EXHIBIT 99(4)
BRISTOW GROUP INC.
Letter of Transmittal
for Tender of All Outstanding
71/2% Senior Notes due 2017
in Exchange for Registered
71/2% Senior Notes due 2017
The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2007,
unless sooner terminated or extended (the Expiration Date). Outstanding notes tendered in the
Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date.
If you wish to accept the Exchange Offer, this letter of transmittal should be completed,
signed and delivered to the Exchange Agent:
U.S. Bank National Association
1-800-934-6802
By Overnight Delivery, Courier or Mail
(overnight delivery or courier recommended;
if by mail, registered or certified mail recommended):
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance
Registered or Certified Mail:
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance
By Facsimile Transmission (eligible institutions only):
651-495-8158
Confirm by Telephone:
1-800-934-6802
Delivery of this instrument to an address other than as set forth above or transmission via
facsimile to a number other than the one listed above will not constitute a valid delivery. The
instructions accompanying this letter of transmittal should be read carefully before the letter of
transmittal is completed.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt and review of the prospectus
dated , 2007 (the Prospectus), of Bristow Group Inc. (the Issuer) and this letter of transmittal.
These two documents together constitute the offer by the Issuer to exchange its 71/2% Senior Notes
due 2017 (the Exchange Notes), the issuance of which has been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), for a like principal amount of the Issuers issued and
outstanding unregistered 71/2% Senior Notes due 2017 (the Outstanding Notes). The offer to exchange
the Exchange Notes for the Outstanding Notes is referred to as the Exchange Offer.
The Issuer reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend the period of time
during which the Exchange Offer for the Outstanding Notes is open, at its discretion, in which
event the term Expiration Date shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is
extended. The Issuer shall notify U.S. Bank National Association (theExchange Agent) of any
extension by oral
or written notice and shall make a public announcement thereof no later than 9:00 a.m., New
York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.
This letter of transmittal is to be used by a holder of Outstanding Notes if
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certificates of Outstanding Notes are to be forwarded herewith or |
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delivery of Outstanding Notes is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account
maintained by the Exchange Agent at The Depository Trust Company (DTC) pursuant to the
procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption The Exchange OfferProcedures
for TenderingBook-Entry Transfer and an agents message is not delivered as described
in the Prospectus under the caption The Exchange OfferProcedures for
TenderingTendering Through DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program. |
Tenders by book-entry transfer may also be made by delivering an agents message in lieu of
this letter of transmittal pursuant to DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program (ATOP). Holders of
Outstanding Notes whose Outstanding Notes are not immediately available, or who are unable to
deliver their Outstanding Notes, this letter of transmittal and all other documents required hereby
to the Exchange Agent or to comply with the applicable procedures under DTCs ATOP on or prior to
the Expiration Date, must tender their Outstanding Notes according to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery
Procedures. See Instruction 2 of this letter of transmittal. Delivery of documents to DTC does
not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.
The term holder with respect to the Exchange Offer for Outstanding Notes means any person in
whose name such Outstanding Notes are registered on the books of the registrar for the Outstanding
Notes, any person who holds such Outstanding Notes and has obtained a properly completed bond power
from the registered holder or any participant in the DTC system whose name appears on a security
position listing as the holder of such Outstanding Notes and who desires to deliver such
Outstanding Notes by book-entry transfer at DTC. The undersigned has completed, executed and
delivered this letter of transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with
respect to the Exchange Offer. Holders who wish to tender their Outstanding Notes must complete
this letter of transmittal in its entirety (unless such Outstanding Notes are to be tendered by
book-entry transfer and an agents message is delivered in lieu hereof pursuant to DTCs ATOP).
Please read the entire letter of transmittal and the Prospectus carefully before checking any box
below. The instructions included with this letter of transmittal must be followed. Questions and
requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus and this letter of transmittal
may be directed to the Exchange Agent.
2
List below the Outstanding Notes tendered under this letter of transmittal. If the space below
is inadequate, list the registered numbers and principal amounts on a separate signed schedule and
affix the list to this letter of transmittal.
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| DESCRIPTION OF OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED |
| Name(s) and Address(es) of |
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| Registered Holder(s) Exactly |
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| Outstanding Notes (Please Fill |
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| In, If Blank) |
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Outstanding Note(s) Tendered |
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Aggregate Principal |
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Amount Represented |
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Principal Amount |
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Registered Number(s)* |
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by Note(s) |
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Tendered** |
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Total
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Need not be completed by book-entry holders. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, any tendering holder of Outstanding
Notes will be deemed to have tendered the entire aggregate
principal amount represented by such Outstanding Notes. All tenders
must be in integral multiples of $1,000. |
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CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH. |
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CHECK HERE AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING IF TENDERED OUTSTANDING NOTES
ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT
MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC (FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE
INSTITUTIONS ONLY): |
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| Name of Tendering Institution:
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| Transaction Code Number(s): |
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CHECK HERE AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING IF TENDERED OUTSTANDING NOTES
ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
EITHER ENCLOSED HEREWITH OR PREVIOUSLY DELIVERED TO THE EXCHANGE
AGENT (COPY ATTACHED) (FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY): |
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| Name(s) of Registered Holder(s) of Outstanding Notes: |
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| Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery: |
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| Window Ticket Number (if available): |
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| Name of Eligible Institution that Guaranteed Delivery: |
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| DTC Account Number(s) (if delivered by book-entry transfer): |
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| Transaction Code Number(s) (if delivered by book-entry transfer): |
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| Name of Tendering Institution (if delivered by book-entry transfer):
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CHECK HERE AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER
AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10
COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO: |
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| Telephone/ Facsimile No. for Notices:
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3
SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to
the Issuer for exchange the principal amount of Outstanding Notes indicated above. Subject to and
effective upon the acceptance for exchange of the principal amount of Outstanding Notes tendered in
accordance with this letter of transmittal, the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and transfers
to, or upon the order of, the Issuer all right, title and interest in and to such Outstanding Notes
tendered for exchange hereby. The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the
Exchange Agent the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact for the undersigned (with full
knowledge that said Exchange Agent also acts as the agent for the Issuer in connection with the
Exchange Offer) with respect to the tendered Outstanding Notes with full power of substitution to
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deliver such Outstanding Notes, or transfer ownership of such Outstanding Notes on the
account books maintained by DTC, to the Issuer, as applicable, and deliver all accompanying
evidences of transfer and authenticity, and |
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present such Outstanding Notes for transfer on the books of the Issuer and receive all
benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Outstanding
Notes, all in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer. |
The power of attorney granted in this paragraph shall be deemed to be irrevocable and coupled with
an interest.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and
authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby and to
acquire the Exchange Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Outstanding Notes, and that
the Issuer will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens,
restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim, when the same are
accepted for exchange by the Issuer.
The undersigned acknowledges that the Exchange Offer is being made in reliance upon
interpretations set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties by the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation
(available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991), Mary Kay
Cosmetics, Inc. (available June 5, 1991), Shearman & Sterling (available July 2, 1993) and similar
no-action letters (the Prior No-Action Letters), that the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for
the Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and
otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than any holder that is a broker-dealer who
purchased Outstanding Notes directly from the Issuer for resale and any holder that is an
affiliate of the Issuer within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act (except
for prospectus delivery obligations applicable to certain broker-dealers), provided that such
Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holders business and such holders are
not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate in, a distribution of such Exchange Notes. The SEC has not, however,
considered the Exchange Offer in the context of a no-action letter, and there can be no assurance
that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as
it has in other circumstances.
The undersigned hereby further represents to the Issuer that (i) any Exchange Notes received
are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes,
whether or not the undersigned, (ii) neither the undersigned nor any such other person has an
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Outstanding
Notes or the Exchange Notes within the meaning of the Securities Act and (iii) neither the holder
nor any such other person is an affiliate, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of
the Issuer, or if it is such an affiliate, it will comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable.
If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged
in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes. If the undersigned is a
broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it will receive Exchange Notes in exchange for
Outstanding Notes that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities, and it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with
any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the
undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it did not
purchase the Outstanding Notes to be exchanged for the Exchange Notes from the Issuer.
Additionally, the undersigned represents that it is not acting on behalf of any person who could
not truthfully and completely make the foregoing representations and the representations in the
immediately preceding paragraph.
The undersigned acknowledges that if the undersigned is tendering Outstanding Notes in the
Exchange Offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution of the Exchange
Notes
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the undersigned cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set forth in the
Prior No-Action Letters and, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with
a secondary resale transaction of the Exchange Notes, in which case the registration
statement must contain the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or Item
508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act and |
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failure to comply with such requirements in such instance could result in the
undersigned incurring liability for which the undersigned is not indemnified by the Issuer. |
The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the
Exchange Agent or the Issuer to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and
transfer of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby, including the transfer of such Outstanding Notes
on the account books maintained by DTC.
For purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Issuer shall be deemed to have accepted for exchange
validly tendered Outstanding Notes when, as and if the Issuer gives oral or written notice thereof
to the Exchange Agent. Any tendered Outstanding Notes that are not accepted for exchange pursuant
to the Exchange Offer for any reason will be returned, without expense, to the undersigned as
promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this letter of transmittal shall survive
the death, incapacity or dissolution of the undersigned, and every obligation of the undersigned
under this letter of transmittal shall be binding upon the undersigneds successors, assigns,
heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives. This tender may
be withdrawn only in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption
The Exchange OfferWithdrawal of Tenders.
The undersigned acknowledges that the acceptance by the Issuer of properly tendered Outstanding
Notes pursuant to the procedures described under the caption The Exchange OfferProcedures for
Tendering in the Prospectus and in the instructions hereto will constitute a binding agreement
between the undersigned, on one hand, and the Issuer, on the other, upon the terms and subject to
the conditions of the Exchange Offer.
The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Prospectus under the
caption The Exchange OfferConditions to the Exchange Offer. The undersigned recognizes that as
a result of these conditions (which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Issuer), the Issuer
may not be required to exchange any of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby.
Unless otherwise indicated under Special Issuance Instructions, please issue the Exchange
Notes issued in exchange for the Outstanding Notes accepted for exchange, and return any
Outstanding Notes not tendered or not exchanged, in the name(s) of the undersigned (or, in the case
of a book-entry delivery of Outstanding Notes, please credit the account indicated above maintained
at DTC). Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under Special Delivery Instructions, please mail
or deliver the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Outstanding Notes accepted for exchange
and any Outstanding Notes not tendered or not exchanged (and accompanying documents, as
appropriate) to the undersigned at the address shown below the undersigneds signature(s). In the
event that both Special Issuance Instructions and Special Delivery Instructions are completed,
please issue the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Outstanding Notes accepted for exchange
in the name(s) of, and return any Outstanding Notes not tendered or not exchanged to, the person(s)
(or account(s)) so indicated. The undersigned recognizes that the Issuer has no obligation pursuant
to the Special Issuance Instructions and Special Delivery Instructions to transfer any
Outstanding Notes from the name of the registered holder(s) thereof if the Issuer does not accept
for exchange any of the Outstanding Notes so tendered for exchange.
5
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SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
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SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS |
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5 AND 6)
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(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5 AND 6) |
To be completed ONLY if (i) Outstanding Notes in a principal amount not tendered, or
Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Outstanding Notes accepted for exchange, are to be
issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned, or (ii) Outstanding Notes
tendered by book-entry transfer that are not exchanged are to be returned by credit to an
account maintained at DTC other than the DTC Account Number set forth above. Issue
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To be completed ONLY if Outstanding Notes in a principal amount not tendered, or Exchange
Notes issued in exchange for Outstanding Notes accepted for exchange, are to be mailed or
delivered to someone other than the undersigned, or to the undersigned at an address other
than that shown below the undersigneds signature. Mail or deliver Exchange Notes and/or
Outstanding Notes to: |
Exchange Notes and/or Outstanding Notes to: |
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Name:
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Name: |
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Address:
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Address: |
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| (Include ZIP Code)
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(Include ZIP Code) |
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| (Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number)
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(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number) |
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(See Instruction 8 below.) |
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(Please Type or Print) |
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Credit unexchanged Outstanding Notes delivered by book-entry transfer to the DTC account number set forth below: |
6
IMPORTANT
PLEASE SIGN HERE WHETHER OR NOT
OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE BEING PHYSICALLY TENDERED HEREBY
(complete accompanying Substitute Form W-9 below)
(Signature(s) of Registered Holder(s) of Outstanding Notes)
(The above lines must be signed by the registered holder(s) of
Outstanding Notes as your/their name(s) appear(s) on the
Outstanding Notes or on a security position listing, or by
person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by a properly
completed bond power from the registered holder(s), a copy of which
must be transmitted with this letter of transmittal. If Outstanding
Notes to which this letter of transmittal relate are held of record
by two or more joint holders, then all such holders must sign this
letter of transmittal. If signature is by a trustee, executor,
administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation
or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity,
then such person must (i) set forth his or her full title below and
(ii) unless waived by the Issuer, submit evidence satisfactory to
the Issuer of such persons authority so to act. See Instruction 5
regarding the completion of this letter of transmittal, printed
below.)
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Name(s): |
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(Please Type or Print)
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Address: |
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(Include ZIP Code)
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Area Code and Telephone Number: |
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Taxpayer Identification Number: |
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7
MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
(if required by Instruction 5)
Certain signatures must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution
(as defined in the instructions below). Please read Instruction 5
of this letter of transmittal to determine whether a signature
guarantee is required for the tender of your Outstanding Notes.
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| Signature(s) Guaranteed by an |
Eligible Institution: |
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(Authorized Signature)
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(Title)
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(Name of Firm)
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(Address, Include ZIP Code)
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(Area Code and Telephone Number)
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Dated: |
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8
INSTRUCTIONS TO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
1. Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal and Outstanding Notes or Agents Message and
Book-Entry Confirmations. All physically delivered Outstanding Notes or any confirmation of a
book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agents account at DTC of Outstanding Notes tendered by
book-entry transfer (a Book-Entry Confirmation), as well as a properly completed and duly
executed copy of this letter of transmittal or facsimile hereof (or an agents message in lieu
hereof pursuant to DTCs ATOP), and any other documents required by this letter of transmittal,
must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the Expiration Date, or the tendering holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth below. The method of delivery of the tendered Outstanding Notes, this letter
of transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk
of the holder and, except as otherwise provided below, the delivery will be deemed made only when
actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent. Instead of delivery by mail, it is
recommended that the holder use an overnight or courier service. In all cases, sufficient time
should be allowed to assure delivery to the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date. NO LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL OR OUTSTANDING NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE ISSUER.
2. Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. Holders who wish to tender their Outstanding Notes and
(a) whose Outstanding Notes are not immediately available, or (b) who cannot deliver their
Outstanding Notes, this letter of transmittal or any other documents required hereby to the
Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date or (c) who are unable to comply with the applicable
procedures under DTCs ATOP prior to the Expiration Date, must tender their Outstanding Notes
according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus.
Pursuant to such procedures:
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such tender must be made by or through a firm that is a member of a registered national
securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a
commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or
an eligible guarantor institution within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in each case that is a participant in the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program or the
Stock Exchanges Medallion Program approved by the Securities Transfer Association Inc. (an
Eligible Institution); |
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prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent must
have received from the Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed notice
of guaranteed delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail, courier or overnight delivery) or
a properly transmitted agents message relating to a notice of guaranteed delivery setting
forth the name and address of the holder of the Outstanding Notes, the registration
number(s) of such Outstanding Notes and the total principal amount of Outstanding Notes
tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that, within three
New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date, this letter of transmittal
(or facsimile hereof or an agents message in lieu hereof) together with the Outstanding
Notes in proper form for transfer (or a Book-Entry Confirmation) and any other documents
required hereby, will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and |
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this letter of transmittal (or facsimile hereof or an agents message in lieu hereof)
together with the certificates for all physically tendered Outstanding Notes in proper form
for transfer (or Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be) and all other documents
required hereby are received by the Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange
trading days after the Expiration Date. |
Any holder of Outstanding Notes who wishes to tender Outstanding Notes pursuant to the
guaranteed delivery procedures described above must ensure that the Exchange Agent receives the
notice of guaranteed delivery prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Upon
request of the Exchange Agent, a notice of guaranteed delivery will be sent to holders who wish to
tender their Outstanding Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
See The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery Procedures section of the Prospectus.
3. Tender by Holder. Only a registered holder of Outstanding Notes may tender such
Outstanding Notes in the Exchange Offer. Any beneficial holder of Outstanding Notes who is not the
registered holder and who wishes to tender should arrange with the registered holder to execute and
deliver this letter of transmittal on his or her behalf or must, prior to completing and executing
this letter of transmittal and delivering his or her Outstanding Notes, either make appropriate
arrangements to register ownership of the Outstanding Notes in such holders name or obtain a
properly completed bond power from the registered holder.
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4. Partial Tenders. Tenders of Outstanding Notes will be accepted only in integral
multiples of $1,000. If less than the entire principal amount of any Outstanding Notes is tendered,
the tendering holder should fill in the principal amount tendered in the fourth column of the box
entitled Description of Outstanding Notes Tendered above. The entire principal amount of
Outstanding Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless
otherwise indicated. If the entire principal amount of all Outstanding Notes is not tendered, then
Outstanding Notes for the principal amount of Outstanding Notes not tendered and Exchange Notes
issued in exchange for any Outstanding Notes accepted will be returned to the holder as promptly as
practicable after the Outstanding Notes are accepted for exchange.
5. Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements; Medallion
Guarantee of Signatures. If this letter of transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the
record holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond exactly
with the name(s) as written on the face of the Outstanding Notes without alteration, enlargement or
any change whatsoever. If this letter of transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by a
participant in DTC, the signature must correspond with the name as it appears on the security
position listing as the holder of the Outstanding Notes. If any tendered Outstanding Notes are
owned of record by two or more joint owners, all of such owners must sign this letter of
transmittal.
If this letter of transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of
Outstanding Notes listed and tendered hereby and the Exchange Notes issued in exchange therefor are
to be issued (or any untendered principal amount of Outstanding Notes is to be reissued) to the
registered holder(s), then said holder(s) need not and should not endorse any tendered Outstanding
Notes, nor provide a separate bond power. In any other case, such holder(s) must either properly
endorse the Outstanding Notes tendered or transmit a properly completed separate bond power with
this letter of transmittal, with the signatures on the endorsement or bond power guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution.
If this letter of transmittal (or facsimile hereof) or any Outstanding Notes or bond powers
are signed by one or more trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons
should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Issuer, evidence satisfactory to the
Issuer of their authority to act must be submitted with this letter of transmittal.
No signature guarantee is required if
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this letter of transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s)
of the Outstanding Notes tendered herein (or by a participant in DTC whose name appears on
a security position listing as the owner of the tendered Outstanding Notes) and the
Exchange Notes are to be issued directly to such registered holder(s) (or, if signed by a
participant in DTC, deposited to such participants account at DTC) and neither the box
entitled Special Issuance Instructions nor the box entitled Special Delivery
Instructions has been completed or |
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such Outstanding Notes are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. |
In all other cases, all signatures on this letter of transmittal (or facsimile hereof) must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
6. Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions. Tendering holders should indicate, in the
applicable box or boxes, the name and address to which Exchange Notes or substitute Outstanding
Notes for principal amounts not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be issued or sent, if
different from the name and address of the person signing this letter of transmittal. In the case
of issuance in a different name, the taxpayer identification number (see Instruction 8 below) of
the person named must also be indicated. Holders tendering Outstanding Notes by book-entry transfer
may request that Outstanding Notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at DTC as
such note holder may designate hereon. If no such instructions are given, such Outstanding Notes
not exchanged will be returned to the name and address (or account number) of the person signing
this letter of transmittal.
7. Transfer Taxes. The Issuer will pay or cause to be paid all transfer taxes, if any,
applicable to the exchange of Outstanding Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however,
Exchange Notes or Outstanding Notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are
to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the
registered holder of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby, or if tendered Outstanding Notes are
registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this letter of transmittal, or
if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Outstanding Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the
registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory
evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with this letter of
transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder and
the Exchange Agent will retain possession of an amount of Exchange Notes with a face amount at
least equal to the amount of such transfer taxes due by such tendering holder pending receipt by
the Exchange Agent of the amount of such taxes.
8. Taxpayer Identification Number. Federal income tax law requires that a holder of any
Outstanding Notes or Exchange Notes must provide the Issuer (as payor) with its correct taxpayer
identification number (TIN), which, in the case of a holder who is an
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individual, is his or her social security number. If the Issuer is not provided with the
correct TIN, the holder or payee may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service and backup withholding, currently at a rate of 28%, on interest and principal payments on
the Exchange Notes.
To prevent backup withholding, each tendering holder must provide such holders correct TIN by
completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth herein, certifying that the TIN provided is correct
(or that such holder is awaiting a TIN), that the holder is a U.S. person (including a U.S.
resident alien), and that (i) the holder has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that
such holder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report all interest or
dividends or (ii) the Internal Revenue Service has notified the holder that such holder is no
longer subject to backup withholding. If the Exchange Notes will be registered in more than one
name or will not be in the name of the actual owner, consult the Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 included with this Letter of Transmittal (the
Guidelines) for information on which TIN to report.
If such holder does not have a TIN, such holder should consult the Guidelines concerning applying
for a TIN, check the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9, write applied for in lieu of its
TIN and sign and date the form and the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number.
Checking this box, writing applied for on the form and signing such certificate means that such
holder has already applied for a TIN or that such holder intends to apply for one in the near
future. If such holder does not provide its TIN to the Issuer within 60 days, backup withholding
will begin and continue until such holder furnishes its TIN to the Issuer.
Certain holders are not subject to the backup withholding and reporting requirements. These
holders, which we refer to as exempt holders, include certain foreign persons (other than U.S.
resident aliens) and persons listed in the Guidelines as payees exempt from backup withholding.
Exempt holders (other than certain foreign persons) should indicate their exempt status on the
Substitute Form W-9. A foreign person (other than a U.S. resident alien) may qualify as an exempt
holder by submitting to the Exchange Agent a properly completed Internal Revenue Service Form
W-8BEN, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that holders exempt status. A disregarded
domestic entity that has a foreign owner should file an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN rather
than a Substitute Form W-9. An Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN may be obtained from the
Exchange Agent.
The Issuer reserves the right in its sole discretion to take whatever steps are necessary to
comply with the Issuers obligations regarding backup withholding.
9. Validity of Tenders. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, time of
receipt, acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Outstanding Notes will be determined by the Issuer
in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. The Issuer reserves the
absolute right to reject any and all Outstanding Notes not properly tendered or any Outstanding
Notes the Issuers acceptance of which would, in the opinion of the Issuers counsel, be unlawful.
The Issuer also reserves the absolute right to waive any conditions of the Exchange Offer or
defects or irregularities of tenders as to particular Outstanding Notes. The Issuers
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including this letter of
transmittal and the instructions hereto) shall be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived,
any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Outstanding Notes must be cured within
such time as the Issuer shall determine. Neither the Issuer, the Exchange Agent nor any other
person shall be under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to
tenders of Outstanding Notes nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such
notification.
10. Waiver of Conditions. The Issuer reserves the absolute right to waive, in whole or part,
any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the Prospectus.
11. No Conditional Tender. No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tender of
Outstanding Notes will be accepted.
12. Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Outstanding Notes. Any holder whose Outstanding
Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the
address indicated above for further instructions. This letter of transmittal and related documents
cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed
Outstanding Notes have been followed.
13. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies. Requests for assistance or for additional
copies of the Prospectus or this letter of transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the
address or telephone number set forth on the cover page of this letter of transmittal. Holders may
also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance
concerning the Exchange Offer.
14. Withdrawal. Tenders may be withdrawn only pursuant to the limited withdrawal rights set
forth in the Prospectus under the caption The Exchange OfferWithdrawal of Tenders.
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IMPORTANT: This letter of transmittal or a manually signed facsimile hereof or an agents message
in lieu hereof (together with the Outstanding Notes delivered by book-entry transfer or in original
hard copy form) must be received by the Exchange Agent, or the notice of guaranteed delivery must
be received by the Exchange Agent, prior to the Expiration Date.
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SUBSTITUTE
FORM W-9
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Part 1Please Provide Your TIN in the Box at Right
(or Complete Part 3) and Certify by Signing and Dating Below
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Social Security Number
or
Employer Identification Number |
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Part
2CertificationUnder penalties of perjury, I certify that:
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Part 3 |
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DEPARTMENT OF THE
TREASURY INTERNAL REVENUE
SERVICE
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(1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer
Identification Number (or I have checked the box in Part 3 and
executed the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number below),
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Awaiting TIN o |
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PAYORS REQUEST FOR
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (TIN) |
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Name
Address
(Number and Street)
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(2) I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am
exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup
withholding as a result of failure to report all interest or
dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer
subject to backup withholding, and
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Please complete the Certificate
of Awaiting Taxpayer
Identification Number below. |
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(3) I am a U.S. Person (including a U.S. resident alien). |
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Certificate InstructionsYou must cross out item (2) in Part 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are
subject to backup withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return. However, if, after being
notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding, you received another notification from the IRS stating that you
are no longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross out item (2). |
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SIGNATURE
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DATE: , 200 |
FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING AT THE
APPLICABLE RATE OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE NOTES.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED
THE BOX IN PART 3 OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not
been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to
receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service
Center or Social Security Administration Office or (b) I intend to mail or deliver an
application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer
identification number all or a portion of any payments made to me thereafter may be
withheld until I provide a number.
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GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER FOR THE PAYEE (YOU) TO GIVE THE
PAYER. Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens (i.e., 000-00-0000).
Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only one hyphen (i.e., 00-0000000).
The table below will help determine the number to give the payer. All Section references are to
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. IRS is the Internal Revenue Service.
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Give the name and |
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Give the name and |
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SOCIAL |
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EMPLOYER |
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SECURITY |
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IDENTIFICATION |
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number of: |
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For this type of account: |
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number of: |
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1.
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Individual
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The individual
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6.
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Sole proprietorship
or single-owner LLC
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The owner(3) |
2.
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Two or more individuals(joint
account)
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The actual owner of
the account or, if
combined funds, the
first individual on
the account(l)
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7.
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A valid trust,
estate, or pension
trust
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The legal entity(4) |
3.
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Custodian account of a minor
(Uniform Gift to Minors Act)
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The minor(2)
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8.
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Corporate or LLC
electing corporate
status on IRS Form
8832
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The corporation |
4.
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a. The usual revocable
savings trust
account (grantor is
also trustee)
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The grantor-trustee(l)
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9.
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Association, club,
religious,
charitable,
educational or
other tax-exempt
organization
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The organization |
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b. So-called trust
account that is not
legal or valid
trust under state
law
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The actual owner(l)
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10.
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Partnership or
multi-member LLC
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The partnership or LLC |
5.
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Sole proprietorship or single-owner
LLC
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The owner(3)
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11.
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A broker or
registered nominee
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The broker or nominee |
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12.
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Account with the
Department of
Agriculture in the
name of a public
entity (such as a
state or local
government, school
district or prison)
that receives
agricultural
program payments
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The public entity |
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(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on
a joint account has a social security number, that persons number must be furnished.
(2) Circle the minors name and furnish the minors social security number.
(3) You must show your individual name, but you may also enter your business or DBA name. You
may use either your social security number or employer identification number (if you have
one). If you are a sole proprietor, the IRS encourages you to use your SSN.
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate or pension trust. (Do not furnish
the identifying number of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity
itself is not designated in the account title.)
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If no name is circled when there is more than one name listed, the
number will be considered to be that of the first name listed. |
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GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 (Continued)
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| NOTE: |
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Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted. |
Obtaining a Number
If you dont have a taxpayer identification number or you dont know your number, obtain either (a)
Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, at the local Social Security Administration
office, (b) IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (for a U.S.
resident alien ineligible to receive a Social Security Number), or (c) Form SS-4, Application for
Employer Identification Number, by calling 1 (800) TAX-FORM or from the IRS Website at www.irs.gov,
and apply for a number.
Payees Exempt From Backup Withholding
Payees exempt from backup withholding include:
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An organization exempt from tax under Section 501(a), an individual retirement account
(IRA), or a custodial account under Section 403(b)(7), if the account satisfies the
requirements of Section 401(f)(2); |
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The United States or a state thereof, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the
United States, or a political subdivision or instrumentality of any one or more of the
foregoing; |
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An international organization or any agency or instrumentality thereof; and |
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A foreign government and any political subdivision, agency or instrumentality
thereof. |
Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include:
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A corporation; |
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A financial institution; |
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A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States or
the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States; |
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A real estate investment trust; |
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A common trust fund operated by a bank under Section 584(a); |
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An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Issuer
Act of 1940; |
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A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian; |
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A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission; |
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A foreign central bank of issue; and |
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A trust exempt from tax under Section 664 or described in Section 4947. |
Exempt payees described above should file Form W-9 or a substitute Form W-9 to avoid possible
erroneous backup withholding. File this form with the payer, furnish your taxpayer identification
number, write exempt on the form, and sign and date the form, and return it to the payer. If you
are a non-resident alien or a foreign entity not subject to backup withholding, file with payer a
completed IRS Form W-8BEN.
Privacy Act Notice Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct
TIN to persons who must file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, and
certain other income paid to you, mortgage interest you paid, the acquisition or abandonment of
secured property, cancellation of debt, or contributions you made to an IRA, or Archer MSA or HSA.
The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify the accuracy of your tax
return. The IRS may also provide this information to the Department of
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Justice for civil and criminal litigation, and to cities, states, and the District of Columbia to
carry out their tax laws. The IRS may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax
treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal non tax criminal laws, or to federal law
enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not
you are required to file a tax return. Payers must generally withhold 28% of taxable interest,
dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to a payer. Certain
penalties may also apply.
Penalties
(1) Failure to Furnish Taxpayer Identification Number. If you fail to furnish your taxpayer
identification number to a payer, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless
your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
(2) Civil Penalty for False Information With Respect to Withholding. If you make a false
statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500
penalty.
(3) Criminal Penalty for Falsifying Information. Willfully falsifying certifications or
affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties, including fines and/or imprisonment.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
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