AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 25, 2001

REGISTRATION NO. 333-

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

    ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP                        WISCONSIN                             39-1098068
 (Exact Name of Registrant            (State or Other Jurisdiction of              (I.R.S. Employer
as Specified in its Charter)           Incorporation or Organization)            Identification Number)


                                                                                          BRIAN R. BODAGER
                         1200 HANSEN ROAD                                                 1200 HANSEN ROAD
                       GREEN BAY, WI 54304                                               GREEN BAY, WI 54304
                          (920) 491-7000                                                    (920) 491-7000
       (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,                 (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone
Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)         Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)


Copy to:

Lee Meyerson, Esq.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
(212) 455-2000

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE

PUBLIC: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ]

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities being offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans please check the following box. [ X ]

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 426(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

If the delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ]

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

                                        Amount            Proposed Maximum           Proposed Maximum
      Title of Each Class of            to be              Offering Price           Aggregate Offering         Amount of
   Securities to be Registered     Registered(1)(2)     Per Unit or Share(2)(3)         Price(3)(4)        Registration Fee
   ---------------------------     ----------------     -----------------------     ------------------     ----------------
Debt securities................
Preferred stock................
Depositary shares(5)..........
Common stock...................                  --                          --        $500,000,000            $125,000
Warrants ......................
Units..........................



(1) If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then such greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering price of $500,000,000. In no event will the aggregate initial offering price of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warrants and units issued under this registration statement, exceed $500,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in one or more foreign currencies or composite currencies, including the Euro.

(2) Not specified as to each class of securities to be registered pursuant to General Instruction II.D of Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Securities Act").

(3) The proposed maximum offering price per unit or share will be determined from time to time by the registrant in connection with, and at the time of, the issuance by the registrant of the securities registered hereunder.

(4) Estimated solely for the purposes of computing the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.

(5) Such indeterminate number of depositary shares to be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to a deposit agreement. In the event the registrant elects to offer to the public fractional interests in shares of the preferred stock registered hereunder, depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing such fractional interests and such shares will be issued to the depositary under the deposit agreement.


THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.



INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED APRIL 25, 2001

$500,000,000

[Associated Banc-Corp Logo]

DEBT SECURITIES
PREFERRED STOCK
DEPOSITARY SHARES
COMMON STOCK
WARRANTS
UNITS


WE WILL PROVIDE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE ABOVE SECURITIES IN SUPPLEMENTS TO THIS
PROSPECTUS. YOU SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST.


THESE SECURITIES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK
AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.


THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAVE THESE
ORGANIZATIONS DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

This prospectus is dated , 2001


TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                PAGE
SUMMARY..........................................................1
CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES.................3
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP...4
ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP.............................................5
USE OF PROCEEDS..................................................6
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES...................................7
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK..................................21
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK.....................................28
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS..............................29
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS............................................29
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION............................................30
EXPERTS.........................................................31
LEGAL OPINIONS..................................................31


SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this document and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the terms of our securities, you should carefully read:

o this prospectus, which explains the general terms of the securities we may offer;

o the attached prospectus supplement, which gives the specific terms of the particular securities we are offering and may change or update information in this prospectus; and

o the documents we have referred you to in "Where You Can Find More Information About Associated Banc-Corp" in this prospectus for information about our company and our financial statements.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

We are a registered corporation incorporated in Wisconsin which commenced operations in 1969 with the acquisition of three banks. At December 31, 2000, we owned nine commercial banks located in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin; we were the third largest commercial bank holding company headquartered in Wisconsin, measured by total assets; and we also owned 31 non-banking subsidiaries located in Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada and Wisconsin.

THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may offer from time to time up to $500,000,000 of any combination of the following securities, either separately or in units:

o debt securities;

o preferred stock;

o depositary shares;

o common stock; and

o warrants.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices, and terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update, or change information contained in this prospectus.

DEBT SECURITIES

We may offer our unsecured general obligations by use of this prospectus, which may be senior or subordinated. The senior debt securities will have the same rank as all of our other unsecured,

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unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be entitled to payment only after payment on our "senior indebtedness" (which is described below and which includes the senior debt securities). In addition, under certain circumstances relating to our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, the subordinated debt securities will be entitled to payment only after the payment of claims relating to "other financial obligations." For the definitions of senior indebtedness and other financial obligations, see "Description of Debt Securities -- Subordinated Debt Securities -- Subordination" below.

The senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee. The subordinated debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee. We encourage you to read the indentures, which are exhibits to the registration statement, and our recent periodic and current reports filed with the SEC. Information about where to obtain copies of these documents are provided under the caption "Where You Can Find More Information About Associated Banc-Corp" in this prospectus.

We are a holding company that conducts substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of the holders of our debt securities will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries except to the extent that Associated Banc-Corp may be recognized, and receive payment, as a creditor of those subsidiaries. Claims of our subsidiaries' creditors other than Associated Banc-Corp include substantial amounts of long-term debt, deposit liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, commercial paper, and other short-term borrowings.

PREFERRED STOCK AND DEPOSITARY SHARES

We may issue our preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, in one or more series. We will determine the dividend, voting, conversion, and other rights of the series being offered, and the terms and conditions relating to the offering and sale of the series, at the time of the offer and sale. We may also issue shares of preferred stock that will be represented by depositary shares and depositary receipts.

COMMON STOCK

We may issue our common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when declared by our board of directors. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share. The holders of common stock have no preemptive rights or cumulative voting rights.

WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred stock, or common stock, known as securities warrants. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities.

UNITS

We may issue securities as part of a unit consisting of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.

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CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges are as follows for the periods shown:

                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           2000    1999    1998    1997    1996
                                          ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
Earnings to Fixed Charges:
   Excluding Interest on Deposits ......   2.36x   3.23x   4.47x   2.54x   3.92x
   Including Interest on Deposits ......   1.42x   1.56x   1.56x   1.28x   1.44x

For purposes of computing the above ratios, earnings represent net income from continuing operations plus total taxes based on income and fixed charges. Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits, include interest expense (other than on deposits), one third (the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor) of rents, net of income from subleases, and capitalized interest. Fixed charges, including interest on deposits, include all interest expense, one third (the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor) of rents, net of income from subleases, and capitalized interest. We did not have any shares of preferred stock outstanding during the periods shown above.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus the information in documents we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is completed:

o Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000; and

o the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement filed under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating that description.

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Associated Banc-Corp 1200 Hansen Road Green Bay, WI 54304 920-491-7000 Attention: Jon Drayna

YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY OTHER INFORMATION. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, OR ANY DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THE APPLICABLE DOCUMENT.

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ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

We are a registered bank holding company incorporated in Wisconsin which commenced operations in 1969 with the acquisition of three banks. At December 31, 2000, we owned nine commercial banks located in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin; we were the third largest commercial bank holding company headquartered in Wisconsin, measured by total assets; and we also owned 31 non-banking subsidiaries located in Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

Effective in the second quarter of 2001, we will merge all of the Wisconsin bank affiliates into a single national banking charter, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, under the name Associated Bank, National Association. Certain subsidiaries will also merge with and into the resultant bank, becoming departments of the Wisconsin national bank. At the completion of the foregoing mergers, we will have four commercial bank affiliates and 20 subsidiaries.

Through our affiliates, we provide a complete range of banking services to individuals and businesses. These services include checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts; business, personal, educational, residential and commercial mortgage loans; and other consumer-oriented financial services, including IRA and Keogh accounts, safe deposit and night depository facilities. Automated Teller Machines are installed in many locations in the affiliates' service areas. The affiliates are members of an interstate shared ATM network. Among the services designed specifically to meet the needs of businesses are various types of specialized financing, cash management services and transfer/collection facilities.

We provide advice and specialized services to our affiliates in banking policy and operations, including auditing, data processing, marketing/advertising, investing, legal/compliance, personnel services, trust services, risk management, facilities management, security, purchasing, treasury, finance, accounting and other financial services functionally related to banking. The boards of directors and officers of each of our affiliates retain responsibility for the management of those affiliates. We render our services to the affiliates in order to assist their local management and to expand the scope of services offered by them. At December 31, 2000, our bank affiliates provided services through 214 locations in 149 communities.

Advisory Services

Our trust company subsidiary and investment management subsidiary offer a wide variety of fiduciary, investment management, advisory, and corporate agency services to individuals, corporations, charitable trusts, foundations, and institutional investors. They also administer pension, profit sharing and other employee benefit plans, and personal trusts and estates.

Investment Services

Our investment subsidiaries provide discount and full-service brokerage services, including the sale of fixed and variable annuities, mutual funds, and securities to the affiliates' customers and the general public. Seven investment subsidiaries located in Nevada hold, manage, and trade cash, stocks, and securities transferred from the affiliates and reinvest investment income. Three additional investment subsidiaries formed in Nevada and headquartered and domiciled in the Cayman Islands provide investment services for their parent bank, as well as providing management of their respective Real Estate Investment Trust subsidiaries.

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Insurance, Leasing and Appraisal Services

Our insurance subsidiaries provide commercial and individual insurance services and engage in reinsurance. Various life, property, casualty, credit and mortgage insurance products are available to the affiliates' customers and the general public. A leasing subsidiary provides lease financing for a variety of capital equipment for commerce and industry. An appraisal subsidiary provides real estate appraisals for customers, government agencies, and the general public.

Mortgage Banking and other Lending Services

Our mortgage banking subsidiaries are involved in the origination, servicing and warehousing of mortgage loans, and the sale of such loans to investors. Our primary focus is on commercial and one- to four-family residential and multi-family properties, which are generally saleable into the secondary mortgage market. The principal mortgage lending areas of these subsidiaries are Wisconsin and Illinois. We sell nearly all of our long-term, fixed-rate real estate mortgage loans in the secondary market and to other financial institutions, with our subsidiaries retaining the servicing of those loans.

Our affiliates and subsidiaries also originate and/or service consumer loans, business credit card loans and student loans. The credit card base and resulting loans are principally centered in the Midwest, whereas the other lending activities are primarily conducted in Wisconsin and Illinois. We entered into an agreement in April 2000 with Citibank USA ("Citi") for the acquisition of our retail credit card portfolio. That agreement, along with a five-year agency agreement entered into contemporaneously with Citi, provides for agent fees and other income on new and existing credit card business.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include the repayment of debt, investments in or extensions of credit to our subsidiaries, the financing of possible acquisitions, or business expansion. We may invest the net proceeds temporarily or apply them to repay short-term debt until we are ready to use them for their stated purpose.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

GENERAL

We have described below certain general terms that may apply to the debt securities issued pursuant to this prospectus. We will describe the particular terms of any debt securities we offer to you in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities.

The debt securities will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We will issue the senior debt securities under a senior indenture dated as of between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee, and we will issue the subordinated debt securities under a subordinated indenture dated as of between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee. The following summary of certain provisions of the indentures for the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities is not complete. You should refer to the indentures, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Neither of the indentures limits the amount of debt securities that we may issue. We also have the right to "reopen" a previous issue of a series of debt securities by issuing additional debt securities of such series. The senior debt securities will be unsecured and will have the same rank as all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinated and junior to all "senior indebtedness" (as defined below under "Subordinated Debt Securities -- Subordination"). In addition, under certain circumstances relating to our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, the subordinated debt securities will be junior to all "other financial obligations" (as defined below under "Subordinated Debt Securities - Subordination").

We are a bank holding company that conducts substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of the holders of the debt securities will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries, except to the extent that Associated Banc-Corp may be recognized, and receive payment, as a creditor of those subsidiaries. Claims of our subsidiaries' creditors other than Associated Banc-Corp include substantial amounts of long-term debt, deposit liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, commercial paper, and other short-term borrowings.

We may issue the debt securities in one or more separate series of senior debt securities and/or subordinated debt securities. We will specify in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities being offered the particular amounts, prices, and terms of those debt securities. These terms may include:

o the title and type of the debt securities;

o any limit on the aggregate principal amount or aggregate initial offering price of the debt securities;

o the purchase price of the debt securities;

o the dates on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable and the amount payable upon acceleration;

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o the interest rates of the debt securities, including the interest rates, if any, applicable to overdue payments, or the method for determining those rates, and the interest payment dates for the debt securities;

o the places where payments may be made on the debt securities;

o any mandatory or optional redemption provisions applicable to the debt securities;

o any sinking fund or similar provisions applicable to the debt securities;

o the authorized denominations of the debt securities, if other than $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000;

o if denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies, including the euro or other composite currencies, in which payments on the debt securities will be payable (which currencies may be different for principal, premium, and interest payments);

o any conversion or exchange provisions applicable to the debt securities;

o any events of default applicable to the debt securities (if not described in this prospectus); and

o any other specific terms of the debt securities.

We may issue some of the debt securities as original issue discount debt securities. Original issue discount debt securities bear no interest or bear interest at a below-market rate and will be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. The prospectus supplement will contain any special tax, accounting, or other information relating to original issue discount debt securities. If we offer other kinds of debt securities, including debt securities linked to an index or payable in currencies other than U.S. dollars, the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities will also contain any special tax, accounting, or other information relating to those debt securities. Persons considering the purchase, ownership, or disposition of original issue discount debt securities or other kinds of debt securities, including debt securities linked to an index or payable in currencies other than U.S. dollars, should consult their own tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences to them from the purchase, ownership, or disposition of those securities in light of their particular situations, as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, we will issue the debt securities only in fully registered form without coupons. You will not be required to pay a service charge for any transfer or exchange of debt securities, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, we will pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee in New York City. You may also make transfers or exchanges of debt securities at that location. We also have the right to pay interest on any debt securities by check mailed to the registered holders of the debt securities at their registered addresses. In connection with any payment on debt securities, we may require the holder to certify information to Associated Banc-Corp. In the absence of that certification, we may rely on any legal presumption to enable us to determine our responsibilities, if any, to deduct or withhold taxes, assessments, or governmental charges from the payment.

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Neither of the indentures limits our ability to enter into a highly leveraged transaction or provides you with any special protection in the event of such a transaction. In addition, neither of the indentures provides special protection in the event of a sudden and dramatic decline in our credit quality resulting from a takeover, recapitalization, or similar restructuring of Associated Banc-Corp.

The debt securities may be offered together with warrants to purchase additional debt securities, warrants to purchase shares of common stock or warrants to purchase shares of preferred stock. We may also issue debt securities exchangeable for or convertible into other series of our debt securities. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any of those warrants or exchangeable or convertible securities. It will also describe the specific terms of the debt securities issuable upon the exercise, exchange, or conversion of those securities. See "Description of Securities Warrants" below.

SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES

The senior debt securities will be direct, unsecured general obligations of Associated Banc-Corp, will constitute senior indebtedness of Associated Banc-Corp, and will have the same rank as our other senior indebtedness. For a definition of "senior indebtedness," see "Subordinated Debt Securities - Subordination" below.

Limitation on Disposition of Stock of Principal Subsidiary Banks. The senior indenture contains a covenant by us that, so long as any of the senior debt securities are outstanding, neither we nor any of our wholly-owned subsidiaries will dispose of any shares of voting stock of our principal subsidiary banks, or any securities convertible into, or options, warrants, or rights to purchase, shares of voting stock of our principal subsidiary banks, except to Associated Banc-Corp or another of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. In addition, the covenant provides that neither we nor any of our wholly-owned subsidiaries will permit any of our principal subsidiary banks to issue any shares of its voting stock (other than directors' qualifying shares), or securities convertible into, or options, warrants, or rights to purchase, shares of its voting stock.

The above covenant is subject to our rights in connection with a consolidation or merger of Associated Banc-Corp with or into another person or a sale of our assets. The covenant also will not apply if:

(1) (a) the disposition in question is made for fair market value, as determined by the board of directors of Associated Banc-Corp; and (b) after giving effect to the disposition, we and any one or more of our wholly-owned subsidiaries will collectively own at least 80% of the issued and outstanding voting stock of the principal subsidiary bank in question or any successor to that principal subsidiary bank, free and clear of any security interest; or

(2) the disposition in question is made in compliance with an order or direction of a court or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction.

The above covenant also does not restrict any of our principal bank subsidiaries from being consolidated with or merged into another domestic banking corporation, if after the merger or consolidation, (A) Associated Banc-Corp, or its successor, and any one or more of our wholly owned subsidiaries own at least 80% of the voting stock of the resulting bank, and (B) no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, under the senior indenture shall have happened and be continuing.

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The senior indenture defines the term "principal subsidiary bank" to mean any of our subsidiaries which is a commercial bank and which has total assets equal to 30 percent or more of the total consolidated assets of Associated Banc-Corp as of the date of our most recent audited consolidated financial statements. At present, none of our subsidiary banks constitute principal subsidiary banks under this definition. As used above, "voting stock" means a class of stock having general voting power under ordinary circumstances irrespective of the happening of a contingency. The above covenant would not prevent any of our principal subsidiary banks from engaging in a sale of assets to the extent otherwise permitted by the senior indenture.

Events of Default. The senior indenture defines an event of default with respect to any series of senior debt securities as any one of the following events:

(1) default in the payment of interest on any senior debt security of that series and continuance of that default for 30 days;

(2) default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, any senior debt security of that series at maturity;

(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment applicable to any senior debt security of that series and continuance of that default for 5 days;

(4) failure by us for 60 days after notice to perform any of the other covenants or warranties in the senior indenture applicable to that series;

(5) specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of Associated Banc-Corp; and

(6) any other event of default specified with respect to senior debt securities of that series.

If any event of default with respect to senior debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the senior debt securities of that series are original issue discount senior debt securities, a specified portion of the principal amount) of all senior debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. No such declaration is required upon specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. Subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of that series may annul the declaration.

We will describe in the prospectus supplement any particular provisions relating to the acceleration of the maturity of a portion of the principal amount of original issue discount senior debt securities upon an event of default.

Subject to the duty to act with the required standard of care during a default, the trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the senior indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of senior debt securities, unless the holders have offered to the trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. The senior indenture provides that the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding senior debt securities of any series may direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee for that series, or exercising any trust or other power conferred on the trustee. However, the trustee may decline to act if the direction is contrary to law or the senior indenture.

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The senior indenture includes a covenant requiring us to file annually with the trustee a certificate of no default or specifying any default that exists.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance. The senior indenture contains a provision that, if made applicable to any series of senior debt securities, permits us to elect:

o defeasance, which would discharge us from all of our obligations (subject to limited exceptions) with respect to any senior debt securities of that series then outstanding, and/or

o covenant defeasance, which would release us from our obligations under specified covenants and the consequences of the occurrence of an event of default resulting from a breach of these covenants.

To make either of the above elections, we must deposit in trust with the trustee money and/or U.S. government obligations (as defined below) or, with respect to senior debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, foreign government obligations (as defined below) which, through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms, will provide sufficient money, without reinvestment, to repay in full those senior debt securities.

As used in the senior indenture, "U.S. government obligations" are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States or of an agency or instrumentality of the United States, in either case that is guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of the United States and that is not redeemable by the issuer; and

(2) certain depositary receipts with respect to an obligation referred to in clause (1).

As used in the senior indenture, "foreign government obligations" are direct obligations of a foreign government or governments or of an agency or instrumentality of such foreign government or governments, in either case that is guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such foreign government or governments and that is not redeemable by the issuer.

As a condition to defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the holders of the senior debt securities will not recognize income, gain, or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. That opinion, in the case of defeasance, but not covenant defeasance, must refer to and be based upon a ruling received by us from the Internal Revenue Service or published as a revenue ruling or upon a change in applicable federal income tax law.

If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, then even if there were a default under the related covenant, payment of those senior debt securities could not be accelerated. We may exercise our defeasance option with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities even if we previously had exercised our covenant defeasance option. If we exercise our defeasance option, payment of those senior debt securities may not be accelerated because of any event of default. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option and an acceleration were to occur, the realizable value at the acceleration date of the money and U.S. government obligations in the defeasance trust could be less than the principal and interest then due on those senior debt securities. This is because the required deposit of money and/or U.S. government obligations in the defeasance

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trust is based upon scheduled cash flows rather than market value, which will vary depending upon interest rates and other factors.

Modification and Waiver. The senior indenture provides that we, together with the trustee, may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of senior debt securities to:

o evidence the assumption by another person of our obligations;

o add covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of senior debt securities;

o add any additional events of default;

o add to or change the senior indenture to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form;

o add to, change or eliminate a provision of the senior indenture if such addition, change or elimination does not apply to a senior debt security created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture or modify the rights of a holder of any senior debt security with such provision;

o secure any senior debt security;

o establish the form or terms of senior debt securities of any series;

o evidence the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee; or

o cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the senior indenture or make other changes, provided that any such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of senior debt securities of any affected series in any material respect;

Other amendments and modifications of the senior indenture may be made with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of each series of the outstanding senior debt securities affected by the amendment or modification. However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding senior debt security affected:

o change the stated maturity of the principal of or any installment of principal or interest, if any, on any such senior debt security;

o reduce the principal amount of (or premium, if any) or the interest rate, if any, on any such senior debt security or the principal amount due upon acceleration of an original issue discount security;

o change the place or currency of payment of principal of (or premium if any) or the interest, if any, on such senior debt security;

o impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or with respect to any such senior debt security;

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o reduce the percentage of holders of senior debt securities necessary to modify or amend the senior indenture; or

o modify the foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of outstanding securities necessary to waive compliance with certain provisions of the senior indenture or for waiver of certain defaults.

The holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of that series, waive our required compliance with certain restrictive provisions of the senior indenture and may waive any past default under the senior indenture, except a default in the payment of principal, premium or interest or in the performance of certain covenants.

Consolidation, Merger, and Sale of Assets. We may, without the consent of the holders of any senior debt securities, consolidate or merge with any other person or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to another person or permit another corporation to merge into Associated Banc-Corp, provided that:

(1) the successor is a person organized under U.S. law;

(2) the successor, if not us, assumes our obligations on the senior debt securities and under the senior indenture;

(3) after giving effect to the 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 occurred and be continuing; and

(4) other specified conditions are met.

SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

The subordinated debt securities will be direct, unsecured general obligations of Associated Banc-Corp. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior indebtedness and, in certain circumstances described below relating to our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, or reorganization, to all other financial obligations. The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of debt, including senior indebtedness, or other financial obligations we may incur.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the maturity of the subordinated debt securities will be subject to acceleration only upon our bankruptcy or reorganization. See "Subordinated Debt Securities - Defaults and Waivers" below.

The holders of subordinated debt securities of a series that are specified to be convertible into our common stock or other securities will be entitled as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement to convert those convertible subordinated debt securities into common stock or such other securities, at the conversion price, at the times, and on the terms set forth in the prospectus supplement.

If so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holders of subordinated debt securities of any series may be obligated at maturity, or at any earlier time specified in the prospectus supplement, to exchange that series of subordinated debt securities for capital securities. "Capital securities" may consist of our common stock, perpetual preferred stock, or other capital securities of Associated Banc-Corp acceptable to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which is our primary federal

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banking regulator. The terms of any such exchange and of the capital securities that will be issued upon the exchange will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Whenever subordinated debt securities are exchangeable for capital securities, we will be obligated to deliver capital securities with a market value equal to the principal amount of those subordinated debt securities. In addition, we will unconditionally undertake, at our expense, to sell the capital securities in a secondary offering on behalf of any holders who elect to receive cash for the capital securities.

Subordination. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior indebtedness and, under certain circumstances described below, to all other financial obligations.

As used in this prospectus, "senior indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all indebtedness for money borrowed by us, whether outstanding on the date the subordinated indenture became effective or created, assumed, or incurred after that date (including all indebtedness for money borrowed by another person that we guarantee). However, senior indebtedness does not include indebtedness that is stated in its terms not to be superior to or to have the same rank as the subordinated debt securities.

The subordinated indenture defines "other financial obligations" to mean all indebtedness of Associated Banc-Corp for claims in respect of derivative products, such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity contracts, and similar arrangements, except obligations that constitute senior indebtedness and except obligations that are expressly stated in their terms to have the same rank as or not to rank senior to the subordinated debt securities.

If the maturity of any subordinated debt securities is accelerated, the holders of all senior indebtedness outstanding at the time of such acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due thereon before the holders of subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment upon the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the subordinated securities.

No payments on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, in respect of the subordinated debt securities may be made if there shall have occurred and be continuing:

o a default in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on senior indebtedness, or

o an event of default with respect to any senior indebtedness resulting in the acceleration of the maturity thereof;

or if any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default.

In addition, upon our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, or reorganization:

o we must pay to the holders of senior indebtedness the full amounts of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the senior indebtedness before any payment or distribution is made on the subordinated debt securities, and

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o if, after we have made those payments on the senior indebtedness, there are amounts available for payment on the subordinated debt securities and creditors who hold other financial obligations have not received their full payments,

then we will first use amounts available for payment on the subordinated debt securities to pay in full all other financial obligations before we may make any payment on the subordinated debt securities.

No Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of Principal Subsidiary Bank. The subordinated indenture does not contain a covenant prohibiting us from selling or otherwise disposing of any shares of voting stock of our subsidiary banks, or securities convertible into, or options, warrants, or rights to purchase shares of, voting stock of our subsidiary banks. The subordinated indenture also does not prohibit our subsidiary banks from issuing any shares of their voting stock or securities convertible into, or options, warrants, or rights to purchase shares of their voting stock.

Events of Default. The subordinated indenture defines an event of default with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities as any one of the following events:

(1) default in the payment of interest on any subordinated debt security of that series and continuance of that default for 30 days;

(2) default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, any subordinated debt security of that series at maturity;

(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment applicable to any subordinated debt security of that series and continuance of that default for 5 days;

(4) failure by us for 60 days after notice to perform any of the other covenants or warranties in the subordinated indenture applicable to that series;

(5) specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of Associated Banc-Corp; and

(6) any other event of default specified with respect to subordinated debt securities of that series.

Upon the occurrence of specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization, the principal amount (or, if the subordinated debt securities of that series are original issue discount subordinated debt securities, a specified portion of the principal amount) of the outstanding subordinated debt securities of a series will become due and payable immediately. Subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding subordinated debt securities of that series may annul the acceleration. The right of the holders of the subordinated debt securities of a series to demand payment in cash upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default continues to exist so long as the subordinated debt securities of that series have not been exchanged or converted.

Unless otherwise provided in the terms of a series of subordinated debt securities, there is no right of acceleration of the payment of principal of the subordinated debt securities of that series upon a default in the payment of principal or interest or a default in the performance of any covenant or agreement in the subordinated debt securities or the subordinated indenture. In the event of a default in the payment of interest or principal (including a default in the delivery of any capital securities in exchange for subordinated debt securities) or in the performance of any covenant or agreement in the subordinated

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debt securities or the subordinated indenture, the trustee may, subject to specified limitations and conditions, seek to enforce that payment (or delivery) or the performance of that covenant or agreement.

Subject to the duty of the trustee to act with the required standard of care during a default, the trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the subordinated indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the subordinated debt securities, unless those holders have offered the trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. Subject to that provision for security or indemnity, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the subordinated debt securities of any series then outstanding have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to, or exercising any trust or power conferred on, the trustee with respect to the subordinated debt securities of that series.

The subordinated indenture includes a covenant requiring us to file annually with the trustee a certificate of no default or specifying any default that exists.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance. The subordinated indenture contains a provision that, if made applicable to any series of subordinated debt securities, permits us to elect defeasance and/or covenant defeasance under the same terms described above in "Senior Debt Securities - Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance."

Modification and Waiver. The subordinated indenture contains provisions providing for the amendment or modification of the subordinated indenture and waiver of compliance with certain provisions or past defaults under the same terms described above in "Senior Debt Securities-Modification and Waiver". Additionally, no modification or amendment to the subordinated indenture may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding subordinated debt security affected:

o modify the subordination provisions of the subordinated debt securities of any series in a manner adverse to the holders of the subordinated debt securities; or

o adversely affect the right to convert any subordinated debt security.

Consolidation, Merger, and Sale of Assets. We may, without the consent of the holders of any subordinated debt securities, consolidate or merge with any other person or transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to another person or permit another corporation to merge into Associated Banc-Corp under the same terms described above in "Senior Debt Securities - Consolidation, Merger, and Sale of Assets."

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

Associated Banc-Corp and some of our subsidiaries maintain deposits and conduct other banking transactions with the trustee under each of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture in the ordinary course of business.

GOVERNING LAW

The senior indenture, the subordinated indenture, the senior debt securities, and the subordinated debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

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PERMANENT GLOBAL DEBT SECURITIES

We may issue series of the debt securities as permanent global debt securities and deposit them with a depositary with respect to that series. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the following is a summary of the depositary arrangements applicable to debt securities issued in permanent global form and for which The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will act as depositary.

Each permanent global debt security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, as depositary, or its nominee and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Except under the limited circumstances described below, permanent global debt securities are not exchangeable for definitive, certificated debt securities.

Only institutions that have accounts with DTC or its nominee ("DTC participants") or persons that may hold interests through DTC participants may own beneficial interests in a permanent global debt security. DTC will maintain records reflecting ownership of beneficial interests by DTC participants in the permanent global debt securities and transfers of those ownership interests. DTC participants will maintain records evidencing ownership of beneficial interests in the permanent global debt securities by persons that hold through those DTC participants and transfers of those ownership interests within those DTC participants. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities. You will not receive written confirmation from DTC of your purchase, but we do expect that you will receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of your holdings from the DTC participant through which you entered the transaction. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive form. Those laws may impair your ability to transfer beneficial interests in a permanent global debt security.

DTC has advised us that upon the issuance of a permanent global debt security and the deposit of that permanent global debt security with DTC, DTC will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts represented by that permanent global debt security to the accounts of DTC participants.

We will make payment of principal of, and interest on, debt securities represented by a permanent global debt security to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the permanent global debt security representing those debt securities. DTC has advised us that upon receipt of any payment of principal of, or interest on, a permanent global debt security, DTC will immediately credit accounts of DTC participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of that permanent global debt security, as shown in the records of DTC. Standing instructions and customary practices will govern payments by DTC participants to owners of beneficial interests in a permanent global debt security held through those DTC participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name." Those payments will be the sole responsibility of those DTC participants, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect from time to time.

Neither Associated Banc-Corp, the trustee, nor any of our other agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records of DTC, any nominee, or any DTC participant relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a permanent global debt security or for maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any of the records of DTC, any nominee, or any DTC participant relating to those beneficial interests.

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A permanent global debt security is exchangeable for definitive debt securities registered in the name of a person other than DTC or its nominee only if:

(1) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for that permanent global debt security or DTC ceases to be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

(2) we determine in our discretion that the permanent global debt security will be exchangeable for definitive debt securities in registered form; or

(3) there has occurred and is continuing an event of default or an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an event of default under the debt securities of any series and holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series request definitive debt securities.

Any permanent global debt security that is exchangeable as described in the preceding sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive, certificated debt securities in registered form, of like tenor, and of an equal aggregate principal amount as the permanent global debt security, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 (or in denominations and integral multiples as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement). The registrar will register the definitive debt securities in the name or names instructed by DTC. We expect that those instructions may be based upon directions received by DTC from DTC participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the permanent global debt security. We will make payment of any principal and interest on the definitive debt securities and will register transfers and exchanges of those definitive debt securities at the corporate trust office of the respective transfer agent and registrar in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. However, we may elect to pay interest by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to that interest payment as of the record date, as shown on the register for the debt securities.

Except as provided above, as an owner of a beneficial interest in a permanent global debt security, you will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered a holder of debt securities for any purpose under either of the indentures. No permanent global debt security will be exchangeable except for another permanent global debt security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, you must rely on the procedures of DTC and the DTC participant through which you own your interest to exercise any rights of a holder under the permanent global debt security or the senior indenture or subordinated indenture, as the case may be.

We understand that, under existing industry practices, in the event that we request any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial interest in a permanent global debt security desires to take any action that a holder is entitled to take under the debt securities or the indentures, DTC would authorize the DTC participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to take that action, and those DTC participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those DTC participants to take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC was created to hold securities of DTC participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of

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securities transactions among DTC participants in those securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of DTC participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to DTC's book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and DTC participants are on file with the SEC.

If specified in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus with respect to a particular series, investors may elect to hold interests in a particular series of debt securities outside the United States through Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme ("Clearstream") or the Euroclear System ("Euroclear"), if they are participants in those systems, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in those systems. Clearstream and Euroclear will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers' securities accounts in Clearstream's and Euroclear's names on the books of their respective depositaries. Those depositaries in turn hold those interests in customers' securities accounts in the depositaries' names on the books of DTC.

Clearstream has advised us that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for its participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream provides to Clearstream participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities, and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a registered bank in Luxembourg, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector. Clearstream participants are financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and other organizations and may include the underwriters for a particular offering of debt securities. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream participant, either directly or indirectly.

Distributions with respect to permanent global debt securities held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream participants in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream.

Euroclear has advised us that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing, and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear is operated by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (the "Euroclear Operator"), under contract with Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian cooperative corporation (the "Cooperative"). The Euroclear Operator conducts all Euroclear operations, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the Cooperative.

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The Cooperative establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear participants. Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers, and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters for a particular offering of debt securities. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly.

Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian law (collectively, the "Terms and Conditions"). The Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. The Euroclear Operator holds all securities in Euroclear on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear participants.

Distributions with respect to permanent global debt securities held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear participants in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Euroclear.

GLOBAL CLEARANCE AND SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of permanent global debt securities, initial settlement for permanent global debt securities will be made in immediately available funds. DTC participants will conduct secondary market trading with other DTC participants in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and accordingly secondary market trades will settle in immediately available funds using DTC's same day funds settlement system.

If the prospectus supplement specifies that interests in the permanent global debt securities may be held through Clearstream or Euroclear, Clearstream and/or Euroclear participants will conduct secondary market trading with other Clearstream and/or Euroclear participants in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear. Then secondary market trades will settle using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in immediately available funds.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream or Euroclear participants on the other, will be effected in DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by the U.S. depositary for that system; however, those cross-market transactions will require delivery by the counterparty in the relevant European international clearing system of instructions to that system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to the U.S. depositary for that system to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in permanent global debt securities in DTC and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream participants and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to DTC.

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Because of time-zone differences, credits of interests in permanent global debt securities received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and will be credited the business day following the DTC settlement date. Those credits or any transactions in permanent global debt securities settled during that processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participants on that business day. Cash received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of sales of interests in permanent global debt securities by or through a Clearstream participant or a Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

Although DTC, Clearstream, and Euroclear have agreed to the procedures described above in order to facilitate transfers of interests in permanent global debt securities among DTC participants, Clearstream, and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform those procedures, and those procedures may be discontinued at any time.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

GENERAL

Under our articles of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized, without further stockholder action, to issue up to 750,000 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share, in one or more series, and to determine the voting powers and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of each series. We may amend our articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of preferred stock in a manner permitted by our articles of incorporation and the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law.

Under regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, if the holders of any series of our preferred stock become entitled to vote for the election of directors because dividends on that series are in arrears, that series may then be deemed a "class of voting securities." In such a case, a holder of 25% or more of the series, or a holder of 5% or more if that holder would also be considered to exercise a "controlling influence" over Associated Banc-Corp, may then be subject to regulation as a bank holding company in accordance with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. In addition, (1) any other bank holding company may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire or retain 5% or more of that series, and (2) any person other than a bank holding company may be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire or retain 10% or more of that series.

We will describe the particular terms of any series of preferred stock being offered in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. Those terms may include:

o the number of shares being offered;

o the title and liquidation preference per share;

o the purchase price;

o the dividend rate or method for determining that rate;

o the dates on which dividends will be paid;

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o whether dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends will begin to accumulate;

o any applicable redemption or sinking fund provisions;

o any applicable conversion provisions;

o whether we have elected to offer depositary shares with respect to that series of preferred stock; and

o any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund, and other rights and restrictions applicable to that series of preferred stock.

If the terms of any series of preferred stock being offered differ from the terms set forth below, we will also disclose those terms in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. The following summary is not complete. You should also refer to our articles of incorporation and to our articles of amendment relating to the series of the preferred stock being offered for the complete terms of that series of preferred stock. Our articles of incorporation is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. We will file the certificate of designations with the SEC promptly after the offering of the applicable series of preferred stock.

The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable, except for certain statutory liabilities which may be imposed by Section 180.0622(2)(6) of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law for unpaid obligations to employees for services rendered to us. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, in the event we liquidate, dissolve, or wind-up our business, each series of preferred stock being offered will have the same rank as to dividends and distributions as each other series of preferred stock we may offer in the future by use of this prospectus and will rank senior as to dividends and distributions to all classes of common stock. The preferred stock will have no preemptive rights.

DIVIDEND RIGHTS

If you purchase preferred stock being offered by use of this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement, you will be entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by our board of directors, cash dividends at the rates and on the dates set forth in the prospectus supplement. Dividend rates may be fixed or variable or both. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different dividend rates or based upon different methods of determination. We will pay each dividend to the holders of record as they appear on our stock books (or, if applicable, the records of the depositary referred to below under "Depositary Shares") on record dates determined by the board of directors. Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as specified in the prospectus supplement. If our board of directors fails to declare a dividend on any series of preferred stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then your right to receive that dividend will be lost, and we will have no obligation to pay the dividend for that dividend period, whether or not we declare dividends for any future dividend period.

We may not declare or pay any dividend on any series of preferred stock, unless, for the dividend period commencing after the immediately preceding dividend payment date, we have previously declared and paid or we contemporaneously declare and pay full dividends, including cumulative dividends still owing, if any, on any other series of preferred stock that ranks equally with or senior to that series of preferred stock. If we do not pay the dividends on those equally and senior ranking series in full, we

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may only declare dividends pro rata, so that the amount of dividends declared per share on that series of preferred stock and on each other equally or senior ranking series of preferred stock will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on that series of preferred stock and those other series bear to each other. In addition, generally, unless we have paid full dividends, including cumulative dividends still owing, if any, on all outstanding shares of any series of preferred stock, we may not declare or pay dividends on our common stock and generally we may not redeem or purchase any common stock. We will not pay interest or any sum of money in lieu of interest on any dividend payment or payments that may be in arrears on any series of preferred stock being offered.

For each dividend period of preferred stock being offered by use of this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement, we will compute the amount of dividends payable by annualizing the applicable dividend rate and dividing by the number of dividend periods in a year, except that the amount of dividends payable for the initial dividend period or any period shorter than a full dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and, for any period less than a full month, the actual number of days elapsed in the period.

RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION

In the event we liquidate, dissolve, or wind-up our affairs, either voluntarily or involuntarily, you will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions in the amount set forth in the prospectus supplement, plus accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, before we make any distribution of assets to the holders of our common stock. If we fail to pay in full all amounts payable with respect to preferred stock being offered by us and any stock having the same rank as that series of preferred stock, the holders of the preferred stock and of that other stock will share in any distribution of assets in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After the holders of each series of preferred stock and any stock having the same rank as the preferred stock are paid in full, they will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. For any series of preferred stock being offered by this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement, neither the sale of all or substantially all of our property or business nor a merger or consolidation by us with any other corporation will be considered a dissolution, liquidation, or winding-up of our business or affairs.

REDEMPTION

The applicable prospectus supplement will indicate whether the series of preferred stock being offered is subject to redemption, in whole or in part, whether at our option or mandatorily and whether or not pursuant to a sinking fund. The redemption provisions that may apply to a series of preferred stock being offered, including the redemption dates, the redemption prices for that series, and whether those redemption prices will be paid in cash, stock, or a combination of cash and stock, will be set forth in the prospectus supplement. If the redemption price is to be paid only from the proceeds of the sale of our capital stock, the terms of the series of preferred stock may also provide that, if our capital stock is not sold or if the amount of cash received is insufficient to pay in full the redemption price then due, the series of preferred stock will automatically be converted into shares of the applicable capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the prospectus supplement.

If we are redeeming fewer than all the outstanding shares of any series of preferred stock being offered, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, the board of directors will determine the method for selecting the shares to be redeemed, which may be by lot or pro rata or by any other method the board of directors determines to be equitable. From and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue

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on the shares of preferred stock called for redemption, and all rights of the holders of those shares, except the right to receive the redemption price, will cease.

In the event that we fail to pay full dividends, including accrued but unpaid dividends, if any, on any series of preferred stock being offered, we may not redeem that series in part and we may not purchase or acquire any shares of that series of preferred stock, except by an offer made on the same terms to all holders of that series of preferred stock.

CONVERSION RIGHTS

The applicable prospectus supplement will state the terms, if any, on which shares of a series of preferred stock being offered are convertible into shares of our common stock or another series of our preferred stock. As described under "-- Redemption" above, under certain circumstances, preferred stock may be mandatorily convertible into our common stock or another series of our preferred stock.

VOTING RIGHTS

Except as indicated below or in the prospectus supplement, or except as expressly required by applicable law, the holders of the preferred stock being offered will not be entitled to vote. Except as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in the event we offer full shares of any series of preferred stock, each share will be entitled to one vote on matters on which holders of that series of preferred stock are entitled to vote. However, as more fully described below under "-- Depositary Shares," if we use this prospectus to offer depositary shares representing a fraction of a share of a series of preferred stock, each depositary share, in effect, will be entitled to that fraction of a vote, rather than a full vote. Because each full share of any series of preferred stock being offered will be entitled to one vote, the voting power of that series will depend on the number of shares in that series, and not on the aggregate liquidation preference or initial offering price of the shares of that series of preferred stock.

DEPOSITARY SHARES

General. We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we do, we will issue to the public receipts for depositary shares, and each of these depositary shares will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. We will specify that fraction in the prospectus supplement.

The shares of any series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares offered by use of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement will be deposited under a deposit agreement between us and a depositary selected by us. The depositary will be a bank or trust company and will have its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in shares of preferred stock underlying that depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock underlying that depositary share. Those rights include dividend, voting, redemption, conversion, and liquidation rights.

The depositary shares offered by use of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under the deposit agreement. We will issue depositary receipts to those persons who purchase the fractional interests in the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares, in accordance with the terms of the offering. The following summary of the deposit agreement,

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the depositary shares, and the depositary receipts is not complete. We will file the forms of the deposit agreement and depositary receipts with the SEC promptly after the offering of the depositary shares.

Dividends and Other Distributions. For any series of preferred stock that is represented by depositary shares, the depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the preferred stock to the record holders of related depositary shares in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by those holders.

If we make a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares that are entitled to receive the distribution, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the applicable holders.

Redemption of Depositary Shares. For any series of preferred stock that is represented by depositary shares, whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock that are held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem, as of the same redemption date, the number of depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock so redeemed. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to that series of the preferred stock. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary will select the depositary shares to be redeemed by lot or pro rata or by any other equitable method as determined by the depositary.

Depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be outstanding after the applicable redemption date, and all rights of the holders of those depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive any money, securities, or other property upon surrender to the depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares.

Voting the Preferred Stock. For any series of preferred stock that is represented by depositary shares, upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares underlying that preferred stock. Each record holder of those depositary shares on the record date, which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock, will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of the preferred stock underlying that holder's depositary shares. The depositary make a reasonable attempt, as far as practicable, to vote the number of shares of preferred stock underlying those depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and we will agree to take all action that the depositary deems necessary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will not vote the shares of preferred stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares underlying the preferred stock.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement. We and the depositary may amend the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time regarding any depositary shares offered by use of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. The deposit agreement may be terminated by us or by the depositary only if:

o all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; or

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o there has been a final distribution of the underlying preferred stock in connection with our liquidation, dissolution, or winding up and the preferred stock has been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts.

Charges of Depositary. We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements regarding any depositary shares offered by use of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We will also pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and other charges, including a fee for the withdrawal of shares of preferred stock upon surrender of depositary receipts, as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary. The depositary for the depositary shares offered by use of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement may resign at any time by delivering a notice to us of its election to do so. We may remove the depositary at any time by delivering a notice to the depositary of our intention to do so. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of its appointment. We must appoint a successor depositary within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. The successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.

Miscellaneous. The depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts all reports and communications from us that we deliver to the depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock.

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if either of us is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing our respective obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and those of the depositary will be limited to performing in good faith our respective duties under the deposit agreement. Neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding relating to any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons we believe to be competent and on documents we believe to be genuine.

PERMANENT GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITIES

We may issue certain series of the preferred stock or depositary shares as permanent global securities and deposit them with a depositary with respect to that series. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the following is a summary of the depositary arrangements applicable to preferred stock or depositary receipts issued in permanent global form and for which DTC acts as the depositary.

Each permanent global preferred security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC or its nominee and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Except under the limited circumstances described below, permanent global preferred securities are not exchangeable for definitive, certificated preferred stock or depositary receipts.

Only DTC participants or persons that may hold interests through DTC participants may own beneficial interests in a permanent global preferred security. DTC will maintain records evidencing ownership of

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beneficial interests by DTC participants in the permanent global preferred securities and transfers of those interests. DTC participants will maintain records evidencing ownership of beneficial interests in the permanent global preferred securities by persons that hold through those DTC participants and transfers of those ownership interests within those DTC participants. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the preferred stock or depositary shares, as the case may be, represented by a permanent global preferred security. If you purchase an interest in a permanent global preferred security, you will not receive written confirmation from DTC of your purchase, but we do expect you to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of your holdings, from the DTC participants through which you entered the transaction. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive, certificated form. Those laws may impair your ability to transfer beneficial interests in a permanent global preferred security.

DTC has advised us that upon the issuance of a permanent global preferred security and the deposit of that permanent global preferred security with DTC, DTC will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective number of shares represented by that permanent global preferred security to the accounts of DTC participants.

We will make payments on preferred stock and depositary shares represented by a permanent global preferred security to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the permanent global preferred security representing the preferred stock or depositary shares. DTC has advised us that upon receipt of any payment on a permanent global preferred security, DTC will immediately credit accounts of DTC participants on its book-entry registration and transfer system with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that permanent global preferred security, as shown in the records of DTC. Standing instructions and customary practices will govern payments by DTC participants to owners of beneficial interests in a permanent global preferred security held through those DTC participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name." Those payments will be the sole responsibility of those DTC participants, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect from time to time.

Neither we nor any of our agents will be responsible for any aspect of the records of DTC, any nominee or any DTC participant relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a permanent global preferred security, or for maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any of the records of DTC, any nominee, or any DTC participant relating to those beneficial interests.

A permanent global preferred security is exchangeable for definitive, certificated preferred stock or depositary receipts, as the case may be, registered in the name of a person other than DTC or its nominee, only if:

(1) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the permanent global preferred security or DTC ceases to be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or

(2) We determine in our discretion that the permanent global preferred security will be exchangeable for certificated preferred stock or depositary receipts, as the case may be.

Any permanent global preferred security that is exchangeable in accordance with the preceding sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive, certificated preferred stock or depositary receipts, as the

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case may be, registered by the registrar in the name or names instructed by DTC. We expect that those instructions may be based upon directions received by DTC from DTC participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in that permanent global preferred security.

Except as provided above, as an owner of a beneficial interest in a permanent global preferred security, you will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates representing shares of preferred stock or depositary shares, as the case may be, and will not be considered the holder of preferred stock or depositary shares, as the case may be. No permanent global preferred security will be exchangeable except for another permanent global preferred security to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, you must rely on the procedures of DTC and the DTC participant through which you own your interest to exercise any rights of a holder of preferred stock or depositary shares, as the case may be.

We understand that, under existing industry practices, in the event that we request any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial interest in a permanent global preferred security desires to take any action that a holder of preferred stock or depositary shares, as the case may be, is entitled to take, DTC would authorize the DTC participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to take that action, and those DTC participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those DTC participants to take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

As of the date of this prospectus, we are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2000, we had 66,116,209 shares of common stock issued (including 285,948 shares held in treasury) and had reserved approximately 3,253,120 shares of common stock for issuance under various employee or director incentive, compensation, and option plans.

The following summary is not complete. You should refer to the applicable provisions of our articles of incorporation and to the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law for a complete statement of the terms and rights of our common stock.

Dividends. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as, and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for payment, subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock.

Voting Rights. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any series of preferred stock under their respective certificates of designations and applicable law, all voting rights are vested in the holders of shares of our common stock. Holders of shares of our common stock have noncumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect 100% of the directors and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.

Rights Upon Liquidation. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally in any of our assets available for distribution after we have paid in full all of our debts and after the holders of all series of our outstanding preferred stock have received their liquidation preferences in full.

Miscellaneous. The issued and outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable, except for certain statutory liabilities which may be imposed by Section 180.0622(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law for unpaid obligations to employees for services rendered to us. Holders of shares of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights. Our common stock is not

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convertible into shares of any other class of our capital stock. First Chicago Trust Company, a division of Equiserv is the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for our common stock.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS

We may issue securities warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred stock, or common stock. We may issue securities warrants independently or together with debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, or other securities. Each series of securities warrants will be issued under a separate securities warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the securities warrants and will not assume any obligation to, or relationship of agency or trust for or with, any registered holders or beneficial owners of securities warrants. This summary of certain provisions of the securities warrants and the securities warrant agreement is not complete. You should refer to the securities warrant agreement relating to the specific securities warrants being offered, including the forms of securities warrant certificates representing those securities warrants, for the complete terms of the securities warrant agreement and the securities warrants. We will file that securities warrant agreement, together with the form of securities warrants, with the SEC promptly after the offering of the specific securities warrants.

Each securities warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or the number of shares of preferred stock or common stock at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement. The exercise price may be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, as set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date of the securities warrants, unexercised securities warrants will become void. We will also specify in the prospectus supplement the place or places where, and the manner in which, securities warrants may be exercised.

Prior to the exercise of any securities warrants, holders of the securities warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities, preferred stock or common stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon exercise of those securities warrants, including, (1) in the case of securities warrants for the purchase of debt securities, the right to receive payments of principal of, and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on those debt securities or to enforce covenants in the senior indenture or subordinated indenture, as the case may be, or (2) in the case of securities warrants for the purchase of preferred stock or common stock, the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on that preferred stock or common stock or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue securities as part of a unit consisting of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. The terms of a series of units may be described in a unit agreement between us and a bank or trust corporation, as unit agent. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any units.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, or securities warrants being offered by use of this prospectus:

o through underwriters;

o through dealers;

o through agents; or

o directly to purchasers.

We will set forth the terms of the offering of any securities being offered in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If we utilize underwriters in an offering of securities using this prospectus, we will execute an underwriting agreement with those underwriters. The underwriting agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters with respect to a sale of the offered securities are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if any are purchased. Underwriters may sell those securities to or through dealers. The underwriters may change any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers from time to time. If we utilize underwriters in an offering of securities using this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement will contain a statement regarding the intention, if any, of the underwriters to make a market in the offered securities.

If we utilize a dealer in an offering of securities using this prospectus, we will sell the offered securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell those securities to the public at a fixed price or at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.

We may also use this prospectus to offer and sell securities through agents designated by us from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a reasonable efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

Underwriters, dealers, or agents participating in a distribution of securities by use of this prospectus may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the offered securities, whether received from us or from purchasers of offered securities for whom they act as agent, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933.

Under agreements that we may enter into, underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of securities by use of this prospectus may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution with respect to payments that those underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

We may offer to sell securities either at a fixed price or at prices that may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices.

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Underwriters, dealers, agents, or their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

We may also use this prospectus to directly solicit offers to purchase securities. Except as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, none of our directors, officers, or employees nor those of our bank subsidiaries will solicit or receive a commission in connection with those direct sales. Those persons may respond to inquiries by potential purchasers and perform ministerial and clerical work in connection with direct sales.

We may authorize underwriters, dealers and agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date specified in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with which delayed delivery contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other institutions that we may approve. The obligations of any purchaser under any delayed delivery contract will not be subject to any conditions except that any related sale of offered securities to underwriters shall have occurred and the purchase by an institution of the securities covered by its delayed delivery contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which that institution is subject.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Associated Banc-Corp as of December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2000, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

LEGAL OPINIONS

Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, Norris & Rieselbach, S.C., will provide an opinion for us regarding the validity of the offered securities and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York, New York will provide such an opinion for the underwriters or agents, if any, for a particular offering. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett may rely, as to matters of Wisconsin law, on the opinion of Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, Norris & Rieselbach, S.C. and Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, Norris & Rieselbach, S.C. may rely, as to matters of New York law, on the opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

The estimated expenses payable by Associated Banc-Corp in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) are as follows:

SEC registration fee..................................       $125,000
Printing and engraving expenses.......................         20,000
Accounting fees and expenses..........................         10,000
Legal fees and expenses...............................        125,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses............................         12,000
Trustee's expenses....................................         10,000
Miscellaneous.........................................         10,000
                                                             --------
   Total..............................................       $312,000
                                                             ========

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

The Registrant is incorporated under the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law (the "WBCL"). Under Section 180.0851 of the WBCL, the Registrant shall indemnify a director or officer, to the extent such person is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of a proceeding, for all reasonable expenses incurred in the proceeding, if such person was a party to such proceeding because he or she was a director or officer of the Registrant. In all other cases, the Registrant shall indemnify a director or officer against liability incurred in a proceeding to which such person was a party because he or she was a director or officer of the Registrant, unless liability was incurred because he or she breached or failed to perform a duty owed to the Registrant and such breach or failure to perform constitutes: (i) a willful failure to deal fairly with the Registrant or its shareholders in connection with a matter in which the director or officer has a material conflict of interest; (ii) a violation of criminal law, unless the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; (iii) a transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal profit; or (iv) willful misconduct. Section 180.0858 of the WBCL provides that subject to certain limitations, the mandatory indemnification provisions do not preclude any additional right to indemnification or allowance of expenses that a director or officer may have under the Registrant's article of incorporation, bylaws, a written agreement between the director or officer and the Registrant or a resolution of the Board of Directors or adopted by majority vote of the Registrant's shareholders.

Section 180.0859 of the WBCL provides that it is the public policy of the State of Wisconsin to require or permit indemnification, allowance of expenses, and insurance to the extent required or permitted under Sections 180.0850 to 180.0858 of the WBCL for any liability incurred in connection with a proceeding involving a federal or state statute, rule or regulation regulating the offer, sale, or purchase of securities.

The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation contains no provisions in relation to the indemnification of directors and officers of the Registrant.

Article XI of the Registrant's Bylaws ("Article XI") authorizes indemnification of officers and directors of the Registrant consistent with the description of the indemnification provisions in Section 180.0851 of the WBCL as described above. Article XI provides that the Registrant shall indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant to the extent such individual has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any threatened, pending, or completed civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit, arbitration, or other proceeding, whether formal or informal (including, but not limited to, any act or failure to act alleged or determined (i) to have been negligent, (ii) to have violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; or (iii) to have violated Sections 180.0832, 180.0833, and 180.1202 of the WBCL, or any successor thereto, regarding loans to directors, unlawful distributions and distributions of assets, which involves foreign, federal, state or local law and which is brought by or in the right of the Registrant or by any other person or entity, to which the director, officer, employee, or agent was a party because he or she is a director, officer, employee, or agent. In all other cases, the Registrant shall indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Registrant against

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liability and expenses incurred by such person in a proceeding unless it shall have been proven by final judicial adjudication that such person breached or failed to perform a duty owed to the Registrant under the circumstances described above as set forth in Section 180.0851 of the WBCL. Article XI defines a "director, officer, employee or agent" as (i) a natural person who, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrants; (ii) a natural person who, while a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, is or was serving either pursuant to the Registrant's specific request or as a result of the nature of such person's duties to the Registrant as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member of any governing or decision making committee, employee or agent of another corporation or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise; (iii) a person who, while a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, is or was serving an employee benefit plan because his or her duties to the Registrant also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, the person to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan; and (iv) unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a director, officer, employee, or agent.

All officers, directors, employees, and agents of controlled subsidiaries of the Registrant shall be deemed for purposes or Article XI to be serving as such officers, directors, employees, and agents at the request of the Registrant. The right to indemnification granted to such officers and directors by Article XI is not subject to any limitation or restriction imposed by any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of a controlled subsidiary. For purposes of Article XI, a "controlled subsidiary" means any corporation at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned by the Registrant or another controlled subsidiary of the Registrant.

Upon written request by a director, officer, employee, or agent who is a party to a proceeding, the Registrant shall pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses as incurred if the director, officer, employee, or agent provides the Registrant with: (i) a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she is entitled to indemnification under Article XI; and (ii) a written undertaking to repay all amounts advanced without interest to the extent that it is ultimately determined that indemnification under Article XI is prohibited. The Registrant shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is a director, officer, employee, or agent against any liability asserted against or incurred by the individual in any such capacity arising out of his or her status as such, regardless of whether the Registrant is required or authorized to indemnify or allow expenses to the individual under Article XI.

The right to indemnification under Article XI may be amended only by a majority vote of the shareholders and any reduction in the right to indemnification may only be prospective from the date of such vote.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

See Exhibit Index.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"); (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.

Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by them is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Associated Banc-Corp certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement or amendment thereto to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 25, 2001.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

By: /s/ Robert C. Gallagher
    ------------------------------------
    ROBERT C. GALLAGHER
    PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AMENDMENT THERETO HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED ON APRIL 25, 2001.

         SIGNATURE                             TITLE                            DATE
         ---------                             -----                            ----
   /s/ Robert C. Gallagher
-----------------------------
     Robert C. Gallagher           President, Chief Executive Officer,            *
                                   and Director

    /s/ Joseph B. Selner
-----------------------------
      Joseph B. Selner             Chief Financial Officer, Principal             *
                                   Financial Officer, and Principal
                                   Accounting Officer


       /s/ H.B. Conlon
-----------------------------
         H.B. Conlon               Chairman and Chief Executive Officer           *


              *
-----------------------------
    Robert S. Gaiswinkler          Director                                       *


              *
-----------------------------
       Ronald R. Harder            Director                                       *



-----------------------------
    William R. Hutchinson          Director


              *
-----------------------------
     Robert P. Konopacky           Director                                       *


              *
-----------------------------
       George R. Leach             Director                                       *



-----------------------------
         John C. Meng              Director


              *
-----------------------------
       J. Douglas Quick            Director                                       *


              *
-----------------------------
      John C. Seramur              Director                                       *

II-4


         SIGNATURE                             TITLE                            DATE
         ---------                             -----                            ----

              *                                                                   *
-----------------------------
       John H. Sproule             Director



*By: /s/ Brian R. Bodager
     ------------------------
     Brian R. Bodager,
     Attorney-in-fact                                                       April 25, 2001

II-5


EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
  NO.                                DOCUMENT
-------                              --------
1(a)     Form of Underwriting Agreement (Debt Securities). *

1(b)     Form of Underwriting Agreement (Equity Securities).*

3(a)     Articles of Incorporation, as amended and restated, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 3(a) of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
         10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 1997, SEC File No. 0-5519

3(b)     Bylaws, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) of the
         Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended
         December 31, 1997, SEC File No. 0-5519.

4(a)     Form of Certificate for Shares of Common Stock

4(b)     Form of Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock*

4(c)     Form of Senior Debt Securities Indenture between Associated Banc-Corp
         and The Bank of New York.

4(d)     Form of Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture between Associated
         Banc-Corp and The Bank of New York.

4(e)     Form of Senior Debt Securities (included in 4(c) above).

4(f)     Form of Subordinated Debt Securities (included in 4(d) above).

4(g)     Form of Deposit Agreement.*

4(h)     Form of Depositary Receipt for Depositary Shares (included in 4(g)
         above).*

4(i)     Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement. *

4(j)     Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement.*

4(k)     Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement.*

4(l)     Form of Unit Agreement.*

5(a)     Opinion of Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, Norris & Rieselbach, S.C.
         regarding legality of issuance of the Registrant's securities.

12       Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

23(a)    Consent of KPMG LLP.

23(b)    Consent of Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, Norris & Rieselbach, S.C.
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(a)).

24       Powers of Attorney.

25(a)    Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
         amended, of The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the Senior
         Indenture.

25(b)    Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
         amended, of The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the Subordinated
         Indenture.

--------------

* To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K.


EXHIBIT 4(a)

066742

                                     [LOGO]

 [GRAPHIC]                    ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP                    [GRAPHIC]
   NUMBER                      ------------------                       SHARES
A-1-

ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN

COMMON STOCK PAR VALUE $0.01 PER SHARE

CUSIP 045487 10 5
SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

THIS CERTIFIES that

is the owner of

FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF
THE PAR VALUE OF $0.01 PER SHARE OF

----------------- ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP -----------------

[IMPRINT]
COMMON

transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized Attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.

[SEAL]

WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.

Dated:

[Signature] [Signature]

SECRETARY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT

AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY.

COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED

FIRST CHICAGO TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
TRANSFER AGENT
AND REGISTRAR.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE


The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM -- as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -- _______Custodian________
(Cust) (Minor)

TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties           under Uniform Gifts to Minors

JT TEN  -- as joint tenants with right of
              survivorship and not as tenants      Act ________________________
              in common                                      (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For Value Received, _______ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE



Please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of assignee


_________________________________________________________________________ Shares represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute

and appoint ____________________________________________________________________


______________________________________________________________________ Attorney to transfer the said shares on the books of the within-named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated, _____________________

AFFIX MEDALLION SIGNATURE          X ___________________________________________
GUARANTEE IMPRINT BELOW                          (SIGNATURE)


                                   X ___________________________________________
                                                 (SIGNATURE)


                                    ____________________________________________
                                    ABOVE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST
                                    CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON
                                    THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY
                                    PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGE-
                                    MENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

                                    THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN
                                    ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION SUCH AS A
                                    SECURITIES BROKER/DEALER, COMMERCIAL BANK &
                                    TRUST COMPANY, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION
                                    OR A CREDIT UNION PARTICIPATING IN A
                                    MEDALLION PROGRAM APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
                                    TRANSFER ASSOCIATION INC.


Exhibit 4(c)


ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

TO

THE BANK OF NEW YORK
, Trustee


INDENTURE

Dated as of _______________, 2001


SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES



CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THIS INDENTURE RELATING TO
SECTIONS 3.10 THROUGH 3.18, INCLUSIVE, OF
THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939:

TRUST INDENTURE                                            INDENTURE
 ACT SECTION                                                SECTION
---------------                                            ---------
      ss. 310(a)(1)........................................ 609
             (a)(2)........................................ 609
             (a)(3)........................................ Not Applicable
             (a)(4)........................................ Not Applicable
             (b)........................................... 608
                                                            610
      ss. 311(a)........................................... 613
             (b)........................................... 613
      ss. 312(a)........................................... 701
                                                            702
             (b)........................................... 702
             (c)........................................... 702
      ss. 313(a)........................................... 703
             (b)........................................... 703
             (c)........................................... 703
             (d)........................................... 704
      ss. 314(a)........................................... 101
             (a)(4)........................................ 1004
             (b)........................................... Not Applicable
             (c)(1)........................................ 102
             (c)(2)........................................ 102
             (c)(3)........................................ Not Applicable
             (d)........................................... Not Applicable
             (e)........................................... 102
      ss. 315(a)........................................... 601
             (b)........................................... 602
             (c)........................................... 601
             (d)........................................... 601
             (e)........................................... 514
      ss. 316(a)........................................... 101
             (a)(1)(A)..................................... 502
                                                            512
             (a)(1)(B)..................................... 513
             (a)(2)........................................ Not Applicable
             (b)                                            508
             (c)........................................... 104
      ss. 317(a)(1)........................................ 503
             (a)(2)........................................ 504
             (b)........................................... 1003
      ss. 318(a)........................................... 107


NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                  PAGE
                                                                                                  ----
                          RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

   ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

SECTION 1.01   Definitions..........................................................................1
Act.................................................................................................2
Affiliate...........................................................................................2
Authenticating Agent................................................................................2
Bank................................................................................................2
Board of Directors..................................................................................2
Board Resolution....................................................................................2
Business Day........................................................................................2
Commission..........................................................................................2
Company.............................................................................................2
Company Request.....................................................................................2
Company Order.......................................................................................2
Corporate Trust Office..............................................................................3
Corporation.........................................................................................3
Covenant Defeasance.................................................................................3
Defaulted Interest..................................................................................3
Defeasance..........................................................................................3
Depositary..........................................................................................3
Event of Default....................................................................................3
Exchange Act........................................................................................3
Expiration Date.....................................................................................3
Foreign Government Obligations......................................................................3
Global Security.....................................................................................3
Holder..............................................................................................3
Indenture...........................................................................................3
interest............................................................................................3
Interest Payment Date...............................................................................4
Investment Company Act..............................................................................4
Maturity............................................................................................4
Notice of Default...................................................................................4
Officers' Certificate...............................................................................4
Opinion of Counsel..................................................................................4
Original Issue Discount Security....................................................................4
Outstanding.........................................................................................4
Paying Agent........................................................................................5
Person..............................................................................................5

i

Place of Payment....................................................................................5
Predecessor Security................................................................................5
Principal Subsidiary Bank...........................................................................6
Redemption Date.....................................................................................6
Redemption Price....................................................................................6
Regular Record Date.................................................................................6
Responsible Officer.................................................................................6
Securities..........................................................................................6
Securities Act......................................................................................6
Security Register...................................................................................6
Security Registrar..................................................................................6
Special Record Date.................................................................................6
Stated Maturity.....................................................................................6
Subsidiary..........................................................................................6
Trust Indenture Act.................................................................................7
Trustee.............................................................................................7
U.S. Government Obligation..........................................................................7
Vice President......................................................................................7
Voting Stock........................................................................................7
SECTION 1.02   Compliance Certificates and Opinions.................................................7
SECTION 1.03   Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee...............................................8
SECTION 1.04   Acts of Holders; Record Dates........................................................8
SECTION 1.05   Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company...............................................10
SECTION 1.06   Notice to Holders; Waiver...........................................................11
SECTION 1.07   Conflict with Trust Indenture Act...................................................11
SECTION 1.08   Effect of Headings and Table of Contents............................................11
SECTION 1.09   Successors and Assigns..............................................................11
SECTION 1.10   Separability Clause.................................................................11
SECTION 1.11   Benefits of Indenture...............................................................11
SECTION 1.12   Governing Law.......................................................................12
SECTION 1.13   Legal Holidays......................................................................12

                        ARTICLE TWO SECURITY FORMS

SECTION 2.01   Forms Generally.....................................................................12
SECTION 2.02   Form of Face of Security............................................................12
SECTION 2.03   Form of Reverse of Security.........................................................14
SECTION 2.04   Form of Legend for Global Securities................................................18
SECTION 2.05   Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.....................................18

                       ARTICLE THREE THE SECURITIES

SECTION 3.01   Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series................................................18
SECTION 3.02   Denominations.......................................................................21
SECTION 3.03   Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating......................................21
SECTION 3.04   Temporary Securities................................................................22
SECTION 3.05   Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange.................................23

ii

SECTION 3.06   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities....................................25
SECTION 3.07   Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved......................................25
SECTION 3.08   Persons Deemed Owners...............................................................26
SECTION 3.09   Cancellation........................................................................27
SECTION 3.10   Computation of Interest.............................................................27
SECTION 3.11   CUSIP Numbers.......................................................................27

                  ARTICLE FOUR SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 4.01   Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.............................................27
SECTION 4.02   Application of Trust Money..........................................................28

                           ARTICLE FIVE REMEDIES

SECTION 5.01   Events of Default...................................................................29
SECTION 5.02   Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment..................................30
SECTION 5.03   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.....................31
SECTION 5.04   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim....................................................31
SECTION 5.05   Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.........................32
SECTION 5.06   Application of Money Collected......................................................33
SECTION 5.07   Limitation on Suits.................................................................33
SECTION 5.08   Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest...........34
SECTION 5.09   Restoration of Rights and Remedies..................................................34
SECTION 5.10   Rights and Remedies Cumulative......................................................34
SECTION 5.11   Delay or Omission Not Waiver........................................................34
SECTION 5.12   Control by Holders..................................................................34
SECTION 5.13   Waiver of Past Defaults.............................................................35
SECTION 5.14   Undertaking for Costs...............................................................35
SECTION 5.15   Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.............................................35

                          ARTICLE SIX THE TRUSTEE

SECTION 6.01   Certain Duties and Responsibilities.................................................36
SECTION 6.02   Notice of Defaults..................................................................36
SECTION 6.03   Certain Rights of Trustee...........................................................36
SECTION 6.04   Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities..............................37
SECTION 6.05   May Hold Securities.................................................................38
SECTION 6.06   Money Held in Trust.................................................................38
SECTION 6.07   Compensation and Reimbursement......................................................38
SECTION 6.08   Conflicting Interests...............................................................39
SECTION 6.09   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.............................................39
SECTION 6.10   Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor...................................39
SECTION 6.11   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor..............................................41
SECTION 6.12   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.........................42
SECTION 6.13   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company...................................42

iii

SECTION 6.14   Appointment of Authenticating Agent.................................................42

                          ARTICLE SEVEN HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

SECTION 7.01   Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders...........................44
SECTION 7.02   Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders..............................44
SECTION 7.03   Reports by Trustee..................................................................44
SECTION 7.04   Reports by Company..................................................................45

                        ARTICLE EIGHT CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

SECTION 8.01   Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms................................45
SECTION 8.02   Successor Substituted...............................................................46

                   ARTICLE NINE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 9.01   Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders..................................46
SECTION 9.02   Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.....................................47
SECTION 9.03   Execution of Supplemental Indentures................................................48
SECTION 9.04   Effect of Supplemental Indentures...................................................48
SECTION 9.05   Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.................................................48
SECTION 9.06   Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures..................................49

                           ARTICLE TEN COVENANTS

SECTION 10.01   Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.........................................49
SECTION 10.02   Maintenance of Office or Agency....................................................49
SECTION 10.03   Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust..................................49
SECTION 10.04   Statement by Officers as to Default................................................50
SECTION 10.05   Existence..........................................................................51
SECTION 10.06   Payment of Taxes and Other Claims..................................................51
SECTION 10.07   Limitation Upon Disposition of Stock of Principal Subsidiary Banks.................51
SECTION 10.08   Waiver of Certain Covenants........................................................52
SECTION 10.09   Calculation of Original Issue Discount.............................................53

                  ARTICLE ELEVEN REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 11.01   Applicability of Article...........................................................53
SECTION 11.02   Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee..............................................53
SECTION 11.03   Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed..................................53
SECTION 11.04   Notice of Redemption...............................................................54
SECTION 11.05   Deposit of Redemption Price........................................................54
SECTION 11.06   Securities Payable on Redemption Date..............................................55

iv

SECTION 11.07   Securities Redeemed in Part........................................................55

                       ARTICLE TWELVE SINKING FUNDS

SECTION 12.01   Applicability of Article...........................................................55
SECTION 12.02   Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities..............................56
SECTION 12.03   Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund..........................................56

            ARTICLE THIRTEEN DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

SECTION 13.01   Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.......................56
SECTION 13.02   Defeasance and Discharge...........................................................56
SECTION 13.03   Covenant Defeasance................................................................57
SECTION 13.04   Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance....................................57
SECTION 13.05   Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous
                Provisions.........................................................................59
SECTION 13.06   Reinstatement......................................................................60

v

INDENTURE, dated as of ___________, 2001 between Associated Banc-Corp, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at 1200 Hansen Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304, and The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series thereof, as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

SECTION 1.01 Definitions.

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at the date of such computation;

(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article" or a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and


(5) the words "herein", "hereof" 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.

"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 1.04.

"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

"Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.14 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

"Bank" means (i) any institution which accepts deposits that the depositor has a legal right to withdraw on demand and engages in the business of making commercial loans, and (ii) any trust company.

"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.

"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument 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.

"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 Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the

2

Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Trustee in New York, New York at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which, at the date hereof, is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York, 10286.

"Corporation" means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust.

"Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 13.03.

"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 3.07.

"Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1302.

"Depositary" means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by
Section 3.01.

"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 5.01.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

"Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 1.04.

"Foreign Government Obligations" has the meaning specified in
Section 13.04.

"Global Security" means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section
2.04 (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities).

"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.

"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and 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, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term "Indenture" shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 3.01.

"Interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

3

"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

"Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.

"Notice of Default" means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 5.01(4).

"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 10.04 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.

"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, and who shall be acceptable to the Trustee.

"Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.02.

"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

(6) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(7) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(8) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 13.02; and

(9) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 3.06 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been

4

presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 5.02, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 3.01, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 3.01, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 3.01.

"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.06 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security

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shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

"Principal Subsidiary Bank" means any Subsidiary which is a Bank and has total assets equal to 30 percent or more of the consolidated assets of the Company determined as of the date of the most recent audited financial statements of such entities.

"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

"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 as contemplated by Section 3.01.

"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee means any vice president, any assistant secretary, any assistant treasurer, any trust officer or assistant trust officer or any other officer in the corporate trust department of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

"Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

"Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 3.05.

"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.07.

"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

"Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

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"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.

"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

"U.S. Government Obligation" has the meaning specified in Section 13.04.

"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president".

"Voting Stock" means stock of the class or classes having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes shall have contingent voting rights).

SECTION 1.02 Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 10.04) shall include,

(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

(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 each such individual, 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

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(4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

SECTION 1.03 Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

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 may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or 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 stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

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, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

SECTION 1.04 Acts of Holders; Record Dates.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly 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. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 6.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of

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his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.

(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

(e) The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series, provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06.

(f) The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default,
(ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 5.02, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 5.07(2) or
(iv) any direction referred to in Section 3.05(2) or Section 5.12, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such

9

record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company's expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06.

(g) With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which sets such record dates may designate any day as the "Expiration Date" and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 90th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 90th day after the applicable record date.

(h) Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.

SECTION 1.05 Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Trustee Administration.

(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

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SECTION 1.06 Notice to Holders; Waiver.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

SECTION 1.07 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act which is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

SECTION 1.08 Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

SECTION 1.09 Successors and Assigns.

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

SECTION 1.10 Separability Clause.

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 1.11 Benefits of Indenture.

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Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

SECTION 1.12 Governing Law.

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

SECTION 1.13 Legal Holidays.

In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity, provided that no interest shall accrue with respect to such payment for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

ARTICLE TWO

SECURITY FORMS

SECTION 2.01 Forms Generally.

The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article, or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 3.03 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

SECTION 2.02 Form of Face of Security.

[Insert any legend required by the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.] THIS NOTE IS NOT A DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL

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DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BANK INSURANCE FUND, THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP


CUSIP NO. _______

No. _______ $ _______

Associated Banc-Corp, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Wisconsin (herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to _____________, or registered assigns, the principal sum of ___________ Dollars on ________________ [if the Security is to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- , and to pay interest thereon from ___________ or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on ___________ and ___________ in each year, commencing ___________ at the rate of ___% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [if applicable, insert -- , provided that any principal and premium, and any such installment of interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of ___% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand]. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the _______ or _______ (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture].

[If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal and any overdue premium shall bear interest at the rate of ___% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal or premium shall be payable on demand. [Any such interest on overdue principal or premium which is not paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate of ___% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest on interest shall be legally enforceable), from the date of such demand until the amount so

13

demanded is paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue interest shall be payable on demand.]]

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and [if applicable, insert -- any such] interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in ___________ in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts [if applicable, insert -- ; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register].

[Interest on this Security shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.]

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

By

Attest:

SECTION 2.03 Form of Reverse of Security.

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of ___________ (herein called the "Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof [, limited in aggregate principal amount to [$] _________].

[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, [if applicable, insert --
(1) on ___________ in any year commencing with the year ____ and ending with the year ____ through operation of the sinking

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fund for this series at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [if applicable, insert -- on or after _______, ____], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert -- on or before ___________, ____%, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning ___________ of the years indicated,

                          Redemption                                           Redemption
Year                        Price                        Year                    Price
----                      ----------                     ----                  ----------

and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to___% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption [if applicable, insert -- (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]

[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, (1) on _______ in any year commencing with the year .... and ending with the year ____ through operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices for redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [if applicable, insert -- on or after _______.], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below: If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning _______ of the years indicated,

                                       Redemption Price                    Redemption Price For
                                        For Redemption                     Redemption Otherwise
                                      Through Operation                   Than Through Operation
Year                                 of the Sinking Fund                    of the Sinking Fund
----                                 -------------------                  ----------------------

and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to ___% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more

15

Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]

[If applicable, insert -- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to _______, redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [if applicable, insert -- Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than ___% per annum.]

[If applicable, insert -- The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption on _______ in each year beginning with the year ____ and ending with the year ____ of [if applicable, insert -- not less than $_______ ("mandatory sinking fund") and not more than] $_______ aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series. Securities of this series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [if applicable, insert -- MANDATORY] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent [if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to be made [if applicable, insert -- , in the inverse order in which they become due].]

[If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert -- In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]

[If applicable, insert -- The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of [the entire indebtedness of this Security] [or]
[certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security] [, in each case] upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to -- insert formula for determining the amount. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the

16

Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $_______ and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

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SECTION 2.04 Form of Legend for Global Securities.

Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

SECTION 2.05 Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.

The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
As Trustee

By
Authorized Signatory

ARTICLE THREE

THE SECURITIES

SECTION 3.01 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 in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 3.03, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers' Certificate, or established in 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 Securities of any other series);

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(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, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 9.06 or 11.07 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 3.03, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;

(4) the date or dates on which the principal of any Securities of the series is payable;

(5) the rate or rates at which any Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;

(6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable;

(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(9) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(10) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(11) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of "Outstanding" in Section 1.01;

(12) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more

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currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined);

(13) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.02;

(14) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined);

(15) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 13.02 or
Section 13.03 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;

(16) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 2.04 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Clause (2) of the last paragraph of Section 3.05 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;

(17) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 5.02;

(18) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to Securities of the series; and

(19) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 9.01(5)).

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to

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above and (subject to Section 3.03) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto. All securities of any one series need not be issued at one time and , unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional securities of such series.

Unless otherwise specifically provided with respect to the Securities of a series, at the option of the Company, interest on the Securities of any series that bears interest may be paid by mailing a check to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

If any of the terms of the 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 Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers' Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.

SECTION 3.02 Denominations.

The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 3.01. In the absence of any such specified denomination with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

SECTION 3.03 Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

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 to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 3.01, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 6.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,

(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 2.01, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

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(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 3.01, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(3) that such Securities, 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 valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; and

(4) that all laws and requirements in respect of the execution and delivery by the Company of such Securities have been complied with.

If such form 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 this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.01 and of the 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 Officers' Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 3.01 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

No Security 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 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. 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 3.09, 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 3.04 Temporary Securities.

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

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If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.

SECTION 3.05 Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange 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 with any registration of transfer or

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exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 3.04, 9.06 or 11.07 not involving any transfer.

If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any such Securities selected for redemption under Section 11.03 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.

The provisions of Clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) below shall apply only to Global Securities:

(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or an event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, with respect to such Global Security and Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the series of Securities represented by such Global Security shall have made written request to the Trustee, (C) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable, or (D) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for this purpose as contemplated by Section 3.01.

(3) Subject to Clause (2) above, any exchange of a Global Security for other Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.

(4) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 3.04, 3.06, 9.06 or 11.07 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.

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SECTION 3.06 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, 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 (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

SECTION 3.07 Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

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(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series 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.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

SECTION 3.08 Persons Deemed Owners.

Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 3.07) any interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

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No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on such holder's behalf by a Depositary shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to such Global Security, and such Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee, and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall impair, as between a Depositary and such holders of beneficial interests, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the Depositary as Holder of any Security.

SECTION 3.09 Cancellation.

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures.

SECTION 3.10 Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 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 3.11 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 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 and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the "CUSIP" numbers.

ARTICLE FOUR

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 4.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly

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provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

(1) either

(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.06 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money has 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 10.03) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

(i) have become due and payable, or

(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

(iii) 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, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 6.07, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 6.14 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 4.02 and the last paragraph of Section 10.03 shall survive.

SECTION 4.02 Application of Trust Money.

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Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.03, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the 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 Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.

ARTICLE FIVE

REMEDIES

SECTION 5.01 Events of Default.

"Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series at its Maturity; or

(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series and a continuance of such default for a period of 5 days; or

(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

(5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of

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the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

(6) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or

(7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.

SECTION 5.02 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in
Section 5.01(5) or 5.01(6)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 5.01(5) or 5.01 (6) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay

(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,

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(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,

(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and

(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel;

and

(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.13.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 5.03 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Company covenants that if

(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days,

(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof, or

(3) default is made in the making or satisfaction of any sinking fund payment or analogous obligation when the same becomes due pursuant to the terms of any Security and such default continues for 5 days,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated.

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If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

SECTION 5.04 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized

(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (and premium, if any) and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities in accordance with the terms thereof 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 the reasonable compensation, expense, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

(ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, if the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to the Trustee for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.07.

No provision of this Indenture 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; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or other similar committee.

SECTION 5.05 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

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All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

SECTION 5.06 Application of Money Collected.

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.07; and

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively.

SECTION 5.07 Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;

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it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.

SECTION 5.08 Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 3.07) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

SECTION 5.09 Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

SECTION 5.10 Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of
Section 3.06, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

SECTION 5.11 Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

SECTION 5.12 Control by Holders.

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The Holders of a majority in 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 that

(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and

(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

SECTION 5.13 Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of not less than a majority in 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 or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine 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; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 5.14 Undertaking for Costs.

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, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, including legal fees and expenses, and may assess costs against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company or the Trustee.

SECTION 5.15 Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.

The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

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ARTICLE SIX

THE TRUSTEE

SECTION 6.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. 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.

SECTION 6.02 Notice of Defaults.

If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, the Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 5.01(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.

SECTION 6.03 Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to the provisions of Section 6.01:

(1) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

(3) 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, rely upon an Officers' Certificate;

(4) 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, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

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(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(6) 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, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness 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, personally or by agent or attorney;

(7) 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 with due care by it hereunder;

(8) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

(9) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture unless the Trustee has received notice of such an Event of Default pursuant to Section 10.04 hereof;

(10) 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

(11) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers' Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers' Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers' Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

SECTION 6.04 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the

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Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

SECTION 6.05 May Hold Securities.

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 6.08 and 6.13, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.

SECTION 6.06 Money Held in Trust.

Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

SECTION 6.07 Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Company agrees

(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed in writing between the Company and the Trustee 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);

(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and

(3) to indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or expense, including taxes (except taxes based on the income of the Trustee) incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim whether against the Company, a Holder or any other person or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

The Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities as to all property and funds held by it hereunder for any amount owing it or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.07, except with respect to 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 specified in Section 5.01(5) or Section 5.01(6), the expenses (including the

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reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.

The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture.

SECTION 6.08 Conflicting Interests.

If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture.

SECTION 6.09 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and has its Corporate Trust Office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

SECTION 6.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 6.11.

(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 6.11 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Company, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of removal, the Trustee being removed may petition, at the expense of the Company, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

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(d) If at any time:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 6.08 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 6.09 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or

(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed 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, (A) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to
Section 5.14, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security 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 with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 6.11. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 6.11, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 6.11, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 1.06. Each notice shall include the name of the

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successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 6.11 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

(b) 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 retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) 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; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such

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successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.

(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

SECTION 6.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

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 all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. 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 6.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), 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).

SECTION 6.14 Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.06, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of

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this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 1.06 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK
As Trustee

By _____________________,
As Authenticating Agent

By _____________________
Authorized Officer

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ARTICLE SEVEN

HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

SECTION 7.01 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee

(1) semi-annually, not later than 10 calendar days after each Regular Record Date in each year, a list for each series of Securities, 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 preceding Regular Record Date, and

(2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;

excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar.

SECTION 7.02 Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 7.01 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 7.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either 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 7.03 Reports by 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. To the extent that any such report is required by the Trust Indenture Act with respect to any 12 month period, such report shall cover the 12 month period ending July 15 and shall be transmitted by the next succeeding September 15.

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(b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

SECTION 7.04 Reports by Company.

The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with 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 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 Officers' Certificates).

ARTICLE EIGHT

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

SECTION 8.01 Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Company shall not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:

(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the

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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

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, 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.

SECTION 8.02 Successor Substituted.

Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with
Section 8.01, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged 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 under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company 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 NINE

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 9.01 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or

(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or

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(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; or

(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or

(6) to secure the Securities; or

(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 3.01; or

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to 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, pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.11; or

(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this clause (9) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect.

SECTION 9.02 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may 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 modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,

(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.02, or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair

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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), or

(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or

(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 5.13 or
Section 10.09, 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 and Section 10.09, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 6.11 and 9.01(8).

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.

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

SECTION 9.03 Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 6.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

SECTION 9.04 Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

SECTION 9.05 Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.

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SECTION 9.06 Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

ARTICLE TEN

COVENANTS

SECTION 10.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.

SECTION 10.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

(a) The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

(b) 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 obligation 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.

SECTION 10.03 Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.

If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons

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entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

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 or any premium or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will (1) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series.

The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.

SECTION 10.04 Statement by Officers as to Default.

The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers' Certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and

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observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as possible and in any event within five days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, an Officer's Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or default and the action which the Company proposes to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 10.05 Existence.

Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 10.06 Maintenance of Properties

The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 10.07 Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.

The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

SECTION 10.08 Limitation Upon Disposition of Stock of Principal Subsidiary Banks.

So long as any of the Securities shall be outstanding, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will (except to the Company or an Intermediate Subsidiary) sell, assign, transfer,

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grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of any shares of, securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Voting Stock (other than directors' qualifying shares) of any Principal Subsidiary Bank, nor will the Company or any Intermediate Subsidiary permit any Principal Subsidiary Bank to issue (except to the Company or an Intermediate Subsidiary) any shares of, or securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Voting Stock of such Principal Subsidiary Bank (other than directors' qualifying shares) nor will the Company permit any Intermediate Subsidiary that owns any shares of, or securities convertible into, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Voting Stock of any Principal Subsidiary Bank to cease to be an Intermediate Subsidiary, except that the Company or an Intermediate Subsidiary may make any such sale, assignment, transfer, or grant of a security interest or other disposition (A)(i) for fair market value on the date thereof, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (which determination shall be conclusive), and evidenced by a duly adopted resolution thereof, and
(ii) in each such case, after giving effect thereto, the Company and any one or more Intermediate Subsidiaries will own at least 80% of the Voting Stock of the Principal Subsidiary Bank then issued and outstanding free and clear of any security interest or (B) in compliance with an order of a court or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Principal Subsidiary Bank may be merged into or consolidated with another banking institution organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, if after giving effect to such merger or consolidation the Company and any one or more Intermediate Subsidiaries own at least 80% of the Voting Stock of such other banking institution and immediately after giving effect thereto and treating any such resulting bank thereafter as a Principal Subsidiary Bank for purposes of this Indenture, 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. For purposes of this Section, an "Intermediate Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary (i) that is organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and
(ii) of which all the shares of each class of Voting Stock issued and outstanding, and all securities convertible into and options, warrants and rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, such Voting Stock, are owned directly by the Company or by another Intermediate Subsidiary, free and clear of any security interest.

The provisions of this Section 10.07 shall not prohibit the Company from consolidating with or merging into any other Person or from conveying, transferring or leasing the Company's properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person as otherwise permitted pursuant to Article Eight.

SECTION 10.09 Waiver of Certain Covenants.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 3.01(18), 9.01(2) or 9.01(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series or in Sections 10.05 to 10.07 inclusive if before the time for such compliance the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall

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become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10.10 Calculation of Original Issue Discount.

The Company shall file with the Trustee promptly at the end of each calendar year (i) a written notice specifying the amount of original issue discount (including daily rates and accrual periods) accrued on Outstanding Securities as of the end of such year and (ii) such other specific information relating to such original issue discount as may then be relevant under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 11.01 Applicability of Article.

Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities) in accordance with this Article.

SECTION 11.02 Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of the Securities of any series (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.

SECTION 11.03 Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.

If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of a specified tenor are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (but subject to compliance with the rules of any securities exchange on which the securities of such series may be listed) and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior

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to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, 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 amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

SECTION 11.04 Notice of Redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the Security Register.

All notices of redemption shall identify the Securities to be redeemed (including CUSIP number) and shall state:

(1) the Redemption Date,

(2) the Redemption Price,

(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed,

(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,

(5) the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, and

(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case.

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

SECTION 11.05 Deposit of Redemption Price.

Prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 10.03) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and

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(except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date.

SECTION 11.06 Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 3.07.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

SECTION 11.07 Securities Redeemed in Part.

Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (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), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

ARTICLE TWELVE

SINKING FUNDS

SECTION 12.01 Applicability of Article.

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities.

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of any Securities is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such Securities is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 12.02.

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Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities as provided for by the terms of such Securities.

SECTION 12.02 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

SECTION 12.03 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to
Section 12.02 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 45 days prior to each such sinking fund payment date, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 11.03 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 11.04. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 11.06 and 11.07.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

SECTION 13.01 Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 13.02 or Section 13.03 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, designated pursuant to Section 3.01 as being defeasible pursuant to such Section 13.02 or 13.03, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 3.01 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities.

SECTION 13.02 Defeasance and Discharge.

Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall be deemed to have

56

been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 13.04 are satisfied (hereinafter called "Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have satisfied all its 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), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of such Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 13.04 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities when payments are due, (2) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 10.02 and 10.03, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 13.03 applied to such Securities.

SECTION 13.03 Covenant Defeasance.

Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under Section 10.07 (and any other Sections applicable to such Securities that are determined pursuant to
Section 3.01 to be subject to this provision), and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 5.01(4) (with respect to Section 10.07 or any other
Section applicable to such Securities that are determined pursuant to Section 301 to be subject to this provision) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 13.04 are satisfied (hereinafter called "Covenant Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities, the Company may omit to comply with (and no Event of Default shall arise out of such non-compliance) with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section, whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such
Section or by reason of any reference in any such Section to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.

SECTION 13.04 Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The following shall be the conditions to the application of Section 13.02 or Section 13.03 to any securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:

(1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements contemplated by Section 6.09 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this Article 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 benefits of the Holders of such Securities, (A) in the case of Securities denominated in a foreign currency, money in such foreign currency or Foreign Government Obligations of the foreign government or

57

governments issuing such foreign currency which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, such foreign currency in an amount or (B) in the case of Securities denominated in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, U.S. dollars in an amount, or (C) a combination of money and U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations (as applicable), in each case 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 any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Securities. As used herein, "U.S. Government Obligation" means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, 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 depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt. As used herein, "Foreign Government Obligation" means any security denominated in a foreign currency which is (i) a direct obligation of a foreign government or governments for the payment of which the full faith and credit of such foreign government or governments is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of such foreign government or governments the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such foreign government, which, in either case (i) or
(ii) is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.

(2) In the event of an election to have Section 13.02 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that
(x) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (y) since the date of this instrument, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (x) or (y) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same

58

manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.

(3) In the event of an election to have Section 13.03 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.

(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate to the effect that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.

(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other Securities shall have occurred and be continuing (A) at the time of such deposit or, (B) with regard to any such event specified in Sections 5.01(5) and (6), at any time during the period ending on the 123rd day after the date of such deposit or, if longer, ending on the day following the expiration of the longest preference period applicable to the Company in respect of such deposit (it being understood that the condition in this clause (B) is a condition subsequent and shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).

(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).

(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.

(9) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

SECTION 13.05 Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.03, all money, U.S. Government Obligations and Foreign Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 13.06, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively as the

59

"Trustee") pursuant to Section 13.04 in respect of any Securities 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 such 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 and any premium and interest, but money so held in trust 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 U.S. Government Obligations or the Foreign 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 Outstanding Securities.

Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or U.S. Government Obligations or the Foreign Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 13.04 with respect to any Securities 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 to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to such Securities.

SECTION 13.06 Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or released pursuant to Section 13.02 or 13.03 shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 13.05 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.

This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

By

60

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Trustee

By

61

Exhibit 4(d)


ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

TO

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, Trustee


INDENTURE

Dated as of _______________, 2001


SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES



CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THIS INDENTURE RELATING TO SECTIONS 3.10 THROUGH 3.18,
INCLUSIVE, OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939:

  TRUST INDENTURE                                           INDENTURE
    ACT SECTION                                             SECTION
-----------------                                           ---------
ss. 3.10(a)(1)                                              6.09
         (a)(2)............................................ 6.09
         (a)(3)............................................ Not Applicable
         (a)(4)............................................ Not Applicable
         (b) .............................................. 6.08
                                                            6.10
    ss. 3.11(a)............................................ 6.13
            (b)............................................ 6.13
    ss. 3.12(a)............................................ 7.01
                                                            7.02
            (b)............................................ 7.02
            (c)............................................ 7.02
    ss. 3.13(a)............................................ 7.03
            (b)............................................ 7.03
            (c)............................................ 7.03
            (d)............................................ 7.04
    ss. 3.14(a)............................................ 1.01
            (a)(4)......................................... 10.04
            (b)............................................ Not Applicable
            (c)(1)......................................... 102
            (c)(2)......................................... 102
            (c)(3)......................................... Not Applicable
            (d)............................................ Not Applicable
            (e)............................................ 1.02
    ss. 3.15(a)............................................ 6.01
            (b)............................................ 6.02
            (c)............................................ 6.01
            (d)............................................ 6.01
            (e)............................................ 5.14
    ss. 3.16(a)............................................ 1.01
         (a)(1)(A)......................................... 5.02
                                                            5.12
         (a)(1)(B)......................................... 5.13
         (a)(2)............................................ Not Applicable
            (b)                                             5.08
            (c)............................................ 1.04
    ss. 3.17(a)(1)......................................... 5.03
            (a)(2)......................................... 5.04
            (b)............................................ 10.03
     ss.3.18(a)............................................ 1.07


NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                  PAGE
                                                                                                  ----
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY.............................................................................1

ARTICLE One Definitions and Other Provisions OF GENERAL APPLICATION.................................1

         SECTION 1.01.   Definitions................................................................1
         Act........................................................................................2
         Affiliate..................................................................................2
         Authenticating Agent.......................................................................2
         Bank.......................................................................................2
         Board of Directors.........................................................................2
         Board Resolution...........................................................................2
         Business Day...............................................................................2
         Commission.................................................................................2
         Common Stock...............................................................................2
         Company....................................................................................3
         Company Request............................................................................3
         Company Order..............................................................................3
         Corporate Trust Office.....................................................................3
         Corporation................................................................................3
         Covenant Defeasance........................................................................3
         Defaulted Interest.........................................................................3
         Defeasance.................................................................................3
         Depositary.................................................................................3
         Entitled Persons...........................................................................3
         Event of Default...........................................................................3
         Excess Proceeds............................................................................3
         Exchange Act...............................................................................3
         Existing Subordinated Indebtedness.........................................................3
         Expiration Date............................................................................3
         Final Conversion Date......................................................................3
         Foreign Government Obligations.............................................................4
         Global Security............................................................................4
         Holder.....................................................................................4
         Indenture..................................................................................4
         Initial Conversion Date....................................................................4
         Initial Conversion Price...................................................................4
         Interest...................................................................................4
         Interest Payment Date......................................................................4
         Investment Company Act.....................................................................4
         Junior Securities..........................................................................4
         Maturity...................................................................................4
         Notice of Default..........................................................................4
         Officers' Certificate......................................................................4

i

         Opinion of Counsel.........................................................................5
         Other Financial Obligations................................................................5
         Original Issue Discount Security...........................................................5
         Outstanding................................................................................5
         Paying Agent...............................................................................6
         Person.....................................................................................7
         Place of Payment...........................................................................7
         Predecessor Security.......................................................................7
         Redemption Date............................................................................7
         Redemption Price...........................................................................7
         Regular Record Date........................................................................7
         Responsible Officer........................................................................7
         Securities.................................................................................7
         Securities Act.............................................................................7
         Security Register..........................................................................7
         Security Registrar.........................................................................7
         Senior Indebtedness........................................................................7
         Special Record Date........................................................................8
         Stated Maturity............................................................................8
         Subsidiary.................................................................................8
         Trust Indenture Act........................................................................8
         Trustee....................................................................................8
         U.S. Government Obligation.................................................................8
         Vice President.............................................................................8
         SECTION 1.02.   Compliance Certificates and Opinions.......................................8
         SECTION 1.03.   Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.....................................9
         SECTION 1.04.   Acts of Holders; Record Dates..............................................9
         SECTION 1.05.   Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.....................................12
         SECTION 1.06.   Notice to Holders; Waiver.................................................12
         SECTION 1.07.   Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.........................................12
         SECTION 1.08.   Effect of Headings and Table of Contents..................................12
         SECTION 1.09.   Successors and Assigns....................................................13
         SECTION 1.10.   Separability Clause.......................................................13
         SECTION 1.11.   Benefits of Indenture.....................................................13
         SECTION 1.12.   Governing Law.............................................................13
         SECTION 1.13.   Legal Holidays............................................................13

ARTICLE Two Security Forms.........................................................................13

         SECTION 2.01.   Forms Generally...........................................................13
         SECTION 2.02.   Form of Face of Security..................................................14
         SECTION 2.03.   Form of Reverse of Security...............................................16
         SECTION 2.04.   Form of Legend for Global Securities......................................20
         SECTION 2.05.   Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication...........................20

ARTICLE Three The Securities.......................................................................21

         SECTION 3.01.   Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series......................................21
         SECTION 3.02.   Denominations.............................................................23

ii

         SECTION 3.03.   Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating............................23
         SECTION 3.04.   Temporary Securities......................................................25
         SECTION 3.05.   Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange.......................25
         SECTION 3.06.   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities..........................27
         SECTION 3.07.   Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved............................28
         SECTION 3.08.   Persons Deemed Owners.....................................................29
         SECTION 3.09.   Cancellation..............................................................29
         SECTION 3.10.   Computation of Interest...................................................30
         SECTION 3.11.   CUSIP Numbers.............................................................30

ARTICLE Four Satisfaction and Discharge............................................................30

         SECTION 4.01.   Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture...................................30
         SECTION 4.02.   Application of Trust Money................................................31

ARTICLE Five Remedies..............................................................................31

         SECTION 5.01.   Events of Default.........................................................31
         SECTION 5.02.   Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment........................33
         SECTION 5.03.   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee...........33
         SECTION 5.04.   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim..........................................34
         SECTION 5.05.   Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities...............35
         SECTION 5.06.   Application of Money Collected............................................35
         SECTION 5.07.   Limitation on Suits.......................................................35
         SECTION 5.08.   Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal,
                         Premium and Interest or to Convert........................................36
         SECTION 5.09.   Restoration of Rights and Remedies........................................36
         SECTION 5.10.   Rights and Remedies Cumulative............................................36
         SECTION 5.11.   Delay or Omission Not Waiver..............................................37
         SECTION 5.12.   Control by Holders........................................................37
         SECTION 5.13.   Waiver of Past Defaults...................................................37
         SECTION 5.14.   Undertaking for Costs.....................................................37
         SECTION 5.15.   Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws...................................38

ARTICLE Six The Trustee............................................................................38

         SECTION 6.01.   Certain Duties and Responsibilities.......................................38
         SECTION 6.02.   Notice of Defaults........................................................38
         SECTION 6.03.   Certain Rights of Trustee.................................................38
         SECTION 6.04.   Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities....................40
         SECTION 6.05.   May Hold Securities.......................................................40
         SECTION 6.06.   Money Held in Trust.......................................................40
         SECTION 6.07.   Compensation and Reimbursement............................................40
         SECTION 6.08.   Conflicting Interests.....................................................41
         SECTION 6.09.   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility...................................41
         SECTION 6.10.   Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.........................41
         SECTION 6.11.   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor....................................43
         SECTION 6.12.   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business...............44
         SECTION 6.13.   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.........................44

iii

         SECTION 6.14.   Appointment of Authenticating Agent.......................................44

ARTICLE Seven Holders' Lists and Reports by Trustee and Company....................................46

         SECTION 7.01.   Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.................46
         SECTION 7.02.   Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders....................46
         SECTION 7.03.   Reports by Trustee........................................................46
         SECTION 7.04.   Reports by Company........................................................47

ARTICLE Eight Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease.................................47

         SECTION 8.01.   Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms......................47
         SECTION 8.02.   Successor Substituted.....................................................48

ARTICLE Nine Supplemental Indentures...............................................................48

         SECTION 9.01.   Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders........................48
         SECTION 9.02.   Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders...........................49
         SECTION 9.03.   Execution of Supplemental Indentures......................................50
         SECTION 9.04.   Effect of Supplemental Indentures.........................................50
         SECTION 9.05.   Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.......................................50
         SECTION 9.06.   Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures........................51
         SECTION 9.07.   Subordination Unimpaired..................................................51

ARTICLE Ten Covenants..............................................................................51

         SECTION 10.01.   Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest...............................51
         SECTION 10.02.   Maintenance of Office or Agency..........................................51
         SECTION 10.03.   Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust........................52
         SECTION 10.04.   Statement by Officers as to Default......................................53
         SECTION 10.05.   Existence................................................................53
         SECTION 10.06.   Maintenance of Properties................................................53
         SECTION 10.07.   Payment of Taxes and Other Claims........................................53
         SECTION 10.08.   Waiver of Certain Covenants..............................................54
         SECTION 10.09.   Calculation of Original Issue Discount...................................54

ARTICLE Eleven Redemption of Securities............................................................54

         SECTION 11.01.   Applicability of Article.................................................54
         SECTION 11.02.   Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee....................................54
         SECTION 11.03.   Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed........................55
         SECTION 11.04.   Notice of Redemption.....................................................55
         SECTION 11.05.   Deposit of Redemption Price..............................................56
         SECTION 11.06.   Securities Payable on Redemption Date....................................56
         SECTION 11.07.   Securities Redeemed in Part..............................................57

ARTICLE Twelve Sinking Funds.......................................................................57

         SECTION 12.01.   Applicability of Article.................................................57
         SECTION 12.02.   Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities....................57

iv

         SECTION 12.03.   Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund................................58

ARTICLE Thirteen Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance................................................58

         SECTION 13.01.   Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.............58
         SECTION 13.02.   Defeasance and Discharge.................................................58
         SECTION 13.03.   Covenant Defeasance......................................................59
         SECTION 13.04.   Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance..........................59
         SECTION 13.05.   Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be
                          Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions..................................61
         SECTION 13.06.   Reinstatement............................................................62

ARTICLE Fourteen Subordination of Securities.......................................................62

         SECTION 14.01.   Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness............................62
         SECTION 14.02.   Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc...........................62
         SECTION 14.03.   Prior Payment to Senior Indebtedness Upon Acceleration of Securities.....63
         SECTION 14.04.   No Payment When Senior Indebtedness in Default...........................64
         SECTION 14.05.   Payment Permitted in Certain Situations..................................64
         SECTION 14.06.   Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness..................65
         SECTION 14.07.   Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights..............................65
         SECTION 14.08.   Trustee to Effectuate Subordination......................................65
         SECTION 14.09.   No Waiver of Subordination Provisions....................................65
         SECTION 14.10.   Notice to Trustee........................................................66
         SECTION 14.11.   Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent...........67
         SECTION 14.12.   Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness
                          or Entitled Persons......................................................67
         SECTION 14.13.   Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness or
                          Entitled Person; Preservation of Trustee's Rights........................67
         SECTION 14.14.   Article Applicable to Paying Agents......................................67
         SECTION 14.15.   Securities to Rank Pari Passu with Existing Subordinated
                          Indebtedness; Payment of Proceeds in Certain Cases.......................68
         SECTION 14.16.   Certain Conversions Deemed Payment.......................................69

ARTICLE Fifteen Conversion of Securities...........................................................70

         SECTION 15.01.   Applicability of Article.................................................70
         SECTION 15.02.   Conversion Privilege and Conversion Price................................70
         SECTION 15.03.   Exercise of Conversion Privilege.........................................70
         SECTION 15.04.   Fractions of Shares......................................................71
         SECTION 15.05.   Adjustment of Conversion Price...........................................71
         SECTION 15.06.   Notice of Adjustments of Conversion Price................................73
         SECTION 15.07.   Notice of Certain Corporate Action.......................................74
         SECTION 15.08.   Company to Reserve Common Stock..........................................74
         SECTION 15.09.   Taxes on Conversions.....................................................75
         SECTION 15.10.   Covenant as to Common Stock..............................................75
         SECTION 15.11.   Cancellation of Converted Securities.....................................75
         SECTION 15.12.   Provisions in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets............75

v

SECTION 15.13.   Responsibility of Trustee................................................76

vi

INDENTURE, dated as of ___________, 2001 between Associated Banc-Corp, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at 1200 Hansen Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304, and The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series thereof, as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

SECTION 1.01. Definitions.

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at the date of such computation;

(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article" or a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and

(5) the words "herein", "hereof" 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.


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"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 1.04.

"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

"Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.14 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

"Bank" means (i) any institution which accepts deposits that the depositor has a legal right to withdraw on demand and engages in the business of making commercial loans, and (ii) any trust company.

"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.

"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument 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.

"Common Stock" includes any stock of any class of the Company that has no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company and that is not subject to redemption by the Company. However, subject to the provisions of Section 15.12, shares issuable on conversion of Securities shall include only shares of the class designated as Common Stock of the Company at the date of this instrument or shares of any class or classes resulting from any reclassification or reclassifications thereof and that have no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company and that are no subject to redemption by the Company; provided that if at any time there shall be more than one such resulting class, the shares of each such class then so issuable shall be substantially in the proportion that the total number of shares of such class resulting from


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all such reclassifications bears to the total number of shares of all such classes resulting from all such reclassifications.

"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 Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Trustee in New York, New York at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which, at the date hereof, is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York, 10286.

"Corporation" means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust.

"Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 13.03.

"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 3.07.

"Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 13.02.

"Depositary" means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by
Section 3.01.

"Entitled Persons" means any Person entitled to payment pursuant to the terms of "Other Financial Obligations."

"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 5.01.

"Excess Proceeds" has the meaning specified in Section 14.15(c).

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

["Existing Subordinated Indebtedness" means the Company's ____ Notes due _________.]

"Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 1.04.

"Final Conversion Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the last day on which such Security shall be convertible into Common Stock.


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"Foreign Government Obligations" has the meaning specified in
Section 13.04.

"Global Security" means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section
2.04 (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities).

"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.

"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and 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, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term "Indenture" shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 3.01.

"Initial Conversion Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the first day on which such Security shall be convertible into Common Stock.

"Initial Conversion Price", when used with respect to any Security, means the price at which the Common Stock shall be delivered upon conversion of such Security, prior to any adjustment of such price as provided herein.

"Interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

"Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

"Junior Securities" has the meaning specified in Section 14.16.

"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.

"Notice of Default" means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 5.01(4).

"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 10.04 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.


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"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, and who shall be acceptable to the Trustee.

"Other Financial Obligations" means, unless otherwise determined with respect to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 3.01, whether outstanding on the date of the indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, all obligations of the Company to make payment pursuant to the terms of financial instruments such as (i) securities contracts and foreign currency exchange contracts, (ii) derivative instruments, such as swap agreements (including interest rate and foreign exchange rate swap agreements), cap agreements, floor agreements, collar agreements, interest rate agreements, foreign exchange rate agreements, options, commodity futures contracts and commodity options contracts and (iii) financial instruments similar to those set forth in (i) or (ii) above; provided, however, that Other Financial Obligations shall not include (A) obligations on account of Senior Indebtedness and (B) obligations on account of indebtedness for money borrowed ranking pari passu with or subordinate to the Securities, including, without limitation, Existing Subordinated Indebtedness.

"Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.02.

"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

(1) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(2) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 13.02; and

(4) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 3.06 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the


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principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 5.02, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 3.01, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 3.01, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 3.01.

"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.06 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.


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"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 as contemplated by Section 3.01.

"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any vice president, any assistant secretary, any assistant treasurer, any trust officer or assistant trust officer or any other officer in the corporate trust department of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

"Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

"Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 3.05.

"Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on (a) all indebtedness of the Company (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by the Company), other than the Securities and obligations on account of Existing Subordinated Indebtedness whether outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, which is (i) for money borrowed or (ii) evidenced by a note or similar instrument given in connection with the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets of any kind, and (b) amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications or refundings of any such indebtedness, unless in any case in the instrument creating or evidencing any such indebtedness or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such indebtedness is not superior in right of payment to the Securities or is to rank pari passu with or subordinate to the Securities.

"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.07.

"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

"Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.


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"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.

"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

"U.S. Government Obligation" has the meaning specified in Section 13.04.

"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president".

SECTION 1.02. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 10.04) shall include,

(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

(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 each such individual, 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, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

SECTION 1.03. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

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


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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 may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or 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 stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

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, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

SECTION 1.04. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly 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. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 6.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.

(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered


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to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

(e) The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series, provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06.

(f) The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default,
(ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 5.02, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 5.07(2) or
(iv) any direction referred to in Section 3.05(2) or Section 5.12, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company's expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in


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writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06.

(g) With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which sets such record dates may designate any day as the "Expiration Date" and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 90th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 90th day after the applicable record date.

(h) Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.

SECTION 1.05. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Trustee Administration.

(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

SECTION 1.06. Notice to Holders; Waiver.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be


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the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

SECTION 1.07. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act which is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

SECTION 1.08. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

SECTION 1.09. Successors and Assigns.

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

SECTION 1.10. Separability Clause.

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 1.11. Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

SECTION 1.12. Governing Law.

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

SECTION 1.13. Legal Holidays.

In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security or the last date on which a Holder has the right to convert his Securities shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this


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Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) or conversion of the Securities need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity, or on such last day for conversion, provided that no interest shall accrue with respect to such payment for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

ARTICLE TWO

SECURITY FORMS

SECTION 2.01. Forms Generally.

The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article, or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 3.03 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

SECTION 2.02. Form of Face of Security.

[Insert any legend required by the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.] THIS NOTE IS NOT A DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BANK INSURANCE FUND, THE SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP


CUSIP No. ________

No. _______ $ ________

Associated Banc-Corp, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Wisconsin (herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person under the


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Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to _____________, or registered assigns, the principal sum of ___________ Dollars on ________________ [if the Security is to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- , and to pay interest thereon from ___________ or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on ___________ and ___________ in each year, commencing ___________ at the rate of ___% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [if applicable, insert -- , provided that any principal and premium, and any such installment of interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of ___% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand]. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the _______ or _______ (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture].

[If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal and any overdue premium shall bear interest at the rate of ___% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal or premium shall be payable on demand. [Any such interest on overdue principal or premium which is not paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate of ___% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest on interest shall be legally enforceable), from the date of such demand until the amount so demanded is paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue interest shall be payable on demand.]]

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and [if applicable, insert -- any such] interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in ___________ in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts [if applicable, insert -- ; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register].

[Interest on this Security shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.]


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Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated:

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

By_____________________

Attest:


SECTION 2.03. Form of Reverse of Security.

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of ___________ (herein called the "Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof [, limited in aggregate principal amount to [$] ___________].

[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, [if applicable, insert --
(1) on ___________ in any year commencing with the year ____ and ending with the year ____ through operation of the sinking fund for this series at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [if applicable, insert -- on or after _______, ____], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert -- on or before ___________, ____%, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning ___________ of the years indicated,

                          Redemption                                           Redemption
Year                        Price                        Year                    Price
----                      ----------                     ----                  ----------


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and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to___% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption [if applicable, insert -- (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]

[If applicable, insert -- Subject to and in compliance with the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security is entitled, at his option, at any time on or after the opening of business on the Initial Conversion Date and on or before the close of business on the Final Conversion Date, or in case this Security or a portion hereof is called for redemption, then in respect of this Security or such portion hereof until and including, but (unless the Company defaults in making the payment due upon redemption) not after, the close of business on the Redemption Date, to convert this Security (or any portion of the principal amount hereof which is $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof), at the principal amount hereof, or of such portion, into fully paid and non-assessable shares (calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100 of a share) of Common Stock of the Company at the Initial Conversion Price (or at the current adjusted conversion price if an adjustment has been made as provided in the Indenture) by surrender of this Security, duly endorsed or assigned to the Company or in blank, to the Company at its office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, accompanied by written notice to the Company that the Holder hereof elects to convert this Security, or if less than the entire principal amount hereof is to be converted, the portion hereof to be converted, and, in case such surrender shall be made during the period from the close of business on any Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date (unless this Security or the portion thereof being converted has been called for redemption on a Redemption Date within such period), also accompanied by payment in New York Clearing House or other funds acceptable to the Company of an amount equal to the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date on the principal amount of this Security then being converted. Subject to the aforesaid requirement for payment in the case of a conversion after the Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, to the right of the Holder of this Security (or any Predecessor Security) of record at such Regular Record Date to receive an installment of interest (with certain exceptions provided in the Indenture), no payment or adjustment is to be made on conversion for interest accrued hereon or for dividends on the Common Stock issued on conversion. No fractions of shares or scrip representing fractions of shares will be issued on conversion, but instead of any fractional interest the Company shall pay a cash adjustment as provided in the Indenture. The conversion price is subject to adjustment as provided in the Indenture. In addition, the Indenture provides that in case of certain consolidations or mergers to which the Company is a party or the transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Indenture shall be amended, without the consent of any Holders of Securities, so that this Security, if then outstanding, will be convertible thereafter, during the period this Security shall be convertible as specified above, only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon the consolidation, merger or transfer by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which this Security might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer (assuming such holder of Common Stock failed to exercise any rights of election and received per share the kind and amount received per share by a plurality of non-electing shares), assuming, if such consolidation, merger or transfer is prior to the Initial Conversion Date, that is Security were convertible at the time of such consolidation, merger or transfer at the Initial Conversion Price


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specified above as adjusted from the date of establishment of the Initial Conversion Price to such time pursuant to the Indenture.]

[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, (1) on _______ in any year commencing with the year .... and ending with the year ____ through operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices for redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [if applicable, insert -- on or after _______.], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below: If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning _______ of the years indicated,

                                       Redemption Price                    Redemption Price For
                                        For Redemption                     Redemption Otherwise
                                      Through Operation                   Than Through Operation
Year                                 of the Sinking Fund                    of the Sinking Fund
----                                 -------------------                  ----------------------

and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to ___% of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]

[If applicable, insert -- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to _______, redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [if applicable, insert -- Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than ___% per annum.]

[If applicable, insert -- The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption on _______ in each year beginning with the year ____ and ending with the year ____ of [if applicable, insert -- not less than $_______ ("mandatory sinking fund") and not more than] $_______ aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series. Securities of this series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent [if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to be made [if applicable, insert -- , in the inverse order in which they become due].]


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[If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert -- In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]

The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by his acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the manner set forth in Article Fourteen of the Indenture, the indebtedness represented by the Securities and the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on each and all of the Securities are hereby expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness and Other Financial Obligations.

[If applicable, insert -- The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of [the entire indebtedness of this Security] [or]
[certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security] [, in each case] upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to -- insert formula for determining the amount. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in


19

the coin or currency, herein prescribed. [If applicable, insert - or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.]

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $_______ and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

SECTION 2.04. Form of Legend for Global Securities.

Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

SECTION 2.05. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.

The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:


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This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:_____________

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
As Trustee

By ______________________
Authorized Signatory

ARTICLE THREE

THE SECURITIES

SECTION 3.01. 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 in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 3.03, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers' Certificate, or established in 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 Securities of any other series);

(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, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 9.06 or 11.07 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 3.03, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;

(4) the date or dates on which the principal of any Securities of the series is payable;


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(5) the rate or rates at which any Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;

(6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable;

(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(9) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(10) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(11) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of "Outstanding" in Section 1.01;

(12) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined);

(13) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.02;

(14) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated


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Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined);

(15) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 13.02 or
Section 13.03 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;

(16) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 2.04 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Clause (2) of the last paragraph of Section 3.05 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;

(17) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 5.02;

(18) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to Securities of the series; and

(19) if applicable, that the Securities of the series shall be convertible pursuant to Article Fifteen, and the Initial Conversion Price, the Initial Conversion Date, the Final Conversion Date and any other terms relating to the conversion of the Securities as provided herein; and

(20) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 9.01(5)).

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 3.03) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto. All securities of any one series need not be issued at one time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional securities of such series.

Unless otherwise specifically provided with respect to the Securities of a series, at the option of the Company, interest on the Securities of any series that bears interest may be paid by mailing a check to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

If any of the terms of the 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 Secretary or


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an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers' Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.

SECTION 3.02. Denominations.

The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 3.01. In the absence of any such specified denomination with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

SECTION 3.03. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

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 to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 3.01, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 6.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,

(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 2.01, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 3.01, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(3) that such Securities, 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 valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; and


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(4) that all laws and requirements in respect of the execution and delivery by the Company of such Securities have been complied with.

If such form 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 this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.01 and of the 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 Officers' Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 3.01 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

No Security 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 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. 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 3.09, 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 3.04. Temporary Securities.

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.


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SECTION 3.05. Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange 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 with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 3.04, 9.06 or 11.07 not involving any transfer.

If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any such Securities selected for redemption under Section 11.03 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.

The provisions of Clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) below shall apply only to Global Securities:


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(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or an event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default with respect to such Global Security and Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the series of Securities represented by such Global Security shall have made written request to the Trustee, (C) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable, or (D) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for this purpose as contemplated by Section 3.01.

(3) Subject to Clause (2) above, any exchange of a Global Security for other Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.

(4) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 3.04, 3.06, 9.06 or 11.07 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.

SECTION 3.06. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.


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In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, 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 (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

SECTION 3.07. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of


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the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 1.06, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series 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.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

SECTION 3.08. Persons Deemed Owners.

Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 3.07) any interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

In the case of any convertible Security which is converted after any Regular Record Date and on or prior to the next succeeding Interest Payment Date (other than any Security whose Maturity is prior to such Interest Payment Date), interest whose Stated Maturity is on such Interest Payment Date shall be payable on such Interest Payment Date notwithstanding such conversion, and such interest (whether or not punctually paid or duly provided for) shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the immediately preceding sentence, in the case of any convertible Security which is converted, interest whose Stated Maturity is after the date of conversion of such Security shall not be payable.

No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on such holder's behalf by a Depositary shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to such Global Security, and such Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee, and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall impair, as between a Depositary and such holders of beneficial interests, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the Depositary as Holder of any Security.


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SECTION 3.09. Cancellation.

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or conversion or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures.

SECTION 3.10. Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 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 3.11. 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 notice of redemption 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 and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the "CUSIP" numbers.

ARTICLE FOUR

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 4.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of conversion, registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

(1) either

(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.06 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by


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the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 10.03) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

(i) have become due and payable, or

(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

(iii) 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, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 6.07, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 6.14 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 4.02 and the last paragraph of Section 10.03 shall survive.

SECTION 4.02. Application of Trust Money.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.03, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the 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 Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee. All monies deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 (and held by it or the Paying Agent) for the payment of Securities subsequently converted shall be returned to the Company upon Company Request.


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ARTICLE FIVE

REMEDIES

SECTION 5.01. Events of Default.

"Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be occasioned by the provisions of Article Fourteen or be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series at its Maturity; or

(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series and a continuance of such default for a period of 5 days; or

(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

(5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

(6) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an


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involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or

(7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.

SECTION 5.02. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default specified in Section 5.01(5) or 5.01 (6) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.

At any time after such acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such acceleration and its consequences if

(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay

(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,

(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,

(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and

(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel;

and

(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.13.


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No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 5.03. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Company covenants that if

(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days,

(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof, or

(3) default is made in the making or satisfaction of any sinking fund payment or analogous obligation when the same becomes due pursuant to the terms of any Security and such default continues for 5 days,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

If the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

SECTION 5.04. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized

(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (and premium, if any) and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities in accordance with the terms


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thereof 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 the reasonable compensation, expense, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

(ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, if the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to the Trustee for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.07.

No provision of this Indenture 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; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or other similar committee.

SECTION 5.05. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

SECTION 5.06. Application of Money Collected.

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

First: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.07; and

Second: Subject to Article Fourteen, to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or


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priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively.

SECTION 5.07. Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.

SECTION 5.08. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest or to Convert.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 3.07) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and, if applicable, to convert such Security in accordance with Article Fifteen, to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and right to convert, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

SECTION 5.09. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall


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be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

SECTION 5.10. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of
Section 3.06, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

SECTION 5.11. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

SECTION 5.12. Control by Holders.

The Holders of a majority in 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 that

(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and

(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

SECTION 5.13. Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of not less than a majority in 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 or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.


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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; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 5.14. Undertaking for Costs.

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, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, including legal fees and expenses, and may assess costs against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company or the Trustee.

SECTION 5.15. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.

The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

ARTICLE SIX

THE TRUSTEE

SECTION 6.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. 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.

SECTION 6.02. Notice of Defaults.

If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, the Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 5.01(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.


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SECTION 6.03. Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to the provisions of Section 6.01:

(1) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

(3) 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, rely upon an Officers' Certificate;

(4) 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, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(6) 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, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness 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, personally or by agent or attorney;

(7) 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 with due care by it hereunder;

(8) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;


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(9) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof of unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture, unless the Trustee has received notice of such default or Event of Default pursuant to Section 10.04 hereof;

(10) 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

(11) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers' Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers' Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers' Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

SECTION 6.04. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

SECTION 6.05. May Hold Securities.

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 6.08 and 6.13, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.

SECTION 6.06. Money Held in Trust.

Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

SECTION 6.07. Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Company agrees

(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed in writing between the Company and the Trustee 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);


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(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and

(3) to indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the Trustee) incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether against the Company, a Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

The Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities as to all property and funds held by it hereunder for any amount owing it or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.07, except with respect to 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 specified in Section 5.01(5) or Section 5.01(6), 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 Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.

The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture.

SECTION 6.08. Conflicting Interests.

If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture.

SECTION 6.09. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and has its Corporate Trust Office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.


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SECTION 6.10. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 6.11.

(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 6.11 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Company, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of removal, the Trustee being removed may petition, at the expense of the Company, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(d) If at any time:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 6.08 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 6.09 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or

(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed 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, (A) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to
Section 5.14, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security 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 with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one


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Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 6.11. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 6.11, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 6.11, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 1.06. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 6.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

(b) 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 retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3)


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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; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.

(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

SECTION 6.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

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 all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. 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 6.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), 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).

SECTION 6.14. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer, partial conversion or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.06, and Securities so


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authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 1.06 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:


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This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
As Trustee

By________________________,
As Authenticating Agent

By________________________
Authorized Officer


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ARTICLE SEVEN

HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

SECTION 7.01. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee

(1) semi-annually, not later than 10 calendar days after each Regular Record Date in each year, a list for each series of Securities, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of each series as of the preceding Regular Record Date, and

(2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;

excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar.

SECTION 7.02. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 7.01 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 7.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either 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 7.03. Reports by 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. To the extent that any such report is required by the Trust Indenture Act with respect to any 12 month period, such report shall cover the 12 month period ending July 15 and shall be transmitted by the next succeeding September 15.

(b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will promptly notify the


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Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

SECTION 7.04. Reports by Company.

The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with 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 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 Officers' Certificates).

ARTICLE EIGHT

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

SECTION 8.01. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Company shall not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:

(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed and, if applicable, shall have provided for conversion rights in accordance with Section 15.11;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary 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


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(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, 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.

SECTION 8.02. Successor Substituted.

Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with
Section 8.01, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged 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 under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company 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 NINE

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 9.01. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or

(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or

(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; or


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(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or

(6) to secure the Securities; or

(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 3.01; or

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to 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, pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.11;

(9) to make provision with respect to the conversion rights of Holders pursuant to the requirements of Section 15.12, if applicable; or

(10) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this clause (10) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect.

SECTION 9.02. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may 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 modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,

(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.02, or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or 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), or modify the provisions of this Indenture with respect to the subordination of the Securities


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in a manner adverse to the Holders, or adversely affect the right to convert any Security as provided in Article Fifteen (except as permitted by Section 9.01(9), or

(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or

(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 5.13 or
Section 10.08, 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 and Section 10.08, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 6.11 and 9.01(8).

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.

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

SECTION 9.03. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 6.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

SECTION 9.04. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

SECTION 9.05. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.


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SECTION 9.06. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

SECTION 9.07. Subordination Unimpaired.

No provision in any supplemental indenture that affects the superior position of the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be effective against holders of Senior Indebtedness. Notwithstanding any provision in this Indenture or otherwise, the rights of Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations under this Indenture and otherwise in respect of the Securities or any series of the Securities may, at any time and from time to time, be modified in any respect or eliminated without the consent of any Entitled Person in respect of Other Financial Obligations.

ARTICLE TEN

COVENANTS

SECTION 10.01. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.

SECTION 10.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

(a) The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, where convertible securities may be surrendered for conversion and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

(b) 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


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manner relieve the Company of its obligation 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.

SECTION 10.03. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.

If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

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 or any premium or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will (1) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series.

The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a


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date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.

SECTION 10.04. Statement by Officers as to Default.

The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers' Certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as possible and in any event within five days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, an Officers' Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or default and the action which the Company proposes to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 10.05. Existence.

Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 10.06. Maintenance of Properties

The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 10.07. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.

The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however,


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that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

SECTION 10.08. Waiver of Certain Covenants.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 3.01(18), 9.01(2) or 9.01(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series or in any of Sections 10.05 to 10.07 inclusive if before the time for such compliance the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10.09. Calculation of Original Issue Discount.

The Company shall file with the Trustee promptly at the end of each calendar year (i) a written notice specifying the amount of original issue discount (including daily rates and accrual periods) accrued on Outstanding Securities as of the end of such year and (ii) such other specific information relating to such original issue discount as may then be relevant under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 11.01. Applicability of Article.

Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities) in accordance with this Article.

SECTION 11.02. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of the Securities of any series (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.


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SECTION 11.03. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.

If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of a specified tenor are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (but subject to compliance with the rules of any securities exchange on which the securities of such series may be listed) and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence. If any convertible Security selected for partial redemption is converted in part before termination of the conversion right with respect to the portion of the Security so selected, the converted portion of such Security shall be deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Convertible Securities which have been converted during a selection of Securities to be redeemed shall be treated by the Trustee as Outstanding for the purposes of such selection.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, 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 amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

SECTION 11.04. Notice of Redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the Security Register.

All notices of redemption shall identify the Securities to be redeemed (including CUSIP number) and shall state:

(1) the Redemption Date,

(2) the Redemption Price,

(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed,


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(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,

(5) the conversion price, the date on which the right to convert the Securities to be redeemed will terminate and the place or places where such Securities may be surrendered for conversion,

(6) the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, and

(7) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case.

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

SECTION 11.05. Deposit of Redemption Price.

Prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 10.03) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date other than any convertible Securities called for redemption on that date which have been converted prior to the date of such deposit.

If any convertible Security called for redemption is converted, any money deposited with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent or so segregated and held in trust for the redemption of such Security shall (subject to any right of the Holder of such Security or any Predecessor Security to receive interest as provided in the last paragraph of Section 3.07) be paid to the Company upon Company Request or, if then held by the Company, shall be discharged from such trust.

SECTION 11.06. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 3.07.


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If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

SECTION 11.07. Securities Redeemed in Part.

Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (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), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

ARTICLE TWELVE

SINKING FUNDS

SECTION 12.01. Applicability of Article.

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities.

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of any Securities is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such Securities is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 12.02. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities as provided for by the terms of such Securities.

SECTION 12.02. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities of a series which have been converted pursuant to Article Fifteen or which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.


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SECTION 12.03. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to
Section 12.02 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 45 days prior to each such sinking fund payment date, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 11.03 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 11.04. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 11.06 and 11.07.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

SECTION 13.01. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 13.02 or Section 13.03 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, designated pursuant to Section 3.01 as being defeasible pursuant to such Section 13.02 or 13.03, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 3.01 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities.

SECTION 13.02. Defeasance and Discharge.

Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations, and the provisions of Article Fourteen shall cease to be effective, with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 13.04 are satisfied (hereinafter called "Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have satisfied all its 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), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of such Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 13.04 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities when payments are due, (2) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 10.02 and 10.03, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and
(4) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 13.03 applied to such Securities.


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SECTION 13.03. Covenant Defeasance.

Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under any Section applicable to such Securities that are determined pursuant to Section 3.01 to be subject to this provision), (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 5.01(4) (with respect to any Section applicable to such Securities that are determined pursuant to Section 3.01 to be subject to this provision) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default and (3) the provisions of Article Fourteen shall cease to be effective, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in
Section 13.04 are satisfied (hereinafter called "Covenant Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities, the Company may omit to comply with (and no Event of Default shall arise out of such non-compliance) with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section or Article, whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to 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, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.

SECTION 13.04. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The following shall be the conditions to the application of Section 13.02 or Section 13.03 to any securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:

(1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements contemplated by Section 6.09 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this Article 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 benefits of the Holders of such Securities, (A) in the case of Securities denominated in a foreign currency, money in such foreign currency or Foreign Government Obligations of the foreign government or governments issuing such foreign currency which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, such foreign currency in an amount or (B) in the case of Securities denominated in U.S. dollars, U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, U.S. dollars in an amount, or (C) a combination of money and U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations (as applicable), in each case 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 any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Securities. As used herein, "U.S. Government Obligation" means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of


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which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in
Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, 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 depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt. As used herein, "Foreign Government Obligation" means any security denominated in a foreign currency which is (i) a direct obligation of a foreign government or governments for the payment of which the full faith and credit of such foreign government or governments is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of such foreign government or governments the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such foreign government, which, in either case (i) or (ii) is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.

(2) In the event of an election to have Section 13.02 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that
(x) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (y) since the date of this instrument, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (x) or (y) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.

(3) In the event of an election to have Section 13.03 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.

(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate to the effect that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.

(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other Securities shall have occurred and be continuing (A) at the time of such deposit or, (B) with regard to any such event specified in Sections 5.01(5) and (6), at any time during the period ending on the 123rd day after the date of such deposit or, if longer, ending on the day following the


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expiration of the longest preference period applicable to the Company in respect of such deposit (it being understood that the condition in this clause (B) is a condition subsequent and shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).

(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).

(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.

(9) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

SECTION 13.05. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.03, all money, U.S. Government Obligations and Foreign Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 13.06, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively as the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 13.04 in respect of any Securities 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 such 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 and any premium and interest, but money so held in trust need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Money, U.S. Government Obligations and Foreign Government Obligations so held in trust shall not be subject to the provisions of Article Fourteen.

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations or the Foreign 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 Outstanding Securities.

Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or U.S. Government Obligations or the Foreign Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 13.04 with respect to any Securities 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


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excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to such Securities.

SECTION 13.06. Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or released pursuant to Section 13.02 or 13.03 shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 13.05 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.

ARTICLE FOURTEEN

SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 14.01. Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness.

The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by his acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article, the indebtedness represented by the Securities and the payment of the principal of (and premium, of any) and interest on each and all of the Securities are hereby expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness and, to the extent set forth in Section 14.15, of all Other Financial Obligations.

SECTION 14.02. Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.

In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to the Company or to its creditors, as such, or to its assets, or (b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of the Company, then and in any such event the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness, or provision shall be made for such payment in money or money's worth, before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive any payment on account of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Securities, and to that end the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the Securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the Securities in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up or event.


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In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Trustee or the Holder of any Security shall have received any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the Securities, before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full or payment thereof provided for, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment or distribution, have been made known to the Trustee or, as the case may be, such Holder, then and in such event such payment or distribution shall be paid over or delivered forthwith to the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee, agent or other Person making payment or distribution of assets of the Company for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior Indebtedness.

For purposes of this Article only, the words "cash, property or securities" shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Company as reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment which are subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness which may at the time be outstanding to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article. The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the Company into, another Person or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company following the conveyance or transfer of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another Person upon the terms and conditions set forth in Article Eight shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or marshalling of assets and liabilities of the Company for the purposes of this Section if the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer such properties and assets substantially as an entirety, as the case may be, shall, as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with the conditions set forth in Article Eight.

SECTION 14.03. Prior Payment to Senior Indebtedness Upon Acceleration of Securities.

In the event that any Securities are declared due and payable before their Stated Maturity, then and in such event the holders of Senior Indebtedness outstanding at the time such Securities become so due and payable shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness or provision shall be made for such payment in money or money's worth, before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive any payment (including any payment which may be payable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the Securities) by the Company on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the satisfaction of any sinking fund payment in accordance with Article Twelve by delivering and crediting pursuant to Section 12.02 Securities which have been acquired (upon redemption or otherwise) prior to such declaration of acceleration.

In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment, have been made known to the


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Trustee or, as the case may be, such Holder, then and in such event such payment shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to the Company.

The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any payment with respect to which Section 14.02 would be applicable.

SECTION 14.04. No Payment When Senior Indebtedness in Default.

(a) In the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Indebtedness beyond any applicable grace period with respect thereto, or in the event that any event of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness shall have occurred and be continuing permitting the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of the holders thereof) to declare such Senior Indebtedness due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, unless and until such event of default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist and such acceleration shall have been rescinded or annulled, or (b) in the event any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default in payment or event of default, then no payment (including any payment which may be payable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the Securities) shall be made by the Company on account of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the satisfaction of any sinking fund payment in accordance with Article Twelve by delivering and crediting pursuant to Section 12.02 Securities which have been acquired (upon redemption or otherwise) prior to such default in payment or event of default.

In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment, have been made known to the Trustee or, as the case may be, such Holder, then and in such event such payment shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to the Company.

The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any payment with respect to which Section 14.02 would be applicable.

SECTION 14.05. Payment Permitted in Certain Situations.

Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall prevent (a) the Company, at any time except during the pendency of any case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up, assignment for the benefit of creditors or other marshalling of assets and liabilities of the Company referred to in Section 14.02 or under the conditions described in Section 14.03 or 14.04, from making payments at any time of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities or (b) the application by the Trustee of any money deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of any series or the retention of such payment by the Holder, if, at the time of such application by the Trustee, it did not have actual knowledge that such payment would have been prohibited by the provisions of this Article.


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SECTION 14.06. Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness.

Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Securities shall be subrogated to the extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of this Article to the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments and distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the Senior Indebtedness until the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities shall be paid in full. For purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to which the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article, and no payments over pursuant to the provisions of this Article to the holders of Senior Indebtedness by Holders of the Securities or the Trustee, shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of the Securities, be deemed to be a payment or distribution by the Company to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness.

SECTION 14.07. Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.

The provisions of this Article are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities on the one hand and the holders of Senior Indebtedness (and, in the case of Section 14.15, Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations) on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall (a) impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and other than Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations and the Holders of the Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional (and which, subject to the rights under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness and Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations, is intended to rank equally with all other general obligations of the Company), to pay to the Holders of the Securities the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms; or (b) affect the relative rights against the Company of the Holders of the Securities and creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness and Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations; or (c) prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness and under Section 14.15 of Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations, to receive cash, property and securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder.

SECTION 14.08. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.

Each Holder of a Security by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

SECTION 14.09. No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.

No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any


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act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any non-compliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.

Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the holders of Senior Indebtedness (and Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations) may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of the Securities and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article or the obligations hereunder of the Holders of the Securities to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and Entitled Persons, in respect of Other Financial Obligations, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Indebtedness or Other Financial Obligations, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Indebtedness or Other Financial Obligations or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Indebtedness is or Other Financial Obligations are outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Indebtedness or Other Financial Obligations; (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection of Senior Indebtedness or Other Financial Obligations; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any other Person.

SECTION 14.10. Notice to Trustee.

The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities, unless and until the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or a holder of Senior Indebtedness or from any trustee therefor or from any Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations; and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 6.01, shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if the Trustee shall not have receive the notice provided for in this Section at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any money may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or interest on any security) then notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such money and to apply the same to the purpose for which such money was received and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary which may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date.

Subject to the provisions of Section 6.01, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee therefor) or an Entitled Person in respect of Other Financial Obligations to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee therefor) or an Entitled Person in respect of Other Financial Obligations. In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness or an Entitled Person in respect of Other Financial Obligations to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may


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request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness or other Financial Obligations held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.

SECTION 14.11. Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.

Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 6.01, and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up or similar case or proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company and the Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article.

SECTION 14.12. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness or Entitled Persons.

The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations and shall not be liable to any such holders or creditors if it shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness or Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise.

SECTION 14.13. Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness or Entitled Person; Preservation of Trustee's Rights.

The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it and with respect to any Other Financial Obligations owed to the Trustee as an Entitled Person, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness or Entitled Person in respect of Other Financial Obligations, as the case may be, and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder or Entitled Person.

Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 6.07.

SECTION 14.14. Article Applicable to Paying Agents.

In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and including such


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Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that Section 14.13 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.

SECTION 14.15. Securities to Rank Pari Passu with Existing Subordinated Indebtedness; Payment of Proceeds in Certain Cases.

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section and to any provisions established or determined with respect to Securities of any series pursuant to Section 3.01, the Securities shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all other Securities and the Existing Subordinated Indebtedness.

(b) Upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in clauses
(a), (b) and (c) of the first paragraph of Section 14.02, the provisions of that Section to determine the amount of cash, property or securities which may be payable or deliverable as between the holders of Senior Indebtedness, on the one hand, and the Holders of Securities, on the other hand.

(c) If, after giving effect to the provisions of Section 14.02 and
Section 14.06, any amount of cash, property or securities shall be available for payment or distribution in respect of the Securities ("Excess Proceeds"), and any Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations shall not have received payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of such Other Financial Obligations (and provision shall not have been made for such payment in money or money's worth), then such Excess Proceeds shall first be applied (ratably with any amount of cash, property or securities available for payment or distribution in respect of any other indebtedness of the Company that by its express terms provides for the payment over of amounts corresponding to Excess Proceeds to Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations) to pay or provide for the payment of the Other Financial Obligations remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all Other Financial Obligations in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations. Any Excess Proceeds remaining after the payment (or provision for payment) in full of all Other Financial Obligations shall be available for payment or distribution in respect of the Securities.

(d) In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of subsection (c) of this Section, after the occurrence of any of the events specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of the first paragraph of
Section 14.02, the Trustee or Holder of any Security shall have received any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, before Senior Indebtedness and all Other Financial Obligations are paid in full or payment thereof duly provided for, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment or distribution, have been made known to the Trustee or, as the case may be, such Holder, then and in such event, subject to any obligation that the Trustee or such Holder may have pursuant to Section 14.02, such payment or distribution shall be paid over or delivered forthwith to the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee, agent or other Person making payment or distribution of assets of the Company for payment in accordance with subsection (c).


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(e) Subject to the payment in full of all Other Financial Obligations, the Holders of the Securities shall be subrogated (equally and ratably with the holders of all indebtedness of the Company that by its express terms provides for the payment over of amounts corresponding to Excess Proceeds to Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations and is entitled to like rights of subrogation) to the extent of the payments or distributions made to Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) of this Section to the rights of the Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations to receive payments and distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the Other Financial Obligations until the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities shall be paid in full. For purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations of any cash, property or securities to which Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Section, and no payments over pursuant to the provisions of this Section to Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations by Holders of Securities or the Trustee, shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations and the Holders of Securities be deemed to be a payment or distribution by the Company to or on account of the Other Financial Obligations.

(f) The provisions of subsections (c), (d) and (e) of this Section are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities, on the one hand, and the Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations, on the other hand, after giving effect to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness, as provided in this Article. Nothing contained in subsections (c), (d) and (e) of this Section is intended to or shall affect the relative rights against the Company of the Holders of the Securities and creditors of the Company other than Entitled Persons in respect of Other Financial Obligations.

SECTION 14.16. Certain Conversions Deemed Payment.

For purposes of this Article only, the issuance and delivery of junior securities upon conversion of Securities in accordance with Article Fifteen shall not be deemed to constitute a payment or distribution on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities, and (2) the payment, issuance or delivery of cash, property or securities (other than junior securities) upon conversion of a security shall be deemed to constitute payment on account of the principal of such Securities. For purposes of this Section, the term "junior securities" means (a) shares of any stock of any class of the Company and (b) securities of the Company which are subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness and Other Financial Obligations which may be outstanding at the time of issuance or delivery of such securities to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article. Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of the Securities, the right, which is absolute and unconditional, of the Holder of any convertible Security to convert such Security in accordance with Article Fifteen.


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ARTICLE FIFTEEN

CONVERSION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 15.01. Applicability of Article.

The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 15.02 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, designated pursuant to Section 3.01 as being convertible into Common Stock of the Company pursuant to such Section 15.02, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 3.01 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for such Securities.

SECTION 15.02. Conversion Privilege and Conversion Price.

Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this Article, at the option of the Holder thereof, any Security or any portion of the principal amount thereof which is an integral multiple of the authorized denomination thereof may be converted at the principal amount thereof, or of such portion thereof, into fully paid and nonassessable shares (calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100 of a share) of Common Stock of the Company, at the conversion price for Securities of such series, determined as hereinafter provided, in effect at the time of conversion. Such conversion right shall commence at the opening of business on the Initial Conversion Date and expire at the close of business on the Final Conversion Date. In case a Security or portion thereof is called for redemption, such conversion right in respect of the Security or portion so called shall expire at the close of business on the Redemption Date, unless the Company defaults in making the payment due upon redemption.

The price at which shares of Common Stock shall be delivered upon conversion of Securities of a series (herein called the "conversion price" for Securities of such series) shall be initially the Initial Conversion Price for Securities of such series per share of Common Stock. The conversion price shall be adjusted in certain instances as provided in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4) and (7) of Section 15.05.

SECTION 15.03. Exercise of Conversion Privilege.

In order to exercise the conversion privilege, the Holder of any Security to be converted shall surrender such Security, duly endorsed or assigned to the Company or in blank, at any office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose pursuant to Section 10.02, accompanied by written notice to the Company at such office or agency that the Holder elects to convert such Security or, if less than the entire principal amount thereof is to be converted, the portion thereof to be converted. Securities surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date to the opening of business on such Interest Payment Date shall (except in the case of Securities or portions thereof which have been called for redemption on a Redemption Date within such period) be accompanied by payment in legal tender or other funds acceptable to the Company of an amount equal to the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date on the principal amount of Securities being surrendered for conversion. Except as provided in the preceding sentence and subject to the last paragraph of Section 3.07, no payment or adjustment shall be made upon any


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conversion on account of any interest accrued on the Securities surrendered for conversion or on account of any dividends on the Common Stock issued upon conversion.

Securities shall be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to the close of business on the day of surrender of such Securities for conversion in accordance with the foregoing provisions, and at such time the rights of the Holders of such Securities as Holders shall cease, and the Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Stock issuable upon conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Stock at such time. As promptly as practicable on or after the conversion date, the Company shall issue and shall deliver at such office or agency a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion, together with payment in lieu of any fraction of a share, as provided in Section 15.04.

In the case of any Security of a series which is converted in part only, upon such conversion the Company 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 such series of authorized denominations in aggregate principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of the principal amount of such Security.

SECTION 15.04. Fractions of Shares.

No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of Securities. If more than one Security of a series shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same Holder, the number of full shares which shall be issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series (or specified portions thereof) so surrendered. Instead of any fractional share of Common Stock which would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Security or Securities (or specified portion thereof), the Company shall pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fraction in an amount equal (computed to the nearest cent) to the same fraction of the market price per share of Common Stock (as determined by the Board of Directors or in any manner prescribed by the Board of Directors) at the close of business on the day of conversion.

SECTION 15.05. Adjustment of Conversion Price.

(1) In case at any time after the date of establishment of the Initial Conversion Price with respect to Securities of a series the Company shall pay or make a dividend or other distribution in shares of Common Stock on any class of capital stock of the Company, the conversion price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or other distribution shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination and the denominator shall be the sum of such number of shares and the total number of shares constituting such dividend or other distribution, such reduction to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination. For the purposes of this paragraph, the number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury of the Company. The Company will not pay any dividend or make any distribution on shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.


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(2) In case at any time after the date of establishment of the Initial Conversion Price with respect to Securities of a series the Company shall issue rights or warrants to all holders of its Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than the current market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (6) of this Section) of the Common Stock on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, the conversion price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate of the offering price of the total number of shares of Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at such current market price and the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the dated fixed for such determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase, such reduction to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such determination. For the purposes of this paragraph (2), the number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the treasury of the Company. The Company will not issue any rights or warrants in respect of shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.

(3) In case at any time after the date of establishment of the Initial Conversion Price with respect to Securities of a series outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subdivided into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the conversion price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, and, conversely, in case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall each be combined into a smaller number of shares of Common Stock, the conversion price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such combination becomes effective shall be proportionately increased, such reduction or increase, as the case may be, to become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision or combination becomes effective.

(4) In case at any time after the date of establishment of the Initial Conversion Price with respect to Securities of a series the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all holders of its Common Stock evidences of its indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding any rights or warrants referred to in paragraph (2) of this Section, any dividend or distribution paid in cash out of the retained earnings of the Company and any dividend or distribution referred to in paragraph (1) of this Section), the conversion price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the conversion price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the current market price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (6) of this Section) of the Common Stock on the date fixed for such determination less the then fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive and described in a Board Resolution filed with the Trustee) of the portion of assets or evidences of indebtedness so


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distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock and the denominator shall be such current market price per share of the Common Stock, such adjustment to become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.

(5) The reclassification of Common Stock into securities other than Common Stock (other than any reclassification upon a consolidation or merger to which Section 15.02 applies) shall be deemed to involve
(a) a distribution of such securities other than Common Stock to all holders of Common Stock (and the effective date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution" and "the date fixed for such determination" within the meaning of paragraph (4) of this Section), and (b) a subdivision or combination, as the case may be, of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such reclassification into the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately thereafter (and the effective date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective" or "the day upon which such combination becomes effective", as the case may be, and "the day upon which such subdivision or combination becomes effective" within the meaning of paragraph (3) of this Section).

(6) For the purpose of any computation under paragraphs (2) and
(4) of this Section, the current market price per share of Common Stock on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the daily closing prices for the 30 consecutive Business Days selected by the Company commencing not less than 30 nor more than 45 Business Days before the day in question. The closing price for each day shall be the last reported sales price regular way or, in case no such reported sale takes place on such day, the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular way, in either case, on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock are listed or admitted to trading or, if not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations National Market System or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange or quoted on such National Market System, the average of the closing bid and asked prices in the over-the-counter market as furnished by any New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the Company for that purpose.

(7) The Company may make such reductions in the conversion price, in addition to those required by paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) of this Section, as it considers to be advisable in order that any event treated for Federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights shall not be taxable to the recipients.

SECTION 15.06. Notice of Adjustments of Conversion Price.

Whenever the conversion price is adjusted as herein provided:

(a) the Company shall compute the adjusted conversion price in accordance with Section 15.05 and shall prepare a certificate signed by the Treasurer of the Company setting forth the adjusted conversion price and showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based, and such certificate shall forthwith be filed at

each


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office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Securities pursuant to Section 10.02; and

(b) a notice stating that the conversion price has been adjusted and setting forth the adjusted conversion price shall forthwith be required, and as soon as practicable after it is required, such notice shall be mailed by the Company to all Holders at their respective last addresses as they shall appear in the Security Register.

SECTION 15.07. Notice of Certain Corporate Action.

In case at any time after 20 Business Days preceding the Initial Conversion Date:

(a) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution) on its Common Stock payable otherwise than in cash out of its retained earnings; or

(b) the Company shall authorize the granting to the holders of its Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any other rights; or

(c) of any reclassification of the Common Stock of the Company (other than a subdivision or combination of its outstanding shares of Common Stock), or of any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party and for which approval of any stockholders of the Company is required, or of the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or

(d) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company;

then the Company shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Securities pursuant to Section 10.02, and shall cause to be mailed to all Holders at their respective last addresses as they shall appear in the Security Register, at least 20 days (or 10 days in any case specified in Clause (a) or (b) above) prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants are to be determined, or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up.

SECTION 15.08. Company to Reserve Common Stock.

The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available, free from pre-emptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock, for the purpose of effecting the conversion of Securities, the full number of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding Securities.


75

SECTION 15.09. Taxes on Conversions.

The Company will pay any and all taxes that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Common Stock on conversion of Securities pursuant hereto. The Company shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name other than that of the Holder of the Security or Securities to be converted, and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and until the Person requesting such issue has paid to the Company the amount of any such tax, or has established to the satisfaction of the Company that such tax has been paid.

SECTION 15.10. Covenant as to Common Stock.

The Company covenants that all shares of Common Stock which may be issued upon conversion of Securities will upon issue be fully paid and nonassessable and, except as provided in Section 15.09, the Company will pay all taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issue thereof.

SECTION 15.11. Cancellation of Converted Securities.

All Securities delivered for conversion shall be delivered to the Trustee to be cancelled by or at the direction of the Trustee, which shall dispose of the same as provided in Section 3.09.

SECTION 15.12. Provisions in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets.

In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person, any merger of another Person into the Company (other than a merger which does not result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company) or any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Person formed by such consolidation or resulting from such merger or which acquires such assets, as the case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture providing that the Holder of each Security then outstanding shall have the right thereafter, during the period such Security shall be convertible as specified in Section 15.02, to convert such Security only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company into which such Security might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, assuming such holder of Common Stock of the Company (i) is not a Person with which the Company consolidated or into which the Company merged or which merged into the Company or to which such sale or transfer was made, as the case may be ("constituent Person"), or an Affiliate of a constituent Person and
(ii) failed to exercise his rights of election, if any, as to the kind or amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer (provided that if the kind or amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer is not the same for each share of Common Stock of the Company held immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by others than a constituent Person or an Affiliate thereof and in respect of which such rights of election shall not have been exercised ("non-electing share"), then for the purpose of this Section the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by each non-electing share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount so receivable per share by a plurality of the non-electing shares), and assuming, if such consolidation, merger, sale or


76

transfer is prior to the Initial Conversion Date, that the Securities were convertible at the time of such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer at the initial conversion price specified in Section 15.02 as adjusted from the date of establishment of the Initial Conversion Price with respect to Securities of a series to such time pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4) and (7) of Section
15.05. Such supplemental indenture shall provide for adjustments which, for events subsequent to the effective date of such supplemental indenture, shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article. The above provisions of this Section shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.

SECTION 15.13. Responsibility of Trustee.

The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of a Security to make or cause to be made any adjustment of the conversion price, or to determine whether any facts exist which may require any such adjustment, or with respect to the nature or extent of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to any method employed, or herein or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. The Trustee shall not be accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Common Stock or of any securities or property which may at any time be issued or delivered upon conversion of any Security; and the Trustee makes no representation with respect thereto. The Trustee shall not be responsible for any failure of the Company to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock or stock certificates or other securities or property upon surrender of any Security for the purpose of conversion or to comply with any of the covenants of the Company contained in this Article Fifteen.


77

This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

By.____________________________

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee

By____________________________


Exhibit 5

April 24, 2001

Associated Banc-Corp
1200 Hansen Road
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304

Ladies and Gentlemen: Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3

We have acted as counsel for Associated Banc-Corp, a Wisconsin corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of a Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") on Form S-3 on or shortly after the date of this letter, for the offering by the Company from time to time of up to $500,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of securities (the "Securities") consisting of any one or more of the following: (i) debt securities (the "Debt Securities"),
(ii) shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), (iii) shares of Preferred Stock that may be issued in the form of depository shares (the "Depository Shares"), (iv) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), (v) warrants to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock and/or Common Stock (the "Warrants"), and (vi) units consisting of any combination of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depository Shares and Warrants. The Registration Statement provides that the Securities may be offered separately or together, in separate series, in amounts, at periods and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to the prospectus (the "Prospectus") contained in the Registration Statement (each, a "Prospectus Supplement"). This opinion is being delivered at your request in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement.

In rendering this opinion, we have examined and relied upon originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following:

1. The Registration Statement, in the form to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), and the form of the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.

2. A form of indenture for the issuance of Senior Debt Securities and a form of indenture for the issuance of Subordinated Debt Securities.


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 2

3. The Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (the "Articles of Incorporation").

4. The Amended By-Laws of the Company (the "By-Laws").

5. Certified resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company relating to the authorization of (a) the filing of the Registration Statement, and (b) the Securities.

6. A certificate of the Secretary of the Company as to certain matters.

7. Such other instruments and documents as we have deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of rendering this opinion.

As to various questions of fact material to our opinion, we have relied upon certificates of officers of the Company and of state officials. In rendering this opinion we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies or drafts of documents to be executed. We have further assumed that:

1. The issuance, sale, amount and terms of Securities to be offered from time to time by the Company will be duly authorized and determined by proper action of the Board of Directors (or, where permitted, a committee of the Board of Directors) of the Company (each, a "Board Action") in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws and applicable law, in each case so as not to result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental or regulatory body having jurisdiction over the Company, and such Board Action will not have been modified or rescinded.


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 3

2. The Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto (including any post-effective amendments), will have become effective under the Act and will not have been terminated or rescinded.

3. A Prospectus Supplement as contemplated by the Registration Statement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby.

4. Any Debt Securities will be issued under a valid and binding indenture in substantially the form of one of the indentures we have previously reviewed (each, an "Indenture") to be entered into by the Company and a trustee (the "Trustee"), such Indenture will conform to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the Indenture and the Debt Securities as executed and delivered will comply with the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws and all applicable laws and regulations and will not result in a default under or a breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company.

5. Prior to the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (including any Depository Shares), there will exist, under the Articles of Incorporation, the requisite number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, and all action necessary to the creation of any such Preferred Stock, whether by amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or otherwise, will have been taken.

6. Appropriate certificates, representing the shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock will be executed and delivered upon issuance and sale of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (including any Depository Shares), and will comply with the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws and all applicable laws and regulations.


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 4

7. Any Depository Shares will be issued under a valid and binding deposit agreement (each, a "Deposit Agreement") that conforms to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and such Depository Shares and Deposit Agreement will comply with the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws and all applicable laws and regulations.

8. Appropriate Depository Receipts representing Depository Shares will be executed and delivered prior to or upon the issuance and sale of any Depository Shares and, such Depository Receipts will comply with the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws and all applicable laws and regulations.

9. Any Warrants will be issued under a valid and binding warrant agreement (each, a "Warrant Agreement") that conforms to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and such Warrants and Warrant Agreement will comply with the Articles of Incorporation, the By-Laws and all applicable laws and regulations.

10. A definitive underwriting, subscription or purchase agreement with respect to the Securities (each, an "Underwriting Agreement" and collectively, the "Underwriting Agreements") will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto and will be a valid and binding contract that conforms to the descriptions thereof set forth in the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

11. At the time of the issuance and sale of any Debt Securities, (a) an Indenture will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, (b) the Trustee will be duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (c) the Trustee will be duly qualified to engage in the activities contemplated by the Indenture, (d) the Indenture will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee, enforceable against the Trustee in accordance with its terms, (e) the Trustee will be in compliance, generally and with respect to its performance under the Indenture, with all


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 5

applicable laws and regulations, and (f) the Trustee will have the requisite legal power and authority to perform its obligations under the Indenture.

12. All Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the appropriate Prospectus Supplement.

13. There will not have occurred any change in the law affecting the validity or enforceability of the Securities.

Based on the foregoing, and upon such additional investigation of law as we have deemed necessary, it is our opinion that:

1. Upon due authorization by Board Action of an issuance of Debt Securities, and upon due execution, authentication, issuance and delivery of such Debt Securities against payment therefor in accordance with the terms and provisions of such Board Action, such Debt Securities, the applicable Indenture, the Registration Statement (as declared effective under the Act), the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement and an Underwriting Agreement, or upon due execution, authentication, issuance and delivery of such Debt Securities pursuant to the proper conversion of one or more series of Securities convertible into Debt Securities or pursuant to the proper exercise of Warrants to purchase Debt Securities, such Debt Securities will be duly authorized and will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws now or hereafter affecting creditors' rights generally, and the application of general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, conscionability, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

2. Upon due authorization by Board Action of an issuance of shares of Common Stock, and upon issuance and delivery of certificates for such shares of


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 6

Common Stock against payment therefor in accordance with the terms and provisions of such Board Action, the Registration Statement (as declared effective under the Act), the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement and an Underwriting Agreement, or upon issuance and delivery of certificates for such shares of Common Stock pursuant to the proper conversion of one or more series of Securities convertible into shares of Common Stock or pursuant to the proper exercise of Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock, the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificates will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth in Wisconsin Statutes
Section 180.0622(2)(b), as interpreted, which provides that shareholders of the Company may be personally liable for debts owing to employees of the Company for services performed for the Company, but not exceeding six months' service in any one case.

3. When a series of Preferred Stock (and securities of any class or series into which any such Preferred Stock may be convertible) has been duly authorized and established in accordance with the applicable Board Action, the terms of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, and applicable law, and, upon issuance and delivery of certificates for shares of such series of Preferred Stock against payment therefor in accordance with the terms and provisions of such Board Action, the Registration Statement (as declared effective under the Act), the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement and an Underwriting Agreement, or upon issuance and delivery of certificates for shares of such series of Preferred Stock pursuant to the proper conversion of one or more series of Securities convertible into shares of such series of Preferred Stock or pursuant to the proper exercise of Warrants to purchase shares of such series of Preferred Stock, the shares of such series of Preferred Stock represented by such certificates will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth in Wisconsin Statutes Section 180.0622(2)(b), as interpreted, which provides that shareholders of the Company may be personally liable for debts owing to employees of the Company for services performed for the Company, but not exceeding six months' service in any one case.


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 7

4. When the Depositary Shares have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the applicable Board Action, the terms of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, and applicable law and, upon execution, issuance, and delivery of the Depositary Receipts against payment therefor in accordance with the terms and provisions of such Board Action, the Deposit Agreement, the Registration Statement (as declared effective under the Act), the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement and an Underwriting Agreement (and upon the taking of the action contemplated in paragraph 3 above with respect to the underlying shares of Preferred Stock), the Depositary Shares will be duly authorized and will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws now or hereafter affecting creditors' rights generally, and the application of general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, conscionability, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

5. Upon due authorization by Board Action of an issuance of Warrants, and upon issuance and delivery of certificates for such Warrants against payment therefor in accordance with the terms and provisions of such Board Action, the Warrants and the applicable Warrant Agreement, the Registration Statement (as declared effective under the Act), the Prospectus or the applicable Prospectus Supplement and an Underwriting Agreement, such Warrants will be duly authorized and will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, and the application of general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, conscionability, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

The opinions herein are limited to the laws of the State of Wisconsin. To the extent that any of the documents referred to herein are governed by the laws of


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 8

any jurisdiction other than the State of Wisconsin, we have assumed that the laws of such jurisdiction are the same as the laws of the State of Wisconsin. This opinion concerns only the effect of the laws of the State of Wisconsin (exclusive of securities or "blue sky" laws and the principles of conflicts of laws) as currently in effect. This opinion is limited to the matters set forth herein, and no other opinions should be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. This opinion is also subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, and (ii) the application of general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, conscionability, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.

This opinion is being delivered solely for the benefit of the person to whom it is addressed; accordingly, it may not be quoted, filed with any governmental authority or other regulatory agency (other than with the Commission as provided in the following paragraph) or otherwise circulated or utilized for any other purpose without our prior written consent.

This opinion is rendered as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update such opinion to reflect any facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention or changes in the law which may hereafter occur. We hereby consent to the use of our name beneath the caption "Legal Opinions" in the Prospectus and to the filing of a copy of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are "experts" within the meaning of Section 11 of the Act or within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Act.

REINHART, BOERNER, VAN DEUREN,
NORRIS & RIESELBACH, s.c.

BY _____________________________________


Associated Banc-Corp
April 24, 2001

Page 9

James M. Bedore


EXHIBIT 12

STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Computation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

($ in Thousands)

                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                           2000        1999        1998        1997       1996
                                                        ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Earnings:
Income before income taxes                              $ 229,821   $ 237,316   $ 232,963   $ 116,268   $ 165,189
Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits             169,529     106,379      67,085      75,522      56,478
Fixed charges, including interest on deposits             549,421     420,454     412,477     412,965     377,393
Adjusted earnings, excluding interest on deposits         399,350     343,695     300,048     191,790     221,667
Adjusted earnings, including interest on deposits         779,242     657,770     645,440     529,233     542,582

Fixed Charges:
Total interest expense                                  $ 547,590   $ 418,775   $ 411,028   $ 411,637   $ 375,922
Interest on deposits                                      379,892     314,075     345,392     337,443     320,915
Interest expense component of net rent expense              1,831       1,679       1,449       1,328       1,471
Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits             169,529     106,379      67,085      75,522      56,478
Fixed charges, including interest on deposits             549,421     420,454     412,477     412,965     377,393

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges:
Excluding interest on deposits                               2.36x       3.23x       4.47x       2.54x       3.92x
Including interest on deposits                               1.42        1.56        1.56        1.28        1.44


EXHIBIT 23(a)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The Board of Directors
Associated Banc-Corp.:

We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.

KPMG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
April 19, 2001


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 10th day of April, 2001.

/s/ Robert Gaiswinkler
----------------------------------
Robert Gaiswinkler
Director


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 11th day of April, 2001.

/s/ Robert C. Gallagher
----------------------------------
Robert C. Gallagher
Director


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 12th day of April, 2001.

/s/ Ronald R. Harder
----------------------------
Ronald R. Harder
Director


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 13th day of April, 2001.

/s/ Robert P. Konopacky
----------------------------
Robert P. Konopacky
Director


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 10th day of April, 2001.

/s/ George R. Leach
----------------------------
George R. Leach
Director


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 10th day of April, 2001.

/s/ J. Douglas Quick
----------------------------
J. Douglas Quick
Director


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 10th day of April, 2001.

/s/ John C. Seramur
----------------------------
John C. Seramur
Director


EXHIBIT 24

DIRECTOR'S POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Associated Banc-Corp a Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), which is planning to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") for the issuance of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, warranties and units, hereby constitutes and appoints Brian R. Bodager his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent.

Said attorney-in-fact and agent shall have full power to act for him and in his name, place, and stead in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), with power where appropriate to affix the corporate seal of the Corporation thereto and to attest such seal, and file such Registration Statement and each amendment (including post-effective amendments) so signed, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and to appear before the SEC in connection with any matter relating to such Registration Statement and to any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments).

The undersigned hereby grants such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done as he might or could do in person and hereby ratifies and confirms all that such attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 11th day of April, 2001.

/s/ John H. Sproule
----------------------------
John H. Sproule
Director


Exhibit 25(a)

FORM T-1

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) [ ]

THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

New York                                                 13-5160382
(State of incorporation                                  (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank)                             identification no.)

One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.                          10286
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip code)

Associated Banc-Corp
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin                                                39-1098068
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                           identification no.)

1200 Hansen Road
Green Bay, WI                                            54304
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip code)

                                  -------------

Subordinated Debt Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)



1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

(A) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO WHICH
IT IS SUBJECT.

             Name                                         Address
          ---------                                    ------------

Superintendent of Banks of the State of        2 Rector Street, New York,
New York                                       N.Y.  10006, and Albany,
                                               N.Y. 12203

Federal Reserve Bank of New York               33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
                                               N.Y.  10045

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation          Washington, D.C.  20429

New York Clearing House Association            New York, New York   10005

(B) WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

Yes.

2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.

IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
AFFILIATION.

None.

16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.

EXHIBITS IDENTIFIED IN PARENTHESES BELOW, ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSION, ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT HERETO, PURSUANT TO RULE 7A-29 UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 (THE "ACT") AND 17
C.F.R. 229.10(D).

1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)

6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
(Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-44051.)

7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

-2-

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 20th day of April, 2001.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

By:   /s/  THOMAS E. TABOR
   ---------------------------------
   Name:   THOMAS E. TABOR
   Title:  ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT


Exhibit 25(b)

FORM T-1

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) [ ]

THE BANK OF NEW YORK
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

New York                                                 13-5160382
(State of incorporation                                  (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank)                             identification no.)

One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.                          10286
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip code)

Associated Banc-Corp
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin                                                39-1098068
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                           identification no.)

1200 Hansen Road
Green Bay, WI                                            54304
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip code)

                                  -------------

Subordinated Debt Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)



1. GENERAL INFORMATION. FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE TRUSTEE:

(A) NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO
WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

               Name                                     Address
               ----                                     -------
     Superintendent of Banks of the         2 Rector Street, New York,
     State of New York                      N.Y.  10006, and Albany, N.Y. 12203

     Federal Reserve Bank of New York       33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
                                            N.Y.  10045

     Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation  Washington, D.C.  20429

     New York Clearing House Association    New York, New York   10005

     (B)    WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

     Yes.

2.   AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.

IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
AFFILIATION.

None.

16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.

EXHIBITS IDENTIFIED IN PARENTHESES BELOW, ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSION, ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT HERETO, PURSUANT TO RULE 7A-29 UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 (THE "ACT") AND 17
C.F.R. 229.10(D).

1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)

6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
(Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-44051.)

7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

-2-

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 20th day of April, 2001.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

By: /s/  THOMAS E. TABOR
   ---------------------------------------
    Name:    THOMAS E. TABOR
    Title:   ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT