purposes of this description, references to the
Company, the issuer, we,
our and us refer only to Champion
Enterprises, Inc. (excluding its subsidiaries).
General
We are offering $130,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
our % Convertible Senior Notes
due 2037 (or $149,500,000 if the underwriter exercises its
over-allotment option in full), which we refer to as the
notes. We use the term note in this
prospectus supplement to refer to each $1,000 principal amount
of notes. The notes will mature on November 1, 2037,
subject to earlier conversion, redemption or repurchase.
The notes:
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will be our general unsecured senior obligations;
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will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
of $1,000;
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will be represented by one or more registered notes in global
form, but in certain limited circumstances may be represented by
notes in certificated form as described below under
Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance;
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will not be subject to defeasance or any sinking fund provision;
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will be ranked equally in right of payment to any of our
existing or future unsecured senior debt; and
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will effectively rank junior to any of our secured debt to the
extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness,
and will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities of our
subsidiaries.
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On or prior to the business day immediately preceding the
maturity date, the notes may be converted based on an initial
base conversion rate of shares of common stock per $1,000
principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial base
conversion price of approximately
$ per share of common stock),
which base conversion rate may be subject to increase pursuant
to a formula described below under Conversion
Rights General. The base conversion rate is
also subject to adjustment if certain events occur.
As described below under Conversion
Rights Settlement Upon Conversion, we will
settle conversions of notes by delivering a number of shares of
our common stock, per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equal to
the applicable conversion rate. Holders will not receive any
separate cash payment for interest, if any, accrued and unpaid
to the conversion date except under the circumstances described
below under Conversion Rights
General.
We may redeem the notes at our option, in whole or in part,
beginning on November 1, 2012, as described below under
Optional Redemption by Us.
S-25
The notes will be subject to repurchase by us at the
holders option on November 1, 2012, November 1,
2017, November 1, 2022, November 1, 2027 and
November 1, 2032 on the terms and at the repurchase prices
set forth below under Repurchase of Notes by
Us at Option of Holder.
The notes will be subject to repurchase by us at the
holders option upon the occurrence of a fundamental change
on the terms and at the purchase prices set forth below under
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require
Us to Purchase Notes.
If any interest payment date, maturity date, redemption date,
repurchase date, fundamental change purchase date or settlement
date falls on a day that is not a business day, then the
required payment or delivery will be made on the next succeeding
business day with the same force and effect as if made on the
date that the payment or delivery was due, and no additional
interest will accrue on that payment for the period from and
after the interest payment date, maturity date, redemption date,
repurchase date, fundamental change purchase date or settlement
date, as the case may be, to that next succeeding business day.
We may, without the consent of the holders, reopen the indenture
for the notes and issue additional notes under the indenture
with the same terms and with the same CUSIP numbers as the notes
offered hereby in an unlimited aggregate principal amount;
provided that no such additional notes may be issued
unless they will be fungible with the notes offered hereby for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. We may also from time to
time repurchase the notes in open market purchases or negotiated
transactions without prior notice to holders.
The registered holder of a note will be treated as the owner of
it for all purposes.
The indenture does not limit the amount of debt which may be
issued by us or our subsidiaries under the indenture or
otherwise.
Other than restrictions described under
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require
Us to Purchase Notes and Consolidation,
Merger and Sale of Assets below, and except for the
provisions set forth under Conversion
Rights Adjustment to Shares Delivered Upon
Conversion Upon Certain Corporate Transactions, the
indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions
designed to afford holders of the notes protection in the event
of a highly leveraged transaction involving us or in the event
of a decline in our credit rating as a result of a takeover,
recapitalization, highly leveraged transaction or similar
restructuring involving us that could adversely affect the
holders of the notes.
Payments
on the Notes; Paying Agent and Registrar
We will pay principal of certificated notes at the office or
agency designated by us in the United States. We have initially
designated a corporate trust office of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as
our paying agent and registrar and its agency in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, as a place where notes may be presented for payment
or for registration of transfer. We may, however, change the
paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of
the notes, and we may act as paying agent or registrar. Interest
on certificated notes will be payable (1) to holders
holding certificated notes having an aggregate principal amount
of $1,000,000 or less of notes by check mailed to the holders of
such notes and (2) to holders holding certificated notes
having an aggregate principal amount of more than $1,000,000 of
notes either by check mailed to each holder or, upon application
by a holder to the registrar not later than the relevant record
date, by wire transfer in immediately available funds to that
holders account within the United States, which
application shall remain in effect until the holder notifies, in
writing, the registrar to the contrary.
We will pay principal of and interest on notes in global form
registered in the name of or held by The Depository
Trust Company or its nominee in immediately available funds
to The Depository Trust Company or its nominee, as the case
may be, as the registered holder of such global note.
Interest
The notes will bear interest at a rate
of % per year (such interest rate
subject to reduction as described below). Interest will accrue
from November , 2007 and will be payable
semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year,
beginning May 1, 2008. Beginning on November 1, 2012,
during any
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six-month period thereafter from November 1 to April 30 and from
May 1 to October 31, if the average trading price (as
defined herein) of a note for the five consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the first day of the applicable six-month
interest period equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount
of the notes, we will reduce the % interest rate for
the notes solely to % for the relevant interest
period.
Trading price of the notes on any
determination date means the average of the secondary market bid
quotations per note obtained by the bid solicitation agent for
$5,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the notes at
approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the
determination date from three independent nationally recognized
securities dealers we select; provided that if:
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three such bids cannot reasonably be obtained by the bid
solicitation agent, but two such bids are obtained, then the
average of the two bids shall be used, and
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only one such bid can reasonably be obtained by the bid
solicitation agent, that one bid shall be used;
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provided further if no bids are received or, in our
reasonable judgment, the bid quotations are not indicative of
the secondary market value of the notes, then the trading price
of the notes on any determination date will equal (1) the
applicable conversion rate of the notes as of such determination
date multiplied by (2) the average last reported
sale price (as defined below under Conversion
Rights General) of our common stock for the
five consecutive trading days ending on such determination date.
Solely for purposes of determining the interest rate on the
notes beginning on November 1, 2012, as set forth above,
the applicable conversion rate on any day will be
(i) if the last reported sale price of our common stock on
the trading day immediately preceding such day is less than or
equal to the base conversion price, the base conversion rate and
(ii) if such last reported sale price of our common stock
is greater than the base conversion price, the base conversion
rate plus a number of shares equal to the product of
(a) the incremental share factor and (b) (1) the
difference between such last reported sale price and the base
conversion price divided by (2) such last reported
sale price.
The bid solicitation agent will initially be the trustee. We may
change the bid solicitation agent, but the bid solicitation
agent may not be an affiliate of ours.
Interest will be paid to the person in whose name a note is
registered at the close of business on April 15 or October 15
(each a record date), as the case may be (whether or
not a business day), immediately preceding the relevant interest
payment date; provided, however, that accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, payable upon redemption or repurchase
of the notes by us will be paid to the person to whom principal
is payable, unless the redemption date or repurchase date, as
the case may be, is after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
a record date and on or prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City
time, on the business day immediately following the interest
payment date to which that record date relates, in which case
such accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the
record holder on the relevant record date. Interest on the notes
will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year
composed of twelve
30-day
months.
Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to the
term interest in this prospectus supplement are
deemed to include additional interest, if any, that accrues and
is payable in connection with our failure to comply with our
reporting obligations under the indenture as set forth below
under Events of Default.
Ranking
The notes will be our general unsecured obligations and rank
senior in right of payment to all existing and future
indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment
to the notes. The notes will rank equally in right of payment
with all of our existing and future liabilities that are not so
subordinated. The notes will effectively rank junior to any of
our secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing
such indebtedness. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation,
reorganization or other winding up, our assets that secure such
secured indebtedness will be available to pay obligations on the
notes only after all indebtedness under such secured
indebtedness has been repaid in full from such assets. We advise
you that there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay
amounts due on any or all the notes then outstanding. As of
September 29, 2007, after giving pro forma effect to, and
assuming all of the 2009 notes are tendered and accepted in, the
concurrent offer to purchase, we had no significant
indebtedness. The notes will also be effectively subordinated in
right of
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payment to all indebtedness and other liabilities and
commitments (including trade payables and lease obligations) of
our subsidiaries in the amount of approximately
$467 million as of September 29, 2007. See Risk
Factors Because of our holding company structure and
the security interests our subsidiaries have granted in their
assets, the repayment of the notes will be effectively
subordinated to substantially all of our other debt, other than
our outstanding 7.625% Senior Notes due 2009.
Conversion
Rights
General
Holders may convert their notes at the applicable conversion
rate at any time prior to the close of business on the business
day immediately preceding the maturity date.
The applicable conversion rate for any notes to be converted
will be equal to the sum of the daily conversion rate fractions
for each day during the 20 trading days (as defined below) in
the relevant observation period (as defined below). The daily
conversion rate fraction for each trading day during the
relevant observation period will be determined as follows:
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if the last reported sale price (as defined below) of our common
stock on such trading day is less than or equal to the base
conversion price (as defined below), the daily conversion rate
fraction for such trading day will be equal to the base
conversion rate divided by 20; and
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if the last reported sale price of our common stock on such
trading day is greater than the base conversion price, the daily
conversion rate fraction for such trading day will be equal to
1/20th of the following:
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Base Conversion Rate +
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(Last Reported Sale Price
of our Common Stock on such Trading Day
Base Conversion Price)
Last
Reported Sale Price
of our Common Stock on such Trading Day
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x Incremental Share Factor
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In no event, however, will the daily conversion rate fraction
for any day during the observation period exceed
1/20th of
shares of our common stock (the daily share cap),
subject to adjustment in the same manner as the base conversion
rate as described herein.
The base conversion rate
is shares
of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to
adjustment as described under Conversion Rate
Adjustments. The applicable conversion rate may also be
adjusted in certain corporate transactions. See
Adjustment to Shares Delivered Upon Conversion
Upon Certain Corporate Transactions below.
The base conversion price per $1,000
principal amount of notes is a dollar amount (initially,
approximately $ ) determined by
dividing $1,000 by the base conversion rate.
The incremental share factor is
initially ,
subject to the same proportional adjustment as the base
conversion rate.
The observation period, with respect to any
note, means the 20 consecutive trading day period beginning on
and including the second trading day after the conversion date
for such note, except that with respect to any conversion date
that is on or after the 24th scheduled trading day
immediately preceding the maturity date for the notes, the
observation period means the 20 consecutive trading
days beginning on and including the 22nd scheduled trading
day immediately preceding the maturity date for the notes.
The last reported sale price of our common
stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if
no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and
ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of
the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as
reported in composite transactions for the principal
U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which our
common stock is listed for trading. If our common stock is not
listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional
securities exchange on the relevant date, the last
reported sale price will be the last quoted bid price for
our common
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stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as
reported by the National Quotation Bureau or similar
organization. If our common stock is not so quoted, the
last reported sale price will be the average of the
mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for our common stock on
the relevant date from each of at least three nationally
recognized independent investment banking firms selected by us
for this purpose.
Scheduled trading day means any day that is
scheduled to be a trading day.
Trading day means a day during which trading
in our common stock generally occurs on the principal
U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which our
common stock is listed for trading; provided that if our common
is not listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional
securities exchange, trading day will mean a business day.
Conversion
Procedures
If you hold a beneficial interest in a global note, to convert
you must comply with DTCs procedures for converting a
beneficial interest in a global note and, if required, pay funds
equal to interest payable on the next interest payment date and
all transfer or similar taxes, if any.
If you hold a certificated note, to convert you must:
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complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of
the note, or a facsimile of the conversion notice;
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deliver the conversion notice, which is irrevocable, and the
note to the conversion agent;
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if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer
documents;
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if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes; and
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if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next
interest payment date.
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The date you comply with these requirements is the
conversion date under the indenture.
If a holder has already delivered a purchase notice as described
under Fundamental Change Permits Holders to
Require Us to Purchase Notes or a repurchase notice as
described under Repurchase of Notes by Us at
Option of Holder with respect to a note, the holder may
not surrender that note for conversion until the holder has
withdrawn the relevant notice in accordance with the indenture.
In addition, if we call notes for redemption as described below
under Optional Redemption by Us, a
holder may convert the notes called for redemption at any time
prior to the close of business on the business day immediately
prior to the redemption date.
Settlement
Upon Conversion
Upon conversion of the notes, we will deliver to holders, for
each $1,000 principal amount of notes converted, a number of
shares equal to the applicable conversion rate on the third
trading day immediately following the last trading day of the
relevant observation period.
Upon conversion, a holder will not receive any separate cash
payment for accrued and unpaid interest, if any, except as set
forth in the immediately succeeding paragraph. We will not issue
fractional shares of our common stock upon conversion of notes.
Instead, we will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares based on
the last reported sale price of the common stock on the last
trading day of the relevant observation period. Our settlement
of conversions as described below under
Settlement Upon Conversion will be
deemed to satisfy our obligation to pay:
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the principal amount of the note; and
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accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the
conversion date.
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As a result, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but
excluding, the conversion date will be deemed to be paid in full
rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited.
S-29
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, if notes are converted
after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on a regular record
date but prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the
immediately following interest payment date, holders of such
notes at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the record date
will receive the interest, if any, payable on such notes on the
corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the
conversion. Notes, upon surrender for conversion during the
period after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on any regular
record date but prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on
the immediately following interest payment date, must be
accompanied by funds equal to the amount of interest, if any,
payable on the notes so converted; provided that no such
payment need be made:
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if we have specified a redemption date, repurchase date or a
fundamental change purchase date (as defined below) that is
after a record date and on or prior to the business day
immediately following the interest payment date;
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to the extent of any overdue interest, if any overdue interest
exists at the time of conversion with respect to such
note; or
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if the notes are surrendered for conversion after
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the regular record date
immediately preceding the maturity date and before
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business day
immediately preceding the maturity date for the notes.
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If a holder converts notes, we will pay any documentary, stamp
or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of any shares
of our common stock upon the conversion, unless the tax is due
because the holder requests any shares to be issued in a name
other than the holders name, in which case the holder will
pay that tax.
Exchange
in Lieu of Conversion
When a holder surrenders notes for conversion, we may direct in
writing the conversion agent to surrender such notes to a
financial institution designated by us for exchange in lieu of
conversion. In order to accept any notes surrendered for
conversion, the designated financial institution must agree to
deliver, in exchange for such notes, the number of shares of our
common stock due upon conversion based upon the applicable
conversion rate, as determined above under
General. By the close of business on the
scheduled trading day immediately preceding the start of the
observation period, we will provide written notification to the
holder surrendering notes for conversion that we have directed
the designated financial institution to make an exchange in lieu
of conversion. If the designated financial institution accepts
any such notes, it will deliver the number of shares of our
common stock due upon conversion to the conversion agent and the
conversion agent will deliver those shares of our common stock
to the converting holder. Any notes exchanged by the designated
financial institution will remain outstanding. If the designated
financial institution agrees to accept any notes for exchange
but does not timely deliver the related shares of our common
stock, we will, as promptly as practical thereafter (but no
later than the fourth trading day immediately following the last
trading day of the relevant observation period) convert the
notes into shares of our common stock based on the applicable
conversion rate as set forth above under
Settlement Upon Conversion. If such
designated financial institution does not accept the notes for
exchange, we will convert the notes into shares of our common
stock, based on the applicable conversion rate, as set forth
under Settlement Upon Conversion. Our
designation of a financial institution to which the notes may be
submitted for exchange does not require the institution to
accept any notes. We will not pay any consideration to, or
otherwise enter into any agreement with, the designated
financial institution for or with respect to such designation.
Conversion
Rate Adjustments
The base conversion rate will be subject to adjustment as
described below. The incremental share factor will be
proportionately adjusted on the same basis as the base
conversion rate.
S-30
(1) If we issue shares of our common stock as a dividend or
distribution on shares of our common stock, or if we effect a
share split or share combination, the base conversion rate will
be adjusted based on the following formula:
where,
CR0
= the base conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the
open of business on the ex-dividend date for such dividend or
distribution, or the open of business on the effective date of
such share split or share combination, as the case may be;
CR = the new base conversion rate in effect
immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date
for such dividend or distribution, or the open of business on
the effective date of such share split or share combination, as
the case may be;
OS0
= the number of shares of our common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the open of business on the ex-dividend
date for such dividend or distribution, or the open of business
on the effective date of such share split or share combination,
as the case may be; and
OS = the number of shares of our common stock
outstanding immediately after such dividend or distribution, or
the open of business on the effective date of such share split
or share combination, as the case may be.
(2) If we distribute to all or substantially all holders of
our common stock any rights or warrants entitling them for a
period of not more than 45 calendar days from the record date of
such distribution to subscribe for or purchase shares of our
common stock, at a price per share less than the last reported
sale price of our common stock on the trading day immediately
preceding the record date for such distribution, the base
conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula
(provided that the base conversion rate will be
readjusted to the extent that such rights or warrants are not
exercised prior to their expiration or are not distributed):
CR0
= the base conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the
open of business on the ex-dividend date for such distribution;
CR = the new base conversion rate in effect
immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date
for such distribution;
OS0,
= the number of shares of our common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the open of business on the ex-dividend
date for such distribution;
X = the total number of shares of our common stock issuable
pursuant to such rights or warrants; and
Y = the number of shares of our common stock equal to the
aggregate price payable to exercise such rights or warrants
divided by the average of the last reported sale prices of our
common stock over the 10 consecutive
trading-day
period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the
ex-dividend date for such distribution.
(3) If we distribute shares of our capital stock, evidences
of our indebtedness or other assets or property of ours to all
or substantially all holders of our common stock, excluding:
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dividends or distributions referred to in clause (1) or
(2) above;
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dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash; and
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spin-offs to which the provisions set forth below in this
paragraph (3) shall apply,
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S-31
then the base conversion rate will be adjusted based on the
following formula:
where,
CR0
= the base conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the
open of business on the ex-dividend date for such distribution;
CR = the new base conversion rate in effect
immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date
for such distribution;
SP0
= the average of the last reported sale prices of our common
stock over the 10 consecutive
trading-day
period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the
ex-dividend date for such distribution; and
FMV = the fair market value (as determined by our board of
directors or a committee thereof) of the shares of capital
stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets or property distributed
with respect to each outstanding share of our common stock on
the ex-dividend date for such distribution.
With respect to an adjustment pursuant to this clause (3)
where there has been a payment of a dividend or other
distribution on our common stock or shares of capital stock of
any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating
to a subsidiary or other business unit, which we refer to as a
spin-off, the base conversion rate in effect
immediately before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
tenth trading day immediately following, and including, the
effective date of the spin-off will be increased based on the
following formula:
CR0
= the base conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the
close of business on the tenth trading day immediately
following, and including, the effective date of the spin-off;
CR = the new base conversion rate in effect
immediately after the close of business on the tenth trading day
immediately following, and including, the effective date of the
spin-off;
FMV = the average of the last reported sale prices of the
capital stock or similar equity interest distributed to holders
of our common stock applicable to one share of our common stock
over the first 10 consecutive
trading-day
period immediately following, and including, the effective date
of the spin-off; and
MP0
= the average of the last reported sale prices of our common
stock over the first 10 consecutive
trading-day
period immediately following, and including, the effective date
of the spin-off.
The adjustment to the base conversion rate under the preceding
paragraph will occur on the tenth trading day immediately
following, and including, the effective date of the spin-off;
provided that, for purposes of determining the base
conversion rate, in respect of any conversion during the ten
trading days following the effective date of any spin-off,
references within the portion of this paragraph (3) related
to spin-offs to 10 trading days shall be deemed
replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed
between the effective date of such spin-off and the relevant
conversion date.
S-32
(4) If we pay any cash dividend or distribution to all or
substantially all holders of our common stock, the base
conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:
where,
CR0
= the base conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the
open of business on the ex-dividend date for such distribution;
CR = the new base conversion rate in effect
immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date
for such distribution;
SP0
= the last reported sale price of our common stock on the
trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for such
distribution; and
C = the amount in cash per share of our common stock that we
distribute to holders of our common stock.
(5) If we or any of our subsidiaries makes a payment in
respect of a tender offer or exchange offer for our common
stock, if the cash and value of any other consideration included
in the payment per share of common stock exceeds the average of
the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10
consecutive
trading-day
period commencing on, and including, the trading day next
succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be
made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, the base
conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:
where,
CR0
= the base conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the
close of business on the last trading day of the 10 consecutive
trading-day
period commencing on, and including, the trading day next
succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires;
CR = the new base conversion rate in effect
immediately after the close of business on the last trading day
of the 10 consecutive
trading-day
period commencing on, and including, the trading day next
succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires;
AC = the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration
(as determined by our board of directors or a committee thereof)
paid or payable for shares purchased in such tender or exchange
offer;
OS0
= the number of shares of our common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the date such tender or exchange offer
expires;
OS = the number of shares of our common stock
outstanding immediately after the date such tender or exchange
offer expires (after giving effect to such tender offer or
exchange offer); and
SP = the average of the last reported sale prices of
our common stock over the 10 consecutive
trading-day
period commencing on, and including, the trading day next
succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires.
The adjustment to the base conversion rate under the preceding
paragraph will occur on the tenth trading day immediately
following, but excluding, the date such tender or exchange offer
expires; provided that, for purposes of determining the
base conversion rate, in respect of any conversion during the
ten trading days immediately following, but excluding, the date
that any tender or exchange offer expires, references within
this paragraph (5) to 10 trading days shall be deemed
replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed
between the date such tender or exchange offer expires and the
relevant conversion date.
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Except as stated herein, we will not adjust the base conversion
rate for the issuance of shares of our common stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our
common stock or the right to purchase shares of our common stock
or such convertible or exchangeable securities.
In the event of:
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any reclassification of our common stock; or
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a consolidation, merger or combination involving us; or
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a sale or conveyance to another person of all or substantially
all of our property and assets,
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in which holders of our outstanding common stock would be
entitled to receive cash, securities or other property for their
shares of common stock, after the effective time of such event,
the right to convert the notes into shares of our common stock
will be changed into a right to convert the notes into the kind
and amount of cash, securities or other property that a holder
would have received in such event if such holder had converted
its note immediately prior to the effective time of such event.
For purposes of the foregoing, the type and amount of
consideration that a holder of our common stock would have been
entitled to in the case of reclassifications, consolidations,
mergers, sales or transfers of assets or other transactions that
cause our common stock to be converted into the right to receive
more than a single type of consideration (determined based in
part upon any form of shareholder election) will be deemed to be
the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration
received by the holders of our common stock that affirmatively
make such an election. We will notify holders of the weighted
average as soon as practicable after such determination is made.
We are permitted to increase the base conversion rate of the
notes by any amount for a period of at least 20 business days if
our board of directors determines that such increase would be in
our best interest. We may also (but are not required to)
increase the base conversion rate to avoid or diminish income
tax to holders of our common stock or rights to purchase shares
of our common stock in connection with a dividend or
distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) or similar
event.
A holder may, in some circumstances, including the distribution
of cash dividends to holders of our shares of common stock, be
deemed to have received a distribution or dividend subject to
U.S. federal income tax as a result of an adjustment or the
nonoccurrence of an adjustment to the base conversion rate. For
a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an
adjustment to the base conversion rate, see Certain United
States Federal Income Tax Considerations.
To the extent that we have a rights plan in effect, upon
conversion of the notes, you will receive, in addition to any
common stock received in connection with such conversion, the
rights under the rights plan, unless prior to any conversion,
the rights have separated from the common stock, in which case
the base conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of
separation as if we distributed to all holders of our common
stock, shares of our capital stock, evidences of indebtedness or
other assets or property as described in clause (3) above,
subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration,
termination or redemption of such rights.
The base conversion rate will not be adjusted:
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upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock pursuant to
any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of
dividends or interest payable on our securities and the
investment of additional optional amounts in shares of our
common stock under any plan;
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upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock or
restricted stock units or options or rights (including
shareholder appreciation rights) to purchase those shares
pursuant to any present or future employee, director or
consultant benefit plan or program of or assumed by us or any of
our subsidiaries;
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S-34
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upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock pursuant to
any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or
convertible security not described in the preceding bullet and
outstanding as of the date the notes were first issued;
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for a change in the par value of the common stock; or
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for accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
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Adjustments to the base conversion rate will be calculated to
the nearest 1/10,000th of a share.
Adjustment
to Shares Delivered Upon Conversion Upon Certain Corporate
Transactions
If you elect to convert your notes at any time from, and
including, the effective date of a make-whole fundamental
change as defined below to, and including, the business
day prior to the related fundamental change purchase date (or,
in the case of a transaction or event that does not constitute a
fundamental change by virtue of the parenthetical in
clause (2) of the definition thereof, the 45th day
immediately following the effective date of such transaction or
event), the applicable conversion rate will be increased by an
additional number of shares of common stock (these shares being
referred to as the additional shares) as described
below. We will notify holders of the anticipated effective date
of such make-whole fundamental change and issue a press release
as soon as practicable after we first determine the anticipated
effective date of such make-whole fundamental change. In
addition, in the case of any make-whole fundamental change that
does not constitute a fundamental change, we will notify holders
of the effective date of such make-whole fundamental change on
or before such effective date and will concurrently issue a
press release announcing such effective date.
A make-whole fundamental change means any
transaction or event that constitutes a fundamental change
pursuant to clause (1) or clause (2) (determined without
regard to the parenthetical (other than any transaction or
event pursuant to which holders of our common stock immediately
prior to such transaction or event have the entitlement to
exercise, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total
voting power of all shares of capital stock entitled to vote
generally in elections of directors of the continuing or
surviving or successor person immediately after the consummation
of such transaction or event) in such clause (2)) under
the definition of fundamental change as described under
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require
Us to Purchase Notes below.
The number of additional shares by which the applicable
conversion rate for the notes will be increased for conversions
in connection with a make-whole fundamental change will be
determined by reference to the table below, based on the date on
which the fundamental change occurs or becomes effective, which
we refer to as the effective date, and the price
paid per share of our common stock in the fundamental change in
the case of a make-whole fundamental change constituting a share
exchange, exchange offer, tender offer, consolidation, merger or
similar transaction described in clause (2) of the
definition of fundamental change (determined without regard to
the parenthetical in such clause (2)) in which holders of our
common stock receive only cash, or in the case of all other
make-whole fundamental changes, the average of the last reported
sale prices of our common stock over the five
trading-day
period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the
effective date of such other make-whole fundamental change,
which we refer to as the stock price.
The stock prices set forth in the first row of the table below
(i.e., column headers) will be adjusted as of any date on which
the base conversion rate of the notes is otherwise adjusted. The
adjusted stock prices will equal the stock prices applicable
immediately prior to such adjustment, multiplied by a fraction,
the numerator of which is the base conversion rate in effect
immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise to the stock
price adjustment and the denominator of which is the base
conversion rate as so adjusted. The number of additional shares
will be adjusted in the same manner as the base conversion rate
as set forth under Conversion Rate
Adjustments.
S-35
The following table sets forth the hypothetical stock price and
the number of additional shares to be received per $1,000
principal amount of the notes:
Number of
Additional Shares
(per
$1,000 principal amount of the notes)
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Stock Price
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Effective Date
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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$
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November , 2007
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November 1, 2008
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November 1, 2009
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November 1, 2010
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November 1, 2011
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November 1, 2012
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The exact stock prices and effective dates may not be set forth
in the table above, in which case:
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if the stock price is between two stock prices in the table or
the effective date is between two effective dates in the table,
the number of additional shares will be determined by a
straight-line interpolation between the number of additional
shares set forth for the higher and lower stock prices and the
earlier and later effective dates, based on a
365-day
year, as applicable;
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if the stock price is greater than
$ per share (subject to adjustment
in the same manner as the stock prices set forth in the first
row of the table above), no additional shares will be issued
upon conversion; and
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if the stock price is less than $
per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the stock
prices set forth in the first row of the table above), no
additional shares will be issued upon conversion.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the total number
of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes
exceed per $1,000 principal amount
of such notes, subject to adjustments in the same manner as the
base conversion rate as set forth under
Conversion Rate Adjustments.
Our obligation to increase the applicable conversion rate as
described above could be considered a penalty, in which case the
enforceability thereof would be subject to general principles of
economic remedies.
Optional
Redemption by Us
Prior to November 1, 2012, the notes will not be redeemable
at our option. On or after November 1, 2012, we may redeem
the notes for cash, in whole or in part, at any time at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest up
to, but excluding, the redemption date. We will make at least 10
semi-annual interest payments (including the interest payment on
May 1, 2008) on the notes before we can redeem the
notes at our option.
If the relevant redemption date occurs after a record date and
on or prior to the interest payment date to which that record
date relates, the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest
shall be paid on such interest payment date to the record holder
on the relevant record date, and the redemption price will be
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be
redeemed.
We will provide not less than 30 nor more than
60 days written notice of redemption by electronic
transmission or mail to each registered holder of notes to be
redeemed. If the redemption notice is given and funds are
deposited as required, then interest will cease to accrue on and
after the redemption date on those notes or portions of notes
called for redemption.
If we call the notes for redemption, notes or portions of notes
to be redeemed will be convertible by the holder until the close
of business on the business day before the redemption date.
S-36
If we decide to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding notes,
the trustee will select the notes to be redeemed (in principal
amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof) by lot, on a
pro rata basis or by another method the trustee considers fair
and appropriate. If the trustee selects a portion of a
holders notes for partial redemption and the holder
converts a portion of its notes, the converted portion will be
deemed to be from the portion selected for redemption.
We may not redeem the notes on any date if the principal amount
of the notes has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not
been rescinded, on or prior to such date.
Fundamental
Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes
If a fundamental change (as defined below in this section)
occurs at any time, you will have the right, at your option, to
require us to purchase any or all of your notes, or any portion
of the principal amount thereof that is equal to $1,000 or an
integral multiple of $1,000, on a date (the date being referred
to as the fundamental change purchase date) of our
choosing that is not less than 20 or more than 35 days
after the date on which we notify holders of the occurrence of
the effective date for such fundamental change. The price we are
required to pay is equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
notes to be purchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, to, but
excluding, the fundamental change purchase date (unless the
fundamental change purchase date is after a regular record date
and on or prior to the interest payment date to which it
relates, in which case interest accrued to the interest payment
date will be paid to holders of the notes as of the preceding
record date and the price we are required to pay will be equal
to the principal amount of notes subject to repurchase). Any
notes purchased by us will be paid for in cash.
A fundamental change will be deemed to have
occurred at the time after the notes are originally issued that
any of the following occurs:
(1) a person or group
within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act
other than us, our subsidiaries or our or their employee benefit
plans, files a Schedule TO or any schedule, form or report
under the Exchange Act disclosing that such person or group has
become the direct or indirect ultimate beneficial
owner, as defined in Rule
13d-3 under
the Exchange Act, of our common equity representing more than
50% of the voting power of our common equity;
(2) consummation of any share exchange, exchange offer,
tender offer, consolidation or merger of us or similar
transaction pursuant to which our common stock will be converted
into cash, securities or other property (other than any
transaction or event pursuant to which holders of our common
stock immediately prior to such transaction or event have the
entitlement to exercise, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of
the total voting power of all shares of capital stock entitled
to vote generally in elections of directors of the continuing or
surviving or successor person immediately after the consummation
of such transaction or event) or any sale, lease or other
transfer in one transaction or a series of transactions of all
or substantially all of the consolidated assets of us and our
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person other than one of
our subsidiaries;
(3) continuing directors cease to constitute at least a
majority of our board of directors;
(4) our shareholders approve any plan or proposal for our
liquidation or dissolution; or
(5) our common stock ceases to be listed on a
U.S. national or regional securities exchange.
A fundamental change will not be deemed to have occurred,
however, if at least 90% of the consideration, excluding cash
payments for fractional shares, in the transaction or
transactions that constitute such a fundamental change consists
of shares of common stock or American Depositary Receipts in
respect of common stock that are traded on a U.S. national
securities exchange or that will be so traded when issued or
exchanged in connection with a fundamental change (these
securities being referred to as publicly traded
securities) and as a result of this transaction or
transactions the notes become convertible into the consideration
in the transaction or transactions that constitute such a
fundamental change (as set forth above under
Conversion Rights Settlement Upon
Conversion).
S-37
Continuing director means a director who
either was a member of our board of directors on the date of
this prospectus supplement or who becomes a member of our board
of directors subsequent to that date and whose election,
appointment or nomination for election by our shareholders is
duly approved by a majority of the continuing directors on our
board of directors at the time of such approval, either by a
specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement issued by us
on behalf of our entire board of directors in which such
individual is named as nominee for director.
On or before the tenth day after the occurrence of a fundamental
change, we will provide to all holders of the notes and the
trustee and paying agent a written notice of the occurrence of
the fundamental change and of the resulting purchase right. Such
notice shall state, among other things:
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the events causing a fundamental change;
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the effective date of the fundamental change;
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the last date on which a holder may exercise the purchase right;
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the fundamental change purchase price;
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the fundamental change purchase date;
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the name and address of the paying agent and the conversion
agent;
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if applicable, the base conversion rate and any adjustments to
the applicable conversion rate;
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if applicable, that the notes with respect to which a
fundamental change purchase notice has been delivered by a
holder may be converted only if the holder withdraws the
fundamental change purchase notice in accordance with the terms
of the indenture; and
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the procedures that holders must follow to require us to
purchase their notes.
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Simultaneously with providing such notice, we will publish a
notice containing this information in a newspaper of general
circulation in The City of New York or publish the information
on our website or through such other public medium as we may use
at that time.
To exercise the purchase right, you must deliver, on or before
the business day immediately preceding the fundamental change
purchase date, the notes to be purchased, duly endorsed for
transfer, together with a written purchase notice and the form
entitled Form of Fundamental Change Purchase Notice
on the reverse side of the notes duly completed, to the paying
agent. Your purchase notice must state:
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if certificated notes have been issued, the certificate numbers
of your notes to be delivered for purchase, or if not
certificated, your notice must comply with appropriate DTC
procedures;
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the portion of the principal amount of notes to be purchased,
which must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof; and
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that the notes are to be purchased by us pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the notes and the indenture.
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You may withdraw any purchase notice (in whole or in part) by a
written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior
to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business day
immediately preceding the fundamental change purchase date. The
notice of withdrawal must state:
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the principal amount of the withdrawn notes;
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if certificated notes have been issued, the certificate numbers
of the withdrawn notes, or if not certificated, your notice must
comply with appropriate DTC procedures; and
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the principal amount, if any, which remains subject to the
purchase notice.
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We will be required to purchase the notes on the fundamental
change purchase date. You will receive payment of the
fundamental change purchase price on the later of the
fundamental change purchase date or the time of book-entry
transfer or the delivery of the notes. If the paying agent holds
money or securities
S-38
sufficient to pay the fundamental change purchase price of the
notes on the fundamental change purchase date, then:
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the notes will cease to be outstanding and interest, if any,
will cease to accrue (whether or not book-entry transfer of the
notes is made or whether or not the note is delivered to the
paying agent); and
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all other rights of the holder will terminate (other than the
right to receive the fundamental change purchase price and
previously accrued and unpaid interest upon delivery or transfer
of the notes).
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The purchase rights of the holders could discourage a potential
acquirer of us. The fundamental change purchase feature,
however, is not the result of managements knowledge of any
specific effort to obtain control of us by any means or part of
a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover
provisions.
The term fundamental change is limited to specified transactions
and may not include other events that might adversely affect our
financial condition. In addition, the requirement that we offer
to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change may not protect
holders in the event of a highly leveraged transaction,
reorganization, merger or similar transaction involving us.
No notes may be repurchased by us at the option of the holders
upon a fundamental change if the principal amount of the notes
has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not been
rescinded, on or prior to such date.
The definition of fundamental change includes a phrase relating
to the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or disposition of
all or substantially all of our consolidated assets.
There is no precise, established definition of the phrase
substantially all under applicable law. Accordingly,
the ability of a holder of the notes to require us to purchase
its notes as a result of the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease
or other disposition of less than all of our assets may be
uncertain.
If a fundamental change were to occur, we may not have enough
funds to pay the fundamental change purchase price. In addition,
payment of the fundamental change purchase price would be
prohibited by our current credit agreement and may be further
limited by law or the terms of other debt agreements or
securities. See Risk Factors Risks related to
the notes, our common stock and this offering We may
not be able to pay interest on the notes or repurchase the notes
at the option of the holder on specified dates or upon a
fundamental change. If we fail to purchase the notes when
required following a fundamental change, we will be in default
under the indenture. In addition, we have, and may in the future
incur, other indebtedness with similar change in control
provisions permitting our holders to accelerate or to require us
to purchase our indebtedness upon the occurrence of similar
events or on some specific dates.
In connection with any purchase offer, we will:
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comply with the provisions of
Rule 13e-4,
Rule 14e-1
and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act;
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file a Schedule TO or any successor or similar schedule, if
required, under the Exchange Act; and
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otherwise comply with all federal and state securities laws in
connection with any offer by us to purchase the notes.
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Repurchase
of Notes by Us at Option of Holder
On November 1, 2012, November 1, 2017,
November 1, 2022, November 1, 2027 and
November 1, 2032 (each, a repurchase date), any
holder may require us to repurchase for cash any outstanding
notes for which that holder has properly delivered and not
withdrawn a written repurchase notice. The repurchase price will
equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be
repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but
excluding, the repurchase date. If the repurchase date is on a
date that is after a record date and on or prior to the interest
payment date to which that record date relates, we will pay such
interest to the holder of record on the relevant record date,
which may or may not be the same person to whom we will pay the
repurchase price, and the repurchase price will be equal to 100%
of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased.
S-39
Within 20 business days before any repurchase date, we are
required to give written notice to each holder and the trustee
of the repurchase date and of each holders repurchase
rights and the procedures that each holder must follow in order
to require us to repurchase its notes as described below.
A holder may submit a repurchase notice to the paying agent at
any time from the opening of business on the date that is 20
business days prior to the repurchase date until the close of
business on the business day immediately preceding the
repurchase date.
Any repurchase notice given by a holder electing to require us
to repurchase notes shall be given so as to be received by the
paying agent no later than the close of business on the business
day immediately preceding the repurchase date and must state:
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if certificated notes have been issued, the certificate numbers
of the holders notes to be delivered for repurchase, or if
not certificated, the notice of repurchase must comply with
appropriate DTC procedures;
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the portion of the principal amount of notes to be repurchased,
which must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof; and
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that the notes are to be repurchased by us pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the notes and the indenture.
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A holder may withdraw its repurchase notice (in whole or in
part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying
agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
business day immediately preceding the repurchase date. The
notice of withdrawal shall state:
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the principal amount of notes being withdrawn;
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if certificated notes have been issued, the certificate numbers
of the notes being withdrawn, or if not certificated, the notice
of withdrawal must comply with appropriate DTC
procedures; and
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the principal amount of the notes, if any, which remains subject
to the repurchase notice.
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If holders require us to repurchase any outstanding notes on any
repurchase date, we may not have enough funds to pay the
repurchase price. In addition, payment of the repurchase price
may be limited by law or the terms of our future debt agreements
or securities. See Risk Factors Risks related
to the notes, our common stock and this offering We
may not be able to pay interest on the notes or repurchase the
notes at the option of the holder on specified dates or upon a
fundamental change. If we fail to repurchase the notes
when required, we will be in default under the indenture. In
addition, we have, and may in the future incur, other
indebtedness with similar provisions permitting our holders to
require us to repurchase our indebtedness on some specific dates.
In connection with any repurchase, we will, to the extent
applicable:
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comply with the provisions of
Rule 13e-4,
Rule 14e-1
and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act;
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file a Schedule TO or any successor or similar schedule, if
required, under the Exchange Act; and
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otherwise comply with all federal and state securities laws in
connection with any offer by us to purchase the notes.
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Our obligation to pay the repurchase price for notes for which a
repurchase notice has been delivered and not validly withdrawn
is conditioned upon the holder effecting book-entry transfer of
the notes or delivering certificated notes, together with
necessary endorsements, to the paying agent at any time after
delivery of the repurchase notice. We will cause the repurchase
price for the notes to be paid promptly following the later of
the business day following the repurchase date and the time of
book-entry transfer or delivery of certificated notes, together
with such endorsements.
No notes may be purchased by us at the option of holders on a
repurchase date if the principal amount of the notes has been
accelerated, and such acceleration has not been rescinded, on or
prior to such date.
S-40
If, on the relevant repurchase date, the paying agent holds
money sufficient to pay the repurchase price of the notes for
which a repurchase notice has been delivered and not validly
withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the indenture, then,
immediately after the repurchase date, the notes will cease to
be outstanding and interest on the notes will cease to accrue,
whether or not the notes are transferred by book entry or
delivered to the paying agent. Thereafter, all of the
holders other rights shall terminate, other than the right
to receive the repurchase price upon book-entry transfer of the
notes or delivery of the notes.
Consolidation,
Merger and Sale of Assets
The indenture provides that we shall not consolidate with or
merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease our properties
and assets substantially as an entirety to, another person
unless (1) if we are not the resulting, surviving or
transferee corporation, the resulting, surviving or transferee
person is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the United States of America, any State thereof or the District
of Columbia, and such person expressly assumes by supplemental
indenture all of our obligations under the notes and the
indenture, (2) immediately after giving effect to such
transaction, no default has occurred and is continuing under the
indenture and (3) other conditions specified in the
indenture are met. Upon any such consolidation, merger or
transfer, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation (if
not us) shall succeed to, and may exercise every right and power
of, us under the indenture.
Although these types of transactions are permitted under the
indenture, certain of the foregoing transactions could
constitute a fundamental change (as defined above) permitting
each holder to require us to purchase the notes of such holder
as described above.
Events of
Default
In addition to those events of default described in the
accompanying prospectus under the heading Description of
Debt Securities Events of Default under the
Indentures, the following are events of default under the
indenture for the notes:
(1) our failure to comply with our obligations under
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets;
(2) our failure to issue a fundamental change notice when
such notice becomes due in accordance with the terms of the
indenture;
(3) our failure comply with our obligation to repurchase
the notes at the option of a holder upon a fundamental change as
required by the indenture or on any other repurchase date;
(4) default in our obligation to redeem the notes after we
have exercised our option to redeem;
(5) default by us or any of our subsidiaries in the payment
of the principal or interest on any mortgage, agreement or other
instrument under which there may be outstanding, or by which
there may be secured or evidenced any debt for money borrowed in
excess of $40 million in the aggregate of us
and/or any
of our subsidiaries, whether such debt now exists or shall
hereafter be created, resulting in such debt becoming or being
declared due and payable, and such acceleration shall not have
been rescinded or annulled within 30 days after written
notice of such acceleration has been received by us or such
subsidiary;
(6) a final judgment for the payment of $40 million or
more rendered against us or any of our subsidiaries and such
amount is not covered by insurance or an indemnity or not
discharged or stayed within 60 days after (i) the date
on which the right to appeal thereof has expired if no such
appeal has commenced, or (ii) the date on which all rights
to appeal have been extinguished; or
(7) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or
reorganization relating to any of our subsidiaries that is a
significant subsidiary (as defined in
Regulation S-X
under the Exchange Act) or any group of our subsidiaries that in
the aggregate would constitute a significant
subsidiary.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at our election, the sole remedy
for an event of default relating to the failure to comply with
the reporting obligations in the indenture, which are described
below under Reports will, for
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the 120 days after the occurrence of such an event of
default, consist exclusively of the right to receive additional
interest on the notes at an annual rate equal to 0.25% of the
principal amount of the notes. This additional interest will be
payable in the same manner and on the same dates as the stated
interest payable on the notes. If we so elect, the additional
interest will accrue on all outstanding notes from, and
including, the date on which an event of default relating to a
failure to comply with the reporting obligations in the
indenture first occurs to, but not including, the 120th day
thereafter (or such earlier date on which the event of default
relating to the reporting obligations shall have been cured or
waived). On such 120th day (or earlier, if an event of
default relating to the reporting obligations is cured or waived
prior to such 120th day), such additional interest will
cease to accrue and, unless such event of default has been cured
or waived, the notes will be subject to acceleration as provided
above. The provisions of the indenture described in this
paragraph will not affect the rights the holders of notes in the
event of an occurrence of any other event of default.
In order to elect to pay the additional interest as the sole
remedy during the first 120 days after the occurrence of an
event of default relating to the failure to comply with the
reporting obligations in accordance with the immediately
preceding paragraph, we must notify all holders of notes and the
trustee and paying agent in writing of such election on or
before the close of business on the date on which such event of
default occurs, which will be the 60th day after notice to
us of our failure to so comply.
Modification
and Amendment
Subject to certain exceptions, the indenture or the notes may be
amended with the consent of the holders of at least a majority
in principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including,
without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a
purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, notes) and,
subject to certain exceptions, any past default or compliance
with any provisions may be waived with the consent of the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then
outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in
connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer
for, notes). However, in addition to those provisions described
in the accompanying prospectus in the second set of bullets
under the heading Description of Debt
Securities Modification of Indenture, the
indenture or the notes may not be amended without the consent of
each holder of an outstanding note affected to, among other
things:
(1) make any change that impairs or adversely affects the
conversion rights of any notes;
(2) modify the redemption or repurchase provisions of the
indenture in a manner adverse to the holders;
(3) reduce any amount payable upon redemption or repurchase
of any note (including upon the occurrence of a fundamental
change) or change the time at which or circumstances under which
the notes may or shall be redeemed or repurchased; or
(4) reduce the fundamental change purchase price of any
note or amend or modify in any manner adverse to the holders of
notes our obligation to make such payments, whether through an
amendment or waiver of provisions in the covenants, definitions
or otherwise.
The consent of the holders is not necessary under the indenture
to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is
sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the
proposed amendment. After an amendment under the indenture
becomes effective, we are required to send to the holders a
notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure
to give such notice to all the holders, or any defect in the
notice, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.
Calculations
in Respect of Notes
Except as otherwise provided above, we will be responsible for
making all calculations called for under the notes. These
calculations include, but are not limited to, determinations of
the last reported sale prices of our common stock, accrued
interest payable on the notes and the applicable conversion
rate. We will make all these calculations in good faith and,
absent manifest error, our calculations will be final and
binding on holders of notes. We will provide a schedule of our
calculations to each of the trustee and the conversion agent,
and each of the trustee and conversion agent is entitled to rely
conclusively upon the accuracy of our
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calculations without independent verification. The trustee will
forward our calculations to any holder of notes upon the request
of that holder.
Trustee
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the trustee, security registrar,
paying agent, bid solicitation agent and conversion agent.
Reports
We shall deliver to the trustee (unless such reports have been
filed within the time period set forth below on the SEC s
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system),
within 15 calendar days after we would have been required to
file with the SEC, copies of our annual reports and of the
information, documents and other reports (or copies of such
portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and
regulations prescribe) which we are required to file with the
SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. In
the event we are at any time no longer subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we
shall continue to provide the trustee with reports containing
substantially the same information as would have been required
to be filed with the SEC had we continued to have been subject
to such reporting requirements. In such event, such reports
shall be provided within 15 days after the dates,
applicable to a registrant that is not an accelerated filer or a
large accelerated filer, on which we would have been required to
provide reports had we continued to have been subject to such
reporting requirements. We also shall comply with the other
provisions of Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture
Act.
Governing
Law
The indenture provides that it and the notes will be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York.
Book-Entry,
Settlement and Clearance
The
Global Notes
The notes will be initially issued in the form of one or more
registered notes in global form, without interest coupons, which
we refer to as the global notes. Upon issuance, each
of the global notes will be deposited with the trustee as
custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede &
Co., as nominee of DTC.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be
limited to persons who have accounts with DTC, which we refer to
as DTC participants, or persons who hold interests
through DTC participants. We expect that under procedures
established by DTC:
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upon deposit of a global note with DTCs custodian, DTC
will credit portions of the principal amount of the global note
to the accounts of the DTC participants designated by the
underwriter; and
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ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be shown
on, and transfer of ownership of those interests will be
effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect
to interests of DTC participants) and the records of DTC
participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial
interests in the global note).
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Beneficial interests in global notes may not be exchanged for
notes in physical, certificated form except in the limited
circumstances described below.
Book-Entry
Procedures for the Global Notes
All interests in the global notes will be subject to the
operations and procedures of DTC. We provide the following
summary of those operations and procedures solely for the
convenience of investors. The operations and procedures of DTC
are controlled by that settlement system and may be changed at
any time. Neither we nor the underwriter are responsible for
those operations or procedures.
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DTC has advised us that it is:
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a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the
State of New York;
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a banking organization within the meaning of
the New York State Banking Law;
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a member of the Federal Reserve System;
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a clearing corporation within the meaning of
the Uniform Commercial Code; and
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a clearing agency registered under
Section 17A of the Exchange Act.
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DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between its participants through electronic
book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants.
DTCs participants include securities brokers and dealers,
including the underwriter; banks and trust companies; clearing
corporations and other organizations. Indirect access to
DTCs system is also available to others such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies; these indirect
participants clear through or maintain a custodial relationship
with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors
who are not DTC participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of DTC only through DTC participants or
indirect participants in DTC.
So long as DTCs nominee is the registered owner of a
global note, that nominee will be considered the sole owner or
holder of the notes represented by that global note for all
purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners
of beneficial interests in a global note:
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will not be entitled to have notes represented by the global
note registered in their names;
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will not receive or be entitled to receive physical,
certificated notes; and
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will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under
the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the
giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the trustee
under the indenture.
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As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in a
global note must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any
rights of a holder of notes under the indenture (and, if the
investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC,
on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the
investor owns its interest).
Payments of principal, and interest with respect to the notes
represented by a global note will be made by the trustee to
DTC s nominee as the registered holder of the global note.
Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or
liability for the payment of amounts to owners of beneficial
interests in a global note, for any aspect of the records
relating to or payments made on account of those interests by
DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of
DTC relating to those interests.
Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the
owners of beneficial interests in a global note will be governed
by standing instructions and customary industry practice and
will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect
participants and DTC.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under
DTCs procedures and will be settled in
same-day
funds.
Certificated
Notes
Notes in physical, certificated form will be issued and
delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a beneficial
owner of the related notes only if:
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DTC notifies us at any time that it is unwilling or unable to
continue as depositary for the global notes and a successor
depositary is not appointed within 90 days;
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DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the
Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed within
90 days; or
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an event of default in respect of the notes has occurred and is
continuing and any holder of notes requests that the notes be
issued in physical, certificated form.
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In addition, beneficial interests in a global note may be
exchanged for certificated notes upon request of a DTC
participant by written notice given to the trustee by or on
behalf of DTC in accordance with customary procedures of DTC.
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
Set forth below is a description of the material terms of our
capital stock. However, this description is not complete and is
qualified by reference to our restated articles of incorporation
and bylaws. In addition to the summary of our capital stock that
follows, we encourage you to review our restated articles of
incorporation and bylaws, which we have filed with the SEC.
Authorized
Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock is 120,000,000 shares of
common stock, $1.00 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, no par value. At October 26, 2007,
77,149,542 shares of common stock and no shares of
preferred stock were outstanding.
Common
Stock
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each
share held of record on all matters on which shareholders are
generally entitled to vote. The vote of the holders of a
majority of the stock represented at a meeting at which a quorum
is present is generally required to take shareholder action,
unless a greater vote is required by law. Directors are elected
by a plurality of the votes cast at any election and there is no
cumulative voting of shares.
Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights. Subject to
the applicable laws and the rights of the holders of preferred
stock, holders of common stock are entitled to such dividends as
may be declared by our board of directors. The common stock is
not entitled to any sinking fund, redemption or conversion
provisions. Upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the
holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in our
net assets remaining after the payment of all creditors and
liquidation preferences of preferred stock. The outstanding
shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable.
Preferred
Stock
Our board of directors has the authority, without further
shareholder approval, to issue shares of preferred stock from
time to time in one or more series, with such voting powers or
without voting powers, and with such designations, preferences
and relative participating, optional or other special rights,
and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof adopted
by our board of directors, as shall be expressed in the
resolutions providing therefor.
While providing desirable flexibility for possible acquisitions
and other corporate purposes, and eliminating delays associated
with a shareholder vote on specific issuances, the issuance of
preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of
holders of common stock, as well as dividend and liquidation
payments on both common and preferred stock. It also could have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in
control.
Certain
Anti-takeover Matters
Our restated articles of incorporation, bylaws and Michigan law
contain provisions, summarized below, that could have the effect
of delaying, deterring or preventing a merger, tender offer or
other takeover attempt. This summary is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the restated
articles of incorporation and the bylaws, as well as the
provisions of any applicable laws.
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Important Provisions of the Restated Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws. Our bylaws permit
incumbent directors to fill any vacancies on the board of
directors, however occurring, whether by an increase in the
number of directors, death, resignation, retirement,
disqualification, removal from office or otherwise, unless
filled by proper action of the shareholders. Furthermore, our
bylaws require shareholders to give advance notice of proposals
to be presented at meetings of shareholders, including director
nominations.
These provisions, as well as the provisions of Chapters 7A
and 7B of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, the MBCA,
described below, may delay shareholder actions with respect to
business combinations and the election of new members to our
board of directors. As such, the provisions could discourage
open market purchases of our common stock because a shareholder
who desires to participate in a business combination or elect a
new director may consider them disadvantageous. Additionally, as
discussed above, our board of directors has the authority to
issue preferred stock from time to time without shareholder
approval, which could delay or prevent a change of control or
other corporate action.
Michigan Laws. Chapter 7A of the MBCA
provides that business combinations subject to Chapter 7A
between a Michigan corporation and a beneficial owner of shares
entitled to 10% or more of the voting power of such corporation
generally require the affirmative vote of 90% of the votes of
each class of stock entitled to vote, and not less than
two-thirds of each class of stock entitled to vote (excluding
voting shares owned by such 10% owner), voting as a separate
class. Chapter 7A defines a business
combination to encompass any merger, consolidation, share
exchange, sale of assets, stock issue, liquidation, or
reclassification of securities involving an interested
shareholder or certain affiliates. An interested
shareholder is generally any person who owns 10% or more
of the voting shares of the corporation. An
affiliate is a person who directly or indirectly
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a
specified person. Such requirements do not apply if the
transaction satisfies fairness standards, other specified
conditions are met, and the interested shareholder has been such
for at least five years.
Chapter 7B of the MBCA provides that, unless a
corporations articles of incorporation or bylaws provide
that Chapter 7B does not apply, control shares
of a corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no
voting rights except as granted by the shareholders of the
corporation. Control shares are shares which, when
added to shares previously owned by a shareholder, increase such
shareholders ownership of voting stock to:
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more than 20% but less than
331/3%;
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more than
331/3%
but less than a majority; or
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more than a majority of the votes to which all of the capital
stock of the corporation is entitled to vote in the election of
directors.
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A control share acquisition must be approved by the affirmative
vote of a majority of all shares entitled to vote excluding
voting shares owned by the acquirer and specified officers and
directors. Currently, our bylaws provide that we are subject to
the provisions of Chapter 7B. While our board of directors
has no present plan to do so, our board of directors may, in its
sole discretion, elect not to be subject to Chapter 7B in
the future by amending our bylaws.
Listing
Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York and
Chicago Stock Exchanges under the symbol CHB.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.
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CERTAIN
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
This discussion describes the material U.S. federal income
tax consequences of owning the notes and, to the extent
described below, our common stock received upon a conversion of
the notes. It applies to you only if you purchase a note in this
offering at the issue price as determined for
U.S. federal income tax purposes and hold your note and
common stock as a capital asset for tax purposes. In addition,
this discussion does not discuss any foreign, state, or local
tax considerations.
This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a
class of holders subject to special rules, such as:
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a dealer in securities or currencies,
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a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market
method of accounting for your securities holdings,
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an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income
tax purposes,
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a bank,
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a life insurance company,
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a tax-exempt organization,
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a person that owns notes that are a hedge or that are hedged
against interest rate risks,
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certain former citizens or residents of the United States,
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a person that owns notes as part of a straddle, integration or
conversion transaction for tax purposes, or
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a U.S. Holder (as defined below) whose functional currency
for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar.
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This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed
Treasury regulations thereunder, published rulings and court
decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to
change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
No statutory, administrative or judicial authority directly
addresses the treatment of the notes for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. No rulings have been sought or are expected
to be sought from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, with
respect to any of the U.S. federal income tax consequences
discussed below, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will
not take contrary positions. As a result, no assurance can be
given that the IRS will agree with the tax characterizations and
the tax consequences described below.
We urge prospective investors to consult their tax advisors with
respect to the tax consequences to them of the purchase,
ownership and disposition of the notes and the common stock in
light of their own particular circumstances, including the tax
consequences under state, local, foreign and other tax laws and
the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other
tax laws.
Classification
of the Notes
Pursuant to the terms of the indenture, we and each holder of
the notes agree, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to
treat the notes as indebtedness that is subject to the
regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments.
Although we intend to treat the notes as indebtedness for
U.S. federal income tax purposes that is subject to the
contingent debt regulations, certain aspects of the application
of the contingent debt regulations are uncertain and we do not
intend to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service
(the IRS) with respect to the treatment of the
notes. Accordingly, holders should be aware that a different
treatment from that described below could affect the amount,
timing, source and character of income, gain or loss with
respect to an investment in the notes. For example, a holder may
be required to accrue interest income at a higher or
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lower rate, may not recognize income, gain or loss upon
conversion of a note into our common stock, and may recognize
capital gain or loss upon a taxable disposition of a note.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that our treatment of
the notes and our application of the contingent debt regulations
to the notes will be respected.
U.S.
Holders
This discussion applies to U.S. Holders.
You are a U.S. Holder if you are a beneficial owner of a
note and you are:
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a citizen or resident of the U.S.,
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a domestic corporation,
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an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income
tax regardless of its source, or
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a trust if a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision
over the trusts administration and one or more
U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial
decisions of the trust.
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If an entity treated as a domestic partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes owns notes, the
U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in that
partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner
and upon the activities of the partnership. A holder of notes or
common stock that is a partnership and partners in such
partnership should consult their tax advisors about the United
States federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing
of notes or common stock, as the case may be.
A beneficial owner of notes that is a
non-U.S. Holder
(as defined in
Non-U.S. Holders
below) should see
Non-U.S. Holders
below.
Interest
Accruals on the Notes
Under the rules governing contingent payment debt obligations,
you will be required to accrue interest income on the notes on a
constant-yield basis, in the amounts described below, regardless
of whether you use the cash or accrual method of tax accounting.
Accordingly, you generally will be required to include interest
in taxable income in each year in excess of the cash interest
received on the notes and in excess of any contingent interest
payments actually received in that year.
Under the rules governing contingent payment debt obligations,
you must accrue an amount of ordinary interest income for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, for each accrual period
prior to and including the maturity date of a note that equals:
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the product of (i) the adjusted issue price of the note as
of the beginning of the accrual period; and (ii) the
comparable yield to maturity (as defined below) of the note,
adjusted for the length of the accrual period;
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divided by the number of days in the accrual period; and
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multiplied by the number of days during the accrual period that
you held the note.
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The issue price of a note is the first price at
which a substantial amount of the notes is sold to the public,
excluding bond houses, brokers or similar persons or
organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement
agents or wholesalers. The adjusted issue price of a note is its
issue price increased by any interest income previously accrued,
determined without regard to any adjustments to interest
accruals described below and decreased by the projected amounts
of any payments (in accordance with the projected payment
schedule described below) previously made with respect to the
note.
The term comparable yield means the annual yield
that an issuer of a contingent payment debt obligation would
pay, as of the initial issue date, on a fixed rate,
non-convertible debt security with no contingent payments, but
with terms and conditions otherwise comparable to those of the
instrument. We have determined that the comparable yield for the
notes is 9.73%, compounded semi-annually.
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We are required to provide you, solely for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, a schedule of the projected amounts of
payments on the notes. This schedule must produce the comparable
yield. The projected payment schedule includes estimates for
payments of contingent interest and an estimate for a payment at
maturity taking into account the conversion feature. The
comparable yield and projected payment schedule are available
from us by telephoning Investor Relations at (248) 340-9090
or submitting a written request to: Champion Enterprises, Inc.,
Attention: Investor Relations.
You have agreed to use the comparable yield and projected
payment schedule in determining your interest accruals, and the
adjustments thereto described below, in respect of the notes.
Although under U.S. federal income tax law, you would
generally be permitted to determine your own comparable yield or
projected payment schedule if you were to timely disclose and
justify the use of those other estimates to the IRS and
establish that our comparable yield or schedule of projected
payments is unreasonable, you are bound pursuant to the
indenture by our projected payment schedule and our
determination of the rate at which interest will be deemed to
accrue for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The comparable yield and projected payment schedule are not
determined for any purpose other than for the determination of
your interest accruals and adjustments thereof in respect of the
notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not
constitute a projection or representation regarding the actual
amounts payable on the notes.
Adjustments
to Interest Accruals on the Notes
If you receive actual payments with respect to a note in a
taxable year that in the aggregate exceed the total amount of
projected payments for that taxable year, you would incur a
net positive adjustment equal to the amount of such
excess. You would treat the net positive adjustment
as additional interest income for the taxable year. For this
purpose, the payments in a taxable year include the fair market
value of property received in that year.
If you receive actual payments with respect to a note in a
taxable year that in the aggregate were less than the amount of
the projected payments for that taxable year, you would incur a
net negative adjustment equal to the amount of such
deficit. This adjustment will (1) reduce your interest
income on the notes for that taxable year, and (2) to the
extent of any excess after the application of (1), give rise to
an ordinary loss to the extent of your interest income on the
note during prior taxable years, reduced to the extent such
interest was offset by prior net negative adjustments.
Any negative adjustment in excess of the amounts described in
(1) and (2) will be carried forward to offset future
interest income in respect of the note or to reduce the amount
realized upon a sale, exchange, conversion, repurchase or
redemption of the note.
A net negative adjustment is not subject to the two percent
floor limitation on miscellaneous itemized deductions.
Sale,
Exchange, Conversion, Repurchase or Redemption
Generally, the sale, exchange, including a conversion,
repurchase or redemption of a note will result in taxable gain
or loss to you. As described above, our calculation of the
comparable yield and the projected payment schedule for the
notes includes the receipt of stock upon conversion as a
contingent payment with respect to the notes. Accordingly, we
intend to treat the receipt of our common stock by you upon a
conversion of a note as a contingent payment. As described
above, you will agree in the indenture to be bound by our
determination of the comparable yield and projected payment
schedule. Under this treatment, conversion of a note will also
result in taxable gain or loss to you.
The amount of gain or loss on a taxable sale, exchange,
conversion, repurchase or redemption will be equal to the
difference between (1) the amount of cash plus the fair
market value of any other property received by you, including
the fair market value of any common stock received upon a
conversion, and (2) your adjusted tax basis in the note.
Your adjusted tax basis in a note will generally be equal to
your original purchase price for the note, increased by any
interest income previously accrued by you (determined
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without regard to any adjustments to interest accruals described
above) and decreased by the amount of any projected payments
that previously have been scheduled to be made on the note
without regard to the actual amount paid. Gain recognized upon a
sale, exchange, conversion, repurchase or redemption of a note
will generally be treated as ordinary interest income; any loss
will be ordinary loss to the extent of interest previously
included in income, and thereafter, capital loss (which will be
long-term if the note is held for more than one year). The
deductibility of net capital losses by individuals and
corporations is subject to limitations. A U.S. Holder who
sells the notes at a loss that meets certain thresholds may be
required to file a disclosure statement with the IRS.
Your tax basis in our common stock received upon a conversion of
a note will equal the then current fair market value of such
common stock. Your holding period for the common stock received
will commence on the day immediately following the date of
conversion.
Constructive
Dividends
If at any time we make a distribution of property to our
stockholders that would be taxable to the stockholders as a
dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, in
accordance with the anti-dilution provisions of the notes, the
conversion rate of the notes is increased, such increase
typically would be deemed to be the payment of a taxable
dividend to you to the extent of our earnings and profits,
notwithstanding the fact that you do not receive a cash payment.
If the conversion rate is increased at our discretion or in
other circumstances, such increase also may be deemed to be the
payment of a taxable dividend to holders, notwithstanding the
fact that the holders do not receive a cash payment. In certain
circumstances, the failure to make an adjustment of the
conversion rate under the indenture may result in a taxable
distribution to the holders of our common stock.
For example, an increase in the exchange rate in the event of
distribution of our evidence of indebtedness or our assets or an
increase in the exchange rate if we pay a cash dividend will
generally result in deemed taxable dividend treatment to you,
but generally an increase in the event of stock dividends or the
distribution of rights to subscribe for common stock will not.
Any such constructive distribution will be taxable as a
dividend, return of capital or capital gain in accordance with
the tax rules applicable to corporate distributions, but may not
be eligible for the reduced rates of tax applicable to certain
dividends paid to individual holders nor to the
dividends-received deduction applicable to certain dividends
paid to corporate holders.
Dividends
on Common Stock
If we make cash distributions on our common stock, the
distributions will generally be treated as dividends to a
U.S. Holder of our common stock to the extent of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under
United States federal income tax principles at the end of the
tax year of the distribution, then as a tax-free return of
capital to the extent of the U.S. Holders adjusted
tax basis in the common stock, and thereafter as gain from the
sale or exchange of that stock. Eligible dividends received in
tax years ending on or before December 31, 2010, will be
subject to tax to a non-corporate U.S. Holder at the
special reduced rate generally applicable to long-term capital
gains, provided that certain holding periods are satisfied.
Gain on
Disposition of Common Stock
Upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock received
on conversion of a note, a U.S. Holder will generally
recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between
(i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any
property received upon the sale or exchange and (ii) the
U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in our common stock.
That capital gain or loss will be long-term if the
U.S. Holders holding period in respect of such note
is more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is
subject to limitations.
S-50
Non-U.S.
Holders
This discussion describes the tax consequences to a
non-U.S. Holder.
You are a
non-U.S. Holder
if you are the beneficial owner of a note and are, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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a nonresident alien individual,
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a foreign corporation,
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a foreign partnership, or
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an estate or trust that in either case is not subject to
U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis on income or
gain from a note.
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If an entity treated as a foreign partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes owns notes, the
U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in that
partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner
and upon the activities of the partnership. A holder of notes or
common stock that is a partnership and partners in such
partnership should consult their tax advisors about the United
States federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing
of notes or common stock, as the case may be.
If you are a U.S. Holder, this section does not apply to
you.
Payments
Made with Respect to the Notes
All payments on the notes made to a
non-U.S. Holder,
including a payment in our common stock pursuant to a
conversion, and any gain realized on a sale or exchange of the
notes, will generally be exempt from United States income and
withholding tax, provided that: (i) such
non-U.S. Holder
does not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled
to vote, (ii) such
non-U.S. Holder
is not a controlled foreign corporation related, directly or
indirectly, to us through stock ownership, (iii) such
non-U.S. Holder
is not a bank receiving certain types of interest, (iv) the
beneficial owner of the notes certifies, under penalties of
perjury, to us or our paying agent on IRS
Form W-8BEN
that it is not a United States person and provides its name,
address and certain other required information or certain other
certification requirements are satisfied, (v) such payments
and gain are not effectively connected with the conduct by such
non-U.S. Holder
of a trade or business in the United States, and (vi) with
respect only to gain realized on a sale, exchange or conversion
of the notes, we have not been a U.S. real property holding
corporation, as defined in the Code, at any time within the
shorter of the five-year period preceding such sale or exchange
and the
non-U.S. Holders
holding period in the notes. We believe that we are not and do
not anticipate becoming, a U.S. real property holding
corporation.
If a
non-U.S. Holder
of a note were deemed to have received a constructive dividend
(see U.S. Holders
Constructive Dividends above), however, the
non-U.S. Holder
would generally be subject to United States withholding tax at a
30% rate on the amount of such dividend, thereby potentially
reducing the amount of interest payable to it, subject to
reduction (i) by an applicable treaty if the
non-U.S. Holder
provides an IRS
Form W-8BEN
certifying that it is entitled to such treaty benefits or
(ii) upon the receipt of an IRS
Form W-8ECI
from a
non-U.S. Holder
claiming that the constructive dividend on the notes is
effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade
or business.
Common
Stock
Dividends paid to a
non-U.S. Holder
of common stock will generally be subject to withholding tax at
a 30% rate subject to reduction (a) by an applicable treaty
if the
non-U.S. Holder
provides an IRS
Form W-8BEN
certifying that it is entitled to such treaty benefits or
(b) upon the receipt of an IRS
Form W-8ECI
from a
non-U.S. Holder
claiming that the payments are effectively connected with the
conduct of a United States trade or business.
A
non-U.S. Holder
will generally not be subject to United States federal income
tax on gain realized on the sale or exchange of the common stock
received upon a conversion of notes unless (a) the gain is
effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade
or business of the
non-U.S. Holder
or (b) in
S-51
the case of a
non-U.S. Holder
who is a nonresident alien individual, the individual is present
in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of
the disposition and certain other conditions are met, or
(c) we will have been a U.S. real property holding
corporation at any time within the shorter of the five-year
period preceding such sale or exchange and the
non-U.S. Holders
holding period in the common stock. We believe that we are not
and do not anticipate becoming, a U.S. real property
holding corporation.
Income
Effectively Connected with a United States Trade or
Business
If a
non-U.S. Holder
of notes or our common stock is engaged in a trade or business
in the United States, and if interest on the notes, dividends on
our common stock, or gain realized on the sale, exchange,
conversion or other disposition of the notes and gain realized
on the sale or exchange of our common stock is effectively
connected with the conduct of such trade or business, the
non-U.S. Holder,
although exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the
preceding paragraphs, will generally be subject to regular
United States federal income tax on such interest, dividends or
gain in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. In
addition, if such a
non-U.S. Holder
is a foreign corporation, such holder may be subject to a branch
profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by an
applicable treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and
profits for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S.
Holders
Payments of interest or dividends made by us on, or the proceeds
of the sale or other disposition of, the notes or shares of
common stock may be subject to information reporting and United
States federal backup withholding tax at the rate then in effect
if the recipient of such payment fails to supply an accurate
taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with
applicable United States information reporting or certification
requirements. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding
rules is allowable as a credit against the holders United
States federal income tax, provided that the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S.
Holders
A
non-U.S. Holder
may be required to comply with certification procedures to
establish that the holder is not a U.S. person in order to
avoid backup withholding tax with respect to our payment of
principal and interest on the notes, or the proceeds of the sale
or other disposition of the notes or our common stock. In
addition, we must report annually to the IRS and to each
non-U.S. Holder
the amount of any dividends paid to and the tax withheld (if
any) with respect to such
non-U.S. Holder.
Copies of these information returns may also be made available
under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement to the
tax authorities of the country in which the
non-U.S. Holder
resides. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules
is allowable as a credit against the holders United States
federal income tax, provided that the required information is
furnished to the IRS.
S-52
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an
underwriting agreement to be filed as an exhibit relating to
this prospectus supplement, we have agreed to sell to Credit
Suisse Securities (USA) LLC all of the notes.
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriter is
obligated to purchase all of the notes if any are purchased,
other than those notes covered by the over-allotment option
described below.
We have granted to the underwriter a
13-day
option to purchase up to an additional $19,500,000 principal
amount of notes at the public offering price less the
underwriting discounts and commissions. The option may be
exercised only to cover any over-allotments in the sale of the
notes.
The underwriter proposes to offer the notes initially at the
public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus
supplement and to selling group members at that price less a
selling concession of $ per $1,000
principal amount of notes. After the public offering the
underwriter may change the public offering price and concession.
The following table summarizes the compensation and estimated
expenses we will pay.
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Per Note
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Total
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Without
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With
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Without
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With
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Over-allotment
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Over-allotment
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Over-allotment
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Over-allotment
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Underwriting Discounts and Commissions paid by us
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$
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$
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$
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$
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Expenses payable by us
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$
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$
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$
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$
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We have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell,
pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
Securities Act) relating to United States
dollar-denominated debt securities issued or guaranteed by us
and having a maturity of more than one year from the date of
issue, or publicly disclose the intention to make any such
offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, without the prior
written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC for a
period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus
supplement.
We have agreed that we will not, directly or indirectly,
(i) offer, sell, issue, contract to sell, pledge or
otherwise dispose of any shares of our common stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for
any shares of our common stock, (ii) offer, sell, issue,
contract to sell, contract to purchase or grant any option,
right or warrant to purchase any shares of our common stock or
any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for any shares of our common stock, (iii) enter into any
swap, hedge or any other agreement that transfers, in whole or
in part, the economic consequences of ownership of any shares of
our common stock or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock,
(iv) establish or increase a put equivalent position or
liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position in any shares
of our common stock or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock
within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or
(v) file with the Commission a registration statement under
the Securities Act relating to any shares of our common stock or
any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the
intention to take any such action, without the prior written
consent of the Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC for a period
of 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may issue shares of our common
stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for any shares of our common stock pursuant to the
conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities
or the exercise of warrants or options, in each case outstanding
on the date hereof, grants of employee or director stock options
pursuant to the terms of a plan in effect on the date hereof,
issuances of shares of our common stock or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares
of our common stock pursuant to the exercise of such options or
issuances of shares of our common stock or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares
of our common stock pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan.
S-53
The 60-day
restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be
extended if:
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(1)
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during the last 17 days of the
60-day
restricted period, we release earnings results or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs; or
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(2)
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prior to the expiration of the initial
60-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
60-day
restricted period,
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in which case the restrictions described in the preceding
paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the date of release of the earnings results
or the occurrence of the materials news or material event, as
applicable, unless Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC waives, in
writing, such extension. We will provide Credit Suisse
Securities (USA) LLC with notice of any announcement described
in clause (2) of the preceding sentence that gives rise to
an extension of the restricted period.
Our executive officers have agreed that they will not offer,
sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly
or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares
of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have
the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other
arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the
economic consequences of ownership of our common stock, whether
any such aforementioned transaction is to be settled by delivery
of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or
otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any such
offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any such
transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, without, in each
case, the prior written consent of Credit Suisse Securities
(USA) LLC for a period of 60 days after the date of this
prospectus supplement.
The 60-day
restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be
extended if:
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(1)
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during the last 17 days of the initial
60-day
restricted period, we release earnings results or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs; or
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(2)
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prior to the expiration of the initial
60-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the initial
60-day
restricted period,
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in which case the restricted period will be extended until the
expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the date of release of the earnings results
or the occurrence of the material news or material event, as
applicable, unless Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC waives, in
writing, such extension.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against liabilities
under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments which the
underwriter may be required to make in that respect.
We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against
payment therefor on or about the closing date specified on the
cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the
third business day following the date of pricing the notes.
The underwriter and certain of their affiliates have performed
investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory and
lending services for us and our affiliates from time to time,
for which they have received customary compensation, and may do
so in the future. The underwriter may, from time to time, engage
in transactions with or perform other services for us in the
ordinary course of their business.
In connection with the offering the underwriter may engage in
stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate
covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with
Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
Exchange Act).
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Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying
security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a
specified maximum.
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Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriter of notes in
excess of the principal amount of the notes the underwriter is
obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position.
The short position may be either a covered short position or a
naked short position. In a covered short position, the principal
amount of the notes over-allotted by the underwriter is not
greater than the principal amount
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S-54
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of the notes that they may purchase in the over-allotment
option. In a naked short position, the principal amount of the
notes involved is greater than the principal amount of the notes
in the over-allotment option. The underwriter may close out any
short position by either exercising their over-allotment option
and/or
purchasing notes in the open market.
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Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the notes
in the open market after the distribution has been completed in
order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the
source of notes to close out the short position, the underwriter
will consider, among other things, the price of notes available
for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at
which they may purchase notes through the over-allotment option.
If the underwriter sells more notes than could be covered by the
over-allotment option, a naked short position, that position can
only be closed out by buying notes in the open market. A naked
short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter
is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of
the notes in the open market after pricing that could adversely
affect investors who purchase in the offering.
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Penalty bids permit the representative to reclaim a selling
concession from a syndicate member when the notes originally
sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing
transaction or a syndicate covering transaction to cover
syndicate short positions.
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These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions
and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining
the market price of the notes or preventing or retarding a
decline in the market price of the notes. As a result the price
of the notes may be higher than the price that might otherwise
exist in the open market. These transactions, if commenced, may
be discontinued at any time.
Affiliates of the underwriter are lenders under our credit
facility and an affiliate of the underwriter is the
administrative agent under our credit facility. Because
affiliates of the underwriter are lenders under our credit
facility and may receive more than 10% of the net proceeds of
this offering upon the repayment of amounts outstanding under
our credit facility as described in Use of Proceeds,
this offering is being conducted in accordance with
Rule 2710(h) of the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, or FINRA.
S-55
NOTICE TO
CANADIAN RESIDENTS
Resale
Restrictions
The distribution of the notes in Canada is being made only on a
private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we
prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory
authorities in each province where trades of notes are made. Any
resale of the notes in Canada must be made under applicable
securities laws which will vary depending on the relevant
jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under
available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary
exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities
regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal
advice prior to any resale of the notes.
Representations
of Purchasers
By purchasing notes in Canada and accepting a purchase
confirmation a purchaser is representing to us and the dealer
from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:
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the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities
laws to purchase the notes without the benefit of a prospectus
qualified under those securities laws,
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where required by law, that the purchaser is purchasing as
principal and not as agent,
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the purchaser has reviewed the text above under Resale
Restrictions, and
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the purchaser acknowledges and consents to the provision of
specified information concerning its purchase of the notes to
the regulatory authority that by law is entitled to collect the
information.
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Further details concerning the legal authority for this
information is available on request.
Rights of
Action Ontario Purchasers Only
Under Ontario securities legislation, certain purchasers who
purchase a security offered by this prospectus supplement during
the period of distribution will have a statutory right of action
for damages, or while still the owner of the notes, for
rescission against us in the event that this prospectus
supplement contains a misrepresentation without regard to
whether the purchaser relied on the misrepresentation. The right
of action for damages is exercisable not later than the earlier
of 180 days from the date the purchaser first had knowledge
of the facts giving rise to the cause of action and three years
from the date on which payment is made for the notes. The right
of action for rescission is exercisable not later than
180 days from the date on which payment is made for the
notes. If a purchaser elects to exercise the right of action for
rescission, the purchaser will have no right of action for
damages against us. In no case will the amount recoverable in
any action exceed the price at which the notes were offered to
the purchaser and if the purchaser is shown to have purchased
the securities with knowledge of the misrepresentation, we will
have no liability. In the case of an action for damages, we will
not be liable for all or any portion of the damages that are
proven to not represent the depreciation in value of the notes
as a result of the misrepresentation relied upon. These rights
are in addition to, and without derogation from, any other
rights or remedies available at law to an Ontario purchaser. The
foregoing is a summary of the rights available to an Ontario
purchaser. Ontario purchasers should refer to the complete text
of the relevant statutory provisions.
Enforcement
of Legal Rights
All of our directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may
not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of
process within Canada upon us or those persons. All or a
substantial portion of our assets and the assets of those
persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it
may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against us or those
persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian
courts against us or those persons outside of Canada.
S-56
Taxation
and Eligibility for Investment
Canadian purchasers of notes should consult their own legal and
tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an
investment in the notes in their particular circumstances and
about the eligibility of the notes for investment by the
purchaser under relevant Canadian legislation.
EUROPEAN
ECONOMIC AREA
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area
which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant
Member State), the Underwriter has represented and agreed that
with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus
Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the
Relevant Implementation Date) it has not made and will not make
an offer of Notes which are the subject of the offering
contemplated by this Prospectus Supplement to the public in that
Relevant Member State other than:
(a) to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to
operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or
regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in
securities;
(b) to any legal entity which has two or more of
(1) an average of at least 250 employees during the
last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than
43,000,000; and (3) an annual net turnover of more
than 50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or
consolidated accounts;
(c) to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than
qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive)
subject to obtaining the prior consent of the
Underwriter; or
(d) in any other circumstances falling within
Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,
provided that no such offer of Notes shall require the Issuer or
any Underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to
Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer of
Notes to the public in relation to any Notes in any Relevant
Member State means the communication in any form and by any
means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and
the Notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to
purchase or subscribe the Notes, as the same may be varied in
that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus
Directive in that Member State and the expression Prospectus
Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant
implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.
SELLING
RESTRICTIONS ADDRESSING ADDITIONAL UNITED KINGDOM SECURITIES
LAWS
The Underwriter has represented and agreed that:
(a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated
and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an
invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity
(within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by
it in connection with the issue or sale of the Notes in
circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not
apply to the Issuer; and
(b) it has complied and will comply with all applicable
provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in
relation to the Notes in, from or otherwise involving the United
Kingdom.
S-57
The validity of the notes has been passed upon for us by
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York,
New York. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by
Dykema Gossett PLLC, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Selected legal
matters with respect to the notes will be passed upon for the
underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell.
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
Our consolidated financial statements and managements
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting (which is included in Managements
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) as of
December 30, 2006 and for the year then ended, incorporated
herein by reference in this prospectus supplement, have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in its reports
included in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 30, 2006.
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31,
2005 and for each of the two years in the period then ended,
incorporated herein by reference in this prospectus supplement,
have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report
included in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 30, 2006.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Available
Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements
and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of
this information at the SECs public reference room at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 or
(202) 942-8090
for further information on the public reference room. The SEC
also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy
statements and other information regarding issuers, including
us, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that
site is www.sec.gov. The information contained on the
SECs website is expressly not incorporated by reference
into this prospectus supplement.
This prospectus supplement contains summaries of provisions
contained in some of the documents discussed in this prospectus
supplement, but reference is made to the actual documents for
complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in
their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the
documents referred to in this prospectus supplement have been
filed or will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits
to the registration statement of which this prospectus
supplement is a part. If any contract, agreement or other
document is filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to
the registration statement, you should read the exhibit for a
more complete understanding of the document or matter involved.
Incorporation
of Documents by Reference
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference information into
this prospectus supplement. This means we can disclose
information to you by referring you to another document we filed
with the SEC. We will make those documents available to you
without charge upon your oral or written request. Requests for
those documents should be directed to Champion Enterprises,
Inc., 2701 Cambridge Court, Suite 300, Auburn Hills, MI
48326, Attention: Corporate Secretary. This prospectus
supplement incorporates by reference the following documents:
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Our annual report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 filed on
February 27, 2007;
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Our quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q
for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 filed on
April 30, 2007, June 30, 2007 filed on July 26,
2007 and September 29, 2007 filed on October 26, 2007;
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Our current reports on
Form 8-K
filed on February 15, 2007, March 13, 2007 (amending
our current report filed on April 7, 2006), March 28,
2007 and June 22, 2007; and
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S-58
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The description of our common stock included in our
Form 8-A
filed with the SEC on April 13, 1995, and any amendment or
report we may file with the SEC for the purpose of updating such
description.
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We are also incorporating by reference additional documents we
may file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement
until the offering of the particular securities covered by this
prospectus supplement has been completed, other than any portion
of the respective filings furnished, rather than filed, under
the applicable SEC rules. This additional information is a part
of this prospectus supplement from the date of filing of those
documents.
Any statements made in this prospectus supplement or in a
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
into this prospectus supplement will be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement to the
extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement
or in any other subsequently filed document which is also
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated into this prospectus
supplement modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement
so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus
supplement.
The information relating to us contained in this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus should be read
together with the information in the documents incorporated by
reference.
S-59
PROSPECTUS
COMMON
STOCK
PREFERRED
STOCK
DEBT
SECURITIES
WARRANTS
The following are
types of securities that we may offer, issue and sell from time
to time, together or separately:
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shares of our common
stock;
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shares of our
preferred stock, which may be convertible or exchangeable;
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debt securities,
which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt
securities and may be convertible or exchangeable; and
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warrants.
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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.
This prospectus
describes some of the general terms that may apply to these
securities. The specific terms of any securities to be offered
will be described in a supplement to this prospectus. The
prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus
and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you
make your investment decision. Our common stock is listed on the
New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges under the trading symbol
CHB. Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the
securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities
exchange.
This prospectus may
not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a
prospectus supplement.
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 October 29, 2007.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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In this prospectus, except as otherwise indicated,
Champion, we, our and
us refer to Champion Enterprises, Inc. and all
entities included in our consolidated financial statements.
i
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on
Form S-3
that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or
the SEC, using a shelf registration process. Under
this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell:
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shares of our common stock;
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shares of our preferred stock, which may be convertible or
exchangeable;
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debt securities, which may be senior debt securities or
subordinated debt securities and may be convertible or
exchangeable; and
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warrants,
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together or separately, in one or more offerings. This
prospectus provides you with a general description of those
securities. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a
prospectus supplement 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. If there is any inconsistency
between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus
supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus
supplement. You should read this prospectus and the applicable
prospectus supplement together with the additional information
described under the heading Where You Can Find More
Information.
You should carefully consider the specific risks described in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 30, 2006, the risk factors described under the
caption Risk Factors in any applicable prospectus
supplement, and any risk factors set forth in our other filings
with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or
15(d) of the Exchange Act before making an investment decision.
See Where You Can Find More Information.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
You may obtain from the SEC, through the SECs website or
at the SEC offices mentioned in the following paragraph, a copy
of the registration statement, including exhibits, that we have
filed with the SEC to register the securities offered under this
prospectus. This prospectus is part of the registration
statement and does not contain all the information in the
registration statement on
Form S-3.
You will find additional information about us in the
registration statement. Any statement made in this prospectus
concerning a contract or other document of ours is not
necessarily complete, and you should read the documents that are
filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise
filed with the SEC for a more complete understanding of the
document or matter. Each such statement is qualified in all
respects by reference to the document to which it refers.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements
and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are
available to the public over the Internet at the SECs
website at
http://www.sec.gov
and on our corporate website at
http://www.championhomes.com.
Information on our website does not constitute part of this
prospectus. You may inspect without charge any documents filed
by us at the SECs Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You
may obtain copies of all or any part of these materials from the
SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC.
Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330
for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our SEC
filings are also available at the office of the New York Stock
Exchange located at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005. For further information on obtaining copies of our public
filings at the New York Stock Exchange, you should call
(212) 656-5060.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus
documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those
documents. The information incorporated
1
by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Some
information contained in this prospectus updates the information
incorporated by reference, and information that we file
subsequently with the SEC will automatically update this
prospectus. In other words, in the case of a conflict or
inconsistency between information set forth in this prospectus
and information that we file later and incorporate by reference
into this prospectus, you should rely on the information
contained in the document that was filed later.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents
listed below and any filings we make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, after the
initial filing of the registration statement that contains this
prospectus and prior to the time that all the securities offered
by this prospectus have been issued as described in this
prospectus:
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our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 (filed on
February 27, 2007);
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our Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007 (filed on
April 30, 2007), the quarterly period ended June 30,
2007 (filed on July 26, 2007) and the quarterly period
ended September 29, 2007 (filed on October 26,
2007) and;
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our Current Reports on
Form 8-K
filed on February 15, 2007, March 13, 2007 (amending
our Current Report on Form
8-K filed
April 7, 2006), March 28, 2007 and June 22,
2007; and
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the description of our common stock included in our
Form 8-A
filed with the SEC on April 13, 1995, and any amendment or
report we may file with the SEC for the purpose of updating such
description.
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You may request a copy of the registration statement, the above
filings and any future filings that are incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, other than an exhibit to a
filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into that filing, at no cost, by writing or calling us
at the following address: Jay L. Kreindler, Associate General
Counsel, 2701 Cambridge Ct., Suite 300, Auburn Hills,
Michigan 48326; telephone:
(248) 340-9090.
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in any
accompanying prospectus supplement or in any free writing
prospectus filed by us with the SEC and any information about
the terms of securities offered conveyed to you by us, our
underwriters or agents. We have not authorized anyone else to
provide you with additional or different information. These
securities are only being offered in jurisdictions where the
offer is permitted. You should not assume that the information
contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus
supplement or any free writing prospectus is accurate as of any
date other than their respective dates.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the
documents incorporated by reference herein may contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
You can identify such forward-looking statements by the use of
terms such as expect, believe,
may, could, estimate,
intend or similar words or phrases. All such
statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21B of
the Exchange Act. These statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual
results, performance or achievements to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed
or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual events or
results may differ substantially. Important factors that could
cause our actual results to be materially different from the
forward-looking statements are disclosed under the heading
Risk Factors in the accompanying prospectus
supplement and are disclosed in the information incorporated by
reference in this prospectus, including in Item 1A. Risk
Factors, of our
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006. You should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
2
We are the second largest producer of manufactured homes in
North America, the largest producer of modular homes in North
America and the largest producer of modular structures in the
United Kingdom, based on revenues. We currently operate 28 North
American manufacturing facilities in 16 states and two
provinces in western Canada, and four manufacturing facilities
on one site in the United Kingdom. We also operate 16 retail
sales offices located throughout the state of California, which
sell manufactured homes to consumers primarily targeted to be
permanently sited in leased land communities.
Our principal offices are located at 2701 Cambridge Court,
Suite 300, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326. Our telephone
number is
(248) 340-9090.
Except as may be otherwise set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, the net
proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used for
general corporate purposes, including:
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working capital;
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capital expenditures;
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acquisitions of or investments in businesses or assets; and
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redemption and repayment of short-term or long-term borrowings.
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Pending application of the net proceeds, we may temporarily
invest the net proceeds in short-term marketable securities.
RATIOS
OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the five most recent
fiscal years and the three fiscal quarters ended
September 29, 2007 are set forth below:
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Fiscal Year Ended
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Nine Months Ended
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2002
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2003
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2004
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2005
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2006
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September 29, 2007
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges(1)
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(4.3x
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(1.6x
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1.6x
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3.2x
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2.9x
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1.9x
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For purposes of determining the
ratios of earnings to fixed charges, fixed charges is defined as
the sum of (a) interest expensed and capitalized,
(b) amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses
related to indebtedness, (c) an estimate of the interest
within rental expense and (d) preference security dividend
requirements of consolidated subsidiaries. Earnings is defined
as the amount resulting from adding (a) pre-tax income from
continuing operations before adjustment for minority interests
in consolidated subsidiaries or income or loss from equity
investees, (b) fixed charges, (c) amortization of
capitalized interest, (d) distributed income of equity
investees, and (e) your share of pre-tax losses of equity
investees for which charges arising from guarantees are included
in fixed charges and subtracting (a) interest capitalized,
(b) preference security dividend requirements of
consolidated subsidiaries, and (c) the minority interest in
pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed
charges. Equity investees are investments that are accounted for
using the equity method of accounting. Public utilities
following SFAS 71 should not add amortization of
capitalized interest in determining earnings, nor reduce fixed
charges by any allowance for funds used during construction.
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Earnings in 2002 and 2003 were
lower than the amount necessary for a one to one ratio of
earnings to fixed charges by $183.7 million and $84.6
million, respectively.
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DESCRIPTION
OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description sets forth some general terms and
provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus
supplement may relate. The particular terms of the debt
securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent,
if any, to which such general provisions may not apply to the
debt securities so offered will be described in the prospectus
supplement relating to such debt securities. For more
information please refer to the applicable indenture.
Capitalized terms used in this prospectus that are not defined
will have the meanings given them in these documents.
3
Any senior debt securities will be issued under a senior
indenture to be entered into between us and the trustee named in
the senior indenture, also referred to as the senior
trustee. Any subordinated debt securities will be issued
under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and
the trustee named in the subordinated indenture, also referred
to as the subordinated trustee. As used in this
registration statement, the term indentures refers
to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture, as
applicable. Both indentures will be qualified under the
Trust Indenture Act. As used in this registration
statement, the term debt trustee refers to either
the senior trustee or the subordinated trustee, as applicable.
The following summaries of some material provisions of the
senior debt securities, the subordinated debt securities, and
the indentures are subject to, and qualified in their entirety
by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture and any
supplemental indenture applicable to a particular series of debt
securities, including the definitions in this registration
statement of some terms. Except as otherwise indicated, the
terms of any senior indenture and subordinated indenture, as
applicable, will be identical.
General
Each prospectus supplement will describe the following terms
relating to a series of debt securities:
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the title and aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;
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whether the debt securities are senior debt securities or
subordinated debt securities and the terms of subordination;
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any limit on the amount of debt securities that may be issued;
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whether any of the debt securities will be issuable in whole or
in part in temporary or permanent global form or in the form of
book-entry securities;
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the maturity date(s) of the debt securities;
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the interest rate(s) (which may be fixed or variable) or the
method for determining the rate(s) and the date(s) interest will
begin to accrue on the debt securities, the date(s) interest
will be payable, or the method for determining the interest
payment dates and the record dates for the determination of
holders to whom interest is payable on interest payment dates or
the method for determining the record date(s);
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the place(s) where payments with respect to the debt securities
shall be payable;
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our right, if any, to defer payment of interest on the debt
securities and the maximum length of any deferral period;
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the date, if any, after which, and the price(s) at which, the
series of debt securities may, pursuant to any optional
redemption provisions, be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our
option, and other related terms and provisions;
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the date(s), if any, on which, and the price(s) at which we are
obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund provisions or
otherwise, to redeem, or at the holders option to
purchase, the series of debt securities and other related terms
and provisions;
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the denominations in which the series of debt securities will be
issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral
multiple thereof;
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any mandatory or optional sinking fund or similar provisions
respecting the debt securities;
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the currency or currency units in which payment of the principal
of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities shall
be payable;
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whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional
amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a
United States person for tax purposes and whether we will have
the option to redeem the debt securities rather than to pay
additional amounts;
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the terms pursuant to which the debt securities are subject to
defeasance and satisfaction and discharge;
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any addition to, or modification or deletion of, any event of
default or any covenant specified in the applicable indenture
with respect to the debt securities;
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the terms and conditions, if any, pursuant to which the debt
securities are secured; and
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any other terms of the debt securities.
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The debt securities may be issued as original issue discount
securities. An original issue discount security is a debt
security, including any zero-coupon debt security, which:
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is issued at a price lower than the amount payable upon its
stated maturity; and
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provides that upon redemption or acceleration of the maturity,
an amount less than the amount payable upon the stated maturity,
shall become due and payable.
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United States federal income tax considerations applicable to
debt securities sold at an original issue discount will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition,
United States federal income tax or other considerations
applicable to any debt securities which are denominated in a
currency or currency unit other than United States dollars will
be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Under the indentures, we will have the ability, in addition to
the ability to issue debt securities with terms different from
those of debt securities previously issued, without the consent
of the holders, to reopen a previous issue of a series of debt
securities and issue additional debt securities of that series,
unless such reopening was restricted when the series was
created, in an aggregate principal amount determined by us.
Conversion
or Exchange Rights
The terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be
convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or other
securities will be detailed in the prospectus supplement
relating thereto. Such terms will include provisions as to
whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of
the holder, or at our option, the conversion price and the
conversion period, and may include provisions pursuant to which
the number of shares of our common stock or other securities to
be received by the holders of such series of debt securities
would be subject to adjustment.
Guarantees
Any senior or subordinated debt securities may be guaranteed by
one or more of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. Each
prospectus supplement will describe any guarantees for the
benefit of the series of debt securities to which it relates.
Consolidation,
Merger or Sale
Unless noted otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the
indentures will not contain any covenant which restricts the our
ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer, or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets.
However, any successor or acquirer of such assets must assume
all of our obligations under the indentures or the debt
securities, as appropriate.
Events of
Default Under the Indentures
The following are events of default under the indentures with
respect to any series of debt securities issued:
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failure to pay interest on the debt securities when due and such
failure continues for 30 days and the time for payment has
not been extended or deferred;
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failure to pay the principal or premium of the debt securities,
if any, when due;
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failure to deposit any sinking fund payment, when due, for any
debt security and in the case of the subordinated indenture,
whether or not the deposit is prohibited by the subordination
provisions;
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failure to observe or perform any other covenant contained in
the debt securities or the indentures other than a covenant
specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and
such failure continues for 60 days after we receive notice
from the debt trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that
series;
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if the debt securities are convertible into shares of our common
stock or other securities, failure by us to deliver common stock
or the other securities when the holder or holders of the debt
securities elect to convert the debt securities into shares of
our common stock or other securities; and
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particular events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization
with respect to us.
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The supplemental indenture or the form of security for a
particular series of debt securities may include additional
events of default or changes to the events of default described
above. For any additional or different events of default
applicable to a particular series of debt securities, see the
prospectus supplement relating to such series.
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, the debt trustee or the holders
of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series, by notice in writing to us and
to the debt trustee if notice is given by such holders, may
declare the unpaid principal, premium, if any, and accrued
interest, if any, due and payable immediately. However, upon an
event of default due to particular events of bankruptcy,
insolvency, or reorganization with respect to us as specified in
the indenture, the aggregate principal amount, premium, if any,
and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be due and payable
immediately.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or
event of default with respect to such series and its
consequences (except defaults or events of default regarding
payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the debt
securities or, if the debt securities are convertible into
shares of our common stock or other securities, defaults or
events of default regarding payment or delivery of shares of our
common stock or other securities upon conversion of such debt
securities) and rescind any such acceleration with respect to
the debt securities and its consequences if (1) rescission
would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of
competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing events of
default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of and
interest on the debt securities that have become due solely by
such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived. Any
such waiver shall cure such default or event of default.
Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default
under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the debt
trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its
rights or powers under such indenture at the request or
direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt
securities, unless such holders have offered the debt trustee
indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it against any
loss, liability or expense. The holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any
series will have the right to direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
debt trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
debt trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that
series, provided that:
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it is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture;
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the debt trustee may take any other action deemed proper by it
which is not inconsistent with such direction; and
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subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the
debt trustee need not take any action that might involve it in
personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders
not involved in the proceeding.
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A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the
right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to
appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies if:
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the holder has given written notice to the debt trustee of a
continuing event of default with respect to that series;
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the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series have made written
request, and such holders have offered reasonable indemnity or
security to the debt trustee to institute such proceedings as
trustee; and
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the debt trustee does not institute such proceeding, and does
not receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that
series other conflicting directions within 60 days after
such notice, request, and offer of indemnity.
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These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder
of debt securities if we default in the payment of the
principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities
or, if the debt securities are convertible into shares of our
common stock or other securities, our default in the payment or
delivery of shares of our common stock or other security upon
conversion of the debt securities.
We will periodically file statements with the debt trustee
regarding our compliance with all of the conditions and
covenants in the indentures.
Modification
of Indenture
We and the debt trustee may change an indenture without the
consent of any holders with respect to specific matters,
including:
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to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect, or inconsistency in
such indenture;
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to provide for the assumption by a successor of our obligations
under such indenture;
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to add guarantees, including subsidiary guarantees, with respect
to debt securities or to release subsidiary guarantors from
subsidiary guarantees as provided by the terms of an indenture
or to secure debt securities;
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to add to our covenants for the benefit of holders of debt
securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us;
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to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or
in place of certificated debt securities;
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to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations,
and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of
issue, authentication, and delivery of debt securities, as set
forth in such indenture;
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to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms
and conditions of the debt securities of any series, to
establish the form of any certifications required to be
furnished pursuant to the terms of an indenture or any series of
debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any
series of debt securities;
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to make any change that does not adversely affect the interests
of any holder of debt securities of any series in any material
respect; provided that any amendment to conform the terms
of any debt securities contained in the final offering document
therefor shall not be deemed to be adverse to any holder;
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to secure any series of debt security; or
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to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the
qualification of an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.
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In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of a
series of debt securities may be changed by us and the debt
trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of each series that is affected. However, the
following changes may only be made with the consent of each
holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:
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change the fixed maturity of such series of debt securities;
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reduce the principal amount, reduce the rate of, or extend the
time of payment of interest, or any premium payable upon the
redemption of any such debt securities;
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reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount
security or any other debt security payable upon acceleration of
the maturity thereof;
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a change in the currency in which any debt security or any
premium or interest is payable;
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impair the right to receive payment of principal and interest on
any debt security on or after the due dates thereof or to
institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any debt security;
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adversely change the right to convert or exchange, including
decreasing the conversion rate or increasing the conversion
price of, such debt security (if applicable);
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in the case of the subordinated indenture, modify the
subordination provisions in a manner adverse to the holders of
the subordinated debt securities;
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if the debt securities are secured, change the terms and
conditions pursuant to which the debt securities are secured in
a manner adverse to the holders of the secured debt securities;
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reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt
securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is
required for modification or amendment of the applicable
indenture or for waiver of compliance with any provision of the
indentures;
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reduce the requirements contained in the applicable indenture
for quorum or voting;
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change any of our obligations to maintain an office or agency in
the places and for the purposes required by the
indentures; or
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modify any of the above provisions.
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Form,
Exchange, and Transfer
The debt securities of each series will be issuable only in
fully registered form without coupons and, unless otherwise
specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The
indentures will provide that debt securities of a series may be
issuable in temporary or permanent global form and may be issued
as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on
behalf of, The Depository Trust Company or another
depository named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement
with respect to such series.
At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the
indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities
described in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt
securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt
securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination
and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations
applicable to global securities detailed in the applicable
prospectus supplement, debt securities may be presented for
exchange or for registration of transfer (duly endorsed or with
the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so
required by us or the security registrar) at the office of the
security registrar designated by us for such purpose. Unless
otherwise provided in the debt securities to be transferred or
exchanged, no service charge will be made for any registration
of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes
or other governmental charges. The security registrar initially
designated by us for any debt securities will be named in the
applicable prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate
additional security registrars or rescind the designation of any
security registrar or approve a change in the office through
which any security registrar acts, except that we will be
required to maintain a security registrar in each place of
payment for the debt securities of each series.
If the debt securities of any series are to be redeemed, we will
not be required to:
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issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities
of that series during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of
redemption of less than all of that series of such debt
securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the
close of business on the day of such mailing; or
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register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so
selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the
unredeemed portion of any such debt securities being redeemed in
part.
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Information
Concerning the Debt Trustee
The debt trustee, other than during the occurrence and
continuance of an event of default under an indenture,
undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically
detailed in the indentures and, upon an event of default under
an indenture, must use the same degree of care as a prudent
person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own
affairs. Subject to this provision, the debt trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the
indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities
unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against
the costs, expenses, and liabilities that it might incur. The
debt trustee is not required to spend or risk its own money or
otherwise become financially liable while performing its duties
unless it reasonably believes that it will be repaid or receive
adequate indemnity.
Payment
and Paying Agents
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, payment of the interest on any debt securities on
any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose
name such debt securities (or one or more predecessor
securities) are registered at the close of business on the
regular record date for such interest.
Principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities
of a particular series will be payable at the office of the
paying agents designated by us, except that unless otherwise
indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, interest
payments may be made by check mailed to the holder. Unless
otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, the corporate
trust office of the debt trustee will be designated as our sole
paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of
each series. Any other paying agents initially designated by us
for the debt securities of a particular series will be named in
the applicable prospectus supplement. We will be required to
maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt
securities of a particular series.
All moneys paid by us to a paying agent or the debt trustee for
the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on
any debt securities which remains unclaimed at the end of two
years after such principal, premium, or interest has become due
and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the security
thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, may look only to
us for payment thereof.
Reports
We shall deliver to the debt trustee (unless such reports have
been filed on the SECs Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis, and Retrieval system), within 15 calendar days after
we file the same with the SEC, copies of our annual reports and
of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of
such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules
and regulations prescribe) which we are required to file with
the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act. In the event we are at any time no longer subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, we shall continue to provide the debt trustee with
reports containing substantially the same information as would
have been required to be filed with the SEC had we continued to
have been subject to such reporting requirements. In such event,
such reports shall be provided within 15 days after the
dates applicable to a registrant that is not an accelerated
filer or large accelerated filer on which we would have been
required to provide reports had we continued to have been
subject to such reporting requirements. We also shall comply
with the other provisions of Section 314(a) of the
Trust Indenture Act.
Governing
Law
The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York
except for conflicts of laws provisions and to the extent that
the Trust Indenture Act shall be applicable.
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Subordination
of Subordinated Debt Securities
Unless noted otherwise in a prospectus supplement, any
subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be
subordinate and junior in priority of payment to some of our
other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus
supplement. Additionally, unless noted otherwise in a prospectus
supplement, the subordinated indenture will not limit the amount
of subordinated debt securities which we may issue, nor will it
limit us from issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our authorized capital stock is 120,000,000 shares of
common stock, $1.00 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, no par value. At October 26, 2007,
77,149,542 shares of common stock and no shares of
preferred stock were outstanding. In addition to the summary of
our capital stock that follows, we encourage you to review our
articles of incorporation and bylaws, which we have filed with
the SEC. A copy of our restated articles of incorporation, as
amended, was filed with the SEC as Exhibit 3.1 to the
Current Report on
Form 8-K
filed April 19, 2006. A copy of our bylaws was filed with
the SEC as Exhibit 3.5 to the Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004.
Description
of Common Stock
We may issue shares of our common stock, either separately or
together with other securities offered pursuant to this
prospectus. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote
for each share held of record on all matters on which
shareholders are generally entitled to vote. The vote of the
holders of a majority of the stock represented at a meeting at
which a quorum is present is generally required to take
shareholder action, unless a greater vote is required by law.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any
election and there is no cumulative voting of shares.
Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights. Subject to
the applicable laws and the rights of the holders of preferred
stock, holders of common stock are entitled to such dividends as
may be declared by our board of directors. The common stock is
not entitled to any sinking fund, redemption or conversion
provisions. Upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the
holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in our
net assets remaining after the payment of all creditors and
liquidation preferences of preferred stock. The outstanding
shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable. There will be a prospectus
supplement relating to any offering of common stock offered by
this prospectus.
Description
of Preferred Stock
Our board of directors has the authority, without further
shareholder approval, to issue shares of preferred stock from
time to time in one or more series, with such voting powers or
without voting powers, and with such designations, preferences
and relative participating, optional or other special rights,
and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof adopted
by our board of directors, as shall be expressed in the
resolutions providing therefor. A prospectus supplement relating
to any series of preferred stock being offered will include
specific terms relating to the offering. They will include:
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the title and stated value of the preferred stock;
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the price or prices at which the preferred stock may be
purchased;
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the number of shares of the preferred stock offered, the
liquidation preference per share and the offering price of the
preferred stock;
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the dividend rate(s), period(s),
and/or
payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable
to the preferred stock;
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whether dividends shall be cumulative or non cumulative and, if
cumulative, the date from which dividends on the preferred stock
shall accumulate;
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the procedures for an auction and remarketing, if any, for the
preferred stock;
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the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, for the preferred
stock;
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the voting rights of the preferred stock;
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the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred
stock;
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the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the
preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock,
including the conversion price, or the manner of calculating the
conversion price and conversion period;
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if appropriate, a discussion of United States federal income tax
considerations applicable to the preferred stock;
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all series of preferred stock rank on a parity with each other
and rank senior to common stock with respect to payment of
dividends and distributions of assets upon liquidation; and
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or
restrictions of the preferred stock.
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Holders of our preferred stock will have no preemptive rights.
While providing desirable flexibility for possible acquisitions
and other corporate purposes, and eliminating delays associated
with a shareholder vote on specific issuances, the issuance of
preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of
holders of common stock, as well as dividend and liquidation
payments on both common and preferred stock. It also could have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in
control.
Conversion or Exchange. The terms, if any, on
which the preferred stock may be convertible into or
exchangeable for common stock or other securities will be
detailed in the 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
provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of common
stock or other securities to be received by the holders of
preferred stock would be subject to adjustment.
Certain
Anti-takeover Matters
Our restated articles of incorporation, bylaws and Michigan law
contain provisions, summarized below, that could have the effect
of delaying, deterring or preventing a merger, tender offer or
other takeover attempt. This summary is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the restated
articles of incorporation and the bylaws, as well as the
provisions of any applicable laws.
Important Provisions of the Restated Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws. Our bylaws permit
incumbent directors to fill any vacancies on the board of
directors, however occurring, whether by an increase in the
number of directors, death, resignation, retirement,
disqualification, removal from office or otherwise, unless
filled by proper action of the shareholders. Furthermore, our
bylaws require shareholders to give advance notice of proposals
to be presented at meetings of shareholders, including director
nominations.
These provisions, as well as the provisions of Chapters 7A
and 7B of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, the MBCA,
described below, may delay shareholder actions with respect to
business combinations and the election of new members to our
board of directors. As such, the provisions could discourage
open market purchases of our common stock because a shareholder
who desires to participate in a business combination or elect a
new director may consider them disadvantageous. Additionally, as
discussed above, our Board of Directors has the authority to
issue preferred stock from time to time without shareholder
approval, which could delay or prevent a change of control or
other corporate action.
Michigan Laws. Chapter 7A of the MBCA
provides that business combinations subject to Chapter 7A
between a Michigan corporation and a beneficial owner of shares
entitled to 10% or more of the voting power of such corporation
generally require the affirmative vote of 90% of the votes of
each class of stock entitled to vote, and not less than
two-thirds of each class of stock entitled to vote (excluding
voting shares owned by such 10% owner), voting as a separate
class. Chapter 7A defines a business
combination to encompass any merger, consolidation, share
exchange, sale of assets, stock issue, liquidation, or
reclassification of securities
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involving an interested shareholder or certain affiliates. An
interested shareholder is generally any person who
owns 10% or more of the voting shares of the corporation. An
affiliate is a person who directly or indirectly
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a
specified person. Such requirements do not apply if the
transaction satisfies fairness standards, other specified
conditions are met, and the interested shareholder has been such
for at least five years.
Chapter 7B of the MBCA provides that, unless a
corporations articles of incorporation or bylaws provide
that Chapter 7B does not apply, control shares
of a corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no
voting rights except as granted by the shareholders of the
corporation. Control shares are shares which, when
added to shares previously owned by a shareholder, increase such
shareholders ownership of voting stock to:
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more than 20% but less than
331/3%;
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more than
331/3%
but less than a majority; or
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more than a majority of the votes to which all of the capital
stock of the corporation is entitled to vote in the election of
directors.
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A control share acquisition must be approved by the affirmative
vote of a majority of all shares entitled to vote excluding
voting shares owned by the acquirer and specified officers and
directors. Currently, our bylaws provide that we are subject to
the provisions of Chapter 7B. While our board of directors
has no present plan to do so, our board of directors may, in its
sole discretion, elect not to be subject to Chapter 7B in
the future by amending our bylaws.
Listing
Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York and
Chicago Stock Exchanges under the symbol CHB.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.
We may issue warrants, including warrants to purchase common
stock, preferred stock, including preferred stock represented by
depositary shares, debt securities or any combination of the
foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with
any securities and may be attached to or separate from the
securities. The warrants will be issued under warrant agreements
to be entered into between us and a warrant agent as detailed in
the prospectus supplement relating to warrants being offered.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following
terms, where applicable, of the warrants in respect of which
this prospectus is being delivered:
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the title of the warrants;
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the aggregate number of the warrants;
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the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;
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the currencies in which the price or prices of the warrants may
be payable;
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the designation, amount and terms of the offered securities
purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;
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the designation and terms of the other offered securities, if
any, with which the warrants are issued and the number of the
warrants issued with each security;
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if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the
offered securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants
will be separately transferable;
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the price or prices at which and currency or currencies in which
the offered securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants
may be purchased;
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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall
commence and the date on which the right shall expire;
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the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants which may be
exercised at any one time;
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
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a discussion of any federal income tax considerations; and
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any other material terms of the warrants, including terms,
procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise
of the warrants.
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We may sell the securities being offered hereby in one or more
of the following ways from time to time:
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through agents;
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through underwriters or dealers;
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in short or long transactions;
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in at the market offerings, within the meaning of
Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market
marker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or
otherwise;
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directly to investors; or
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through a combination of any of these methods of sale.
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We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the terms of the
offering of securities, including:
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the name or names of any agents, underwriters or dealers;
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the purchase price of the securities being offered and the
proceeds we will receive from the sale;
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any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase
additional securities from us;
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any agency fees or underwriting discounts or commissions and
other items constituting agents or underwriters
compensation;
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the public offering price;
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any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers; and
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the securities exchanges on which such securities may be listed,
if any.
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We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties or
sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties
in privately negotiated transactions from time to time. If the
applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with
those derivative transactions, such third parties (or affiliates
of such third parties) may sell securities covered by this
prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including
in short sale transactions. If so, such third parties (or
affiliates of such third parties) may use securities pledged by
us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to
close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use
securities received from us in settlement of those derivative
transactions to close out any related open borrowings of stock.
The third parties (or affiliates of such third parties) in such
sale transactions will be underwriters and will be identified in
an applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective
amendment).
We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or
other third party that in turn may sell the securities using
this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement. Such
financial institution or third
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party may transfer its economic short position to investors in
our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of
other securities offered by this prospectus.
Underwriters,
Agents and Dealers
We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable
efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment
or to sell our securities for which they have been appointed an
agent on a continuing basis.
If we use underwriters for a sale of our securities, the
underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account.
The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in
one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at
a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at
the time of sale.
Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through
underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing
underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as
underwriters. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase
our securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in
the applicable underwriting agreement. The underwriters may
change from time to time any initial public offering price and
any discounts or concessions the underwriters allow or reallow
or pay to dealers. We may use underwriters with whom we have a
material relationship. We will describe in an applicable
prospectus supplement the name of the underwriter and the nature
of any such relationship.
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of securities in respect of
which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities
to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell such
securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by
such dealer at the time of resale.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the
distribution of our securities may be underwriters as defined in
the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they
receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities
may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under
the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage
in transactions with or perform services for us or our
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of their businesses.
Stabilization
Activities
In connection with an offering through underwriters, an
underwriter may purchase and sell securities in the open market.
These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing
transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short
sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a
greater number of securities than they are required to purchase
in the offering. Covered short sales are sales made
in an amount not greater than the underwriters option to
purchase additional securities from us in the offering, if any.
If the underwriters have an over-allotment option to purchase
additional securities from us, the underwriters may consider,
among other things, the price of securities available for
purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which
they may purchase securities through the over-allotment option.
Naked short sales are any sales in excess of such
option or where the underwriters do not have an over-allotment
option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position
by purchasing securities in the open market. A naked short
position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are
concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of
the securities in the open market after pricing that could
adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
Accordingly, to cover these short sales positions or to
otherwise stabilize or maintain the price of the securities, the
underwriters may bid for or purchase securities in the open
market and may impose penalty bids. If penalty bids are imposed,
selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other
broker-dealers participating in the offering are reclaimed if
securities previously distributed in the offering are
repurchased, whether in connection with stabilization
transactions or otherwise. The effect of these transactions may
be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities
at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open
market. The imposition of a penalty bid may also affect the
price of the securities to the extent that it discourages resale
of the securities. The magnitude or effect of any stabilization
or other transactions is uncertain.
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Direct
Sales
We may also sell securities directly to one or more purchasers
without using underwriters or agents. In this case, no agents,
underwriters or dealers would be involved. We may sell
securities upon the exercise of rights that we may issue to our
securityholders. We may also sell the securities directly to
institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be
underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with
respect to any sale of those securities.
Trading
Market and Listing of Securities
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable prospectus
supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new
issue with no established trading market, other than our common
stock, which is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock
Exchanges. We may elect to list any other class or series of
securities on any exchange, but we are not obligated to do so.
It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market
in a class or series of securities, but the underwriters will
not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making
at any time without notice. We cannot give any assurance as to
the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities.
Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus
supplement, the validity of the securities offered by this
prospectus will be passed upon for us by Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, and for
any underwriters or agents by counsel named in the applicable
prospectus supplement. Legal matters as to Michigan law relating
to the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus
will be passed upon for us by Dykema Gossett PLLC.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial
statements included in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 30, 2006, and managements
assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 30, 2006, as set forth
in their reports, which is incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our
financial statements and managements assessment are
incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young
LLPs reports, given on their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements as of December 31,
2005 and for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 2005 incorporated in this prospectus by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 30, 2006 have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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