e424b3
Case New Holland Inc.
Offer to Exchange
$500,000,000 7.125% Senior Notes due 2014
for
$500,000,000 7.125% Senior Notes due 2014
that have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
We are offering to exchange our 7.125% Senior Notes due
2014, or the new notes, for our currently
outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes due 2014, or the old
notes. We sometimes refer to the new notes and the old
notes collectively as the notes.
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The exchange offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on July 21, 2006, unless extended. |
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We will exchange all old notes that are validly tendered and not
validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. |
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You may withdraw tendered old notes at any time prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer. |
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The new notes are substantially identical to the old notes,
except that the new notes have been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and will not contain
restrictions on transfer or have registration rights. The new
notes will represent the same debt as the old notes, and we will
issue the new notes under the same indenture. |
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We do not intend to apply for listing of the new notes on any
securities exchange or to arrange for them to be quoted on any
quotation system. |
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The exchange offer is not subject to any conditions other than
that the exchange offer does not violate applicable law or any
applicable interpretation of the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. |
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The exchange of old notes for new notes will not be a taxable
event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See
Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations Treatment of Exchanges under Exchange
Offer. |
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We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. |
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account
pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will
deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new
notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging
and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This
prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to
time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales
of new notes received in exchange for old notes where such old
notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. We have
agreed that, starting on the expiration date of the exchange
offer and ending on the close of business one year after the
expiration date, we will make this prospectus available to any
broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See
Plan of Distribution.
For a discussion of factors that you should consider before
you participate in the exchange offer, see Risk
Factors beginning on page 9.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of the
securities to be distributed in the exchange offer or determined
that this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is June 20, 2006.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. We are not making an offer of these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.
You should not assume that the information contained in this
prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the
front cover of this prospectus.
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION
CNH Global N.V. (CNH) is incorporated in The
Netherlands under Dutch law. CNH combines the operations of New
Holland N.V. (New Holland) and Case Corporation
(Case), as a result of their business merger on
November 12, 1999. As used in this prospectus, all
references to New Holland or Case refer
to (1) the pre-merger business and/or operating results of
either New Holland or Case (now a part of CNH America LLC
(CNH America)) on a stand-alone basis, or
(2) the continued use of the New Holland and Case
product brands.
CNH has prepared its annual consolidated financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America (U.S. GAAP). CNH has
prepared its consolidated financial statements in
U.S. dollars and, unless otherwise indicated, all financial
data set forth or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
is expressed in U.S. dollars. Our worldwide Agricultural
Equipment and Construction Equipment operations are collectively
referred to as Equipment Operations. The equipment
finance operations are referred to as Financial
Services.
As of December 31, 2005, Fiat S.p.A. (Fiat)
owned approximately 83% of CNHs outstanding common shares
and all our 8 million shares of Series A Preference
Shares (Series A Preferred Stock) issued and
outstanding through Fiat Netherlands Holding N.V. (Fiat
Netherlands). Pursuant to their terms, the 8 million
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock
automatically converted into 100 million newly issued CNH
common shares on March 23, 2006. Upon completion of the
conversion, Fiats ownership of CNH was approximately 90%.
Fiat is engaged principally in the manufacture and sale of
automobiles, commercial vehicles and agricultural and
construction equipment. Fiat also manufactures, for use by its
automotive sectors and for sale to third parties, other
automotive-related products and systems, principally
powertrains, components, metallurgical products and production
systems. In addition, Fiat is involved in other sectors,
including publishing and communications and service operations.
Beginning in 2005, CNH calculates basic earnings per share based
on the requirements of Emerging Issues Task Force
(EITF) Issue
No. 03-06,
Participating Securities and the Two
Class Method under Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) Statement No. 128, Earnings per
Share (EITF
No. 03-06).
EITF No. 03-06
requires the two-class method of computing earnings per share
when participating securities, such as CNHs Series A
Preferred Stock, are outstanding. The two-class method is an
earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share
for common stock and participating securities based upon an
allocation of earnings as if all of the earnings for the period
had been distributed in accordance with participation rights on
undistributed earnings. The application of EITF
No. 03-06 did not
impact 2004 or
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earlier basic earnings per share as the Series A Preferred
Stock was not considered participating during these periods. The
application of EITF
No. 03-06 has had
an impact on the calculation of basic earnings per share in
2005. Due to the conversion of the 8 million shares of
Series A Preferred Stock into CNH common shares on
March 23, 2006, there are no shares of Series A
Preferred Stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus.
Undistributed earnings, which represents net income, less
dividends paid to common shareholders, was allocated to the
Series A Preferred Stock based on the dividend yield of the
common shares, which was impacted by the price of the
companys common shares. For purposes of the basic earnings
per share calculation, CNH used the average closing price of the
companys common shares over the last thirty trading days
of the period (Average Stock Price). As of
December 31, 2005, the Average Stock Price was
$17.47 per share. Had the Average Stock Price of the common
shares been different, the calculation of the earnings allocated
to Series A Preferred Stock may have changed. Additionally,
the determination is impacted by the payment of dividends to
common shareholders as the dividend paid is added to net income
in the computation of basic earnings per share.
In October 2004, the FASB EITF ratified the consensus reached on
Issue No. 04-8, The Effect of Contingently Convertible
Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share (EITF
No. 04-8) which changed the timing of when CNH must
reflect the impact of contingently issuable shares from the
potential conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock in
diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Beginning in the
fourth quarter of 2004, under the provisions of EITF
No. 04-8, CNH was required to retroactively reflect the
contingent issuance of 100 million common shares in its
computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, when
inclusion is not anti-dilutive, for all periods presented.
Earnings per share for the periods since issuance have been
adjusted to conform to the requirements of EITF No. 04-8.
Certain financial information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus has been presented separately by
geographic area. CNH defines its geographic areas as
(1) North America, (2) Western Europe, (3) Latin
America and (4) Rest of World. As used in this prospectus,
all references to North America, Western
Europe, Latin America and Rest of
World are defined as follows:
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North America United States and Canada. |
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Western Europe Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. |
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Latin America Mexico, Central and South
America and the Caribbean Islands. |
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Rest of World Those areas not included
in North America, Western Europe and Latin America, as defined
above. |
Certain market and share information contained or incorporated
by reference in this prospectus has been presented on a
worldwide basis which includes all countries, with the exception
of India. In this prospectus, management estimates of market
share information are generally based on registrations of
equipment in most of Europe and Rest of World markets and on
retail data collected by a central information bureau from
equipment manufacturers in North America and Brazil, as well as
on shipment data collected by an independent service bureau. Not
all agricultural and construction equipment is registered, and
registration data may thus underestimate actual retail demand.
There may also be a period of time between the delivery, sale
and registration of a vehicle; as a result, delivery or
registration data for a particular period may not correspond
directly to retail sales in such a period.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC) a registration statement on
Form F-4 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities
Act), relating to the exchange offer that includes
important business and financial information about us that is
not included in or delivered with this prospectus. This
prospectus does not contain all of the information included in
the registration statement and the exhibits thereto. You may
find additional information about us and the new notes in the
registration statement and the exhibits filed therewith.
Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of
any contract, agreement or other document referred to are not
necessarily complete and in each instance, if such contract or
document is filed as an exhibit, reference is made to the copy
of such contract, agreement or other document filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by such reference.
A copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits
thereto, may be read and copied at the SECs public
reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and
Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the public reference rooms. The
registration statement is also available to you at the
SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. Documents
incorporated by reference are available from us without charge,
excluding any exhibits to those documents that are not
specifically incorporated by reference in such documents. You
can request a copy of the documents incorporated by reference in
this prospectus and a copy of the indenture, registration rights
agreement and other agreements referred to in this prospectus by
requesting them in writing at the following address or by
telephone from us at the following telephone number:
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CNH Investor Relations |
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100 South Saunders Road |
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Lake Forest, Illinois 60045 |
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(1) 847-955-3910 |
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
CNH files annual reports and other information with the SEC. You
may read and copy any document filed by CNH at the SECs
public reference rooms referred to above. CNHs SEC filings
also are available at the SECs web site at
http://www.sec.gov.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any
future filings made with the SEC by CNH Global under
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)
until the exchange offer has been completed. We may incorporate
by reference into this prospectus our reports on
Form 6-K that we
identify in the
Form 6-K as being
incorporated into this registration statement filed after the
date of this prospectus and before the exchange offer has been
completed.
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Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. |
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Current Reports on
Form 6-K and/or
Form 6-K/ A, as
applicable, furnished on January 17, 2006, January 18,
2006, February 21, 2006, February 27, 2006,
February 28, 2006, February 28, 2006, March 6,
2006, March 15, 2006, March 17, 2006, March 23,
2006, April 4, 2006, April 4, 2006, April 7,
2006, April 7, 2006, April 13, 2006 and April 19,
2006. |
The information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is
considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that
CNH files later with the SEC prior to the expiration of this
exchange offer will automatically be updated and supersede this
information.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes, and incorporates by reference,
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements
other than statements of historical fact contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including
statements regarding our competitive strengths, business
strategy, future financial position, budgets, projected costs
and plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking
statements. These statements may include terminology such as
may, will, expect,
could, should, intend,
estimate, anticipate,
believe, outlook, continue,
remain, on track, comfortable
with, design, target,
objective, goal or similar terminology.
Our outlook is predominantly based on our interpretation of what
we consider key economic assumptions and involves risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. Crop
production and commodity prices are strongly affected by weather
and can fluctuate significantly. Housing starts and other
construction activity are sensitive to interest rates and
government spending. Some of the other significant factors for
us include general economic and capital market conditions, the
cyclical nature of our business, customer buying patterns and
preferences, foreign currency exchange rate movements, our
hedging practices, our and our customers access to credit,
actions by rating agencies concerning the ratings on our debt
and asset-backed securities and the ratings of Fiat, risks
related to our relationship with Fiat, political uncertainty and
civil unrest or war in various areas of the world, pricing,
product initiatives and other actions taken by competitors,
disruptions in production capacity, excess inventory levels, the
effect of changes in laws and regulations (including government
subsidies and international trade regulations), technology
difficulties, results of our research and development
activities, changes in environmental laws, employee and labor
relations, pension and health care costs, relations with and the
strength of our dealers, the cost and availability of supplies
from our suppliers, raw material costs and availability, energy
prices, real estate values, animal diseases, crop pests, harvest
yields, government farm programs and consumer confidence,
housing starts and construction activity, concerns related to
modified organisms and fuel and fertilizer costs. Additionally,
our achievement of the anticipated benefits of our profit
improvement initiatives depends upon, among other things,
industry volumes as well as our ability to effectively
rationalize our operations and to execute our dual brand
strategy. Further information concerning factors that could
significantly affect expected results is included in CNHs
Form 20-F for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
We can give no assurance that the expectations reflected in our
forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Our actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements. All written and oral forward-looking
statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their
entirety by the factors we disclose that could cause our actual
results to differ materially from our expectations. We undertake
no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking
statements.
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SUMMARY
This summary highlights information located elsewhere in this
prospectus and in our Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2005 (our
Form 20-F),
which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. It does
not contain all the information that is important to you. You
should read this summary together with the more detailed
information and consolidated financial statements and notes
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. You should carefully consider,
among other factors, the matters discussed under Risk
Factors in this prospectus and in our
Form 20-F. Unless
the context otherwise requires, as used in this prospectus,
(1) the terms CNH, the company,
we and our refer to CNH Global N.V. and
its consolidated subsidiaries, (2) the term Case New
Holland refers to Case New Holland Inc., the issuer of the
notes, and (3) the term CNH Global refers to
CNH Global N.V. (excluding its consolidated subsidiaries), a
Netherlands corporation that owns 100% of the capital stock of
Case New Holland and is one of the guarantors of the notes.
Our Business
General
We are a global, full-line company in both the agricultural and
construction equipment industries, with strong and usually
leading positions in most significant geographic and product
categories in both agricultural and construction equipment. Our
global scope and scale includes integrated engineering,
manufacturing, marketing and distribution of equipment on five
continents. We organize our operations into three business
segments: agricultural equipment, construction equipment and
financial services. We believe that we are, based on units sold,
one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment and
one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment in
the world. We believe we have one of the industrys largest
equipment finance operations.
We market our products globally through our two highly
recognized brand families, Case and New Holland. Case IH
and New Holland make up our agricultural brand family. Case and
New Holland Construction (along with Kobelco in North America)
make up our construction equipment brand family. As of
December 31, 2005, we were manufacturing our products in 39
facilities throughout the world and distributing our products in
approximately 160 countries through an extensive network of
approximately 10,800 dealers and distributors.
In agricultural equipment, we believe we are one of the leading
global manufacturers of agricultural tractors and combines based
on units sold, and we have leading positions in hay and forage
equipment and specialty harvesting equipment. In construction
equipment, we have a leading position in backhoe loaders, and a
strong position in skid steer loaders in North America and
crawler excavators in Western Europe. In addition, we provide a
complete range of replacement parts and services to support our
equipment. For the year ended December 31, 2005, our sales
of agricultural equipment represented approximately 62% of our
net revenues, sales of construction equipment represented
approximately 32% of our net revenues and Financial Services
represented approximately 6% of our net revenues.
We believe that we are the most geographically diversified
manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment in the
industry. For the year ended December 31, 2005,
approximately 45% of our net sales of agricultural equipment
were generated from sales in North America, approximately 32% in
Western Europe, approximately 6% in Latin America and
approximately 17% in the Rest of World. For the same period in
2004, approximately 54% of our net sales of construction
equipment were generated in North America, approximately 28% in
Western Europe, approximately 8% in Latin America and
approximately 10% in the Rest of World. Our broad manufacturing
base includes facilities in Europe, Latin America, North
America, China, India and Uzbekistan.
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In North America, we offer a range of Financial Services
products, including retail financing for the purchase or lease
of new and used CNH equipment. To facilitate the sale of our
products, we offer wholesale financing to our dealers. Wholesale
financing consists primarily of floor plan financing and allows
dealers to maintain a representative inventory of products. Our
retail financing alternatives are intended to be competitive
with financing available from third parties. We also offer
retail financing in Brazil and Australia through wholly-owned
subsidiaries and in Western Europe through our joint venture
with BNP Paribas Lease Group (BPLG). We believe that
these activities are a core component of our business. As of
December 31, 2005, Financial Services managed a portfolio
of receivables, both on- and off-book, of approximately
$13.8 billion.
CNH Global has its registered office in the World Trade Centre,
Amsterdam Airport, Tower B, 10th Floor, Schiphol Boulevard
217, 1118 BH Amsterdam, The Netherlands (telephone
number: + (31)-20-46-0429).
It was incorporated on August 30, 1996. Our agent for
U.S. federal securities law purposes is Roberto Miotto, 100
South Saunders Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045 (telephone
number: + (1)-847-955-3910).
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The Exchange Offer
For a more complete description of the terms of the exchange
offer, see The Exchange Offer.
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Old Notes |
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$500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.125% Senior
Notes due 2014 |
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The old notes were issued in transactions exempt from
registration under the Securities Act and are subject to
transfer restrictions. |
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New Notes |
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$500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.125% Senior
Notes due 2014 |
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The new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. The
form and terms of the new notes and old notes are identical in
all material respects (including principal amount, interest rate
and maturity), except that the transfer restrictions of and
registration rights provisions relating to the old notes do not
apply to the new notes. |
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The Exchange Offer |
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We are offering to exchange up to $500,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of our new 7.125% Senior Notes due 2014
for $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our currently
outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes due 2014. |
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See The Exchange Offer. |
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Expiration Date |
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The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on July 21, 2006, unless extended (the
expiration date). |
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Conditions of the Exchange Offer |
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Our obligation to consummate the exchange offer is not subject
to any conditions, other than that the exchange offer does not
violate any applicable law or SEC staff interpretation. See
The Exchange Offer Conditions of the Exchange
Offer. We reserve the right to terminate or amend the
exchange offer at any time prior to the expiration date if,
among other things, there shall have been proposed, adopted or
enacted any law, statute, rule, regulation or SEC staff
interpretation which, in our judgment, could reasonably be
expected to materially impair our ability to proceed with the
exchange offer. |
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Procedures for Tendering Old Notes |
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Brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies and other
nominees who hold old notes through The Depository Trust Company
(DTC) may effect tenders by book-entry transfer in
accordance with DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program
(ATOP). To tender old notes for exchange by
book-entry transfer, an agents message (as defined under
The Exchange Offer Procedures for
Tendering) or a completed and signed letter of transmittal
(or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees
and any other required documentation, must be delivered to the
exchange agent at the address set forth in this prospectus on or
prior to the expiration date, and the old notes must be tendered
in accordance with DTCs ATOP procedures for transfer. |
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To tender old notes for exchange by means other than book-entry
transfer, you must complete, sign and date the letter of
transmittal |
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(or facsimile thereof) in accordance with the instructions
contained in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal
and mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), together with the old notes, any required
signature guarantees and any other required documentation, to
the exchange agent at the address set forth in this prospectus
on or prior to the expiration date. |
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By tendering your old notes, you represent to us that: |
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you are acquiring the new notes in the ordinary
course of business; |
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you have no arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate in a distribution of the old notes or the
new notes; |
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you are not an affiliate of us (as
defined under the Securities Act) or if you are an affiliate of
us, that you will comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent
applicable; and |
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you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage
in, the distribution of the new notes. |
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Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account
in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by
such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver
a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. |
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See The Exchange Offer Procedures for
Tendering and Plan of Distribution. |
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Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners |
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If you are a beneficial owner whose old notes are registered in
the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee and you wish to tender, you should contact the
registered holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to
tender on your behalf. See The Exchange Offer
Procedures for Tendering. |
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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures |
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If you wish to tender your old notes in the exchange offer but
your old notes are not immediately available for delivery or
other documentation cannot be completed by the expiration date,
or the procedures for book- entry transfer cannot be completed
on a timely basis, you may still tender your old notes by
completing, signing and delivering the letter of transmittal or,
in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agents message,
with any required signature guarantees and any other documents
required by the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent
prior to the expiration date and tendering your old notes
according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in
The Exchange Offer Guaranteed Delivery
Procedures. |
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Withdrawal Rights |
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You may withdraw your tender of old notes at any time prior to
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. See
The Exchange Offer Withdrawal of Tenders. |
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Acceptance of Old Notes and Delivery of New Notes |
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We will accept for exchange any and all old notes that are
properly tendered to the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the expiration date. The new notes issued
pursuant to the exchange offer will be delivered promptly
following the expiration date. See The Exchange
Offer Terms of the Exchange Offer. |
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Exchange Agent |
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Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is serving as the exchange agent in
connection with the exchange offer. See The Exchange
Offer Exchange Agent. |
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United States Federal Income Tax Consequences |
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The exchange of old notes for new notes will not be a taxable
event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You will not
recognize any taxable gain or loss as a result of exchanging old
notes for new notes and you will have the same tax basis and
holding period in the new notes as you had in the old notes
immediately before the exchange. See Certain United States
Federal Income Tax Considerations. |
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Consequences of Failure to Exchange the Old Notes |
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Any old notes that are not tendered or that are tendered but not
accepted will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer.
Because the old notes have not been registered under the
Securities Act, they bear a legend restricting their transfer
absent registration or the availability of a specific exemption
from registration. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, we
will have no further obligations to provide for registration of
the old notes under the Securities Act. You do not have any
appraisal or dissenters rights under the indenture
governing the notes in connection with the exchange offer. See
The Exchange Offer Consequences of Failure to
Exchange. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
new notes pursuant to the exchange offer. |
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The New Notes
The summary below describes the principal terms of the new
notes. Some of the terms and conditions described below are
subject to important limitations and exceptions. You should
carefully read the Description of Notes section of
this prospectus for a more detailed description of the new
notes.
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Issuer |
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Case New Holland Inc., a Delaware corporation. |
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Guarantees |
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CNH Global and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries,
including certain of Case New Hollands direct and indirect
subsidiaries will guarantee the notes. |
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Notes Offered |
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$500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our
7.125% Senior Notes due 2014. |
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Interest |
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Interest on the notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears
on each March 1 and September 1, commencing on
September 1, 2006. |
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Maturity Date |
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March 1, 2014. |
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Ranking |
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The notes will be our unsecured senior obligations and will rank
equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured
debt, including a total of $1.05 billion of Case New
Holland Inc.
91/4% Senior
Notes due 2011 (the
91/4% Senior
Notes) and $500 million of Case New Holland Inc.
6% Senior Notes due 2009 (the 6% Senior
Notes), and senior to any of our subordinated debt. The
guarantees of the notes by CNH Global and certain of its direct
and indirect subsidiaries, including certain of Case New
Hollands direct and indirect subsidiaries, will rank
equally to all of CNH Global and such subsidiaries
existing and future senior unsecured obligations, including
their guarantees of our
91/4
% Senior Notes and our 6% Senior Notes, the
notes and the guarantees thereof will be effectively
subordinated to all secured indebtedness of Case New Holland and
the guarantors to the extent of the assets securing such
indebtedness. As of December 31, 2005, Case
New Holland and the guarantors had approximately
$402 million of secured debt. The notes will also be
structurally subordinated to all debt and other obligations,
including trade payables, of non-guarantor subsidiaries. As of
December 31, 2005, such non-guarantor subsidiaries had
$3,786 million of outstanding debt, $720 million of
which is debt of Equipment Operations. The $3,786 million
does not include $300 million of debt owed to Case New
Holland or $767 million that other Financial Services
subsidiaries owed to Equipment Operations subsidiaries. |
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Optional Redemption |
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We may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or
after March 1, 2010, at a redemption price equal to 100% of
the principal amount thereof, plus a premium declining ratably
to par and accrued and unpaid interest. |
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At any time before March 1, 2009, we may redeem up to 35%
of the aggregate principal amount of the notes issued under the
indenture with the net cash proceeds of one or more qualified
equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 107.125% of the |
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principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and
unpaid interest; provided that: |
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at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of
the notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence
of such redemption; and |
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such redemption occurs within 90 days of the
date of the closing of any such qualified equity offering. |
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In addition, at any time before March 1, 2010, we may
redeem some or all of the notes at a redemption price equal to
100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus a
make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest
to the date of redemption. |
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Change of Control |
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Upon a change of control, if we do not redeem the notes, each
holder of notes will be entitled to require us to purchase all
or a portion of its notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Our ability to purchase the notes upon a change of control will
be limited by the terms of our debt agreements, including our
senior secured credit facilities. We cannot assure you that we
will have the financial resources to purchase the notes in such
circumstances. |
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Certain Covenants |
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The indenture governing the notes will contain covenants that,
among other things, will limit our ability and the ability of
certain of our subsidiaries to: |
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incur additional indebtedness; |
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pay dividends or repurchase or redeem capital stock; |
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make certain investments; |
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enter into certain types of transactions with our
affiliates; |
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limit dividends or other payments by our restricted
subsidiaries to us; |
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use assets as security in other transactions; |
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sell certain assets or merge with or into other
companies; and |
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enter into sale and leaseback transactions. |
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These and other covenants that will be contained in the
indenture are subject to important exceptions and
qualifications, which are described under Description of
the Notes including but not limited to exceptions whereby
some of these covenants will cease to apply before the notes
mature if the notes achieve investment grade ratings by both
Standard & Poors Ratings Services and
Moodys Investors Service, Inc., which are described under
Description of the Notes. |
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Financial Services |
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Under the terms of the indenture governing the notes, we will be
able, subject to certain conditions, to dispose of the capital
stock or assets of our Financial Services subsidiaries without
complying with the requirement under the indenture to use the
proceeds thereof to purchase the notes under certain
circumstances. In addition, the indenture will permit us to
designate our Financial Services subsidiaries as
unrestricted subsidiaries if we comply with certain
conditions, in which case they will not be subject to the
restrictions of the indenture. As such, our Financial Services
subsidiaries may incur substantial additional secured or
unsecured indebtedness. See Description of the Notes. |
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Risk Factors |
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See Risk Factors beginning on page 9 for
discussion of factors you should carefully consider before
deciding to invest in the notes. |
8
RISK FACTORS
Before participating in the exchange offer and investing in
the new notes, you should consider carefully the following
factors, the risk factors contained in our
Form 20-F and the
information contained in the rest of this prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
Risks Relating to the Exchange Offer
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You must carefully follow the required procedures in order
to exchange your old notes. |
The new notes will be issued in exchange for old notes only
after timely receipt by the exchange agent of a duly executed
letter of transmittal (or an agents message (as defined
under The Exchange Offer Procedures for
Tendering)) and all other required documents. Therefore,
if you wish to tender your old notes, you must allow sufficient
time to ensure timely delivery. Neither we nor the exchange
agent has any duty to notify you of defects or irregularities
with respect to tenders of old notes for exchange. Any holder of
old notes who tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of
participating in a distribution of the new notes will be
required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction. Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its
own account in exchange for old notes that were acquired in
market-making or other trading activities must acknowledge that
it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
the new notes.
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If you do not exchange old notes for new notes, transfer
restrictions will continue and trading of the old notes may be
adversely affected. |
The old notes have not been registered under the Securities Act
and are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer. Old
notes that are not tendered for exchange for new notes or are
tendered but not accepted will, following completion of the
exchange offer, continue to be subject to existing restrictions
upon transfers. We do not currently expect to register the old
notes under the Securities Act. To the extent that old notes are
tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market
for the old notes, if any, could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to the New Notes
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The notes will be effectively subordinated to Case New
Hollands existing and future secured debt and other
secured obligations, and the guarantees of the notes will be
effectively subordinated to the guarantors existing and
future secured debt and other secured obligations. |
Holders of Case New Hollands secured debt and any
guarantors secured debt will have claims that are prior to
your claims as holders of the notes to the extent of the value
of the assets securing such secured debt. The notes and the
guarantees will be effectively subordinated to all such secured
debt to the extent of the value the collateral securing such
secured debt. In the event of any distribution or payment of
Case New Hollands or any other guarantors assets in
any foreclosure, dissolution, winding-up, liquidation,
reorganization or other bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding,
holders of secured debt will have a prior claim to the assets
that constitute their collateral. Holders of the notes will
participate ratably with all holders of Case New Hollands
and the guarantors unsecured senior debt, and potentially
with all of their other general creditors, based upon the
respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in Case New
Hollands and the guarantors respective assets
remaining after payment of their secured debt. In any of the
foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be
sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the notes. As a result,
holders of notes may receive less than holders of secured debt.
As of December 31, 2005, Case New Holland and the
guarantors had approximately $402 million of secured debt.
CNH Global and its subsidiaries, including Case New Holland and
the guarantors, may also incur additional senior secured debt in
the future, consistent with the terms of the indenture governing
the notes and our other debt agreements.
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If an active trading market for the notes does not
develop, the liquidity and value of the notes could be
harmed. |
There is no existing market for the notes and Case New Holland
cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for
the notes. If no active trading market develops, you may not be
able to resell your notes at their fair market value, or at all.
Future trading prices of the notes will depend on, among other
things, the ability of Case New Holland to effect the exchange
offer or registration of the notes, prevailing interest rates,
its and our operating results and the market for similar
securities. The initial purchaser of the old notes in the
original offering has advised Case New Holland that it intends
to make a market in the notes. However, the initial purchaser
may cease its market-making at any time. Moreover, the initial
purchasers market-making activities will be subject to
limits imposed by the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) during
the pendency of the exchange offer. Case New Holland does not
intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities
exchange.
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If the notes are rated investment grade, we will no longer
be subject to most of the covenants in the indenture governing
such notes. |
If the notes are rated investment grade by both
Standard & Poors and Moodys, CNH Global and
its subsidiaries will no longer be subject to most of the
covenants contained in the indenture governing such notes. This
may allow the taking of actions that could be adverse to the
interests of the holders of the notes.
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Both Case New Holland and CNH Global are holding companies
with no direct operations and the notes will be effectively
subordinated to all indebtedness of subsidiaries that are not
guarantors of the notes. |
Both Case New Holland and CNH Global are holding companies with
no direct operations. Their principal assets are the equity
interests and investments they hold in their subsidiaries. As a
result, they depend on dividends and other payments from their
subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet their
financial obligations, including the payment of principal of and
interest on their outstanding debt. Their subsidiaries are
legally distinct from them and have no obligation to pay amounts
due on their debt or to make funds available to them for such
payment except as provided in the note guarantees or pursuant to
intercompany notes. Not all of Case New Hollands or CNH
Globals subsidiaries will guarantee the notes. A holder of
notes will not have any claim as a creditor against subsidiaries
of Case New Holland and CNH Global that are not guarantors of
the notes, and the indebtedness and other liabilities, including
trade payables, whether secured or unsecured, of those
non-guarantor subsidiaries will be effectively senior to your
claims. See Note 23: Supplemental Condensed
Consolidating Financial Information of our consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005
included in our
Form 20-F for
information relating to the guarantor and non-guarantor
subsidiaries. The amount of non-guarantor subsidiary
indebtedness could increase over time, especially since we are
considering incurring more indebtedness at our Financial
Services subsidiaries and reducing borrowings by these
subsidiaries from parent entities.
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In the event of a change of control, CNH Global and Case
New Holland may not be able to satisfy all of their obligations
under our existing credit facilities, the notes or our other
indebtedness. |
If, following the issuance of the notes, CNH Global or Case New
Holland experiences a change of control, as defined in the
indenture relating to the notes, Case New Holland will be
required to repurchase all outstanding notes. However, CNH
Globals existing credit facilities provide that certain
change of control events will constitute an event of default.
Such an event of default would entitle the lenders thereunder
to, among other things, cause all outstanding debt obligations
under the credit facility to become due and payable and to
proceed against the collateral securing such credit facility.
Any event of default or acceleration of one of our credit
facilities will likely also cause a default under the terms of
the other indebtedness of CNH Global. There can be no assurance
that CNH Global or Case New Holland will have sufficient assets
or be able to obtain sufficient third-party financing to satisfy
all of its obligations under our credit facilities, the notes or
our other indebtedness.
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In addition, certain of our credit facilities contain, and any
future credit facilities or other agreements to which CNH Global
becomes a party may contain, restrictions on its ability to
offer to repurchase the notes in connection with a change of
control. In the event a change of control occurs at a time when
it is prohibited from offering to purchase the notes, Case New
Holland could seek consent to offer to purchase the notes or
attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such a
prohibition. If it does not obtain the consent or refinance the
borrowings, Case New Holland would remain prohibited from
offering to purchase the notes. In such case, the failure by
Case New Holland to offer to purchase any of the notes would
constitute a default under the indenture governing the notes,
which, in turn, could result in amounts outstanding under any
future credit facility or other agreement relating to
indebtedness being declared due and payable. Any such
declaration could have adverse consequences to CNH Global, Case
New Holland and the holders of the notes.
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Your rights under the guarantees may be limited by laws in
various jurisdictions, including fraudulent conveyance and
insolvency laws. |
The notes will be issued by Case New Holland, a Delaware
corporation, and guaranteed by corporations organized under the
laws of Delaware, The Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom,
Canada, Australia and Belgium. In the event of a bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar event, proceedings could be initiated in
any or all of such jurisdictions. Such multi-jurisdictional
proceedings are likely to be complex and costly for creditors
and otherwise may result in greater uncertainty and delay
regarding the enforcement of your rights. Your rights under the
guarantees will be subject to the bankruptcy, insolvency,
administrative and other laws of multiple jurisdictions other
than the United States and there can be no assurance that you
will be able to effectively enforce your rights in any such
complex and multiple bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
proceedings.
In addition, the bankruptcy, insolvency, administrative and
other laws of the guarantors jurisdictions of organization
may be materially different from, or in conflict with, each
other and those of the United States, including in the areas of
rights of creditors, payment priority of governmental and other
creditors, ability to obtain post-petition interest and duration
of the proceedings. The application of these laws, or any
conflict among them, could (i) call into question whether
any particular jurisdictions law should apply,
(ii) adversely affect your ability to enforce your rights
under the notes and the guarantees in these jurisdictions or
(iii) limit amounts that you may receive.
The laws of certain of the jurisdictions in which the subsidiary
guarantors are organized limit the ability of these subsidiaries
to guarantee debt of a sister company. These limitations arise
under various provisions or principles of corporate law, which
include, among others, provisions requiring a sister guarantor
to receive adequate corporate benefit from the financing that is
being guaranteed.
If these limitations were not observed, the guarantees of the
notes by these subsidiary guarantors would be subject to legal
challenge. In these jurisdictions, the guarantees of the notes
will contain language providing that the guarantee will not be
construed so as to give rise to a violation of the limitations
imposed by applicable local law. Accordingly, if you were to
enforce the guarantees of the notes of the subsidiary guarantors
in these jurisdictions, your claims may be limited. Furthermore,
although we believe that the guarantees of the notes of these
subsidiary guarantors are enforceable (subject to such local law
restrictions), there can be no assurance that a third-party
creditor would not challenge these guarantees of the notes and
prevail in court.
Under U.S. federal bankruptcy laws or comparable provisions
of state fraudulent transfer laws, the issuance of the
guarantees by the U.S. subsidiary guarantors could be
avoided, if, among other things, at the time the
U.S. subsidiary guarantors issued the related guarantees,
the applicable subsidiary guarantor:
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incurred the obligations under the guarantees with an actual
intent to hinder, delay or defraud any present or future
creditor; or |
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received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair
consideration for the obligations incurred under the
guarantees; and |
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was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the incurrence
of such obligations; |
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was engaged in a business or transaction for which its remaining
assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or |
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intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond
its ability to pay as such debts mature. |
The measures of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing
considerations will vary depending upon the law applied in any
proceeding with respect to the foregoing. Generally, however, a
U.S. subsidiary guarantor would be considered insolvent if:
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the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was
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amount that would be required to pay its probable liabilities on
its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they
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it could not pay its debts as they become due. |
By its terms, the guarantee of each U.S. subsidiary
guarantor will limit the liability of each such guarantor to the
maximum amount it can pay without the guarantee being deemed a
fraudulent transfer. CNH Global believes that immediately after
the issuance of the notes by Case New Holland and the issuance
of the note guarantees by the guarantors, CNH Global and each of
the U.S. subsidiary guarantors will be solvent, will have
sufficient capital to carry on their respective businesses and
will be able to pay their respective debts as they mature.
However, there can be no assurance as to what standard a court
would apply in making these determinations or that a court would
reach the same conclusions with regard to these issues. In an
evidentiary ruling in In re W.R. Grace & Co., the
federal bankruptcy court for the District of Delaware held that
under the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, whether a transferor
is rendered insolvent by a transfer depends on the actual
liabilities of the transferor, and not what the transferor knows
about such liabilities at the time of the transfer. Therefore,
under that courts analysis, liabilities that are unknown,
or that are known to exist but whose magnitude is not fully
appreciated at the time of the transfer, may be taken into
account in the context of a future determination of insolvency.
If the principle articulated by that court is upheld, it would
make it very difficult to know whether a transferor is solvent
at the time of transfer, and would increase the risk that a
transfer may in the future be found to be a fraudulent transfer.
CNH Global and CNH Trade N.V., two of the guarantors, are
incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands. Any insolvency
proceedings applicable to them may be governed by Dutch
insolvency laws. Dutch insolvency laws differ significantly from
the insolvency laws of the United States and may make it more
difficult for holders of the notes to recover the amount in
respect of the guarantees that they would have recovered in a
liquidation or bankruptcy proceeding in the United States. There
are two corporate insolvency regimes under Dutch law:
(1) moratorium of payment (surseance van betaling), which
is intended to facilitate the reorganization of a debtors
debts and enable the debtor to continue as a going concern, and
(2) bankruptcy (faillissement), which is primarily designed
to liquidate and distribute the assets of a debtor to its
creditors.
Unlike Chapter 11 proceedings under the
U.S. bankruptcy law, during which both secured and
unsecured creditors generally are barred from seeking to recover
on their claims, during moratorium of payment proceedings,
certain secured creditors (including the senior lenders as
secured creditors under the senior credit facilities) and
preferential creditors may seek to satisfy their claims by
proceeding against the assets that secure their claims or to
which they have preferential rights. Therefore, a recovery under
Dutch law could
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involve a sale of the assets in a manner that does not reflect
their respective going concern value. Consequently, Dutch
insolvency laws could preclude or inhibit a restructuring and
could reduce any recovery you might obtain in an insolvency
proceeding.
In connection with Dutch bankruptcy proceedings, the assets of a
debtor are generally liquidated and the proceeds distributed to
the debtors creditors on the basis of the relative
priority of the claims of those creditors and, to the extent
claims of certain creditors have equal priority, in proportion
to the amount of such claims. Certain parties, such as secured
creditors (including senior lenders as secured creditors under
senior credit facilities), will benefit from special rights. For
example, secured creditors such as pledgees and mortgagees may
enforce their rights separately from bankruptcy. In addition,
any claims you may have may be limited depending on the date
they become due and payable. All unsecured, pre-bankruptcy
claims are submitted to a receiver (curator) for
verification, and the receiver makes a determination as to the
existence, ranking and value of the claim and whether and to
what extent it should be admitted in the bankruptcy proceedings.
Creditors that wish to dispute the verification of their claims
by the receiver will need to commence a court proceeding.
Although no interest is payable in respect of unsecured claims
as of the date of a bankruptcy, if the net present value of a
claim of a holder needs to be determined, such determination
will in most cases be made by taking into account the agreed
payment date and interest rate.
The performance of a due obligation prior to the bankruptcy of a
debtor may be avoided if the creditor knew that a petition for
the bankruptcy of the debtor had been filed or, in certain
circumstances, where the performance of the obligation resulted
from consultation between the debtor and the creditor with a
view to creating a preference over other creditors of the debtor.
In addition, a transaction that a creditor entered into
voluntarily is subject to avoidance if the debtor knew or should
have known that the transaction would prejudice one or more of
its other creditors. Such knowledge is assumed by law if the
transaction has been entered into less than one year prior to
the bankruptcy of the debtor. If the transaction is entered into
for consideration, it may only be avoided if the creditor also
knew or should have known that the transaction would prejudice
the debtors other creditors. Knowledge of the creditor and
the debtor that a transaction would prejudice other creditors of
the debtor is presumed by law if such transaction has been
entered into less than one year prior to the bankruptcy of the
debtor or within one year before the date the claim for
fraudulent conveyance is made, unless the transaction is entered
into pursuant to an obligation existing prior to such one year
period, if it is also established that one of the conditions
referred to in article 3:46 of the Dutch Civil Code or,
respectively, article 43 of the Dutch Bankruptcy Act is
fulfilled. These conditions include, but are not limited to,
situations where (i) the value of the obligation of the
debtor materially exceeds the value of the obligation of the
creditor; (ii) the debtor pays or grants security for debts
which are not yet due; (iii) an agreement is made or an
obligation arises from one legal entity to another if a director
of one of these legal entities is also a director of the other;
or (iv) an agreement is made with a group company.
Under Dutch law, a transaction entered into by any legal entity
may be avoided by that entity if such transaction is beyond the
corporate purpose of such entity and is therefore ultra vires.
Since CNH Trade N.V. is not a shareholder of Case New Holland,
the guarantee by CNH Trade N.V. may be considered ultra vires if
entering into the guarantee was not considered to be in the best
interests of CNH Trade N.V. In the event that the guarantee by
CNH Trade N.V. is determined to be ultra vires, such guarantee
may be declared null and void.
Although CNH Trade N.V. believes that entering into the
guarantee is not ultra vires, there is limited law and
jurisprudence on this issue. Therefore, there can be no
assurance that the guarantee by CNH Trade N.V. would not be
considered ultra vires and declared null and void.
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CNH Deutschland GmbH, a guarantor, is incorporated in Germany.
Consequently, in the event of its insolvency, insolvency
proceedings may be initiated in Germany. Such proceedings would
then be governed by German law.
Under German law insolvency proceedings can be initiated either
by the debtor or by a creditor in the event of over-indebtedness
(Überschuldung) of the debtor (i.e., where its liabilities
exceed the value of its assets) or in the event that the debtor
is unable to pay its debts as and when they fall due
(Zahlungsunfähigkeit). In addition, the debtor can file for
insolvency proceedings if it is imminently at risk of being
unable to pay its debts as and when they fall due (drohende
Zahlungsunfähigkeit). The insolvency proceedings are court
controlled, and the court opens the insolvency proceedings if
certain formal requirements are met and if there are sufficient
assets to cover at least the cost of the proceedings. The court
appoints an insolvency administrator who, once the main
insolvency proceedings have been opened, has full power to
dispose of the debtors assets, whereas the debtor is no
longer entitled to dispose of its assets.
All creditors, whether secured or unsecured (unless they have a
right to separate an asset from the insolvency estate
(Aussonderungsrecht)), who wish to assert claims against the
debtor need to participate in the insolvency proceedings. Any
individual enforcement action brought against the debtor by any
of its creditors is subject to an automatic stay once insolvency
proceedings have been opened and, under certain circumstances,
once an insolvency petition has been filed. In the insolvency
proceedings, however, secured creditors have certain
preferential rights. If CNH Deutschland GmbH grants security
over its assets such security may result in a preferred
treatment of creditors secured by such security. Certain
creditors who are secured by a pledge over a claim, or over a
movable asset that such secured creditors have in their
possession, are entitled to enforce their security interest by
themselves. Other security interests are enforced by the
insolvency administrator. In case of an enforcement by the
insolvency administrator, the enforcement proceeds less certain
contributory charges for (i) assessing the value of the
secured assets and (ii) realizing the secured assets are
paid to the creditor holding a security interest in the relevant
collateral up to an amount equal to its secured claims. In any
event, the remaining amount, if any, will be distributed among
the unsecured creditors who are satisfied on a pro rata basis
only. The proceeds resulting from the realization of the
insolvency estate (Insolvenzmasse) of CNH Deutschland GmbH may
not be sufficient to satisfy unsecured creditors under the
guarantees granted by CNH Deutschland GmbH after the secured
creditors have been satisfied. A different distribution of
enforcement proceeds can be proposed in an insolvency plan
(Insolvenzplan) that can be submitted by the debtor or the
insolvency administrator and which requires, among others, the
consent of the debtor and the consent of each class of creditors
in accordance with specific majority rules.
In addition, under German insolvency laws, the insolvency
administrator (Insolvenzverwalter) or a creditor may, under
certain circumstances, avoid transactions effected for the
benefit of the holders of the notes including payments of
amounts to the holders of the notes or the granting of security
for their benefit. If such transactions were successfully
avoided, the holders of the notes would be under an obligation
to repay the amounts received or to waive the relevant guarantee.
CNH U.K. Limited and New Holland Holding Limited, two of the
guarantors, are incorporated under English law. Accordingly,
insolvency proceedings with respect to these subsidiaries may
proceed under, and be governed by, U.K. insolvency law. Despite
recent changes to U.K. insolvency law, the procedural and
substantive provisions of U.K. insolvency law remain generally
more favorable to secured creditors than comparable provisions
of U.S. law. These provisions afford debtors and unsecured
creditors only limited protection from the claims of secured
creditors. It will generally not be possible for the U.K.
guarantors or their unsecured creditors to prevent secured
creditors with security interests that are superior to the
security interests of holders of notes from enforcing their
security to repay the debts due to them. Although liquidators
and administrators have, under U.K. insolvency law, an
obligation to act in the interests of all creditors our
14
secured creditors will have priority over the assets securing
their debt. As a result, your ability to realize claims against
us with respect to your notes if the U.K. guarantors become
insolvent may be more limited than under U.S. and other laws.
In addition, under U.K. insolvency law, the U.K.
guarantors liabilities in respect of the notes may also,
in the event of insolvency or similar proceedings, rank junior
to some of its other debts that are entitled to priority under
U.K. law. These debts entitled to priority may include
(a) amounts owed in respect of occupational pension
schemes, (b) certain amounts owed to employees and
(c) liquidation or administration expenses.
Any interest accruing under or in respect of the notes in
respect of any period after the commencement of liquidation or
administration proceedings would only be recoverable by holders
of the notes from any surplus remaining after payment of all
other debts proved in such liquidation or administration and
accrued and unpaid interest up to the date of the commencement
of proceedings.
A liquidator or administrator of a U.K. guarantor could apply to
the court to rescind the issuance of its guarantee if such
liquidator or administrator believed that issuance of such
guarantee constituted a transaction at less than market value.
Under U.K. insolvency law, the liquidator or administrator of a
company may, among other things, apply to the court to rescind a
transaction entered into by a company, if such company was
insolvent (as defined in the U.K. Insolvency Act 1986) at the
time of, or if it became insolvent in consequence of, the
transaction and enters into a formal insolvency process (of
liquidation or administration) within two years of the
completion of the transaction. A transaction might be subject to
such rescission if it involved a gift by a company or if a
company received consideration of significantly less value than
the benefit given by such company. A court generally will not
intervene, however, if a company entered into the transaction in
good faith for the purpose of carrying on its business and that
at the time it did so there were reasonable grounds for
believing the transaction would benefit such company.
We believe that the guarantee given by each U.K. guarantor will
not be provided in a transaction at less than fair value and
that the guarantee will be provided in good faith for the
purposes of carrying on the business of the guarantor and its
subsidiaries and that there are reasonable grounds for believing
that the transactions will benefit the guarantor. There can be
no assurance, however, that the provisions of the guarantees by
the U.K. guarantors will not be challenged by a liquidator or
administrator or that a court would support our analysis.
CNH Canada, Ltd., one of the guarantors, is organized under
Canadian law. The granting of the guarantee of the notes by CNH
Canada, Ltd. may be subject to review under applicable Canadian
federal or provincial law if a bankruptcy or lawsuit is
commenced by or on behalf of CNH Canada, Ltd.s unpaid
creditors. Under such laws, if a court were to find that, at the
time such guarantor incurred the guarantee of the notes, such
guarantor:
either:
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incurred the guarantee of the notes with the intent of
defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding current or future
creditors; or |
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received less than the fair market value for incurring the
guarantee of the notes, and such guarantor: |
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was insolvent, was rendered insolvent by giving the guarantee or
becomes subject to an insolvency proceeding within one year of
giving the guarantee; |
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is insolvent or unable to pay its debts in full or knows that it
is on the eve of insolvency and incurred the guarantee of the
notes with the intent of giving an unjust preference over other
creditors; or |
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intended to give a creditor a preference over other creditors,
if such transaction was made within one year of the date of
bankruptcy, |
15
then the court could avoid the guarantee of such guarantor or
subordinate the amounts owing under such guarantee to such
guarantors presently existing or future debt or take
actions detrimental to you.
Generally, a company would be considered insolvent according to
Canadian bankruptcy and insolvency laws if, at the time it
incurs the debt or issues the guarantee:
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the company is for any reason unable to meet its obligations as
they generally become due; |
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the company has ceased paying its current obligations in the
ordinary course of business as they generally become due; or |
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the aggregate of the companys property is not, at a fair
valuation, sufficient, or if disposed of at a fairly conducted
sale under legal process, would not be sufficient to enable
payment of all its obligations, due and accruing due. |
If the guarantee is avoided as a reviewable transaction,
settlement, preference or fraudulent conveyance or found to be
unenforceable for any other reason, you will not have a claim
against that guarantor and will only be a creditor of Case New
Holland or any guarantor whose obligation was not set aside or
found to be unenforceable.
Bill C-55, An Act to establish the Wage Earner Protection
Program Act, to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the
Companies Creditors Arrangement Act and to make
consequential amendments to other Acts, received Royal
Assent on Friday, November 25, 2005, but has yet to be
proclaimed in force and will be ineffective until such time.
There is no certainty that such legislation will be proclaimed
into force or, if proclaimed into force, when this will occur
and whether or not it will be proclaimed in force as currently
encacted or with companion amending legislation.
As currently drafted, Bill C-55 will not ultimately change the
summary described above, although it will repeal the concepts of
reviewable transactions and settlements
under federal bankruptcy law. Bill C-55 as currently drafted
will also significantly modify existing bankruptcy legislation
by providing that if a court finds that the guarantor received
conspicuously less than the fair market value for incurring the
guarantee of the notes, the court may give judgment to the
trustee in bankruptcy against any party to the transaction that
was not at arms length to the guarantor, against any other
person being privy to the transaction with the guarantor or
against all those persons for the difference between the actual
consideration given or received by the guarantor and the fair
market value, as determined by the court, for incurring the
guarantee of the notes, if the giving of the guarantee occurs
within one year of the date of the bankruptcy of the guarantor,
regardless of whether or not the guarantor was insolvent at the
time of giving the guarantee or rendered insolvent by giving the
guarantee. Such a judgement may also be given if the giving of
the guarantee occurs within five years of the date of the
bankruptcy of the guarantor and such guarantor was insolvent at
the time of, or was rendered insolvent by, the giving of the
guarantee, or such guarantor intended to defeat the interests of
creditors.
New Holland Tractor Limited N.V. and CNH Belgium N.V., two of
the guarantors, are governed by Belgium law. As a rule, under
Belgian law all transactions (including guarantees) prior to the
date of bankruptcy remain valid. However, a Belgian bankruptcy
judgment may contain a hardening period of a maximum of
6 months, or the Bankruptcy Court may decide later to
introduce such a hardening period. Certain transactions that
occur during this hardening period can be declared unenforceable
against the bankrupt estate. Such a hardening period can only be
imposed by the Bankruptcy Court when there are clear indications
that the Belgian subsidiary was in a situation of suspension of
payment before the date of bankruptcy.
16
The receiver of the bankrupt Belgian subsidiaries may request
the Bankruptcy Court to declare the guarantee unenforceable
against the bankrupt estate (article 17 Bankruptcy Code) if the
guarantee has been entered into during the hardening period and
can be qualified as:
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a transaction with third parties which is entered into without
due consideration or on extremely beneficial terms; |
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a payment which was not yet due or a payment other than in money
for debts due; and |
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a security interest which is provided during the hardening
period for old debts. |
In addition, the receiver may request the Bankruptcy Court to
declare the guarantee which could be qualified as a payment of
due debts by the Belgian subsidiary unenforceable against the
bankrupt estate if the third party was aware of the suspension
of payment of the company (article 18 Bankruptcy Code).
Regardless of any declaration by the Bankruptcy Court of a
hardening period, transactions entered into with fraudulent
prejudice to other creditors may be declared unenforceable
against the bankrupt estate (article 20 Bankruptcy Code).
Certain secured and privileged creditors shall enjoy special
rights in the event of a bankruptcy of a Belgium subsidiary, and
their debts shall enjoy a higher ranking than unsecured debts.
Furthermore, certain secured creditors, for example creditors
benefiting from security interests over financial instruments,
shall be able to enforce their rights notwithstanding any
bankruptcy proceedings.
The obligations of the Belgian subsidiaries may be frozen and
reduced in accordance with Belgian moratorium procedures
(similar to Chapter 11 procedures in the United States) in
accordance with Belgian Moratorium Law.
A transaction entered into by a Belgian subsidiary which is
outside the corporate interest of such company can
be declared null and void. The Belgian subsidiaries believe that
entering into the guarantees is within their corporate
interest. However, there are no laws, conclusive case law
or clear jurisprudence to indicate with certainty that the
guarantees are within the corporate interest of the Belgian
subsidiaries and, consequently, there remains a risk that the
guarantees would fall outside the corporate interest
and would be declared null and void.
CNH Australia Pty Ltd, one of the guarantors, is incorporated in
Australia. Under Australian insolvency law, the liquidator of an
Australian incorporated guarantor may seek to challenge the
guarantee given by that Australian guarantor if the guarantee
was an insolvent transaction and an uncommercial transaction.
The guarantee will be an uncommercial transaction of an
Australian guarantor if, and only if, it may be expected that a
reasonable person in the Australian guarantors
circumstances would not have entered into the transaction,
having regard to the benefits (if any) to the Australian
guarantor of entering into the transaction, the detriment to the
company of entering into the transaction, the respective
benefits to other parties to the transaction of entering into it
and any other relevant matter. The transaction would be an
insolvent transaction if it was an uncommercial transaction and
either was entered into when the Australian guarantor was
insolvent or the Australian guarantor becomes insolvent as a
result of entering into the guarantee. A court generally will
not intervene, however, if the Australian guarantor entered into
the transaction when it was solvent and did so in good faith and
for the purpose of carrying on its business and there were
reasonable grounds for believing the transaction would benefit
the Australian guarantor. Under Australian insolvency law,
certain debts rank ahead of general unsecured obligations, such
as those under a guarantee. These include certain liabilities to
taxing authorities and employees.
17
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Certain subsidiaries are not included as guarantor
subsidiaries |
The guarantors of the notes include only CNH Global and certain
of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. However, our historical
consolidated financial information (including our consolidated
financial statements included or incorporated by reference in
this prospectus) and the pro forma consolidated financial
information included or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus are presented on a consolidated basis, including all
of our consolidated subsidiaries. Equipment Operations
consolidated assets reflects the consolidation of all
majority-owned subsidiaries except for CNHs Financial
Services business. CNHs Financial Services business has
been included using the equity method of accounting. The
percentage of our net sales, Equipment Operations consolidated
assets and other financial measures attributable to our
non-guarantor subsidiaries (as compared to our guarantor
subsidiaries) can fluctuate significantly from year to year as a
result of the different drivers affecting our operations in the
geographic regions in which our non-guarantor and guarantor
subsidiaries do business. See Note 23: Supplemental
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of our
consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2005 included in our
Form 20-F for
information relating to the guarantor and non-guarantor
subsidiaries.
Because a substantial portion of our operations are conducted by
the non-guarantor subsidiaries, our cash flow and our ability to
service debt, including our and the guarantor subsidiaries
ability to pay the interest on and principal of the notes when
due, are dependent to a significant extent upon interest
payments, cash dividends and distributions or other transfers
from the non-guarantor subsidiaries. In addition, any payment of
interest, dividends, distributions, loans or advances by the
non-guarantor subsidiaries to us and to the guarantor
subsidiaries, as applicable, could be subject to restrictions on
dividends or repatriation of earnings under applicable local
law, monetary transfer restrictions and foreign currency
exchange regulations in the jurisdictions in which those
non-guarantor subsidiaries operate. Moreover, payments to us and
the guarantor subsidiaries by the non-guarantor subsidiaries
will be contingent upon these subsidiaries earnings.
Our non-guarantor subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal
entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay
any amounts due pursuant to the notes or the guarantees or to
make any funds available herefore, whether by dividends, loans,
distributions or other payments. Any right that we or the
subsidiary guarantors have to receive any assets of any of the
non-guarantor subsidiaries upon the liquidation or
reorganization of those subsidiaries, and the consequent rights
of holders of notes to realize proceeds from the sale of any of
those subsidiaries assets, will be effectively
subordinated to the claims of that subsidiarys creditors,
including trade creditors and holders of debt of that subsidiary.
The subsidiaries in our Financial Services business (as well as
certain other subsidiaries) may incur substantial additional
secured or unsecured indebtedness.
Holders may not be able to effect service of process within the
United States upon CNH Global or the other
non-U.S. guarantors
or to enforce against them judgments of U.S. courts.
CNH Global is a corporation organized under the laws of The
Netherlands, and certain of the other guarantors are organized
in jurisdictions outside the United States. In addition, some of
the members of its Board of Directors and some of its officers
reside outside the United States. As a result, you may not be
able to effect service of process within the United States upon
CNH Global or the other
non-U.S. guarantors
or those persons. In addition, you may not be able to enforce
against them, either in the United States or outside the United
States, judgments of U.S. courts, including judgments based
on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal
securities laws. Also, a substantial portion of CNH
Globals assets and the assets of those persons is located
outside the United States; therefore, you may not be able to
collect a judgment within the United States.
18
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Purposes and Effect of the Exchange Offer
We sold the old notes in a private offering in February 2006 to
the initial purchaser thereof, who resold the old notes to
qualified institutional buyers in reliance on
Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United
States to
non-U.S. persons
in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.
In connection with the issuance of the old notes, Case New
Holland, CNH Global, the subsidiary guarantors and the initial
purchaser thereof entered into a registration rights agreement
(the registration rights agreement) for the benefit
of holders of the old notes. The following description of the
registration rights agreement is a summary only. It is not
complete and does not describe all of the provisions of the
registration rights agreement. For more information, you should
review the provisions of the registration rights agreement that
we filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, Case New Holland,
CNH Global and the subsidiary guarantors agreed, at our cost,
for the benefit of the holders of the old notes, to:
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not later than June 30, 2006, file a registration statement
with the SEC with respect to a registered offer to exchange the
old notes for the new notes evidencing the same continuing
indebtedness under, and having terms substantially identical in
all material respects to, the old notes (except that the new
notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer
restrictions) and |
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use reasonable best efforts to cause the exchange offer
registration statement to be declared effective under the
Securities Act not later than 90 days after the date of the
filing of the registration statement. |
Upon the effectiveness of the exchange offer registration
statement, we will offer the new notes in exchange for surrender
of the old notes. We will keep the registered exchange offer
open for not less than 20 business days (or longer if
required by applicable law) and not more than 30 business days
after the date notice of the registered exchange offer is mailed
to the holders of the old notes. For each old note surrendered
to us pursuant to the registered exchange offer, the holder of
such note will receive a new note having a principal amount
equal to that of the surrendered note. Interest on each new note
will accrue from the last interest payment date on which
interest was paid on the old note surrendered in exchange
thereof or, if no interest has been paid on such old note, from
the date of its original issue.
Under existing SEC interpretations, the new notes would be
freely transferable by holders of such notes other than our
affiliates after the registered exchange offer without further
registration under the Securities Act if the holder of the new
notes represents that it is acquiring the new notes in the
ordinary course of its business, that it has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in the distribution
of the new notes and that it is not our affiliate, as such terms
are interpreted by the SEC; provided that broker-dealers
(participating broker-dealers) receiving new notes
in the registered exchange offer will have a prospectus delivery
requirement with respect to resales of such new notes. The SEC
has taken the position that participating broker-dealers may
fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to
new notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the
original sale of the old notes) with the prospectus contained in
the exchange offer registration statement. Under the
registration rights agreement, we are required to allow
participating broker-dealers and other persons, if any, with
similar prospectus delivery requirements to use the prospectus
contained in the exchange offer registration statement in
connection with the resale of such new notes.
A holder of old notes (other than certain specified holders) who
wishes to exchange such notes for new notes in the registered
exchange offer is required to represent that any new notes to be
received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its
business and that at the time of the commencement of the
registered exchange offer it has no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in the distribution (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) of the new notes and that it is
not our affiliate, as defined in
19
Rule 405 of the Securities Act, or if it is an affiliate,
that it will comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent
applicable.
In the event that:
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applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC do not permit
us to effect such a registered exchange offer, |
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for any other reason the exchange offer registration statement
is not declared effective within 90 days after the date of
the filing of the registration statement or the registered
exchange offer is not consummated within 120 days after the
exchange offer registration statement is filed, |
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(iii) |
the initial purchaser so requests with respect to old notes not
eligible to be exchanged for new notes in the registered
exchange offer or |
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any holder of old notes (other than the initial purchaser) is
not eligible to participate in the registered exchange offer or
does not receive freely tradeable new notes in the registered
exchange offer other than by reason of such holder being an
affiliate of us (it being understood that the requirement that a
participating broker-dealer deliver the prospectus contained in
the new offer registration statement in connection with sales of
new notes shall not result in such new notes being not
freely tradeable), |
we will, at our cost,
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as promptly as practicable, file a registration statement (the
shelf registration statement) covering resales of
the old notes or the new notes, as the case may be, |
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cause the shelf registration statement to be declared effective
under the Securities Act and |
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use our reasonably best efforts to keep the shelf registration
statement effective until two years after its effective date. |
We will, in the event a shelf registration statement is filed,
among other things, provide to each holder for whom such shelf
registration statement was filed copies of the prospectus which
is a part of the shelf registration statement, notify each such
holder when the shelf registration statement has become
effective and take certain other actions as are required to
permit unrestricted resales of the old notes or the new notes,
as the case may be. A holder selling such old notes or new notes
pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally would be
required to be named as a selling security holder in the related
prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be
subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the
Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound
by the provisions of the registration rights agreement which are
applicable to such holder (including certain indemnification
obligations).
If
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on or prior to June 30, 2006, neither the exchange offer
registration statement nor the shelf registration statement has
been filed with the SEC, |
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(b) |
on or prior to the 91st day following the date of the
filing of the registration statement, neither the exchange offer
registration statement nor the shelf registration statement has
been declared effective, |
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(c) |
on or prior to the 121st day after the exchange offer
registration statement is filed, the registered exchange offer
has not been consummated, |
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notwithstanding that Case New Holland has consummated the
exchange offer, if Case New Holland is required to file a shelf
registration statement, the shelf registration statement is not
filed or has not been declared effective within the time periods
provided for in the registration rights agreement, or |
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(e) |
after either the exchange offer registration statement or the
shelf registration statement has been declared effective, such
registration statement thereafter ceases to be effective or
usable (subject to |
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certain exceptions) in connection with resales of old notes or
new notes in accordance with and during the periods specified in
the registration rights agreement |
(each such event referred to in clauses (a) through (e), a
registration default), interest (additional
interest) will accrue on the principal amount of the old
notes and the new notes (in addition to the stated interest on
the old notes and the new notes) from and including the date on
which any such registration default shall occur to but excluding
the date on which all registration defaults have been cured.
Additional interest will accrue at a rate of 0.25% per
annum during the 90-day
period immediately following the occurrence of such registration
default and shall increase by 0.25% per annum at the end of
each subsequent 90-day
period, but in no event shall such rate exceed 1.0% per
annum.
Resale of the New Notes
Based on an interpretation by the staff of the SEC set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that,
unless you are a broker-dealer or an affiliate of us, you may
offer for resale, resell or otherwise transfer the new notes
issued to you pursuant to the exchange offer without compliance
with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act, provided that you acquire the new notes
in the ordinary course of business and you do not intend to
participate in and have no arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate in the distribution of the new notes.
If you are an affiliate of us or if you tender in the exchange
offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of
participating, in a distribution of the new notes, you may not
rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated in Exxon
Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988) and
Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated (available
June 5, 1991), or similar no-action letters, but rather
must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction. In addition, any such resale transaction should be
covered by an effective registration statement containing the
selling security holder information required by Item 507 or
508, as applicable, of
Regulation S-K of
the Securities Act.
Any broker-dealer that resells the new notes that were received
by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any
broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of new
notes may be deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act. Accordingly, each broker-dealer
that receives new notes for its own account in exchange for old
notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer
as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus
in connection with any resale of such new notes. See Plan
of Distribution.
By tendering in the exchange offer, you represent to us that,
among other things:
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(1) |
you are acquiring the new notes in the ordinary course of
business; |
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(2) |
you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in a distribution of the old notes or the new notes; |
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(3) |
you are not an affiliate of us (as defined under the
Securities Act) or if you are an affiliate of us, that you will
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable; |
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(4) |
you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the
distribution of the new notes; and |
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(5) |
if you are a broker-dealer that will receive new notes for your
own account in exchange for any old notes that were acquired by
you as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities: |
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(a) |
you cannot rely on the no-action letters described above; and |
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you will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale of the new notes. |
21
Terms of the Exchange Offer
Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the exchange
offer, we will accept any and all old notes properly tendered
and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration date. We will
promptly issue the new notes following expiration of the
exchange offer. See Conditions to the Exchange
Offer and Procedures for
Tendering. We will issue $1,000 principal amount of new
notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of old notes
accepted in the exchange offer. As of the date of this
prospectus, there is $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
old notes outstanding. Holders may tender some or all of their
old notes pursuant to the exchange offer. However, old notes may
be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000. The exchange
offer is not conditioned upon any number or aggregate principal
amount of old notes being tendered.
The form and terms of the new notes will be the same in all
material respects as the form and terms of the old notes, except
that the new notes will be registered under the Securities Act
and therefore will not bear legends restricting their transfer.
The new notes will evidence the same debt as the old notes and
will be issued pursuant to, and entitled to the benefits of, the
applicable indenture pursuant to which the old notes were
issued. Old notes that are accepted for exchange will be
cancelled and retired.
Interest on the new notes will accrue from the most recent date
to which interest has been paid on the old notes or, if no
interest has been paid on the old notes, the issue date.
Accordingly, registered holders of new notes on the relevant
record date for the first interest payment date following the
completion of the exchange offer will receive interest accruing
from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if
no interest has been paid on the old notes, the issue date. Old
notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue interest from
and after the date the exchange offer closes. If your old notes
are accepted for exchange, you will not receive any payment in
respect of interest on the old notes for which the record date
occurs on or after completion of the exchange offer.
You do not have any appraisal or dissenters rights under
the indenture in connection with the exchange offer. We intend
to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions
of the registration rights agreement. If you do not tender for
exchange or if your tender is not accepted, the old notes will
remain outstanding and you will be entitled to the benefits of
the applicable indenture, but will not be entitled to any
registration rights under the registration rights agreement.
For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have
accepted validly tendered old notes when, and if, we have given
oral or written notice thereof to the exchange agent. The
exchange agent will act as our agent for the purpose of
distributing the appropriate new notes from us to the tendering
holders. If we do not accept any tendered old notes because of
an invalid tender or the occurrence of certain other events set
forth in this prospectus, we will return the unaccepted old
notes, without expense, to the tendering holder thereof promptly
after the expiration date.
If you tender your old notes in the exchange offer, you will not
be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to
the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes
with respect to the exchange of old notes pursuant to the
exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than
certain applicable taxes described below, in connection with the
exchange offer. See Fees and Expenses
below.
Expiration Date; Extension; Termination; Amendments
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on July 21, 2006, unless extended (the
expiration date). We reserve the right to extend the
exchange offer at our discretion (subject to the requirements of
the registration rights agreement), in which event the term
expiration date shall mean the time and date on
which the exchange offer as so extended shall expire. We will
notify the exchange agent of any extension by oral or written
notice and will make a public announcement of any extension and
specify the principal amount of old notes tendered to date, each
prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next
22
business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. We
reserve the right, in our sole discretion (subject to the
requirements of the registration rights agreement), to:
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(1) |
delay accepting for exchange any old notes for new notes or to
extend or terminate the exchange offer and not accept for
exchange any old notes for new notes if any of the events set
forth under Conditions of the Exchange
Offer occur and we do not waive the condition by giving
oral or written notice of the delay or termination to the
exchange agent; or |
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(2) |
amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner. |
We will not delay payment of accepted old notes after the
expiration date other than in anticipation of our receipt of any
necessary government approvals.
Any delay in acceptance for exchange, extension or amendment
will be followed as promptly as practicable by a public
announcement of the delay. If we amend the exchange offer in a
manner we determine constitutes a material change, we will
promptly disclose the amendment in a manner reasonably
calculated to inform the holders of old notes of the amendment,
and we will extend the exchange offer for a period of five to
ten business days, depending upon the significance of the
amendment and the manner of disclosure to the holders of the old
notes, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire during that
five to ten business day period. If we change the consideration
being offered or the percentage of old notes being sought in the
exchange offer, we will keep the exchange offer open for at
least ten business days from the date on which we provide notice
to holders of the old notes. The rights we have reserved in this
paragraph are in addition to our rights set forth under
Conditions of the Exchange Offer.
Conditions of the Exchange Offer
Our obligation to consummate the exchange offer is not subject
to any conditions other than that the exchange offer does not
violate any applicable law or applicable interpretation of the
SEC staff. Accordingly, we will not be required to accept for
exchange any old notes tendered and may terminate or amend the
exchange offer as provided herein before the acceptance of any
old notes if:
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(1) |
any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any
court or by or before any governmental agency or regulatory
authority with respect to the exchange offer which, in our
judgment, could reasonably be expected to materially impair our
ability to proceed with the exchange offer; or |
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(2) |
there shall have been proposed, adopted or enacted any law,
statute, rule, regulation, order or SEC staff interpretation
which, in our judgment, could reasonably be expected to
materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer. |
The foregoing conditions are for our sole benefit and may be
asserted regardless of the circumstances giving rise to the
conditions or may be waived by us in whole or in part at any
time and from time to time in our sole discretion prior to the
expiration date. If we waive or amend the foregoing conditions,
we will, if required by applicable law, extend the exchange
offer for a minimum of five business days from the date that we
first give notice, by public announcement or otherwise, of such
waiver or amendment, if the exchange offer would otherwise
expire within that five business-day period. Our determination
concerning the events described above will be final and binding
upon all parties.
Procedures For Tendering
Only a holder of old notes may tender them in the exchange
offer. To validly tender in the exchange offer by book-entry
transfer, you must deliver an agents message or a
completed and signed letter of transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), together with any required signature guarantees and
any other required documents, to the exchange agent prior to
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, and
the old notes must be tendered pursuant to the procedures for
book-entry transfer set forth below. To validly tender by means
other than book-entry transfer, you must deliver a completed and
signed letter of transmittal (or facsimile thereof),
23
together with any required signature guarantees and any other
required documents and the old notes, to the exchange agent
prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration
date.
Any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs
Book-Entry Transfer Facility system may make book-entry delivery
of the old notes by causing DTC to transfer the old notes into
the exchange agents account in accordance with DTCs
ATOP procedures for transfer. However, although delivery of old
notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the
exchange agents account at DTC, an agents message or
a completed and signed letter of transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), with any required signature guarantees and any other
required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and
received or confirmed by the exchange agent at its addresses set
forth under Exchange Agent prior to
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, or
the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth below must be
complied with. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC IN ACCORDANCE WITH
DTCS PROCEDURES DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE
EXCHANGE AGENT.
The term agents message means, with respect to
any tendered old notes, a message transmitted by DTC to and
received by the exchange agent and forming part of a book-entry
confirmation, stating that DTC has received an express
acknowledgment from each tendering participant to the effect
that, with respect to those old notes, the participant has
received and agrees to be bound by the letter of transmittal and
that we may enforce the letter of transmittal against the
participant. The term book-entry confirmation means
a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of old notes into
the exchange agents account at DTC.
If you tender an old note, and do not validly withdraw your
tender, your actions will constitute an agreement with us in
accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.
The method of delivery of your old notes and the letter of
transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange
agent is at your election and risk. Instead of delivery by mail,
we recommend that you use an overnight or hand delivery service.
In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure
delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. No
letter of transmittal or old note should be sent to us; instead,
they should be sent to the exchange agent. You may request that
your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or nominee
effect the tender for you.
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal,
as the case may be, must be guaranteed by an eligible
institution (as defined below) unless the old notes are being
tendered:
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(1) |
by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled
Special Issuance Instructions or Special
Delivery Instructions on the letter of transmittal; or |
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for the account of an eligible institution. |
If signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of
withdrawal, as the case may be, are required to be guaranteed,
the guarantee must be by a member of a signature guarantee
program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Exchange Act (an eligible institution).
If the letter of transmittal or any old notes are signed by
trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, those persons should so indicate when
signing, and unless we waive it, evidence satisfactory to us of
their authority to act must be submitted with the letter of
transmittal.
We will determine, in our sole discretion, all questions as to
the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and
acceptance and withdrawal of tendered old notes. Our
determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute
right to reject any and all old notes not properly tendered or
any old notes our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of
our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any
defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular
old notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the
exchange offer (including the instructions in the letter of
transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties.
24
Unless waived, you must cure any defects or irregularities in
connection with tenders of your old notes within a time period
we will determine. Although we intend to request that the
exchange agent notify you of defects or irregularities with
respect to your tender of old notes, we will not, nor will the
exchange agent or any other person, incur any liability for
failure to give you any notification. Tenders of old notes will
not be deemed to have been made until any defects or
irregularities have been cured or waived. Any old notes received
by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to
which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or
waived will be returned by the exchange agent to the tendering
holders, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal,
promptly after the expiration date.
In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion
(subject to the limitations contained in the indenture for the
notes):
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to purchase or make offers for any old notes that remain
outstanding after the expiration date; and |
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to the extent permitted by applicable law, to purchase old notes
that remain outstanding after the expiration date in the open
market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. |
The terms of any purchases or offers could differ from the terms
of the exchange offer.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
If you wish to tender your old notes and either your old notes
are not immediately available, or you cannot deliver your old
notes and other required documents to the exchange agent, or
cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer prior to
the expiration date, you may effect a tender if:
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you make a tender through an eligible institution; |
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prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from
the eligible institution (which may include through DTCs
system and procedures) a properly completed and duly executed
notice of guaranteed delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail
or hand delivery) setting forth your name and address, the CUSIP
number of the old notes, the certificate number(s) of the old
notes (if available) and the principal amount of old notes
tendered together with a duly executed letter of transmittal (or
a facsimile thereof), stating that the tender is being made
thereby and guaranteeing that, within three business days after
the expiration date, the certificate(s) representing the old
notes to be tendered, in proper form for transfer (or a
confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the exchange
agents account at DTC of old notes delivered
electronically) and any other documents required by the letter
of transmittal, will be deposited by the eligible institution
with the exchange agent; and |
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(3) |
the certificate(s) representing all tendered old notes in proper
form for transfer (or confirmation of a book-entry transfer into
the exchange agents account at DTC of old notes delivered
electronically) and all other documents required by the letter
of transmittal are received by the exchange agent within three
business days after the expiration date. |
Upon request to the exchange agent, you will be sent a notice of
guaranteed delivery if you wish to tender your old notes
according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
Withdrawal of Tenders
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may
withdraw any tenders of old notes at any time prior to
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. For
your withdrawal to be effective, the exchange agent must receive
a written or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal (or a
withdrawal through DTCs system and procedures) at its
address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the expiration date, and prior to our acceptance for
exchange. Any notice of withdrawal must:
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specify the name of the person having tendered the old notes to
be withdrawn; |
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identify the old notes to be withdrawn (including the CUSIP
number, certificate number(s), if applicable, and principal
amount of the old notes); |
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(3) |
be signed in the same manner as the old signature on the letter
of transmittal by which the old notes were tendered (including
any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by
documents of transfer sufficient to have the trustee with
respect to the old notes register the transfer of the old notes
into the name of the person withdrawing the tender; and |
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specify the name in which any old notes are to be registered, if
different from that of the person having tendered the old notes. |
We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and
eligibility (including time of receipt) of withdrawal notices in
our sole discretion. This determination shall be final and
binding on all parties. Any old notes so withdrawn will be
deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the
exchange offer and no new notes will be issued with respect to
them unless the old notes so withdrawn are validly re-tendered.
Any old notes which have been tendered but which are not
accepted for exchange or which are withdrawn will be returned to
you, without cost, promptly after withdrawal, rejection of
tender or termination of the exchange offer. You may re-tender
properly withdrawn old notes by following one of the procedures
described above under Procedures for
Tendering at any time prior to the expiration date.
Fees and Expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the
exchange offer. The principal solicitation for tenders pursuant
to the exchange offer is being made by mail; however, additional
solicitation may be made by telephone, telecopy, in person or by
other means by our officers and regular employees and by
officers and employees of our affiliates.
We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the
exchange offer and will not make any payments to brokers,
dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer.
However, we will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary
fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
We may also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees
and fiduciaries the reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by them in forwarding copies of this prospectus,
letters of transmittal and related documents to the beneficial
owners of the old notes and in handling or forwarding tenders
for exchange. We will pay the other expenses incurred in
connection with the exchange offer, including fees and expenses
of the trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing costs.
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the
exchange of old notes pursuant to the exchange offer. If,
however, certificates representing new notes or old notes for
principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to
be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person
other than the registered holder of the old notes tendered, or
if tendered old notes are registered in the name of any person
other than the person signing the letter of transmittal, or if a
transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange
of old notes pursuant to the exchange offer, then the amount of
any transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or
any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If
satisfactory evidence of payment of any taxes or exemption
therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the
amount of any transfer taxes will be billed directly to the
tendering holder.
Consequences of Failure to Exchange
If you do not exchange your old notes in the exchange offer, you
will remain subject to the existing restrictions on transfer of
the old notes. In general, you may not offer or sell the old
notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act or
unless the offer or sale is exempt from the registration
requirements under the Securities Act and applicable state
securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights
agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the old notes
under the Securities Act.
Other Considerations
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary and you should
carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult
your financial and tax advisors in making your decision on what
action to take.
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No person has been authorized to give any information or to make
any representations in connection with the exchange offer other
than those contained in this prospectus. If given or made, that
information or those representations should not be relied upon
as having been authorized by us. Neither the delivery of this
prospectus nor any exchange made pursuant to the exchange offer
will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there
has been no change in our affairs since the respective dates as
of which the information contained in this prospectus is given.
The exchange offer is not being made to (and tenders will not be
accepted from or on behalf of) holders of old notes in any
jurisdiction in which the making of the exchange offer or the
acceptance of the offer would not be in compliance with the laws
of such jurisdiction. However, we intend to take any action we
deem necessary to permit the completion of the exchange offer in
any jurisdiction and to extend the exchange offer to holders of
old notes in that jurisdiction.
We may in the future seek to acquire old notes in open market or
privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange
offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any old
notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer nor to file a
registration statement to permit resales of any old notes.
Accounting Treatment
The new notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the
old notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of
the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or
loss for accounting purposes upon the completion of the exchange
offer. The expenses of the exchange offer will be amortized over
the term of the new notes under accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
Exchange Agent
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. has been appointed as exchange agent for
the exchange offer. All correspondence in connection with the
exchange offer and the letter of transmittal should be addressed
to the exchange agent, as follows:
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By Registered & Certified Mail:
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
Corporate Trust Services
MAC N9303-121
PO Box 1517
Minneapolis, MN 55480
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By Regular Mail or Overnight Courier:
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
Corporate Trust Services
MAC N9303-121
Sixth & Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55479 |
In Person by Hand Only:
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
12th Floor Northstar East Building
Corporate Trust Operations
608 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
By Facsimile (for Eligible Institutions only):
(612) 667-6282
For Information or Confirmation by Telephone:
(800) 344-5128
Requests for additional copies of this prospectus, the letter of
transmittal or related documents should be directed to the
exchange agent.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
new notes offered by this prospectus. In consideration for
issuing the new notes contemplated by this prospectus, we will
receive the old notes in like principal amount, the form and
terms of which are substantially the same as the form and terms
of the new notes (which replace the old notes, except as
otherwise described in this prospectus, and which represent the
same indebtedness). The old notes surrendered in exchange for
the new notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be
reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the new notes will not
result in any increase or decrease in our indebtedness.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
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For the Years Ended December 31, | |
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2005 | |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)
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1.5 |
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1.3 |
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Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by
approximately $198 million, $109 million and
$424 million in the years ended December 31, 2003,
2002 and 2001, respectively. For purposes of determining the
ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings are defined as the
sum of (i) pretax income (loss) from continuing operations
before adjustment for minority interests in consolidated
subsidiaries or income (loss) from equity investees,
(ii) fixed charges, (iii) amortization of capitalized
interest and (iv) distributed income of equity investees,
less (x) interest capitalized and (y) minority
interest in pretax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred
fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of (i) interest
expense, including amortization of premiums, discounts and
capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, (ii) interest
capitalized and (iii) an estimate of the interest component
of rental expense. |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The old notes were, and the new notes will be, issued under an
indenture (the Indenture) dated as of
March 3, 2006 by and among Case New Holland, the Guarantors
and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as trustee (the
Trustee). In the following summary, we refer
to the old notes as the Old Notes and the new notes
as the New Notes.
The following summary of the Indenture does not include all of
the information included in the Indenture and may not include
all of the information that you would consider important. This
summary is qualified by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended (the TIA), and to all of the
provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of terms
therein and those terms made a part of the Indenture by
reference to the TIA as in effect on the date of the Indenture.
A copy of the Indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The definitions of most of the capitalized terms used in the
following summary are set forth below under
Certain Definitions. For purposes of
this section, references to Case New Holland include
only Case New Holland Inc. and not its Subsidiaries and
references to CNH Global include only CNH Global
N.V. and not its Subsidiaries. References to $ and
dollars are to United States dollars. Capitalized
terms as used in this section Description of Notes
may have different meanings than elsewhere in this prospectus
and therefore you should read Certain Definitions
carefully to understand what differences, if any, there may be.
The New Notes will be unsecured obligations of Case New Holland,
ranking senior in right of payment to all future obligations of
Case New Holland that are, by their terms, expressly
subordinated in right of payment to the New Notes and pari
passu in right of payment with all existing and future
unsecured obligations of Case New Holland that are not so
subordinated.
The New Notes will be issued in fully registered form only,
without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. Initially, the Trustee will act as paying
agent and registrar for the New Notes. The New Notes may be
presented for registration or transfer and exchange at the
offices of the registrar, which initially will be the
Trustees corporate trust office. Case New Holland may
change any paying agent and registrar without notice to Holders.
Case New Holland will pay principal (and premium, if any) on the
New Notes at the Trustees corporate office in New York,
New York. Interest may be paid at the Trustees corporate
trust office, by check mailed to the registered address of the
Holders or by wire transfer if instructions therefor are
furnished by a Holder to Case New Holland. Any Old Notes that
remain outstanding after the completion of the exchange offer,
together with the New Notes issued in connection with the
exchange offer, will be treated as a single class of securities
under the Indenture.
For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Description of the Notes or in the
Indenture, the Disposition of all or any portion of the
Financial Services Business, including without limitation
through the Disposition of all or any portion of the Capital
Stock of any Financial Services Subsidiary or Unrestricted
Financial Services Subsidiary or all or any portion of their
respective assets or properties (including, without limitation,
any Permitted Financial Services Disposition), shall not under
any circumstances constitute a sale of all or substantially all
of the assets of CNH Global, CNH Global and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole, any Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary,
for any purposes whatsoever under the Indenture or the Notes.
Principal, Maturity and Interest
In the exchange offer, Case New Holland will issue up to
$500 million aggregate principal amount of the New Notes.
Case New Holland may issue additional Notes from time to time
(the Additional Notes) subject to the
limitations set forth under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock. Any
Additional Notes subsequently issued under the Indenture will be
treated as a single class with the Notes issued in the Offering
for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without
limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to
purchase. The New Notes will mature on March 1, 2014.
Interest on the New Notes will accrue at the rate of
7.125% per annum
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and will be payable semiannually in arrears in cash on each
March 1 and September 1, commencing on
September 1, 2006 to the persons who are registered Holders
at the close of business on February 15 and August 15.
immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date.
Interest on the New Notes will accrue from and including the
most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no
interest has ever been paid, from and including the date of
issuance. Interest will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year comprised
of twelve 30-day months.
The New Notes will not be entitled to the benefit of any
mandatory sinking fund.
Guarantees
The New Notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed by:
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CNH Global; |
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each of the following direct and indirect Subsidiaries of CNH
Global that are not also Subsidiaries of Case New Holland: |
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CNH U.K. Limited |
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New Holland Holding Limited |
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CNH Canada, Ltd. |
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CNH Australia Pty Ltd |
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CNH Belgium N.V. |
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New Holland Tractor Limited N.V. |
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CNH Deutschland GmbH |
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CNH Trade N.V. |
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each of the following direct and indirect Subsidiaries of Case
New Holland: |
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Fiatallis North America LLC |
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HFI Holdings, Inc. |
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BLI Group, Inc. |
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Blue Leaf I.P., Inc. |
The Guarantee of each Guarantor will be a general unsecured
obligation of such Guarantor and will rank senior in right of
payment to all future obligations of such Guarantor that are, by
their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to such
Guarantee and pari passu in right of payment with all
existing and future unsecured Indebtedness of such Guarantor
that are not so subordinated. The New Notes will be effectively
subordinated to the obligations of each of CNH Globals
direct and indirect Subsidiaries that is not a Guarantor of the
New Notes. As of December 31, 2005, such non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries had $3,786 million of outstanding debt,
$720 million of which is debt of Equipment Operations. The
$3,786 million does not include $300 million of debt
owed to Case New Holland or $767 million that other
Financial Services subsidiaries owed to Equipment Operations
subsidiaries.
The Guarantee of a Guarantor (other than the Guarantee of CNH
Global) will be released:
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in connection with any sale or other disposition of all of the
Capital Stock of such Guarantor to a Person other than CNH
Global or any Subsidiary of CNH Global and, prior to the time
the Notes reach Investment Grade Status, so long as the sale
complies with the provisions set forth under
Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset |
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in connection with the sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor, including by
way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, to a Person other
than CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary of CNH Global, and
prior to the time the Notes reach Investment Grade Status, so
long as the sale or disposition complies with the provisions set
forth under Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales; |
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if CNH Global designates such Guarantor to be an Unrestricted
Subsidiary in accordance with the provisions set forth under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; or |
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in the case of any Restricted Subsidiary which after the Issue
Date is required to Guarantee the Notes pursuant to the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Issuance of Subsidiary Guarantees, upon either
(x) the release or discharge of the guarantee of such
Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of CNH Global and Case New
Holland which resulted in the obligation to so Guarantee the
Notes or (y) the Notes reaching Investment Grade Status. |
Except as provided under Certain
Covenants Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Assets, the Guarantee of CNH Global may be released and
discharged only with the consent of each Holder of Notes to
which such Guarantee relates.
The amount of each Guarantee will be limited to the extent
required under applicable fraudulent conveyance laws to cause
such Guarantee to be enforceable.
Additional Amounts
All payments made by CNH Global or any Foreign Subsidiary
Guarantor under or with respect to a Guarantee will be made free
and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on
account of any present or future tax, duty, levy, impost,
assessment or other governmental charge (including penalties,
interest and other liabilities related thereto) (hereinafter,
Taxes) imposed or levied by or on behalf of
the government of The Netherlands or any other jurisdiction in
which any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor is organized or is a
resident for tax purposes or within or through which payment is
made or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency
thereof or therein (any of the aforementioned being a
Taxing Jurisdiction), unless CNH Global or
such Guarantor is required to withhold or deduct any such Taxes
by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof.
If CNH Global or any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor is so required
to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of Taxes from
any payment made under or with respect to a Guarantee of such
Guarantor, CNH Global or such Guarantor, as applicable, will pay
such additional amounts (Additional Amounts)
as may be necessary so that the net amount received by the
Holder of such Note (including Additional Amounts) after such
withholding or deduction of such Taxes will not be less than the
amount such Holder would have received if such Taxes had not
been required to be withheld or deducted; provided,
however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Additional
Amounts will not be paid with respect to:
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any Taxes that would not have been so imposed, deducted or
withheld but for the existence of any present or former
connection between the Holder or beneficial owner of a Note (or
between a fiduciary, settler, beneficiary, member or shareholder
of, or possessor of power over, the Holder or beneficial owner
of such Note, if the Holder or beneficial owner is an estate,
nominee, trust, partnership or corporation) and the relevant
Taxing Jurisdiction (other than the mere receipt of such payment
or the ownership or holding of the execution, delivery,
registration or enforcement of such Note); |
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any estate, inheritance, gift, sales excise, transfer or
personal property tax or similar tax, assessment or governmental
charge, subject to the last paragraph of this covenant; |
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any Taxes payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding
from payments under or with respect to the Guarantee of such
Note; |
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any Taxes that would not have been so imposed, deducted or
withheld if the Holder or beneficial owner of the Note or
beneficial owner of any payment on the Guarantee of such Note
had (i) made a declaration of non-residence, or any other
claim or filing for exemption, to which it is entitled or
(ii) complied with any certification, identification,
information, documentation or other reporting requirement
concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection
with the relevant Taxing |
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Jurisdiction of such Holder or beneficial owner of such Note or
any payment on such Note (provided that (x) such
declaration of non-residence or other claim or filing for
exemption or such compliance is required by the applicable law
of the Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from,
or reduction in the rate of the imposition, deduction or
withholding of, such Taxes and (y) at least 30 days
prior to the first payment date with respect to which such
declaration of non-residence or other claim or filing for
exemption or such compliance is required under the applicable
law of the Taxing Jurisdiction, Holders at that time have been
notified by CNH Global, any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor or any
other person through whom payment may be made that a declaration
of non-residence or other claim or filing for exemption or such
compliance is required to be made); |
|
|
(5) |
any Taxes that would not have been so imposed, deducted or
withheld if the beneficiary of the payment had presented the
Note for payment within 30 days after the date on which
such payment or such Note became due and payable or the date on
which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever is later
(except to the extent that the Holder would have been entitled
to Additional Amounts had the Note been presented on the last
day of such 30-day
period); |
|
|
(6) |
any payment under or with respect to a Note to any Holder that
is a fiduciary or partnership or any person other than the sole
beneficial owner of such payment or Note, to the extent that a
beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary, a member
of such partnership or the beneficial owner of such payment, or
Note would not have been entitled to the Additional Amounts had
such beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner been the
actual Holder of such Note; |
|
|
(7) |
any note where such withholding or deduction is imposed on a
payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to
Council Directive 2003/48/ EC of June 3, 2003 on taxation
of savings income in the form of interest payments or any law
implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to
conform to, that Directive; or |
|
|
(8) |
any combination of items (1) through (7) above. |
The foregoing provisions shall survive any termination or
discharge of the Indenture and shall apply mutatis mutandis
to any Taxing Jurisdiction with respect to any successor
Person to CNH Global or a Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor.
CNH Global or the applicable Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor will
also make any applicable withholding or deduction and remit the
full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority in
accordance with applicable law. CNH Global or the applicable
Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor will furnish to the Trustee, within
30 days after the date the payment of any Taxes deducted or
withheld is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of
tax receipts or, if such tax receipts are not reasonably
available to CNH Global or such Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor,
such other documentation that provides reasonable evidence of
such payment by CNH Global or such Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor.
Copies of such receipts or other documentation will be made
available to the Holders or the paying agents, as applicable,
upon request.
At least 30 days prior to each date on which any payment
under or with respect to any Notes is due and payable, unless
such obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises after the
30th day prior to such date, in which case it shall be
promptly paid thereafter, if CNH Global or any Foreign
Subsidiary Guarantor will be obligated to pay Additional Amounts
with respect to such payment, CNH Global or such Foreign
Subsidiary Guarantor will deliver to the Trustee and the paying
agent an officers certificate stating the fact that such
Additional Amounts will be payable and the amounts so payable
and will set forth such other information necessary to enable
such Trustee and paying agent to pay such Additional Amounts to
Holders of such Notes on the payment date. Each officers
certificate shall be relied upon until receipt of a further
officers certificate addressing such matters.
Whenever in the Indenture or in this Description of the
Notes there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of
principal, premium, if any, interest or of any other amount
payable under or with respect to any Note, such mention shall be
deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts
to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are,
were or would be payable in respect thereof.
32
CNH Global and the Foreign Subsidiary Guarantors will pay any
present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes or any other
excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that arise
in any jurisdiction from the execution, delivery, enforcement or
registration of their respective Guarantees of the Notes, the
Indenture or any other document or instrument in relation
thereto, excluding all such taxes, charges or similar levies
imposed by any jurisdiction outside the United States in which
CNH Global, any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor or any successor
Person is organized or resident for tax purposes or any
jurisdiction in which a paying agent is located, and CNH Global
and the Foreign Subsidiary Guarantors will agree to indemnify
the Holders of the Notes for any such non-excluded taxes paid by
such Holders.
Redemption
The Notes will be redeemable, at Case New Hollands option,
in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after
March 1, 2010 at the following redemption prices (expressed
as percentages of the principal amount thereof) if redeemed
during the twelve-month period commencing on March 1 of the
applicable year set forth below, plus, in each case, accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
Percentage | |
|
|
| |
2010
|
|
|
103.563 |
% |
2011
|
|
|
101.781 |
% |
2012 and thereafter
|
|
|
100.000 |
% |
In addition, on or prior to March 1, 2010, Case New Holland
may redeem the Notes, at its option, in whole at any time or in
part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, to the redemption date, plus the Make-Whole Premium (a
Make-Whole Redemption).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time, or from time to
time, on or prior to March 1, 2009, Case New Holland may,
at its option, use all or any portion of the net cash proceeds
of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings (as defined below) to
redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
issued at a redemption price equal to 107.125% of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
date of redemption; provided that at least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued remains
outstanding immediately after any such redemption. In order to
effect the foregoing redemption with the proceeds of any
Qualified Equity Offering, Case New Holland shall consummate
such redemption not more than 120 days after the
consummation of any such Qualified Equity Offering.
As used in the preceding paragraph, Qualified Equity
Offering means any public or private offering of
Qualified Capital Stock of CNH Global (other than any such
offering to a Subsidiary of CNH Global) to the extent that the
net cash proceeds therefrom are contributed to the common equity
capital of Case New Holland or are used to subscribe from
Case New Holland shares of its Qualified Capital Stock.
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|
Redemption of Notes for Changes in Withholding
Taxes |
Case New Holland may, at its option, redeem all, but not less
than all, of the then outstanding Notes at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued
and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. This
redemption applies only if at such time CNH Global or any
Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor is then making payments to the
Holders of the Notes pursuant to its Guarantee of the Notes and
as a result of any amendment to, or change in, the laws or
treaties (including any rulings or regulations promulgated
thereunder) of The Netherlands or any other jurisdiction in
which CNH Global or any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor is
organized or is a resident for tax purposes or any political
subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein
(or, in the case of Additional Amounts payable by a successor
Person to CNH Global or such Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor, of
the jurisdiction in which such successor Person is organized or
is a resident for tax purposes or any political subdivision or
taxing authority or agency thereof or
33
therein) or any amendment to or change in any official position
concerning the interpretation, administration or application of
such laws, treaties, rulings or regulations (including a holding
by a court of competent jurisdiction), which amendment or change
is effective on or after the Issue Date (or, in the case of
Additional Amounts payable by a successor Person to CNH Global
or such Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor, the date on which such
successor Person became such pursuant to applicable provisions
of the Indenture), that CNH Global or a Foreign Subsidiary
Guarantor becomes or will become obligated to pay Additional
Amounts (as described above under Additional
Amounts) on the next date on which any amount would be
payable with respect to its Guarantee of the Notes and CNH
Global or such Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor determines in good
faith that (x) such Additional Amounts would be material
and (y) such obligation cannot be avoided (including,
without limitation, by changing the jurisdiction from which or
through which payment is made) by the use of reasonable measures
available to CNH Global or such Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor.
No notice of such redemption may be given earlier than
90 days prior to the earliest date on which CNH Global or a
Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor would be obligated to pay such
Additional Amounts were a payment in respect of its Guarantee of
the Notes then due or later than 180 days after such
amendment or change referred to in the preceding paragraph. At
the time such notice of redemption is given, such obligation to
pay such Additional Amounts must remain in effect. Immediately
prior to the mailing of any notice of redemption described
above, Case New Holland shall deliver to the Trustee (i) a
certificate stating that Case New Holland is entitled to elect
to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts
showing that the conditions precedent to the right of Case New
Holland so to elect to redeem have occurred and (ii) an
opinion of counsel qualified under the laws of the relevant
jurisdiction to the effect that CNH Global or the applicable
Foreign Subsidiary Guarantor or such successor Person, as the
case may be, has or will become obligated to pay such Additional
Amounts as a result of such amendment or change.
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|
Selection and Notice of Redemption |
In the event that less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed
at any time, selection of the Notes for redemption will be made
by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the
principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the
Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not then listed on a
national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot
or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and
appropriate; provided that:
|
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|
|
|
no Notes of a principal amount of $1,000 or less shall be
redeemed in part; and |
|
|
|
if a partial redemption is made with the proceeds of a Qualified
Equity Offering, selection of the Notes or portions thereof for
redemption shall be made by the Trustee only on a pro rata
basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as is
practicable (subject to DTC procedures), unless such method is
otherwise prohibited. |
Notice of an optional redemption shall be mailed at least 30 but
not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each
Holder to be redeemed at its registered address. If any Note is
to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that
relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount
equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the
name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original
Note. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to
accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption as
long as Case New Holland has deposited with the paying agent
funds in satisfaction of the applicable redemption price
pursuant to the Indenture.
Repurchase at the Option of Holders
The Indenture will provide that, upon the occurrence of a Change
of Control, each Holder will have the right to require that Case
New Holland purchase all or a portion of such Holders
Notes pursuant to the offer
34
described below (the Change of Control
Offer), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, if any, thereon
to the date of purchase (the Change of Control
Payment).
Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of
Control occurs, Case New Holland must send, by first class mail,
a notice to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, which
notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer.
Such notice shall state, among other things, the purchase date,
which must be no earlier than 30 days nor later than
60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the
Change of Control Payment Date). Holders
electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to a Change of
Control Offer will be required to surrender the Note, with the
form entitled Option of Holder to Elect Purchase on
the reverse of the Note completed, to the paying agent at the
address specified in the notice prior to the close of business
on the third Business Day prior to the Change of Control Payment
Date.
On the Change of Control Payment Date, Case New Holland will, to
the extent lawful:
|
|
|
|
(1) |
accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly
tendered pursuant to |
|
|
the Change of Control Offer; |
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the Change of
Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes
properly tendered; and |
|
|
(3) |
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes
properly accepted together with an officers certificate
stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of
Notes being purchased by Case New Holland. |
The paying agent will as promptly as practicable mail to each
Holder of Notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment
for such Notes, and the Trustee will as promptly as practicable
authenticate and mail to each Holder a new Note in a principal
amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Notes
surrendered, if any; provided, however, that each new
Note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral
multiple of $1,000.
If a Change of Control Offer is required to be made, there can
be no assurance that Case New Holland will have available funds
sufficient to pay the Change of Control purchase price for all
the Notes that might be delivered by Holders seeking to accept
the Change of Control Offer. In the event Case New Holland is
required to purchase outstanding Notes pursuant to a Change of
Control Offer, Case New Holland may seek third party financing
to the extent it does not have available funds to meet its
purchase obligations. However, there can be no assurance that
Case New Holland would be able to obtain such financing.
Neither Case New Holland nor the Trustee may waive the covenant
relating to a Holders right to require the purchase of
Notes upon a Change of Control. Restrictions in the Indenture
described herein on the ability of CNH Global and the Restricted
Subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness, to grant Liens on
their property, to make Restricted Payments and to make Asset
Sales may also make more difficult or discourage a takeover of
CNH Global, whether favored or opposed by the management of CNH
Global. Consummation of any such transaction in certain
circumstances may require the purchase of the Notes, and there
can be no assurance that CNH Global or the acquiring party will
have sufficient financial resources to effect such purchase.
Such restrictions and the restrictions on transactions with
Affiliates may, in certain circumstances, make more difficult or
discourage any leveraged buyout of CNH Global or any of its
Subsidiaries by the management of CNH Global. While such
restrictions cover a wide variety of arrangements which have
traditionally been used to effect highly leveraged transactions,
the Indenture may not afford the Holders protection in all
circumstances from the adverse aspects of a highly leveraged
transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar
transaction.
Case New Holland will comply with the requirements of
Rule 14e-1 under
the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations
to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in
connection with a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that
the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict
with the Change of Control provisions of the
Indenture, Case New Holland shall comply with the applicable
35
securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have
breached its obligations under the Change of Control
provisions of the Indenture by virtue thereof.
CNH Global will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:
|
|
|
|
(1) |
CNH Global or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case
may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at
least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets sold or
otherwise disposed of; |
|
|
(2) |
at least 75% of the consideration received by CNH Global or the
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from such Asset Sale
shall be in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents and is received
at the time of such disposition; provided that the amount
of: |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
any liabilities (as shown on CNH Globals or such
Restricted Subsidiarys most recent balance sheet), of CNH
Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than
(x) contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by
their terms subordinated to the Notes and (y) Indebtedness
owed to CNH Global and its Subsidiaries) that are assumed by the
transferee of any such assets shall be deemed to be cash for
purposes of this clause (2); and |
|
|
(b) |
any securities, notes or other obligations received by CNH
Global or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee
that are converted by CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiary
into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within
365 days following the closing of such Asset Sale shall be
deemed to be cash for purposes of this clause (2); and |
|
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|
(3) |
upon the consummation of an Asset Sale, CNH Global shall apply,
or cause such Restricted Subsidiary to apply, the Net Cash
Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale within 365 days after
receipt thereof either to: |
|
|
|
|
(A) |
repay Indebtedness under any Credit Facility under which CNH
Global or such Restricted Subsidiary is an obligor and
permanently retire such Indebtedness, |
|
|
|
|
(B) |
acquire (or enter into a binding agreement to acquire, which
acquisition must be consummated within 180 days after the
end of the 365-day
period following receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds) Replacement
Assets, or |
|
|
(C) |
a combination of prepayment and investment permitted by the
foregoing clauses (3)(A) and (3)(B). |
On the 366th day after an Asset Sale or such earlier date,
if any, as the Board of Directors of CNH Global or of such
Restricted Subsidiary determines not to apply the Net Cash
Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale as set forth in
clauses (3)(A), (3)(B) and (3)(C) of the preceding
paragraph (each, a Net Proceeds Offer Trigger
Date), such aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds
which have not been applied on or before such Net Proceeds Offer
Trigger Date as permitted in clauses (3)(A), (3)(B) and
(3)(C) of the preceding paragraph (each a Net
Proceeds Offer Amount) shall be applied by Case New
Holland to make an offer to purchase (the Net Proceeds
Offer) to all Holders and, to the extent required by
the terms of any Pari Passu Debt, an offer to purchase to all
holders of such Pari Passu Debt, on a date (the Net
Proceeds Offer Payment Date) not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days following the applicable Net Proceeds Offer
Trigger Date, from all Holders (and holders of such Pari Passu
Debt) on a pro rata basis, that principal amount of Notes
(and Pari Passu Debt) equal to the Net Proceeds Offer Amount at
a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes (and
Pari Passu Debt) to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, thereon to the date of purchase; provided,
however, that if at any time any non-cash consideration
received by CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case
may be, in connection with any Asset Sale is converted into or
sold or otherwise disposed of for cash (other than interest
received with respect to any such non-cash consideration)
36
or Cash Equivalents, then such conversion or disposition shall
be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Cash
Proceeds thereof shall be applied in accordance with this
covenant.
Notwithstanding the first two paragraphs of this covenant, CNH
Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be permitted to
enter into and consummate one or more Permitted Asset Swaps
without complying with such paragraphs (except to the
extent of any Net Cash Proceeds received in connection with such
Permitted Asset Swap which shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds
for purposes of this covenant) to the extent that at the time of
entering into each such Permitted Asset Swap and immediately
after giving effect to such Permitted Asset Swap, no Default or
Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing or would
occur as a consequence thereof.
Case New Holland may defer the Net Proceeds Offer until there is
an aggregate unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount equal to or in
excess of $25.0 million resulting from one or more Asset
Sales or deemed Asset Sales (at which time, the entire
unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount, and not just the amount in
excess of $25.0 million, shall be applied as required
pursuant to this paragraph). The first such date the aggregate
unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount is equal to or in excess of
$25.0 million shall be treated for this purpose as the Net
Proceeds Offer Trigger Date.
Pending the final application of any such Net Cash Proceeds, CNH
Global or any such Restricted Subsidiary may apply such Net Cash
Proceeds to temporarily reduce Indebtedness under any revolving
credit facility or other Indebtedness included under
Current Liabilities on CNH Globals
consolidated balance sheet or otherwise invest the Net Cash
Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the Indenture.
Each Net Proceeds Offer will be mailed to the record Holders as
shown on the register of Holders within 30 days following
the Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, with a copy to the Trustee,
and shall comply with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.
Upon receiving notice of the Net Proceeds Offer, Holders may
elect to tender their Notes in whole or in part in integral
multiples of $1,000 in exchange for cash. To the extent Holders
properly tender Notes and holders of Pari Passu Debt properly
tender such Pari Passu Debt in an amount exceeding the Net
Proceeds Offer Amount, the tendered Notes and Pari Passu Debt
will be purchased on a pro rata basis based on aggregate
amounts of Notes and Pari Passu Debt tendered. A Net Proceeds
Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days or such
longer period as may be required by law. If the principal amount
of Notes tendered in response to the Net Proceeds Offer is less
than the Net Proceeds Offer Amount, such funds will no longer
constitute Net Cash Proceeds and may be used for any purpose not
otherwise prohibited by the Indenture.
Case New Holland will comply with the requirements of
Rule 14e-1 under
the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations
to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in
connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Net
Proceeds Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any
securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset
Sale provisions of the Indenture, Case New Holland shall
comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and
shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the
Asset Sale provisions of the Indenture by virtue
thereof.
CNH Global will not permit any Unrestricted Financial Services
Subsidiary to consummate a transaction that would constitute an
Asset Sale had it been consummated by a Restricted Subsidiary
unless such Unrestricted Financial Services Subsidiary receives
Fair Market Value for the assets, net of any liabilities
assumed, sold or disposed of.
Certain
Covenants
Covenant Termination. The Indenture will provide that the
restrictive covenants described in the paragraphs following this
Covenant Termination section will be applicable to
CNH Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries unless the Notes
reach Investment Grade Status. Immediately after the Notes have
reached Investment Grade Status, and notwithstanding that the
Notes may later cease to have an Investment Grade Rating from
either or both of the Rating Agencies, CNH Global and its
Restricted Subsidiaries will be
37
released from their obligations to comply with these restrictive
covenants, except for the covenants described under the
following headings:
|
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|
(a) |
clause (b) of Limitation on Liens, |
|
|
(b) |
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets
(other than clause (2) of the first paragraph thereof and
clause (4) of the fourth paragraph thereof), |
|
|
(c) |
clause (b) of Limitation on Sale and
Leaseback Transactions, |
|
|
(d) |
Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted
Subsidiaries, |
|
|
(e) |
Designation of Equipment Subsidiaries and
Financial Services Subsidiaries and |
(f) Reports to Holders.
Additionally, after the Notes have reached Investment Grade
Status, and notwithstanding that the Notes may later cease to
have an Investment Grade Rating from either or both Rating
Agencies, CNH Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries will also
be released from the obligations to comply with the covenants
described under Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Change of Control and
Asset Sales.
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and
Issuance of Preferred Stock. CNH Global will not, and will
not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee, acquire,
become liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to, or
otherwise become responsible for payment of (collectively,
incur) any Indebtedness (including Acquired
Indebtedness) and CNH Global will not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any Preferred Stock;
provided, however, that CNH Global may incur Indebtedness
(including, without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness) and Case
New Holland and any Equipment Subsidiary Guarantor may incur
Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Acquired
Indebtedness) or issue Preferred Stock if on the date of the
incurrence of such Indebtedness or the issuance of such
Preferred Stock, after giving effect to the incurrence or
issuance thereof, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
of CNH Global would be greater than 2.0 to 1.0.
The first paragraph of this covenant will not prohibit the
incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness or the
issuance of any of the following items of Preferred Stock, as
applicable (collectively, Permitted
Indebtedness):
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(1) |
Indebtedness under the Notes issued in this Offering in an
aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500 million and
any Guarantees thereof; |
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|
(2) |
Indebtedness of CNH Global and its Equipment Subsidiaries
incurred pursuant to one or more Credit Facilities; provided,
however, that the aggregate principal amount of Net
Indebtedness at any time outstanding shall not exceed
$2.0 billion, less the amount of any such Indebtedness
permanently retired with the Net Cash Proceeds from any Asset
Sale applied from and after the Issue Date to reduce the amounts
outstanding thereunder pursuant to the covenant described under
Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales; |
|
|
(3) |
Indebtedness of or the issuance of Preferred Stock (including,
without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness and any Indebtedness
or Preferred Stock issued to CNH Global or any Equipment
Subsidiaries) by any Financial Services Subsidiary of CNH
Global; provided that on the date of the incurrence of
such Indebtedness or the issuance of such Preferred Stock, after
giving effect to the incurrence or issuance thereof, the
Financial Subsidiary Leverage Ratio of the Financial Services
Subsidiaries would be less than 5.5 to 1.0; |
|
|
(4) |
other Indebtedness of CNH Global and its Equipment Subsidiaries
outstanding on the Issue Date (including, but not limited to,
the Fiat Promissory Notes and the Intesa BCI Indebtedness)
reduced by the amount of any scheduled amortization payments or
mandatory prepayments when actually paid or permanent reductions
thereon; |
38
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|
(5) |
Hedging Obligations of CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, that are incurred in the ordinary course of
business; provided, however, that such Hedging
Obligations are entered into, in the good faith judgment of CNH
Global, to protect CNH Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries
from (a) fluctuations in interest rates on Indebtedness
incurred in accordance with the Indenture, (b) fluctuations
in foreign currency rates, (c) commodity price risk with
respect to commodities purchased by CNH Global or any Restricted
Subsidiary or (d) any combination of the foregoing, and, in
each case, not for speculative purposes; |
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|
(6) |
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of an Equipment Subsidiary to
CNH Global or another Equipment Subsidiary for so long as such
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock is held by CNH Global or an
Equipment Subsidiary; provided that (A) any
Indebtedness of Case New Holland to CNH Global or any other
Equipment Subsidiary is unsecured and subordinated, pursuant to
a written agreement, to Case New Hollands obligations
under the Indenture and the Notes and (B) if as of any date
any Person other than CNH Global or an Equipment Subsidiary owns
or holds any such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock or holds a
Lien in respect of such Indebtedness (other than any Lien
permitted by clause (B) of
paragraph (a) under Limitation on
Liens), such date shall be deemed the incurrence of
Indebtedness or the issuance of Preferred Stock, as the case may
be, not constituting Permitted Indebtedness by the issuer of
such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock; |
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(7) |
Indebtedness of a Financial Services Subsidiary to another
Financial Services Subsidiary for so long as such Indebtedness
is held by a Financial Services Subsidiary; provided that
if as of any date any Person other than a Financial Services
Subsidiary owns or holds any such Indebtedness or holds a Lien
in respect of such Indebtedness (other than any Lien permitted
by clause (B) of paragraph (a) under
Limitation on Liens), such date shall be
deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not constituting Permitted
Indebtedness by the issuer of such Indebtedness; |
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(8) |
Indebtedness of CNH Global to a Restricted Subsidiary for so
long as such Indebtedness is held by a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided that (A) any Indebtedness of CNH Global to
any Restricted Subsidiary is unsecured and subordinated,
pursuant to a written agreement, to CNH Globals
obligations under the Indenture and the Guarantee of CNH Global
and (B) if as of any date any Person other than a
Restricted Subsidiary owns or holds any such Indebtedness or any
Person holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness (other than
any Lien permitted by clause (B) of
paragraph (a) under Limitation on
Liens), such date shall be deemed the incurrence of
Indebtedness not constituting Permitted Indebtedness by CNH
Global; |
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(9) |
Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other
financial institution of a check, draft (including, without
limitation, any overdraft (including any daylight overdraft)) or
similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight
overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary
course of business; provided, however, that such
Indebtedness is extinguished within fifteen Business Days after
receipt of notice from such bank or other financial institution; |
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(10) |
Indebtedness of CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
in respect of performance bonds, bankers acceptances,
workers compensation claims, surety or appeal bonds,
payment obligations in connection with self-insurance or similar
obligations in the ordinary course of business; |
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(11) |
Indebtedness represented by Purchase Money Indebtedness and
Capitalized Lease Obligations not to exceed 2.5% of Consolidated
Net Tangible Assets of CNH Global and its Equipment Subsidiaries; |
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(12) |
Refinancing Indebtedness; |
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(13) |
Non-Recourse Accounts Receivable Subsidiary Indebtedness and
Indebtedness under ARS Promissory Notes, in each case incurred
by any Accounts Receivable Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables
Transaction; |
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(14) |
the Attributable Indebtedness of any Excluded Sale and Leaseback
Transaction; and |
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(15) |
additional Indebtedness of CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$150.0 million at any one time outstanding. |
For purposes of determining compliance with this
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and
Issuance of Preferred Stock covenant:
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(1) |
in the event that an item of Indebtedness or Preferred Stock
meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1)
through (15) of the second paragraph of this covenant, or
is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of
this covenant, CNH Global may, in its sole discretion, classify
such item of Indebtedness or Preferred Stock on the date of its
incurrence or, subject to clause (2) below, later
reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness in any
manner that complies with this covenant; |
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(2) |
(a) Indebtedness of CNH Global or any Equipment Subsidiary
under any Existing Credit Facility outstanding on the Issue Date
will be deemed to have been incurred pursuant to clause (2)
of the second paragraph of this covenant and CNH Global will not
be permitted to reclassify any portion of such Indebtedness
thereafter, (b) Indebtedness of any Financial Services
Subsidiary to CNH Global or any Equipment Subsidiary will be
deemed to have been incurred pursuant to clause (3) of the
second paragraph of this covenant and (c) Non-Recourse
Accounts Receivable Subsidiary Indebtedness outstanding on the
Issue Date will be deemed to have been incurred pursuant to
clause (13) of the second paragraph of this covenant; |
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(3) |
accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue
discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the
form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms and the
payment of dividends on Disqualified Capital Stock or Preferred
Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of
Disqualified Capital Stock or Preferred Stock will not be deemed
to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Preferred
Stock for purposes of this covenant; |
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(4) |
the maximum amount of Indebtedness that CNH Global or any
Restricted Subsidiary may incur pursuant to this covenant will
not be deemed to be exceeded, with respect to any outstanding
Indebtedness, due solely to the result of fluctuations in the
exchange rates of currencies; and |
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(5) |
the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of any
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock denominated in a foreign
currency will be calculated based on the relevant currency
exchange rate in effect on the date the Indebtedness was
incurred, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit
Indebtedness, or the Preferred Stock was issued, as applicable;
provided that if any Indebtedness is incurred to
Refinance Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and
such Refinancing would cause the applicable
U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if
calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on
the date of such Refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated
restriction will be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as
the principal amount of the Indebtedness incurred to Refinance
such outstanding Indebtedness does not exceed the principal
amount of such Indebtedness being Refinanced. |
Additionally, Case New Holland will not, and will not permit any
other Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any
Indebtedness that purports to be by its terms (or by the terms
of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) subordinated to
any other Indebtedness of Case New Holland or of such Guarantor,
as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is also by its
terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such
Indebtedness) made expressly subordinate to the Notes or any
Guarantee of such Guarantor to the same extent and in the same
manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to such other
Indebtedness of CNH Global or such Guarantor, as the case may be.
40
Limitation on Restricted Payments. CNH Global will not,
and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly:
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(a) |
declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution (other than
(i) dividends or distributions payable in Qualified Capital
Stock of CNH Global and (ii) in the case of Restricted
Subsidiaries, dividends or distributions to CNH Global or any
other Restricted Subsidiary and pro rata dividends or
distributions payable to the other holders of the same class of
Capital Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary) on or in respect of
shares of its Capital Stock to holders of such Capital Stock; |
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(b) |
purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any
Capital Stock of CNH Global or any warrants, rights or options
to purchase or acquire shares of any class of such Capital Stock; |
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(c) |
make any principal payment on, purchase, defease, redeem,
prepay, decrease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior
to any scheduled final maturity, scheduled repayment or
scheduled sinking fund payment, any Indebtedness of Case New
Holland or any Guarantor that is subordinate or junior in right
of payment to the Notes or such Guarantors Guarantee of
the Notes (other than a purchase, defeasance, redemption,
prepayment, decrease or other acquisition or retirement for
value in anticipation of satisfying a scheduled final maturity,
scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, in each
case, due within one year of the date of such acquisition or
retirement); or |
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(d) |
make any Investment (other than Permitted Investments) |
(each of the foregoing actions set forth in clauses (a),
(b), (c) and (d) being referred to as a
Restricted Payment), if at the time of such
Restricted Payment or immediately after giving effect thereto:
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(1) |
a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; |
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(2) |
CNH Global is not able to incur at least $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant
described under Limitation on Incurrence of
Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred
Stock; or |
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(3) |
the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments (including such
proposed Restricted Payment) made after the Calculation Start
Date (the amount expended for such purpose, if other than in
cash, being the Fair Market Value of such property) shall exceed
the sum of: |
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(w) |
50% of the cumulative Consolidated Net Income (or if cumulative
Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus 100% of such
loss) of CNH Global earned during the period beginning on the
Build-up Amount Start
Date and ending on the last date of the most recent fiscal
quarter for which financial statements are available prior to
the date such Restricted Payment (the Reference
Date) (treating such period as a single accounting
period); plus |
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(x) |
100% of the net proceeds (including the Fair Market Value of any
property or assets) received by CNH Global from any Person
(other than a Subsidiary of CNH Global) subsequent to the
Calculation Start Date and on or prior to the Reference Date
(a) as a contribution to the common equity capital of CNH
Global by any holder of CNH Globals Capital Stock or
(b) from the issuance and sale of Qualified Capital Stock
of CNH Global (excluding any net proceeds from a Qualified
Equity Offering to the extent used to redeem Notes); plus |
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(y) |
without duplication of any amounts included in
clause (3)(x) above, the aggregate amount by which
Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) of CNH
Global or any Restricted Subsidiary is reduced on CNH
Globals consolidated balance sheet subsequent to the
Calculation Start Date and on or prior to the Reference Date
upon the conversion or exchange of any Indebtedness for
Qualified Capital Stock of CNH Global (other than to the extent
of any Qualified Capital Stock issued to any Subsidiary of CNH
Global); plus |
41
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(z) |
without duplication, the sum of: |
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(1) |
the aggregate amount returned in cash on or with respect to
Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made subsequent
to the Calculation Start Date whether through interest payments,
principal payments, dividends or other distributions or payments; |
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(2) |
the net cash proceeds received by CNH Global or any of the
Restricted Subsidiaries from the disposition of all or any
portion of such Investments (other than to a Subsidiary of CNH
Global); and |
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(3) |
upon Revocation of the status of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as
an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the Fair Market Value of CNH
Globals and the Restricted Subsidiaries Investment
in such Subsidiary; |
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provided, however, that the sum of clauses (1),
(2) and (3) above shall not exceed the sum of
(I) the aggregate amount of all such Investments made
subsequent to the Calculation Start Date and (II) without
duplication of clause (I), one half of the gain from any
disposition of all or any portion of such Investments (other
than to a Subsidiary of CNH Global) made subsequent to the
Calculation Start Date. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in the
immediately preceding paragraph do not prohibit:
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(1) |
the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date
of declaration of such dividend if the dividend would have been
permitted on the date of declaration; |
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(2) |
if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the acquisition of any shares of Capital Stock of
CNH Global, either (i) solely in exchange for shares of
Qualified Capital Stock of CNH Global or (ii) through the
application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale
for cash (other than to a Subsidiary of CNH Global) of shares of
Qualified Capital Stock of CNH Global; |
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(3) |
if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the acquisition of any Indebtedness of Case New
Holland or any Guarantor that is subordinate or junior in right
of payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of such Guarantor, as
the case may be, either (i) solely in exchange for shares
of Qualified Capital Stock of CNH Global, or (ii) through
the application of the net proceeds of a substantially
concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Subsidiary of CNH
Global) of (a) shares of Qualified Capital Stock of CNH
Global or (b) Refinancing Indebtedness; |
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(4) |
if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, repurchases by CNH Global of Capital Stock (or
rights or options therefor) of CNH Global from current or former
employees of CNH Global or any Subsidiary or their authorized
representatives, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$2.5 million in any calendar year; |
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(5) |
if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the payment of pro rata cash dividends on shares of
the common stock of CNH Global to the holders thereof in an
amount not to exceed $33.0 million in any calendar year;
provided however, that from and after the date that all of the
shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding on the Issue
Date cease to be outstanding (whether by conversion, exchange,
redemption or otherwise) such maximum amount shall not exceed
$60.0 million in any calendar year; |
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(6) |
if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, commencing in calendar year 2005, the payment of
cash dividends on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock
outstanding on the Issue Date in an amount not to exceed
$50.0 million in any calendar year; and |
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(7) |
additional Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to
exceed $20.0 million. |
42
In determining the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made
subsequent to the Calculation Start Date in accordance with
clause (3) of the first paragraph of this covenant, amounts
expended pursuant to clauses (1), (2)(ii), (3)(ii)(a), (4),
(5) and (6) shall be included in such calculation.
Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions
Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries. CNH Global will not, and
will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to
exist or become effective, any encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
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(a) |
pay dividends or make any other distributions on or in respect
of its Capital Stock; |
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(b) |
make loans or advances or to pay any Indebtedness or other
obligation owed to CNH Global or any other Restricted
Subsidiary; or |
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(c) |
transfer any of its property or assets to CNH Global or any
other Restricted Subsidiary, |
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except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or
by reasons of: |
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(1) |
any agreements (including, without limitation, any Existing
Credit Facility) existing on the Issue Date to the extent and in
the manner such agreements are in effect on the Issue Date and
any amendments, restatements, renewals, replacements or
refinancings thereof; provided, however, that the
encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such amendments,
restatements, renewals, replacements or refinancings are not,
taken as a whole, materially more restrictive than the
encumbrances or restrictions contained in such agreements on the
Issue Date; |
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(2) |
any Credit Facility or any Indebtedness incurred under
clause (3) of the covenant described under
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock if
(x) either (i) the encumbrance or restriction applies
only in the event of and during the continuance of a payment
default or a default with respect to a financial covenant
contained in such Indebtedness or agreement or (ii) either
senior management or the Board of Directors of CNH Global
determines at the time any such Indebtedness is incurred (and at
the time of any modification of the terms of any such
encumbrance or restriction) that any such encumbrance or
restriction could not reasonably be expected to affect the
ability of Case New Holland to make principal or interest
payments on the Notes as and when due and (y) the
encumbrance or restriction is not materially more
disadvantageous to the holders of the Notes than is customary in
comparable financings or agreements (as determined in good faith
by either senior management or the Board of Directors of CNH
Global); |
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(3) |
the Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees; |
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(4) |
applicable law, rule, regulation or order; |
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(5) |
customary non-assignment provisions of any contract or any lease
governing a leasehold interest of any Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(6) |
any instrument governing Acquired Indebtedness, which
encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or
the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person or
the properties or assets of the Person so acquired; |
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(7) |
Purchase Money Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations
permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (11) of
the second paragraph under the covenant described under
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock that impose
limitations of the nature described in clause (c) of the
first paragraph of this covenant; |
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(8) |
customary restrictions on the transfer of any property or assets
arising under a security agreement governing a Lien permitted
under the Indenture; |
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(9) |
any agreement governing Refinancing Indebtedness; provided,
however, that the encumbrances or restrictions contained in
any such Refinancing Indebtedness are not, taken as a whole,
materially |
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more restrictive than the provisions relating to such
encumbrances or restrictions contained in the Indebtedness being
refinanced; |
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(10) |
any agreement governing the sale or disposition of all or
substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of any
Restricted Subsidiary which restricts dividends and
distributions pending such sale or disposition; and |
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(11) |
Non-Recourse Accounts Receivable Subsidiary Indebtedness or
other contractual requirements of an Accounts Receivable
Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Receivables
Transaction; provided that such restrictions apply only
to such Accounts Receivable Subsidiary or Qualified Receivables
Assets which are subject to a Qualified Receivables Transaction. |
Limitation on Liens. (a) CNH Global will not, and
will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit or
suffer to exist any Liens of any kind against or upon any
property or assets of CNH Global or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after
the Issue Date, or any proceeds therefrom, or assign or
otherwise convey any right to receive income or profits
therefrom unless:
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(1) |
in the case of Liens securing Indebtedness that is expressly
subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes or a
Guarantee, the Notes or such Guarantee are secured by a Lien on
such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to
such Liens; and |
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(2) |
in all other cases, the Notes are equally and ratably secured, |
for so long as any Indebtedness or other obligations giving
rise to the creation of a Lien in favor of the Notes are so
secured, except for:
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(A) |
Liens existing as of the Issue Date to the extent and in the
manner such Liens are in effect on the Issue Date; |
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(B) |
(I) Liens securing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal
amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $2.0 billion
incurred pursuant to clause (2) of the second paragraph of
the covenant described under Limitation on
Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred
Stock and (ii) an amount equal to 2.5 times
Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended Four Quarter
Period for which financial statements are available and
(II) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to
clause (3) of the second paragraph of the covenant
described under Limitation on Incurrence of
Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock;
and |
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(C) |
Permitted Liens. |
(b) In the event that section (a) of this
covenant no longer applies to CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in light of the circumstances described above under
Covenant Termination, CNH Global will
not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume
or permit or suffer to exist any Liens of any kind against or
upon any property or assets of CNH Global or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, whether owned on the Issue Date or
acquired after the Issue Date, or any proceeds therefrom, or
assign or otherwise convey any right to receive income or
profits therefrom, unless:
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(1) |
in the case of Liens securing Indebtedness that is expressly
subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes or a
Guarantee, the Notes or such Guarantee are secured by a Lien on
such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to
such Liens; and |
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(2) |
in all other cases, the Notes are equally and ratably secured, |
for so long as any Indebtedness or other obligations giving
rise to the creation of a Lien in favor of the Notes are so
secured, except for:
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(A) |
Liens existing on the date the Notes reach Investment Grade
Status to the extent and in the manner such Liens are in effect
on the date the Notes reach Investment Grade Status; |
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(B) |
Permitted Liens; and |
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(C) |
in addition to the Liens described in clauses (A) and
(B) above, additional Liens not to exceed 15.0% of the
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of CNH Global and its
Restricted Subsidiaries. |
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets. Neither CNH
Global nor Case New Holland will, in a single transaction or
series of related transactions, consolidate or merge with or
into any Person, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or
otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise
dispose of) all or substantially all of CNH Globals assets
(determined on a consolidated basis for CNH Global and its
Restricted Subsidiaries) to any Person unless:
(1) (A) in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition
involving
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(x) |
CNH Global, CNH Global shall be the surviving or continuing
corporation or the Person (if other than CNH Global) formed by
such consolidation or into which CNH Global is merged or the
Person to which such Transfer or other disposition has been made
shall be a Person organized and validly existing under the laws
of a member state of the European Union (as it exists on the
Issue Date), the United States or any State thereof or the
District of Columbia; and |
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(y) |
Case New Holland, Case New Holland shall be the surviving or
continuing corporation or the Person (if other than Case New
Holland) formed by such consolidation or into which Case New
Holland is merged or the Person to which such sale, assignment,
transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition has been made
shall be a Person organized and validly existing under the laws
of the United States or any State thereof or the District of
Columbia, provided that if such successor Person is not a
corporation there must at all times be a joint and several
co-issuer of the Notes that is a Wholly-Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of such successor Person that (I) is a
corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of any
jurisdiction described above in this clause (y) and
(II) has no liabilities and engages in no activities other
than its obligations under the Notes and activities incidental
thereto; and |
(B) the Person (if other than CNH Global or Case New
Holland) formed by such consolidation or into which CNH Global
or Case New Holland, as the case may be, is merged or the Person
to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or
other disposition has been made (the Surviving
Entity) (and any co-issuer, if any) shall expressly
assume, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the
Trustee, all obligations of CNH Global or Case New Holland, as
the case may be, under the Notes, the Guarantee of CNH Global,
the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement on the part
of CNH Global or Case New Holland to be performed or observed;
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(2) |
immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the
assumption contemplated by clause (1)(B) above (including
giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness
incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in
respect of such transaction), CNH Global or such Surviving
Entity, as the case may be, shall be able to incur at least
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first
paragraph of the covenant described under
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock; |
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(3) |
immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such
transaction and the assumption contemplated by
clause (1)(B) above (including, without limitation, giving
effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or
anticipated to be incurred and any Lien granted in connection
with or in respect of the transaction), no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
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(4) |
CNH Global, Case New Holland or the Surviving Entity (and any
co-issuer, if any), as the case may be, shall have delivered to
the Trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of
counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other |
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disposition and, if a supplemental indenture is required in
connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture
comply with the applicable provisions of the Indenture and that
all conditions precedent in the Indenture relating to such
transaction have been satisfied. |
For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease,
assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series
of transaction) of all or substantially all of the properties or
assets of one or more Restricted Subsidiaries, the Capital Stock
of which constitutes all or substantially all of the properties
and assets of CNH Global shall be deemed to be the transfer of
all or substantially all of the properties and assets of CNH
Global.
The Indenture will provide that upon any consolidation,
combination or merger or any transfer of all or substantially
all of the assets of Case New Holland or CNH Global, as the case
may be, in accordance with the foregoing in which Case New
Holland or CNH Global is not the continuing corporation, the
successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which Case
New Holland or CNH Global is merged or to which such conveyance,
lease or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted
for, and may exercise every right and power of, Case New Holland
or CNH Global, as the case may be, under the Indenture, the
Notes and the Guarantee of CNH Global with the same effect as if
such surviving entity had been named as such.
No Guarantor (other than CNH Global or any Guarantor whose
Guarantee is to be released in accordance with the terms of the
Guarantee and the Indenture) will, and CNH Global will not cause
or permit any Guarantor to, consolidate with or merge with or
into any Person other than CNH Global, Case New Holland or any
other Guarantor unless:
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(1) |
the entity formed by or surviving any such consolidation or
merger (if other than the Guarantor) is a Person organized and
existing under the laws of (x) if such Guarantor is
organized and existing under the laws of the United States or
any State thereof or the District of Columbia, the
United States or any State thereof or the District of
Columbia; (y) if such Guarantor is organized and existing
under the laws of a member state of the European Union (as it
exists on the Issue Date), (i) a member state of the
European Union (as it exists on the Issue Date) or (ii) the
United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia;
or (z) if such Guarantor is organized and existing under
the laws of any other jurisdiction (i) a member state of
the European Union (as it exists on the Issue Date),
(ii) the United States or any State thereof or the District
of Columbia or (iii) the jurisdiction or organization or
existence of the Guarantor to which such consolidation or merger
relates; |
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(2) |
such entity assumes by supplemental indenture all of the
obligations of the Guarantor under the Indenture, such
Guarantors Guarantee and the Registration Rights Agreement; |
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(3) |
immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default
or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; |
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(4) |
immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the use
of any net proceeds therefrom on a pro forma basis, CNH Global
could satisfy the provisions of clause (2) of the first
paragraph of this covenant; and |
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(5) |
CNH Global shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers
certificate and opinion of counsel, each stating that such
consolidation or merger and, if a supplemental indenture is
required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental
indenture comply with the applicable provisions of the Indenture
and that all conditions precedent in the Indenture relating to
such transaction have been satisfied. |
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. (a) CNH
Global will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to
exist any transaction or series of related transactions
(including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease or
exchange of any property or the
46
rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of, any of
its Affiliates (each an Affiliate
Transaction), other than:
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(x) |
Affiliate Transactions permitted under
paragraph (b) below; and |
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(y) |
Affiliate Transactions on terms that are not less favorable than
those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction
at such time on an arms-length basis from a Person that is
not an Affiliate of CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiary. |
All Affiliate Transactions (and each series of related Affiliate
Transactions which are similar or part of a common plan (other
than Permitted Financing Support Services)) involving aggregate
payments or other property with a Fair Market Value in excess of
$10.0 million shall be approved by a majority of the
Disinterested members of the Board of Directors of CNH Global,
such approval to be evidenced by a Board Resolution stating that
such Disinterested members of the Board of Directors have
determined that such transaction complies with the foregoing
provisions. If CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary enters
into an Affiliate Transaction (or series of related Affiliate
Transactions related to a common plan (other than Permitted
Financing Support Services)) that involves an aggregate Fair
Market Value of more than $25.0 million or as to which
there are no Disinterested members of the Board of Directors of
CNH Global, CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, shall, prior to the consummation thereof, obtain a
favorable opinion as to the fairness of such transaction or
series of related transactions to CNH Global or the relevant
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial
point of view, from an Independent Financial Advisor and file
the same with the Trustee.
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(b) |
The restrictions set forth in clause (a) shall not apply to: |
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(1) |
reasonable fees and compensation paid to, and indemnity provided
on behalf of, officers, directors or employees of CNH Global or
any Restricted Subsidiary as determined in good faith by CNH
Globals Board of Directors or senior management; |
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(2) |
transactions exclusively between or among CNH Global and any of
the Restricted Subsidiaries or exclusively between or among such
Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that such transactions
are not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture; |
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(3) |
any agreement as in effect as of the Issue Date or any amendment
thereto or any transaction contemplated thereby (including
pursuant to any amendment thereto) in any replacement agreement
thereto so long as any such amendment or replacement agreement
is not more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material
respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Issue
Date; |
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(4) |
Restricted Payments permitted by the Indenture; |
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(5) |
transactions effected as part of a Qualified Receivables
Transaction; |
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(6) |
any agreement or arrangement (and any transaction effectuated
pursuant thereto) with Fiat or any of its Subsidiaries relating
to the provision of (i) debt financing, guarantees,
currency, interest rate and commodity protection contracts,
treasury or cash management services and any services reasonably
related to any of the foregoing and/or (ii) shared services
relating to the administrative and operating activities of CNH
Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case in the
ordinary course of business of CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries; provided that, either the Board of
Directors or senior management of CNH Global shall have
determined that each such agreement and arrangement is on terms
that are not less favorable than those that would have been
obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an
arms-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate
of CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiary; and |
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(7) |
agreements or arrangements (and transactions effectuated
pursuant thereto) with customers, clients, suppliers or
purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the
ordinary course of business of CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries; provided that, either the Board of
Directors or senior management of CNH Global shall have
determined that each such agreement and arrangement is |
47
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on terms that are not less favorable than those that would have
been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an
arms-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate
of CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiary. |
Issuance of Subsidiary Guarantees. CNH Global will not
cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than
Case New Holland), directly or indirectly, to guarantee any
Indebtedness of CNH Global or Case New Holland (other than
Indebtedness under any Credit Facility incurred pursuant to
clause (2) of the second paragraph under
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock) unless such
Restricted Subsidiary:
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(1) |
executes and delivers to the Trustee a supplemental indenture
pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall
unconditionally guarantee (each, a Guarantee)
all of Case New Hollands obligations under the Notes and
the Indenture on the terms set forth in the Indenture; and |
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(2) |
delivers to the Trustee an opinion of counsel (which may contain
customary exceptions) that such supplemental indenture has been
duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Restricted
Subsidiary and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and
enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary. |
Thereafter, such Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor for
all purposes of the Indenture until such Guarantee is released
in accordance with the provisions of Guarantees
above. CNH Global may cause any other Restricted Subsidiary of
CNH Global to issue a Guarantee and become a Guarantor.
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.
(a) CNH Global will not, and will not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction; provided that CNH Global or any Restricted
Subsidiary may enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction if:
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(1) |
CNH Global or that Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, could
have |
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(A) |
incurred Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable
Indebtedness relating to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction
pursuant to the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test
set forth in the first paragraph or pursuant to clause (3)
of the second paragraph, as the case may be, of the covenant
described under Limitation on Incurrence of
Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred
Stock; and |
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(B) |
incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to
Limitation on Liens above; |
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(2) |
the consideration received in that Sale and Leaseback
Transaction are at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the
property sold; and |
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(3) |
the transfer of assets in that Sale and Leaseback Transaction is
permitted by, and the proceeds of such transaction are applied
in compliance with, the covenant described under
Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CNH Global or any Restricted
Subsidiary may enter into and consummate any Excluded Sale and
Leaseback Transaction without complying with the foregoing
provisions.
(b) In the event that section (a) of this
covenant no longer applies to CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in light of the circumstances described above under
Covenant Termination, CNH Global shall
not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter
into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any
property or assets unless:
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(1) |
CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred a
Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to
Limitation on Liens above; |
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(2) |
the consideration received in that Sale and Leaseback
Transaction are at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the
property sold; and |
48
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(3) |
the gross cash proceeds of such transaction are applied within
365 days of the receipt thereof either to |
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(A) |
repay Indebtedness under any Credit Facility and permanently
retire such Indebtedness and cause the related loan commitment
(if any) to be permanently reduced in an amount equal to the
principal amount so repaid; |
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(B) |
acquire any property or assets useful to the business of CNH
Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries; or |
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(C) |
any combination of clauses (A) and (B) above. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CNH Global or any Restricted
Subsidiary may enter into and consummate any Excluded Sale and
Leaseback Transaction without complying with the foregoing
provisions.
Payments for Consent. CNH Global will not, and will not
cause or permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, pay
or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of
interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an
inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the
terms or provisions of the Indenture, the Notes or the
Guarantees unless such consideration is offered to be paid to
all Holders who so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time
frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such
consent, waiver or amendment.
Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
After the Issue Date, CNH Global may designate any Subsidiary of
CNH Global (other than Case New Holland or a Subsidiary of CNH
Global which owns Capital Stock of Case New Holland or a
Restricted Subsidiary) as an Unrestricted Subsidiary
under the Indenture (a Designation) only if:
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(1) |
no Default or Event of Default (as defined below) shall have
occurred and be continuing at the time of or after giving effect
to such Designation; and |
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(2) |
(A) in the case of a Subsidiary other than a Financial
Services Subsidiary, (i) prior to reaching Investment Grade
Status, CNH Global would be permitted under the Indenture to
make a Restricted Payment pursuant to the first paragraph of the
covenant described under Limitation on
Restricted Payments at the time of Designation (assuming
the effectiveness of such Designation) in an amount equal to the
Fair Market Value of CNH Globals and the Restricted
Subsidiaries Investment in such Subsidiary on such date
and (ii) from and after the date the Notes reach Investment
Grade Status, the Fair Market Value of CNH Globals and the
Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding Investments
(calculated at the time such Investment is made) in (x) any
such Subsidiary may not exceed $1.0 million and
(y) all such Subsidiaries may not exceed $10.0 million
in the aggregate, and (B) in the case of a Financial
Services Subsidiary, immediately prior to or concurrently with
such Designation, such Financial Services Subsidiary shall have
repaid all Indebtedness owed to CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries (and terminated all related commitments) and
returned, in cash or Cash Equivalents or a combination thereof,
an amount equal to all Investments made subsequent to the Issue
Date in such Financial Services Subsidiary by CNH Global and its
Restricted Subsidiaries except to the extent such return would
cause such Financial Services Subsidiary to violate applicable
capital adequacy or other regulatory requirements, in which case
such obligation to return Investments made after the Issue Date
shall, to the extent of any amount of Investment the return of
which would violate such requirements, be deferred until the
date of any Permitted Financial Services Disposition in respect
of such Subsidiary. |
The Indenture will further provide that CNH Global shall not,
and shall not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, at
any time:
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(x) |
provide direct or indirect credit support for or a guarantee of
any Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary (including any
undertaking agreement or instrument evidencing such
Indebtedness); |
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(y) |
be directly or indirectly liable for any Indebtedness of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary; or |
49
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(z) |
be directly or indirectly liable for any Indebtedness which
provides that the holder thereof may (upon notice, lapse of time
or both) declare a default thereon or cause the payment thereof
to be accelerated or payable prior to its final scheduled
maturity upon the occurrence of a default with respect to any
Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary (including any right
to take enforcement action against such Unrestricted Subsidiary), |
except, in the case of clause (x) or (y), to the
extent permitted under the covenant described under
Limitation on Restricted Payments.
The Indenture will further provide that CNH Global may revoke
any Designation of a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary
(Revocation), whereupon such Subsidiary shall
then constitute a Restricted Subsidiary, if:
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(1) |
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time and after giving effect to such
Revocation; |
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(2) |
immediately after giving effect to such Revocation, (i) in
the case of an Unrestricted Subsidiary not constituting an
Unrestricted Financial Services Subsidiary, CNH Global would be
permitted to incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in
the first paragraph of the covenant described under
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock and
(ii) in the case of an Unrestricted Subsidiary constituting
an Unrestricted Financial Services Subsidiary, a Financial
Services Subsidiary of CNH Global would be permitted to incur
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to clause (3) of
the definition of Permitted Indebtedness set forth in the second
paragraph of the covenant described under
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock; and |
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(3) |
all Liens and Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiaries
outstanding immediately following such Revocation would, if
incurred at such time, have been permitted to be incurred for
all purposes of the Indenture. |
All Designations and Revocations must be evidenced by an
officers certificate of CNH Global delivered to the
Trustee certifying compliance with the foregoing provisions.
50
As of the Issue Date each of the following Subsidiaries of CNH
Global will be Designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries:
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New Holland Kobelco Construction Machinery S.p.A.; |
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Kobelco Construction Machinery America LLC; |
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CNH Baumachinen GmbH; |
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Harbin New Holland Tractors Co. Ltd; |
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JV UzCaseMash LLC; |
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JV UzCaseService LLC; |
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JV UzCaseTractor LLC; |
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RosCaseMash; |
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Shanghai New Holland Agricultural Machinery Corporation Limited; |
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UzCaseagroleasing LLC; |
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Tri-County New Holland, Inc.; |
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Farmers New Holland, Inc.; |
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Rathell Farm Equipment Co., Inc.; |
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Northside New Holland, Inc.; |
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Sunrise Tractor & Equipment Inc.; |
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Medicine Hat New Holland, Ltd.; |
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Memphis New Holland, Inc.; |
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Ridgeview New Holland, Inc.; and |
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St. Anthony New Holland, Inc. |
Designation of Equipment Subsidiaries and Financial Services
Subsidiaries. (a) On the Issue Date, CNH Global shall
designate each of its Restricted Subsidiaries as being either an
Equipment Subsidiary or a Financial Services
Subsidiary and from and after the Issue Date, CNH Global
shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary formed or acquired after
the Issue Date (and each Unrestricted Subsidiary the Designation
of which has been Revoked) to be designated as either an
Equipment Subsidiary or a Financial Services
Subsidiary; provided that each such designation
shall comply with the requirements of clause (b) below. The
designation of each Restricted Subsidiary in existence on the
Issue Date shall be set forth in a schedule to the Indenture and
the designation of each Restricted Subsidiary formed or acquired
after the Issue Date shall be evidenced by an officers
certificate of CNH Global delivered to the Trustee certifying
compliance with the foregoing provisions.
(b) CNH Global shall not
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(i) |
designate any Restricted Subsidiary as an Equipment Subsidiary
unless the properties, assets and operations of such Restricted
Subsidiary relate exclusively to the Equipment Business of CNH
Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however,
that any Equipment Subsidiary may engage in activities
described in the definition of Financial Services
Business provided that such activities are not the primary
business activities of such Equipment Subsidiary and are only
incidental to, and undertaken in support of, the Equipment
Business activities of such Equipment Subsidiary; |
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(ii) |
designate any Restricted Subsidiary as a Financial Services
Subsidiary unless the properties, assets and operations of such
Restricted Subsidiary relate exclusively to the Financial
Services Business of CNH Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries; |
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(iii) |
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to own any properties or other
assets or engage in any activities which would cause it to
qualify as both an Equipment Subsidiary and a Financial Services
Subsidiary; or |
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(iv) |
transfer any plant, property or equipment to any Financial
Services Subsidiary or permit any Financial Services Subsidiary
to own any plant, property or equipment other than, in each
case, property and equipment incidental to the operation of the
Financial Services Business. |
51
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CNH Global shall at all times
(x) with respect to itself, satisfy the requirements for
being an Equipment Subsidiary (notwithstanding that it is not a
Subsidiary) and (y) cause Case New Holland to at all times
be an Equipment Subsidiary.
Reports to Holders. Whether or not CNH Global is then
subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, CNH
Global will furnish to the Trustee and the Holders, so long as
the Notes are outstanding: (i) reports on
Form 6-K relating
to quarterly financial information substantially in the form of
the Form 6-K filed
by CNH Global on October 27, 2005, as amended; provided,
that such reports on
Form 6-K will be
so furnished no later than 45 days after the end of the
fiscal quarter relating to such quarterly report; and
(ii) annual reports on
Form 20-F
substantially in the form of the
Form 20-F filed by
CNH Global for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004;
provided, that such reports on
Form 20-F will be
so furnished no later than the date by which CNH Global would be
required so to file such report if then required to file such a
report under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that to
the extent that CNH Global ceases to qualify as a foreign
private issuer within the meaning of the Exchange Act,
whether or not CNH Global is then subject to Section 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, CNH Global will furnish to the
Trustee and the Holders, so long as the Notes are outstanding
(x) all quarterly and annual financial information that
would be required to be contained in a filing with the
Commission on
Forms 10-Q
and 10-K if CNH
Global were required to file such forms, including a
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations that describes the
financial condition and results of operations of CNH Global and
its consolidated Subsidiaries and, with respect to the annual
information only, a report thereon by CNH Globals
certified independent accountants; and (y) all current
reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission
on Form 8-K if CNH
Global were required to file such reports, in each case within
the time periods specified in the Commissions rules and
regulations.
In addition, whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, CNH Global will electronically
file or furnish, as the case may be, a copy of all such
information and reports with the Commission for public
availability within the time periods specified in the
Commissions rules and regulations (unless the Commission
will not accept such a filing) and make such information
available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon
request. In addition, CNH Global has agreed that, for so long as
any Notes remain outstanding, it will furnish to the Holders and
to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their
request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
Events of Default
The following events will be defined in the Indenture as
Events of Default:
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(1) |
the failure to pay interest on any Notes when the same becomes
due and payable and the default continues for a period of
30 days; |
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(2) |
the failure to pay the principal of any Notes, when such
principal becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption
or otherwise (including the failure to make a payment to
purchase Notes tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or
a Net Proceeds Offer); |
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(3) |
a default in the observance or performance of any other covenant
or agreement contained in the Indenture which default continues
for a period of 30 days after Case New Holland receives
written notice specifying the default from the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of
the Notes (except in the case of a default with respect to the
covenant described under Certain
Covenants Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Assets, which will constitute an Event of Default with
such notice requirement but without such passage of time
requirement); |
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(4) |
a default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under
which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or
evidenced any Indebtedness of CNH Global or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed
by CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) but
excluding Non-Recourse Accounts Receivable Subsidiary
Indebtedness, whether |
52
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such Indebtedness now exists or is created after the Issue Date,
which default (A) is caused by a failure to pay principal
of such Indebtedness after any applicable grace period provided
in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a
payment default) or (B) results in the
acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such
Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other
such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default
or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates
$75.0 million; |
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(5) |
one or more judgments in an aggregate amount in excess of
$75.0 million not covered by adequate insurance shall have
been rendered against CNH Global or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries and such judgments remain undischarged, unpaid or
unstayed for a period of 60 days after such judgment or
judgments become final and nonappealable; |
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(6) |
certain events of bankruptcy as set forth in the Indenture
affecting CNH Global, Case New Holland or any Significant
Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries of CNH Global
that, together, would constitute a Significant
Subsidiary; or |
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(7) |
any Guarantee of any Guarantor ceases to be in full force and
effect or any Guarantee of such Guarantor is declared to be null
and void and unenforceable or any Guarantee of such Guarantor is
found to be invalid or any Guarantor denies its liability under
its Guarantee (other than by reason of release of such Guarantor
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture). |
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified
in clause (6) above) shall occur and be continuing, the
Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
outstanding Notes may declare the principal of, premium, if any,
and accrued interest on all the Notes to be due and payable by
notice in writing to Case New Holland and (if given by the
Holders) the Trustee specifying the respective Events of Default
and that it is a notice of acceleration, and the
same shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of
Default specified in clause (6) above occurs with respect
to CNH Global or Case New Holland and is continuing, then all
unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid
interest on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto
become and be immediately due and payable without any
declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any
Holder.
The Indenture will provide that, at any time after a declaration
of acceleration with respect to the Notes as described in the
preceding paragraph, the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind and cancel such
declaration and its consequences:
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(1) |
if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree; |
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(2) |
if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived
except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due
solely because of the acceleration; |
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(3) |
to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, if
interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue
principal, which has become due otherwise than by such
declaration of acceleration, has been paid; |
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(4) |
if Case New Holland has paid the Trustee its reasonable
compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses,
disbursements and advances; and |
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(5) |
in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the
type described in clause (6) of the description above of
Events of Default, the Trustee shall have received an
officers certificate and an opinion of counsel that such
Event of Default has been cured or waived. |
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or Event
of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may waive any existing Default or Event of
Default under the Indenture, and its consequences, except a
default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any,
or interest on any Notes.
53
Holders of the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes
except as provided in the Indenture and under the TIA. Subject
to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of
its rights, or powers under the Indenture at the request, order
or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders have
offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity. Subject
to all provisions of the Indenture and applicable law, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Trustee.
Under the Indenture, Case New Holland is required to provide an
officers certificate to the Trustee promptly upon Case New
Holland obtaining knowledge of any Default or Event of Default
(provided that Case New Holland shall provide such
certification at least annually whether or not it knows of any
Default or Event of Default) that has occurred and, if
applicable, describe such Default or Event of Default and the
status thereof.
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
Case New Holland may, at its option and at any time, elect to
have its obligations and the obligations of any Guarantors
discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes (Legal
Defeasance). Such Legal Defeasance means that Case New
Holland shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire
indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, except for:
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(1) |
the rights of Holders to receive payments in respect of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when
such payments are due; |
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(2) |
Case New Hollands obligations with respect to the Notes
concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes,
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance
of an office or agency for payments; |
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(3) |
the rights, powers, trust, duties and immunities of the Trustee
and Case New Hollands obligations in connection
therewith; and |
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(4) |
the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture. |
In addition, Case New Holland may, at its option and at any
time, elect to have the obligations of Case New Holland released
with respect to certain covenants that are described in the
Indenture (Covenant Defeasance) and
thereafter any omission or failure to comply, with such
obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default
with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance
occurs, certain events (not including nonpayment, bankruptcy,
receivership, reorganization and insolvency events) described
under Events of Default will no longer
constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
In order to exercise Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:
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(1) |
Case New Holland must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in
trust, for the benefit of the Holders cash in U.S. dollars,
non-callable U.S. government obligations, or a combination
thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion
of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
accountants selected by Case New Holland, to pay the principal
of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the stated
date of payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as
the case may be; provided that the Trustee shall have
received an irrevocable written order from Case New Holland
instructing the Trustee to apply such U.S. dollars or the
proceeds of such U.S. government obligations to said
payments with respect to such Notes. |
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(2) |
in the case of Legal Defeasance, Case New Holland shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United
States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that
(A) Case New Holland has received from, or there has been
published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since
the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the
applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect
that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm
that, |
54
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the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the
case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; |
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(3) |
in the case of Covenant Defeasance, Case New Holland shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United
States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the
Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the
case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; |
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(4) |
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing on the date of such deposit or insofar as Events of
Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at
any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the
date of deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default
resulting from the incurrence of Indebtedness all or a portion
of the proceeds of which will be used to defease the Notes
concurrently with such incurrence); |
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(5) |
such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in
a breach or violation of or constitute a default under the
Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which
CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or
by which CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is
bound; |
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(6) |
Case New Holland shall have delivered to the Trustee an
officers certificate stating that the deposit was not made
by Case New Holland with the intent of preferring the Holders
over any other creditors of Case New Holland or with the intent
of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other
creditors of Case New Holland or others; |
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(7) |
Case New Holland shall have delivered to the Trustee an
officers certificate and an opinion of counsel, each
stating that all conditions precedent (other than, in the case
of such legal opinion, paragraph (6) above as to which
such counsel need express no opinion) provided for or relating
to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been
complied with; and |
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(8) |
Case New Holland shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion
of counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following
the deposit and assuming that no Holder is an
insider with respect to Case New Holland, as that
term is defined in Section 101 of title 11, United
States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy Code), the
cash or securities deposited in trust will not be subject to
avoidance and repayment under Sections 547 and 550 of the
Bankruptcy Code. |
Satisfaction and Discharge
The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further
effect (except as to surviving rights or registration of
transfer or exchange of the Notes, as expressly provided for in
the Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes when:
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(1) |
either (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and
delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have
been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has
theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in
trust by Case New Holland and thereafter repaid to Case New
Holland or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to
the Trustee for cancellation or (b) all of the Notes
(i) have become due and payable, (ii) will become due
and payable at their stated maturity within one year or
(iii) if redeemable at the option of Case New Holland, are
to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of
redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of
Case New Holland, and Case New Holland has irrevocably deposited
or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount
sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the
Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation,
for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes |
55
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to the date of deposit together with irrevocable instructions
from Case New Holland directing the Trustee to apply such funds
to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case
may be; |
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(2) |
Case New Holland and/or the Guarantors have paid all other sums
payable under the Indenture; and |
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(3) |
Case New Holland has delivered to the Trustee an officers
certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that all
conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the
satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied
with. |
Modification of the Indenture
From time to time, Case New Holland and the Trustee, without the
consent of the Holders, may amend the Indenture for certain
specified purposes, including curing ambiguities, defects or
inconsistencies, so long as such change does not, in the opinion
of the company, adversely affect the rights of any of the
Holders in any material respect. The Trustee will be entitled to
rely on such evidence as it deems appropriate, including,
without limitation, solely on an opinion of counsel. Other
modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made with
the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes issued under the Indenture, except
that, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, no
amendment may:
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(1) |
reduce the amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an
amendment; |
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(2) |
reduce the rate of or change or have the effect of changing the
time for payment of interest, including defaulted interest, on
any Notes; |
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(3) |
reduce the principal of or change or have the effect of changing
the fixed maturity of any Notes, or change the date on which any
Notes may be subject to redemption or repurchase, or reduce the
redemption or repurchase price therefor; |
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(4) |
make any Notes payable in money other than that stated in the
Notes; |
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(5) |
make any change in provisions of the Indenture protecting the
right of each Holder to receive payment of principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on such Notes on or after the
stated due date thereof or to bring suit to enforce such
payment, or permitting Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the then outstanding Notes to waive Defaults or Events of
Default; |
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(6) |
amend, change or modify in any material respect the obligation
of Case New Holland to make and consummate a Change of Control
Offer after the occurrence of a Change of Control or make and
consummate a Net Proceeds Offer with respect to any Asset Sale
that has been consummated or, after such Change of Control has
occurred or such Asset Sale has been consummated, modify any of
the provisions or definitions with respect thereto; |
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(7) |
modify or change any provision of the Indenture or the related
definitions affecting the ranking of the Notes or any Guarantee
in a manner which adversely affects the Holders; or |
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(8) |
release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its
Guarantee or the Indenture otherwise than in accordance with the
terms of the Indenture. |
Governing Law
The Indenture will provide that it, the Notes and any Guarantees
will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws
of the State of New York but without giving effect to applicable
principles of conflicts of law to the extent that the
application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required
thereby.
56
The Trustee
The Indenture will provide that, except during the continuance
of an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such
duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture. During
the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee will exercise
such rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture, and use
the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent
man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct
of his own affairs.
The Indenture and the provisions of the TIA contain certain
limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a
creditor of Case New Holland, to obtain payments of claims in
certain cases or to realize on certain property received in
respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. Subject to
the TIA, the Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; provided that if the Trustee acquires any
conflicting interest as described in the TIA it must eliminate
such conflict or resign.
Certain Definitions
Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms
used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for
the full definition of all such terms, as well as any other
terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
Accounts Receivable Subsidiary means a
Subsidiary of CNH Global:
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(1) |
that is formed solely for the purpose of, and that engages in no
activities other than activities in connection with, financing
accounts receivable of CNH Global and/or its Restricted
Subsidiaries; |
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(2) |
that is designated by the Board of Directors of CNH Global as an
Accounts Receivable Subsidiary pursuant to a Board of
Directors resolution set forth in an officers
certificate delivered to the Trustee; |
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(3) |
with respect to any Accounts Receivable Subsidiary created or
designated after the Issue Date, that has total assets at the
time of such creation and designation with a book value of
$10,000 or less; |
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(4) |
no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligation
(contingent or otherwise) of which (a) is at any time
Guaranteed by CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary of CNH
Global (excluding Guarantees of obligations (other than any
Guarantee of Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization
Undertakings), (b) is at any time recourse to or obligates
CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary of CNH Global in any
way, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings
or (c) subjects any asset of CNH Global or any other
Restricted Subsidiary of CNH Global (except for another Accounts
Receivable Subsidiary), directly or indirectly, contingently or
otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to
Standard Securitization Undertakings (such Indebtedness,
Non-Recourse Accounts Receivable Subsidiary
Indebtedness); |
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(5) |
with which neither CNH Global nor any Restricted Subsidiary of
CNH Global has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or
understanding other than contracts, agreements, arrangements and
understandings entered into in the ordinary course of business
on terms no less favorable to CNH Global or such Restricted
Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from
Persons that are not Affiliates of CNH Global in connection with
a Qualified Receivables Transaction and fees payable in the
ordinary course of business in connection with servicing
accounts receivable in connection with such a Qualified
Receivables Transaction; and |
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(6) |
with respect to which neither CNH Global nor any Restricted
Subsidiary of CNH Global has any obligation (a) to
subscribe for additional shares of Capital Stock thereof or make
any additional capital contribution or similar payment or
transfer thereto, except for continuing transfers of Qualified
Receivables Assets pursuant to any pre-funding or revolving
period feature, or (b) to maintain or preserve the solvency
or any balance sheet term, financial condition, level of income
or results of operations thereof, except in each case, to the
extent that, if the amount of each such subscription, capital
contribution or other payment or Investment were to be deducted
from the cash |
57
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proceeds received by CNH Global or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries in connection with the sale of the related
Qualified Receivables Assets, the transfer of such Qualified
Receivables Assets would still be permitted by clause (8)
of the proviso to the definition of Asset Sale,
provided that to the extent any such subscription,
capital contribution or other payment or Investment would not be
so permitted, CNH Global would be entitled at the time such
obligation is entered into and at the time the obligation is
fulfilled to make a Restricted Payment in an amount equal to
such amount of such obligation, in which case, at the time of
such subscription, capital contribution or other payment or
Investment, CNH Global shall be deemed to have made a Restricted
Payment for all purposes under the covenant described under
Limitation on Restricted Payments in an amount equal
to such subscription, capital contribution or other payment or
Investment. |
Acquired Indebtedness means Indebtedness of a
Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such
Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, or at the time it merges
or consolidates with CNH Global or any of the Restricted
Subsidiaries or assumed by CNH Global or any Restricted
Subsidiary in connection with the acquisition of assets from
such Person and in each case whether or not incurred by such
Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation
of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such
acquisition, merger or consolidation.
Affiliate means, with respect to any
specified Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled
by, or is under common control with, such specified Person. The
term control means the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of
the management and policies of a Person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and
the terms controlling and
controlled have meanings correlative of the
foregoing.
Applicable Treasury Rate for any redemption
date, means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of
United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as
compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve
Statistical Release H.15(519) that has become publicly available
at least two Business Days prior to the Make-Whole
Redemption Date of such Note (or, if such Statistical
Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of
similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the
Make-Whole Redemption Date to March 1, 2010;
provided, however, that if the period from the Make-Whole
Redemption Date to March 1, 2010 is not equal to the
constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which
a weekly average yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate
shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the
nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of
United States Treasury securities for which such yields are
given except that if the period from the Make-Whole
Redemption Date to March 1, 2010 is less than one
year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States
Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year
shall be used.
ARS Promissory Note means a promissory note
of an Accounts Receivable Subsidiary to CNH Global or any
Restricted Subsidiary of CNH Global, which note must be repaid
from cash available to the Accounts Receivable Subsidiary, other
than amounts required to be established as reserves pursuant to
agreements, amounts paid to investors in respect of interest,
principal and other amounts owing to such investors and amounts
paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated
receivables.
Asset Acquisition means (1) an
Investment by CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
in any other Person pursuant to which such Person shall become a
Restricted Subsidiary, or shall be merged with or into CNH
Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or (2) the
acquisition by CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of the assets of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary)
which constitute all or substantially all of the assets of such
Person or comprises any division or line of business of such
Person or any other properties or assets of such Person other
than in the ordinary course of business.
Asset Sale means any direct or indirect sale,
issuance, conveyance, lease (other than operating leases entered
into in the ordinary course of business), assignment or other
transfer (other than the granting of a Lien in accordance with
the Indenture) for value by CNH Global or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction) to
any Person other than CNH Global or a Restricted
58
Subsidiary of (a) any Capital Stock of any Restricted
Subsidiary or (b) any other property or assets of CNH
Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided,
however, that Asset Sales shall not include:
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(1) |
the sale, conveyance, lease, assignment or other transfer of any
parts depot in connection with the Parts Depot Rationalization
Program; |
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(2) |
a transaction or series of related transactions for which CNH
Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries receive aggregate
consideration or which has a Fair Market Value of less than
$10.0 million; |
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(3) |
the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of
all or substantially all of the assets of CNH Global or Case New
Holland as permitted by the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Merger,
Consolidation and Sale of Assets; |
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(4) |
any Restricted Payment made in accordance with the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Restricted Payments or a Permitted
Investment; |
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(5) |
the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents; |
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(6) |
the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business; |
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(7) |
the sale or disposition of obsolete, damaged or worn out assets
or assets no longer used or useful, in each case in the ordinary
course of business; |
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(8) |
sales of Qualified Receivables Assets to an Accounts Receivables
Subsidiary or other Person pursuant to a Qualified Receivables
Transaction for the Fair Market Value thereof; |
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(9) |
any transfer of Qualified Receivables Assets, or a fractional
undivided interest therein, by an Accounts Receivables
Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables Transaction; |
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(10) |
a Permitted Financial Services Disposition; or |
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(11) |
the factoring of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary
course of business pursuant to customary arrangements. |
Attributable Indebtedness in respect of a
Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of
determination, the greater of
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(1) |
the fair value of the property subject to such
arrangement; and |
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(2) |
the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit
in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP) of the
total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the
remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback
Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been
extended). |
Board of Directors means, as to any Person,
the board of directors of such Person or any duly authorized
committee thereof.
Board Resolution means, with respect to any
Person, a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of such Person to have been duly adopted by
the Board of Directors of such Person and to be in full force
and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to
the Trustee.
Build-up
Amount Start Date means October 1, 2003.
Business Day means a day other than a
Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banking
institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law
to close.
Calculation Start Date means August 1,
2003.
Capital Stock means
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(1) |
with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all
shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however
designated and whether or not voting) of corporate stock,
including each class of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of such
Person and |
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(2) |
with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, any and
all partnership or other equity interests of such Person. |
Capitalized Lease Obligation means, as to any
Person, the obligations of such Person under a lease that are
required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease
obligations under GAAP and, for purposes of this definition, the
amount of such obligations at any date shall be the capitalized
amount of such obligations at such date, determined in
accordance with GAAP.
Cash Equivalents means:
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(1) |
marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally
guaranteed by, the United States Government or any member state
of the European Union (as it exists on the Issue Date) or issued
by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of
the United States or such member state of the European Union, in
each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition
thereof; |
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(2) |
marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United
States of America or any political subdivision of any such state
or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year
from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of
acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable
from either Standard & Poors, a division of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. or any successor thereto
(S&P) or Moodys Investors Service,
Inc. or any successor thereto (Moodys); |
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(3) |
commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of
creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a
rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from
Moodys; |
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(4) |
cash deposited in bank accounts, certificates of deposit or
bankers acceptances maturing within one year from the date
of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the
laws of any member state of the European Union (as it exists on
the Issue Date), the United States of America or any State
thereof or the District of Columbia or any foreign branch of any
such bank or any branch of a foreign bank located in the United
States or any member state of the European Union (as it exists
on the Issue Date) having at the date of acquisition thereof
combined capital and surplus of not less than
$250.0 million; |
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(5) |
repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days
for underlying securities of the types described in
clause (1) above entered into with any bank meeting the
qualifications specified in clause (4) above; |
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(6) |
investments in money market funds which invest substantially all
their assets in either (x) securities of the types
described in clauses (1) through (5) above or
(y) securities which constitute Eligible
Securities (as defined in Rule 2a-7(10) promulgated
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as such Rule is in
effect on the Issue Date); |
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(7) |
in addition to clauses (1) through (6) above, in the
case of CNH Global or any Foreign Subsidiary: |
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(a) |
marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally
guaranteed by, the sovereign nation in which CNH Global or such
Foreign Subsidiary is organized and is conducting business, or
issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and
credit of such sovereign nation, and in each case maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition thereof; and |
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(b) |
certificates of deposit or bankers acceptances maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by
any bank organized under the laws of the sovereign nation in
which CNH Global or such Foreign Subsidiary is organized and is
conducting business, and having at the date of acquisition
thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than
$250.0 million; and |
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(8) |
positive net cash balances of CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries held from time to time on current account with Fiat
and its Affiliates in connection with cash management practices
generally accepted internationally as applied by multinational
corporations in the ordinary course of business. |
Change of Control means the occurrence of one
or more of the following events:
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(1) |
any Person or group of related Persons for purposes of
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (a
Group), other than one or more Permitted
Holders, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined under
Rule 13d-3 or any
successor rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act,
except that a Person will be deemed to have beneficial
ownership of all securities that such Person has the right
to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or
only after the passage of time) of more than 50% of the total
voting power of CNH Globals Capital Stock; |
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(2) |
there is consummated any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer
(in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all
or substantially all of the assets of CNH Global and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any Person or Group, together
with any Affiliates thereof (whether or not otherwise in
compliance with the provisions of the Indenture), other than any
transfer to (x) CNH Global or one or more Restricted
Subsidiaries of CNH Global or (y) any Person of which more
than 50% of the voting power of such Persons Capital Stock
is owned by one or more Permitted Holders; |
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(3) |
there is consummated any consolidation or merger of CNH Global
in which CNH Global is not the continuing or surviving Person or
pursuant to which the Common Stock of CNH Global would be
converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a
merger or consolidation of CNH Global (x) in which the
Holders of the Capital Stock of CNH Global outstanding
immediately prior to the consolidation or merger hold, directly
or indirectly, at least a majority of the Capital Stock of the
surviving corporation immediately after such consolidation or
merger or (y) with any Person of which more that 50% of the
voting power of such Persons Capital Stock is owned by one
or more Permitted Holders; |
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(4) |
the approval by the Holders of Capital Stock of CNH Global of
any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of CNH
Global or Case New Holland (whether or not otherwise in
compliance with the provisions of the Indenture); |
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(5) |
during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at
the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors
of CNH Global (together with any new directors whose election by
such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the
stockholders of CNH Global was approved either (x) pursuant
to a vote of a majority of the directors then still in office
who were either directors at the beginning of such period or
whose election or nomination for election was previously so
approved or (y) by the Permitted Holders) cease for any
reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of CNH
Global then in office; or |
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(6) |
the first day on which CNH Global fails to own, either directly
or indirectly, through one or more Restricted Subsidiaries, more
than 50% of the total voting power of Case New Hollands
Capital Stock. |
Commission means the Securities and Exchange
Commission, as from time to time constituted, or if at any time
after the execution of the Indenture such Commission is not
existing and performing the applicable duties now assigned to
it, then the body or bodies performing such duties at such time.
Common Stock of any Person means any and all
shares, interests or other participations in, and other
equivalents (however designated and whether voting or
non-voting) of such Persons common stock, whether
outstanding on the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date,
and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such
common stock.
61
Consolidated EBITDA means, with respect to
CNH Global, for any period, the sum (without duplication) of:
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(1) |
Consolidated Equipment Net Income; and |
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(2) |
to the extent Consolidated Equipment Net Income has been reduced
thereby: |
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(A) |
all income taxes of CNH Global and the Equipment Subsidiaries
paid or accrued in accordance with GAAP for such period; |
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(B) |
Consolidated Equipment Interest Expense; |
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(C) |
Consolidated Equipment Non-cash Charges; and |
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(D) |
(I) restructuring charges of CNH Global and the Equipment
Subsidiaries resulting from the CNH Merger Integration Plan as
described in the Offering Memorandum to the extent paid or
accrued during such period and (II) any Production
Rationalization Amounts, |
less any Consolidated Equipment Non-cash Items increasing
Consolidated Equipment Net Income for such period, all as
determined on a consolidated basis for CNH Global and its
Equipment Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Equipment Interest Expense
means, with respect to CNH Global for any period, the sum
of, without duplication:
(1)
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(A) |
the aggregate of the interest expense of CNH Global and its
Equipment Subsidiaries for such period determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding, for
the avoidance of doubt, the interest expense of Financial
Services Subsidiaries), including without limitation or
duplication, |
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(I) |
any amortization of debt discount and amortization or write-off
of deferred financing costs, |
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(II) |
the net costs under Hedging Obligations, |
(III) non-cash interest expense,
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(IV) |
all capitalized interest, and |
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(V) |
the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation; and |
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(B) |
the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations and
Attributable Indebtedness paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be
paid or accrued by CNH Global and its Equipment Subsidiaries
during such period as determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP, less |
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(2) |
the aggregate interest income received by CNH Global and its
Equipment Subsidiaries from Financial Services Subsidiaries in
respect of Indebtedness of such Financial Services Subsidiaries
owed to CNH Global and/or one or more Equipment Subsidiaries for
such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP; provided, however, that with respect to each
item of such Indebtedness, the interest income thereon shall be
excluded to the extent that, but only to the extent that, the
interest rate on such Indebtedness exceeds the rate that would
be applicable to borrowings of similar maturities and on
substantially the same terms by similarly situated finance
companies from unaffiliated third parties. |
The calculation of Consolidated Equipment Interest Expense shall
not include any amount of the type included or recorded from
time to time as Interest Compensation to Financial
Services on CNH Globals financial statements.
Consolidated Equipment Net Income means that
portion of Consolidated Net Income attributable to CNH Global
and its Equipment Subsidiaries (excluding CNH Globals and
its Equipment Subsidiaries
62
equity in the net income of Financial Services Subsidiaries
except to the extent of cash dividends or distributions paid to
CNH Global or an Equipment Subsidiary by a Financial Services
Subsidiary).
Consolidated Equipment Non-cash Charges
means, with respect to CNH Global, for any period, the
aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash
expenses, including, without limitation, impairments of
intangibles and other non-cash writedowns, of CNH Global and its
Equipment Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Equipment Net
Income of CNH Global for such period, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding any such
charge which requires an accrual of or a reserve for cash
charges for any future period and any loss on the sale of fixed
assets as reflected in CNH Globals consolidated statements
of cash flows in accordance with GAAP).
Consolidated Equipment Non-cash Items means
with respect to CNH Global, for any period, the aggregate
non-cash gains of CNH Global and its Equipment Subsidiaries
increasing Consolidated Equipment Net Income of CNH Global for
such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP (excluding any such gain or portion of such gain for
which cash is expected to be received in any future period).
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
means, with respect to CNH Global, the ratio of Consolidated
EBITDA of CNH Global during the four full fiscal quarters (the
Four Quarter Period) ending on or prior to
the date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate
the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for which financial
statements are available (the Transaction
Date) to Consolidated Fixed Charges of CNH Global for
the Four Quarter Period. In addition to and without limitation
of the foregoing, for purposes of this definition,
Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Fixed
Charges shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro
forma basis for the period of such calculation to:
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(1) |
the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness or issuance or
redemption of Preferred Stock of CNH Global or any CNH
Globals Equipment Subsidiaries (and the application of the
proceeds thereof) giving rise to the need to make such
calculation and any incurrence or repayment of other
Indebtedness or issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock (and
the application of the proceeds thereof), other than the
incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordinary course
of business for working capital purposes pursuant to working
capital facilities, occurring during the Four Quarter Period or
at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four Quarter
Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such
incurrence or repayment or issuance or redemption, as the case
may be (and the application of the proceeds thereof), occurred
on the first day of the Four Quarter Period; and |
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(2) |
any asset sales or other dispositions or Asset Acquisitions
(including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving
rise to the need to make such calculation as a result of CNH
Global or one of the Equipment Subsidiaries (including any
Person who becomes an Equipment Subsidiary as a result of the
Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable
for Acquired Indebtedness and also including any Consolidated
EBITDA (including any pro forma expense and cost reductions
calculated on a basis consistent with
Regulation S-X
under the Exchange Act) attributable to the assets which are the
subject of the Asset Acquisition or asset sale or other
disposition during the Four Quarter Period) occurring during the
Four Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of
the Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date
as if such asset sale or other disposition or Asset Acquisition
(including the incurrence, assumption or liability for any such
Acquired Indebtedness) occurred on the first day of the Four
Quarter Period. |
If CNH Global or any Equipment Subsidiary directly or indirectly
guarantees Indebtedness of a third Person, the preceding
sentence shall give effect to the incurrence of such guaranteed
Indebtedness as if CNH Global or such Equipment Subsidiary had
directly incurred or otherwise assumed such guaranteed Indebted-
63
ness. Furthermore, in calculating Consolidated Fixed
Charges for purposes of determining the denominator (but
not the numerator) of this Consolidated Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio:
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(1) |
interest on outstanding Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating
basis as of the Transaction Date and which will continue to be
so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a
fixed rate per annum equal to the rate of interest on such
Indebtedness in effect on the Transaction Date; |
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(2) |
if interest on any Indebtedness actually incurred on the
Transaction Date may optionally be determined at an interest
rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a
eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rates, then the
interest rate in effect on the Transaction Date will be deemed
to have been in effect during the Four Quarter Period; and |
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(3) |
notwithstanding clause (1) above, interest on Indebtedness
determined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent such interest
is covered by agreements relating to Hedging Obligations, shall
be deemed to accrue at the rate per annum in effect on the
Transaction Date resulting after giving effect to the operation
of such agreements on such date. |
Consolidated Fixed Charges means, with
respect to CNH Global for any period, the sum, without
duplication, of:
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(1) |
Consolidated Equipment Interest Expense, plus |
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(2) |
the product of (x) the amount of all dividend payments on
any series of Preferred Stock of CNH Global or any Equipment
Subsidiary (other than dividends paid in Qualified Capital
Stock) paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued
during such period times (y) a fraction, the numerator of
which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then
current Effective Income Tax Rate of CNH Global, expressed as a
decimal. |
Consolidated Net Income means, with respect
to CNH Global, for any period, the aggregate net income (or
loss) of CNH Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such
period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded therefrom:
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(1) |
net gains and losses from asset sales (other than the sale of
Qualified Receivables Assets in the ordinary course of business
in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction) or
abandonments or reserves relating thereto; |
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(2) |
extraordinary gains (but not extraordinary losses) (determined
on an after-tax basis); |
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(3) |
the net income of any Person acquired in a pooling of
interests transaction accrued prior to the date it becomes
a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged or consolidated with CNH
Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; |
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(4) |
the net income (but not loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary to
the extent that the declaration of dividends or similar
distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that income is
restricted by a contract, operation of law or otherwise; |
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(5) |
the net income (including any loss) of any Person, other than a
Restricted Subsidiary, except to the extent of cash dividends or
distributions paid to CNH Global or to a Restricted Subsidiary
by such Person; |
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(6) |
income or loss attributable to discontinued operations
(including, without limitation, operations disposed of during
such period whether or not such operations were classified as
discontinued); and |
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(7) |
in the case of a successor to CNH Global by consolidation or
merger or as a transferee of CNH Globals assets, any
earnings of the successor corporation prior to such
consolidation, merger or transfer of assets. |
Notwithstanding clause (4) above, to the extent that the
declaration of dividends or similar distributions by any
Financial Services Subsidiary is restricted by contract, the
aggregate net income (or loss) of such
64
Financial Services Subsidiary shall be included in the
calculation of Consolidated Net Income; provided that such
contract is entered into in accordance with
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted
Subsidiaries.
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of any
Person means the aggregate amount of assets (less applicable
reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting
therefrom (a) all current liabilities and (b) all
goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt
discount and expense (to the extent included in said aggregate
amount of assets) and other like intangibles, as shown on the
balance sheet of such Person for the most recently ended fiscal
quarter for which financial statements are available, determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. Consolidated
Net Tangible Assets shall be determined as of the time of the
occurrence of the event(s) giving rise to the requirement to
determine Consolidated Net Tangible Assets and after giving
effect to such event(s).
Consolidated Net Worth of any Person means
the consolidated stockholders equity of such Person,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, less
(without duplication) amounts attributable to Disqualified
Capital Stock of such Person.
Credit Facilities means one or more debt
facilities or other financing arrangements (including commercial
paper facilities, revolving credit loans, term loans,
receivables financing, letters of credit or any debt securities
or other form of debt, convertible debt or exchangeable debt
financing) as such facilities or arrangements may be amended
(including any amendment and restatement thereof), supplemented
or otherwise modified from time to time, including any
agreement(s) extending the maturity of or Refinancing (including
increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder
(provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted by the
covenant described under the caption Certain
Covenants Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock) or adding
CNH Global or Subsidiaries of CNH Global as borrowers or
guarantors thereunder) all or any portion of the Indebtedness
under such agreement(s) or any successor or replacement
agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or
group of lenders or creditor or group of creditors.
Default means an event or condition the
occurrence of which is, or with the lapse of time or the giving
of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.
Disinterested means, with respect to any
transaction or series of related transactions, a member of the
Board of Directors of CNH Global who does not have any material
direct or indirect financial interest in or with respect to such
transaction or series of related transactions, provided
that a member of the Board of Directors of CNH Global shall
not be deemed to have any material direct or indirect financial
interest in or with respect to such transaction or series of
transactions due solely to the fact that such member is also at
such time an officer, employee or director of CNH, Fiat or any
of their respective Affiliates.
Disposition means, whether in one or a series
of transactions, the sale, assignment, transfer, lease,
conveyance or other disposition, directly or indirectly, of all
or any portion of the business, assets, properties or securities
of the Financial Services Business, whether by way of a merger
or consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or
restructuring, tender or exchange offer, negotiated purchase,
leveraged buyout, minority investment or partnership,
collaborative venture or otherwise, or any other extraordinary
corporate transaction involving the Financial Services Business.
Disqualified Capital Stock means that portion
of any Capital Stock which, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the
happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable,
pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is
mandatorily exchangeable for Indebtedness, or is redeemable or
exchangeable for Indebtedness, at the sole option of the holder
thereof on or prior to the one-year anniversary of the final
maturity date of the Notes.
Effective Income Tax Rate means the product
of income tax provision (benefit) as reported under GAAP divided
by income (loss) before taxes, minority interest, equity in
income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates and
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle as reported
under GAAP.
65
Equipment Business means the manufacture,
marketing and distribution of agricultural and construction
equipment.
Equipment Subsidiary means any Restricted
Subsidiary of CNH Global that is engaged in the Equipment
Business.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute or statutes
thereto, and the rules and regulations of the Commission
promulgated thereunder.
Excluded Sale and Leaseback Transaction means
any Sale and Leaseback Transaction involving one or more parts
depots entered into in connection with the Parts Depot
Rationalization Program.
Existing Credit Facility means any debt
facility or other term loan, revolving credit, receivables
financing, commercial paper or letter of credit financing
arrangement of CNH Global or any Equipment Subsidiary
outstanding on the Issue Date but other than any debt security
or Qualified Receivables Transaction outstanding on the Issue
Date.
Fair Market Value means, with respect to any
asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an
arms-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a
willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is
under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction.
Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by one or
more members of the senior management of CNH Global or the
applicable Restricted Subsidiary.
Fiat has the meaning set forth in the
definition of Permitted Holders.
Fiat Promissory Notes means the Indebtedness
of the Equipment Subsidiaries represented by promissory notes,
to the extent outstanding on the Issue Date, payable to Fiat and
its affiliates.
Financial Services Business means the offer
and sale of financial services products, including without
limitation (i) retail financing for the purchase or lease
of equipment manufactured by CNH Global, Equipment Subsidiaries
or any other manufacturer whose products are from time to time
sold through CNH Globals dealer network, (ii) other
retail and wholesale financing programs reasonably related
thereto and (iii) insurance and credit card products and
services reasonably related thereto, together with the
underwriting, marketing, servicing and other related support
activities incidental to the offer and sale of such financial
services products.
Financial Services Subsidiary means any
Restricted Subsidiary of CNH Global that is engaged in the
Financial Services Business.
Financial Subsidiary Leverage Ratio means,
with respect to the Financial Services Subsidiaries of CNH
Global, the ratio of:
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(x) |
the sum of the aggregate outstanding amount of Indebtedness and
Preferred Stock of the Financial Services Subsidiaries of CNH
Global as of the date of the transaction giving rise to the need
to calculate the Financial Subsidiary Leverage Ratio (the
Financial Subsidiary Leverage Ratio Transaction
Date) on a consolidated basis determined in accordance
with GAAP to |
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(y) |
Consolidated Net Worth of the Financial Services Subsidiaries as
of the Financial Subsidiary Leverage Ratio Transaction Date. |
For purposes of this definition,
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(1) |
clauses (x) and (y) above will be calculated
after giving effect on a pro forma basis to the incurrence or
repayment of any Indebtedness of any Financial Services
Subsidiary or the issuance or redemption or other repayment of
Preferred Stock of any such Financial Services Subsidiary (and
the application of the proceeds thereof) giving rise to the need
to make such calculation and any incurrence or repayment of
other Indebtedness or issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock
on the Financial Subsidiary Leverage Ratio Transaction Date, as
if such incurrence or repayment or |
66
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issuance or redemption, as the case may be (and the application
of the proceeds thereof), occurred on the Financial Subsidiary
Leverage Ratio Transaction Date; and |
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(2) |
if any Financial Services Subsidiary directly or indirectly
guarantees Indebtedness of a third Person, the preceding
sentence will give effect to the incurrence of such guaranteed
Indebtedness as if such Financial Services Subsidiary had
directly incurred or otherwise assumed such guaranteed
Indebtedness. |
Foreign Subsidiary means a Restricted
Subsidiary that is formed or otherwise incorporated in a
jurisdiction other than the United States or a State thereof or
the District of Columbia.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting
principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the
Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accounts and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other
statements by such other entity as may be approved by a
significant segment of the accounting profession of the United
States, which are in effect on August 1, 2003.
Guarantee has the meaning set forth under
Certain Covenants Issuance of
Subsidiary Guarantees.
Guarantor means (1) CNH Global,
(2) each Restricted Subsidiary of CNH Global that executes
a Guarantee on the Issue Date and (3) each other Restricted
Subsidiary that in the future executes a Guarantee pursuant to
the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Issuance of Subsidiary Guarantees or
otherwise; provided that any Person constituting a
Guarantor as described above shall cease to constitute a
Guarantor when its Guarantee is released in accordance with the
terms of the Indenture.
Hedging Obligations means, with respect to
any Person, the obligations of such Person under:
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(1) |
any interest rate protection agreements including, without
limitation, interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap
agreements and interest rate collar agreements; |
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(2) |
any foreign exchange contracts, currency swap agreements or
other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person
against fluctuations in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; |
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(3) |
any commodity futures contract, commodity option or other
similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person
against fluctuations in prices of commodities; and |
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(4) |
indemnity agreements and arrangements entered into in connection
with the agreements and arrangements described in
clauses (1), (2) and (3). |
Holder means any registered holder, from time
to time, of any Notes.
incur has the meaning set forth under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred
Stock.
Indebtedness means, with respect to any
Person, without duplication:
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(1) |
all Obligations of such Person for borrowed money; |
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(2) |
all Obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures,
notes or other similar instruments; |
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(3) |
all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; |
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(4) |
all Obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and
all Obligations under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
arising in the ordinary course of business that are not overdue
by 90 days or more or are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently
conducted); |
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(5) |
all Obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor on any
letter of credit, bankers acceptance or similar credit
transaction; |
67
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(6) |
guarantees and other contingent obligations in respect of
Indebtedness of any other Person referred to in clauses (1)
through (5) above and clause (8) below; |
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(7) |
all Obligations of any other Person of the type referred to in
clauses (1) through (6) which are secured by any Lien
on any property or asset of such Person, the amount of such
Obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the Fair Market
Value of such property or asset or the amount of the Obligation
so secured; |
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(8) |
all Obligations under Hedging Obligations of such
Person; and |
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(9) |
all Disqualified Capital Stock of such Person with the amount of
Indebtedness represented by such Disqualified Capital Stock
being equal to the greater of its voluntary or involuntary
liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price,
but excluding accrued and unpaid dividends, if any. |
For purposes hereof, the maximum fixed repurchase
price of any Disqualified Capital Stock which does not
have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance
with the terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock as if such
Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which
Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the
Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the
fair market value of such Disqualified Capital Stock, such fair
market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by
the Board of Directors of the issuer of such Disqualified
Capital Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Standard
Securitization Undertakings and (ii) Guarantees made in the
ordinary course of business in connection with cash management
activities by CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary to any
bank or other financial institution with respect to account
overdrafts of any Fiat Affiliate in any account of such
Affiliate maintained with such bank or other financial
institution, provided that such Guarantee is limited to the
amount of funds of CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiary held
at such bank or other financial institution, in each case shall
not constitute Indebtedness.
Independent Financial Advisor means a firm
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(1) |
which does not, and whose directors, officers and employees and
Affiliates do not, have a direct or indirect material financial
interest in CNH Global or any of its Subsidiaries; and |
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(2) |
which, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of CNH Global,
is otherwise independent and qualified to perform the task for
which it is to be engaged. |
Initial Purchaser means UBS Securities LLC.
Intesa BCI Indebtedness means the
Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under the Buy and
Sell-Back Agreement dated January 16, 2002 between CNH
America LLC and Intesa BCI S.p.A.
Investment means, with respect to any Person,
any direct or indirect loan or other extension of credit
(including, without limitation, guarantee) or capital
contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other
property to others or any payment for property or services for
the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition by
such Person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or
other securities or evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any
Person or the assumption by any Person of Indebtedness of any
other Person. Investment shall exclude extensions of
trade credit by CNH Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries on
commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade
practices of CNH Global or such Restricted Subsidiaries, as the
case may be. If CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
sells or otherwise disposes of any Capital Stock of any
Restricted Subsidiary (the Referent
Subsidiary) such that, after giving effect to any such
sale or disposition, the Referent Subsidiary shall cease to be a
Restricted Subsidiary, CNH Global shall be deemed to have made
an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal
to the Fair Market Value of the Capital Stock of the Referent
Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.
Investment Grade Rating means a rating equal
to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moodys and
BBB (or the equivalent) by S&P.
68
Investment Grade Status shall be deemed to
have been reached on the date that the Notes have an Investment
Grade Rating from both Rating Agencies, provided that no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on
such date.
Issue Date means March 3, 2006, the date
of initial issuance of the Notes.
Lien means any lien, mortgage, deed of trust,
pledge, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind
(including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any lease in the nature thereof and any agreement to
give any security interest).
Make-Whole Premium means, as to each Note, an
amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.0% of the principal
amount of such Note and (ii) the excess of (x) the
present value of the sum of the principal amount and premium, if
any, that would be payable on such Note on March 1, 2010
and all remaining interest payments to and including
March 1, 2010 (but excluding any interest accrued to the
Make-Whole Redemption Date), discounted on a semi-annual
basis (assuming a
360-day year consisting
of twelve 30-day
months) from March 1, 2010 to the Make-Whole
Redemption Date at a per-annum interest rate equal to the
Applicable Treasury Rate on such Make-Whole Redemption Date
plus 0.50%, over (y) the outstanding principal amount of
such Note.
Make-Whole Redemption Date with respect
to a Make-Whole Redemption, means the date such Make-Whole
Redemption is effected.
Moodys has the meaning set forth in the
definition of Cash Equivalents.
Net Cash Proceeds means, with respect to any
Asset Sale, the proceeds in the form of cash or Cash
Equivalents, including payments in respect of deferred payment
obligations when received in the form of cash or Cash
Equivalents (other than the portion of any such deferred payment
constituting interest), received by CNH Global or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries from such Asset Sale net of:
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(1) |
reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses
and fees relating to such Asset Sale (including, without
limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, sales
commissions and relocation expenses); |
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(2) |
taxes paid or payable after taking into account any reduction in
consolidated tax liability due to available tax credits or
deductions and any tax sharing arrangements; |
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(3) |
repayments of Indebtedness secured by a Lien permitted by the
Indenture on the property or assets subject to such Asset Sale
that is required to be repaid in connection with such Asset
Sale; and |
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(4) |
appropriate amounts to be determined by CNH Global or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, as a reserve, in
accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with
such Asset Sale and retained by CNH Global or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, after such Asset
Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other
post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to
environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification
obligations associated with such Asset Sale. |
Net Indebtedness means as of any time of
determination, (a) the aggregate principal amount of
Indebtedness outstanding under clause (2) under the second
paragraph of Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock less
(b) the aggregate principal amount of Qualifying
Intercompany Indebtedness then outstanding.
Notes means the 7.125% Senior Notes due
2014 issued by Case New Holland.
Obligations means all obligations for
principal, premium, interests, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities
payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
Offering Memorandum means the offering
memorandum dated February 24, 2006 relating to the offering
of the Notes.
69
Pari Passu Debt means any Indebtedness of
Case New Holland or any Guarantor that ranks pari passu
in right of payment with the Notes or such Guarantee, as
applicable.
Parts Depot Rationalization Program means any
sale, lease, assignment or other transfer of one or more parts
depots maintained by CNH Global and its Restricted Subsidiaries
on the Issue Date pursuant to a program established by CNH
Global for the rationalization of such existing parts depots as
described in the Offering Memorandum.
Permitted Asset Swap means any transfer of
properties or assets (including without limitation, any transfer
of Capital Stock of any Subsidiary) by CNH Global or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries in which (a) at least 90% of the
consideration received by the transferor consists of
(i) properties or assets (other than cash) that constitute
Replacement Assets, (ii) Capital Stock of any Person that
is engaged in a business that is the same, similar or reasonably
related to the businesses in which CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries are then engaged in and that will become a
Restricted Subsidiary upon consummation of such Permitted Asset
Swap or (iii) any combination of clauses (i) and
(ii) above, and (b) CNH Global or the applicable
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives
consideration at the time of such Permitted Asset Swap at least
equal to the Fair Market Value of the properties or assets
transferred.
Permitted Financial Services Disposition
means the transfer of any Capital Stock or all or any
portion of the assets of one or more Financial Services
Subsidiaries or Unrestricted Financial Services Subsidiaries to
any Person that is not a Subsidiary of CNH Global if:
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(1) |
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of and immediately following the
consummation of such transaction; |
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(2) |
the transferor of such Capital Stock or assets receives
consideration at the time of such transfer at least equal to the
Fair Market Value of the Capital Stock or the assets, net of any
liabilities assumed by the transferee, so transferred or, in the
case of a transfer of Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Financial
Services Subsidiary in the form of a dividend or other similar
distribution, such dividend or other similar distribution is
made in compliance with the Limitation on Restricted
Payments covenant; |
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(3) |
in the case of transfer of any Capital Stock, as a result of and
immediately after giving effect to such transfer such Financial
Services Subsidiary or Unrestricted Financial Services
Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall cease to be a Subsidiary
of CNH Global; and |
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(4) |
immediately prior to or concurrently with the consummation of
such transfer, each Financial Services Subsidiary that is so
transferring assets or the Capital Stock of which is being
transferred shall have (A) repaid to CNH Global and its
Restricted Subsidiaries (and terminated all related commitments)
(x) in the case of a transfer of Capital Stock, all
Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to such entities and
(y) in the case of a transfer of assets, an amount of
Indebtedness owed to such entities that is proportional to the
assets so transferred, and (B)(x) in the case of a transfer of
Capital Stock, returned in cash or Cash Equivalents an amount
equal to all Investments made subsequent to the Issue Date in
such Financial Services Subsidiary by CNH Global and its
Restricted Subsidiaries and (y) in the case of a transfer
of assets, returned in cash or Cash Equivalents an amount equal
to an amount of Investments made subsequent to the Issue Date in
such Financial Services Subsidiary by CNH Global and its
Restricted Subsidiaries that is proportional to the assets so
transferred, net of any liabilities assumed by the transferee. |
Permitted Financing Support Services shall
mean in the event of any Permitted Financial Services
Disposition to an Affiliate of CNH Global other than a
Restricted Subsidiary, any payments or subsidies made from time
to time in the ordinary course of business by CNH Global and its
Equipment Subsidiaries to the successor or transferee of any
portion of the Financial Services Business in order to promote
the sale of equipment manufactured by CNH Global and its
Equipment Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, retail
subsidies in connection with retail financing provided to
end-users of such equipment and interest compensation in
connection with wholesale financing provided to equipment
dealers.
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Permitted Holders means Fiat S.p.A., a
corporation organized under the laws of Italy
(Fiat), any Subsidiary of Fiat or any other
Person, directly or indirectly controlled by any of the
foregoing.
Permitted Investments means:
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(1) |
Investments by CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
in CNH Global, any existing Restricted Subsidiary or any Person
that will become immediately after such Investment a Restricted
Subsidiary; |
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(2) |
(a) Investments made by CNH Global and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in cash and Cash Equivalents and
(b) guarantees made in the ordinary course of business in
connection with cash management activities by CNH Global or any
Restricted Subsidiary to any bank or other financial institution
with respect to account overdrafts of any Fiat Affiliate in any
account maintained by such Affiliate with such bank or other
financial institution, provided that such Guarantee is
limited to the amount of funds of CNH Global or such Restricted
Subsidiary held at such bank or other financial institution; |
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(3) |
loans and advances to employees and officers of CNH Global and
its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business
for bona fide business purposes not in excess of an aggregate of
$2.5 million at any one time outstanding; |
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(4) |
Hedging Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of CNH
Globals or its Restricted Subsidiarys businesses and
otherwise in compliance with the Indenture; |
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(5) |
Investments in securities of trade creditors or customers
received pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar
arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of such trade
creditors or customers; |
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(6) |
Investments made by CNH Global or its Restricted Subsidiaries as
a result of consideration received in connection with an Asset
Sale (including, without limitation, in connection with any
Permitted Asset Swap) made in compliance with the covenant
described under Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales; |
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(7) |
any Investment by CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary of CNH
Global in an Accounts Receivable Subsidiary or any other Person
or any Investment by an Accounts Receivable Subsidiary in any
other Person, in each case, in connection with a Qualified
Receivables Transaction, so long as any Investment in an
Accounts Receivable Subsidiary is in the form of an ARS
Promissory Note or Capital Stock; |
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(8) |
Investments existing on the Issue Date, and any extension,
modification or renewal of any Investments existing on the Issue
Date, but only to the extent not involving additional advances,
contributions or other Investments of cash or other assets or
other increases thereof (other than as a result of the accrual
or accretion of interest or original issue discount or the
issuance of pay-in-kind
securities, in each case, pursuant to the terms of such
Investment as in effect on the Issue Date); |
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(9) |
following the consummation of any Permitted Financial Services
Disposition, (i) the continuing Investment in such Person
by CNH Global and/or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries
represented by the shares of Capital Stock of such Person not so
disposed of and (ii) Investments made by CNH Global or its
Restricted Subsidiary as a result of consideration received in
connection with such Permitted Financial Services Disposition;
and |
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(10) |
additional Investments not to exceed 2.5% of Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets of CNH Global and the Equipment Subsidiaries. |
Permitted Liens means the following types of
Liens:
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(1) |
Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims
either (A) not delinquent or (B) contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and, in each case, as to which CNH Global |
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or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have set aside on
its books such reserves as may be required pursuant to GAAP; |
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(2) |
statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers,
warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen and
other Liens imposed by law incurred in the ordinary course of
business for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good
faith, if such reserve or other appropriate provision, if any,
as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect
thereof; |
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(3) |
Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
business in connection with workers compensation,
unemployment insurance and other types of social security,
including any Lien securing letters of credit issued in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in
connection therewith, or to secure the performance of tenders,
statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases,
contracts, performance and
return-of-money bonds
and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the
payment of borrowed money); |
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(4) |
judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as
such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal
proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of
such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the
period within which such proceedings may be initiated shall not
have expired; |
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(5) |
easements,
rights-of-way, zoning
restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances in
respect of real property not impairing in any material respect
the ordinary conduct of the business of CNH Global or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries; |
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(6) |
any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease
Obligation; provided that such Liens do not extend to any
property or asset which is not leased property subject to such
Capitalized Lease Obligation; |
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(7) |
Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and
proceeds of any Person securing such Persons obligations
in respect of bankers acceptances issued or created for
the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment
or storage of such inventory or other goods; |
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(8) |
Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to
commercial letters of credit which encumber documents and other
property relating to such letters of credit and products and
proceeds thereof; |
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(9) |
Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising
from statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements
of CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including
rights of offset and set-off; |
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(10) |
Liens securing Hedging Obligations to the extent such Hedging
Obligations are otherwise permitted to be incurred under the
Indenture; |
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(11) |
Liens securing Purchase Money Indebtedness permitted pursuant to
clause (11) of the second paragraph of the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and Issuance
of Preferred Stock (to the extent such covenant continues
to be applicable to the Notes); provided, however, that
in the case of Purchase Money Indebtedness (a) the
Indebtedness shall not exceed the cost of such property or
assets and shall not be secured by any property or assets of CNH
Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than the
property and assets so acquired or constructed and (b) the
Lien securing such Indebtedness shall be created within
180 days of such acquisition or construction or, in the
case of a refinancing of any Purchase Money Indebtedness, within
180 days of such refinancing; |
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(12) |
Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness (and any Indebtedness which
Refinances such Acquired Indebtedness) incurred in accordance
with the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock (to the
extent such covenant continues to be applicable to the Notes);
provided that |
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(A) |
such Liens secured the Acquired Indebtedness at the time of and
prior to the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by CNH
Global or a Restricted Subsidiary and were not granted in
connection with, or in anticipation of, the incurrence of such
Acquired Indebtedness by CNH Global or a Restricted
Subsidiary; and |
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(B) |
such Liens do not extend to or cover any property or assets of
CNH Global or of any of the Restricted Subsidiaries other than
the property or assets that secured the Acquired Indebtedness
prior to the time such Indebtedness became Acquired Indebtedness
of CNH Global or a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(13) |
Liens on Qualified Receivables Assets incurred in connection
with a Qualified Receivables Transaction; |
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(14) |
Liens on accounts receivable incurred in connection with the
factoring of accounts receivable in accordance with customary
arrangements; provided that such Lien shall not extend to any
property or assets other than the accounts receivable that are
the subject of such factoring arrangement; |
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(15) |
Liens in favor of the counterparty thereto encumbering one or
more parts depots sold pursuant to an Excluded Sale and
Leaseback Transaction; |
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(16) |
Liens securing the Notes and the Guarantees; |
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(17) |
Liens in favor of Case New Holland or a Guarantor; |
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(18) |
Liens securing Refinancing Indebtedness which is incurred to
Refinance any Indebtedness secured by a Lien permitted under the
Indenture; provided, however, that such Liens do not
extend to or cover any property or assets of CNH Global or any
of the Restricted Subsidiaries not securing the Indebtedness so
Refinanced; and |
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(19) |
additional Liens not to exceed $100.0 million at any one
time outstanding. |
Person means an individual, partnership,
corporation, unincorporated organization (including a limited
liability company), trust or joint venture, or a governmental
agency or political subdivision thereof.
Preferred Stock of any Person means any
Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any
other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or
redemptions or upon liquidation.
Production Rationalization Amounts means the
amount of restructuring charges that are paid or accrued for any
period after the Issue Date by CNH Global or any of the
Equipment Subsidiaries which amount is not part of the CNH
Merger Integration Plan as described in the Offering Memorandum;
provided, however, that all such amounts since the Issue Date
shall not exceed $200 million in the aggregate.
Purchase Money Indebtedness means
Indebtedness of CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
incurred in the normal course of business for the purpose of
financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of
installation, construction or improvement of any property or
equipment.
Qualified Capital Stock means any Capital
Stock that is not Disqualified Capital Stock.
Qualified Receivables Assets means any
accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the
future) of CNH Global or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and
any assets related thereto, including, without limitation, all
collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and
all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts
receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other
assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which
security interests are customarily granted in connection with an
accounts receivable financing transaction.
Qualified Receivables Transaction means any
transaction or series of transactions entered into by CNH Global
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to which CNH
Global or such Restricted Subsidiary sells, conveys or otherwise
transfers to (a) an Accounts Receivable Subsidiary or
(b) any other Person, or grants a security interest in,
Qualified Receivables Assets; provided such transaction
or series of transactions is
73
on market terms at the time CNH Global or such Restricted
Subsidiary enters into such transaction or series of
transactions.
Qualifying Intercompany Indebtedness means
Indebtedness of a Financial Services Subsidiary that (i) is
unsubordinated to any other indebtedness of such Financial
Services Subsidiary, (ii) is owed to Case New Holland or a
Guarantor and is funded from the proceeds of borrowings by Case
New Holland or a Guarantor under clause (2) of the second
paragraph of Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock (the
Funding Source Indebtedness), (iii) if
funded by Funding Source Indebtedness having an identical
maturity, bears interest at a rate not less than the rate borne
by the Funding Source Indebtedness, (iv) has a maturity no
later than such Funding Source Indebtedness, (v) provides
the holder of such Qualifying Intercompany Indebtedness with the
right to accelerate the maturity of such Indebtedness upon the
acceleration of the maturity of the Funding Source Indebtedness,
and (vi) requires the issuer thereof to make prepayments to
the extent the borrower of the Funding Source Indebtedness must
prepay such Funding Source Indebtedness.
Rating Agencies means Moodys and
S&P.
Refinance means in respect of any security or
Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay,
prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue a security or
Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such security or
Indebtedness in whole or in part. Refinanced
and Refinancing shall have correlative
meanings.
Refinancing Indebtedness means any
Refinancing by CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary of
Indebtedness incurred in accordance with the covenant described
under Certain Covenants Limitation
on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock (other than pursuant to clause (2),
(5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (13), (14) or
(15) of the second paragraph of such covenant), in each
case that does not:
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(1) |
result in an increase in the aggregate principal amount of any
Indebtedness of such Person as of the date of such proposed
Refinancing (except to the extent of the amount of any premium
required to be paid under the terms of the instrument governing
such Indebtedness and the amount of reasonable expenses incurred
by Case New Holland in connection with such Refinancing); or |
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(2) |
create Indebtedness with (A) a Weighted Average Life to
Maturity that is less than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity
of the Indebtedness being Refinanced or (B) a final
maturity earlier than the final maturity of the Indebtedness
being Refinanced; provided that (x) (I) if such
Indebtedness being Refinanced is Indebtedness of Case New
Holland or a Guarantor, then such Refinancing Indebtedness shall
be Indebtedness solely of Case New Holland or such Guarantor,
(II) Indebtedness of CNH Global or one or more Equipment
Subsidiaries may not be Refinanced with Indebtedness of
Financial Services Subsidiaries except to the extent that the
proceeds from such Indebtedness were loaned to one or more
Financial Services Subsidiaries (which loan is evidenced by an
intercompany note of such Financial Services Subsidiary issued
to CNH Global or such Equipment Subsidiary, as the case may be),
in which case, any Financial Services Subsidiary may then incur
Refinancing Indebtedness to Refinance such Indebtedness provided
that CNH Global or the applicable Equipment Subsidiary applies
the proceeds of such Refinancing Indebtedness to repay the
Indebtedness to be Refinanced within two Business Days of the
incurrence thereof by such Financial Services Subsidiary,
(III) Indebtedness including, but not limited to,
Qualifying Intercompany Indebtedness, of any Financial Services
Subsidiary may be Refinanced with Refinancing Indebtedness
incurred by any Financial Services Subsidiary, but may not be
Refinanced with Indebtedness of CNH Global or any Equipment
Subsidiary (it being understood that the incurrence of any
Qualifying Intercompany Indebtedness funded by Indebtedness
Incurred by CNH Global or any Equipment Subsidiary may
constitute Refinancing Indebtedness pursuant to this
clause (III)) and (IV) Indebtedness of any Equipment
Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may be refinanced with
Indebtedness of CNH Global or any other Equipment Subsidiary,
and (y) if such Indebtedness being Refinanced is
subordinate or junior to the Notes, then such Refinancing
Indebtedness shall be |
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subordinate to the Notes at least to the same extent and in the
same manner as the Indebtedness being Refinanced. |
Registration Rights Agreement means the
Registration Rights Agreement dated the Issue Date among Case
New Holland, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchaser with
respect to the Notes.
Replacement Assets means assets (including,
without limitation, raw materials, parts and other items of
inventory in the ordinary course of business) and property
(including, without limitation, the Capital Stock of a Person
which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such
Investment) that will be used in the business of CNH Global
and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries as existing on the Issue Date
or in a business the same, similar or reasonably related thereto.
Restricted Payment has the meaning set forth
under Certain Covenants Limitation
on Restricted Payments.
Restricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of
CNH Global that has not been designated by the Board of
Directors of CNH Global, by a Board Resolution delivered to the
Trustee, as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to and in
compliance with the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
S&P has the meaning set forth in the
definition of Cash Equivalents.
Sale and Leaseback Transaction means any
direct or indirect arrangement with any Person or to which any
such Person is a party, providing for the leasing to CNH Global
or a Restricted Subsidiary of any property, whether owned by CNH
Global or any Restricted Subsidiary on the Issue Date or later
acquired, which has been or is to be sold or transferred by CNH
Global or such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person or to any
other Person from whom funds have been or are to be advanced on
the security of such property.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or any successor statute or statutes thereto,
and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated
thereunder.
Significant Subsidiary means, with respect to
any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that
satisfies the criteria for a significant subsidiary
set forth in Rule 1.02(w) of
Regulation S-X
under the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the
Issue Date.
Standard Securitization Undertakings means
representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered
into by CNH Global or any Restricted Subsidiary of CNH Global
which are reasonably customary in accounts receivable
securitization transactions from time to time.
Subordinated Indebtedness means any
Indebtedness of CNH Global or any Guarantor (whether outstanding
on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred) that is subordinated
or junior in right of payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of
such Guarantor pursuant to a written agreement.
Subsidiary, with respect to any Person, means
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(1) |
any corporation of which the outstanding Capital Stock having at
least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the
election of directors under ordinary circumstances shall at the
time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or |
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(2) |
any other Person of which at least a majority of the voting
interest under ordinary circumstances is at the time, directly
or indirectly, owned by such Person. |
Unrestricted Financial Services Subsidiary of
any Person means an Unrestricted Subsidiary that immediately
prior to its designation constituted a Financial Services
Subsidiary.
Unrestricted Subsidiary of any Person means
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(1) |
any Subsidiary of such Person that at the time of determination
shall be or continue to be designated as such pursuant to and in
compliance with the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and |
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(2) |
any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. |
Weighted Average Life to Maturity means, when
applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years
obtained by dividing (A) the then outstanding aggregate
principal amount of such Indebtedness into (B) the sum of
the total of the products obtained by multiplying (I) the
amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial
maturity or other required payment of principal, including
payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (II) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) which
will elapse between such date and the making of such payment.
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of CNH
Global means any Restricted Subsidiary of which all the
outstanding voting securities (other than in the case of a
Foreign Subsidiary, directors qualifying shares or an
immaterial amount of shares required to be owned by other
Persons pursuant to applicable law) are owned by CNH Global or
any other Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary.
76
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
The Global Notes
New notes offered pursuant to the exchange offer will be issued
in the form of one or more registered notes in global form,
without interest coupons (collectively, the Global
Notes). The Global Notes will be deposited on the
issue date with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
(DTC) and registered in the name of
Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or will remain in the
custody of the trustee pursuant to the FAST Balance Certificate
Agreement between DTC and the trustee.
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred,
in whole and not in part, solely to another nominee of DTC or to
a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the
Global Notes may not be exchanged for notes in physical,
certificated form (Certificated Notes) except
in the limited circumstances described below.
All interests in the Global Notes may be subject to the
procedures and requirements of DTC.
Certain Book-Entry Procedures for the Global Notes
The descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC,
Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg set forth below are
provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and
procedures are solely within the control of the respective
settlement systems and are subject to change by them from time
to time. We do not take any responsibility for these operations
or procedures, and investors are urged to contact the relevant
system or its participants directly to discuss these matters.
DTC has advised us that it is:
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a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the
State of New York; |
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a banking organization within the meaning of the New
York Banking Law; |
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a member of the Federal Reserve System; |
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a clearing corporation within the meaning of the
Uniform Commercial Code, as amended; and |
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a clearing agency registered pursuant to
Section 17A of the Exchange Act. |
DTC was created to hold securities for its participants
(collectively, the Participants) and
facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between Participants through electronic book-entry
changes to the accounts of its Participants, thereby eliminating
the need for physical transfer and delivery of certificates.
DTCs Participants include securities brokers and dealers
(including the initial purchaser), banks and trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Indirect
access to DTCs system is also available to other entities
such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies
(collectively, the Indirect Participants)
that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are
not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on
behalf of DTC only through Participants or Indirect Participants.
We expect that pursuant to procedures established by DTC
(1) upon deposit of each Global Note, DTC will credit the
accounts of Participants designated by the initial purchaser
with an interest in the Global Note and (2) ownership of
the notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership
thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC
(with respect to the interests of Participants) and the records
of Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to
the interests of persons other than Participants).
The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain
purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to
transfer interests in the notes represented by a Global Note to
such persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act
only on behalf of its Participants, who in turn act on behalf of
persons who hold interests through Participants, the ability of
a person having an interest in notes represented by a Global
Note to pledge or transfer such interest to persons
77
or entities that do not participate in DTCs system, or to
otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be
affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in
respect of such interest.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a
Global Note, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by
the Global Note for all purposes under the indenture. Except as
provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note
will not be entitled to have notes represented by such Global
Note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled
to receive physical delivery of Certificated Notes, and will not
be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture
for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any
direction, instruction or approval to the trustee thereunder.
Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a
Global Note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such
holder is not a Participant or an Indirect Participant, on the
procedures of the Participant through which such holder owns its
interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the
indenture or such Global Note. We understand that under existing
industry practice, in the event that we request any action of
holders of notes, or a holder that is an owner of a beneficial
interest in a Global Note desires to take any action that DTC,
as the holder of such Global Note, is entitled to take, DTC
would authorize the Participants to take such action and the
Participants would authorize holders owning through such
Participants to take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instruction of such holders. Neither we nor the trustee will
have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of notes by DTC,
or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC
relating to such notes.
Payments with respect to the principal of, and premium, if any,
liquidated damages, if any, and interest on, any notes
represented by a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or
its nominee on the applicable record date will be payable by the
trustee to or at the direction of DTC or its nominee in its
capacity as the registered holder of the Global Note
representing such notes under the indenture. Under the terms of
the indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose
names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as
the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payment thereon
and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Accordingly,
neither we nor the trustee has or will have any responsibility
or liability for the payment of such amounts to owners of
beneficial interests in a Global Note (including principal,
premium, if any, liquidated damages, if any, and interest).
Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to
the owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note will be
governed by standing instructions and customary industry
practice and will be the responsibility of the Participants or
the Indirect Participants and DTC.
Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in
accordance with DTCs procedures, and will be settled in
same-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg will be effected in the ordinary way in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable
to the notes, cross-market transfers between the Participants in
DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg
participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in
accordance with DTCs rules on behalf of Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be, by its respective
depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require
delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream,
Luxembourg, as the case may be, by the counterparts in such
system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within
the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system.
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be, will,
if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver
instructions to its respective depositary to take action to
effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving
interests in the relevant Global Notes in DTC, and making or
receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for
same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear
participants and Clearstream, Luxembourg participants may not
deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear
or Clearstream, Luxembourg.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant purchasing an
interest in a Global Note from a Participant in DTC will be
credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the
relevant Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant,
during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a
business day for Euroclear and Clearstream,
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Luxembourg) immediately following the settlement date of DTC.
Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as a
result of sales of interests in the Global Notes by or through a
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant to a
Participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement
date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg cash account only as of the business day
for Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg following DTCs
settlement date.
Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg have agreed
to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests
in the Global Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and
Clearstream, Luxembourg, they are under no obligation to perform
or to continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures
may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the trustee will
have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg or their respective participants or
indirect participants of their respective obligations under the
rules and procedures governing their operations.
Certificated Notes
If:
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we notify the trustee in writing that DTC is no longer willing
or able to act as a depositary or DTC ceases to be registered as
a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor
depositary is not appointed within 90 days of such notice
or cessation; or |
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an event of default has occurred and is continuing and the
registrar has received a request from DTC to issue Certificated
Notes, |
then, upon surrender by DTC of the Global Notes, Certificated
Notes will be issued to each person that DTC identifies as the
beneficial owner of the notes represented by the Global Notes.
Upon any such issuance, the trustee is required to register such
Certificated Notes in the name of such person or persons (or the
nominee of any thereof) and cause the same to be delivered
thereto.
Neither we nor the trustee shall be liable for any delay by DTC
or any Participant or Indirect Participant in identifying the
beneficial owners of the related notes and each such person may
conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on,
instructions from DTC for all purposes (including with respect
to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal
amounts, of the notes to be issued).
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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a summary of the material
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of the new notes by beneficial owners
(Holders) that will receive new notes pursuant to
the exchange offer and that will hold the new notes as capital
assets (generally, property held for investment). This summary
is based on the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (Code), the Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative
pronouncement of the Internal Revenue Service (the
IRS) and judicial interpretations, all as in effect
as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change
(possibly on a retroactive basis). This summary is intended for
general information only, and does not purport to be a complete
analysis of all of the potential U.S. federal income tax
considerations that may be relevant to the particular
circumstances of Holders, or to Holders that may be subject to
special U.S. federal income tax rules (such as dealers in
securities or foreign currencies, insurance companies, real
estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies,
financial institutions, partnerships and other pass-through
entities, expatriates, tax-exempt organizations, United States
Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the
U.S. dollar, persons who own 10% or more of our common
shares and persons who hold new notes as part of a hedge,
straddle, conversion or constructive sale transaction or other
risk reduction transaction). Furthermore, this summary does not
address any state, local or foreign tax implications, or any
aspect of U.S. federal tax law other than income taxation.
PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND OTHER TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF
THE NEW NOTES BASED UPON THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS
INCLUDING ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER APPLICABLE STATE, LOCAL
AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
For purposes of this discussion, a United States
Holder means a Holder of a note that, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) an individual
who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a
corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision
thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to
U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or
(iv) a trust (A) whose administration is subject to
the primary supervision of a court within the United States and
one or more United States persons have the authority to control
all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B) if the trust
was in existence on August 20, 1996 and an election has
been properly made to continue to treat the trust as a United
States person under the Code. Correspondingly, a Foreign
Holder is a Holder that is neither a United States Holder
nor a partnership. The U.S. federal income tax consequences
of a partner in a partnership holding the new notes generally
will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of
the partnership. Partners in a partnership holding the new notes
should consult their own tax advisors.
United States Holders
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Payments of Stated Interest |
Generally, stated interest payable on a note will be taxable to
a United States Holder as ordinary interest income at the time
the interest is accrued or received in accordance with the
United States Holders regular method of tax accounting.
If a beneficial owner of a note sells the note to a United
States Holder in a secondary market transaction for an amount in
excess of, in general, its principal amount, such United States
Holder will be considered to have purchased such note with
amortizable bond premium equal in amount to such
excess. Generally, a United States Holder may elect to amortize
such premium as an offset to interest income, using a constant
yield method. The premium amortization is calculated assuming
that we will exercise redemption rights in a manner that
maximizes the United States Holders yield. If the United
States Holder elects to amortize bond premium, such United
States Holder must reduce his tax basis in the note by the
amount of the premium used
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to offset interest income as set forth above. An election to
amortize bond premium applies to all taxable debt obligations
held during or after the taxable year for which the election is
made and may be revoked only with the consent of the IRS.
If a beneficial owner of a note sells the note to a United
States Holder in a secondary market transaction for an amount
that is less than, in general, its principal amount, the amount
of such difference is treated as market discount for
federal income tax purposes, unless such difference is
considered to be de minimis as described in section
1278(a)(2)(C) of the Code. Under the market discount rules of
the Code, a United States Holder is required to treat any
principal payment on, or any gain on the sale, exchange or
retirement or other disposition of, a note as ordinary income to
the extent of the accrued market discount that has not
previously been included in income. In general, the amount of
market discount that has accrued is determined on a ratable
basis although in certain circumstances an election may be made
to accrue market discount on a constant interest basis. A United
States Holder may not be allowed to deduct immediately a portion
of the interest expense on any indebtedness incurred or
continued to purchase or to carry notes with market discount. A
United States Holder may elect to include market discount in
income currently as it accrues, in which case the interest
deferral rule set forth in the preceding sentence will not
apply. Such an election will apply to all debt instruments
acquired on or after the first day of the taxable year to which
such election applies and is irrevocable without the consent of
the IRS. The tax basis in a note will be increased by the amount
of market discount included in income under such election.
United States Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors as
to the tax consequences of acquisition, ownership, and
disposition of notes with market discount.
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Redemption and Repurchase Rights; Additional Interest |
As described elsewhere in this prospectus, we may under certain
circumstances be required to repurchase the notes and we have
the option to redeem some or all of the notes at certain times
under certain circumstances.
Based on our current expectations, the likelihood that we will
be required to repurchase or redeem the notes as described in
the foregoing paragraph is remote. Accordingly, we intend to
take the position that the contingent payments described in the
foregoing paragraph do not, as of the date of issuance, cause
the notes to have original issue discount and do not affect the
yield to maturity or the maturity date of the notes. A
United States Holder may not take a contrary position
unless it discloses such contrary position in the proper manner
to the IRS. Prospective purchasers of the notes should consult
their own tax advisors with respect to the contingent payments
described above. If the IRS takes the position that the
contingent payments described were not remote as of the date of
issuance, the amount and timing of interest income a United
States Holder must include in taxable income may have to be
redetermined.
Although the matter is not free from doubt, if, contrary to our
expectations, additional interest is in fact paid, such
additional interest should be taxable as interest as described
above under United States Holder
Payments of Stated Interest, and if we repurchase or
redeem the notes as described above, such redemption or
repurchase should be taxable as described below under
United States Holder Sales and
Other Taxable Dispositions.
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Sales and Other Taxable Dispositions |
In general, upon the sale or other taxable disposition of a
note, a United States Holder will recognize capital gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale
or other taxable disposition (not including any amount
attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which will be
treated as a payment of interest for U.S. federal income
tax purposes and therefore will be taxable as ordinary income)
and such United States Holders adjusted tax basis in the
note. Such gain or loss generally will constitute long-term
capital gain or loss if the note was held by such United States
Holder for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term
capital gain or loss. A United States Holders adjusted tax
basis in a note generally will equal the cost of the note to
such United States Holder, reduced by any principal payments
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received by such United States Holder. Under current
U.S. federal income tax law, net long-term capital gains of
non-corporate United States Holders (including individuals) are
eligible for taxation at preferential rates. The deductibility
of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.
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Exchange of Notes for Exchange Notes |
The exchange of old notes for new notes pursuant to the
registered exchange offer will not be considered a taxable
exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly,
such exchange should have no U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a United States Holder of notes, and the
adjusted tax basis and holding period of a United States Holder
in a new note will be the same immediately after the exchange as
such United States Holders adjusted tax basis and holding
period in the old note immediately prior to the exchange.
Foreign Holders
Payments of interest on a note by us or any paying agent to a
Foreign Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income
tax or withholding tax, provided that:
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the interest income in respect of the note is not effectively
connected with the conduct by the Foreign Holder of a trade or
business within the United States; |
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the Foreign Holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10%
or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our
shares entitled to vote; |
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the Foreign Holder is not, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, a controlled foreign corporation (as defined in the
Code) related, directly or indirectly, to us through stock
ownership; |
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the Foreign Holder is not a bank whose receipt of interest on
the note is described in Code Section 881(c)(3)(A); and |
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the certification requirements under Code Section 871(h) or
881(c) and the Treasury regulations thereunder, as described
generally below, are met. |
For purposes of Code Sections 871(h) and 881(c) and the
Treasury regulations thereunder, in order to obtain the
exemption from U.S. federal income and withholding tax
described above, either (1) the Foreign Holder must provide
its name and address, and certify, under penalties of perjury,
to us or our paying agent, as the case may be, that such Holder
is not a United States person or (2) the Foreign Holder
must hold its notes through certain intermediaries and both the
Foreign Holder and the relevant intermediary must satisfy the
certification requirements of applicable Treasury regulations. A
certificate described in this paragraph is generally effective
only with respect to payments of interest made to the certifying
Foreign Holder after issuance of the certificate in the calendar
year of its issuance and the two immediately succeeding calendar
years. Under Treasury regulations, the foregoing certification
generally may be provided by a Foreign Holder on IRS
Form W-8BEN (or other applicable W-8 form).
Payments of interest on a note that do not satisfy all of the
foregoing requirements generally will be subject to 30% United
States federal withholding tax unless the Foreign Holder
provides to us or our paying agent a properly executed IRS
Form W-8BEN claiming an exemption from or reduction in
withholding under the benefit of an applicable income tax
treaty. However, if the interest income in respect of a note is
effectively connected with the conduct by the Foreign Holder of
a U.S. trade or business (and, if a tax treaty applies, is
attributable to a United States permanent establishment
maintained by the Foreign Holder), then such interest income
generally will be exempt from the withholding tax described
above, and instead will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated tax rates
applicable to United States Holders. A Foreign Holder must
provide a duly executed IRS Form W-8ECI to us or our paying
agent in order to avoid U.S. federal withholding tax in
respect of effectively connected interest income. In certain
circumstances, a Foreign Holder that is a corporation also may
be subject to an additional branch profits tax
(currently at a 30% rate or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate).
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Sales and Other Taxable Dispositions |
In general, a Foreign Holder of a note will not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on any gain recognized on the sale
or other taxable disposition of a note unless:
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such Foreign Holder is a nonresident alien individual who is
present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable
year of disposition and certain other conditions are met; or |
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the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a United
States trade or business of the Foreign Holder (and, if a tax
treaty applies, is attributable to a United States permanent
establishment or fixed base maintained by the Foreign Holder). |
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Under current U.S. federal income tax law, a backup
withholding tax at specified rates (currently 28%) and
information reporting requirements apply to certain payments of
principal and interest made to, and to the proceeds of sale
before maturity by, certain United States Holders of notes. In
the case of a noncorporate United States Holder, information
reporting requirements will apply to payments of principal and
interest made by us or our paying agent on a note. Backup
withholding tax will apply to a United States Holder if:
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such United States Holder fails to furnish its Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN) (which, for an
individual, is his or her Social Security Number) to the payor
in the manner required; |
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such United States Holder furnishes an incorrect TIN and the
payor is so notified by the IRS; |
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the payor is notified by the IRS that such United States Holder
has failed to properly report payments of interest or
dividends; or |
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under certain circumstances, such United States Holder fails to
certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has furnished a
correct TIN and has not been notified by the IRS that it is
subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest or
dividend payments. |
Backup withholding and information reporting do not apply with
respect to payments made to certain exempt recipients, including
corporations (within the meaning of Code Section 7701(a)),
tax-exempt organizations or qualified pension and profit-sharing
trusts. United States Holders should consult their tax advisors
regarding their qualification for exemption from backup
withholding and information reporting, and the procedure for
obtaining such an exemption if applicable.
We must report annually to the IRS and to each Foreign Holder
the amount of interest paid on a note and the amount of tax
withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the
information returns reporting those interest payments and
withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in
the country in which a Foreign Holder resides under the
provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. Backup
withholding will not apply to payments of principal or interest
made by us or our paying agent on a note (absent actual
knowledge or reason to know that the Holder is actually a United
States Holder) if such Foreign Holder has provided the required
certification under penalties of perjury that it is not a United
States person or has otherwise established an exemption. Backup
withholding and information reporting may apply to the proceeds
of the sale of a note within the United States or conducted
through certain
U.S.-related financial
intermediaries unless the certification requirements described
under Foreign Holders Payments of
Stated Interest above are satisfied (and the payor does
not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the Holder is
actually a United States Holder) or the Holder has otherwise
established an exemption. Foreign Holders of notes should
consult their tax advisors regarding the application of
information reporting and backup withholding in their particular
situations, the availability of an exemption therefrom, and the
procedure for obtaining such an exemption, if available.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld from a payment under the backup withholding rules will
be allowed as a credit against a Holders U.S. federal
income tax liability and may entitle such Holder to a refund,
provided that certain required information is furnished to the
IRS.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Based on interpretations by the SEC staff set forth in no-action
letters issued to third parties, including the Exxon Capital and
Morgan Stanley no-action letters and similar no-action letters,
we believe that you may transfer new notes issued in the
exchange offer in exchange for the old notes if:
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you acquire the new notes in the ordinary course of business; |
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you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in a distribution of the old notes or the new notes; |
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you are not an affiliate of us (as defined under the
Securities Act) or if you are an affiliate of us, that you will
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act to the extent
applicable; and |
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you are not a broker-dealer, and you are not engaged in, and do
not intend to engage in, the distribution of the new notes. |
If you are an affiliate of us or if you tender in the exchange
offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of
participating, in a distribution of the new notes, you may not
rely on the position of the SEC staff enunciated in the Exxon
Capital and Morgan Stanley letters and similar letters, but
rather must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction. In addition, any such resale transaction should be
covered by an effective registration statement containing the
selling security holder information required by Item 507 or
508, as applicable, of
Regulation S-K
under the Securities Act.
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account
pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will
deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new
notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented
from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes
where such old notes were acquired as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that,
starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of
business one year after the expiration date, we will make this
prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any
broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of new notes by
broker-dealers. New notes received by broker-dealers for their
own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time
to time in one or more transactions in the
over-the-counter
market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of
options on the new notes or a combination of such methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at
prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated
prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to
or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in
the form of commissions or concessions from any such
broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such new notes. Any
broker-dealer that resells new notes that were received by it
for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any
broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such new
notes may be deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act and any profit of any such resale
of new notes and any commissions or concessions received by any
such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under
the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by
acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act.
For a period of one year after the expiration date, we will
promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any
amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer
that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We
have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer
(including the expenses of one counsel for the holder of the old
notes) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or
dealers and will indemnify the holders of the old notes
(including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the notes
offered hereby and the guarantees thereof will be passed upon
for us by Sidley Austin LLP, Chicago, Illinois; Allens Arthur
Robinson, Sydney, Australia; Altius Law Firm, Brussels, Belgium;
Charles de Alwis Solicitors, London, United Kingdom; NautaDutilh
N.V., Rotterdam, Netherlands; Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
LLP, Toronto, Canada; and Shearman & Sterling LLP,
Frankfurt, Germany.
EXPERTS
The financial statements incorporated in this registration
statement by reference from CNH Globals Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2005 have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
which is incorporated herein by reference, and has been so
incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon
their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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