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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accenture Plc | NYSE:ACN | NYSE | Common Stock |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 360.74 | 122 | 12:58:22 |
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 8.01 Other Events
On October 4, 2024, Accenture Capital Inc. (“Accenture Capital”), a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Accenture plc (“Accenture”), closed the sale of $1,100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.900% notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), $1,200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.050% notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”), $1,200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.250% notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”) and $1,500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.500% notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes” and, together with the 2027 Notes, 2029 Notes and 2031 Notes, the “Notes”) pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement dated October 1, 2024 (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among Accenture Capital, as issuer, Accenture, as guarantor, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., as managers of the several underwriters named in Schedule II thereto. The sale of the Notes was registered under Accenture and Accenture Capital’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed on September 30, 2024 (File Nos. 333-282399 and 333-282399-02) (the “Registration Statement”). The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Accenture.
The aggregate public offering price of the Notes was $4.993 billion and the estimated net proceeds from the offering were approximately $4.974 billion, after deducting underwriting discounts from the public offering price and before deducting offering expenses. The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of October 4, 2024 among Accenture Capital, as issuer, Accenture plc, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Indenture”), together with an officer’s certificate (the “Officer’s Certificate”).
The foregoing descriptions of the Underwriting Agreement, the Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate and the Notes are qualified in their entirety by the terms of such documents. The following exhibits are filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated by reference herein and in the Registration Statement: Exhibits 1.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 5.1 and 5.2.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit
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Description
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1.1
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4.1
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4.2
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Officer’s Certificate of Accenture Capital Inc., dated as of October 4, 2024
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4.3
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Form of 3.900% Note due 2027 (included in Exhibit 4.2)
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4.4
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Form of 4.050% Note due 2029 (included in Exhibit 4.2)
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4.5
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Form of 4.250% Note due 2031 (included in Exhibit 4.2)
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4.6
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Form of 4.500% Note due 2034 (included in Exhibit 4.2)
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5.1
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5.2
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Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
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23.1
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Consent of Arthur Cox LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
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23.2
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Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2)
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104
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The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
| Date: October 4, 2024 |
|
ACCENTURE PLC | ||||||
| By: | /s/ Joel Unruch |
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| Name: | Joel Unruch |
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| Title: | General Counsel & Corporate Secretary |
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Exhibit 1.1
EXECUTION VERSION
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
3.900% NOTES DUE 2027
4.050% NOTES DUE 2029
4.250% NOTES DUE 2031
4.500% NOTES DUE 2034
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by
ACCENTURE PLC
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
October 1, 2024
October 1, 2024
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
BofA Securities, Inc.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
BNP Paribas Securities Corp.
As Managers of the
several Underwriters listed
in Schedule II hereto
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
c/o BofA Securities, Inc.
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
c/o Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
c/o BNP Paribas Securities Corp.
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Accenture Capital Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters named in Schedule II hereto (the “Underwriters”), for whom you are acting as managers (the “Managers”), the principal amount of its debt securities identified in Schedule I hereto (the “Notes”), to be issued under the indenture specified in Schedule I hereto (the “Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantor (as defined below) and the trustee identified in Schedule I (the “Trustee”). If the firm or firms listed in Schedule II hereto include only the Managers listed in Schedule I hereto, then the terms “Underwriters” and “Managers” as used herein shall each be deemed to refer to such firm or firms. The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the “Guarantee,” and together with the Notes, the “Securities”) as to the payment of principal and interest by Accenture plc, a public limited company incorporated in Ireland (the “Guarantor”).
The Company and the Guarantor have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement, including a prospectus (the file number of which is set forth in Schedule I hereto), on Form S-3, relating to securities (the “Shelf Securities”), including the Securities, to be issued from time to time by the Company and the Guarantor. The registration statement as amended to the date of this Agreement, including the information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration
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statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A or Rule 430B under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement,” and the related prospectus covering the Shelf Securities dated September 30, 2024 is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Prospectus.” The Base Prospectus, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement specifically relating to the Securities in the form first used to confirm sales of the Securities (or in the form first made available to the Underwriters by the Company and the Guarantor to meet requests of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) is hereinafter referred to as the “Prospectus,” and the term “Preliminary Prospectus” means any preliminary form of the Prospectus. For purposes of this Agreement, “free writing prospectus” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means an “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433(h)(1) of the Securities Act, “Time of Sale Prospectus” means the documents set forth opposite the caption “Time of Sale Prospectus” in Schedule I hereto, “broadly available road show” means a “bona fide electronic road show” as defined in Rule 433(h)(5) under the Securities Act that has been made available without restriction to any person, and “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Rule 163B of the Securities Act. As used herein, the terms “Registration Statement,” “Base Prospectus,” “Preliminary Prospectus,” “Time of Sale Prospectus” and “Prospectus” shall include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein on the date hereof. The terms “supplement,” “amendment,” and “amend” as used herein with respect to the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall include all documents subsequently filed by the Company or the Guarantor with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are deemed to be incorporated by reference therein.
1. Representations and Warranties of the Company and the Guarantor. The Company and the Guarantor, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to and agree with each of the Underwriters that:
(a) The Registration Statement has become effective; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose are pending before or threatened by the Commission. If the Registration Statement is an automatic shelf registration statement as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, the Guarantor is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) eligible to use the Registration Statement as an automatic shelf registration statement and neither the Company nor the Guarantor has received notice that the Commission objects to the use of the Registration Statement as an automatic shelf registration statement.
(b) (i) Each document, if any, filed or to be filed pursuant to the Exchange Act and incorporated by reference in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus complied or will comply when so filed in all material respects with the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (ii) each part of the Registration Statement, when such part became
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effective, did not contain, and each such part, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (iii) the Registration Statement as of the date hereof does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (iv) the Registration Statement, Base Prospectus, Time of Sale Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, and the Prospectus comply, and as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (v) the Time of Sale Prospectus does not, and at the time of each sale of the Securities in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and at the Closing Date (as defined in Section 4), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented by the Company and the Guarantor, if applicable, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (vi) each broadly available road show, if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (vii) each Testing-the-Waters Communication, if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (viii) the Prospectus does not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph do not apply to (A) statements or omissions in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company and the Guarantor in writing by such Underwriter through the Managers expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the Underwriter Information (as defined in Section 8(a) of this Agreement) or (B) that part of the Registration Statement that constitutes the Statement of Eligibility (Form T-1) under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), of the Trustee.
(c) Neither the Company nor the Guarantor is an “ineligible issuer” in connection with the offering pursuant to Rules 164, 405 and 433 under the Securities Act. Any free writing prospectus that the Company or the Guarantor is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act has been, or will be, filed with the Commission in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Each free writing prospectus that the Company or the Guarantor has
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filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act or that was prepared by or on behalf of or used or referred to by the Company or the Guarantor complies or will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Except for the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified in Schedule I hereto, and electronic road shows, if any, each furnished to you before first use, the Company and the Guarantor have not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, without your prior consent, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus.
(d) Each of the Company and the Guarantor has been duly incorporated, is validly existing and, in the case of the Company, is in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, has the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing (except in jurisdictions in which “good standing” is not a recognized concept) in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Guarantor and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a “Material Adverse Effect”).
(e) Each subsidiary of the Guarantor (i) whose net assets exceeded 10% of the total assets of the Guarantor and its subsidiaries consolidated as of August 31, 2024, (ii) that satisfies the “Asset test” of Rule 1-02(w)(1)(ii) of Regulation S-X, or (iii) that satisfies the “Income test” of Rule 1-02(w)(1)(iii) of Regulation S-X (each such subsidiary pursuant to the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) a “Significant Subsidiary” and set forth in Schedule III hereto) has been duly organized or formed, is validly existing as a limited liability company or other business entity in good standing (except in jurisdictions in which “good standing” is not a recognized concept) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation, has the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing (except in jurisdictions in which “good standing” is not a recognized concept) in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect; all of the issued shares of capital stock of each Significant Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Guarantor, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims.
(f) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the Guarantor.
5
(g) The Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and has been duly authorized by the Company and the Guarantor, and on the Closing Date, the Indenture will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Guarantor and shall constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Company and the Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability.
(h) The Notes have been duly authorized by the Company and, when executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability, and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.
(i) The Guarantee contained in the Indenture has been duly authorized by the Guarantor and, when the Securities are executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Guarantee will be a valid and binding obligation of the Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability, and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.
(j) The execution and delivery by the Company and the Guarantor of, and the performance by the Company and the Guarantor of their respective obligations under, this Agreement, the Indenture and the Securities, will not contravene (i) any provision of applicable law, (ii) the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company, or the Certificate of Incorporation or Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Guarantor, (iii) any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company, the Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary, or (iv) any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company, the Guarantor or any of the Guarantor’s subsidiaries, except, in the case of clauses (i), (iii) and (iv), as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(k) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body, agency or court is required for the performance by the Company or the Guarantor of their respective obligations under this Agreement, the Indenture or the Securities, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities.
(l) There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Guarantor
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and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(m) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries is subject (i) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and proceedings that would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Guarantor and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the power or ability of the Guarantor to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Indenture or the Securities or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus or (ii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described; and there are no statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required.
(n) Neither the Company nor the Guarantor is, nor after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus will be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(o) The consolidated financial statements, and the related notes thereto, of the Guarantor and its consolidated subsidiaries incorporated by reference in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus comply as to form, in all material respects, with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Guarantor and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and the changes in their consolidated cash flows for the periods specified; and said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis, except as described in the notes to such financial statements; and the supporting schedules incorporated by reference in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be stated therein; and the other financial and statistical information and any other financial data set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, present fairly, in all material respects, the information purported to be shown thereby at the respective dates or for the respective periods to which they apply and, to the extent that such information is set forth in or has been derived from the financial statements and accounting books and records of the Guarantor, have been prepared in all material respects on a basis consistent with such financial statements and the books and records of the Guarantor.
(p) The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement fairly presents the
7
information called for in all material respects and has been prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto.
(q) The Guarantor and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (v) the interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement is accurate. Since the end of the Guarantor’s most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (vi) no material weakness in the Guarantor’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (vii) no change in the Guarantor’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Guarantor’s internal control over financial reporting.
(r) (i) None of the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any director or officer thereof, nor, to the Guarantor’s knowledge, any employee, agent or representative of the Guarantor or of any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, has taken or will take any action in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization or approval of the payment, giving or receipt of money, property, gifts or anything else of value, directly or indirectly, to any government official (including any officer or employee of a government or government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office) (“Government Official”) to influence official action or secure an improper advantage, or to any person in violation of any applicable anti-corruption laws; (ii) the Guarantor and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates have conducted their respective businesses in compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have instituted and maintained and will continue to maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws and with the representations and warranties contained herein; and (iii) neither the Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries will use, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of the offering of the Securities in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of any applicable anti-corruption laws.
(s) The operations of the Guarantor and each of its subsidiaries, to the extent they are subject to such provisions, are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate
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Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), and the applicable anti-money laundering statutes of jurisdictions where the Guarantor and each of its subsidiaries conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Guarantor, threatened.
(t) (i) None of the Guarantor, any of its subsidiaries, or any director or officer thereof, nor, to the Guarantor’s knowledge, any employee, agent, affiliate or representative of the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries, is an individual or entity (“Person”) that is, or is owned or controlled by one or more Persons that are:
(A) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or
(B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the non-government controlled areas of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Regions of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).
(ii) The Guarantor will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the offering of the Securities, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person:
(A) to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions; or
(B) in any other manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise).
(iii) Since April 24, 2019, the Guarantor and its subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any
9
country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions.
(u) The Guarantor and each of its subsidiaries have filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns required to be filed through the date of this Agreement or have requested extensions thereof (except where the failure to file would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect) and have paid all taxes required to be paid thereon (except for cases in which the failure to file or pay would not have a Material Adverse Effect, or, except as currently being contested in good faith and for which reserves required by U.S. GAAP have been created in the financial statements of the Guarantor), and no tax deficiency has been determined adversely to the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries which has had (nor does the Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries have any notice or knowledge of any tax deficiency which could reasonably be expected to be determined adversely to the Guarantor or its subsidiaries and which could reasonably be expected to have) a Material Adverse Effect.
(v) (i) The Guarantor and its subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights to use any and all material patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, domain names, social media identifiers and accounts, software, technology, databases, and know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures) and other similar intellectual property and proprietary or industrial rights in the applicable jurisdictions (including all registrations and applications for registrations of, and all goodwill associated with, any of the foregoing) (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) used or held for use in, or necessary for, the conduct of their respective businesses; (ii) the conduct of their respective businesses does not and will not conflict with, infringe, violate or misappropriate in any material respect any Intellectual Property of others; (iii) there is no pending or, to the Guarantor’s knowledge, threatened, action, suit, proceeding or claim (A) challenging the Guarantor’s or any of its subsidiaries’ rights in or to any material Intellectual Property (including any challenges to the ownership, validity, scope or enforceability of any material Intellectual Property owned by or exclusively licensed to the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries), or (B) alleging that the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated or conflicted with any Intellectual Property rights of any third party in any material respect, and neither the Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of, or is otherwise aware of any facts that would form the basis for, any such action, suit, proceeding or claim covered by the foregoing clause (A) or (B); ; and (iv) the Guarantor and its subsidiaries take, and have taken, commercially reasonable steps in accordance with customary industry practice to maintain the confidentiality of all Intellectual Property, the value of which to the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries is contingent upon maintaining the confidentiality thereof and no such Intellectual Property has been disclosed other than to employees, except, in the case of each of clauses (i) through (iv), as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(w) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Guarantor and its subsidiaries’ respective information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, technology and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) (i) are adequate for, and operate and perform in all respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Guarantor and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, and (ii) are free and clear of all bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, back doors, drop dead devices, malware and other corruptants, including software or hardware components that are designed to interrupt use of, permit unauthorized access to or disable, damage or erase the IT Systems and data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, household, confidential or regulated data and information used in connection with their businesses (“Data”)). Without limiting the foregoing, the Guarantor and its subsidiaries have used commercially reasonable efforts to establish and maintain, and have established, maintained, implemented and complied with, reasonable information technology, information security, cybersecurity and data protection controls, policies and procedures, including oversight, access controls, encryption, technological and physical safeguards and business continuity/disaster recovery and security plans that are designed to protect against and prevent breach, destruction, loss, unauthorized distribution, use, access, disablement, misappropriation or modification, or other compromise or misuse of or relating to any IT Systems or Data (each, a “Breach”), except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no material Breach and neither the Guarantor nor any of its subsidiaries has been notified of or has knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in any material Breach, nor do they have any incidents under internal review or investigation relating to the same. The Guarantor and its subsidiaries have complied, and are presently in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable laws and statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, industry standards, internal and external policies, contractual obligations and any other legal obligations, in each case, relating to the collection, use, transfer, import, export, storage, protection, privacy, security, disposal, disclosure or other processing by the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries of IT Systems and Data (“Data Security Obligations”). The Guarantor and its subsidiaries have not received any notification of or complaint regarding, and are unaware of any other facts that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably indicate material non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation by the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries. There is no action, suit, investigation or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body pending or, to the knowledge of the Guarantor, threatened alleging material non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation by the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries.
2. Agreements to Sell and Purchase. Each of the Company and the Guarantor hereby agrees to sell to the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the
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conditions hereinafter stated, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company and the Guarantor the respective principal amounts of Securities set forth in Schedule II hereto opposite its name at the purchase price set forth in Schedule I hereto.
3. Public Offering. The Company and the Guarantor are advised by you that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Securities as soon after the Registration Statement and this Agreement have become effective as in your judgment is advisable. The Company and the Guarantor are further advised by you that the Securities are to be offered to the public upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus.
4. Payment and Delivery. Payment for the Securities shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City on the closing date and time set forth in Schedule I hereto (the “Closing Date”), or at such other time on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth business day thereafter, as may be designated in writing by you.
Payment for the Securities shall be made against delivery to you on the Closing Date for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters of the Securities registered in such names and in such denominations as you shall request in writing not later than one full business day prior to the Closing Date, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer of the Securities to the Underwriters duly paid.
5. Conditions to the Underwriters’ Obligations. The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the following conditions:
(a) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date:
(i) there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of (A) any intended or potential downgrading or (B) any review or possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible change in the rating accorded the Guarantor by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act); and
(ii) there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Guarantor and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus that, in your judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in your judgment, impracticable to market the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
(b) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of each of the Company and the Guarantor, to the effect set forth in Section 5(a)(i) above and to the effect that the respective representations and warranties of the
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Company and the Guarantor contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Company and the Guarantor, respectively, have complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on their part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date.
The officer signing and delivering such certificate may rely upon the best of his or her knowledge as to proceedings threatened.
(c) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion and negative assurance letter of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, U.S. counsel for the Company and Guarantor, dated the Closing Date, in the form agreed between such counsel and the Managers.
(d) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion of Arthur Cox, Irish counsel for the Guarantor, dated the Closing Date, in the form agreed between such counsel and the Managers.
(e) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion and negative assurance letter of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date with respect to such matters as the Underwriters shall request.
(f) The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof and the Closing Date, a letter dated the date hereof or the Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from KPMG LLP, independent public accountants, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained or incorporated by reference in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a “cut-off” date not earlier than the date hereof.
(g) The Underwriters shall have received on each of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company and the Guarantor in their respective jurisdictions of organization and their good standing in such other jurisdictions as the Underwriters may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication, from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.
(h) The Underwriters shall have received on each of the date hereof and the Closing Date a certificate of the Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, dated respectively as of the date hereof or as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form agreed with the Underwriters.
6. Covenants of the Company and the Guarantor. Each of the Company and the Guarantor covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
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(a) To furnish to you, without charge, a signed copy of the Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein) and to deliver to each of the Underwriters during the period mentioned in Section 6(e) or 6(f) below, as many copies of the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, any documents incorporated by reference therein and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as you may reasonably request.
(b) During any period when a prospectus relating to the Securities is required to be delivered under the Securities Act (including circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172), before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, to furnish to you a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which you reasonably object (except for (x) an amendment or supplement consisting solely of the filing of a document required to be filed under the Exchange Act or (y) a supplement relating to any offering of securities other than the Securities).
(c) To furnish to you a copy of each proposed free writing prospectus to be prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company or the Guarantor and not to use or refer to any proposed free writing prospectus to which you reasonably object.
(d) Not to take any action that would result in an Underwriter, the Company or the Guarantor being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of the Underwriter that the Underwriter otherwise would not have been required to file thereunder.
(e) If the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Securities at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Time of Sale Prospectus is delivered to a prospective purchaser, be misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer conflict with the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.
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(f) If, during such period after the first date of the public offering of the Securities, as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses you will furnish to the Guarantor) to which Securities may have been sold by you on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.
(g) To endeavor to qualify the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as you shall reasonably request; provided that neither the Company nor the Guarantor shall be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (ii) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (iii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not otherwise so subject.
(h) To make generally available to the Guarantor’s security holders and to you as soon as practicable an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Guarantor occurring after the “effective date” (as defined in Rule 158 of the Securities Act) of the Registration Statement that shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, including Rule 158.
(i) Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay, or cause to be paid, all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including without limitation: (i) the preparation, printing (or reproduction), delivery and filing with the Commission of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits thereto), each Preliminary Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and each amendment or supplement to any of them (including filing fees related thereto); (ii) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery (including postage, air freight charges and charges for counting and packaging) of such copies of the
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Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and all amendments or supplements to any of them, as may, in each case, be reasonably requested for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities; (iii) the preparation, printing, authentication, issuance and delivery of certificates for the Securities, including any stamp, transfer taxes or other taxes payable in connection with the original issuance and sale of the Securities; (iv) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery of this Agreement, and all other agreements or documents printed (or reproduced) and delivered in connection with the offering of the Securities; (v) the registration of the Securities under the Exchange Act; (vi) any registration or qualification of the Securities for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of the several states (including filing fees, the cost of printing or producing any Blue Sky or legal investment memorandum in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities under state securities laws and all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Securities for offer and sale under state securities laws, and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters relating to such registration and qualification); (vii) the transportation and other expenses incurred by or on behalf of officers of the Company and the Guarantor in connection with presentations to prospective purchasers of the Securities; (viii) the fees and expenses of the Guarantor’s accountants and the fees and expenses of counsel (including local and special counsel) for the Company and the Guarantor; (ix) any fees charged by the rating agencies for the rating of the Securities; (x) the costs and charges of any trustee, transfer agent, registrar or depositary (including related fees and expenses of any counsel to such parties); and (xi) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance by the Company and the Guarantor of their respective obligations hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section. It is understood, however, that except as provided in this Section and Section 8 and the penultimate paragraph of Section 11, the Underwriters will pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of their counsel and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.
(j) During the period beginning on the date hereof and continuing to and including the Closing Date, not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities of the Guarantor or warrants to purchase or otherwise acquire debt securities of the Guarantor substantially similar to the Securities (other than (i) the Securities, (ii) commercial paper issued in the ordinary course of business or (iii) securities or warrants permitted with the prior written consent of the Managers identified in Schedule I with the authorization to release this lock-up on behalf of the Underwriters).
(k) To prepare a final term sheet relating to the offering of the Securities, containing only information that describes the final terms of the Securities or the offering in a form consented to by the Managers and attached as Schedule IV hereto, and to file such final term sheet within the period required by Rule 433(d)(5)(ii) under the Securities Act following the date the final terms have been established for the offering of the Securities.
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(l) To pay any Irish stamp, documentary, transfer, issuance or other similar taxes, duties or governmental charges payable with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (or, at the election of an Underwriter, reimburse the Underwriters for any such taxes, duties or charges paid by the Underwriter).
7. Covenants of the Underwriters. Each Underwriter severally covenants with each of the Guarantor and the Company not to take any action that would result in the Guarantor or the Company, as applicable, being required to file with the Commission under Rule 433(d) a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that otherwise would not be required to be filed by the Guarantor or the Company thereunder, but for the action of the Underwriter.
8. Indemnity and Contribution. (a) The Company and the Guarantor, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any Company or Guarantor information that the Company or the Guarantor has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, any “road show” as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act (a “road show”), the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, or arise out of, or are based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company and the Guarantor in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Underwriters to the Company expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus, road show, or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto are the concession and reallowance figures appearing in the third paragraph; the information relating to making a market in the Securities in the seventh paragraph; and the information relating to stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids contained in the eighth, ninth and tenth paragraphs, in each case under the caption “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” in the preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus (the “Underwriter Information”).
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(b) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Guarantor, their respective directors, officers who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company or the Guarantor within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company and the Guarantor to such Underwriter, but only with reference to the Underwriter Information.
(c) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b), such person (the “indemnified party”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the “indemnifying party”) in writing and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonably incurred fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all such indemnified parties and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Such firm shall be designated in writing by the Managers authorized to appoint counsel under this Section set forth in Schedule I hereto, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(a), and by the Company and the Guarantor, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(b). The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any
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settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 8(a) or 8(b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantor on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 8(d)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 8(d)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Guarantor on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantor on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Securities shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Securities (after deducting discounts and commissions to the Underwriters but before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the Guarantor from the sale of the Securities and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters in connection therewith, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the Securities as set forth in the Prospectus. The relative fault of the Company and the Guarantor on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company and the Guarantor or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several in proportion to the respective principal amounts of Securities they have purchased hereunder, and not joint.
(e) The Company, the Guarantor and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 8(d). The amount
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paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 8(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in this Section 8 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.
(f) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 8 and the representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the Guarantor contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, any person controlling any Underwriter or any affiliate of any Underwriter or by or on behalf of the Company or the Guarantor, their respective officers or directors or any person controlling the Company or the Guarantor and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Securities.
9. Taxes. If any sum payable by the Company or the Guarantor to the Underwriters under this Agreement is subject to deduction or withholding of any Irish tax, duty or governmental charge, the sum payable to the Underwriter under this Agreement shall be increased to such sum as will ensure that the Underwriter shall be left with the sum it would have had in the absence of such deduction or withholding, provided that no such additional amounts shall be payable as a result of any taxes imposed on the Underwriter by virtue of the Underwriter being an Irish tax resident, or having a permanent establishment in Ireland through which the Underwriter operates with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement.
10. Termination. The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement by notice given by you to the Company and the Guarantor, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on or by, as the case may be, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Market, (ii) trading of any securities of the Guarantor shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States, in the Clearstream or Euroclear systems in Europe, or in any other country where the Guarantor’s securities are listed shall have occurred, (iv) any general moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by Federal or New York State authorities or by the applicable authorities in Ireland, or (v) there shall have occurred any
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outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in your judgment, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event specified in this Section 10, makes it, in your judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.
11. Effectiveness; Defaulting Underwriters. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.
If, on the Closing Date, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase the Securities that it has or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate principal amount of the Securities which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the principal amount of Securities set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule II hereto bears to the aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as you may specify, to purchase the Securities which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the principal amount of the Securities that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to this Agreement be increased pursuant to this Section 11 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such principal amount of the Securities without the written consent of such Underwriter. If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Securities and the aggregate principal amount of the Securities with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to you and the Company for the purchase of such Securities are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter, the Company or the Guarantor. In any such case either you or the Company and the Guarantor shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement, in the Time of Sale Prospectus, in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.
If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company or the Guarantor to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason the Company or the Guarantor shall be unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Company and the Guarantor will reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and disbursements of their counsel) reasonably incurred by such Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder.
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12. Compliance with USA Patriot Act. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L, 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their clients, which may include the name and address of their clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their clients.
13. Entire Agreement. (a) This Agreement, together with any contemporaneous written agreements and any prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement) that relate to the offering of the Securities, represents the entire agreement between the Company, the Guarantor and the Underwriters with respect to the preparation of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the conduct of the offering, and the purchase and sale of the Securities.
(b) The Company and the Guarantor acknowledge that in connection with the offering of the Securities: (i) the Underwriters have acted at arm’s length, are not agents of, and owe no fiduciary duties to, the Company, the Guarantor or any other person, (ii) the Underwriters owe the Company and the Guarantor only those duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement), if any, and (iii) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Company and the Guarantor. Each of the Company and the Guarantor waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the offering of the Securities.
14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any form of electronic communication or telecommunication), each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Agreement or in any other certificate, agreement or document related to this Agreement, if any, shall include images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile or other electronic format (including, without limitation, “pdf,” “tif” or “jpg”) and other electronic signatures (including, without limitation, DocuSign and AdobeSign). The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, without limitation, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act and any other applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or the Uniform Commercial Code.
15. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers, directors, employees, affiliate and agents, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be
22
construed to give any other person, firm or corporation any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. No purchaser of Securities from the Underwriters shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.
16. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.
17. Submission to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent for Service. (a) The Guarantor irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or United States Federal court sitting in the City of New York (the “Specified Courts”) over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, and the Registration Statement or the offering of the Securities (each, a “Related Proceeding”). The Guarantor irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any Related Proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such Related Proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. To the extent that the Guarantor has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from the jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process with respect to itself or its property, the Guarantor irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such immunity in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding.
(b) The Guarantor hereby irrevocably appoints the General Counsel of the Guarantor, c/o Accenture LLP, 500 West Madison Street Chicago, IL 60661 (or, if different, the then-current principal business address of the duly appointed General Counsel of the Guarantor), as its agent for service of process in any Related Proceeding and agrees that service of process in any such Related Proceeding may be made upon it at the office of such agent. The Guarantor waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any other requirements of or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect thereto. The Guarantor represents and warrants that such agent has agreed to act as the Guarantor’s agent for service of process, and the Guarantor agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect.
18. Judgment Currency. If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder into any currency other than United States dollars, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Underwriters could purchase United States dollars with such other currency in the City of New York on the business day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Company and the Guarantor with respect to any sum due from it to any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than United States dollars, not be discharged until the first business day following receipt by such Underwriter or controlling person of any sum in such other currency, and only to the extent that such
23
Underwriter or controlling person may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase United States dollars with such other currency. If the United States dollars so purchased are less than the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder, the Company and the Guarantor agree, jointly and severally, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify such Underwriter or controlling person against such loss. If the United States dollars so purchased are greater than the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder, such Underwriter or controlling person agrees to pay to the Company or the Guarantor an amount equal to the excess of the dollars so purchased over the sum originally due to such Underwriter or controlling person hereunder.
19. Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.
20. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered, mailed or sent to you at the addresses set forth in Schedule I hereto; and if to the Company and the Guarantor shall be delivered, mailed or sent to the address set forth in Schedule I hereto.
21. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes. (a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
As used in this Section 21, “BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k); “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b), (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b) or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b); “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable; and “U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
24
22. UK Bail-in Legislation. Notwithstanding and to the exclusion of any other term of this Agreement or any other agreements, arrangements, or understanding between the Underwriters and the Company, the Company acknowledges and accepts that a UK Bail-in Liability arising under this Agreement may be subject to the exercise of UK Bail-in Powers by the relevant UK resolution authority, and acknowledges, accepts, and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the effect of the exercise of UK Bail-in Powers by the relevant UK resolution authority in relation to any UK Bail-in Liability of the Underwriters to the Company under this Agreement, that (without limitation) may include and result in any of the following, or some combination thereof:
(i) the reduction of all, or a portion, of the UK Bail-in Liability or outstanding amounts due thereon;
(ii) the conversion of all, or a portion, of the UK Bail-in Liability into shares, other securities or other obligations of the Underwriters or another person, and the issue to or conferral on the Issuer of such shares, securities or obligations;
(iii) the cancellation of the UK Bail-in Liability; and/or
(iv) the amendment or alteration of any interest, if applicable, thereon, the maturity or the dates on which any payments are due, including by suspending payment for a temporary period; and
(b) the variation of the terms of this Agreement, as deemed necessary by the relevant UK resolution authority, to give effect to the exercise of UK Bail-in Powers by the relevant UK resolution authority.
For the purpose of this Section 22,
“UK Bail-in Legislation” means Part I of the UK Banking Act 2009 and any other law or regulation applicable in the UK relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (otherwise than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).
“UK Bail-in Powers” means the powers under the UK Bail-in Legislation to cancel, transfer or dilute shares issued by a person that is a bank or investment firm or affiliate of a bank or investment firm, to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of such a person or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability.
25
“UK Bail-in Liability” means a liability in respect of which the UK Bail-in Powers may be exercised.
[Signature Page Follows]
26
| Very truly yours, | ||
| ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., as Company | ||
| By: | /s/ Brian J. Kowles | |
| Name: Brian J. Kowles | ||
| Title: Treasurer | ||
| ACCENTURE PLC, as Guarantor | ||
| By: | /s/ Brian J. Kowles | |
| Name: Brian J. Kowles | ||
| Title: Treasurer | ||
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
| Accepted as of the date first written above
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC BofA Securities, Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. BNP Paribas Securities Corp.
Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters listed in Schedule II hereto | ||
| By: |
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | |
| By: | /s/ Som Bhattacharyya | |
| Name: Som Bhattacharyya | ||
| Title: Executive Director | ||
| By: |
BofA Securities, Inc. | |
| By: | /s/ Robert Colucci | |
| Name: Robert Colucci | ||
| Title: Managing Director | ||
| By: |
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | |
| By: | /s/ Adam D. Bordner | |
| Name: Adam D. Bordner | ||
| Title: Managing Director | ||
| By: |
BNP Paribas Securities Corp. | |
| By: | /s/ Rafael Ribeiro | |
| Name: Rafael Ribeiro | ||
| Title: Managing Director | ||
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
| Managers: | ||
| Managers authorized to release |
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC BofA Securities, Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. BNP Paribas Securities Corp. | |
| Managers authorized to appoint |
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC BofA Securities, Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. BNP Paribas Securities Corp. | |
| Indenture: | Indenture dated as of October 4, 2024, among the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee | |
| Trustee: | Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. | |
| Registration Statement File Nos.: | 333-282399 and 333-282399-02 | |
| Time of Sale Prospectus: | 1. Base Prospectus dated September 30, 2024 relating to the Shelf Securities
2. the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement dated October 1, 2024, relating to the Securities
3. free writing prospectus dated October 1, 2024, containing a description of certain terms filed by the Company and the Guarantor under Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act, substantially in the form attached as Schedule IV | |
| Securities to be purchased: | 3.900% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”)
4.050% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”)
4.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”)
4.500% Senior Notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes”) | |
| Aggregate Principal Amount: | $1,100,000,000 of 2027 Notes
$1,200,000,000 of 2029 Notes
$1,200,000,000 of 2031 Notes
$1,500,000,000 of 2034 Notes | |
I-1
| Purchase Price: | 99.621% of the principal amount of the 2027 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from October 4, 2024
99.475% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from October 4, 2024
99.438% of the principal amount of the 2031 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from October 4, 2024
99.446% of the principal amount of the 2034 Notes, plus accrued interest, if any, from October 4, 2024 | |
| Maturity: | October 4, 2027 for the 2027 Notes
October 4, 2029 for the 2029 Notes
October 4, 2031 for the 2031 Notes
October 4, 2034 for the 2034 Notes | |
| Interest Rate: | 3.900% per annum for the 2027 Notes
4.050% per annum for the 2029 Notes
4.250% per annum for the 2031 Notes
4.500% per annum for the 2034 Notes | |
| Interest Payment Dates: | Semi-annually each April 4 and October 4, commencing April 4, 2025 for the 2027 Notes, the 2029 Notes, the 2031 Notes and the 2034 Notes | |
| Closing Date and Time: | October 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m. New York City time | |
| Address for Notices to Underwriters: | J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk Fax: (212) 834-6081
BofA Securities, Inc. 114 West 47th Street NY8-114-07-01 New York, New York 10036 Fax: (212) 901-7881 Attention: High Grade Debt Capital Markets Transaction Management/Legal
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. 388 Greenwich Street, New York NY 10013 Attention: General Counsel Fax: (646) 291-1469 | |
I-2
| BNP Paribas Securities Corp. 787 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10019 Attention: Debt Syndicate Desk Email: DL.US.Syndicate.Support@us.bnpparibas.com | ||
| Address for Notices to the Company and the Guarantor: | For the Company:
500 West Madison Street Chicago, IL 60661 Attention: Brian J. Kowles
With a copy to:
Andrew Fabens Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 200 Park Avenue, 47th Floor New York, NY 10166-0193
For the Guarantor:
Accenture plc c/o Accenture LLP 500 West Madison Street Chicago, IL 60661 Attention: Brian J. Kowles
With a copy to:
Andrew Fabens Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 200 Park Avenue, 47th Floor New York, NY 10166-0193 | |
I-3
SCHEDULE II
| Underwriter |
Principal Amount of 3.900% Senior Notes due 2027 to be Purchased |
Principal Amount of 4.050% Senior Notes due 2029 to be Purchased |
Principal Amount of 4.250% Senior Notes due 2031 to be Purchased |
Principal Amount of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2034 to be Purchased |
||||||||||||
| J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
$352,000,000 | $384,000,000 | $384,000,000 | $480,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| BofA Securities, Inc. |
220,000,000 | 240,000,000 | 240,000,000 | 300,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
143,000,000 | 156,000,000 | 156,000,000 | 195,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| BNP Paribas Securities Corp. |
110,000,000 | 120,000,000 | 120,000,000 | 150,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Barclays Capital Inc. |
55,000,000 | 60,000,000 | 60,000,000 | 75,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| SG Americas Securities, LLC |
55,000,000 | 60,000,000 | 60,000,000 | 75,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
44,000,000 | 48,000,000 | 48,000,000 | 60,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. |
44,000,000 | 48,000,000 | 48,000,000 | 60,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Standard Chartered Bank |
44,000,000 | 48,000,000 | 48,000,000 | 60,000,000 | ||||||||||||
| Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
16,500,000 | 18,000,000 | 18,000,000 | 22,500,000 | ||||||||||||
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC |
16,500,000 | 18,000,000 | 18,000,000 | 22,500,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total |
$1,100,000,000 | $1,200,000,000 | $1,200,000,000 | $1,500,000,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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II-1
SCHEDULE III
| Name | Country of Organization | |
| Accenture Finance Limited |
Ireland | |
| Accenture LLP |
United States (Illinois) | |
| Accenture Global Solutions Limited |
Ireland |
III-1
SCHEDULE IV
Pricing Term Sheet
[See Attached]
IV-1
$5,000,000,000
Pricing Term Sheet
| Issuer: | Accenture Capital Inc. (the “Issuer”) | |
| Guarantor: | Accenture plc (the “Guarantor”) | |
| Trade Date: | October 1, 2024 | |
| Settlement Date: | October 4, 2024 (T+3)* | |
| Denominations: | $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof | |
| Ratings: | Aa3 (stable) (Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.)
AA- (stable) (Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services)
A+ (stable) (Fitch, Inc.) | |
| Securities: | 3.900% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”)
4.050% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”)
4.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”)
4.500% Senior Notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes”) | |
| Guarantee: | The 2027 Notes, the 2029 Notes, the 2031 Notes and the 2034 Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor. | |
| The 2027 Notes | ||
| Principal Amount: | $1,100,000,000 | |
| Maturity Date: | October 4, 2027 | |
| Coupon (Interest Rate): | 3.900% | |
| Interest Payment Dates: | Semi-annually each April 4 and October 4, commencing April 4, 2025 | |
| Day Count Convention: | 30/360 | |
| Price to Public: | 99.871% of the principal amount | |
| Benchmark Treasury: | 3.375% due September 15, 2027 | |
| Benchmark Treasury Price/Yield: | 99-18+ / 3.526% | |
| Spread to Benchmark Treasury: | +42 basis points | |
| Yield to Maturity: | 3.946% | |
| Optional Redemption: | Prior to September 4, 2027 (one month prior to the maturity date of the 2027 Notes) (the “2027 Notes Par Call Date”), the Issuer may | |
IV-2
| redeem the 2027 Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
(1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2027 Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the 2027 matured on the 2027 Notes Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Issuer’s preliminary prospectus supplement, dated October 1, 2024) plus 7.5 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and
(2) 100% of the principal amount of the 2027 Notes to be redeemed,
plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
On or after the 2027 Notes Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the 2027 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2027 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. | ||
| CUSIP/ISIN: | 00440KAA1 / US00440KAA16 | |
| Net Proceeds Before Expenses: | $1,095,831,000 | |
| The 2029 Notes | ||
| Principal Amount: | $1,200,000,000 | |
| Maturity Date: | October 4, 2029 | |
| Coupon (Interest Rate): | 4.050% | |
| Interest Payment Dates: | Semi-annually each April 4 and October 4, commencing April 4, 2025 | |
| Day Count Convention: | 30/360 | |
| Price to Public: | 99.825% of the principal amount | |
| Benchmark Treasury: | 3.500% due September 30, 2029 | |
| Benchmark Treasury Price/Yield: | 99-29 1⁄4 / 3.519% | |
| Spread to Benchmark Treasury: | +57 basis points | |
| Yield to Maturity: | 4.089% | |
| Optional Redemption: | Prior to September 4, 2029 (one month prior to the maturity date of the 2029 Notes) (the “2029 Notes Par Call Date”), the Issuer may | |
IV-3
| redeem the 2029 Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
(1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2029 Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the 2029 matured on the 2029 Notes Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Issuer’s preliminary prospectus supplement, dated October 1, 2024) plus 10 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and
(2) 100% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes to be redeemed,
plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
On or after the 2029 Notes Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the 2029 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. | ||
| CUSIP/ISIN: | 00440KAB9 / US00440KAB98 | |
| Net Proceeds Before Expenses: | $1,193,700,000 | |
| The 2031 Notes | ||
| Principal Amount: | $1,200,000,000 | |
| Maturity Date: | October 4, 2031 | |
| Coupon (Interest Rate): | 4.250% | |
| Interest Payment Dates: | Semi-annually each April 4 and October 4, commencing April 4, 2025 | |
| Day Count Convention: | 30/360 | |
| Price to Public: | 99.838% of the principal amount | |
| Benchmark Treasury: | 3.625% due September 30, 2031 | |
| Benchmark Treasury Price/Yield: | 100-03+ / 3.607% | |
| Spread to Benchmark Treasury: | +67 basis points | |
| Yield to Maturity: | 4.277% | |
| Optional Redemption: | Prior to August 4, 2031 (two months prior to the maturity date of the 2031 Notes) (the “2031 Notes Par Call Date”), the Issuer may | |
IV-4
| redeem the 2031 Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
(1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2031 Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the 2031 matured on the 2031 Notes Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Issuer’s preliminary prospectus supplement, dated October 1, 2024) plus 12.5 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and
(2) 100% of the principal amount of the 2031 Notes to be redeemed,
plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
On or after the 2031 Notes Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the 2031 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2031 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. | ||
| CUSIP/ISIN: | 00440KAC7 / US00440KAC71 | |
| Net Proceeds Before Expenses: | $1,193,256,000 | |
| The 2034 Notes | ||
| Principal Amount: | $1,500,000,000 | |
| Maturity Date: | October 4, 2034 | |
| Coupon (Interest Rate): | 4.500% | |
| Interest Payment Dates: | Semi-annually each April 4 and October 4, commencing April 4, 2025 | |
| Day Count Convention: | 30/360 | |
| Price to Public: | 99.896% of the principal amount | |
| Benchmark Treasury: | 3.875% due August 15, 2034 | |
| Benchmark Treasury Price/Yield: | 101-02+ / 3.743% | |
| Spread to Benchmark Treasury: | +77 basis points | |
| Yield to Maturity: | 4.513% | |
| Optional Redemption: | Prior to July 4, 2034 (three months prior to the maturity date of the 2034 Notes) (the “2034 Notes Par Call Date”), the Issuer may | |
IV-5
| redeem the 2034 Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
(1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2034 Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the 2034 matured on the 2034 Notes Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Issuer’s preliminary prospectus supplement, dated October 1, 2024) plus 15 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and
(2) 100% of the principal amount of the 2034 Notes to be redeemed,
plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
On or after the 2034 Notes Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the 2034 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2034 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. | ||
| CUSIP/ISIN: | 00440KAD5 / US00440KAD54 | |
| Net Proceeds Before Expenses: | $1,491,690,000 | |
| Joint Book-Running Managers: | J.P. Morgan Securities LLC BofA Securities, Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. BNP Paribas Securities Corp. Barclays Capital Inc. SG Americas Securities, LLC Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. Standard Chartered Bank Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | |
*Note: A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time.
IV-6
**Under Rule 15c6-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes prior to the first business day preceding the settlement date will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially will settle in T+3, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the notes who wish to trade the notes prior to the first business day preceding the settlement date should consult their own advisors.
The Company has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) and a preliminary prospectus supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the preliminary prospectus supplement and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Company, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the preliminary prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and, when available, the final prospectus supplement if you request it by contacting: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC collect at 1-212-834-4533, BNP Paribas Securities Corp. toll-free at 1-800-854-5674, BofA Securities, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-294-1322, or Citigroup Global Markets Inc. toll-free at 1-800-831-9146.
Any disclaimers or other notices that may appear below are not applicable to this communication and should be disregarded. Such disclaimers or other notices were automatically generated as a result of this communication being sent via Bloomberg or another email system.
IV-7
Exhibit 4.1
Execution Version
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
Company
ACCENTURE PLC
Guarantor
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,
Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of October 4, 2024
Debt Securities
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET*
BETWEEN
Provisions of Sections 310 through 318(a) of the Trust Indenture Act and the within Indenture among Accenture Capital Inc., Accenture plc and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee:
| 310 |
(a) (1) and (2) |
7.09 | ||
| 310 |
(a) (3) and (4) |
Not applicable | ||
| 310 |
(b) |
7.08 and 7.10 (b) | ||
| 310 |
(c) |
Not applicable | ||
| 311 |
(a) and (b) |
7.13 | ||
| 311 |
(c) |
Not applicable | ||
| 312 |
(a) |
5.01 and 5.02 (a) | ||
| 312 |
(b) and (c) |
5.02 (b) and (c) | ||
| 313 |
(a), (b)(2) and (c) |
5.04 (a) | ||
| 313 |
(b) (1) |
Not applicable | ||
| 313 |
(d) |
5.04 (b) | ||
| 314 |
(a) |
5.03 | ||
| 314 |
(b) |
Not applicable | ||
| 314 |
(c) (1) and (2) |
16.04 | ||
| 314 |
(c) (3) |
Not applicable | ||
| 314 |
(d) |
Not applicable | ||
| 314 |
(e) |
16.04 | ||
| 314 |
(f) |
Not applicable | ||
| 315 |
(a), (c) and (d) |
7.01 | ||
| 315 |
(b) |
6.07 | ||
| 315 |
(e) |
6.08 | ||
| 316 |
(a) (1) |
6.01 and 6.06 | ||
| 316 |
(a) (2) |
Omitted | ||
| 316 |
(a) last sentence |
8.04 | ||
| 316 |
(b) |
6.04 | ||
| 317 |
(a) |
6.02 | ||
| 317 |
(b) |
4.03 (a) | ||
| 318 |
(a) |
16.06 |
| * | This Cross-Reference Sheet is not part of the Indenture. |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE ONE |
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| DEFINITIONS |
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| Section 1.01. | Definitions | 1 | ||||
| ARTICLE TWO |
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| ISSUE, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES |
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| Section 2.01. | Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series | 7 | ||||
| Section 2.02. | Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication | 9 | ||||
| Section 2.03. | Form, Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating of Securities | 9 | ||||
| Section 2.04. | Currency; Denominations; Regular Record Date | 11 | ||||
| Section 2.05. | Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Securities | 11 | ||||
| Section 2.06. | Temporary Securities | 12 | ||||
| Section 2.07. | Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities | 13 | ||||
| Section 2.08. | Securities in Global Form | 13 | ||||
| Section 2.09. | Cancellation | 13 | ||||
| Section 2.10. | Computation of Interest | 14 | ||||
| Section 2.11. | CUSIP Numbers | 14 | ||||
| ARTICLE THREE |
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| REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES |
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| Section 3.01. | Redemption of Securities; Applicability of Article | 14 | ||||
| Section 3.02. | Tax Redemption | 14 | ||||
| Section 3.03. | Notice of Redemption; Selection of Securities | 15 | ||||
| Section 3.04. | Payment of Securities Called for Redemption | 16 | ||||
| ARTICLE FOUR |
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| PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY |
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| Section 4.01. | Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest | 17 | ||||
| Section 4.02. | Offices for Notices and Payments, etc. | 17 | ||||
| Section 4.03. | Provisions as to Paying Agent | 17 | ||||
| Section 4.04. | Statement by Officers as to Default | 18 | ||||
| Section 4.05. | Payment of Additional Amounts | 18 | ||||
| ARTICLE FIVE |
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| SECURITYHOLDER LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE |
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| Section 5.01. | Securityholder Lists | 21 | ||||
| Section 5.02. | Preservation and Disclosure of Lists | 21 | ||||
| Section 5.03. | Reports by the Guarantor | 21 | ||||
| Section 5.04. | Reports by the Trustee | 22 | ||||
| ARTICLE SIX |
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| REMEDIES ON DEFAULT |
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| Section 6.01. | Events of Default | 22 | ||||
| Section 6.02. | Payment of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor | 24 | ||||
| Section 6.03. | Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee | 25 | ||||
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| Section 6.04. | Proceedings by Securityholders | 26 | ||||
| Section 6.05. | Remedies Cumulative and Continuing | 26 | ||||
| Section 6.06. | Direction of Proceedings | 26 | ||||
| Section 6.07. | Notice of Defaults | 26 | ||||
| Section 6.08. | Undertaking to Pay Costs | 27 | ||||
| Section 6.09. | Waiver of Past Defaults | 27 | ||||
| ARTICLE SEVEN |
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| CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE |
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| Section 7.01. | Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee | 27 | ||||
| Section 7.02. | Reliance on Documents, Opinions, etc. | 28 | ||||
| Section 7.03. | No Responsibility for Recitals, etc. | 29 | ||||
| Section 7.04. | Ownership of Securities | 29 | ||||
| Section 7.05. | Moneys to Be Held in Trust | 29 | ||||
| Section 7.06. | Compensation, Indemnification and Expenses of Trustee | 30 | ||||
| Section 7.07. | [Reserved] | 30 | ||||
| Section 7.08. | Conflicting Interest of Trustee | 30 | ||||
| Section 7.09. | Eligibility of Trustee | 30 | ||||
| Section 7.10. | Resignation or Removal of Trustee | 30 | ||||
| Section 7.11. | Acceptance by Successor Trustee | 31 | ||||
| Section 7.12. | Successor by Merger, etc. | 32 | ||||
| Section 7.13. | Limitations on Rights of Trustee as Creditor | 32 | ||||
| ARTICLE EIGHT |
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| CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS |
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| Section 8.01. | Action by Securityholders | 32 | ||||
| Section 8.02. | Proof of Ownership | 33 | ||||
| Section 8.03. | Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners | 33 | ||||
| Section 8.04. | Company-Owned Securities Disregarded | 33 | ||||
| Section 8.05. | Revocation of Consents; Future Securityholders Bound | 33 | ||||
| ARTICLE NINE |
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| SECURITYHOLDERS’ MEETINGS |
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| Section 9.01. | Purposes of Meetings | 34 | ||||
| Section 9.02. | Call of Meetings by Trustee | 34 | ||||
| Section 9.03. | Call of Meetings by Company or Securityholders | 34 | ||||
| Section 9.04. | Qualification for Voting | 34 | ||||
| Section 9.05. | Regulations | 35 | ||||
| Section 9.06. | Voting | 35 | ||||
| ARTICLE TEN |
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| SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES |
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| Section 10.01. | Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Securityholders | 35 | ||||
| Section 10.02. | Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Securityholders | 36 | ||||
| Section 10.03. | Compliance with Trust Indenture Act; Effect of Supplemental Indentures | 37 | ||||
| Section 10.04. | Notation on Securities | 38 | ||||
| ARTICLE ELEVEN |
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| CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE |
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| Section 11.01. | Company and Guarantor May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms | 38 | ||||
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| Section 11.02. | Successor Person Substituted | 39 | ||||
| ARTICLE TWELVE |
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| SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; |
| |||||
| Section 12.01. | Discharge of Indenture | 39 | ||||
| Section 12.02. | Deposited Moneys and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust by Trustee | 40 | ||||
| Section 12.03. | Paying Agent to Repay Moneys and Government Obligations Held | 41 | ||||
| Section 12.04. | Return of Unclaimed Moneys and Government Obligations | 41 | ||||
| ARTICLE THIRTEEN |
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| DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE |
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| Section 13.01. | Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance | 41 | ||||
| Section 13.02. | Defeasance and Discharge | 41 | ||||
| Section 13.03. | Covenant Defeasance | 41 | ||||
| Section 13.04. | Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance | 42 | ||||
| Section 13.05. | Deposited Money and Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions | 43 | ||||
| ARTICLE FOURTEEN |
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| IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS |
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| Section 14.01. | Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations | 43 | ||||
| ARTICLE FIFTEEN |
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| GUARANTEE |
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| Section 15.01. | Guarantee | 44 | ||||
| Section 15.02. | Subrogation | 45 | ||||
| Section 15.03. | Notation of Guarantee | 45 | ||||
| ARTICLE SIXTEEN |
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| MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
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| Section 16.01. | Benefits of Indenture Restricted to Parties and Securityholders | 45 | ||||
| Section 16.02. | Provisions Binding on Successors | 45 | ||||
| Section 16.03. | Addresses for Notices, etc. | 45 | ||||
| Section 16.04. | Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent | 46 | ||||
| Section 16.05. | Legal Holidays | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.06. | Trust Indenture Act to Control | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.07. | Execution in Counterparts | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.08. | New York Contract | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.09. | Consent to Service | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.10. | Separability | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.11. | Assignment | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.12. | Waiver of Jury Trial; Submission to Jurisdiction | 47 | ||||
| Section 16.13. | Force Majeure | 48 | ||||
| Section 16.14. | Judgment Currency | 48 | ||||
| Section 16.15. | Tax Withholding | 48 | ||||
| Section 16.16. | Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Representations | 49 | ||||
iv
THIS INDENTURE, dated as of the 4th day of October, 2024 is among Accenture Capital Inc., a corporation duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (hereinafter sometimes called the “Company”), Accenture plc, a public limited company duly organized and existing under the laws of Ireland (hereinafter sometimes called the “Guarantor”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the United States of America (hereinafter sometimes called the “Trustee”, which term shall include any successor trustee appointed pursuant to Article Seven).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company deems it necessary to issue from time to time for its lawful purposes securities (hereinafter called “Securities” or, in the singular, “Security”) evidencing its unsecured indebtedness and has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of the Securities in one or more series, unlimited as to principal amount and which may be guaranteed from time to time by the Guarantor, to bear such rates of interest, to mature at such time or times and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed as hereinafter provided; and
WHEREAS, each of the Company and the Guarantor represents that all acts and things necessary to present a valid and binding indenture and agreement according to its terms have been done and performed, and the execution of this Indenture by each of the Company and the Guarantor has in all respects been duly authorized, and each of the Company and the Guarantor, in the exercise of legal rights and power in it vested, is executing this Indenture;
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are authenticated, issued, and received, and in consideration of the foregoing premises and of the purchase and acceptance of the Securities by the Holders thereof, each of the Company and the Guarantor covenants and agrees with the Trustee, for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Securities, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions. The terms defined in this Section (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto (except as otherwise provided therein) shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section. All other terms used in this Indenture which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act and the Securities Act shall have the meanings (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) assigned to such terms in the Trust Indenture Act and in the Securities Act in each case, as in force at the date of this Indenture as originally executed.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or unless the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto:
| (1) | the terms defined in this Article include the plural as well as the singular; |
| (2) | all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP; |
| (3) | the words “herein”, “hereof”, “hereto” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; |
| (4) | references herein to Articles, Sections and other subdivisions shall be to the Articles, Sections and other subdivisions of this Indenture; |
| (5) | the word “or” is used inclusively (for example, the phrase “A or B” means “A or B or both”, not “either A or B but not both”); |
1
| (6) | provisions apply to successive events and transactions; |
| (7) | the term “merger” includes a statutory share exchange and the terms “merge” and “merged” have correlative meanings; |
| (8) | the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter; and |
| (9) | references to agreements and other instruments include subsequent amendments and supplements thereto. |
ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS
The term “Additional Amounts” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.05.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The term “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company, the Executive Committee of the Company or any other committee duly authorized to exercise the powers and authority of the Board of Directors with respect to this Indenture or any Security.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GUARANTOR
The term “Board of Directors of the Guarantor” means the Board of Directors of the Guarantor or any committee duly authorized to exercise the powers and authority of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor with respect to this Indenture, including any Guarantee.
BOARD RESOLUTION
The term “Board Resolution” means a resolution certified by the Company Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by, or pursuant to the authority of, the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
BOARD RESOLUTION OF THE GUARANTOR
The term “Board Resolution of the Guarantor” means a resolution certified by the Corporate Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Guarantor to have been duly adopted by, or pursuant to the authority of, the Board of Directors of the Guarantor and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
BUSINESS DAY
The term “Business Day” means, with respect to any Security, a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) that in the city (or in any of the cities, if more than one) in which amounts are payable, as specified on the face of the form of such Security, is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
COMMISSION
The term “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.
2
COMPANY
The term “Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.
COMPANY ORDER
The term “Company Order” means a written order signed in the name of the Company by the Chief Executive Officer, President, any Vice President (without regard to qualifiers such as “Executive” or “Senior”), the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.
CORPORATE TRUST OFFICE
The term “Corporate Trust Office” means an office of the Trustee at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date hereof is located at 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 6200B, Floor 62, Mailbox #44, Chicago, Illinois 60606 Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).
COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The term “covenant defeasance” shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.03.
DEFEASANCE
The term “defeasance” shall have the meaning specified in Section 13.02.
DEPOSITARY
The term “Depositary” means, with respect to any series of Securities, the clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for the Global Securities evidencing all or part of such Securities as contemplated by Section 2.01.
DOLLARS
The term “dollars” or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit of legal tender for payment of public or private debts in the United States of America.
ELECTRONIC MEANS
The term “Electronic Means” means the following communications methods: e-mail, secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued by the Trustee, or another method or system specified by the Trustee as available for use in connection with its services hereunder.
EVENT OF DEFAULT
The term “Event of Default” means any event specified as such in or as contemplated by Section 6.01.
EXCHANGE ACT
The term “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
FATCA TAXES
3
The term “FATCA Taxes” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.05.
GAAP
The term “GAAP” and the expression “generally accepted accounting principles” mean, unless otherwise specified with respect to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States of America as of the date or time of any computation required hereunder.
GLOBAL SECURITY
The term “Global Security” means a Security in registered global form without interest coupons.
GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS
The term “Government Obligations” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States or the other government which issued the currency in which the Securities of such series are denominated, in each case for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States or such other government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of such Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on such Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
GUARANTEE
The term “Guarantee” shall have the meaning specified in Article Fifteen.
GUARANTOR
The term “Guarantor” shall have the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture, unless a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Indenture, and thereafter the term “Guarantor” shall mean such successor Person.
HOLDER
The terms “Holder”, “Holder of Securities” and “Securityholder”, and other similar terms, mean the person in whose name at the time a Security is registered on the registration books kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms hereof.
HOME COUNTRY JURISDICTION
The term “Home Country Jurisdiction” means the jurisdiction of organization of the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the jurisdiction of organization of the Guarantor, as initially set forth in the Recitals hereto and from time to time thereafter as the Company or Guarantor may notify the Trustee in writing upon any change in its jurisdiction of organization.
INDENTURE
The term “Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and, with respect to any Security, by the terms and provisions of such Security established pursuant to Section 2.01;
4
provided, however, that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument, “Indenture” shall mean, with respect to any one or more series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto and shall include the terms of those particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established pursuant to Section 2.01, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted.
INTEREST
The term “Interest” means, when used with respect to non-interest bearing Securities, interest payable on or after maturity.
INTEREST PAYMENT DATE
The term “Interest Payment Date”, when used with respect to any Security, means the stated maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE
The term “Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by any one of the Chief Executive Officer, President, any Vice President (without regard to qualifiers such as “Executive” or “Senior”), the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.
OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE OF THE GUARANTOR
The term “Officer’s Certificate of the Guarantor” means a certificate signed by any one of the Chief Executive Officer, President, any Vice President (without regard to qualifiers such as “Executive” or “Senior”), the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Guarantor and delivered to the Trustee.
OPINION OF COUNSEL
The term “Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion in writing, reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, signed by legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Guarantor or who may be other counsel, and delivered to the Trustee.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT SECURITIES
The term “Original Issue Discount Securities” means a Security issued pursuant to this Indenture which provides for an amount less than the principal face amount thereof to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration pursuant to Section 6.01.
OUTSTANDING
The term “Outstanding”, when used with reference to Securities, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 8.01 and Section 8.04, mean, as of any particular time, all Securities authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except
| (a) | Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; |
| (b) | Securities, or portions thereof, for the payment, purchase or redemption of which moneys in the necessary amount (or, to the extent that such Security is payable in Shares or other securities or property, Shares or such other securities or property in the necessary amount, together with, if applicable, cash in lieu of fractional Shares or securities) shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent |
5
(other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own paying agent), provided, that if such Securities are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as provided in Article Three, or provisions satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice;
| (c) | Securities in lieu of and in substitution for which other Securities shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.07, unless proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that any such Securities are held by bona fide Holders in due course in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company; |
| (d) | Securities which have been defeased pursuant to Section 13.02; and |
| (e) | Securities which have been converted or exchanged as contemplated by this Indenture into Shares or other securities or property, if the terms of such Security provide for such conversion or exchange. |
PERIODIC OFFERING
The term “Periodic Offering” means an offering of Securities of a series from time to time the specific terms of which Securities, including without limitation the rate or rates of interest or formula for determining the rate or rates of interest thereon, if any, the stated maturity of the principal amount thereof and the redemption, repurchase or repayment provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the Company upon the issuance of such Securities.
PERSON
The term “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
PLACE OF PAYMENT
The term “Place of Payment”, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the office or agency of the Company in either the City of Chicago or the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, designated and maintained by the Company pursuant to Section 4.02 and such other place or places where the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series are payable as specified pursuant to Section 2.01.
REGULAR RECORD DATE
The term “Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.04.
RELEVANT TAXING JURISDICTION
The term a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction” means each of (i) the government of Ireland or by any authority or agency therein or thereof having the power to tax, (ii) any other jurisdiction in which the Company or the Guarantor is organized or is otherwise resident for tax purposes or any political subdivision or any authority or agency therein or thereof having the power to tax, or (iii) any jurisdiction from or through which payment under or with respect to the Company or the Guarantor is made or any political subdivision or any authority or agency therein or thereof having the power to tax, in each of clauses (ii) and (iii) other than the United States in the case of U.S. dollar-denominated Securities issued by the Company.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
The term “Responsible Officer”, when used with respect to the Trustee, means any vice president, assistant treasurer, trust officer, assistant vice president, or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions
6
similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
SECURITIES ACT
The term “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
SECURITY REGISTER AND SECURITY REGISTRAR
The term “Security Register” and “Security Registrar” shall have the respective meanings specified in Section 2.05.
SHARES
The term “Shares” means the Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share, of the Guarantor authorized at the date of this Indenture as originally signed, or any other class of stock resulting from successive changes or reclassifications of such Shares, and in any such case including any shares thereof authorized after the date of this Indenture, and any other shares of the Guarantor which do not have any priority in the payment of dividends or upon liquidation over any other class of shares.
TAXES
The term “Taxes” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.05.
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.03, the term “Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in force at the date of this Indenture as originally executed; provided however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, is amended after the date of this Indenture, such term shall mean, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.
UNITED STATES
The term “United States” means the United States of America, its territories, possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
ARTICLE TWO
ISSUE, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
Section 2.01. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth or determined in the manner provided in a Board Resolution, in an Officer’s Certificate or by one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series:
| (1) | the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities); |
| (2) | any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 3.03 or 10.04 or, if applicable, upon surrender in part of any Security for conversion or exchange into Shares or other securities or property pursuant to its terms); |
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| (3) | whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable in whole or in part in global form and, if so, (a) whether beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 2.05, and (b) the name of the Depositary with respect to any Global Security; |
| (4) | the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable; |
| (5) | the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, and if the rate is variable, the manner of calculation thereof, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date for the determination of Holders of such Securities to whom interest is payable on any Interest Payment Date; |
| (6) | whether Securities of the series are entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee pursuant to Article Fifteen of this Indenture; |
| (7) | the place or places (in addition to such place or places specified in this Indenture) where the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable; |
| (8) | the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, repurchased or repaid, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, pursuant to any sinking fund or otherwise; |
| (9) | the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repurchase or repay Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, repurchased, or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and, where applicable, the obligation of the Company to select the Securities to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid; |
| (10) | if other than dollars, the currency or currencies, currency units or composite currency in which the Securities of the series shall be denominated and in which payments of principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on and any other amounts payable with respect to such Securities shall or may be payable and, if applicable, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, and the other terms and conditions upon which, any such election may be made, and the time and manner of determining the exchange rate between the currency in which such Securities are stated to be payable and the currency in which such Securities or any of them are to be paid pursuant to such election, and any deletions from or modifications of or additions to the terms of this Indenture to provide for or to facilitate the issuance of Securities denominated or payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof or otherwise, in a currency other than dollars; |
| (11) | the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable, if other than $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; |
| (12) | if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01 or which the Trustee shall be entitled to claim pursuant to Section 6.02; |
| (13) | if either or both of Section 13.02 and Section 13.03 shall be inapplicable to the Securities of the series (provided that if no such inapplicability shall be specified, then both Section 13.02 and Section 13.03 shall be applicable to the Securities of the series); |
| (14) | any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the Company and the Guarantor with respect to any Securities of the series (whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth herein); |
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| (15) | whether the Securities of the series will be convertible into and/or exchangeable for Shares or other securities or property and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, and any deletions from or modifications or additions to this Indenture to permit or to facilitate the issuance of such convertible or exchangeable Securities or the administration thereof; and |
| (16) | any other terms of the Securities of the series. |
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except (i) as to denomination and (ii) as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such Board Resolution and set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in such Officer’s Certificate or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Company Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at the same time as or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time, and, unless otherwise so provided by the Company, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Securities of such series.
Securities of any particular series may be issued at various times, and may have different dates on which the principal or any installment of principal is payable, different rates of interest, if any, or different methods by which rates of interest may be determined, different dates on which such interest may be payable, different redemption, repurchase or repayment dates, and such other differences as are provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution establishing the series, and any Officer’s Certificate, or any indenture supplemental hereto relating to such Securities.
With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, the Board Resolution (or action taken pursuant thereto), any Officer’s Certificate or any supplemental indenture relating to such Securities may provide general terms or parameters for some or all of the Securities of such series and provide either that the specific terms of particular Securities of such series shall be specified in a Company Order or that such terms shall be determined by the Company in accordance with other procedures specified in a Company Order as contemplated by the fourth paragraph of Section 2.03.
Section 2.02. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication. The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in the following form:
[FORM OF TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee | ||
| Dated: |
By: | |
| Authorized Officer | ||
Section 2.03. Form, Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating of Securities. The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the forms approved from time to time by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, or established in one or more Officer’s Certificates or indentures supplemental hereto, and shall be printed, lithographed, engraved or otherwise produced in such manner as the officers executing the same may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. Such Securities may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed, engraved or otherwise produced thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.
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Each Security shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board of Directors, its Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, its President, any Executive Vice President, any Vice President, its Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or any Assistant Secretary. Such signature may be the electronic or manual signature of the present or any future such officer.
With respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the notation of the Guarantee endorsed on such Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Guarantor by its Chairman, its President, any of its Vice Presidents or by its Treasurer. The signature of any of these officers on the notation of Guarantee may be electronic or manual.
Each Security and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, each notation of Guarantee bearing the electronic or manual signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall bind the Company and the Guarantor, respectively, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Security or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the notation of Guarantee. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with such Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities; provided, however, that in the case of Securities offered in a Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver such Securities from time to time in accordance with such other procedures acceptable to the Trustee as may be specified by or pursuant to a Company Order delivered to the Trustee prior to the time of the first authentication of Securities of such series. If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by this Section and Section 2.01, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be given, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 16.04 and an Opinion of Counsel stating:
| (a) | if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution as permitted by Section 2.01, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; |
| (b) | if the terms of such Securities have been or, in the case of Securities offered in a Periodic Offering, will be established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 2.01, that such terms have been or, in the case of Securities offered in a Periodic Offering, will be established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture subject, in the case of Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel; and |
| (c) | that each such Security, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Guarantor in each case, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. |
If such form has or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and the Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.01 and of the immediately preceding paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officer’s Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 2.01 if such Officer’s Certificate addresses each such Security and are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.
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With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, the Trustee may rely, as to the authorization by the Company of any of such Securities, the form and terms thereof and the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof, upon the Opinion of Counsel and the other documents delivered pursuant to Sections 2.01 and this Section 2.03, as applicable, in connection with the first authentication of Securities of such series.
Every Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No Security or the Guarantee thereof, if applicable, shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by electronic or manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and, together with the Guarantee thereof, if applicable, is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 2.09, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.04. Currency; Denominations; Regular Record Date. Unless provided otherwise pursuant to Section 2.01 and Section 2.03, as applicable, the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities shall be payable in dollars.
The Securities shall be issuable in such denominations as may be specified as contemplated in Section 2.01. In the absence of any such specification with respect to any series, such Securities shall be issuable in the denominations contemplated by Section 2.01.
The term “Regular Record Date” as used with respect to an Interest Payment Date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest) shall mean such day or days as shall be specified in the terms of the Securities of any particular series as contemplated by Section 2.01; provided, however, that in the absence of any such provisions with respect to any series, such term shall mean (a) the last day of the calendar month next preceding such Interest Payment Date if such Interest Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a calendar month; or (b) the fifteenth day of a calendar month next preceding such Interest Payment Date if such Interest Payment Date is the first day of the calendar month; provided, further, that if the day which would be the Regular Record Date as provided herein shall be a day on which banking institutions in the City of Chicago or the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York are authorized by law or required by executive order to close, then it shall mean the next preceding day which shall not be a day on which such institutions are so authorized or required to close.
The person in whose name any Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date with respect to an Interest Payment Date shall be entitled to receive the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date notwithstanding the cancellation of such Security upon any transfer or exchange thereof subsequent to such Regular Record Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that if and to the extent the Company and, if the provisions of Article Fifteen apply to such Security, the Guarantor shall default in the payment of the interest due on such Interest Payment Date, then such defaulted interest shall cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the persons in whose names Outstanding Securities are registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Company to the Holders of Securities of the series in default not less than fifteen (15) days preceding such subsequent record date, such record date to be not less than five (5) days preceding the date of payment of such defaulted interest, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Section 2.05. Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Securities. Securities of any series may be exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of other authorized denominations of such series. Securities to be exchanged shall be surrendered at the office or agency to be designated and maintained by the
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Company for such purpose in the City of Chicago or the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02, and the Company shall execute and register and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor the Security or Securities which the Holder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive.
The Company (or its designated agent (the “Security Registrar”)) shall keep, at such office or agency, a Security Register (the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall register Securities and shall register the transfer of Securities as in this Article Two provided. The Security Register shall be in written form or in any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time. At all reasonable times the Security Register shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of any Security of a particular series at such office or agency, the Company shall execute and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall execute and the Company or the Security Registrar shall register and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Security or Securities of such series for an equal aggregate principal amount and stated maturity.
All Securities presented for registration of transfer or for exchange, redemption, repurchase or repayment, as the case may be, shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
All Securities and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the notation of Guarantee thereof issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligation of the Company and, with respect to any Guarantee, the Guarantor, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.
The Company shall not be required to issue, exchange or register a transfer of (a) any Securities of any series for a period of fifteen (15) days next preceding any selection of such Securities of such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid, or (b) any Security of any such series selected for redemption, repayment or repurchase in whole or in part except, in the case of any such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed, repurchased or repaid.
Section 2.06. Temporary Securities. Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute and, upon receipt of a Company Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver temporary Securities of such series (printed, lithographed, typewritten or otherwise produced). Temporary Securities of any series shall be issuable in any authorized denominations, and substantially in the form approved from time to time by or pursuant to a Board Resolution but with such omissions, insertions, substitutions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined by the officer executing such temporary Securities, such determination to be evidenced by such execution. Every temporary Security shall be executed by the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the notation of Guarantee thereon shall be executed by the Guarantor, and such temporary Security shall be authenticated by the Trustee, in each case, upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Securities. Except in the case of temporary Securities in global form (which, except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.01, shall be exchanged in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.05), without unnecessary delay the Company shall execute and shall furnish definitive Securities of such series evidenced by the temporary Securities and thereupon any or all temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor without charge at the office or agency to be designated and maintained by the Company for such purpose in the City of Chicago or the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for such temporary Securities an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series and stated maturity of authorized
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denominations. Until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.
If temporary Securities of any series are issued in global form, any such temporary Global Security shall, unless otherwise provided therein pursuant to Section 2.01, be delivered to the office of the Depositary designated for such temporary Global Security for credit to the respective accounts of the beneficial owners of such Securities (or to such other accounts as they may direct).
Section 2.07. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities. In case any temporary or definitive Security of any series shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor in the case of a mutilated Security shall, and in the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed Security may, in its discretion, execute, and upon receipt of a Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series and stated maturities of principal and interest as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated Security, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Security so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Security shall furnish to the Company and to the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Company and to the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security, as the case may be, and of the ownership thereof. The Trustee may authenticate any such substituted Security and deliver the same upon the written request or authorization of any officer of the Company. Upon the issuance of any substituted Security, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected therewith and in addition a further sum not exceeding ten dollars for each Security so issued in substitution. In case any Security which has matured or is about to mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, instead of issuing a substituted Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish the Company and the Trustee with such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them harmless and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security and of the ownership thereof.
Every substituted Security, together with the notation of any Guarantee thereof, issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section by virtue of the fact that any Security is destroyed, lost or stolen shall, with respect to such Security, constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be found at any time, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities duly issued hereunder.
All Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities appertaining thereto and shall, to the extent permitted by law, preclude any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
Section 2.08. Securities in Global Form. If Securities of a series are issuable in global form, then, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.01, any such Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Security in global form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon instructions given by such Person as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.03 or Section 2.06.
Section 2.09. Cancellation. All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, repurchase, repayment, exchange or registration of transfer or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to the Company or any agent of the Company or of the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and promptly cancelled by it or, if surrendered to the Trustee, be cancelled by it, and no Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as
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expressly permitted by or pursuant to any of the provisions of this Indenture. The Trustee shall dispose of cancelled Securities in its customary manner and, upon written request, deliver a certificate of such disposal to the Company or, if requested to do so by the Company, shall return such cancelled Securities to the Company.
Section 2.10. Computation of Interest. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Section 2.11. CUSIP Numbers. The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption, repurchase or repayment as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption, repurchase or repayment and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption, repurchase or repayment shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers. After the issue date of any Securities, if additional Securities are issued having the same terms and conditions as the existing Securities in all respects (other than the issue date, public offering price, and to the extent applicable, first date of interest accrual and first interest payment date of such notes), but that are not fungible with the existing Securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional Securities will have a separate CUSIP number.
ARTICLE THREE
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
Section 3.01. Redemption of Securities; Applicability of Article. Redemption of Securities of any series as permitted or required by the terms thereof shall be made in accordance with such terms and this Article; provided, however, that if any provision of any series of Securities shall conflict with any provision of this Article, the provisions of such series of Securities shall govern.
Section 3.02. Tax Redemption. The Company shall have the option to redeem the Securities of any series, in whole but not in part, at any time prior to the maturity date of the principal of the Securities of any series, upon the giving of not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days’ notice of tax redemption to Holders, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption (except Original Issue Discount Securities may be redeemed at the redemption price specified by the terms of each series of such Securities), if, with respect to such series:
| (a) | the Company determines that, as a result of: |
| (1) | any change in, or amendment to, the laws or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction; or |
| (2) | any change in the official application, administration or written interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, which change or amendment becomes effective or, in the case of an interpretation, is announced on or after the issue date of the Securities or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee relating to such Securities, the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, would be required to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such series of Securities or the Guarantee relating to such Securities on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date and the payment of such Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures available to the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable; or |
| (b) | the Company determines, based upon an opinion of independent counsel of recognized standing that, as a result of any action taken by any legislative body of, taxing authority of, or any action brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in, a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, which action is taken or brought on or after the issue date of the Securities or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee relating to such Securities under the laws of a jurisdiction other than a |
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| Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, with respect to taxes imposed by such other jurisdiction, there is a substantial probability that the circumstances described above would exist. |
| (c) | Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, no notice of redemption pursuant to clause (a) or (b) of this Section 3.02 may be given earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the earliest date on which the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor would be obligated to pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by clause (a) or (b), as the case may be. |
| (d) | The Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall also pay to each Holder, or make available for payment to each such Holder, on the redemption date any Additional Amounts resulting from the payment of such redemption price. |
| (e) | Prior to the delivery of any notice of redemption pursuant to this Section 3.02, the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall deliver to the Trustee (i) an Officer’s Certificate stating that the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, is entitled to effect or cause a redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent of the right so to redeem or cause such redemption have occurred and (ii) an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that there has been such change or amendment that would entitle the Company to redeem the Securities under this Indenture. The Trustee shall accept such Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as sufficient evidence of the existence and satisfaction of the conditions precedent described in this Section 3.02, in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on the Holders of the Securities being redeemed. The foregoing provisions under this Section 3.02 shall apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor Person to the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, is incorporated or organized or tax resident or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein; provided that if on the date of the succession the taxing jurisdiction is not already a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, the change or amendment of law becomes effective (or the announcement of the official interpretation is announced) after that date. |
Section 3.03. Notice of Redemption; Selection of Securities. In case the Company shall desire to exercise the right to redeem all or, as the case may be, any part of a series of Securities pursuant to this Article Three or the terms and provisions otherwise applicable to such series, it shall fix a date for redemption, it shall prepare the notice of such redemption and it shall deliver or, at the Company’s request and expense, the Trustee shall deliver such notice of redemption at least ten (10) and not more than ninety (90) days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the Holders of the Securities and, in the case of Securities in global form, to the Depositary of such series which are Securities to be redeemed as a whole or in part at their last addresses as the same appear on the Security Register. Such delivery shall be by prepaid first class mail or, in the case of global securities, delivered electronically to the Depository. Any notice which is sent in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder shall have received such notice. In any case, failure to give notice, or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Security of such series.
Each notice of redemption shall specify:
| (1) | the date fixed for redemption and, if such redemption is subject to the completion of any condition, a statement to such effect; |
| (2) | the redemption price at which the applicable Securities are to be redeemed or, if the redemption price cannot be determined at the time notice is given, the formula pursuant to which the redemption price is to be determined; |
| (3) | the Place of Payment; |
| (4) | that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Securities; and |
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| (5) | that on and after said date interest, if any, thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue. |
In case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued of the same series. In the case of Securities of any series that are convertible or exchangeable into Shares or other securities or property, the notice of redemption shall state the then current conversion or exchange price or rate, the date or dates on which the right to convert or exchange the principal of the Securities of such series to be redeemed shall commence or terminate, as applicable, and the place or places where and the Persons to whom such Securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange.
Prior to the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in this Section, the Company or, if the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply to the Securities to be redeemed, the Guarantor will deposit in trust with the Trustee or with one or more paying agents (or, if the Company is acting as its own paying agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 4.03) an amount of money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities or portions of Securities so called for redemption at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the date fixed for redemption. The Company will give the Trustee notice of each redemption at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date fixed for redemption (unless a shorter notice is acceptable to the Trustee) as to the aggregate principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by lot if the Securities are in definitive form and, if the Securities are in global form, then in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary; provided however, that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Security of such series not redeemed to less than the minimum denomination for a Security of such series established herein or pursuant hereto. In the case of certificated Securities, the Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities of such series selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities of such series selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
Section 3.04. Payment of Securities Called for Redemption. If notice of redemption has been given as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on the date and at the Place of Payment stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price and on and after said date (unless the Company and, if the provisions of Article Fifteen apply to the Securities to be redeemed, the Guarantor shall default in the payment of the applicable redemption price) interest on the Securities or portions of Securities so called for redemption shall cease to accrue. On presentation and surrender of such Securities subject to redemption at said Place of Payment in said notice specified, the said Securities or the specified portions thereof called for redemption shall be paid and redeemed by the Company at the applicable redemption price. Interest, if any, payable on an Interest Payment Date that occurs on or prior to the date fixed for redemption shall continue to be payable (but without interest thereon unless the Company shall default in payment thereof) to the Holders thereof registered as such on the Security Register on the relevant Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date subject to the terms and provisions of Section 2.04. At the option of the Company, payment may be made by check, wire transfer or other electronic means to (or to the order of) the Holders of the Securities or other persons entitled thereto against presentation and surrender of such Securities.
Upon presentation of any Security redeemed in part only (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or Securities of the same series and stated maturity, of authorized denominations, in aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented.
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ARTICLE FOUR
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 4.01. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. The Company will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on each of the Securities, whether payable in cash, Shares or other securities or property, at the place, at the respective times and in the manner provided in the terms of the applicable Securities and in this Indenture. The interest on Securities shall be payable only to or upon the written order of the Holders thereof and at the option of the Company may be paid by wire transfer, other electronic means or mailing checks for such interest payable to or upon the order of such Holders at their last addresses as they appear on the Security Register for such Securities.
Section 4.02. Offices for Notices and Payments, etc. As long as any of the Securities of a series remain outstanding, the Company will designate and maintain, in the City of Chicago or the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office or agency where the Securities of such series may be presented for registration of transfer and for exchange as in this Indenture provided, an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such series or of this Indenture may be served, and an office or agency where the Securities of such series may be presented for payment. The Company will give to the Trustee notice of the location of each such office or agency and of any change in the location thereof. In case the Company shall fail to maintain any such office or agency in the City of Chicago or the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, or shall fail to give such notice of the location or of any change in the location thereof, presentations may be made and notices and demands may be served at the corporate trust office of the Trustee in the City of Chicago and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, notices and demands. The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligations to maintain an office or agency in each place of payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. The Company hereby initially designates the Trustee, located at the Corporate Trust Office as a Security Registrar and as the office or agency of the Company in the City of Chicago where the Securities may be presented for payment and for registration of transfer and for exchange as in this Indenture provided and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of any series or of this Indenture may be served.
Section 4.03. Provisions as to Paying Agent.
| (a) | Whenever the Company shall appoint a paying agent other than the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series, it will cause such paying agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, |
| (1) | that it will comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a paying agent, |
| (2) | that it will hold sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of such series in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series entitled thereto and will notify the Trustee of the receipt of sums to be so held, |
| (3) | that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Company (or by any other obligor on the Securities of such series) to make any payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of such series when the same shall be due and payable, and |
| (4) | at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such paying agent. |
| (b) | If the Company shall act as its own paying agent, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of any series set aside, segregate and hold in trust for |
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| the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal, premium, or interest so becoming due. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action. |
| (c) | Whenever the Company shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any Securities of that series, deposit with a paying agent a sum sufficient to pay such principal, premium, or interest, so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act. |
| (d) | Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge with respect to one or more or all series of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust by it or any paying agent hereunder as required by this Section, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein contained. |
| (e) | Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the provisions of Sections 12.02 and 12.03. |
| (f) | To the extent that the terms of any Securities established pursuant to Section 2.01 provide that any principal of or premium or interest, if any, on any such Securities is or may be payable in Shares or other securities or property, then the provisions of this Section 4.03 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to such Shares or other securities or property. |
Section 4.04. Statement by Officers as to Default.
| (a) | The Company will deliver to the Trustee, on or before a date not more than four months after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officer’s Certificate, which shall include the statements provided for in Section 16.04 and stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture to be performed or observed by it and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature thereof of which they may have knowledge. |
| (b) | The Company will deliver to the Trustee, as soon as practicable upon becoming aware of any default (which word has the meaning of the word “default” as used in Section 6.07) or Event of Default with respect to a particular series of Securities that has occurred and is continuing, a written notice setting forth the details of such default or Event of Default. |
Section 4.05. Payment of Additional Amounts.
| (a) | All payments made on all Securities and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee by the Company, the Guarantor, or a paying agent, as the case may be, shall be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future income, stamp or other tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment or other governmental charge of a similar nature (collectively, “Taxes”), unless the Company, the Guarantor or a paying agent, as applicable is required to withhold or deduct Taxes by law or by the official interpretation or administration thereof. |
If the Company, the Guarantor or a paying agent, as applicable, is required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of Taxes from any payment made in respect of the Securities or, with respect to any series of Securities to which provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee levied by or on behalf of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, shall pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary such that the net amount received by each Holder (including such Additional Amounts), after such withholding or deduction, shall not be less
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than the amount such Holder would have received if the Taxes had not been withheld or deducted; provided that no Additional Amounts will be payable with respect to Taxes:
| (1) | that would not have been imposed but for the existence of any present or former connection between such Holder or beneficial owner of the Securities or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such Holder or beneficial owner, if such Holder or beneficial owner is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation), and such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder or beneficial owner (or such fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or treated as a resident thereof or domiciled thereof or a national thereof or being or having been present or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein; |
| (2) | that are estate, inheritance, gift, sales, value added, transfer, personal property, wealth or similar taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges; |
| (3) | payable other than by withholding from payments of principal of and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Securities or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee; |
| (4) | that would not have been imposed but for the failure of the applicable recipient of such payment (or the beneficial owner of the applicable Security) to comply with any certification, identification, information, documentation or other reporting requirement to the extent: |
| (i) | such compliance is required by applicable law or administrative practice or an applicable treaty as a precondition to exemption from, or reduction in, the rate of deduction or withholding of such Taxes; and |
| (ii) | at least thirty (30) days before the first payment date with respect to which such Additional Amounts or Taxes shall be payable, the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall have notified such recipient in writing that such recipient shall be required to comply with such requirement; |
| (5) | that would not have been imposed but for the presentation of a Security or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee (where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than thirty (30) days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment thereof was duly provided for, whichever occurred later; |
| (6) | that are imposed or withheld pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as of the issue date of the Securities (or any amended or successor version of such sections), any regulations promulgated thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, any similar law or regulation adopted pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement with respect to the foregoing or any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code (any such taxes, “FATCA Taxes”), and any amounts to be paid on Securities by or on behalf of the Company will be paid net of any FATCA Taxes imposed or required pursuant thereto; |
| (7) | that would not have been imposed if presentation for payment of the relevant Securities or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee (where presentation is required) had been made to a paying agent other than the paying agent to which the presentation was made; |
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| (8) | in the case of U.S. dollar-denominated Securities issued by the Company, any taxes imposed by the United States or any political subdivision thereof or tax authority therein, including any U.S. withholding and backup withholding taxes; or |
| (9) | any combination of the foregoing clauses (1) through (8); |
nor shall Additional Amounts be paid with respect to any payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Securities or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantee, to any such Holder or beneficial owner who is a fiduciary or a partnership or a beneficial owner who is other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner would not have been entitled to such Additional Amounts had it been the Holder of the Security. For the avoidance of doubt, no additional amounts shall be payable in respect of any Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction other than a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction.
| (b) | If the Company or the Guarantor becomes aware that it shall be obligated to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to this Section 4.05 with respect to any payment under or with respect to the Securities of such series or the Guarantee, the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall deliver to the Trustee on a date that is at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of that payment (unless the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts arises after the 30th day prior to that payment date, in which case the Company or the Guarantor, shall notify the Trustee promptly thereafter) an Officer’s Certificate of the Company or the Guarantor as the case may be, stating the fact that such Additional Amounts shall be payable pursuant to this Section 4.05 and the amount estimated to be so payable. Such Officer’s Certificate must also set forth any other information reasonably necessary to enable the paying agents to pay such Additional Amounts to Holders on the relevant payment date. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely solely on such Officer’s Certificate as conclusive proof that such payments are necessary. The Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall provide the Trustee with documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of Additional Amounts. |
| (c) | Each of the Company, the Guarantor, or the applicable paying agent, as the case may be, shall make all withholdings and deductions required by law of it and shall remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law with respect to payments in respect of the Securities or Guarantees, as the case may be. Upon request, the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall provide to the Trustee an official receipt or, if official receipts are not obtainable, other documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any Taxes so deducted or withheld. Upon request, copies of those receipts or other documentation, as the case may be, shall be made available by the Trustee to the Holders of such Securities. |
| (d) | All references in this Indenture, other than in Articles Twelve or Thirteen, to the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of, any Securities or as applicable, with respect to the Guarantee, shall be deemed to include Additional Amounts to the extent that, in that context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable. |
| (e) | The obligations of the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor, to pay Additional Amounts if and when due shall survive the termination of this Indenture and the payment of all other amounts in respect of the Securities and any transfer by a Holder or beneficial owner of its Securities of such series and shall apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor Person to the Company, the Guarantor, or the applicable paying agent, as the case may be, is incorporated or resident for tax purposes or any jurisdiction from or through which such Person makes any payment on the Guarantees and any department or political subdivision thereof or therein. |
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ARTICLE FIVE
SECURITYHOLDER LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE
Section 5.01. Securityholder Lists. The Company covenants and agrees that it will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee with respect to the Securities of each series:
| (a) | semi-annually, not later than each Interest Payment Date (in the case of any series having semi-annual Interest Payment Dates) or not later than the dates determined pursuant to Section 2.01 (in the case of any series not having semi-annual Interest Payment Dates), a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of such series as of the Regular Record Date (or as of such other date as may be determined pursuant to Section 2.01 for such series) therefor, provided that the Company shall not be obligated to furnish or cause to furnish such list at any time that the list shall not differ in any respect from the most recent list furnished to the Trustee by the Company; and |
| (b) | at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of any such request, a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of the particular series specified by the Trustee as of a date not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the time such information is furnished; |
provided, however, that in the case of clauses (a) and (b), if and so long as the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar, any such list shall exclude names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar, and such list shall not be required to be furnished.
Section 5.02. Preservation and Disclosure of Lists.
| (a) | The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of each series of Securities contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 or received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished. |
| (b) | The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities or any Guarantee, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. |
| (c) | Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee that neither the Company, the Guarantor nor the Trustee nor any agent of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act. |
Section 5.03. Reports by the Guarantor. The Company covenants:
| (a) | to file with the Trustee within thirty (30) days after the Guarantor files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Guarantor may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Guarantor is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such sections, then to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations; |
| (b) | to file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents, and reports with respect to |
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| compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and |
| (c) | to transmit by mail to all the Holders of Securities of each series, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear on the Security Register, within thirty (30) days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company with respect to each such series pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission. |
Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive or actual knowledge or notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates). The Company and the Guarantor shall be deemed to have complied with this Section to the extent that such information, documents and reports are filed with the Commission via EDGAR, or any successor electronic delivery procedure.
Section 5.04. Reports by the Trustee.
| (a) | The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within sixty (60) days after each May 15th following the date of the initial issuance of Securities under this Indenture deliver to Holders a brief report, dated as of such May 15th, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a). |
| (b) | A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders of Securities of a particular series, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange, if any, upon which the Securities of such series are listed and also with the Commission and the Company. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when and as the Securities of any series become listed or delisted on any stock exchange. |
ARTICLE SIX
REMEDIES ON DEFAULT
Section 6.01. Events of Default. In case one or more of the following Events of Default with respect to a particular series of Securities shall have occurred and be continuing:
| (a) | default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Securities of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable (whether payable in cash or in Shares or other securities or property), either at maturity, upon redemption, repurchase or repayment, by declaration or otherwise; or |
| (b) | default in the payment of any installment of interest, if any, or in the payment of any Additional Amount upon any of the Securities of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days; or |
| (c) | with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect or is declared to be null and void and unenforceable with respect to the Securities of such series or the Guarantee is found to be invalid or the Guarantor denies its liability under the Guarantee (other than by reason of release of the Guarantor in accordance with the terms hereof) with respect to the Securities of such series; or |
| (d) | failure on the part of the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor duly to observe or perform any other of the covenants or agreements on the part of the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor in this Indenture applicable to Securities of such series for a period of ninety (90) days after the date on which written notice of such failure, specifying such failure and requiring the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor to remedy the |
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| same and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder, shall have been given to the Company or if applicable, the Guarantor by the Trustee, or to the Company and if applicable, the Guarantor and the Trustee by the Holders of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series at the time Outstanding; or |
| (e) | a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointment of an administrator, receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor or for any substantial part of property of the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs and such decree, order or appointment shall remain unstayed or in place and in effect for a period of ninety (90) days; or |
| (f) | except for any case, proceeding, meeting, resolution or order in connection with a winding-up of the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor for the purposes of a solvent reorganization or reconstruction of the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, either the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall commence a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law in any jurisdiction now or hereafter in effect, or shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case or proceeding under any such law, or shall consent to the appointment of or taking possession by an administrator, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or similar official) of the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor or for any substantial part of the property of the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor or shall make any general assignment for the benefit of creditors; |
| (g) | default in the delivery of any Shares, together with cash in lieu of fractional shares, or any other securities or property (including cash) when required to be delivered upon conversion of any convertible Security of such series established pursuant to Section 2.01 or upon the exchange of any Security of such series which is exchangeable for other securities or property, and continuance of such default for a period of ten (10) Business Days; or |
| (h) | any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of such series; |
then in each and every such case, unless the principal amount of all the Securities of such series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding, by notice in writing to the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor (and to the Trustee if given by Holders of such Securities) may declare the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the Securities (or, with respect to Original Issue Discount Securities, such lesser amount as may be specified in the terms of such Securities) of such series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount), and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall become and shall be immediately due and payable.
The foregoing provisions, however, are subject to the conditions that if, at any time after the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Securities of any series shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the moneys due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall pay or shall deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (or, to the extent that the terms of the Securities of such series established pursuant to Section 2.01 expressly provide for payment to be made in Shares or other securities or property, together with cash in lieu of fractional shares or securities, sufficient to pay) all matured installments of interest, if any, due upon all the Securities of such series and the principal of and premium, if any, on all Securities of such series (or, with respect to Original Issue Discount Securities, such lesser amount as may be specified in the terms of such Securities) which shall have become due otherwise than by
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acceleration (with interest, if any, upon such principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest specified in the Securities of such series, as the case may be (or, with respect to Original Issue Discount Securities at the rate specified in the terms of such Securities for interest on overdue principal thereof upon maturity, redemption, repurchase, repayment or acceleration of such series, as the case may be), to the date of such payment or deposit), and such amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses, indemnities and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee, and any and all Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to such series, other than the nonpayment of principal on Securities of that series that shall not have become due by their terms shall have been remedied or waived, then and in every such case the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding, by written notice to the Company and to the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences; provided no such waiver or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or shall impair any right consequent thereon.
In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of such rescission and annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Trustee and the Holders of Securities, as the case may be, shall be restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Trustee and the Holders of Securities, as the case may be, shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.
Section 6.02. Payment of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor. The Company covenants that (1) in case default shall be made in the payment of any installment of interest, if any, on any of the Securities of any series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of thirty (30) days, or (2) in case default shall be made in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any of the Securities of any series, as and when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of such series or upon redemption, repurchase or repayment or upon declaration or otherwise, then upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, the whole amount that then shall have become due and payable on all such Securities of such series, for principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue principal, premium, if any and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) upon overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest specified in the Securities of such series (or, with respect to Original Issue Discount Securities, at the rate specified in the terms of such Securities for interest on overdue principal thereof upon maturity, redemption, repurchase, repayment or acceleration of such series, as the case may be); and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other reasonable expenses, indemnities and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee.
In case the Company shall fail forthwith to pay such amounts upon such demand by the Trustee and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, such amounts have not been paid by the Guarantor under the Guarantee, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company, the Guarantor (with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply) or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) or any other obligor upon such Securities wherever situated the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable.
In case there shall be pending proceedings for the bankruptcy or for the reorganization of the Company, the Guarantor (with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply) or any other obligor upon Securities of any series under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other applicable law, or in case a receiver or trustee shall have been appointed for the property of the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) or such other obligor, or in the case of any other judicial proceedings relative to the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) or such other obligor, or to the creditors or property of the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) or such other obligor, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of such series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have
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made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise to the extent permitted by the court, to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal (or, with respect to Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series), premium, if any, and interest, if any, owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities of such series, and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all reasonable expenses, indemnities and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee) and of the Holders of the Securities of such series allowed in any such judicial proceedings relative to the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) or other obligor upon the Securities of such series, or to the creditors or property of the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) or such other obligor, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Securityholders of such series and of the Trustee on their behalf; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of the Holders of the Securities of such series to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to the Securityholders of such series, to pay to the Trustee such amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other reasonable expenses, indemnities and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Securities, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities, or the production thereof on any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
In case of an Event of Default hereunder the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem necessary to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
Section 6.03. Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee. Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.02 shall be applied in the order following, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, upon presentation of the several Securities in respect of which moneys have been collected, and stamping thereon the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof, if fully paid:
FIRST: To the Trustee, its agents and attorneys, all amounts due pursuant to Section 7.06 of this Indenture;
SECOND: In case the principal of the Securities in respect of which moneys have been collected shall not have become due, to the payment of interest, if any, on such Securities in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest, if any, specified in such Securities (or, with respect to Original Issue Discount Securities, at the rate specified in the terms of such Securities for interest on overdue principal thereof upon maturity, redemption, repurchase or repayment or acceleration), such payments to be made ratably to the persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;
THIRD: In case the principal of the Securities in respect of which moneys have been collected shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) interest upon overdue installments of interest, if any, at the same rate as the rate of interest specified in such Securities (or, with respect to Original Issue Discount Securities, at the rate specified in the terms of such Securities
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for interest on overdue principal thereof upon maturity, redemption, repurchase or repayment or acceleration); and, in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon such Securities, then to the payment of such principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, without preference or priority of principal and premium, if any, over interest, if any, or of interest, if any, over principal and premium, if any, or of any such Security over any other such Security, ratably to the aggregate of such principal and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any; and
FOURTH: Any remainder to the Company or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
Section 6.04. Proceedings by Securityholders. No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof, as hereinbefore provided, and unless also the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in its own name as trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such indemnity reasonably satisfactory as it may require against the costs, expenses, indemnities and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, and the Trustee for sixty (60) days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or proceedings and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.06; it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Security with every other Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders of Securities shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of or by availing itself of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holder of Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders of Securities.
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Indenture, however, the right of any Holder of any Security to receive payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Security, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder. With respect to Original Issue Discount Securities, principal shall mean such amount as shall be due and payable as specified in or established pursuant to the terms of such Securities.
Section 6.05. Remedies Cumulative and Continuing. All powers and remedies given by this Article Six to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive, of any thereof or of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the Holders of Securities, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture, and no delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any of the Securities to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default with respect to such Securities occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given by this Article Six or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities, as the case may be.
Section 6.06. Direction of Proceedings. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series; provided, however, that (subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02(d)) the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction (i) that is in conflict with this Indenture or the Securities of such series, (ii) if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that the action or proceedings so directed may not lawfully be taken or (iii) if the Trustee in good faith shall determine that the action or proceedings so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability.
Section 6.07. Notice of Defaults. The Trustee shall, within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of a default with respect to the Securities of any series, give notice of all defaults with respect to that series known to the Trustee
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to all Holders of then Outstanding Securities of that series, by sending such notice to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register, unless in each case such defaults shall have been cured before the transmission or publication of such notice (the term “defaults” for the purpose of this Section being hereby defined to be the events specified in Sections 6.01(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) and any additional events specified in the terms of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, not including periods of grace, if any, provided for therein, and irrespective of the giving of written notice specified in Section 6.01(d) or in the terms of any Securities established pursuant to Section 2.01); and provided that, except in the case of default in the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any of the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities of such series.
Section 6.08. Undertaking to Pay Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder of any series, or group of such Securityholders, holding in the aggregate more than ten percent (10%) in aggregate principal amount of any Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Securityholders for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any Security on or after the due date expressed in such Security or for the enforcement of the right, if any, to convert or exchange any Security into Shares or other securities in accordance with its terms.
Section 6.09. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
| (1) | in the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any Security of such series; |
| (2) | in the case of any Securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or other securities or property, a default in any such conversion or exchange; or |
| (3) | in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Ten cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected. |
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture and the Securities of such series; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
ARTICLE SEVEN
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
Section 7.01. Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.
| (a) | Except during the continuance of an Event of Default of a particular series, |
| (1) | the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and |
| (2) | in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of |
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| any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein). |
| (b) | In case an Event of Default with respect to a particular series has occurred (which has not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs. |
| (c) | No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that: |
| (1) | the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or officers, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and |
| (2) | the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of Securities pursuant to Section 6.06 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture; |
| (3) | whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section; and |
| (4) | no provision of this Indenture shall be construed as requiring the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise to incur any personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. |
Section 7.02. Reliance on Documents, Opinions, etc. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01:
| (a) | the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties; |
| (b) | any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Order, any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution, and any resolution of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution of the Guarantor; |
| (c) | the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such Opinion of Counsel; |
| (d) | the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses, and liabilities which might be incurred therein or thereby; |
| (e) | the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, |
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| debenture, note, coupon or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company or the Guarantor personally or by agent or attorney; |
| (f) | the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed by it with due care hereunder; |
| (g) | the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture; |
| (h) | in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential (including but not limited to loss of profit) loss or damage, irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action; |
| (i) | the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received actual written notice thereof at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture; |
| (j) | the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; |
| (k) | the Trustee may request that the Company or the Guarantor deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture; |
| (l) | whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officer’s Certificate; and |
| (m) | the Trustee shall not be responsible for making any calculations hereunder, including, without limitation, original issue discount, and in all cases, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on calculations made by the Company. |
Section 7.03. No Responsibility for Recitals, etc. The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company and the Guarantor, as applicable, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, provided that the Trustee shall not be relieved of its duty to authenticate Securities only as authorized by this Indenture. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
Section 7.04. Ownership of Securities. The Trustee or any agent of the Company, the Guarantor or the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, or an agent of the Company, the Guarantor or the Trustee.
Section 7.05. Moneys to Be Held in Trust. Subject to the provisions of Section 12.04, all moneys received by the Trustee or any paying agent shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Neither the Trustee nor any paying agent shall be under any liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder except such as it may agree in writing with the Company to pay thereon.
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Section 7.06. Compensation, Indemnification and Expenses of Trustee. The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); and, except as otherwise expressly provided, the Company will pay or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation, expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all Persons not regularly in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as shall have been caused by its own negligence or willful misconduct. The Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor, jointly and severally also covenant to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim of liability in the premises. The obligations of the Company under this Section to compensate the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder. Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default, the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable U.S. federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.
The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture, the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the payment of the Securities.
Section 7.07. [Reserved].
Section 7.08. Conflicting Interest of Trustee.
| (a) | If the Trustee has or shall acquire any conflicting interest, as defined in the Trust Indenture Act, it shall, within ninety (90) days after ascertaining that it has such conflicting interest, either eliminate such conflicting interest or resign in the manner and with the effect specified in the Trust Indenture Act. |
| (b) | In the event that the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section, the Trustee shall, within ten (10) days after the expiration of such ninety-day period, transmit notice of such failure to all Securityholders of the series affected by the conflicting interest as the names and addresses of such Holders appear on the Security Register. |
Section 7.09. Eligibility of Trustee. There shall at all times be a trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, which (a) is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, and (b) is subject to supervision or examination by U.S. federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia authority and (c) shall have at all times a combined capital and surplus of not less than fifty million dollars. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law, or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation at any time shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 7.10.
Section 7.10. Resignation or Removal of Trustee.
| (a) | The Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter appointed, may, upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Company, at any time resign with respect to one or more or all series by giving written notice of resignation to the Company, and by mailing notice of such resignation to the Holders of then outstanding |
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| Securities of each series affected at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor trustee with respect to the applicable series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within thirty (30) days after the transmission of such notice of resignation to the Securityholders, the resigning Trustee may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee, or any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of the applicable series for at least six months may, subject to the provisions of Section 6.08, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor trustee. |
| (b) | In case at any time any of the following shall occur: |
| (1) | the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of subsection (a) of Section 7.08 with respect to any series of Securities after written request therefor by the Company or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of such series for at least six months, or |
| (2) | the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.09 with respect to any series of Securities and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Securityholder, or |
| (3) | the Trustee shall become incapable of acting with respect to any series of Securities, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation; |
then, in any such case, the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to the applicable series of Securities and appoint a successor trustee with respect to such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors of the Company, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee, or, subject to the provisions of Section 6.08, any Securityholder of such series who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of the applicable series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to such series. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.
| (c) | The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding may, upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Trustee and the Company, at any time remove the Trustee with respect to Securities of such series by so notifying the Trustee and the Company and appoint a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of such series with the consent of the Company. |
| (d) | Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and any appointment of a successor trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 7.11. |
| (e) | Any successor trustee appointed pursuant to this Section may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more series or all of such series, and at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series. |
Section 7.11. Acceptance by Successor Trustee. Any successor trustee appointed as provided in Section 7.10 shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company, the Guarantor and its predecessor trustee an instrument
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accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the predecessor trustee with respect to all or any applicable series shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations with respect to such series of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as trustee herein; but, nevertheless, on the written request of the Company, the Guarantor or the successor trustee, the trustee ceasing to act shall, upon payment of any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.06, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all the rights and powers of the trustee so ceasing to act and shall assign, transfer and deliver to such successor or trustee all property and money held by such trustee so ceasing to act. Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Company and the Guarantor shall execute any and all instruments in writing in order more fully and certainly to vest in and confirm to such successor trustee all such rights and powers. Any trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless, retain a lien upon all property or funds held or collected by such trustee to secure any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.06.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the Guarantor (if any of such series of Securities are entitled to the benefits of Article Fifteen) and the predecessor trustee and each successor trustee with respect to the Securities of any applicable series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto which shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the predecessor trustee with respect to the Securities of any series as to which the predecessor trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the predecessor trustee, and shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such trustee.
No successor trustee shall accept appointment as provided in this Section unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified under the provisions of Section 7.08 and eligible under the provisions of Section 7.09.
Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided in this Section, the Company shall give notice of the succession of such trustee hereunder to the Holders of Securities of each series affected, by sending such notice to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register. If the Company fails to send such notice in the prescribed manner within ten (10) days after the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be so given at the expense of the Company.
Section 7.12. Successor by Merger, etc. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be qualified under the provisions of Section 7.08 and eligible under the provisions of Section 7.09, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.
Section 7.13. Limitations on Rights of Trustee as Creditor. If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor with respect to the Securities, which may include the Guarantor), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor).
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
Section 8.01. Action by Securityholders. Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the Holders of a specified aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the
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fact that at the time of taking any such action the Holders of such specified amount have joined therein may be evidenced (a) by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by Securityholders in person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing, and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company, or (b) by the record of the Holders of Securities voting in favor thereof at any meeting of Securityholders duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Article Nine, or (c) by a combination of such instrument or instruments and any such record of such a meeting of Securityholders.
In determining whether the Holders of a specified aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have taken any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the principal amount of any Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such determination and that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be equal to the amount of the principal thereof that could be declared to be due and payable upon an Event of Default pursuant to the terms of such Original Issue Discount Security at the time the taking of such action is evidenced to the Trustee.
Section 8.02. Proof of Ownership. Subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 9.05, the ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register or by a certificate of the Security Registrar.
Section 8.03. Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners. The Company, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Trustee, any paying agent, any transfer agent and any Security Registrar may, subject to Section 2.04, treat the person in whose name a Security shall be registered upon the Security Register as the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue) for the purpose of receiving payment thereof or on account thereof and for all other purposes and neither the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Trustee, any paying agent, any transfer agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
If the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor shall solicit from the Holders of all or any series of Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act, the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor may at its option (but is not obligated to), by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or Board Resolution of the Guarantor, as the case may be, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Securities entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of Securities of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of the applicable Outstanding Securities have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act, and for that purpose the applicable Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders of all or any series of Securities shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the applicable record date.
Section 8.04. Company-Owned Securities Disregarded. In determining whether the Holders of the required aggregate principal amount of all or any series of Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under this Indenture, Securities which are owned by the Company or by any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect control with the Company, shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver only Securities which the Trustee knows are so owned shall be disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding for the purposes of this Section if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgor’s right to vote such Securities and that the pledgee is not a person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company. In the case of a dispute as to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee.
Section 8.05. Revocation of Consents; Future Securityholders Bound. At any time prior to the taking of any action by the Holders of the aggregate principal amount of all or any series of the Outstanding Securities specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Security the identifying number of which is shown by the evidence to be included in the Securities the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing
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written notice with the Trustee at its office and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid, any such action taken by the Holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Security and of any Security issued in exchange or substitution therefor irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Security. Any action taken by the Holders of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Trustee and the Holders of all the Securities of each series intended to be affected thereby.
ARTICLE NINE
SECURITYHOLDERS’ MEETINGS
Section 9.01. Purposes of Meetings. A meeting of Securityholders of any series may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Article for any of the following purposes:
| (1) | to give any notice to the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) or the Trustee, or to give any directions to the Trustee, or to waive any default hereunder and its consequences, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by Securityholders pursuant to any of the provisions of Article Six; |
| (2) | to remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee pursuant to the provisions of Article Seven; |
| (3) | to consent to the execution of an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.02; or |
| (4) | to take any other action authorized to be taken by or on behalf of the Holders of any specified aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series, as the case may be, under any other provision of this Indenture or under applicable law. |
Section 9.02. Call of Meetings by Trustee. The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series to take any action specified in Section 9.01, to be held at such time and at such place in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of the Holders of Securities of any or all series, setting forth the time and place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given to all Holders of then Outstanding Securities of such series, by sending such notice to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register, not less than twenty (20) nor more than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. Failure of any Holder or Holders to receive such notice or any defect therein shall in no case affect the validity of any action taken at such meeting. Any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be valid without notice if the Holders of all Securities of such series Outstanding, the Company and the Trustee are present in person or by proxy or shall have waived notice thereof before or after the meeting.
Section 9.03. Call of Meetings by Company or Securityholders. In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders of at least ten (10%) percent in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series, as the case may be, then Outstanding, shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of Securityholders of Securities of such series to take any action authorized in Section 9.01, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have sent or published, as provided in Section 9.02, the notice of such meeting within thirty (30) days after receipt of such request, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified may determine the time and the place in said Borough of Manhattan for such meeting and may call such meeting to take any action authorized in Section 9.01, by sending or publishing notice thereof as provided in Section 9.02.
Section 9.04. Qualification for Voting. To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Securityholders a person shall be a Holder of one or more Securities of the series with respect to which a meeting is being held or a person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy by such a Holder. The only persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of the Securityholders shall be the persons entitled to vote at such meeting and
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their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.
Section 9.05. Regulations. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Securityholders, in regard to proof of the holding of Securities and of the appointment of proxies, and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall think fit.
The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Company or by Securityholders as provided in Section 9.03, in which case the Company or the Securityholders calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities represented at the meeting and entitled to vote.
Subject to the provisions of Sections 8.01 and 8.04, at any meeting of Securityholders of any series, each Securityholder or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of Securities of such series held or represented by him; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting not to be Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote except as a Securityholder or proxy. Any meeting of Securityholders duly called pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.02 or 9.03 may be adjourned from time to time, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.
Section 9.06. Voting. The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Securityholders shall be by written ballot on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Securityholders or proxies and on which shall be inscribed the identifying number or numbers or to which shall be attached a list of identifying numbers of the Securities held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record in duplicate of the proceedings of each meeting of Securityholders shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was mailed as provided in Section 9.02. The record shall be signed and verified by the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one of the duplicates shall be delivered to the Company and the other to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting.
Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
ARTICLE TEN
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
Section 10.01. Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Securityholders. The Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, the Guarantor, when authorized by a Board Resolution of the Guarantor (if applicable), and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as in force at the date of the execution thereof) for one or more of the following purposes:
| (a) | to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company or the Guarantor, or successive successions, and the assumption by any successor Person of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Company or the Guarantor pursuant to Article Eleven hereof; |
| (b) | to add to the covenants of the Company or the Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities, to add any additional Events of Default with respect to all or any series of Securities, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or the Guarantor; |
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| (c) | to add or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Global Securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose, and to add or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of uncertificated Securities of any series; |
| (d) | to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture or in the terms of any series of Securities which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture or in the terms of any series of Securities; to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee; or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture or under any supplemental indenture or in the terms of any series of Securities as shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of any series of Securities in any material respect; |
| (e) | to conform the terms of the Indenture or the Securities of a series or the Guarantee to the description thereof contained in any prospectus or other offering document or memorandum relating to the offer and sale of such Securities; |
| (f) | to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment hereunder by a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series, and to add or change any provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, pursuant to Section 7.11; |
| (g) | to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 2.03; |
| (h) | to amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture, provided that no such amendment or supplement shall materially adversely affect the interests of the Holders of any Securities then Outstanding. |
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company and, if applicable, the Guarantor in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property thereunder, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture which adversely affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed by the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders of any of the Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 10.02.
Section 10.02. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Securityholders. With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, the Guarantor (if applicable), when authorized by a Board Resolution of the Guarantor, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each such series; provided, however, that, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, no such supplemental indenture shall:
| (a) | extend the stated maturity of any Securities, or reduce the principal amount thereof or premium, if any, or reduce the rate or change the due date of any installment of principal or interest on, or payments of Additional Amounts, or reduce the amount due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof or the amount provable in bankruptcy, or make the principal of or interest or premium, if any, on any Security payable in any coin or currency other than that provided in such Security; |
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| (b) | impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the stated maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date therefor); |
| (c) | reduce the aforesaid percentage in principal amount of Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required pursuant to Section 6.01 to waive defaults; |
| (d) | make any change that adversely affects the right, if any, to convert or exchange any Security for Shares or other securities or property in accordance with its terms; or |
| (e) | modify any of the provisions of this Section or Section 6.09, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 7.11 and 10.01(e). |
A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
Upon the request of the Company and the Guarantor, if applicable, accompanied by a copy of a Board Resolution and, if applicable, a Board Resolution of the Guarantor authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Securityholders as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Company and, if applicable, the Guarantor in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
Promptly after the execution and delivery by the Company, the Guarantor, if applicable, and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Company shall give notice of such supplemental indenture to the Holders of then Outstanding Securities of each series affected thereby, by mailing a notice thereof by first-class mail to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the Security Register. Any failure of the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor to mail or publish such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.
Section 10.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act; Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to the provisions of this Article Ten shall comply with the Trust Indenture Act then in effect. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article Ten, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Company, the Guarantor (if applicable) and the Holders of Securities shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02, shall be given an Opinion of Counsel, an Officer’s Certificate, and an Officer’s Certificate of the Guarantor stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture as conclusive evidence that any such supplemental indenture complies with the provisions of this Article Ten.
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Section 10.04. Notation on Securities. Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provision of this Article Ten may bear a notation in form approved by the Company as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. New Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Company and the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered, without charge to the Securityholders, in exchange for the Securities of such series then Outstanding.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
Section 11.01. Company and Guarantor May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms. So long as any Securities shall be Outstanding, neither the Company nor, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall consolidate with or merge or convert into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person unless:
| (a) | (1) The Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, is the surviving entity, or (2) the Person formed by such consolidation or conversion or into which the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, is merged or converted or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, substantially as an entirety: |
| (i) | expressly assumes, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, in the case of the Company, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed or, in the case of the Guarantor, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the due and punctual payment of all payment obligations under the Guarantee and the performance of every other covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Guarantor to be performed or observed and which supplemental indenture shall provide for conversion or exchange rights in accordance with the provisions of the Securities of any series that are convertible or exchangeable into Shares or other securities, if any such Securities are then outstanding; and |
| (ii) | in the case of the Company, is a corporation or other entity organized and existing under the laws of (u) the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, (v) Ireland, (w) England and Wales, (x) Jersey, (y) any member state of the European Union as in effect on the date the Securities of the applicable series are first issued or (z) Switzerland. |
| (b) | immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and |
| (c) | the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate or the Guarantor has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate of the Guarantor, as the case may be, and, in either case, an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conversion, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) any conveyance, transfer or lease of assets between or among the Guarantor or the Company and its subsidiaries shall not be prohibited hereunder, and (B) each of the Guarantor and the Company may, directly or indirectly, consolidate with or merge with or into an affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of
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reincorporating the Guarantor or the Company, as applicable, in another jurisdiction within the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, Ireland, England and Wales, Jersey, any member state of the European Union as in effect on the date the Securities of the applicable series are first issued or Switzerland to realize tax or other benefits.
Section 11.02. Successor Person Substituted. So long as any Securities shall be outstanding, upon any consolidation, merger or conversion, or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company or the Guarantor substantially as an entirety, in accordance with Section 11.01, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, is merged or converted or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
ARTICLE TWELVE
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE;
UNCLAIMED MONEYS AND GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS
Section 12.01. Discharge of Indenture. This Indenture shall, upon the receipt of a Company Order by the Trustee, cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for) with respect to any series of Securities specified in such Company Order, and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series, when
| (a) | either: |
| (i) | all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (A) Securities of such series which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07 and (B) Securities of such series for whose payment money or Government Obligations have theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 12.04) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or |
| (ii) | all such Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation: |
| (A) | have become due and payable; or |
| (B) | will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year; or |
| (C) | are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company; |
and the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor in the case of (A), (B) or (C) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount of (i) money in an amount, or (ii) Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment or relevant redemption date, as the case may be, money in an amount, or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including the principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, any mandatory sinking fund payments and any Additional Amounts known, at the time of such deposit, to be payable with respect to such Securities, to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable), whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise;
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| (b) | the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series; and |
| (c) | the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied with. |
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to any series of Securities, the following rights of the Holders and obligations of the Trustee, the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall survive such satisfaction and discharge:
| (1) | All obligations under Section 7.06; |
| (2) | If money or Government Obligations shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (ii) of clause (a) of this Section or if money or Government Obligations shall have been deposited with or received by the Trustee pursuant to Section 13.02, all obligations under Sections 2.05, 2.07, 4.02, 4.03, 6.03, 12.02 and 12.04; |
| (3) | Any rights of Holders of the Securities of such series to require the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor to repurchase or repay, and the obligations of the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantor to repurchase or repay, such Securities at the option of the Holders; and |
| (4) | Any rights of Holders of the Securities of such series to convert or exchange, and the obligations of the Company to convert or exchange, such Securities into Shares, securities or other property. |
After any such deposit, the Trustee for such series shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Company’s and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor’s obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series except for those surviving obligations specified above.
Section 12.02. Deposited Moneys and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust by Trustee. Subject to Section 12.04, all moneys and Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture shall be held in trust and applied by it to the payment, either directly or through any paying agent (including the Company acting as its own paying agent), to the Holders of the particular Securities for the payment or redemption of which such moneys or Government Obligations have been deposited with the Trustee, of all sums due and to become due thereon for principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, and, to the extent provided in Section 12.01(a)(ii), Additional Amounts, if any.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 12.02 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof, other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series.
Anything in this Article Twelve to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor, as the case may be, from time to time upon request of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, any money or Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 12.01(a)(ii) which is in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited for the purpose for which such money or Government Obligations was deposited.
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Section 12.03. Paying Agent to Repay Moneys and Government Obligations Held. In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to a series of Securities, all moneys or Government Obligations then held by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture with respect to such series of Securities shall, upon demand of the Company, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Government Obligations.
Section 12.04. Return of Unclaimed Moneys and Government Obligations. Any moneys or Government Obligations deposited with or paid to the Trustee or any paying agent for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, interest, if any, and, to the extent provided in Section 12.01(a)(ii), Additional Amounts, if any, on any Security and not applied but remaining unclaimed for three years after the date upon which such principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, and Additional Amounts, if any, shall have become due and payable, shall be repaid to the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, by the Trustee or such paying agent on demand, and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter look only to the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor for any payment as unsecured general creditors unless an abandoned property law designates another Person and all liability of the Trustee or any paying agent with respect to such moneys or Government Obligations shall thereupon cease.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Section 13.01. Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. Unless pursuant to Section 2.01 provision is made for the inapplicability of either or both of (a) defeasance of the Securities of a series under Section 13.02 or (b) covenant defeasance of the Securities of a series under Section 13.03, then the provisions of such Section or Sections, as the case may be, together with the other provisions of this Article Thirteen, shall be applicable to the Securities of such series, and the Company may at its option by Board Resolution, at any time, with respect to the Securities of such series, elect to have either Section 13.02 (unless inapplicable) or Section 13.03 (unless inapplicable) be applied to the Outstanding Securities of such series upon compliance with the applicable conditions set forth below in this Article Thirteen.
Section 13.02. Defeasance and Discharge. Upon the Company’s exercise of the option provided in Section 13.01 to defease the Outstanding Securities of a particular series, the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall be discharged from their obligations with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series on the date the applicable conditions set forth in Section 13.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “defeasance”). Defeasance shall mean that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Outstanding Securities of such series and, the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall be deemed to have satisfied all other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same); provided, however, that the following rights, obligations, powers, trusts, duties and immunities shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series to receive, solely from the trust fund provided for in Section 13.04, payments in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, interest, if any, and Additional Amounts known, at the time such defeasance is effected, to be payable, if any, on such Securities when such payments are due, (b) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 4.02, 5.01, 7.06 and 12.04, (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder; (d) any rights of Holders of the Securities of such series (unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.01 with respect to the Securities of such series) to convert or exchange, and the obligations of the Company to convert or exchange, such Securities into Shares or other securities or property and (e) this Article Thirteen. Subject to compliance with this Article Thirteen, the Company may exercise its option with respect to defeasance under this Section 13.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option with respect to covenant defeasance under Section 13.03 in regard to the Securities of such series.
Section 13.03. Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Company’s exercise of the option provided in Section 13.01 to obtain a covenant defeasance with respect to the Outstanding Securities of a particular series, the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall be released from their obligations under this Indenture (except any obligations under Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.04, 5.01, 6.02, 7.06, 7.10 and 12.04) with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series on and after the
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date the applicable conditions set forth in Section 13.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “covenant defeasance”). Covenant defeasance shall mean that, with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series, the Company and, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in this Indenture (except any obligations under Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 4.01, 4.02, 4.04, 5.01, 6.02, 7.06, 7.10 and 12.04), whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein in any such Section or Article or by reason of any reference in any such Section or Article to any other provision herein or in any other document, and such omission to comply shall not constitute an Event of Default under Section 6.01(d) with respect to Outstanding Securities of such series, and the remainder of this Indenture and of the Securities of such series shall be unaffected thereby.
Section 13.04. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The following shall be conditions to defeasance under Section 13.02 and covenant defeasance under Section 13.03 with respect to the Outstanding Securities of a particular series:
| (a) | The Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.09 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article Thirteen applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (i) money in an amount, or (ii) Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment or, if such defeasance or covenant defeasance is to be effected in compliance with subsection (i) below, on the relevant redemption date, as the case may be, money in an amount, or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (A) the principal of (and premium, if any, on), each installment of principal of and premium, if any, interest, if any, and all Additional Amounts known to be payable at the time of such defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, on the Outstanding Securities of such series on the stated maturity of or earlier redemption date, as the case may be, with respect to such principal or installment of principal or interest and (B) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to the Outstanding Securities of such series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with terms of this Indenture and of such Securities. |
| (b) | No Event of Default or event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as subsections 6.01(e) and (f) are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period). |
| (c) | Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound. |
| (d) | Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause any Securities of such series then listed on any national securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act, as amended, to be delisted. |
| (e) | In the case of an election with respect to Section 13.02, the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a private letter ruling pertaining to this transaction or a comparable form of transaction, or (ii) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Securities of such series will not recognize |
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| income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred. |
| (f) | In the case of an election with respect to Section 13.03, the Company or, with respect to any series of Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply, the Guarantor shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. 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. |
| (g) | Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance with any additional terms, conditions or limitations which may be imposed on the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section 3.01. |
| (h) | The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to either the defeasance under Section 13.02 or the covenant defeasance under Section 13.03 (as the case may be) have been complied with. |
| (i) | If the moneys or Government Obligations or combination thereof, as the case may be, deposited under clause (a) above are sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on and, to the extent provided in such clause (a), Additional Amounts with respect to, such Securities provided such Securities are redeemed on a particular redemption date, the Company shall have given the Trustee irrevocable instructions to redeem such Securities on such date and to provide notice of such redemption to Holders as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture. |
Section 13.05. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to the provisions of Section 12.04, all money and Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee — collectively for purposes of this Section 13.05, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 13.04 in respect of the Outstanding Securities of a particular series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any paying agent (including the Company acting as its own paying agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 13.04 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof, other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series.
Anything in this Article Thirteen to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon request of the Company, any money or Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 13.04 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited for the purpose for which such money or Government Obligations were deposited.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 14.01. Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations. No recourse under or upon any obligations covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture, or in any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture, or in any Security, or because of any indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any past, present or future incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, of the Company, the Guarantor or any successor Person to either of them, either directly or through the Company, the Guarantor or any successor Person,
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under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities by the Holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
ARTICLE FIFTEEN
GUARANTEE
Section 15.01. Guarantee. The provisions of this Article Fifteen shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Securities of any series designated, pursuant to Section 2.01, as being entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee. For purposes of this Article Fifteen, the term “Securities” means, the Securities to which the provisions of this Article Fifteen shall be applicable and the term “Holder” means the person in whose name such a Security is registered on the registration books kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms hereof. The Guarantor hereby fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to and for the benefit of (a) each Holder the due and prompt payment in full of all amounts which may at any time be or become from time to time due and payable by the Company under this Indenture or otherwise with respect to the Securities registered in such Holder’s name, and (b) the Trustee and its successors and assigns the due and prompt payment in full of all amounts which may at any time be or become from time to time due and payable by the Company under this Indenture to the Trustee (each, a “Guaranteed Obligation” and, collectively, “Guaranteed Obligations”), in the case of both clause (a) and clause (b), at their stated due dates or when otherwise due in accordance with the terms thereof. The Guarantor agrees that any interest on Guaranteed Obligations which accrues after the commencement of any such proceeding (or which would have accrued had such proceeding not been commenced) shall constitute Guaranteed Obligations.
The Guarantor hereby agrees that the guarantee set forth in this Section 15.01 (the “Guarantee”) is a guarantee of the due and punctual payment (and not merely of collection) of Guaranteed Obligations, and shall be full, absolute and unconditional, irrespective of, and shall not be affected by, any invalidity, irregularity or enforceability of this Indenture or any Security, any failure to enforce the provisions of this Indenture or any Security, any waiver, modification or consent granted to the Company with respect thereto, or any other circumstances which may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor. The Guarantor waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all notices of acceptance of the Guarantee or of the creation, renewal, extension, modification, acceleration, compromise or release of any Security or any obligation under this Indenture, and no such creation, renewal, extension, modification, acceleration, compromise or release of any Security or any obligation under this Indenture shall impair or diminish the Guarantor’s obligations under the Guarantee.
The Guarantor waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any requirement that a Holder or the Trustee, in the event of a default in the paying of any Guaranteed Obligation by the Company, first make demand upon or seek to enforce remedies against the Company or first realize upon the collateral, if any, available to such Holder or the Trustee before demanding payment under or seeking to enforce the Guarantee.
The Guarantor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, in favor of the Holders and the Trustee, any and all of its rights, protections, privileges and defenses provided by applicable law to a guarantor and waives any right of set-off which the Guarantor may have against any Holder or the Trustee with respect to any Guaranteed Obligations which are or may become payable by the Guarantor to such Holder or the Trustee, as the case may be.
The Guarantor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, diligence, notice of acceptance, presentment, demand for payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company or any other person, protest, notice of dishonor or non-payment to or on the Guarantor or the Company, notice of any other default, breach or nonperformance of any agreement, covenant or obligation of the Company under this Indenture or any Security, and all notices and demands whatsoever with respect to this Indenture, Securities or any indebtedness evidenced thereby.
The Guarantee is a continuing guarantee and nothing save payment in full of each Guaranteed Obligation shall discharge the Guarantor of its obligations under the Guarantee in respect of such Guaranteed Obligation.
The Guarantee shall continue to be effective or to be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any Guaranteed Obligation, in whole or in part, is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of the Company or otherwise.
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The obligations of the Guarantor under the Guarantee shall not be altered, limited or affected by any proceeding, voluntary or involuntary, involving the bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, reorganization, liquidation or arrangement of the Company or by any defense which the Company may have by reason of the order, decree or decision of any court or administrative body resulting from any such proceeding. No delay or omission by any Holder or the Trustee to exercise any right under this Guarantee shall impair any such right, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver thereof.
Section 15.02. Subrogation. The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of each Holder and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid to such Holder or the Trustee, as the case may be, by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of the Guarantee; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce, or to receive any payments arising out of or based upon such right of subrogation with respect to Guaranteed Obligations relating to Securities of the same series and like tenor until all such Guaranteed Obligations that are due and payable have been paid in full.
Section 15.03. Notation of Guarantee. To further evidence the Guarantee set forth in this Article Fifteen, the Guarantor hereby agrees that a notation of such Guarantee in the form set forth in Annex A hereto shall be endorsed on each Security to which the Guarantee applies and shall be executed on behalf of the Guarantor pursuant to Section 2.03.
The Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in this Article Fifteen shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Security to which it applies a notation of such Guarantee.
The delivery of any Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due and valid delivery of any Guarantee designated with respect to the Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 on behalf of the Guarantor.
ARTICLE SIXTEEN
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 16.01. Benefits of Indenture Restricted to Parties and Securityholders. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, expressed or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their successors and the Holders of the Securities, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture or under any covenant or provision herein contained, all such covenants and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and of the Holders of the Securities.
Section 16.02. Provisions Binding on Successors. All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or on behalf of the Company or the Guarantor shall bind their respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
Section 16.03. Addresses for Notices, etc. Any notice or demand which by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities to or on the Company or the Guarantor may be given or served by being deposited postage prepaid first class mail in a post office letter box addressed (until another address is filed by the Company with the Trustee), as follows: if to the Company, Accenture Capital Inc., 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661, Attention: Brian J. Kowles; and if to the Guarantor, Accenture plc, c/o Accenture LLP, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661, Attention: Brian J. Kowles. Any notice, direction, request or demand by the Company or the Guarantor, or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at its Corporate Trust Department, 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 6200B, Floor 62, Mailbox #44, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Email: jose.salasjr@bny.com, Phone: 312-827-8621, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Company by the Trustee.
The Trustee shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions, including funds transfer instructions (“Instructions”) given pursuant to this Indenture and delivered using Electronic Means; provided, however, that the Issuer and/or the Guarantor, as applicable, shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing officers with the authority to provide such Instructions (“Authorized Officers”) and containing specimen signatures of such
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Authorized Officers, which incumbency certificate shall be amended by the Issuer and/or the Guarantor, as applicable, whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Issuer and/or the Guarantor, as applicable, elects to give the Trustee Instructions using Electronic Means and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such Instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Issuer and the Guarantor understand and agree that the Trustee cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Trustee shall conclusively presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to the Trustee have been sent by such Authorized Officer. The Issuer and the Guarantor shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers transmit such Instructions to the Trustee and that the Issuer, the Guarantor and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard the use and confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by the Issuer and/or the Guarantor, as applicable. The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The Issuer and the Guarantor agree: (i) to assume all risks arising out of the use of Electronic Means to submit Instructions to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized Instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties; (ii) that it is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods of transmitting Instructions to the Trustee and that there may be more secure methods of transmitting Instructions than the method(s) selected by the Issuer and/or the Guarantor, as applicable; (iii) that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with its transmission of Instructions provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances; and (iv) to notify the Trustee immediately upon learning of any compromise or unauthorized use of the security procedures.
Section 16.04. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. Upon any application or demand by the Company or the Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate or Officer’s Certificate of the Guarantor, as the case may be, stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include (1) a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; (3) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company or the Guarantor may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the opinion with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based is erroneous. Any such Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, a governmental official or officers or any other Person or Persons, stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate, opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
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Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture or any Security, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
Section 16.05. Legal Holidays. Unless otherwise provided in the terms of a Security, in any case where the date of maturity of any interest, premium on or principal of the Securities or the date fixed for redemption, repurchase or repayment of any Securities shall not be a Business Day in a city where payment thereof is to be made, then payment of any interest, premium on, or principal of such Securities need not be made on such date in such city but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date of maturity or the date fixed for redemption, repurchase or repayment, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date.
Section 16.06. Trust Indenture Act to Control. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision included in this Indenture which is required to be included in this Indenture by any of Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control.
Section 16.07. Execution in Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 16.08. New York Contract. This Indenture and each Security shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of said State.
Section 16.09. Consent to Service. The Guarantor has designated and appointed Corporation Service Company, 80 State Street, Albany, New York 12207-2543, as its authorized agent for service of process in any proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture or the Securities of any series to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply brought in any federal or state court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York. By the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Guarantor irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit or proceeding, and agrees that service of process upon said agent, together with written notice of said service to the Guarantor, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Guarantor, in any such suit or proceeding; provided, that a Security may specify additional jurisdictions as to which the Guarantor may consent to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of its courts with respect to such Security. The Guarantor further agrees to take any and all action, including the execution and filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment of said agent or a successor agent in full force and effect so long as any Securities to which the provisions of Article Fifteen shall apply shall be Outstanding.
Section 16.10. Separability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture or in the Securities of any series shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Indenture or of such Securities, but this Indenture and such Securities shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.
Section 16.11. Assignment. The Company will have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under this Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, provided that, in the event of any such assignment, the Company will remain liable for all such obligations. Subject to the foregoing, the Indenture is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the parties thereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Indenture may not otherwise be assigned by the parties hereto.
Section 16.12. Waiver of Jury Trial; Submission to Jurisdiction. EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE GUARANTOR, THE TRUSTEE AND THE HOLDERS (BY THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF THE NOTES) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. THE COMPANY AND GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN THE BOROUGH OF
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MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE GUARANTEE AND THE NOTES, AND IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS.
Section 16.13. Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, pandemics or epidemics, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable best efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to avoid and mitigate the effects of such occurrences and to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
Section 16.14. Judgment Currency. The Company and the Guarantor severally agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so under applicable law, that:
| (a) | if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of any series (the “Required Currency”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “Judgment Currency”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered, unless such day is not a Business Day in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, then, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the Business Day in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York preceding the day on which a final unappealable judgment is entered; and |
| (b) | their obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency: |
| (1) | shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, or any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with subsection (a) above), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments; |
| (2) | shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable; and |
| (3) | shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture. |
Section 16.15. Tax Withholding. In order to comply with applicable tax laws, rules and regulations (inclusive of directives, guidelines and interpretations promulgated by competent authorities) in effect from time to time (as used in this Section 16.15, “Applicable Law”) that a foreign financial institution, issuer, trustee, paying agent, holder or other institution is or has agreed to be subject to related to this Indenture, the Company agrees (i) to provide to the Trustee sufficient information about holders or other applicable parties and/or transactions (including any modification to the terms of such transactions) that is reasonably requested in writing and in the Company’s possession (or, to the extent not in the Company’s possession, can be obtained through commercially reasonable efforts of the Company) so the Trustee can determine whether it has tax related obligations under Applicable Law, except to the extent that providing such information to the Trustee would result in a violation of any applicable law, rule or regulation (inclusive of directives, guidelines and interpretations promulgated by competent authorities) or would require the consent, authorization, approval or waiver of a Person who is not a party to this Indenture or an affiliate of a party to this Indenture and such consent, authorization, approval or waiver cannot be obtained through commercially reasonable efforts of the Company, and (ii) that the Trustee shall be entitled to make any withholding
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or deduction from payments under the Indenture to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law for which the Trustee shall not have any liability. The terms of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture.
Section 16.16. Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Representations.
| (a) | The Company represents that neither it nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors or officers are the target or subject of any sanctions enforced by the U.S. Government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively “Sanctions”); |
| (b) | The Company covenants that it will not, and, to the Company’s knowledge, its subsidiaries, directors or officers will not, directly or indirectly use any payments made pursuant to this Indenture, (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person who, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any country or territory that is the target or subject of Sanctions, or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any person. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Indenture to be duly signed, all as of the day and year first above written.
| Accenture Capital Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Brian J. Kowles | |
| Name: | Brian J. Kowles | |
| Title: | Treasurer | |
| Accenture plc | ||
| By: | /s/ Brian J. Kowles | |
| Name: | Brian J. Kowles | |
| Title: | Treasurer | |
| The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee | ||
| By: | /s/ Ann M. Dolezal | |
| Name: | Ann M. Dolezal | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
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Annex A
NOTATION OF GUARANTEE
For value received, the undersigned Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture), subject to the provisions in the Indenture and the terms of the Securities of this series, has fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed to and for the benefit of each Holder and the Trustee the due and prompt payment in full of all amounts which may at any time be or become from time to time due and payable by the Company under the Indenture or otherwise with respect to the Securities of this series registered in such Holder’s name, at their stated due dates or when otherwise due in accordance with the terms thereof. The obligations of the Guarantor to the Holders of Securities and to the Trustee pursuant to the Guarantee under the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article Fifteen of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Guarantee. Each Holder of a Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions and (b) appoints the Trustee attorney-in-fact of such Holder for the purpose of such provisions.
| Accenture plc | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
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Exhibit 4.2
Execution Version
Officer’s Certificate
Pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.03 and 16.04 of the Indenture
October 4, 2024
Pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.03 and 16.04 of the indenture dated as of October 4, 2024, by and among Accenture Capital Inc., a corporation duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer” or the “Company”), Accenture plc, a public limited liability company duly organized and existing under the laws of Ireland (the “Guarantor”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association duly incorporated and existing under the laws of the United States of America (the “Trustee”) (such indenture the “Indenture”), the undersigned, Brian J. Kowles, the Treasurer of the Issuer, does hereby certify as follows, as authorized by the Board Resolutions (as defined below):
(i) There are hereby established four series of debt securities to be issued under the Indenture. The title of such series of the debt securities shall be (i) the 3.900% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), (ii) the 4.050% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”), (iii) the 4.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”), and (iv) the 4.500% Senior Notes due 2034 (the “2034 Notes” and, collectively with the 2027 Notes, the 2029 Notes, the 2031 Notes and the 2034 Notes, the “Notes”).
(ii) The Notes will be represented by Global Securities. The four series of Notes shall be in the forms, and shall have the terms, set forth as Annex A-1, Annex A-2, Annex A-3, and Annex A-4, respectively, attached hereto.
(iii) The 2027 Notes will mature on October 4, 2027. The 2029 Notes will mature on October 4, 2029. The 2031 Notes will mature on October 4, 2031. The 2034 Notes will mature on October 4, 2034.
(iv) $1,100,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Notes, $1,200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2029 Notes, $1,200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Notes, and $1,500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2034 Notes will be issued.
(v) Additional notes having the same terms and conditions as the Notes of the applicable series in all respects (other than the issue date, public offering price, first date of interest accrual and, to the extent applicable, first interest payment date of such notes) (“Additional Notes”) may be issued from time to time; provided, however, that if the Additional Notes of such series are not fungible with the Notes of such series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Additional Notes of such series will have a separate CUSIP and ISIN numbers. The applicable series of Notes and any Additional Notes of such series that are actually issued will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without limitation, as to waivers, amendments, redemptions and any applicable offers to purchase. Unless the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of the Indenture, references to the Notes of a series include any Additional Notes of such series actually issued.
(vi) Interest on the 2027 Notes will accrue at the rate of 3.900% per annum. Interest on the 2029 Notes will accrue at the rate of 4.050% per annum. Interest on the 2031 Notes will accrue at the rate of 4.250% per annum. Interest on the 2034 Notes will accrue at the rate of 4.500% per annum. Interest on the Notes of each series and will be payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on each April 4 and October 4, commencing on April 4, 2025, to the persons who are registered Holders of Notes of such series at the close of business on March 20 or September 19 (each, the “Record Date”), as the case may be, immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date. Interest on the Notes of a series will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the date of issuance to but excluding the actual interest payment date.
(vii) Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.
(viii) The Notes shall be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor (the “Guarantee”) pursuant to Article Fifteen of the Indenture.
(ix) A notation of the Guarantee in the form attached hereto as Annex B bearing the electronic or manual signature of an appropriate officer of the Guarantor shall bind the Guarantor to the provisions of Article Fifteen of the Indenture applicable to each Note.
(x) The Trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar for the Notes. The Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the registrar. The Issuer may change the paying agent and registrar without notice to Holders of the Notes.
(xi) Prior to the applicable Par Call Date (as defined below), the Issuer may redeem any series of the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
(1) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes of such series discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes of such series matured on the applicable Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 7.5 basis points, in the case of the 2027 Notes, plus 10 basis points, in the case of the 2029 Notes, plus 12.5 basis points, in the case of the 2031 Notes, and plus 15 basis points, in the case of the 2034 Notes, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and
(2) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes of such series to be redeemed,
plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
On or after the applicable Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem any series of Notes in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes of such series being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
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“Par Call Date” means, in the case of the 2027 Notes, September 4, 2027, in the case of the 2029 Notes, September 4, 2029, in the case of the 2031 Notes, August 4, 2031 and, in the case of the 2034 Notes, July 4, 2034.
“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.
The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) – H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the applicable Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the applicable Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.
If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the applicable Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the applicable Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the applicable Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the applicable Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the applicable Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the applicable Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the applicable Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.
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The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility in determining or calculating the redemption price.
Notice of any redemption described herein will be mailed or electronically delivered (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the depositary’s procedures) at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed.
In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Notes for redemption shall be made by lot. No Notes of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to the Note will state the portion of the principal amount of the Note to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Note will be issued in the name of the Holder of the Note upon surrender for cancellation of the original Note. For so long as the Notes are held by DTC (or another depositary), the redemption of the Notes shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of the depositary.
Unless the Issuer and the Guarantor default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
(xii) Payments made by the Issuer or the Guarantor in respect of the Notes or the Guarantee will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future income, stamp or other tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment or other governmental charge of a similar nature (“Taxes”) unless the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, is required to withhold or deduct Taxes by law or the official interpretation or administration thereof.
If the Issuer or the Guarantor is required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of Taxes from any payment made with respect to the Notes or the Guarantee levied by or on behalf of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, then the Issuer or the Guarantor will pay such additional amounts as may be necessary so that the net amount received by each holder (including additional amounts) after such withholding or deduction will not be less than the amount the holder would have received if the Taxes had not been withheld or deducted; provided that no additional amounts will be payable with respect to Taxes:
(1) that would not have been imposed but for the existence of any present or former connection between such holder or beneficial owner of the Notes (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over, such holder or beneficial owner, if such holder or beneficial owner is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such holder or beneficial owner (or such fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or treated as a resident thereof or domiciled thereof or a national thereof or being or having been present or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein;
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(2) that are estate, inheritance, gift, sales, value added, transfer, personal property, wealth or similar taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental charges;
(3) payable other than by withholding from payments of principal of a premium, if any, or interest, if any in respect of the Notes or the Guarantee, as applicable;
(4) that would not have been imposed but for the failure of the applicable recipient of such payment (or the beneficial owner of the Note) to comply with any certification, identification, information, documentation or other reporting requirement to the extent:
a. such compliance is required by applicable law or administrative practice or an applicable treaty as a precondition to exemption from, or reduction in, the rate of deduction or withholding of such Taxes; and
b. at least 30 days before the first payment date with respect to which such additional amounts or Taxes shall be payable, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, has notified such recipient in writing that such recipient is required to comply with such requirement;
(5) that would not have been imposed but for the presentation of a Note (where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment thereof was duly provided for, whichever occurred later;
(6) that are imposed or withheld pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as of the issue date of a Note (or any amended or successor version of such sections), any regulations promulgated thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, any similar law or regulation adopted pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement with respect to the foregoing or any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code (any such taxes, “FATCA Taxes”), and any amounts to be paid on debt securities by or on behalf of the issuer will be paid net of any FATCA Taxes imposed or required pursuant thereto;
(7) that would not have been imposed if presentation for payment of a Note or the Guarantee (where presentation is required) had been made to a paying agent other than the paying agent to which the presentation was made;
(8) any taxes imposed by the United States or any political subdivision thereof or tax authority therein, including any U.S. withholding and backup withholding taxes; or
(9) any combination of the foregoing items;
nor shall additional amounts be paid with respect to any payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, in respect of the Notes or the Guarantee to any such holder or beneficial owner who is a fiduciary or a partnership or a beneficial owner who is other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a
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member of such partnership or a beneficial owner would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the holder of the Note. For the avoidance of doubt, no additional amounts shall be payable in respect of any Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction other than a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction.
If the Issuer or the Guarantor becomes aware that it will be obligated to pay additional amounts pursuant to this covenant with respect to any payment with respect to the Notes or the Guarantee, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, will deliver to the Trustee on a date that is at least 30 days prior to the date of that payment (unless the obligation to pay such additional amounts arises after the 30th day prior to that payment date, in which case the Issuer or the Guarantor shall notify the Trustee promptly thereafter) an officer’s certificate of the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, stating the fact that such additional amounts will be payable pursuant to this covenant and the amount estimated to be so payable. Such officer’s certificate must also set forth any other information reasonably necessary to enable the paying agents to pay such additional amounts to holders of the Notes on the relevant payment date. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely solely on such officer’s certificate as conclusive proof that such payments are necessary. The Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, will provide the Trustee with documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of additional amounts.
The Issuer or the Guarantor will make all withholdings and deductions required by law and will remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law with respect to payments in respect of the Notes or the Guarantee. Upon request, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will provide to the Trustee an official receipt or, if official receipts are not obtainable, other documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any Taxes so deducted or withheld. Upon request, copies of those receipts or other documentation, as the case may be, will be made available by the Trustee to the holders of the Notes.
The obligations in this covenant will survive any termination or discharge of the indenture and any transfer by a holder or beneficial owner of its Notes and will apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor person to the Issuer or the Guarantor is incorporated or resident for tax purposes or any jurisdiction from or through which such person makes any payment in respect of the Notes or the Guarantee and any department or political subdivision thereof or therein.
All references to the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of, any Notes or any payment made under the Guarantee shall be deemed to include additional amounts to the extent that, in that context, additional amounts are, were or would be payable.
(xiii) The Issuer may redeem the Notes of a series in whole, but not in part, at its option at any time prior to maturity, upon the giving of not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice of tax redemption to the Holders, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Notes of such series plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, if:
(1) it determines that, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, or any change in the official application, administration, or written
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interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, which change or amendment becomes effective or, in the case of an interpretation, is announced, on or after the issue date of the Notes of such series, the Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, would be required to pay additional amounts (as described in (xii)) with respect to the Notes or the Guarantee on the next succeeding interest payment date and the payment of such additional amounts cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures available to the Issuer or the Guarantor, or any successor thereto; or
(2) it determines, based upon an opinion of independent counsel that, as a result of any action taken by any legislative body of, taxing authority of, or any action brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in, Ireland (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof), which action is taken or brought on or after the issue date of the Notes of such series under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Ireland (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof), with respect to taxes imposed by such other jurisdiction, there is a substantial probability that the circumstances described above would exist.
No notice of any such redemption may be given earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, would be obligated to pay any additional amounts. The Issuer or the Guarantor, as applicable, will also pay to each Holder, or make available for payment to each such Holder, on the redemption date, any additional amounts (as described in (xii)) resulting from the payment of such redemption price by it. Prior to the delivery of any notice of redemption, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee (i) an officer’s certificate stating that it is entitled to effect or cause a redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent of the right so to redeem or cause such redemption have occurred, and (ii) an opinion of independent counsel of recognized standing to the effect that there has been such change or amendment that would entitle the Issuer to redeem the Notes under the Indenture. The Trustee will accept such officer’s certificate and opinion of counsel as sufficient evidence of the existence and satisfaction of the conditions precedent as described above, in which event it will be conclusive and binding on the Holders of the Notes. The foregoing will apply, mutatis mutandis, to any jurisdiction in which any successor to the Issuer or the Guarantor is incorporated or organized or tax resident or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein, provided that if on the date of the succession the taxing jurisdiction is not already a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, the change or amendment of law becomes effective (or the announcement of the official interpretation is announced) after that date.
(xiv) Neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor is required to make any sinking fund payments or any offers to purchase with respect to the Notes or the Guarantee. The Issuer or the Guarantor may at any time and from time to time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise.
(xv) The Issuer will issue the Notes in fully registered form in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
(xvi) Each of the undersigned has read and understands the provisions of the Indenture setting forth the covenants and conditions relating to the authentication and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee, and in respect of compliance with which this certificate is being delivered, and all definitions in the Indenture relating thereto.
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(xvii) Each of the undersigned has examined the unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, dated September 25, 2024 and the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor, dated September 19, 2024 (collectively, the “Board Resolutions”), respectively, relating to the issuance, execution, authentication and delivery of the Notes, and such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Issuer and the Guarantor, respectively, and such other documents, certificates and corporate or other records as he or she has deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed.
(xviii) The examinations or investigations described in paragraphs (xvi) and (xvii) are sufficient to enable each of the undersigned to express an informed opinion as to whether or not the conditions precedent referred to above have been complied with in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
(xix) In the opinion of each of the undersigned, all covenants and conditions precedent to the issuance by the Company and the authentication and delivery by the Trustee of the Notes, as requested in the Company Order, dated as of the date hereof, pursuant to which the Company has requested that the Trustee authenticate and deliver the Notes, have been complied with in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Indenture.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands on the date first set forth above.
| ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Brian J. Kowles | |
| Name: Brian J. Kowles | ||
| Title: Treasurer | ||
[Signature Page to Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to the Indenture]
ANNEX A-1
FORM OF 3.900% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2027
[FORM OF SENIOR NOTES DUE 2027]
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO. UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN.
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO THE NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY AND ANY SUCH TRANSFERS MUST BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRANSFER PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE.
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
3.900% Senior Notes due 2027
with full and unconditional guarantees
as to payment of principal and interest by
Accenture plc
| No. [ ] |
CUSIP No.: 00440KAA1 | |
| ISIN No.: US00440KAA16 | ||
| $[ ] | ||
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns the principal sum of $[ ] on October 4, 2027.
Interest Payment Dates: April 4 and October 4 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on April 4, 2025.
Interest Record Dates: March 20 and September 19 (each, an “Interest Record Date”).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
NOTICE TO HOLDER
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED, AND BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF ACKNOWLEDGES, THAT (1) THE ISSUER AND A GUARANTOR, IN RESPECT OF ITS GUARANTEE, SHALL WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE INCOME, STAMP OR OTHER TAX, DUTY, LEVY, IMPOST, ASSESSMENT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL CHARGE OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER IMPOSED OR LEVIED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR BY ANY AUTHORITY OR AGENCY THEREIN OR THEREOF HAVING THE POWER TO TAX (COLLECTIVELY, “UNITED STATES TAXES”) AS REQUIRED BY LAW OF THE UNITED STATES AND (2) IF THE ISSUER OR A GUARANTOR (OR A WITHHOLDING AGENT FOR THE ISSUER OR SUCH GUARANTOR) IS SO REQUIRED TO WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT ANY AMOUNT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF UNITED STATES TAXES FROM ANY PAYMENT, NO ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS SHALL BE PAID TO A HOLDER OR BENEFICIAL OWNER FOR OR WITH RESPECT TO THE AMOUNT SO WITHHELD OR DEDUCTED.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Note to be duly executed by their duly authorized officer.
Dated:
| ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., as Issuer | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: Brian J. Kowles | ||
| Title: Treasurer | ||
[Signature Page to Global Note]
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee | ||||||
| Dated: | By: |
| ||||
| Authorized Officer | ||||||
[Trustee Signature Page to Certificate of Authentication]
(REVERSE OF NOTE)
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
3.900% Senior Notes due 2027
1. Interest.
Accenture Capital Inc. (the “Issuer”) promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum described above. Cash interest on the Notes (as defined below) will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid; or, if no interest has been paid, from October 4, 2024. Interest on this Note will be paid to but excluding the relevant Interest Payment Date. The Issuer will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, commencing April 4, 2025 to the person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on the preceding Interest Record Date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months in a manner consistent with Rule 11620(b) of the FINRA Uniform Practice Code.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal from time to time on demand at the rate borne by the Notes and on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) to the extent lawful.
2. Paying Agent.
Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (the “Trustee”) will act as paying agent. The Issuer may change any paying agent without notice to the holders of the Notes (the “Holders”).
3. Indenture; Defined Terms.
This Note is one of the 3.900% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”) issued under an indenture dated as of October 4, 2024 (the “Base Indenture”) by and among the Issuer, Accenture plc (the “Guarantor”) and the Trustee, and established pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate dated October 4, 2024, issued pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 16.04 thereof (together, the “Indenture”). This Note is a “Security,” and the Notes are “Securities” under the Indenture.
For purposes of this Note, unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”) as in effect on the date on which the Indenture was qualified under the TIA; including, without limitation, the defeasance provisions set forth in Article Thirteen of the Base Indenture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Notes are referred to the Indenture and the
TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent the terms of the Indenture and this Note are inconsistent, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.
4. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange.
The Issuer will issue the Notes in fully registered form in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder shall register the transfer or exchange of Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Issuer may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover certain transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable in connection therewith as permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to issue, exchange or register a transfer of (a) any Securities of any series for a period of fifteen (15) days next preceding any selection of such Securities of such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid, or (b) any Security of any such series selected for redemption, repayment or repurchase in whole or in part except, in the case of any such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed, repurchased or repaid.
5. Amendment; Supplement; Waiver.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Notes and the provisions of the Indenture relating to the Notes may be amended or supplemented and any existing default or Event of Default or compliance with certain provisions may be waived with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all series of Outstanding Securities (including the Notes) under the Indenture that are affected by such amendment, supplement or waiver (voting together as a single class). Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Notes to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency or comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of a Note in any material respect.
6. Redemption.
(i) Prior to the Par Call Date (as defined below), the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
| (1) | (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 7.5 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and |
| (2) | 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, |
(ii) plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iii) On or after the Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iv) “Par Call Date” means September 4, 2027.
(v) “Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.
(vi) The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) – H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.
(vii) If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the
average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.
(viii) The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility in determining or calculating the redemption price.
(ix) Notice of any redemption described herein will be mailed or electronically delivered (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the depositary’s procedures) at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed.
(x) In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Notes for redemption will be made by lot. No Notes of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to the Note will state the portion of the principal amount of the Note to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Note will be issued in the name of the Holder of the Note upon surrender for cancellation of the original Note. For so long as the Notes are held by DTC (or another depositary), the redemption of the Notes shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of the depositary.
Unless the Issuer and the Guarantor default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
7. Defaults and Remedies.
(i) If there is a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may require the Issuer or the Guarantor to pay immediately the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes by notice in writing to the Issuer or the Guarantor. However, at any time after the Trustee or the Holders, as the case may be, declare an acceleration with respect to the Notes, but before the applicable person has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of the money, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may, under certain conditions, cancel such acceleration if (i) all Events of Default (other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal) with respect to the Notes have been cured or (ii) all such Events of Default have been waived, each as provided in the Base Indenture.
(ii) Subject to the duties of the Trustee to act with the required standard of care, if there is a continuing Event of Default, the Trustee need not exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Notes, unless those Holders have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses, and liabilities which might be incurred therein or thereby. Subject to those provisions for security or indemnification of the Trustee and certain other conditions, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power the Trustee holds with respect to the Notes.
(iii) No Holder of any Security will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder unless (i) the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes; (ii) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made written request, and offered reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory as the Trustee may require against the costs, expenses, indemnities and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, to the Trustee to institute the proceeding as Trustee; and (iii) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such action or proceedings; and (iv) the Trustee has not received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with that request.
8. Authentication.
This Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually or electronically signs the certificate of authentication on this Note.
9. Abbreviations and Defined Terms.
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Note or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
10. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers.
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes as a convenience to the Holders of the Notes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Notes and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.
11. Governing Law.
The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Indenture and the Notes.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
| Date: Your Signature: |
|
|
| Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note. |
| Signature | ||
| Signature Guarantee: | ||
| Signature must be guaranteed | Signature | |
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF NOTES
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for certificated Notes or a part of another Global Note have been made:
| Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease
in |
Amount of increase in |
Principal amount of this |
Signature of authorized |
ANNEX A-2
FORM OF 4.050% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2029
[FORM OF SENIOR NOTES DUE 2029]
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO. UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN.
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO THE NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY AND ANY SUCH TRANSFERS MUST BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRANSFER PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE.
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
4.050% Senior Notes due 2029
with full and unconditional guarantees
as to payment of principal and interest by
Accenture plc
| No. [ ] |
CUSIP No.: 00440KAB9 | |
| ISIN No.: US00440KAB98 | ||
| $[ ] | ||
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns the principal sum of $[ ] on October 4, 2029.
Interest Payment Dates: April 4 and October 4 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on April 4, 2025.
Interest Record Dates: March 20 and September 19 (each, an “Interest Record Date”).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
NOTICE TO HOLDER
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED, AND BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF ACKNOWLEDGES, THAT (1) THE ISSUER AND A GUARANTOR, IN RESPECT OF ITS GUARANTEE, SHALL WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE INCOME, STAMP OR OTHER TAX, DUTY, LEVY, IMPOST, ASSESSMENT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL CHARGE OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER IMPOSED OR LEVIED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR BY ANY AUTHORITY OR AGENCY THEREIN OR THEREOF HAVING THE POWER TO TAX (COLLECTIVELY, “UNITED STATES TAXES”) AS REQUIRED BY LAW OF THE UNITED STATES AND (2) IF THE ISSUER OR A GUARANTOR (OR A WITHHOLDING AGENT FOR THE ISSUER OR SUCH GUARANTOR) IS SO REQUIRED TO WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT ANY AMOUNT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF UNITED STATES TAXES FROM ANY PAYMENT, NO ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS SHALL BE PAID TO A HOLDER OR BENEFICIAL OWNER FOR OR WITH RESPECT TO THE AMOUNT SO WITHHELD OR DEDUCTED.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Note to be duly executed by their duly authorized officer.
Dated:
| ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., as Issuer | ||
| By: |
||
| Name: Brian J. Kowles | ||
| Title: Treasurer | ||
[Signature Page to Global Note]
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee | ||||||
| Dated: | By: |
| ||||
| Authorized Officer | ||||||
[Trustee Signature Page to Certificate of Authentication]
(REVERSE OF NOTE)
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
4.050% Senior Notes due 2029
1. Interest.
Accenture Capital Inc. (the “Issuer”) promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum described above. Cash interest on the Notes (as defined below) will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid; or, if no interest has been paid, from October 4, 2024. Interest on this Note will be paid to but excluding the relevant Interest Payment Date. The Issuer will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, commencing April 4, 2025 to the person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on the preceding Interest Record Date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months in a manner consistent with Rule 11620(b) of the FINRA Uniform Practice Code.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal from time to time on demand at the rate borne by the Notes and on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) to the extent lawful.
2. Paying Agent.
Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (the “Trustee”) will act as paying agent. The Issuer may change any paying agent without notice to the holders of the Notes (the “Holders”).
3. Indenture; Defined Terms.
This Note is one of the 4.050% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) issued under an indenture dated as of October 4, 2024 (the “Base Indenture”) by and among the Issuer, Accenture plc (the “Guarantor”) and the Trustee, and established pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate dated October 4, 2024, issued pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 16.04 thereof (together, the “Indenture”). This Note is a “Security,” and the Notes are “Securities” under the Indenture.
For purposes of this Note, unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”) as in effect on the date on which the Indenture was qualified under the TIA; including, without limitation, the defeasance provisions set forth in Article Thirteen of the Base Indenture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Notes are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent the terms of the Indenture and this Note are inconsistent, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.
4. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange.
The Issuer will issue the Notes in fully registered form in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder shall register the transfer or exchange of Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Issuer may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover certain transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable in connection therewith as permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to issue, exchange or register a transfer of (a) any Securities of any series for a period of fifteen (15) days next preceding any selection of such Securities of such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid, or (b) any Security of any such series selected for redemption, repayment or repurchase in whole or in part except, in the case of any such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed, repurchased or repaid.
5. Amendment; Supplement; Waiver.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Notes and the provisions of the Indenture relating to the Notes may be amended or supplemented and any existing default or Event of Default or compliance with certain provisions may be waived with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all series of Outstanding Securities (including the Notes) under the Indenture that are affected by such amendment, supplement or waiver (voting together as a single class). Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Notes to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency or comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of a Note in any material respect.
6. Redemption.
(i) Prior to the Par Call Date (as defined below), the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
| (1) | (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 10 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and |
| (2) | 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, |
(ii) plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iii) On or after the Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iv) “Par Call Date” means September 4, 2029.
(v) “Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.
(vi) The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) – H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.
(vii) If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.
(viii) The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility in determining or calculating the redemption price.
(ix) Notice of any redemption described herein will be mailed or electronically delivered (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the depositary’s procedures) at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed.
(x) In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Notes for redemption will be made by lot. No Notes of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to the Note will state the portion of the principal amount of the Note to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Note will be issued in the name of the Holder of the Note upon surrender for cancellation of the original Note. For so long as the Notes are held by DTC (or another depositary), the redemption of the Notes shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of the depositary.
Unless the Issuer and the Guarantor default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
7. Defaults and Remedies.
(i) If there is a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may require the Issuer or the Guarantor to pay immediately the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes by notice in writing to the Issuer or the Guarantor. However, at any time after the Trustee or the Holders, as the case may be, declare an acceleration with respect to the Notes, but before the applicable person has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of the money, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may, under certain conditions, cancel such acceleration if (i) all Events of Default (other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal) with respect to the Notes have been cured or (ii) all such Events of Default have been waived, each as provided in the Base Indenture.
(ii) Subject to the duties of the Trustee to act with the required standard of care, if there is a continuing Event of Default, the Trustee need not exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Notes, unless those Holders have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses, and liabilities which might be incurred therein or thereby. Subject to those provisions for security or indemnification of the Trustee and certain other conditions, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power the Trustee holds with respect to the Notes.
(iii) No Holder of any Security will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder unless (i) the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes; (ii) the Holders of at
least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made written request, and offered reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory as the Trustee may require against the costs, expenses, indemnities and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, to the Trustee to institute the proceeding as Trustee; and (iii) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such action or proceedings; and (iv) the Trustee has not received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with that request.
8. Authentication.
This Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually or electronically signs the certificate of authentication on this Note.
9. Abbreviations and Defined Terms.
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Note or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
10. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers.
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes as a convenience to the Holders of the Notes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Notes and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.
11. Governing Law.
The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Indenture and the Notes.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
| Date: Your Signature: |
| Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note. |
| Signature |
||||
| Signature Guarantee: |
||||
| Signature must be guaranteed |
Signature |
|||
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF NOTES
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for certificated Notes or a part of another Global Note have been made:
| Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in |
Amount of increase in |
Principal amount of this Global Note |
Signature of authorized |
ANNEX A-3
FORM OF 4.250% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2031
[FORM OF SENIOR NOTES DUE 2031]
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO. UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN.
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO THE NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY AND ANY SUCH TRANSFERS MUST BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRANSFER PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE.
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
4.250% Senior Notes due 2031
with full and unconditional guarantees
as to payment of principal and interest by
Accenture plc
| No. [ ] |
CUSIP No.: 00440KAC7 | |
| ISIN No.: US00440KAC71 | ||
| $[_______] | ||
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns the principal sum of $[_______] on October 4, 2031.
Interest Payment Dates: April 4 and October 4 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on April 4, 2025.
Interest Record Dates: March 20 and September 19 (each, an “Interest Record Date”).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
NOTICE TO HOLDER
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED, AND BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF ACKNOWLEDGES, THAT (1) THE ISSUER AND A GUARANTOR, IN RESPECT OF ITS GUARANTEE, SHALL WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE INCOME, STAMP OR OTHER TAX, DUTY, LEVY, IMPOST, ASSESSMENT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL CHARGE OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER IMPOSED OR LEVIED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR BY ANY AUTHORITY OR AGENCY THEREIN OR THEREOF HAVING THE POWER TO TAX (COLLECTIVELY, “UNITED STATES TAXES”) AS REQUIRED BY LAW OF THE UNITED STATES AND (2) IF THE ISSUER OR A GUARANTOR (OR A WITHHOLDING AGENT FOR THE ISSUER OR SUCH GUARANTOR) IS SO REQUIRED TO WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT ANY AMOUNT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF UNITED STATES TAXES FROM ANY PAYMENT, NO ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS SHALL BE PAID TO A HOLDER OR BENEFICIAL OWNER FOR OR WITH RESPECT TO THE AMOUNT SO WITHHELD OR DEDUCTED.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Note to be duly executed by their duly authorized officer.
Dated:
| ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., as Issuer | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: Brian J. Kowles | ||
| Title: Treasurer | ||
[Signature Page to Global Note]
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee | ||||||
| Dated: | By: |
| ||||
| Authorized Officer | ||||||
[Trustee Signature Page to Certificate of Authentication]
(REVERSE OF NOTE)
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
4.250% Senior Notes due 2031
1. Interest.
Accenture Capital Inc. (the “Issuer”) promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum described above. Cash interest on the Notes (as defined below) will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid; or, if no interest has been paid, from October 4, 2024. Interest on this Note will be paid to but excluding the relevant Interest Payment Date. The Issuer will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, commencing April 4, 2025 to the person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on the preceding Interest Record Date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months in a manner consistent with Rule 11620(b) of the FINRA Uniform Practice Code.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal from time to time on demand at the rate borne by the Notes and on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) to the extent lawful.
2. Paying Agent.
Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (the “Trustee”) will act as paying agent. The Issuer may change any paying agent without notice to the holders of the Notes (the “Holders”).
3. Indenture; Defined Terms.
This Note is one of the 4.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) issued under an indenture dated as of October 4, 2024 (the “Base Indenture”) by and among the Issuer, Accenture plc (the “Guarantor”) and the Trustee, and established pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate dated October 4, 2024, issued pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 16.04 thereof (together, the “Indenture”). This Note is a “Security,” and the Notes are “Securities” under the Indenture.
For purposes of this Note, unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”) as in effect on the date on which the Indenture was qualified under the TIA; including, without limitation, the defeasance provisions set forth in Article Thirteen of the Base Indenture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Notes are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent the terms of the Indenture and this Note are inconsistent, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.
4. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange.
The Issuer will issue the Notes in fully registered form in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder shall register the transfer or exchange of Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Issuer may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover certain transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable in connection therewith as permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to issue, exchange or register a transfer of (a) any Securities of any series for a period of fifteen (15) days next preceding any selection of such Securities of such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid, or (b) any Security of any such series selected for redemption, repayment or repurchase in whole or in part except, in the case of any such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed, repurchased or repaid.
5. Amendment; Supplement; Waiver.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Notes and the provisions of the Indenture relating to the Notes may be amended or supplemented and any existing default or Event of Default or compliance with certain provisions may be waived with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all series of Outstanding Securities (including the Notes) under the Indenture that are affected by such amendment, supplement or waiver (voting together as a single class). Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Notes to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency or comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of a Note in any material respect.
6. Redemption.
(i) Prior to the Par Call Date (as defined below), the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
| (1) | (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 12.5 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and |
| (2) | 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, |
(ii) plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iii) On or after the Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iv) “Par Call Date” means August 4, 2031.
(v) “Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.
(vi) The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) – H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.
(vii) If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.
(viii) The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility in determining or calculating the redemption price.
(ix) Notice of any redemption described herein will be mailed or electronically delivered (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the depositary’s procedures) at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed.
(x) In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Notes for redemption will be made by lot. No Notes of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to the Note will state the portion of the principal amount of the Note to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Note will be issued in the name of the Holder of the Note upon surrender for cancellation of the original Note. For so long as the Notes are held by DTC (or another depositary), the redemption of the Notes shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of the depositary.
Unless the Issuer and the Guarantor default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
7. Defaults and Remedies.
(i) If there is a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may require the Issuer or the Guarantor to pay immediately the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes by notice in writing to the Issuer or the Guarantor. However, at any time after the Trustee or the Holders, as the case may be, declare an acceleration with respect to the Notes, but before the applicable person has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of the money, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may, under certain conditions, cancel such acceleration if (i) all Events of Default (other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal) with respect to the Notes have been cured or (ii) all such Events of Default have been waived, each as provided in the Base Indenture.
(ii) Subject to the duties of the Trustee to act with the required standard of care, if there is a continuing Event of Default, the Trustee need not exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Notes, unless those Holders have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses, and liabilities which might be incurred therein or thereby. Subject to those provisions for security or indemnification of the Trustee and certain other conditions, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power the Trustee holds with respect to the Notes.
(iii) No Holder of any Security will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder unless (i) the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes; (ii) the Holders of at
least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made written request, and offered reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory as the Trustee may require against the costs, expenses, indemnities and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, to the Trustee to institute the proceeding as Trustee; and (iii) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such action or proceedings; and (iv) the Trustee has not received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with that request.
8. Authentication.
This Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually or electronically signs the certificate of authentication on this Note.
9. Abbreviations and Defined Terms.
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Note or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
10. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers.
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes as a convenience to the Holders of the Notes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Notes and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.
11. Governing Law.
The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Indenture and the Notes.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
| Date: ________________ Your Signature: _____________________ | ||
| Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note. | ||
|
| ||
| Signature | ||
| Signature Guarantee: |
||
|
|
| |
| Signature must be guaranteed |
Signature | |
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF NOTES
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for certificated Notes or a part of another Global Note have been made:
| Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in |
Amount of increase in |
Principal amount of |
Signature of authorized |
ANNEX A-4
FORM OF 4.500% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2034
[FORM OF SENIOR NOTES DUE 2034]
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO. UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN.
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO THE NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY AND ANY SUCH TRANSFERS MUST BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRANSFER PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE.
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
4.500% Senior Notes due 2034
with full and unconditional guarantees
as to payment of principal and interest by
Accenture plc
| No. [ ] |
CUSIP No.: 00440KAD5 | |
| ISIN No.: US00440KAD54 | ||
| $[_______] | ||
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns the principal sum of $[_______] on October 4, 2034.
Interest Payment Dates: April 4 and October 4 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on April 4, 2025.
Interest Record Dates: March 20 and September 19 (each, an “Interest Record Date”).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
NOTICE TO HOLDER
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED, AND BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF ACKNOWLEDGES, THAT (1) THE ISSUER AND A GUARANTOR, IN RESPECT OF ITS GUARANTEE, SHALL WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE INCOME, STAMP OR OTHER TAX, DUTY, LEVY, IMPOST, ASSESSMENT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL CHARGE OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER IMPOSED OR LEVIED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR BY ANY AUTHORITY OR AGENCY THEREIN OR THEREOF HAVING THE POWER TO TAX (COLLECTIVELY, “UNITED STATES TAXES”) AS REQUIRED BY LAW OF THE UNITED STATES AND (2) IF THE ISSUER OR A GUARANTOR (OR A WITHHOLDING AGENT FOR THE ISSUER OR SUCH GUARANTOR) IS SO REQUIRED TO WITHHOLD OR DEDUCT ANY AMOUNT FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF UNITED STATES TAXES FROM ANY PAYMENT, NO ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS SHALL BE PAID TO A HOLDER OR BENEFICIAL OWNER FOR OR WITH RESPECT TO THE AMOUNT SO WITHHELD OR DEDUCTED.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Note to be duly executed by their duly authorized officer.
Dated:
| ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC., as Issuer | ||
| By: |
||
| Name: Brian J. Kowles | ||
| Title: Treasurer | ||
[Signature Page to Global Note]
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee | ||||||
| Dated: | By: |
| ||||
| Authorized Officer | ||||||
[Trustee Signature Page to Certificate of Authentication]
(REVERSE OF NOTE)
ACCENTURE CAPITAL INC.
4.500% Senior Notes due 2034
| 1. | Interest. |
Accenture Capital Inc. (the “Issuer”) promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum described above. Cash interest on the Notes (as defined below) will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid; or, if no interest has been paid, from October 4, 2024. Interest on this Note will be paid to but excluding the relevant Interest Payment Date. The Issuer will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, commencing April 4, 2025 to the person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on the preceding Interest Record Date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months in a manner consistent with Rule 11620(b) of the FINRA Uniform Practice Code.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal from time to time on demand at the rate borne by the Notes and on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) to the extent lawful.
| 2. | Paying Agent. |
Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (the “Trustee”) will act as paying agent. The Issuer may change any paying agent without notice to the holders of the Notes (the “Holders”).
| 3. | Indenture; Defined Terms. |
This Note is one of the 4.500% Senior Notes due 2034 (the “Notes”) issued under an indenture dated as of October 4, 2024 (the “Base Indenture”) by and among the Issuer, Accenture plc (the “Guarantor”) and the Trustee, and established pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate dated October 4, 2024, issued pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 16.04 thereof (together, the “Indenture”). This Note is a “Security,” and the Notes are “Securities” under the Indenture.
For purposes of this Note, unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”) as in effect on the date on which the Indenture was qualified under the TIA; including, without limitation, the defeasance provisions set forth in Article Thirteen of the Base Indenture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Notes are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent the terms of the Indenture and this Note are inconsistent, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.
| 4. | Denominations; Transfer; Exchange. |
The Issuer will issue the Notes in fully registered form in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder shall register the transfer or exchange of Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Issuer may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover certain transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable in connection therewith as permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to issue, exchange or register a transfer of (a) any Securities of any series for a period of fifteen (15) days next preceding any selection of such Securities of such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid, or (b) any Security of any such series selected for redemption, repayment or repurchase in whole or in part except, in the case of any such series to be redeemed, repurchased or repaid in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed, repurchased or repaid.
| 5. | Amendment; Supplement; Waiver. |
Subject to certain exceptions, the Notes and the provisions of the Indenture relating to the Notes may be amended or supplemented and any existing default or Event of Default or compliance with certain provisions may be waived with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all series of Outstanding Securities (including the Notes) under the Indenture that are affected by such amendment, supplement or waiver (voting together as a single class). Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Notes to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency or comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of a Note in any material respect.
| 6. | Redemption. |
(i) Prior to the Par Call Date (as defined below), the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:
| (1) | (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and |
| (2) | 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, |
(ii) plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iii) On or after the Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
(iv) “Par Call Date” means July 4, 2034.
(v) “Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Issuer in accordance with the following two paragraphs.
(vi) The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Issuer after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily) – H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S. government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) (“H.15 TCM”). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Issuer shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.
(vii) If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Issuer shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Issuer shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.
(viii) The Issuer’s actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. The Trustee shall have no responsibility in determining or calculating the redemption price.
(ix) Notice of any redemption described herein will be mailed or electronically delivered (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the depositary’s procedures) at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed.
(x) In the case of a partial redemption, selection of the Notes for redemption will be made by lot. No Notes of a principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to the Note will state the portion of the principal amount of the Note to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Note will be issued in the name of the Holder of the Note upon surrender for cancellation of the original Note. For so long as the Notes are held by DTC (or another depositary), the redemption of the Notes shall be done in accordance with the policies and procedures of the depositary.
Unless the Issuer and the Guarantor default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.
| 7. | Defaults and Remedies. |
(i) If there is a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may require the Issuer or the Guarantor to pay immediately the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes by notice in writing to the Issuer or the Guarantor. However, at any time after the Trustee or the Holders, as the case may be, declare an acceleration with respect to the Notes, but before the applicable person has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of the money, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then Outstanding may, under certain conditions, cancel such acceleration if (i) all Events of Default (other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal) with respect to the Notes have been cured or (ii) all such Events of Default have been waived, each as provided in the Base Indenture.
(ii) Subject to the duties of the Trustee to act with the required standard of care, if there is a continuing Event of Default, the Trustee need not exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Notes, unless those Holders have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses, and liabilities which might be incurred therein or thereby. Subject to those provisions for security or indemnification of the Trustee and certain other conditions, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power the Trustee holds with respect to the Notes.
(iii) No Holder of any Security will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder unless (i) the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes; (ii) the Holders of at
least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made written request, and offered reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory as the Trustee may require against the costs, expenses, indemnities and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, to the Trustee to institute the proceeding as Trustee; and (iii) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such action or proceedings; and (iv) the Trustee has not received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with that request.
| 8. | Authentication. |
This Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually or electronically signs the certificate of authentication on this Note.
| 9. | Abbreviations and Defined Terms. |
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Note or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
| 10. | CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. |
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes as a convenience to the Holders of the Notes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Notes and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.
| 11. | Governing Law. |
The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Indenture and the Notes.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
| Date: ________________ Your Signature: _____________________ |
| Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note. |
| Signature | ||||||||
| Signature Guarantee: |
||||||||
| Signature must be guaranteed |
Signature | |||||||
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF NOTES
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for certificated Notes or a part of another Global Note have been made:
| Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in |
Amount of increase in |
Principal amount of this Global Note (or increase) |
Signature of authorized |
ANNEX B
NOTATION OF GUARANTEE
For value received, the undersigned Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture), subject to the provisions in the Indenture and the terms of the Securities of this series, has fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed to and for the benefit of each Holder and the Trustee the due and prompt payment in full of all amounts which may at any time be or become from time to time due and payable by the Company under the Indenture or otherwise with respect to the Securities of this series registered in such Holder’s name, at their stated due dates or when otherwise due in accordance with the terms thereof. The obligations of the Guarantor to the Holders of Securities and to the Trustee pursuant to the Guarantee under the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article Fifteen of the Base Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Guarantee. Each Holder of a Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions and (b) appoints the Trustee attorney-in-fact of such Holder for the purpose of such provisions.
| Accenture plc | ||
| By: |
||
| Name: |
||
| Title: |
||
Exhibit 5.1
|
Arthur Cox LLP Ten Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 D02 T380
+353 1 920 1000 dublin@arthurcox.com dx: 27 dublin
Dublin Belfast London New York San Francisco
arthurcox.com |
4 October 2024
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
| To: | Board of Directors | |
| Accenture plc | ||
| 1 Grand Canal Square | ||
| Grand Canal Harbour | ||
| Dublin 2 |
Re: Accenture plc – Exhibit 5 opinion (Prospectus Supplement)
Dear Sirs,
| 1. | Basis of Opinion |
| 1.1 | We are acting as Irish counsel to Accenture plc, a public company limited by shares, incorporated under the laws of Ireland (company registration number 471706) and having its registered office at 1 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2 (the “Company”) in connection with: |
| (a) | the guarantees by the Company of securities issued by Accenture Capital Inc. (the “Issuer”) under the Indenture (as defined in the schedule hereto) (the “Securities”); and |
| (b) | the entry into of the Indenture by the Company in its capacity as guarantor of the Securities (the “Transaction”). |
This Opinion is solely for the benefit of the Company and may not be relied upon, used, transmitted, referred to, quoted from, circulated, copied, filed with any governmental agency or authority, disseminated or disclosed by or to any other person or entity for any purposes without our prior written consent, provided that it may be disclosed to regulatory authorities to whom disclosure may be required by applicable laws or regulations and to the Company’s legal advisers on the basis that it is for information only, such persons may not rely upon this Opinion, we have no responsibility to such persons in connection with this Opinion and such persons are bound by restrictions as to disclosure and reliance set out in this Opinion. Notwithstanding the foregoing this Opinion may be filed by the Company or its advisors with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the Company’s Form S-3 registration statement filed with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on 30 September 2024 (the “Registration Statement”).
Séamus Given • Orla O’Connor (Chair) • John Matson • Kevin Murphy • Cormac Kissane • Kevin Langford • Eve Mulconry • Philip Smith • Kenneth Egan • Fintan Clancy • Rob Corbet • Aaron Boyle • Rachel Hussey • Colin Kavanagh Kevin Lynch • Geoff Moore (Managing Partner) • Chris McLaughlin • Maura McLaughlin • Joanelle O’Cleirigh • Richard Willis • Deirdre Barrett • Cian Beecher • Ailish Finnerty • Robert Cain • Connor Manning • Keith Smith • John Donald Dara Harrington • David Molloy • Stephen Ranalow • Simon Hannigan • Colin Rooney • Aiden Small • Phil Cody • Karen Killoran • Richard Ryan • Danielle Conaghan • Brian O’Rourke • Cian McCourt • Louise O’Byrne • Michael Twomey • Cormac Commins • Tara O’Reilly • Michael Coyle • Darragh Geraghty • Patrick Horan • Maeve Moran • Deirdre O’Mahony • Deirdre Sheehan • Ian Dillon • David Kilty • Siobhán McBean • Conor McCarthy • Olivia Mullooly Mairéad Duncan-Jones • Imelda Shiels • Ruth Lillis • Sarah McCague • Sarah Thompson • Niamh McGovern • Ciara Buckley • Ian Duffy • Sophie Frederix Orlalth Kane • Aisling Kelly • David Vos • Jacinta Conway • Amy McDermot • Gillian Beechinor • Kylie Dollard • Jack Logan • Peter Murphy • Shane O’Neill
| 1.2 | This Opinion is confined to and given in all respects on the basis of the laws of Ireland (meaning Ireland exclusive of Northern Ireland) in force as at the date of this Opinion as currently applied by the courts of Ireland. We have made no investigation of, and we express no opinion as to the laws of, any other jurisdiction or the effect thereof. We have assumed without investigation that insofar as the laws of any jurisdiction other than Ireland are relevant, such laws do not prohibit and are not inconsistent with any of the obligations or rights expressed in the Transaction Documents (as defined below) or the Transaction. |
| 1.3 | This Opinion is also strictly confined to: |
| (a) | the matters expressly stated herein at paragraph 2 below and is not to be read as extending by implication or otherwise to any other matter; |
| (b) | the documents listed in the schedule to this Opinion (the “Transaction Documents”); and |
| (c) | the searches listed at 1.5 below (the “Searches”). |
We express no opinion, and make no representation or warranty, as to any matter of fact or in respect of any documents which may exist in relation to the Securities or the Guarantee (as defined below), other than the Transaction Documents.
| 1.4 | For the purpose of giving this Opinion, we have examined copies of the Transaction Documents sent to us by e-mail in pdf or other electronic format. |
| 1.5 | For the purpose of giving this Opinion, we have caused to be made the following legal searches against the Company on 4 October 2024: |
| (a) | on the file of the Company maintained by the Registrar of Companies in the Irish Companies Registration Office for mortgages, debentures or similar charges or notices thereof and for the appointment of any receiver, examiner, process advisor or liquidator; |
| (b) | in the Judgments Office of the High Court for unsatisfied judgments, orders, decrees and the like for the twelve years immediately preceding the date of the search; |
| (c) | in the Central Office of the High Court for any proceedings filed in respect of the Company in the 12 years immediately preceding the date of the search; |
| (d) | in the Central Office of the High Court for any petitions filed in respect of the Company; and |
| (e) | on the register of persons disqualified or restricted from acting as directors of companies incorporated in Ireland which is maintained by the Registrar of Companies in the CRO against the names of the current directors and secretary of the Company as identified in the search results referred to in paragraph (a) above. |
| 1.6 | This Opinion is given on the basis that our client is the Company. For the purposes of giving this Opinion, we have taken instructions solely from our client and from its US counsel Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. |
| 1.7 | This Opinion is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland (as interpreted by the courts of Ireland at the date hereof). Any addressee of this |
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| Opinion agrees, for our benefit, that the courts of Ireland shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising out of, or in connection with, this Opinion. This Opinion speaks only as of its date. We assume no obligation to update this Opinion at any time in the future or to advise you of any change in law, change in interpretation of law which may occur after the date of this Opinion. |
| 2. | Opinion |
Subject to the assumptions and qualifications set out in this Opinion and to any matters not disclosed to us, we are of the opinion that:
| 2.1 | The Company is a public company limited by shares, is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Ireland. |
| 2.2 | The Company has all requisite corporate capacity, power and authority to enter into, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Indenture (including the obligation to guarantee the Securities (the “Guarantees”)) and to take all action as may be necessary to complete the Transaction. |
| 2.3 | Based solely on the Searches and the Assistant Secretary’s Certificate, the Company has not taken any corporate action for its winding up, dissolution, court protection or reorganisation or for the appointment of an examiner, liquidator, trustee or similar officer in respect of the Company or any or all of its assets, revenue or undertakings and no other party has taken any action or commenced any proceedings for the winding up, dissolution, court protection or reorganisation of the Company or for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, examiner, trustee or similar officer in respect of the Company or any or all of the Company’s assets, revenues or undertakings. |
| 2.4 | The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Guarantees: |
| (a) | has been duly authorised by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company; and |
| (b) | will not, when entered into, violate, conflict with or constitute a default under: |
| (i) | any law, order, rule, decree, statute or regulation of Ireland; or |
| (ii) | the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. |
| 2.5 | The Guarantees have been duly executed by the Company. |
| 3. | Assumptions |
For the purpose of giving this Opinion, we assume the following without any responsibility on our part if any assumption proves to have been untrue as we have not verified independently any assumption:
Prospectus Supplement and the Securities
| 3.1 | That the filing of the Prospectus Supplement with the SEC has been authorised by all necessary actions under all applicable laws other than Irish law. |
| 3.2 | That, as at the time of the issue of the Securities, such issue shall not be in contravention or breach of any agreement, undertaking, arrangement, deed or covenant affecting the Company or to which the Company is a party or otherwise bound or subject. |
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| 3.3 | That any applicable Indenture will have been duly authorised, executed and delivered by the parties thereto (other than the Company), as applicable, and constitutes legally valid and binding obligations on the parties thereto (other than the Company), enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms. |
| 3.4 | To the extent that any offer of Securities is made in any member state of the European Union (“Member State”) or in the United Kingdom, such offer is addressed to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons in each Member State and the United Kingdom, other than to Qualified Investors (as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when Securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC (the “Prospectus Regulation”) and, in the case of the United Kingdom, the retained EU law version of the Prospectus Regulation which applies in the United Kingdom), as amended. |
Authenticity and bona fides
| 3.5 | The truth, completeness, accuracy and authenticity of all Transaction Documents submitted to us as originals or copies of originals and (in the case of copies) conformity to the originals of copy Transaction Documents and the genuineness of all signatories, stamps and seals thereon, that any signatures (electronic or otherwise) are the signatures of the persons who they purport to be, that each witness to a signature actually witnessed that signature in the physical presence of the signatory, that each Transaction Document has been duly executed and delivered by all parties thereto (other than the Company) and that each original was executed in the manner appearing on the copy. |
| 3.6 | Where incomplete Transaction Documents have been submitted to us or signature pages only have been supplied to us for the purposes of issuing this Opinion, that the originals of such Transaction Documents correspond in all respects with the last draft of the complete Transaction Documents submitted to us. |
| 3.7 | That the Transaction Documents will be executed in a form and content having no material difference to the drafts provided to us, will be delivered by the parties thereto, and that the terms thereof will be observed and performed by the parties thereto. |
| 3.8 | That the copies produced to us of minutes of meetings and/or of written resolutions correctly record the proceedings at such meetings and/or the subject matter which they purport to record and that any meetings referred to in such copies were duly convened, duly quorate and held and all formalities were duly observed, that those present at any such meetings were entitled to attend and vote at the meeting and acted bona fide throughout, that no further resolutions have been passed or other action taken which would or might alter the effectiveness thereof, and that such resolutions (whether passed at a meeting or by way of written resolution) have not been amended or rescinded and are in full force and effect. |
| 3.9 | That each of the Transaction Documents is up to date and current and has not been amended, varied or terminated in any respect and no resolution contained in any of the Transaction Documents has been amended, varied, revoked or superseded in any respect. |
| 3.10 | That the Memorandum and Articles of Association in the form amended on 7 February 2018 are the current memorandum and articles of association of the Company, are up to date and have not been amended or superseded and that there are no other terms governing the shares of the Company, other than those set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. |
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Accuracy of searches and warranties
| 3.11 | The accuracy and completeness of the information disclosed in the Searches and that such information has not since the time of such search or enquiry been altered. It should be noted that: |
| (a) | the matters disclosed in the Searches may not present a complete summary of the actual position on the matters we have caused searches to be conducted for; |
| (b) | searches at the Companies Registration Office, do not necessarily reveal whether or not a prior charge has been created or a resolution has been passed or a petition presented or any other action taken for the winding-up of or the appointment of a receiver or an examiner to the Company; |
| 3.12 | That there has been no alteration in the status or condition of the Company as disclosed by the Searches. |
| 3.13 | The truth, completeness and accuracy of all representations and statements as to factual matters contained in the Transaction Documents and the Assistant Secretary’s Certificate. |
Solvency and Insolvency
| 3.14 | That: |
| (a) | the Company, at the date of this Opinion, will not be unable to pay its debts as they fall due within the meaning of Sections 509(3) and 570 of the Companies Act or any analogous provision under any applicable laws immediately after the filing of the Prospectus Supplement with the SEC; |
| (b) | the Company will not as a consequence of doing any act or thing which the Prospectus Supplement contemplates, permits or requires any relevant party to do, be unable to pay its debts within the meaning of such Sections or any analogous provisions under any applicable laws; |
| (c) | no liquidator, receiver or examiner or other similar or analogous officer has been appointed in relation to the Company or any of its assets or undertaking; and |
| (d) | no petition for the making of a winding-up order or the appointment of any examiner or any similar officer or any analogous procedure has been presented in relation to the Company; |
| 3.15 | That no proceedings have been instituted or injunction granted against the Company to restrain it from providing the Guarantees and the Guarantees would not be contrary to any state, governmental, court, state or quasi-governmental agency, licensing authority, local or municipal governmental body or regulatory authority’s order, direction, guideline, recommendation, decision, licence or requirement. |
Financial Assistance and Connected Transactions
| 3.16 | The Company is not by entering into the Indenture or performing its obligations thereunder, providing financial assistance for the purpose of an acquisition (by way of subscription, purchase, exchange or otherwise) made or to be made by any person of any shares in the Company or its holding company which would be prohibited by |
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| Section 82 of the Companies Act. In this regard, we refer you to the Assistant Secretary’s Certificate. |
| 3.17 | That none of the transactions contemplated by the Indenture are prohibited by virtue of Section 239 of the Companies Act, which prohibits certain transactions between companies and their directors or persons connected with their directors. In this regard, we refer you to the Assistant Secretary’s Certificate. |
Commercial Benefit
| 3.18 | That the Transaction Documents have been entered into for bona fide commercial purposes, on arm’s length terms and for the benefit of each party thereto and are in those parties’ respective commercial interest and for their respective corporate benefit. |
| 4. | Disclosure |
This Opinion is addressed to you in connection with the Transaction. We hereby consent to the inclusion of this Opinion as an exhibit to the Form 8-K and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in a category of person whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
| 5. | No Refresher |
This Opinion speaks only as of its date. We assume no obligation to update this Opinion at any time in the future or to notify you of any change in law or interpretation of law, which may occur after the date of this Opinion.
| Yours faithfully, |
| /s/ Arthur Cox LLP |
|
|
| ARTHUR COX LLP |
6
SCHEDULE
Transaction Documents
| 1. | A copy of the Indenture dated 4 October 2024 between Accenture Capital Inc., the Company (as guarantor), and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., (as trustee) (the “Indenture”). |
| 2. | A copy of the Prospectus filed by the Company with the SEC on 30 September 2024. |
| 3. | A copy of the form of the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by the Company with the SEC on 30 September 2024. |
| 4. | A copy of the Prospectus Supplement filed by the Company with the SEC on 1 October 2024 (the “Prospectus Supplement”). |
| 5. | A copy of the resolutions of the board of directors of the Company dated 19 September 2024 approving the Transaction, copies of which are attached the Assistant Secretary’s Certificate (the “Resolutions”). |
| 6. | A copy of the up-to-date memorandum and articles of association of the Company as amended by special resolution of the shareholders of the Company on 7 February 2018 (the “Memorandum and Articles”). |
| 7. | A copy of the certificate of incorporation of the Company dated 10 June 2009 (the “Certificate of Incorporation”). |
| 8. | A certificate of the Assistant Secretary of the Company dated 4 October 2024 (the “Assistant Secretary’s Certificate”) attaching, among other things, copies of the Memorandum and Articles, Resolutions and the Certificate of Incorporation. |
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Exhibit 5.2
October 4, 2024
Accenture plc
Accenture Capital Inc.
c/o Accenture plc
500 West Madison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661
| Re: | Accenture plc and Accenture Capital Inc. |
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File Nos. 333-282399 and 333-282399-02)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Accenture Capital Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Accenture plc, an Irish public limited company (the “Guarantor”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) of a Registration Statement on Form S-3, file nos. 333-282399 and 333-282399-02 (the “Registration Statement”), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the prospectus included therein, the prospectus supplement, dated October 1, 2024, filed with the Commission on October 1, 2024 pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act (the “Prospectus Supplement”), and the offering by the Company pursuant thereto of $1,100,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 3.900% Senior Notes due 2027, $1,200,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 4.050% Senior Notes due 2029, $1,200,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 4.250% Senior Notes due 2031 and $1,500,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 4.500% Senior Notes due 2034 (collectively, the “Notes”).
The Notes have been issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of October 4, 2024 (the “Base Indenture”), between the Company, the Guarantor and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), as modified in respect of the Notes by the Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Base Indenture dated as of October 4, 2024 (as so modified, the “Indenture”), and are guaranteed pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and the notation endorsed on the Notes by the Guarantor (the “Guarantees”).
In arriving at the opinions expressed below, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction as being true and complete copies of the originals, of the Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and such other documents, corporate records, certificates of officers of the Company and the Guarantor and of public officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable to enable us to render these opinions. In our examination, we have assumed, without independent investigation, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. As to any facts material to these opinions, we have relied to the extent we deemed appropriate and without independent investigation upon
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
200 Park Avenue | New York, NY 10166-0193 | T: 212.351.4000 | F: 212.351.4035 | gibsondunn.com
Accenture plc
Accenture Capital Inc.
October 4, 2024
Page 2
statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company, the Guarantor and others.
We are not admitted or qualified to practice law in Ireland. Therefore, we have relied upon the opinion of Arthur Cox LLP, filed as an exhibit to the Guarantor’s Form 8-K on October 4, 2024, with respect to matters governed by the laws of Ireland.
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, exceptions, qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Notes are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, and the Guarantees of the Notes are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Guarantor, enforceable against the Guarantor in accordance with their respective terms.
The opinions expressed above are subject to the following additional exceptions, qualifications, limitations and assumptions:
A. We render no opinion herein as to matters involving the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York and the United States of America and, to the extent relevant for our opinions herein, the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are not admitted to practice in the State of Delaware; however, we are generally familiar with the Delaware General Corporation Law as currently in effect and have made such inquiries as we consider necessary to render the opinions contained herein. This opinion is limited to the effect of the current state of the laws of the State of New York, the United States of America and, to the limited extent set forth above, the laws of the State of Delaware and the facts as they currently exist. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion in the event of future changes in such laws or the interpretations thereof or such facts.
B. The opinions above are each subject to (i) the effect of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, arrangement or similar laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally, including without limitation the effect of statutory or other laws regarding fraudulent transfers or preferential transfers and (ii) general principles of equity, including without limitation concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
C. We express no opinion regarding the effectiveness of (i) any waiver of stay, extension or usury laws or of unknown future rights; (ii) any waiver (whether or not stated as such) under the Indenture, the Guarantees or the certificates evidencing the global Notes (collectively, the “Specified Note Documents”) of, or any consent thereunder relating to, unknown future rights or the rights of any party thereto existing, or duties owing to it, as a
Accenture plc
Accenture Capital Inc.
October 4, 2024
Page 3
matter of law; (iii) any waiver (whether or not stated as such) contained in the Specified Note Documents of rights of any party, or duties owing to it, that is broadly or vaguely stated or does not describe the right or duty purportedly waived with reasonable specificity; (iv) provisions relating to indemnification, exculpation or contribution, to the extent such provisions may be held unenforceable as contrary to public policy or federal or state securities laws or due to the negligence or willful misconduct of the indemnified party; (v) any agreement to submit to the jurisdiction of any Federal court; (vi) any waiver of the right to jury trial or (vii) any provision to the effect that every right or remedy is cumulative and may be exercised in addition to any other right or remedy or that the election of some particular remedy does not preclude recourse to one or more others.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and we further consent to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus Supplement. In giving these consents, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Document and Entity Information |
Oct. 04, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 04, 2024 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Accenture plc |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | L2 |
| Entity File Number | 001-34448 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0627530 |
| Entity Address Address Line 1 | 1 Grand Canal Square |
| Entity Address Address Line 2 | Grand Canal Harbour |
| Entity Address City Or Town | Dublin |
| Entity Address Postal Zip Code | 2 |
| Entity Address Country | IE |
| Country Region | 353 |
| City Area Code | 1 |
| Local Phone Number | 646-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0000225 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ACN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001467373 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
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