Exhibit 99.1
WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE CORPORATION
OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH
ANY AND ALL OF OUR OUTSTANDING 3.50% CONVERTIBLE NOTES DUE 2012
(CUSIP No. 98310W AC2)
THE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, AT THE END OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9,
2011, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED BY US.
We are offering to purchase for cash, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this offer to purchase (this Offer to Purchase) and the related letter of transmittal
(the Letter of Transmittal), any and all of our outstanding 3.50% Convertible Notes due 2012 (the
Convertible Notes). Our offer to purchase the Convertible Notes, and the terms and conditions of
this Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal, are referred to herein, collectively, as the
Offer. The Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of Wednesday,
March 9, 2011, unless the Offer is extended or earlier terminated by us, which date and time, as
may be extended by us, we refer to herein as the Expiration Date.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, holders of Convertible Notes who
validly tender and do not validly withdraw their Convertible Notes prior to 12:00 midnight, New
York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date, will receive, for each $1,000 principal amount
of such Convertible Notes, a cash purchase price equal to the sum of (i) the Average VWAP (as
defined herein) multiplied by 79.5745 (the Fixed Share Amount) plus (ii) a fixed cash amount of
$50.00, consisting of $5.00 in cash as compensation for the quarterly dividend on our common stock,
which is expected to increase by $0.03 per share, that is expected to be declared on February 25,
2011 and paid March 25, 2011, plus $45.00 in cash as additional tender compensation, provided that
in no event will the purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes be less than
$1,878.65. The Fixed Share Amount is equal to the number of shares of our common stock currently
used to determine the settlement amount of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are not, by
their terms, convertible into shares of our common stock, but are settled solely in cash. The Fixed
Share Amount reflects prior adjustments for the Companys quarterly cash dividends on its common
stock, but will not be adjusted for the quarterly dividend that is expected to be declared on
February 25, 2011 and paid on March 25, 2011. In addition, holders will receive in respect of
their Convertible Notes that are accepted for purchase accrued and unpaid interest on such
Convertible Notes to, but excluding, the settlement date of the Offer. All amounts payable
pursuant to the Offer will be rounded to the nearest cent. See THE OFFER Principal Amount of
Convertible Notes; Price.
Throughout the Offer, an indicative purchase price will be available at
http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent (as defined herein) which may be
contacted at one of its telephone numbers listed on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. We
will determine the final purchase price promptly after the close of trading on the New York Stock
Exchange on the Expiration Date. We will announce the final purchase price no later than 4:30
p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, and the final purchase price will also be
available by that time at http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent.
To effectively tender Convertible Notes after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date, but before 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date, DTC
participants may complete and sign a Voluntary Offering Instructions form and deliver it via
facsimile to the Depositary (as defined herein). Immediately after delivering the Voluntary
Offering Instructions form, a DTC participant should telephone the Depositary at its telephone
number listed on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase to confirm receipt and determine if any
further action is required. See THE OFFER Procedures for Tendering the Convertible Notes.
NEITHER THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE NOR THE OFFER HAS BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE SEC), NOR HAS THE SEC PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS
OF THE OFFER OR UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS OFFER TO
PURCHASE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, all Convertible Notes validly
tendered in the Offer and not validly withdrawn prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the
end of the Expiration Date will be purchased in the Offer. As of February 8, 2011, there was
$115,780,000 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes outstanding.
The Offer is not conditioned on any minimum aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes
being tendered or upon our obtaining any financing. The Offer is, however, subject to the
conditions discussed under THE OFFER Conditions of the Offer.
The Convertible Notes are not listed on any securities exchange. Our common stock trades on
the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WYN.
Dealer Managers for the Offer
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Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
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Goldman, Sachs & Co. |
Offer to Purchase dated February 9, 2011.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION |
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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE |
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SUMMARY TERMS OF THE OFFER |
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1 |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
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THE OFFER |
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The Offeror |
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Principal Amount of Convertible Notes; Price |
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Procedures for Tendering the Convertible Notes |
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12 |
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Withdrawal Rights |
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Purchase of the Convertible Notes; Payment of Purchase Price |
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16 |
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Conditions of the Offer |
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Market and Recent Prices for the Convertible Notes and the Common Stock |
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19 |
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Source and Amount of Funds |
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Extension of the Offer; Termination; Amendment |
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Security Ownership |
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Brokerage Commissions |
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Fees and Expenses |
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No Recommendation |
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Persons Employed in Connection with the Offer |
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Transactions Related to the Offer |
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Miscellaneous |
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PURPOSES, EFFECTS AND PLANS |
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24 |
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Purposes of the Offer |
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Future Purchases |
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Material Differences in the Rights of Convertible Note Holders as a Result of the Offer |
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Effects of the Offer on the Market for Convertible Notes |
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26 |
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Retirement and Cancellation |
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26 |
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Accounting Treatment of Repurchases of the Convertible Notes in the Offer |
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Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations |
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i
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
References in this Offer to Purchase to the Company, we, us and our refer to Wyndham
Worldwide Corporation, unless the context indicates otherwise.
All of the Convertible Notes were issued in book-entry form and are currently represented by
one or more global notes held for the account of The Depository Trust Company (DTC).
You may tender your Convertible Notes by transferring them through DTCs Automated Tender
Offer Program (ATOP) or following the other procedures described under THE OFFER Procedures
for Tendering the Convertible Notes.
We are not providing for procedures for tenders of Convertible Notes to be made by guaranteed
delivery. Accordingly, you must allow sufficient time for the necessary tender procedures to be
completed during the normal business hours of DTC on or prior to the Expiration Date. If you hold
your Convertible Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee,
you should consider that such entity may require you to take action with respect to the Offer a
number of days before the Expiration Date in order for such entity to tender Convertible Notes on
your behalf on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tenders not completed prior to 12:00 midnight, New
York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date will be disregarded and of no effect.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Offer, our obligation to accept for purchase, and
to pay the purchase price for, any Convertible Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn
pursuant to the Offer is subject to and conditioned upon the satisfaction of, or where applicable,
waiver by us of, all conditions of the Offer described under THE OFFER Conditions of the
Offer.
You may direct questions and requests for assistance, including requests for additional copies
of this Offer to Purchase or the Letter of Transmittal, to Global Bondholder Services Corporation,
as information agent for the Offer (the Information Agent), and you may also direct questions
regarding the Offer to Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. or Goldman, Sachs & Co., as the dealer
managers for the Offer (the Dealer Managers), at their respective addresses and telephone numbers
listed on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. Global Bondholder Services Corporation is also
acting as the depositary for the Offer (the Depositary). See THE OFFER Persons Employed in
Connection with the Offer.
THE OFFER DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO PURCHASE THE CONVERTIBLE NOTES IN ANY JURISDICTION
IN WHICH, OR FROM ANY PERSON FROM WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE THE OFFER UNDER APPLICABLE
SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, DELIVERY OF THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE SHALL
NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME AFTER THE DATE OF
THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION INCLUDED OR INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE HEREIN OR IN OUR AFFAIRS OR THE AFFAIRS OF ANY OF OUR SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATES SINCE
THE DATE HEREOF.
NONE OF US, OUR MANAGEMENT OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE DEALER MANAGERS, THE DEPOSITARY OR THE
INFORMATION AGENT MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO ANY HOLDER OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES AS TO WHETHER TO
TENDER ANY CONVERTIBLE NOTES. NONE OF US, OUR MANAGEMENT OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE DEALER
MANAGERS, THE DEPOSITARY OR THE INFORMATION AGENT HAS AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION
OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THE INFORMATION AND
REPRESENTATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS OFFER TO PURCHASE OR IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. IF ANYONE
MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION OR REPRESENTATION OR GIVES ANY SUCH INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY UPON
THAT RECOMMENDATION, REPRESENTATION OR INFORMATION AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY US, THE DEALER
MANAGERS, THE DEPOSITARY OR THE INFORMATION AGENT.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the Exchange Act), and, in accordance therewith, file reports and other information
with the SEC. Such reports and other information filed with the SEC by us may be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such materials can be obtained at prescribed rates from the
Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Such
material may also be accessed electronically at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Statements made in this Offer to Purchase concerning the provisions of any contract, agreement,
indenture or other document referred to herein are not necessarily complete. With respect to each
such statement concerning a contract, agreement, indenture or other document filed with the SEC,
reference is made to such filing for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
Information about us is also available on our website at http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com. The
information available on our website, apart from the documents posted on such website and
specifically incorporated by reference herein, is not a part of this Offer to Purchase.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by us with the SEC are incorporated herein by reference and
shall be deemed to be a part of this Offer to Purchase:
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Our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed
with the SEC on February 19, 2010; |
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Our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2010,
June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2010, July 30,
2010 and October 28, 2010, respectively; |
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Our current reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2010, March 31,
2010, May 18, 2010, July 21, 2010, September 23, 2010 and October 5, 2010 (other than
any information in such reports that is deemed to have been furnished to, rather than
filed with, the SEC in accordance with SEC rules); and |
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Our current reports on Form 8-K (other than any information in such reports that is
deemed to have been furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC in accordance with
SEC rules), our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2010, which we expect to file on or about February 18,
2011, in each case filed on or after the date hereof. |
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein, or contained in this Offer to Purchase, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for
purposes of this Offer to Purchase to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any
subsequently filed document or report that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified shall not be deemed to
constitute a part of this Offer to Purchase, except as so modified or superseded.
Such documents are available at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain any document incorporated
herein by reference by contacting the SEC as described above under WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION or by contacting us at 22 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, telephone: (973)
753-6000, Attention: Secretary. We will provide copies of the documents incorporated by reference,
without charge, upon written or oral request. You should request such documents no later than
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 so that such documents may be delivered to you prior to the Expiration Date.
iii
SUMMARY TERMS OF THE OFFER
This summary highlights selected information from this Offer to Purchase and does not contain
all the information that may be important to you in deciding whether to tender your Convertible
Notes. You should read the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal in their entirety
before making your decision to tender your Convertible Notes. Cross references contained in this
summary section will direct you to a more complete discussion of a particular topic located
elsewhere in this Offer to Purchase.
Who is offering to purchase my Convertible Notes?
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is offering to purchase the Convertible Notes. The Convertible
Notes were originally issued in May 2009 by the Company. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is a
Delaware corporation. The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 22 Sylvan Way,
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054. Our telephone number is (973) 753-6000.
Why is the Company making the Offer?
The principal purpose of the Offer is to reduce the amount of Convertible Notes outstanding.
To the extent that any Convertible Notes are tendered and accepted in the Offer, we will reduce the
risk that the cost to us of settling our conversion obligations under the Convertible Notes, which
is a function of the trading price of our common stock, will increase in the event that the trading
price of our common stock increases. See PURPOSES, EFFECTS AND PLANS Purposes of the Offer.
If I tender my Convertible Notes and they are accepted for payment, how will I get the benefit of
the increase in the common stock dividend?
As discussed immediately below, the compensation offered includes an adjustment for our
expected dividend increase. Although in the future the conversion rate for the Convertible Notes
will be increased in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the Convertible Notes,
since you are being asked to tender your Convertible Notes and not convert them, you will receive
the benefit of the quarterly dividend as part of the fixed cash amount of the consideration
offered.
What are the securities being sought in the Offer and what is the purchase price?
We are offering to purchase for cash, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
Offer, any and all of our outstanding 3.50% Convertible Notes due 2012 (the Convertible Notes).
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, holders of Convertible Notes who validly
tender and do not validly withdraw their Convertible Notes prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City
time, at the end of the Expiration Date, will receive, for each $1,000 of such Convertible Notes, a
cash purchase price equal to the sum of:
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the Average VWAP (as defined below) multiplied by 79.5745 (the Fixed Share
Amount); |
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plus a fixed cash amount of $50.00, consisting of |
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$5.00 in cash as compensation for the quarterly dividend on our common stock,
which is expected to increase by $0.03 per share, that is expected to be declared
on February 25, 2011 and paid March 25, 2011, plus |
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$45.00 in cash as additional tender compensation, |
provided that in no event will the purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes
be less than $1,878.65. The Fixed Share Amount is equal to the number of shares of our common
stock currently used to determine the settlement amount of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible
Notes are not, by their terms, convertible into shares of our common stock, but are settled solely
in cash. The Fixed Share Amount reflects prior adjustments for the Companys quarterly cash
dividends on its common stock, but will not be adjusted for the quarterly dividend that is expected
to be declared on February 25, 2011 and paid on March 25, 2011.
1
In addition, holders will receive in respect of their Convertible Notes that are accepted
for purchase accrued and unpaid interest on such Convertible Notes to, but excluding, the
settlement date of the Offer. For the purposes of calculating the purchase price, the Average VWAP
will be rounded to four decimal places and the final purchase price will be rounded to two decimal
places. All amounts payable pursuant to the Offer will be rounded to the nearest cent.
See THE OFFER Principal Amount of Convertible Notes; Price.
The Average VWAP means the sum of the Daily VWAPs (as defined below) for each day of the
Averaging Period (as defined below) divided by 15.
The Averaging Period means the period of fifteen (15) consecutive trading days beginning on
February 16, 2011 and ending on the Expiration Date.
The Daily VWAP means, for each trading day during the Averaging Period, the per share
volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page
WYN.N <equity> AQR (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect
of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the
primary trading session on such trading day (or if such volume-weighted average price is
unavailable, the market value of one share of our common stock on such trading day determined,
using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking
firm retained for this purpose by us). Daily VWAP will be determined without regard to after hours
trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.
For the purposes of determining the purchase price, in the event that on a trading day there
is a market disruption event which means (i) a failure by the primary United States national or
regional securities exchange or market on which our common stock is listed or admitted to trading
to open for trading during its regular trading session or (ii) the occurrence or existence prior to
1:00 p.m., New York City time, on any scheduled trading day (as defined below) for our common stock
for more than one half-hour period in the aggregate during regular trading hours of any suspension
or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the
relevant stock exchange or otherwise) in our common stock or in any options, contracts or future
contracts relating to our common stock, then the Daily VWAP for such trading day shall be the
market value of one share of our common stock on such trading day determined, using a
volume-weighted average method, to the extent practicable by a nationally recognized independent
investment banking firm retained for this purpose by us.
For the purposes of determining the purchase price, a trading day means a business day.
The table below provides examples of the purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of
Convertible Notes assuming that the Average VWAP reaches specified levels. The actual purchase
price will be subject to the minimum purchase price described above.
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Illustrative Purchase |
Sample Average VWAP |
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Price |
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27.00 |
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$ |
2,198.51 |
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$ |
27.50 |
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$ |
2,238.30 |
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$ |
28.00 |
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$ |
2,278.09 |
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$ |
28.50 |
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$ |
2,317.87 |
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$ |
29.00 |
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$ |
2,357.66 |
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$ |
29.50 |
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$ |
2,397.45 |
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$ |
30.00 |
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$ |
2,437.24 |
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$ |
30.50 |
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$ |
2,477.02 |
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$ |
31.00 |
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$ |
2,516.81 |
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$ |
31.50 |
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$ |
2,556.60 |
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$ |
32.00 |
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$ |
2,596.38 |
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$ |
32.50 |
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$ |
2,636.17 |
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$ |
33.00 |
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$ |
2,675.96 |
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See THE OFFER Principal Amount of Convertible Notes; Price Sample Calculations of
Purchase Price for more detailed illustrative calculations of the purchase price.
As of February 8, 2011, there was $115,780,000 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes
outstanding.
When will I know the purchase price for the Offer?
We will determine the final purchase price promptly after the close of trading on the New York
Stock Exchange on the Expiration Date. We will announce the final purchase price no later than
4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, and the final purchase price will also be
available by that time at http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent. We note
that the minimum purchase price with respect to the Offer of $1,878.65 per $1,000 principal amount
of Convertible Notes has already been established. See THE OFFER Principal Amount of
Convertible Notes; Price.
How may I obtain information regarding the purchase price during the Offer?
Throughout the Offer, an indicative purchase price will be available at
http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent at one of its telephone numbers
listed on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. We will determine the final purchase price
promptly after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Expiration Date. We will
announce the final purchase price no later than 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date, and the final purchase price will also be available by that time at
http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent. See THE OFFER Principal Amount
of Convertible Notes; Price.
Is there a minimum purchase price that will be paid in the Offer?
Yes. In no event will the purchase price paid in the Offer be less than $1,878.65 per $1,000
principal amount of Convertible Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to 12:00
midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date. See THE OFFER Principal
Amount of Convertible Notes; Price.
Is there a maximum purchase price that will be paid in the Offer?
No. While there is a minimum purchase price that will be paid by us for Convertible Notes
validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Offer, there is no maximum purchase price. See
THE OFFER Principal Amount of Convertible Notes; Price.
Will I receive interest on my Convertible Notes purchased pursuant to the Offer?
Yes. Holders will receive in respect of their Convertible Notes that are accepted for
purchase accrued and unpaid interest on such Convertible Notes to, but excluding, the settlement
date of the Offer.
How and when will I be paid?
If your Convertible Notes are accepted for purchase in the Offer, you will be paid the
purchase price and the accrued and unpaid interest payable, in cash, promptly after the Expiration
Date and the acceptance of such Convertible Notes for purchase. Payment will be made in U.S.
dollars to an account designated by the Depositary, which will act as your custodian or nominee for
the purpose of receiving payment from us and transmitting payment to you. All amounts payable
pursuant to the Offer will be rounded to the nearest cent. See THE OFFER Purchase of the
Convertible Notes; Payment of Purchase Price.
Will I have an opportunity to tender my Convertible Notes in the Offer, or withdraw previously
tendered Convertible Notes, after the determination of the final purchase price?
Yes. Since the purchase price to be paid in the Offer will be announced by us by 4:30 p.m.,
New York City time, on the Expiration Date and the Offer will not expire earlier than 12:00
midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date, you will have approximately 7.5
hours following the determination of the final purchase price to tender your Convertible Notes in
the Offer or to withdraw your previously tendered Convertible Notes. See
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THE OFFER Principal Amount of Convertible Notes; Price, THE OFFER Procedures for
Tendering the Convertible Notes and THE OFFER Withdrawal Rights.
If your Convertible Notes are held of record through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee and you wish to tender or withdraw your Convertible Notes after 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the Expiration Date, you must make arrangements with your nominee for such
nominee to fax a Voluntary Offering Instructions form (in the case of a tender) or a notice of
withdrawal form (in the case of a withdrawal) to the Depositary at its number on the back cover of
this Offer to Purchase on your behalf prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of
the Expiration Date, in accordance with the procedures described under THE OFFER Procedures for
Tendering the Convertible Notes and THE OFFER Withdrawal Rights.
How many Convertible Notes will the Company purchase in all?
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, we will purchase any and all of our
outstanding Convertible Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to 12:00 midnight,
New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date. See THE OFFER Principal Amount of
Convertible Notes; Price.
Is the Offer subject to any minimum tender or other conditions?
Our obligation to purchase Convertible Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the
Offer is not subject to any minimum tender condition or financing condition. However, the Offer is
subject to the conditions described under THE OFFER Conditions of the Offer.
Will all of the Convertible Notes that I validly tender in the Offer, and do not validly withdraw,
be purchased?
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, we will purchase all of the
Convertible Notes that you validly tender pursuant to the Offer and do not validly withdraw.
May I tender only a portion of the Convertible Notes that I own?
Yes. You do not have to tender all of the Convertible Notes that you own to participate in
the Offer, except that Convertible Notes must be tendered in denominations of $2,000 and integral
multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
How long do I have to tender my Convertible Notes in the Offer?
You will have until 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of March 9, 2011 to decide
whether to tender your Convertible Notes in the Offer, provided that we do not choose to extend the
Offer. We cannot assure you that we will extend the Offer or, if we extend the Offer, for how long
it will be extended. See THE OFFER Principal Amount of Convertible Notes; Price, THE OFFER
Procedures for Tendering Convertible Notes and THE OFFER Extension of the Offer;
Termination; Amendment.
If your Convertible Notes are held through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee, you should be aware that such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee may establish their own earlier deadline for participation in the Offer.
Accordingly, you should contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee as soon as possible in order to determine by when you must take action in order to
participate in the Offer.
Under what circumstances can the Offer be extended, amended or terminated?
Subject to applicable law, we may extend the Offer, at any time or from time to time, for any
reason. Subject to applicable law, we also expressly reserve the right, at any time or from time
to time, to amend the terms of the Offer in any respect prior to the Expiration Date. If the Offer
is terminated, no Convertible Notes will be accepted for purchase and any Convertible Notes that
have been tendered will be returned to the holder promptly after the termination. For more
information regarding our right to extend, amend or terminate the Offer, see THE OFFER
Extension of the Offer; Termination; Amendment.
4
How will I be notified if the Offer is extended, amended or terminated?
Amendments to or terminations of the Offer may be made at any time and from time to time by
notice to the Depositary followed by public announcement, such announcement, in the case of an
extension, to be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after
the last previously scheduled Expiration Date. See THE OFFER Extension of the Offer;
Termination; Amendment.
How do I participate in the Offer?
You may tender your Convertible Notes by transferring the Convertible Notes through ATOP or
following the other procedures described under THE OFFER Procedures for Tendering Convertible
Notes.
What must I do to participate if my Convertible Notes are held of record by a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee?
If you wish to tender your Convertible Notes and they are held of record by a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you should contact such entity promptly and
instruct it to tender your Convertible Notes on your behalf.
You are urged to instruct your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
promptly to make arrangements for processing your instruction.
Should you have any questions as to the procedures for tendering your Convertible Notes,
please call your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, or call the
Information Agent at one of its telephone numbers listed on the back cover of this Offer to
Purchase.
We are not providing for procedures for tenders of Convertible Notes to be made by guaranteed
delivery. Accordingly, you must allow sufficient time for the necessary tender procedures to be
completed during the normal business hours of DTC on or prior to the Expiration Date. If you hold
your Convertible Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee,
you should keep in mind that such entity may require you to take action with respect to the Offer a
number of days before the Expiration Date in order for such entity to tender Convertible Notes on
your behalf on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tenders not completed prior to 12:00 midnight, New
York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date will be disregarded and of no effect.
See THE OFFER Procedures for Tendering the Convertible Notes.
Once I have tendered Convertible Notes, can I change my mind?
You may withdraw previously tendered Convertible Notes at any time before the Offer expires.
In addition, after the Offer expires, if we have not accepted for purchase the Convertible Notes
you have tendered, you may withdraw your Convertible Notes at any time after midnight, New York
City time, on the 40th business day after the commencement of the Offer.
To withdraw Convertible Notes previously tendered, you or your broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee must cause the DTC participant holding the Convertible Notes
through its DTC account to timely generate a Request Message with respect to the withdrawal
specifying the amount of Convertible Notes to be withdrawn, the name of the registered holder of
the Convertible Notes and the number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn
Convertible Notes, and you must otherwise comply with DTCs procedures. See THE OFFER
Withdrawal Rights.
What is the market value of my Convertible Notes as of a recent date?
There is no established reporting system or trading market for trading in the Convertible
Notes. However, we believe that the Convertible Notes are currently traded over-the-counter and
that there is currently a correlation between trading prices for the Convertible Notes and trading
prices for the shares of our common stock. The closing price of our common stock on the New York
Stock Exchange on February 8, 2011 was $30.85 per share. The product of such closing price and the
Fixed Share Amount of 79.5745 shares of our common stock per $1,000
5
principal amount of Convertible Notes (subject to adjustment in certain events) equals
$2,454.87. See PURPOSES, EFFECTS AND PLANS Material Differences in the Rights of Security
Holders as a Result of the Offer. You are urged to obtain more current price information for our
common stock and the Convertible Notes. See THE OFFER Market and Recent Prices for the
Convertible Notes and the Common Stock.
How will participation in the Offer affect my rights with respect to the Convertible Notes?
If your Convertible Notes are tendered and accepted in the Offer, you will receive the
purchase price and accrued and unpaid interest with respect thereto, to, but excluding, the
settlement date of the Offer, but you will give up all rights and obligations associated with
ownership of the Convertible Notes. See PURPOSES, EFFECTS AND PLANS Material Differences in
the Rights of Convertible Note Holders as a Result of the Offer.
If the Offer is completed and I do not participate in the Offer, how will my rights and obligations
under my untendered Convertible Notes be affected?
The rights and obligations under the Convertible Notes that remain outstanding after
settlement of the Offer will not change as a result of the Offer. However, if a sufficiently large
principal amount of Convertible Notes does not remain outstanding after settlement of the Offer,
any trading market for the remaining outstanding principal amount of Convertible Notes may be less
liquid and more sporadic, and market prices may fluctuate significantly depending on the volume of
any trading in the Convertible Notes. See PURPOSES, EFFECTS AND PLANS Material Differences in
the Rights of Convertible Note Holders as a Result of the Offer and PURPOSES, EFFECTS AND PLANS
Effects of the Offer on the Market for Convertible Notes.
Will I receive shares of the Companys common stock if I convert my Convertible Notes?
If a holder converts Convertible Notes, a holder will receive on the relevant settlement date
for such conversion an amount in cash equal to the relevant settlement amount determined in
accordance with the terms of the Convertible Notes. Under no circumstances would shares of the
Companys common stock be delivered upon the conversion of a Convertible Note.
Will the Company be filing a Schedule TO and complying with Exchange Act Rule 13e-4 in connection
with the Offer?
Because the Convertible Notes are not convertible into shares of the Companys common stock
but instead cash is paid upon any settlement of Convertible Notes, the Convertible Notes are not
equity securities for the purposes of the Exchange Act and accordingly, Rule 13e-4 will not apply
to the Offer and the Company will not be required to file a Schedule TO with the SEC.
Will I have to pay brokerage commissions or transfer taxes if I tender my Convertible Notes in the
Offer?
A registered holder of Convertible Notes that tenders its Convertible Notes directly to the
Depositary and who does not give instructions for payment to be made or delivered, or unpurchased
Convertible Notes to be issued or delivered, to another person will not need to pay any brokerage
commissions to the Dealer Managers or transfer taxes. If you hold Convertible Notes through a
broker or bank that is not a Dealer Manager, however, you should ask your broker or bank whether
you will be charged a fee to tender your Convertible Notes. See THE OFFER Procedures for
Tendering the Convertible Notes, THE OFFER Purchase of the Convertible Notes; Payment of
Purchase Price and THE OFFER Brokerage Commissions.
What are the tax consequences of tendering my Convertible Notes?
Holders of Convertible Notes may be subject to United States federal income taxation upon the
receipt of cash from us as payment for the Convertible Notes tendered in the Offer. See PURPOSES,
EFFECTS AND PLANS Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.
Is anyone making a recommendation regarding whether I should participate in the Offer?
None of us, our management or Board of Directors, the Dealer Managers, the Depositary or the
Information Agent makes any recommendation to any holder of Convertible Notes as to whether to
tender any Convertible
6
Notes. None of us, our management or Board of Directors, the Dealer Managers, the Depositary
or the Information Agent has authorized any person to give any information or to make any
representation in connection with the Offer other than the information and representations
contained in this Offer to Purchase or in the Letter of Transmittal. If anyone makes any
recommendation or representation or gives any such information, you should not rely upon that
recommendation, representation or information as having been authorized by us, the Dealer Managers,
the Depositary or the Information Agent.
Before making your decision, we urge you to read this Offer to Purchase including the
documents incorporated by reference herein, and the Letter of Transmittal in their entirety. We
also urge you to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decisions on what
action, if any, to take in light of your own particular circumstances.
What is the Company going to do about the call spread hedging arrangements entered into in
connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes?
In May 2009, contemporaneous with the original offering of the Convertible Notes, we (i)
purchased call options on our common stock with a strike price equal to the per share conversion
price of the Convertible Notes (the Call Options) to offset our exposure to cash payments upon
conversion of any Convertible Notes, and (ii) sold warrants on our common stock with a strike price
of approximately $20 per share, which may be settled in net shares or cash at our option (the
Warrants).
We have entered into an Agreement of Tender Offer Related Partial Call and Warrant Termination
(each a Partial Termination Agreement) with each of the three banks that is a counterparty with
respect to the Call Options and the Warrants. Under the Partial Termination Agreements, we may,
upon consummation of the Offer, elect to terminate, in the aggregate, on a ratable basis among the
three bank counterparties, a percentage of the Call Options and the Warrants equivalent to the
percentage of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes acquired through
the Offer.
How will the Company pay for the Convertible Notes and for any expense associated with the Partial
Termination Agreements?
We would need approximately $291 million to purchase all of the Convertible Notes outstanding
as of February 8, 2011, assuming a purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes
of $2,504.87, based on an assumed Average VWAP of $30.85, which is the closing price per share of
our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 8, 2011, and assuming that the purchase
of Convertible Notes pursuant to the Offer is settled on March 10, 2011.
If we exercise our rights under the Partial Termination Agreements, we may receive proceeds as
a result of the termination of the Call Options and the Warrants.
We intend to use a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our existing revolving
credit facility, or other debt financings, to pay for all Convertible Notes that we purchase in the
Offer and any expense associated with the Partial Termination Agreements. There is no financing
condition to the Offer. See THE OFFER Source and Amount of Funds.
Whom can I talk to if I have questions about the Offer?
Global Bondholder Services Corporation is acting as the Information Agent for the Offer and
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as the Dealer Managers for the
Offer. You may call the Information Agent or the Dealer Managers if you have any questions about
the Offer. See The OFFER Persons Employed in Connection with the Offer and the back cover of
this Offer to Purchase for further information.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Offer to Purchase includes forward-looking statements that are based on current
expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industries in which we operate,
managements beliefs, and assumptions made by management. In addition, other written or oral
statements that constitute forward-looking
7
statements may be made by or on behalf of us. Words such as believes, anticipates,
plans, expects, seeks, estimates and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve
risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and
results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking
statements. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of
the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
A number of important factors could cause our results to differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements, including those detailed under the heading Risk
Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and our quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010.
Additional factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of
them; nor can we assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or
combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any
forward-looking statement.
8
THE OFFER
The Offeror
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is offering to purchase any and all of our outstanding 3.50%
Convertible Notes due 2012 (the Convertible Notes). The Convertible Notes were originally issued
in May 2009. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is a Delaware corporation. The mailing address of our
principal executive offices is 22 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054. Our telephone number
is (973) 753-6000.
Principal Amount of Convertible Notes; Price
We are offering to purchase for cash, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
Offer, any and all of the outstanding Convertible Notes for a cash purchase price for each $1,000
principal amount of Convertible Notes equal to the sum of:
|
|
|
the Average VWAP (as defined below) multiplied by 79.5745 (the Fixed Share
Amount); |
|
|
|
plus a fixed cash amount of $50.00, consisting of |
|
|
|
$5.00 in cash as compensation for the quarterly dividend on our common stock,
which is expected to increase by $0.03 per share, that is expected to be declared
on February 25, 2011 and paid March 25, 2011, plus |
|
|
|
$45.00 in cash as additional tender compensation, |
provided that in no event will the purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes
be less than $1,878.65. The Fixed Share Amount is equal to the number of shares of our common
stock currently used to determine the settlement amount of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible
Notes are not, by their terms, convertible into shares of our common stock, but are settled solely
in cash. The Fixed Share Amount reflects prior adjustments for the Companys quarterly cash
dividends on its common stock, but will not be adjusted for the quarterly dividend that is expected
to be declared on February 25, 2011 and paid on March 25, 2011.
In addition, holders will receive in respect of their Convertible Notes that are accepted
for purchase accrued and unpaid interest on such Convertible Notes to, but excluding, the
settlement date of the Offer. For the purposes of calculating the purchase price, the Average VWAP
will be rounded to four decimal places and the final purchase price will be rounded to two decimal
places. All amounts payable pursuant to the Offer will be rounded to the nearest cent.
The Average VWAP means the sum of the Daily VWAPs (as defined below) for each day of the
Averaging Period (as defined below) divided by 15.
The Averaging Period means the period of fifteen (15) consecutive trading days beginning on
February 16, 2011 and ending on the Expiration Date.
The Daily VWAP means, for each of the trading days during the Averaging Period, the per
share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg
page WYN.N <equity> AQR (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in
respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of
the primary trading session on such trading day (or if such volume-weighted average price is
unavailable, the market value of one share of our common stock on such trading day determined,
using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking
firm retained for this purpose by us). Daily VWAP will be determined without regard to after hours
trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.
For the purposes of determining the purchase price, in the event that on a trading day there
is a market disruption event which means (i) a failure by the primary United States national or
regional securities exchange or market on which our common stock is listed or admitted to trading
to open for trading during its regular trading session or (ii) the occurrence or existence prior to
1:00 p.m., New York City time, on any scheduled trading day (as
9
defined below) for our common stock for more than one half-hour period in the aggregate during
regular trading hours of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in
price exceeding limits permitted by the relevant stock exchange or otherwise) in our common stock
or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to our common stock, then the Daily VWAP
for such trading day shall be the market value of one share of our common stock on such trading day
determined, using a volume-weighted average method, to the extent practicable by a nationally
recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by us.
For the purposes of determining the purchase price, a trading day means a business day.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer, all Convertible Notes validly tendered in
the Offer and not validly withdrawn will be purchased in the Offer. As of February 8, 2011, there
was $115,780,000 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes outstanding.
Sample Calculations of Purchase Price
For purposes of illustration, the table below indicates the total purchase price (and fixed
and variable components thereof) that would be calculated on the basis of the pricing formula
described above with respect to each $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, assuming a range
of sample Average VWAPs indicated in the left-hand column. The actual Average VWAP may be higher
or lower than the sample Average VWAPs below. The actual purchase price will be subject to the
minimum purchase price described above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sample |
|
|
|
Variable Component |
|
Fixed Component |
|
Illustrative |
Average VWAP |
|
|
|
of Purchase Price |
|
of Purchase Price |
|
Purchase Price |
$ |
27.00 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,148.51 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,198.51 |
|
$ |
27.50 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,188.30 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,238.30 |
|
$ |
28.00 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,228.09 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,278.09 |
|
$ |
28.50 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,267.87 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,317.87 |
|
$ |
29.00 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,307.66 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,357.66 |
|
$ |
29.50 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,347.45 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,397.45 |
|
$ |
30.00 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,387.24 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,437.24 |
|
$ |
30.50 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,427.02 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,477.02 |
|
$ |
31.00 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,466.81 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,516.81 |
|
$ |
31.50 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,506.60 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,556.60 |
|
$ |
32.00 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,546.38 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,596.38 |
|
$ |
32.50 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,586.17 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,636.17 |
|
$ |
33.00 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,625.96 |
|
|
$ |
50.00 |
|
|
$ |
2,675.96 |
|
In addition to the purchase price payable, holders will receive in respect of their
Convertible Notes that are accepted for purchase accrued and unpaid interest on such Convertible
Notes to, but excluding, the settlement date of the Offer. Throughout the Offer, an indicative
Average VWAP and the resulting indicative purchase price will be available at
http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent at one of its telephone numbers
listed on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. We will determine the final purchase price
promptly after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Expiration Date. We will
announce the final purchase price no later than 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date, and the final purchase price will also be available by that time at
http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent.
The following summarizes the purchase price information that will be available during the
Offer:
|
|
|
By 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on each trading day after the commencement date of
the Offer and before the first day of the Averaging Period, the webpage will show an
indicative Average VWAP and the resulting indicative purchase price calculated as
though that day were the Expiration Date (i.e., it will show the indicative Average
VWAP for that day and the preceding 14 trading days and the resulting indicative
purchase price). |
10
|
|
|
During each trading day during the Averaging Period, the webpage will show the
indicative Average VWAP and resulting indicative purchase price using cumulative actual
trading data, updated every three hours starting at 10:30 a.m., New York City time, on
each trading day as follows: |
|
|
|
On the first trading day of the Averaging Period, the webpage will show
the indicative Average VWAP and resulting indicative purchase price that
reflect the actual Intra-Day VWAP (as defined below) during the elapsed
portion of that trading day. |
|
|
|
On each subsequent trading day of the Averaging Period, the webpage will
show the indicative Average VWAP and resulting indicative purchase price that
reflect the simple arithmetic average of the Daily VWAP on the preceding
trading days of the Averaging Period and the actual Intra-Day VWAP during the
elapsed portion of such subsequent trading day, weighting the Daily VWAP for
each preceding trading day in the period the same as such actual Intra-Day
VWAP. For example, at any time during the 15th trading day of the
Averaging Period, the webpage will show the indicative Average VWAP equal to
(a) the combined Daily VWAP for the preceding 14 trading days plus the actual
Intra-Day VWAP during the elapsed portion of the 15th trading day
divided by (b) 15, as well as the resulting indicative purchase price. |
|
|
|
Each time the webpage is updated, it will also show the closing trading
price (or, after the Averaging Period starts, a reasonably current trading
price) for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange. |
Intra-Day VWAP at any time on any day means the volume weighted average price of our common
stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the period beginning at the official open of trading on
that day and ending as of that time on that day, as calculated by Bloomberg. The data used to
derive the Intra-Day VWAP during the Averaging Period will reflect a 20-minute reporting delay.
We will determine the final purchase price promptly after the close of trading on the New York
Stock Exchange on the Expiration Date. We will announce the final purchase price no later than
4:30 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, and the final purchase price will also be
available by that time at http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham and from the Information Agent.
At any time during the Offer, you may also contact the Information Agent to obtain an
indicative Average VWAP and the resulting indicative purchase price (and, once it is determined,
the final purchase price) at one of its telephone numbers listed on the back cover of this Offer to
Purchase.
All Convertible Notes validly tendered but not purchased because the Offer is not completed
will be returned to you at our expense promptly following the earlier of the termination or
expiration of the Offer.
You may withdraw your Convertible Notes from the Offer by following the procedures described
under THE OFFER Withdrawal Rights.
If we:
|
|
|
adjust the pricing formula or the minimum purchase price; |
|
|
|
otherwise increase or decrease the purchase price to be paid for the Convertible
Notes; or |
|
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|
decrease the principal amount of Convertible Notes we are seeking to purchase, |
then the Offer must remain open, or will be extended, until at least ten business days from, and
including, the date that notice of any such change is first published, sent or given in the manner
described under THE OFFER Extension of the Offer; Termination; Amendment. The calculation of
the final purchase price on the basis of the formula described above will not be considered an
increase or decrease in the price to be paid in the Offer and will not require an extension of the
Offer. For purposes of the Offer, a business day means any day other than a
11
Saturday, Sunday or United States federal holiday and consists of the time period from 12:01 a.m.
through 12:00 midnight, New York City time.
The Offer is not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of Convertible Notes being
tendered or upon our obtaining any financing. The Offer is, however, subject to other conditions
discussed under THE OFFER Conditions of the Offer.
Procedures for Tendering the Convertible Notes
All of the Convertible Notes are held in book-entry form through the facilities of DTC, and
all of the Convertible Notes are currently represented by one or more global certificates held for
the account of DTC.
If you desire to tender Convertible Notes, you may tender such Convertible Notes to the
Depositary through DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program (ATOP) or by submitting a signed Letter
of Transmittal, together with a confirmation of book-entry transfer of the Convertible Notes and
any other required documents, in either case by following the procedures set forth below.
We are not promising for tenders of Convertible Notes to be made by guaranteed delivery.
Accordingly, you must allow sufficient time for the necessary tender procedures to be completed
during the normal business hours of DTC on or prior to the Expiration Date. If you hold your
Convertible Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you
should keep in mind that such entity may require you to take action with respect to the Offer a
number of days before the Expiration Date in order for such entity to tender Convertible Notes on
your behalf on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tenders not completed prior to 12:00 midnight, New
York City time, at the end of the Expiration date will be disregarded and of no effect.
How to Tender If You Are a Beneficial Owner but Not a DTC Participant
If you hold your Convertible Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee, you will need to timely instruct your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company
or other nominee to tender your Convertible Notes prior to the Expiration Date in the manner
described below and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Offer to Purchase. Please
refer to any materials forwarded to you by your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee to determine how you can timely instruct your nominee to take these actions.
In order to participate in the Offer, you must instruct your broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee to participate on your behalf. Your broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee should arrange for the DTC participant holding the Convertible
Notes through its DTC account to tender those Convertible Notes in the Offer to the Depositary
prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date.
If you hold your Convertible Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee, you should keep in mind that such entity may require you to take action with respect
to the Offer a number of days before the Expiration Date in order for such entity to tender
Convertible Notes on your behalf prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the
Expiration Date.
You are urged to instruct your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
promptly to make arrangements for processing your instruction.
If you hold your Convertible Notes through a broker or bank other than the Dealer Managers,
you should ask your broker or bank if you will be charged a fee to tender your Convertible Notes
through such broker or bank.
How to Tender if You Are a DTC Participant
To participate in the Offer, a DTC participant must:
|
|
|
comply with the ATOP procedures of DTC described below; or |
12
|
|
|
(i) complete and sign and date the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile of the
Letter of Transmittal, (ii) have the signature on the Letter of Transmittal guaranteed
if the Letter of Transmittal so requires, (iii) mail or deliver the Letter of
Transmittal or facsimile thereof, together with any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal, to the Depositary prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time,
at the end of the Expiration Date, and (iv) ensure that the Depositary receives, prior
to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date, a timely
confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Convertible Notes into the Depositarys
account at DTC according to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below. |
No documents should be sent to us, the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent. The Agents
Message or the Letter of Transmittal should be delivered only to the Depositary. The Depositary
will not accept any tender materials other than the Letter of Transmittal or the Agents Message.
By tendering Convertible Notes pursuant to the Offer, you will be deemed to have agreed that
the delivery and surrender of the Convertible Notes is not effective, and the risk of loss of the
Convertible Notes does not pass to the Depositary, until receipt by the Depositary of the items
listed above together with all accompanying evidences of authority and any other required documents
in form satisfactory to us. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure delivery to
the Depositary prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date.
Tendering through DTCs ATOP
The Depositary will establish an account at DTC with respect to the Convertible Notes for
purposes of the Offer, and any financial institution that is a DTC participant may make book-entry
delivery of eligible Convertible Notes by causing DTC to transfer such Convertible Notes into the
Depositarys account in accordance with DTCs procedures for such transfer.
The Depositary and DTC have confirmed that Convertible Notes held in book-entry form through
DTC that are to be tendered in the Offer are eligible for ATOP. To effectively tender Convertible
Notes, DTC participants may until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, in lieu of
physically completing and signing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering it to the Depositary,
electronically transmit their acceptance through ATOP, and DTC will then verify the acceptance,
execute a book-entry delivery to the Depositarys account at DTC and send an Agents Message to the
Depositary for its acceptance. The confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Depositarys
account at DTC as described above is referred to herein as a Book-Entry Confirmation. Delivery of
documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Depositary.
The term Agents Message means a message transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the
Depositary and forming a part of the Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an
express acknowledgment from the DTC participant described in such Agents Message, stating that
such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Offer as
set forth in this Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal, and that we may enforce such
agreement against such participant.
To effectively tender Convertible Notes after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date, but before 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date, DTC
participants may complete and sign a Voluntary Offering Instructions form and deliver it via
facsimile to the Depositary at the facsimile number shown on the back cover of this Offer to
Purchase. The Voluntary Offering Instructions form is available at
http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Wyndham. Immediately after delivering the Voluntary Offering Instructions
form, a DTC participant should telephone the Depositary at its telephone number listed on the back
cover of this Offer to Purchase to confirm receipt and determine if any further action is required.
If you desire to tender your Convertible Notes on the Expiration Date through ATOP, you must
allow sufficient time for completion of the ATOP procedures during the normal business hours of DTC
on such date.
If your Convertible Notes are held of record through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee and you wish to tender your Convertible Notes after 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the Expiration Date, you must make arrangements with your nominee for such nominee to
fax a Voluntary Offering Instructions form to the Depositary at its number on the back cover of
this Offer to Purchase on your behalf prior to
13
12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date, in accordance with the
procedures described above.
Signature Guarantees
All signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must
be guaranteed by a recognized participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the
NYSE Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (each, a Medallion
Signature Guarantor) unless the Convertible Notes tendered or withdrawn, as the case may be,
pursuant thereto are tendered (1) by the DTC participant whose name appears on a security position
listing as the owner of the Convertible Notes who has not completed the box entitled Special
Payment Instructions or Special Delivery Instructions on the Letter of Transmittal or (2) for the
account of a member firm of a registered national securities exchange, a member of the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or a commercial bank, trust company or other nominee having an
office or correspondent in the United States. If Convertible Notes are registered in the name of a
person other than the signatory of a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case
may be, or if delivery of the purchase price is to be made or tendered, or Convertible Notes that
are not accepted are to be returned, to a person other than the holder, then the signature on the
Letter of Transmittal accompanying the tendered Convertible Notes must be guaranteed by a Medallion
Signature Guarantor as described above.
General Provisions
The method of delivery of Convertible Notes and all other documents or instructions including,
without limitation, the Agents Message and the Letter of Transmittal, is at your risk.
All questions as to the form of all documents and the validity (including time of receipt) and
acceptance of all tenders and withdrawals of Convertible Notes will be determined by us. In the
event of a dispute, a court of competent jurisdiction has the power to review and make binding
determinations with respect to our determinations of these matters. Alternative, conditional or
contingent tenders will not be considered valid. We reserve the absolute right to reject any or
all tenders of Convertible Notes that are not in proper form or the acceptance of which would, in
our opinion, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or
conditions of tender as to particular Convertible Notes. A waiver of any defect of irregularity
with respect to the tender of any Convertible Note shall not constitute a waiver of the same or any
other defect or irregularity with respect to the tender of any other Convertible Notes except to
the extent we may otherwise so provide. We will interpret the terms and conditions of the Offer.
In the event of a dispute, a court of competent jurisdiction has the power to review and make
binding determinations with respect to our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Offer.
Tenders of Convertible Notes shall not be deemed to have been made until any defects or
irregularities have been waived by us or cured. None of us, the Dealer Managers, the Depositary,
the Information Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect
or irregularity in any tender of Convertible Notes, or will incur any liability to you for failure
to give any such notification.
All tendering holders, by execution of the Letter of Transmittal or a Voluntary Offering
Instructions form or a facsimile thereof, or transmission of an Agents Message through ATOP, waive
any right to receive notice of the acceptance of their Convertible Notes for purchase.
Convertible Notes being tendered must be delivered to the Depositary in accordance with the
procedures described in this Offer to Purchase, before 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the
end of the Expiration Date.
No Appraisal Rights
No appraisal rights are available to holders of Convertible Notes under applicable law in
connection with the Offer.
Your Representation and Warranty; our Acceptance Constitutes an Agreement
A tender of Convertible Notes under the procedures described above will constitute your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer. In addition, by instructing your custodian or
nominee to tender your Convertible Notes in the Offer, you are representing, warranting and
agreeing that, among other things:
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you have received a copy of this Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal and
agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions of the Offer; |
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you have full power and authority to tender your Convertible Notes; |
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you have assigned and transferred the Convertible Notes to the Depositary and
irrevocably constitute and appoint the Depositary as your true and lawful agent and
attorney-in-fact to cause your Convertible Notes to be tendered in the Offer, that
power of attorney being irrevocable and coupled with an interest, subject only to the
right of withdrawal described in this Offer to Purchase; and |
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your Convertible Notes are being tendered, and will, when accepted by the
Depositary, be free and clear of all charges, liens, restrictions, claims, equitable
interests and encumbrances, other than the claims of a holder under the express terms
of the Offer. |
Your custodian or nominee, by delivering, or causing to be delivered, the Convertible Notes
and the completed Agents Message or Letter of Transmittal to the Depositary is representing and
warranting that you, as owner of the Convertible Notes, have represented, warranted and agreed to
each of the above.
By tendering Convertible Notes pursuant to the Offer, you will also be deemed to have agreed
to, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or by us to
be necessary or desirable to complete the tender, sale, assignment and transfer of the Convertible
Notes tendered thereby.
Our acceptance for purchase of Convertible Notes tendered under the Offer will constitute a
binding agreement between you and us upon the terms and conditions of the Offer described in this
Offer to Purchase and the related documents. Such agreement will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Return of the Convertible Notes if the Offer is not Completed
If any validly tendered Convertible Notes are not purchased because the Offer is not
completed, such unpurchased Convertible Notes will be returned without cost to the tendering holder
promptly after the earlier of the termination or expiration of the Offer by book-entry delivery
through DTC to the accounts of the applicable DTC participants.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
For a discussion of certain material United States federal income tax consequences to
tendering holders, including possible information reporting and backup withholding, see PURPOSES,
EFFECTS AND PLANS Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.
Withdrawal Rights
Convertible Notes tendered in the Offer may be withdrawn at any time before 12:00 midnight,
New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date and may also be withdrawn at any time after
midnight, New York City time, on the 40th business day after the commencement of the Offer if we
have not accepted such Convertible Notes for purchase by then. Except as otherwise provided in
this section, tenders of Convertible Notes are irrevocable.
For a withdrawal of a tender of Convertible Notes to be effective, a written or facsimile
transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the Depositary prior to 12:00 midnight, New
York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date, by mail, fax or hand delivery at its address or
facsimile number listed on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase or by a properly transmitted
Request Message through ATOP. Any such notice of withdrawal must:
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specify the name of the person who tendered the Convertible Notes to be withdrawn
and the name of the DTC participant whose name appears on the security position listing
as the owner of such Convertible Notes, if different from that of the person who
deposited the Convertible Notes; |
15
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contain the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes to be withdrawn and the
number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn Convertible Notes; |
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unless transmitted through ATOP, be signed by the holder thereof in the same manner
as the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal, including any required
signature guarantee(s); and |
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if the Letter of Transmittal was executed by a person other than the DTC participant
whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Convertible
Notes, be accompanied by a properly completed irrevocable proxy that authorized such
person to effect such withdrawal on behalf of such holder. |
Withdrawal of Convertible Notes can only be accomplished in accordance with the foregoing
procedures.
If you tendered your Convertible Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee and wish to withdraw your Convertible Notes, you will need to make
arrangements for withdrawal with your nominee. Your ability to withdraw the tender of your
Convertible Notes will depend upon the terms of the arrangements you have made with your nominee
and, if your nominee is not the DTC participant tendering those Convertible Notes, the arrangements
between your nominee and such DTC participant, including any arrangements involving intermediaries
between your nominee and such DTC participant.
If you tendered Convertible Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee and you wish to withdraw your Convertible Notes after 5:00 p.m., New York City time,
on the Expiration Date, you must make arrangements with your nominee for such nominee to fax a
notice of withdrawal to the Depositary at its number on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase on
your behalf prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the Expiration Date.
Through DTC, the Depositary will return to tendering holders all Convertible Notes in respect
of which it has received valid withdrawal instructions promptly after it receives such
instructions.
All questions as to the form and validity (including time of receipt) of any notice of
withdrawal of a tender will be determined by us. In the event of a dispute, a court of competent
jurisdiction has the power to review and make binding determinations with respect to our
determinations of these matters. We reserve the absolute right to reject any or all attempted
withdrawals of Convertible Notes that are not in proper form or the acceptance of which would, in
our opinion, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or
conditions of a withdrawal as to particular Convertible Notes. A waiver of any defect or
irregularity with respect to the withdrawal of any Convertible Note shall not constitute a waiver
of the same or any other defect or irregularity with respect to the withdrawal of any other
Convertible Note except to the extent we may otherwise so provide. Withdrawals of Convertible
Notes shall not be deemed to have been made until any defects or irregularities have been waived by
us or cured. None of us, the Depositary, the Dealer Managers, the Information Agent or any other
person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in any notice of
withdrawal of a tender or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification.
Withdrawals may not be rescinded, and any Convertible Notes validly withdrawn will thereafter
be deemed not validly tendered for purposes of the Offer unless the withdrawn Convertible Notes are
validly re-tendered before the expiration of the Offer by following the procedures described under
THE OFFER Procedures for Tendering the Convertible Notes.
If we extend the Offer, are delayed in our acceptance for purchase of Convertible Notes, or
are unable to accept for purchase Convertible Notes under the Offer for any reason, then, without
prejudice to our rights under the Offer, the Depositary may, subject to applicable law, retain
tendered Convertible Notes on our behalf, and such Convertible Notes may not be withdrawn except to
the extent tendering holders are entitled to withdrawal rights as described in this section.
Purchase of the Convertible Notes; Payment of Purchase Price
Upon the terms and conditions of the Offer, promptly following the Expiration Date, we will
accept for purchase and pay for, and thereby purchase, all Convertible Notes validly tendered and
not validly withdrawn.
16
For purposes of the Offer, we will be deemed to have accepted for purchase and therefore
purchased Convertible Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn only when, as and
if we give notice to the Depositary of our acceptance of such Convertible Notes for purchase.
Upon the terms and conditions of the Offer, promptly after the Expiration Date, we will accept
for purchase and pay the purchase price, and accrued and unpaid interest payable pursuant to the
terms of the Offer, for any and all of the Convertible Notes that are validly tendered and not
validly withdrawn.
We will pay the aggregate purchase price, and accrued and unpaid interest payable pursuant to
the terms of the Offer, for each of the Convertible Notes purchased pursuant to the Offer to an
account designated by the Depositary, which will act as custodian or nominee for tendering holders
for the purpose of receiving payment from us and transmitting payment to the tendering holders.
We will not pay interest on the purchase price, or the accrued and unpaid interest payable
pursuant to the terms of the Offer, with respect to any of the Convertible Notes regardless of any
delay in making payment on the part of the Depositary or DTC. In addition, if certain events
occur, we may not be obligated to purchase Convertible Notes in the Offer. See the conditions of
the Offer under THE OFFER Conditions of the Offer.
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, payable on the transfer to us of Convertible Notes
purchased under the Offer. If, however, (i) payment of the purchase price is to be made to any
person other than the registered holder or (ii) Convertible Notes not tendered for purchase are to
be registered in the name of any person other than the registered holder, then the amount of all
transfer taxes, if any (whether imposed on the registered holder, the other person or otherwise),
payable on account of the transfer to the other person, will be deducted from the purchase price
unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of the transfer taxes, or exemption therefrom, is
submitted.
Conditions of the Offer
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Offer, we will not be required to accept for
purchase and pay for any Convertible Notes tendered, and may terminate or amend the Offer or may
postpone the acceptance for purchase of, or the purchase of and the payment for Convertible Notes,
subject to Rule 14e-1(c) under the Exchange Act which require that an offeror pay the consideration
offered or return the Convertible Notes tendered promptly after the termination or withdrawal of a
tender offer, if:
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in our reasonable judgment, as determined prior to the expiration of the Offer, the
purchase of Convertible Notes will result in any adverse tax consequences to us; or |
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in our reasonable judgment, any of the following shall have occurred and be continuing: |
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there shall have occurred: |
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any general suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities in the
United States securities or financial markets; |
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a material impairment in the trading market for debt or convertible debt securities; |
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any suspension or limitation of trading of any of our securities on any exchange or
in the over-the-counter market; |
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a declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of
banks in the United States (whether or not mandatory); |
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any limitation (whether or not mandatory) by any governmental authority on, or other
event that, in our reasonable judgment, would have a reasonable likelihood of
affecting, the extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in the United
States; |
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any attack on, outbreak or escalation of hostilities or acts of terrorism involving
the United States that would reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse effect
on our or our affiliates business, operations, properties, condition (financial or
otherwise), assets, liabilities or prospects; or |
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any significant adverse change in the United States securities or financial markets
generally, or in the worldwide market for analytical and research instruments,
equipment, reagents and consumables, software and related services, that, in our
reasonable judgment, would have a material adverse effect on our or our affiliates
business, operations, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), assets,
liabilities or prospects or those of our affiliates or in the case of any of the
foregoing existing on the date hereof, a material acceleration or worsening thereof; |
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the trading price per share of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on any
day during the Offer is less than 30% of the closing stock price per share of our common
stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 8, 2010; |
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there exists an order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree,
judgment or injunction that shall have been enacted, entered, issued, promulgated, enforced
or deemed applicable by any court or governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or
instrumentality that, in our reasonable judgment, would or would be reasonably likely to
prohibit, prevent or materially restrict or delay consummation of the Offer or that is, or
is reasonably likely to be, materially adverse to our business, operations, properties,
condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities or prospects or those of our
affiliates; |
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there shall have been instituted, threatened or be pending any action or proceeding
before or by any court, governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or
instrumentality, or by any other person, in connection with the Offer, that is, or is
reasonably likely to be, in our reasonable judgment, materially adverse to our business,
operations, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities or
prospects or those of our affiliates, or which would or might, in our reasonable judgment,
directly or indirectly prohibit, prevent, restrict or delay consummation of the Offer or
otherwise adversely affect the Offer in any material manner; |
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there shall have occurred any tender offer with respect to some or all of our
outstanding common stock, or any merger, acquisition or other business combination proposal
involving us or our affiliates made by any person or entity; |
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there exists any other actual or threatened legal impediment to the Offer or any other
circumstances that would, in our reasonable judgment, materially adversely affect the
transactions contemplated by the Offer, or the contemplated benefits of the Offer to us or
our affiliates; |
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there shall have occurred any development which would, in our reasonable judgment,
materially adversely affect our business, operations, properties, condition (financial or
otherwise), assets, liabilities or prospects or those of our affiliates; |
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an event or events or the likely occurrence of an event or events that would or might
reasonably be expected to prohibit, restrict or delay the consummation of the Offer; or |
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the trustee for the Convertible Notes objects in any respect to, or takes any action
that would be reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, the consummation of the
Offer, or takes any action that challenges the validity or effectiveness of the procedures
used by us in the making of the Offer or in the acceptance of Convertible Notes. |
We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the Offer and to reject for purchase any
Convertible Notes not previously accepted for purchase, upon the occurrence of any of the
conditions of the Offer specified above. In addition, we expressly reserve the right to waive any
of the conditions of the Offer, in whole or in part, on or prior to the Expiration Date. We will
give prompt notice of any amendment, non-acceptance, termination or waiver to the Depositary,
followed by a timely public announcement.
18
These conditions are for our sole benefit, and we may assert them regardless of the
circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various
times in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this
failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing
right that we may assert at any time or at various times.
All conditions to the Offer must be satisfied or waived prior to the expiration of the Offer.
The Offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Convertible Notes
or upon our obtaining any financing.
Market and Recent Prices for the Convertible Notes and the Common Stock
There is no established reporting system or trading market for trading in the Convertible
Notes. We believe that the Convertible Notes are currently traded over-the-counter and that there
is currently a correlation between trading prices for the Convertible Notes and the shares of our
common stock. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WYN.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low closing sales
prices in U.S. dollars for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, rounded to the nearest
cent.
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Common Stock |
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Sales Prices |
Calendar Period |
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High |
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Low |
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2008 |
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First quarter |
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$ |
24.94 |
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$ |
19.25 |
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Second quarter |
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$ |
24.21 |
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$ |
17.91 |
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Third quarter |
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$ |
20.55 |
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$ |
14.88 |
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Fourth quarter |
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$ |
15.29 |
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$ |
2.98 |
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2009 |
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First quarter |
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$ |
8.71 |
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$ |
2.92 |
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Second quarter |
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$ |
12.90 |
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$ |
4.75 |
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Third quarter |
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$ |
16.32 |
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$ |
10.51 |
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Fourth quarter |
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$ |
21.20 |
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$ |
15.45 |
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2010 |
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First quarter |
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$ |
25.94 |
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$ |
20.28 |
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Second quarter |
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$ |
27.59 |
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$ |
20.14 |
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Third quarter |
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$ |
28.27 |
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$ |
20.12 |
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Fourth quarter |
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$ |
31.08 |
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$ |
27.32 |
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2011 |
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First quarter (through February 8, 2011) |
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$ |
30.85 |
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$ |
28.13 |
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The closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 8, 2011 was
$30.85.
We urge you to obtain more current price information for our common stock and the Convertible
Notes during the Offer period.
Payment of dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon,
among other factors, our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition. We have paid
quarterly dividends to the holders of our common stock each quarter for the last 14 quarters. We
expect to declare a quarterly dividend on our common stock, which is expected to increase by $0.03
per share to approximately $0.15, on February 25, 2011 to be paid on March 25, 2011. We have
included a cash payment of $5.00 as part of the consideration for the Convertible Notes to
compensate holders of the Convertible Notes for the quarterly dividend on our common stock that we
expect to declare prior to the Expiration Date. The $5.00 cash payment is being paid in lieu of
adjusting the Fixed Share Amount for the anticipated declaration and payment of a quarterly
dividend on our common stock. The Fixed Share Amount will not be adjusted for the declaration of
or increase in the anticipated quarterly dividend on our common stock.
19
On February 8, 2011, there was $115,780,000 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes
outstanding.
Source and Amount of Funds
We would need approximately $291 million to purchase all of the Convertible Notes outstanding
as of February 8, 2011, assuming a purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes
of $2,504.87, based on an assumed Average VWAP of $30.85, which is the closing price per share of
our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 8, 2011, and assuming that the purchase
of Convertible Notes pursuant to the Offer is settled on March 10, 2011.
If we exercise our rights under the Partial Termination Agreements, we may receive proceeds as
a result of the termination of the Call Options and the Warrants.
We intend to use a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our existing revolving
credit facility, or other debt financings, to pay for all Convertible Notes that we purchase in the
Offer and any expense associated with the Partial Termination Agreements. There are no material
conditions to our ability to utilize our cash on hand to pay for all the Convertible Notes we will
purchase in the Offer and any expense associated with the Partial Termination Agreements. Our
revolving credit facility with a bank group provides for up to $970 million of unsecured
multi-currency revolving credit that will expire in October 2013. The facility calls for interest
at either a LIBOR-based rate or a rate based on the prime lending rate of the agent bank, at our
option. The revolving credit facility is subject to a fee of 50 basis points based on total
capacity and bears interest at LIBOR plus 250 basis points. The interest rate of this facility is
dependent on our credit ratings. As of December 31, 2010, we had $154 million of outstanding
borrowings and $28 million of outstanding letters of credit and, as such, the total available
remaining capacity was $788 million.
There is no financing condition to the Offer.
Extension of the Offer; Termination; Amendment
We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, to extend the
period of time during which the Offer is open, and to delay acceptance for purchase of, and payment
for any Convertible Notes by giving notice of such extension to the Depositary and making a public
announcement of such extension. We also reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to terminate
the Offer and not accept for purchase or pay for any Convertible Notes not previously accepted for
purchase or paid for, or, subject to applicable law, to postpone payment for Convertible Notes, if
any conditions of the Offer fail to be satisfied, by giving notice of such termination or
postponement to the Depositary and making a timely public announcement of such termination or
postponement. Our reservation of the right to delay acceptance for purchase or to delay payment
for Convertible Notes which we have accepted for purchase is limited by Rule 14e-1(c) under the
Exchange Act, which require payment of the consideration offered or return of the Convertible Notes
promptly after termination or withdrawal of the Offer.
Subject to compliance with applicable law, we further reserve the right, in our sole
discretion, and regardless of whether or not any of the events or conditions described under THE
OFFER Conditions of the Offer have occurred or are deemed by us to have occurred, to amend the
Offer in any respect, including, without limitation, by decreasing or increasing the consideration
offered in the Offer to holders of Convertible Notes or by decreasing the principal amount of
Convertible Notes being sought in the Offer. Amendments to the Offer may be made at any time and
from time to time by public announcement, such announcement, in the case of an extension, to be
issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the last
previously scheduled Expiration Date.
Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make a public announcement, except as
required by applicable law, we have no obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate
any such public announcement other than by making a release through PR Newswire, Business Wire or
other comparable news service.
If we materially change the terms of the Offer or the information concerning the Offer, we
will extend the Offer to the extent required by Rule 14e-1(b) under the Exchange Act. These rules
and certain related releases and
20
interpretations of the SEC provide that the minimum period during which a tender offer must
remain open following material changes in the terms of the tender offer or information concerning
the tender offer (other than a change in price or a change in percentage of Convertible Notes
sought) will depend on the facts and circumstances, including the relative materiality of such
terms or information. If we:
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adjust the pricing formula or the minimum purchase price; |
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otherwise increase or decrease the purchase price to be paid for the Convertible
Notes; or |
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decrease the principal amount of Convertible Notes we are seeking to purchase, |
then the Offer must remain open, or will be extended, until at least ten business days from, and
including, the date that notice of any such change is first published, sent or given in the manner
described above. The calculation of a purchase price on the basis of the pricing formula described
above with respect to the Offer will not be considered an increase or decrease in the price to be
paid in the Offer and will not require an extension of the Offer. For purposes of the Offer, a
business day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or United States federal holiday and
consists of the time period from 12:01 a.m. through 12:00 midnight, New York City time.
Other than an extension of the Offer, we are not aware of any circumstance that would cause us
to delay acceptance of any validly tendered Convertible Notes.
Security Ownership
Neither we, nor to the best of our knowledge, any of our executive officers, directors,
affiliates or subsidiaries nor, to the best of our knowledge, any of our subsidiaries directors or
executive officers, nor any associates or subsidiaries of any of the foregoing, (a) owns any
Convertible Notes or (b) has effected any transactions involving the Convertible Notes during the
60 days prior to the date of this Offer to Purchase. To the best of our knowledge, we will not
acquire any Convertible Notes from any of our directors, officers or affiliates pursuant to the
Offer.
Brokerage Commissions
A registered holder of Convertible Notes that tenders its Convertible Notes directly to the
Depositary will not need to pay any brokerage fee or commission to us, the Dealer Managers or the
Depositary in connection with the tender of such Convertible Notes. However, if a tendering holder
effectuates such tender through its broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee, that holder may be required to pay such entity fees or commissions. If you hold your
Convertible Notes through a broker or bank other than the Dealer Managers, you should ask your
broker or bank if you will be charged a fee to tender your Convertible Notes through such broker or
bank.
Fees and Expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders of Convertible Notes. The principal
solicitation is being made by mail. Additional solicitation may, however, be made by e-mail,
facsimile transmission, and telephone or in person by our officers and other employees and those of
our affiliates and others acting on our behalf. The Company will, upon request, reimburse brokers
and dealers for customary mailing and handling expenses incurred by them in forwarding this Offer
to Purchase to the beneficial owners of Convertible Notes held by them as a nominee or in a
fiduciary capacity.
No Recommendation
None of us, our management or Board of Directors, the Dealer Managers, the Depositary or the
Information Agent makes any recommendation to any holder of Convertible Notes as to whether to
tender any Convertible Notes. None of us, our management or Board of Directors, the Dealer
Managers, the Depositary or the Information Agent has authorized any person to give any information
or to make any representation in connection with the Offer other than the information and
representations contained in this Offer to Purchase or in the Letter of Transmittal. If anyone
makes any recommendation or representation or gives any such information, you should not rely upon
that
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recommendation, representation or information as having been authorized by us, the Dealer
Managers, the Depositary or the Information Agent.
Before making your decision, we urge you to read this Offer to Purchase, including the
documents incorporated by reference herein, and the Letter of Transmittal in their entirety. We
also urge you to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decisions on what
action, if any, to take in light of your own particular circumstances.
Persons Employed in Connection with the Offer
Dealer Managers
The Dealer Managers for the Offer are Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.
We have agreed to pay the Dealer Managers a customary fee for their services as Dealer Managers in
connection with the Offer and to reimburse the Dealer Managers for certain expenses incurred in
connection with the Offer. We have also agreed to indemnify the Dealer Managers against certain
liabilities that may arise in connection with the Offer, including liabilities under the federal
securities laws.
The Dealer Managers and their affiliates have rendered and may in the future render various
investment banking, lending and commercial banking services and other advisory services to us and
our subsidiaries. The Dealer Managers are also lenders under our revolving credit facility. The
Dealer Managers have received, and may in the future receive, customary compensation from us and
our subsidiaries for such services. In the ordinary course of business, including in their trading
and brokerage operations and in a fiduciary capacity, the Dealer Managers and their affiliates may
hold positions, both long and short, for their own accounts and for those of their customers, in
our securities. The Dealer Managers may from time to time hold Convertible Notes and shares of our
common stock in their proprietary accounts, and, to the extent they own Convertible Notes in these
accounts at the time of the Offer, the Dealer Managers may tender these Convertible Notes.
Depositary
Global Bondholder Services Corporation has been appointed as the Depositary for the Offer. We
have agreed to pay the Depositary reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse
the Information Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. All documents, if any, required
to be delivered to the Depositary should be sent or delivered to the Depositary at the address
listed on the back cover of this Offer to Purchase. Delivery of the Letter of Transmittal to an
address or transmission of instructions via facsimile other than as set forth on the back cover of
this Offer to Purchase does not constitute a valid delivery of the Letter of Transmittal or such
instructions. See THE OFFER Procedures for Tendering the Convertible Notes.
Information Agent
Global Bondholder Services Corporation has been appointed as the Information Agent for the
Offer. We have agreed to pay the Information Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services
and will reimburse the Information Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Any questions
and requests for assistance or requests for additional copies of this Offer to Purchase or the
Letter of Transmittal should be directed to the Information Agent at the address listed on the back
cover of this Offer to Purchase.
Transactions Related to the Offer
In May 2009, contemporaneous with the original offering of the Convertible Notes, we (i)
purchased call options on our common stock with a strike price equal to the per share conversion
price of the Convertible Notes (the Call Options) to offset our exposure to cash payments upon
conversion of any Convertible Notes, and (ii) sold warrants on our common stock with a strike price
of approximately $20 per share, which may be settled in net shares or cash at our option (the
Warrants).
We have entered into an Agreement of Tender Offer Related Partial Call and Warrant Termination
(each a Partial Termination Agreement) with each of the three banks that is a counterparty with
respect to the Call Options and the Warrants. Under the Partial Termination Agreements, we may,
upon consummation of the Offer,
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elect to terminate, in the aggregate, on a ratable basis among the three bank counterparties,
a percentage of the Call Options and the Warrants equivalent to the percentage of the outstanding
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes acquired through the Offer. Under the terms of
the Partial Termination Agreements, if we elect to early terminate, we have agreed to purchase
after the completion of the Offer an amount of shares of our common stock equal to the number of
net shares of common stock purchased by the three counter party banks.
Miscellaneous
This Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal will be mailed to record holders of our
Convertible Notes and will be furnished to brokers, dealers, commercial banks and trust companies
whose names, or the names of whose nominees, appear on our list of holders of Convertible Notes or,
if applicable, who are listed as participants in a clearing agencys security position listing for
subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of Convertible Notes.
The Offer is not being made to (nor will tenders of Convertible Notes be accepted from or on
behalf of) holders of Convertible Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of
the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. However, we, in our sole
discretion, may take such action as we may deem necessary to make or extend the Offer in any such
jurisdiction.
We are not aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer is not in compliance with
applicable law. If it becomes aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer or the
acceptance of Convertible Notes pursuant thereto is not in compliance with applicable law, we will
make a good faith effort to comply with the applicable law. If, after such good faith effort, we
cannot comply with the applicable law, the Offer will not be made to (nor will tenders be accepted
from or on behalf of) the holders of Convertible Notes in such jurisdiction.
None of us, our management or Board of Directors, the Dealer Managers, the Depositary or the
Information Agent has authorized any person to give any information or to make any representation
in connection with the Offer other than the information and representations contained in this Offer
to Purchase or in the Letter of Transmittal. If anyone makes any recommendation or representation
or gives any such information, you should not rely upon that recommendation, representation or
information as having been authorized by us, the Dealer Managers, the Depositary or the Information
Agent.
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PURPOSES, EFFECTS AND PLANS
Purposes of the Offer
The principal purpose of the Offer is to reduce the amount of Convertible Notes outstanding.
To the extent that any Convertible Notes are tendered and accepted in the Offer, we will reduce the
risk that the cost to us of settling our conversion obligations under the Convertible Notes, which
is a function of the trading price of our common stock, will increase in the event that the trading
price of our common stock increases.
Future Purchases
Following completion of the Offer, we may repurchase additional Convertible Notes that remain
outstanding in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Future
purchases of Convertible Notes that remain outstanding after the Offer may be on terms that are
more or less favorable than the Offer. Future purchases, if any, will depend on many factors,
which include market conditions and the condition of our business.
Material Differences in the Rights of Convertible Note Holders as a Result of the Offer
Effects on the Holders of Convertible Notes Tendered and Accepted in the Offer
If your Convertible Notes are tendered and accepted in the Offer, you will receive the
purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes tendered and accepted, but will
give up rights and obligations associated with ownership of such Convertible Notes. Below is a
summary of certain rights that you will forgo and obligations of which you will be relieved if you
tender your Convertible Notes and the tender is accepted. The summary below does not purport to
describe all of the terms of the Convertible Notes and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2008 (the Base Indenture), between the Company and U.S.
Bank National Association (the Trustee), as amended by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated
as of May 19, 2009, between the Company and the Trustee, (the Second Supplemental Indenture and
collectively, with the Base Indenture, the Indenture), each of which is incorporated herein by
reference. See WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.
Cash Distributions. If you continue to hold any Convertible Notes after settlement of the
Offer, you will be entitled under the terms of the Convertible Notes to receive regular semi-annual
interest payments at the rate of 3.50% per annum.
Conversion Rights of Holders. If you continue to hold any Convertible Notes after settlement
of the Offer, subject to the conditions and during the periods and under the circumstances
described below, you may convert your Convertible Notes into a cash settlement amount determined by
reference to the then applicable conversion rate (as of the date of this Offer to Purchase 79.5745
shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes) (subject to adjustment
upon the occurrence of certain events), (i) prior to the close of business on the business day
immediately preceding February 1, 2012, only upon satisfactions of one or more of the conditions
described below and (ii) on or after February 1, 2012, at any time prior to the close of business
on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding May 1, 2012 irrespective of the
conditions described below:
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You may surrender all or a portion of your Convertible Notes for conversion into a cash
settlement amount during any fiscal quarter (and only during such fiscal quarter) commencing
after June 30, 2009 if the last reported sale price of our common stock for at least 20
trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of 30 consecutive trading days
ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or
equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price in effect on each applicable trading day. |
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You may surrender your Convertible Notes for conversion into a cash settlement amount
during the five business day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period in which the
trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, for each day of such period
was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the common stock and the
applicable conversion rate. |
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issue to all or substantially all holders of common stock certain rights or warrants
entitling them for a period of not more than 45 calendar days after the announcement
date of such issuance to subscribe for or purchase shares of common stock at a price
per share less than the average of the last reported sale prices of common stock for
the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding
the date of announcement of such issuance; or |
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distribute to all or substantially all holders of common stock assets, debt
securities or certain rights to purchase securities of the Company, which distribution
has a per share value, as reasonably determined by the board of directors, exceeding
10% of the last reported sale price of the common stock on the trading day preceding
the date of announcement for such distribution, |
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then, in each case, the Company shall notify you, in the manner provided in the
Indenture, at least 30 scheduled trading days prior to the ex-dividend date for such
issuance or distribution. Once we have given such notice, you may surrender the
Convertible Notes for conversion into a cash settlement amount at any time until the
earlier of the close of business, on the business day immediately prior to such
ex-dividend date and our announcement that such issuance or distribution will not take
place, even if the Convertible Notes are not otherwise convertible at such time. |
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If a transaction or event that constitutes a Fundamental Change or a Make-Whole Fundamental
Change (each as defined in the Indenture) occurs, regardless of whether you have the right to
require the Company to purchase the Convertible Notes pursuant to the Indenture, or if the
Company is a party to a consolidation, merger, binding share exchange, or transfer or lease of
all or substantially all of the Companys assets, pursuant to which the common stock would be
converted into cash, securities or other assets, you may surrender Convertible Notes for
conversion into a cash settlement amount at any time from and after the date that is the later
of (i) 40 scheduled trading days prior to the anticipated effective date of such transaction
and (ii) the date the Company publicly announces such date until the date that is 45 trading
days after the actual effective date of such transaction. The Company will publicly announce
and notify you and the Trustee as promptly as practicable following the date the Company
determines the anticipated effective date of such transaction. |
Purchase at Option of Holders upon a Fundamental Change. If you continue to hold any
Convertible Notes after settlement of the Offer, in the event we undergo a Fundamental Change (as
defined in the Indenture), you will have the right, at your option, to require us to purchase your
Convertible Notes, or any portion of the principal amount thereof that is equal to $1,000 or an
integral multiple of $1,000, for a cash purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
Convertible Notes to be purchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the purchase date.
Effects on the Holders of Convertible Notes not Tendered in the Offer
The rights and obligations under the Convertible Notes, if any, that remain outstanding after
settlement of the Offer will not change as a result of the Offer.
Following settlement of the Offer, any trading market for the remaining outstanding
Convertible Notes may be less liquid and more sporadic, and market prices may fluctuate
significantly depending on the volume of any trading in the Convertible Notes. Although you may be
able to sell Convertible Notes that you do not tender after settlement of the Offer, we cannot
predict or assure you the price at which you will be able to sell such Convertible Notes, which may
be higher or lower than the purchase price paid by us in the Offer. Settlement of the Offer will
further reduce the liquidity of the Convertible Notes, and there can be no assurance that holders
of the Convertible Notes after the completion of the Offer will be able to find willing buyers for
their Convertible Notes after the Offer. See below under Effects of the Offer on the Market
for Convertible Notes.
The closing price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 8, 2011 was
$30.85 per share. The product of such closing price and the Fixed Share Amount of 79.5745 shares
of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (subject to adjustment in
certain events) equals $2,454.87. Subject to the terms and conditions, and during the periods and
under the circumstances, described above, the Convertible Notes may be converted into a cash
settlement amount at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day
immediately preceding May 1, 2012.
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Effects of the Offer on the Market for Convertible Notes
Our purchase of Convertible Notes in the Offer will reduce the principal amount of Convertible
Notes that might otherwise be traded publicly and may reduce the number of holders of our
Convertible Notes. There is no established reporting system or trading market for trading in the
Convertible Notes. However, we believe the Convertible Notes are currently traded
over-the-counter.
Following settlement of the Offer, any trading market for the remaining outstanding
Convertible Notes may be less liquid and more sporadic, and market prices may fluctuate
significantly depending on the volume of any trading in the Convertible Notes. You may be able to
sell Convertible Notes that you do not tender, however, we cannot predict or assure you the price
at which you will be able to sell such Convertible Notes, which may be higher or lower than the
purchase price paid by us in the Offer. Settlement of the Offer will further reduce the liquidity
of the Convertible Notes, and there can be no assurance that holders of the Convertible Notes after
the completion of the Offer will be able to find willing buyers for their Convertible Notes after
the Offer.
Retirement and Cancellation
Any Convertible Notes not tendered or tendered but not accepted because they were not validly
tendered shall remain outstanding upon completion of the Offer. All Convertible Notes validly
tendered and accepted in the Offer will be retired and cancelled.
Accounting Treatment of Repurchases of the Convertible Notes in the Offer
The consideration we pay for any Convertible Notes will extinguish the carrying value of the
Convertible Notes, which includes the then current fair value of the conversion feature that is
bifurcated for accounting purposes. The difference between the consideration we pay and the
carrying value of the Convertible Notes plus related unamortized debt issuance costs will be
recorded as a gain/loss on extinguishment in the income statement.
Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the United
States Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any tax advice contained in this communication
(including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax-related penalties under the United States Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Any such statement herein was written in connection with
the promotion or marketing of the transactions or matters to which the statement relates. Each
taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent
tax advisor.
The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax considerations
relating to the Offer as of the date hereof. This discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury
Regulations thereunder and judicial decisions and administrative interpretations thereof, all as of
the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This
discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be
applicable to holders in light of their particular circumstances, or to holders subject to special
treatment under United States federal income tax law, such as financial institutions, insurance
companies, tax-exempt organizations, entities that are treated as partnerships for United States
federal income tax purposes, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities that elect
the mark-to-market method of accounting, expatriates, persons deemed to have sold the Convertible
Notes under the constructive sale provisions of the Code and persons that hold the Convertible
Notes as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment. In
addition, this summary does not discuss any (1) United States federal income tax consequences to a
Non-United States Holder, as defined below, that (A) is engaged in the conduct of a United States
trade or business, (B) is a nonresident alien individual who is (or is deemed to be) present in the
United States for 183 or more days during the taxable year, or (C) owns (or has owned) actually
and/or constructively more than 5% of the fair market value of our common stock or 5% of the fair
market value of the Convertible Notes, or owned actually and/or constructively on the date of
acquisition of its Convertible Notes, Convertible Notes with a fair market value of more than 5% of
the aggregate fair market value of our common stock, or (2) tax consequences to United States
Holders, as defined below, whose functional currency is not the United States dollar. This
summary only applies to holders who hold our Convertible Notes as capital assets (generally,
property held for investment) under the
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Code. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been or will be sought regarding any
matter discussed herein. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court
would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax aspects set forth below. Furthermore,
this discussion does not address any United States federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax
consequences or any state, local or foreign tax consequences. Holders are urged to consult their
tax advisors regarding the United States federal, state, local, and foreign income and other tax
consequences of the receipt of cash in exchange for the Convertible Notes pursuant to this Offer.
For purposes of this summary, the term United States Holder means a beneficial owner of a
Convertible Note that is, for United States federal income tax purposes (i) an individual who is a
citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or other entity treated as a
corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized under the
laws of the United States, any of the States or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the
income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or
(iv) a trust (A) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over
its administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of such trust, or (B) that has made a valid election to be treated as a
United States person for United States federal income tax purposes. A beneficial owner of a
Convertible Note that is not a United States Holder or a partnership is referred to herein as a
Non-United States Holder. If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a
partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) owns Convertible Notes, the tax
treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend upon the status of the partner and the
activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership that owns the Convertible Notes should
consult their tax advisors as to the particular United States federal income tax consequences
applicable to them.
Constructive Distributions
Under the terms of the Convertible Notes, if we make a cash dividend to all or substantially
all of the holders of our common stock, other than a regular quarterly cash dividend that does not
exceed $0.04, then the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes is increased to take into account
such distribution. Since March 2010, we have paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.12 per share to
holders of our common stock, which resulted in a series of increases to the conversion rate of the
Convertible Notes, amounting to an aggregate increase of 1.0322 shares per $1,000 principal amount
of Convertible Notes. We expect to declare a quarterly dividend on our common stock of $0.15 on
February 25, 2011 to be paid on March 25, 2011, which will result in a further adjustment to the
conversion rate of any Convertible Notes not tendered in this Offer.
Under section 305(c) of the Code, an adjustment (or the failure to make an adjustment) to the
conversion rate of the Convertible Notes that has the effect of increasing a holders proportionate
interest in our assets or earnings may result in a deemed distribution to a holder for United
States federal income tax purposes. Under these rules, the conversion rate adjustments, described
above, that have been or will be made in order to reflect cash dividends paid on our common stock
have resulted or will result in deemed distributions to holders of Convertible Notes, even though
the holders have not received any cash or property as a result of such adjustments.
United States Holders
Any deemed distribution was or will be taxable as a dividend to a United States Holder to the
extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Any amounts in excess of our
current and accumulated earnings and profits were or will be treated as return of capital to the
extent of the United States Holders basis in the Convertible Note and thereafter as capital gain.
It is not clear whether a constructive dividend deemed paid to a non-corporate United States
Holder would be eligible for the special reduced rate of United States federal income tax generally
applicable to certain dividends received before January 1, 2013. It is also unclear whether
corporate United States Holders would be entitled to claim the dividends-received deduction.
Non-United States Holders
In general, any deemed distribution received by a Non-United States Holder with respect to the
Convertible Notes was or will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a
30% rate, unless such rate is reduced by an applicable United States income tax treaty. Because a
constructive dividend deemed received by a
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Non-United States Holder would not give rise to any cash from which any applicable withholding
tax could be satisfied, in such event, we or others would satisfy any such withholding by reducing
payments of cash, including without limitation cash paid pursuant to this Offer, credited to a
Non-United States Holder.
In order to claim the benefit of a United States income tax treaty, you must provide a
properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN claiming the treaty benefits prior to the payment of any amount
described above from which we or others would satisfy our withholding obligation. A Non-United
States Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate
claim for refund.
Consequences to United States Holders Who Receive Cash Pursuant to the Offer
The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax consequences
that will apply to you if you are a United States Holder. Certain material United States federal
income tax consequences to Non-United States Holders are described under Consequences to
Non-United States Holders Who Receive Cash Pursuant to the Offer below.
A United States Holder that receives cash in exchange for a Convertible Note pursuant to the
Offer will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (1) the sum of cash received
(except to the extent such cash is attributable to accrued and unpaid interest, which, to the
extent not previously included in income, generally will be taxable as ordinary income at the time
it is paid or accrued in accordance with the United States Holders method of accounting for United
States federal income tax purposes) and (2) the United States Holders adjusted tax basis in the
Convertible Note. A United States Holders adjusted tax basis in a Convertible Note generally will
equal the cost of the Convertible Note, increased by any amounts includible in income by the United
States Holder as market discount pursuant to an election and by the amount of any deemed
distribution includible by the United States Holder, as described above in Constructive
Distributions United States Holders, and reduced by any amortized premium that the United
States Holder has previously elected to deduct and by any amounts treated as a return of capital,
as described above in Constructive Distributions United States Holders. Subject to the
market discount rules discussed below, such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be
long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of such disposition, the United States Holder has
held the Convertible Note for more than one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain
non-corporate United States Holders, including individuals, generally will be subject to a reduced
tax rate, provided that certain holding period and other applicable requirements are satisfied.
The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
A United States Holder who had acquired Convertible Notes with more than a de minimis market
discount (i.e., more than a de minimis excess of the stated redemption price at maturity over the
basis of such Convertible Note immediately after acquisition by the United States Holder) generally
will be required to treat gain on the sale of such Convertible Notes as ordinary income to the
extent of the market discount accrued to the date of the disposition and not previously included in
the United States Holders income.
Consequences to Non-United States Holders Who Receive Cash Pursuant to the Offer
The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax consequences
that will apply to you if you are a Non-United States Holder of Convertible Notes.
Any gain realized on the receipt of cash in exchange for a Convertible Note (except with
respect to the portion of the cash, if any, attributable to accrued and unpaid interest, which
would be taxed as described below) generally will not be subject to United States federal income
tax. However, a portion of cash paid in the Offer may be used to satisfy the withholding
obligations with respect to prior deemed dividends, as described above in Constructive
Distributions Non United States Holders.
The United States generally imposes a 30% United States federal withholding tax on payments of
interest made to Non-United States Holders. A Non-United States Holder will not be subject to the
30% United States federal withholding tax with respect to the portion of the cash attributable to
accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible Notes, provided that:
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such Non-United States 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; |
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such Non-United States Holder is not a controlled foreign corporation with respect to
which we are, directly or indirectly, a related person; and |
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such Non-United States Holder provides its name and address, and certifies, under
penalties of perjury, that it is not a United States person (on a properly executed IRS
Form W-8BEN), or such Non-United States Holder holds its Convertible Notes through certain
foreign intermediaries and both the Non-United States Holder and the foreign
intermediaries satisfy the certification requirements of applicable Treasury Regulations. |
If a Non-United States Holder cannot satisfy the requirements described above, such Non-United
States Holder will be subject to the 30% United States federal withholding tax with respect to the
portion of the cash attributable to accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible Notes, unless
the Non-United States Holder properly claims an exemption from or reduction in withholding under
the benefit of an applicable United States income tax treaty. In order to claim the benefit of a
United States income tax treaty, the Non-United States Holder must provide a properly executed IRS
Form W-8BEN to the payor for treaty benefits prior to the payment of the cash from such payor. A
Non-United States Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an
appropriate claim for refund.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
United States Holders
Payments of cash in exchange for a Convertible Note, including any cash attributable to
accrued but unpaid interest, generally are subject to information reporting unless the United
States Holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). Such payments may also be subject to
United States federal backup withholding at the applicable rate if the recipient of such payment
fails to supply a taxpayer identification number and otherwise comply with the rules for
establishing an exemption from backup withholding. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding
rules generally will be allowed as a refund or credit against the holders United States federal
income tax liability, provided that certain information is furnished to the IRS.
Non-United States Holders
A Non-United States Holder generally will be required to comply with certain certification
procedures to establish that such holder is not a United States person in order to avoid backup
withholding with respect to payments of cash in exchange for a Convertible Note, including any cash
attributable to accrued but unpaid interest. In addition, we are required to annually report to
the IRS and to each Non-United States Holder the amount of any interest paid to such Non-United
States Holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. Copies of the information
returns reporting such interest payments and the amount withheld may also be made available to the
tax authorities in the country in which a Non-United States Holder resides under the provisions of
an applicable income tax treaty. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally
will be allowed as a refund or credit against the Non-United States Holders United States federal
income tax liability, provided that certain required information is provided to the IRS.
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The Depositary for the Offer is:
Global Bondholder Services Corporation
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By Hand, Overnight Delivery or Mail
(Registered or Certified Mail Recommended):
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By Facsimile Transmission
(for Eligible Institutions only): |
Global Bondholder Services Corporation
65 Broadway, Suite 404
New York, New York 10006
Attention: Corporate Actions
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Global Bondholder Services Corporation
(212) 430-3775
Attention: Corporate Actions |
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Confirm by Telephone: |
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(212) 430-3774 |
Any questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Dealer Managers or the
Information Agent at their respective telephone numbers as set forth below. Any requests for
additional copies of this Offer to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal or related documents may be
directed to the Information Agent. A holder may also contact such holders broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer.
The Information Agent for the Offer is:
Global Bondholder Services Corporation
65 Broadway, Suite 404
New York, New York 10006
Banks and Brokers, Call Collect:
(212) 430-3774
All Others Call Toll Free:
(866) 470-3800
The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:
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Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
Attn: Equity Capital Markets Syndicate Desk
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Toll Free: (800) 503-4611
Collect: (212) 250-5600
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Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Attn: Liability Management Group
200 West Street, 7th Floor
New York, New York 10282
Toll Free: (800) 828-3182
Collect: (212) 902-5183 |
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