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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2017
Registration No. 333-217753
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
Form S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Venator Materials PLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
England and Wales
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
2860
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
98-1373159
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Titanium House, Hanzard Drive, Wynyard Park,
Stockton-On-Tees, TS22 5FD, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1740 608 001
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Russ Stolle
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Titanium House, Hanzard Drive, Wynyard Park,
Stockton-On-Tees, TS22 5FD, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1740 608 001
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
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, check the following box: o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) 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. o
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. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) 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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer
ý
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company
o
Emerging growth company o |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
||||
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered |
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2) |
Amount of
Registration Fee(3) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Ordinary shares, par value $0.32 per share |
$100,000,000 | $11,590 | ||
|
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The securities described herein may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion,
Preliminary Prospectus dated June 30, 2017
P R O S P E C T U S
Shares
Venator Materials PLC
Ordinary Shares
This is Venator Materials PLC's initial public offering. Huntsman International LLC ("Huntsman International") and Huntsman (Holdings) Netherlands B.V. ("HHN") (together, the "selling shareholders"), wholly-owned subsidiaries of Huntsman Corporation, are selling and of our ordinary shares, respectively. We are not selling any ordinary shares under this prospectus and will not receive any proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares to be offered by the selling shareholders.
We expect the public offering price to be between $ and $ per share. Currently, no public market exists for the ordinary shares. After pricing of the offering, we expect that the ordinary shares will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "VNTR."
After the completion of this offering, Huntsman Corporation will continue to control a majority of the voting power of our ordinary shares. As a result, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. See "ManagementStatus as a Controlled Company" and "Security Ownership of Management and Selling Shareholders."
Investing in the ordinary shares involves risks that are described in the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page 21 of this prospectus.
|
Per Share
|
Total
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public offering price |
$ | $ | |||||
Underwriting discount(1) |
$ | $ | |||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling shareholders |
$ | $ |
The underwriters may also exercise their option to purchase up to an additional ordinary shares from HHN, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The shares will be ready for delivery on or about , 2017.
Citigroup | Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | BofA Merrill Lynch | J.P. Morgan |
Barclays | Deutsche Bank Securities | UBS Investment Bank |
HSBC | Nomura | SunTrust Robinson Humphrey |
Academy Securities | COMMERZBANK |
The date of this prospectus is , 2017.
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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on behalf of us or the information to which we have referred you. Neither we, nor the selling shareholders, nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. The selling shareholders and the underwriters are offering to sell ordinary shares and seeking offers to buy ordinary shares only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the ordinary shares. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. We will update this prospectus only as required by law, including with respect to any material change affecting us or our business prior to the completion of this offering.
Except when the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, the information included in this prospectus assumes (1) the completion of the separation, described in "The Separation," (2) this offering and (3) that the underwriters will not exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares, described below.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. See "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements."
Until , 2017 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in our ordinary shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to unsold allotments or subscriptions.
Except when the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, (1) all references to "Venator," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Venator Materials PLC and its subsidiaries, or, as the context requires, the Pigments & Additives business of Huntsman, and assume the completion of all of the transactions referred to in this prospectus in connection with this offering, (2) all references to "Huntsman" refer to Huntsman Corporation, our ultimate parent company prior to this offering, and our controlling shareholder following this offering, and its subsidiaries, other than us, (3) all references to the "Titanium Dioxide" segment or business refer to the titanium dioxide ("TiO 2 ") business of the Pigments & Additives segment of Huntsman and the related operations and assets, liabilities and obligations, which we will assume in connection with the separation, (4) all references to the "Performance Additives" segment or business refer to the functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses of the Pigments & Additives segment of Huntsman and the related operations and assets, liabilities and obligations, which we will assume in connection with the separation, (5) all references to "other businesses" refer to certain businesses that Huntsman will retain following the separation and that are included in our historical combined financial statements in "corporate and other", (6) all references to "Huntsman International" refer to Huntsman International LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman, a selling shareholder and the entity through which Huntsman operates all of its businesses, (7) all references to "HHN" refer to Huntsman (Holdings) Netherlands B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman and a selling shareholder, (8) all references to the "selling shareholders" refer to Huntsman International and HHN, our parent companies prior to this offering, and the entities through which Huntsman is selling our ordinary shares in this offering, (9) "Financings" has the meaning set forth under "Prospectus SummaryRecent DevelopmentsFinancing Arrangements" and
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(10) we refer to the internal reorganization, the separation transactions, including the entry into and effectiveness of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, and the Financings, including the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility therefrom to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses, as the "separation."
We own or have rights to various trademarks, service marks and trade names in connection with the operation of our business. This prospectus may also contain trademarks, service marks and trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third parties' trademarks, service marks, trade names or products in this prospectus is not intended to, and does not imply, any relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship by us. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ®, TM or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks and trade names.
The market data and certain other statistical information used in this prospectus includes industry data and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications such as (i) TiO 2 Pigment Price Forecast to 2020, Q2/Q3/Q4 2017 and Q1 2017, (ii) TiO 2 Pigment Supply/Demand Q2/Q3/Q4 2016 , (iii) Global TiO 2 Pigment ProducersComparative Cost & Profitability Study 2016 , (iv) Feedstock Price Forecast Q3/Q4 2017 and Q1 2017 and (v) TiO 2 Market Insight, February 2017 , each published by TZ Mineral International Pty Ltd., as well as government publications and other published independent sources. Some data is also based on our good faith estimates. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risks and such data and risks are subject to change, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements." These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications.
OUR SEPARATION FROM HUNTSMAN CORPORATION
We are currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman and all of our outstanding ordinary shares are indirectly owned by Huntsman. Upon the completion of this offering, we will be a stand-alone public company and Huntsman, through HHN, will be our controlling shareholder.
Prior to and in preparation for the completion of this offering, Huntsman and its subsidiaries expect to complete an internal reorganization, which is referred to in this prospectus as the "internal reorganization," in order to transfer to us the entities, assets, liabilities and obligations that we will hold following the separation of our business from Huntsman's other businesses. In addition, we and Huntsman will enter into a separation agreement to effect the separation of our business from Huntsman following our initial public offering. We will also enter into ancillary agreements with Huntsman that will govern certain interactions, including with respect to employee matters, tax matters, transition services and registration rights. In addition, in anticipation of this offering, we intend to enter into the Financings. The internal reorganization, the separation transactions, including the entry into and effectiveness of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, and the Financings, including the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses, are referred to in this prospectus as the "separation." For a description of the separation agreement and the ancillary agreements, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company" and the historical and pro forma financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. For a description of the Financings, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsFinancing Arrangements."
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This summary highlights information contained in this prospectus and provides an overview of our company, our separation from Huntsman and the initial public offering our ordinary shares. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the risks discussed under "Risk Factors," our audited and unaudited historical combined financial statements and the notes thereto and our unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the statements in this summary constitute forward-looking statements. See "Forward-Looking Statements."
Overview
We are a leading global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that improve the quality of life for downstream consumers and promote a sustainable future. Our products comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. We market our products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments: Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our TiO 2 business, and Performance Additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We are a leading global producer in many of our key product lines, including TiO 2 , color pigments and functional additives, a leading North American producer of timber treatment products and a leading European producer of water treatment products. We operate 27 facilities, employ approximately 4,500 associates worldwide and sell our products in more than 110 countries. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, we had total pro forma revenues of $2,136 million.
We operate in a variety of end markets, including industrial and architectural coatings, construction materials, plastics, paper, printing inks, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, fibers and films and personal care. Within these end markets, our products serve approximately 6,900 customers globally. Our production capabilities allow us to manufacture a broad range of functional TiO 2 products as well as specialty TiO 2 products that provide critical performance for our customers and sell at a premium for certain end-use applications. Our color pigments, functional additives and timber treatment products provide essential properties for our customers' end-use applications by enhancing the color and appearance of construction materials and delivering performance benefits in other applications such as corrosion and fade resistance, water repellence and flame suppression. We believe that our global footprint and broad product offerings differentiate us from our competitors and allow us to better meet our customers' needs.
Our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments have been transformed in recent years and we have established ourselves as a market leader in each of the industries in which we operate. We invested $1.3 billion in our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments from January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017 on acquisitions, restructuring and integration. We are currently implementing additional business improvements within our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses, which we expect to provide additional contributions to Adjusted EBITDA beginning in 2017 and to be completed by the end of 2018, which we refer to as our business improvement program. If successfully implemented, we expect these plans to result in increased Adjusted EBITDA from general cost reductions, volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products) and further optimization of our manufacturing network including the closure of certain facilities. As a result of these efforts, we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on a continued market recovery and related growth opportunities.
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The table below summarizes the key products, end markets and applications, representative customers, revenues and sales information by segment:
Our Business
We manufacture TiO 2 , functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment products. Our broad product range, coupled with our ability to develop and supply specialized products into technically exacting end-use applications, has positioned us as a leader in the
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markets we serve. In 2014, Huntsman acquired the performance additives and TiO 2 businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. ("Rockwood"), broadening our specialty TiO 2 product offerings and adding significant scale and capacity to our TiO 2 facilities. The Rockwood acquisition positioned us as a leader in the specialty and differentiated TiO 2 industry segments, which includes products that sell at a premium and have more stable margins. The Rockwood acquisition also provided us with complementary functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We have 27 manufacturing facilities operating in 10 countries with a total nameplate production capacity of approximately 1.3 million metric tons per year. We operate eight TiO 2 manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America and Asia and 19 color pigments, functional additives, water treatment and timber treatment manufacturing and processing facilities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, our pro forma revenues (excluding businesses retained by Huntsman) were $2,136 million. We believe recovery in TiO 2 margins to long term historical averages would result in a substantial increase in our profitability and cash flow.
Titanium Dioxide Segment
TiO 2 is derived from titanium bearing ores and is a white inert pigment that provides whiteness, opacity and brightness to thousands of everyday items, including coatings, plastics, paper, printing inks, fibers, food and personal care products. We are one of the six major producers of TiO 2 that collectively account for approximately 60% of global TiO 2 production capacity according to TZ Mineral International Pty Ltd. ("TZMI"), an independent consulting company that reports market data for the chemicals sector. Producers of the remaining 40% are primarily single-plant producers that focus on regional sales. We are among the three largest global TiO 2 producers, with nameplate production capacity of approximately 782,000 metric tons per year, accounting for approximately 11% of global TiO 2 production capacity. We are able to manufacture a broad range of TiO 2 products from functional to specialty. Our specialty products generally sell at a premium into specialized applications such as fibers, catalysts, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Our production capabilities are distinguished from some of our competitors because of our ability to manufacture TiO 2 using both sulfate and chloride manufacturing processes, which gives us the flexibility to tailor our products to meet our customers' needs. By operating both sulfate and chloride processes, we also have the ability to use a wide range of titanium feedstocks, which enhances the competitiveness of our manufacturing operations, by providing flexibility in the selection of raw materials. This helps insulate us from price fluctuations for any particular feedstock and allows us to manage our raw material costs.
Performance Additives Segment
Functional Additives. Functional additives are barium and zinc based inorganic chemicals used to make colors more brilliant, coatings shine, plastic more stable and protect products from fading. We believe we are the leading global manufacturer of zinc and barium functional additives. The demand dynamics of functional additives are closely aligned with those of functional TiO 2 given the overlap in applications served, including coatings, plastics and pharmaceuticals.
Color Pigments. We are a leading global producer of colored inorganic pigments for the construction, coating, plastics and specialty markets. We are one of three global leaders in the manufacture and processing of liquid, powder and granulated forms of iron oxide color pigments. We also sell natural and synthetic inorganic pigments and metal carboxylate driers. The cost effectiveness, weather resistance, chemical and thermal stability and coloring strength of iron oxide make it an ideal colorant for construction materials, such as concrete, brick and roof tile, and for coatings and plastics. We produce a wide range of color pigments and are the world's second largest manufacturer of technical grade ultramarine blue pigments, which have a unique blue shade and are widely used to correct colors, giving them a desirable clean, blue undertone. These attributes have resulted in
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ultramarine blue being used world-wide for polymeric applications such as construction plastics, food packaging, automotive polymers, consumer plastics, coatings and cosmetics.
Timber Treatment and Water Treatment. We manufacture wood protection chemicals used primarily in residential and commercial applications to prolong the service life of wood through protection from decay and fungal or insect attack. Wood that has been treated with our products is sold to consumers through major branded retail outlets. We also manufacture water treatment chemicals that are used to improve water purity in industrial, commercial and municipal applications. Our key markets for water treatment chemicals are municipal and industrial waste water treatment and the paper industry.
Industry Overview and Market Outlook
Global TiO 2 sales in 2016 exceeded 6.0 million metric tons, generating approximately $12.6 billion in industry-wide revenues based on data provided by TZMI. The global TiO 2 market is highly competitive, and competition is based primarily on product price, quality and technical service. We face competition from producers using the chloride process as well as those using the sulfate process. Due to the ease of transporting TiO 2 , there is also competition between producers with facilities in different geographies. Over the last decade, there has been substantial growth in TiO 2 demand in emerging economies, notably Asia. The growing demand in Asia has consumed the majority of Chinese production. We operate primarily in markets where our product quality and service are valued or preferred by our customers and differentiate us from Chinese TiO 2 competitors. Cost advantages are typically driven by the scale of the plant, type of feedstock, source of energy and cost of local labor. We are generally able to reduce production costs by finding innovative solutions to convert the by-products arising from our sulfate process into value-adding co-products. Today, approximately 60% of all by-products of our sulfate processes are sold as co-products, and we are one of the largest producers of sulfate co-products in the world, including gypsum, copperas and other iron salts. The profitability of a plant is not solely related to its cost structure, but also importantly to its slate of manufactured products. We believe our differentiated and specialty products, along with our ability to profitably commercialize the associated co-products, enhance our plants' overall efficiency and resulting profitability. With our competitive cost structure, and our slate of differentiated and specialty products, we believe we are well positioned to compete in a cyclical market.
The primary raw materials that are used to produce TiO 2 are various types of titanium feedstock, which include ilmenite, rutile, titanium slag (chloride slag and sulfate slag) and synthetic rutile. According to TZMI, the world market for titanium-bearing ores has a diverse range of suppliers with the four largest accounting for approximately 40% of global supply. The majority of the titanium-bearing ores market is transacted on short-term contracts, or longer-term volume contracts with market-based pricing re-negotiated several times per year. This form of market-based ore contract provides flexibility and responsiveness in terms of pricing and quantity obligations.
Historically, the market for large volume TiO 2 applications, including coatings, paper and plastics, has experienced alternating periods of tight supply, causing prices and margins to increase, followed by periods of lower capacity utilization, resulting in declining prices and margins. The volatility this market experiences occurs as a result of significant changes in the demand for products as a consequence of global economic activity and changes in customers' requirements. The supply-demand balance is also impacted by capacity additions or reductions that result in changes of utilization rates. In addition, TiO 2 margins are impacted by significant changes in major input costs such as energy and feedstock.
Profitability for TiO 2 reached a peak in 2011, with significantly higher demand, prices and margins. Based on publicly available information, we believe that during this period of peak profitability many TiO 2 peer companies, including Huntsman's TiO 2 business, generated EBITDA margins in excess
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of 25%. Following the peak, utilization rates dropped in 2012 as demand fell due to weaker economic conditions, industry de-stocking and the addition of new TiO 2 capacity. There was an associated decline in prices and margins. Over the following three years, demand recovered slowly; however, this modest demand improvement did not result in any significant increase in operating rates, and TiO 2 prices consequently declined throughout the period. After reaching a trough in the first quarter of 2016, supply/demand fundamentals began improving in 2016 primarily due to strong global demand growth and some capacity rationalizations. Though the TiO 2 market has shown signs of recovery, prices and margins remain below long term historical averages. With the expectation of global capacity utilization rate improvements and further price increases, TiO 2 margins are expected to increase. With approximately 70% of our revenue during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 being derived from TiO 2 sales, we believe recovery in TiO 2 margins to historical averages should result in increased profitability and cash flow generation.
We estimate that the global demand for iron oxide pigments was approximately 1.3 million metric tons per year for 2016. Approximately 45% of this demand was generated from Asia, with Europe representing approximately 23% of demand and North America representing approximately 21% of demand. The construction industry consumes approximately 45% of colored iron oxide pigments, where the products are used for the coloring of manufactured concrete products such as paving tiles and precast roof tiles as well as for coloring cast in place concrete such as ready-mix, stucco and mortar. Industrial and architectural coatings represent the second largest segment for iron oxides (approximately 30% of total demand), where these pigments bring color, opacity and fade resistance to a variety of solvent and water-borne coating systems. Growth in the demand for iron oxide pigments is therefore closely linked to demand in the construction and coatings industries.
We sell more than 90% of our functional additives products into coatings, plastics and pharmaceuticals end markets. The demand dynamics for functional additives are therefore similar to those of TiO 2 . Over the last five years, there has been strong growth in demand for functional additives in specific applications such as white biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate ("BOPET") films. Final applications of these films include flat panel displays for televisions, labels and medical diagnostic devices. The demand for ultramarine blue pigments is primarily driven by the plastics industry, with approximately two-thirds of all ultramarine pigments used as colorants in polymeric materials such as packaging, automotive components and consumer plastics.
Our Competitive Strengths
We are committed to continued value creation for our customers and shareholders by focusing on our competitive strengths, including the following:
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TiO 2 margins are expected to increase. Additionally, with specialty and differentiated products accounting for approximately half of our 2016 TiO 2 sales, we believe we can benefit from our attractive market positioning throughout the cycle.
We believe we are the leading global manufacturer of zinc and barium functional additives, including the only producer of zinc sulfide and the largest global supplier of synthetic barium sulfate, with nameplate capacity to produce 100,000 metric tons of functional additives per year. We are a leading global producer of colored inorganic pigments for the construction materials, coating, plastics and specialty markets. We are one of three global leaders in the manufacture and processing of liquid, powder and granulated forms of iron oxide color pigments, producing approximately 95,000 metric tons per year. We also sell natural and synthetic inorganic pigments and metal carboxylate driers, and are the world's second largest manufacturer of technical grade ultramarine blue pigments.
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While our customers include some of the most recognizable names in their respective industries, during the year ended December 31, 2016, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our Titanium Dioxide segment revenues or more than 10% of our Performance Additives segment revenues. We have exposure to both emerging and mature markets, and we believe our geographic mix positions us to take advantage of significant growth opportunities.
Kurt Ogden, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, previously served as Huntsman's Vice President, Investor Relations and Finance, Russ Stolle, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, previously served as Huntsman's Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and Mahomed Maiter, our Senior Vice
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President, White Pigments, previously served as Huntsman's Vice President, Revenue/Global Sales and Marketing. Together, they bring more than 75 years of experience in the chemicals industry, strong relationships with financial market participants and a history of success as part of Huntsman's senior management team.
Our Business Strategies
We intend to leverage our strengths to accelerate growth and improve profitability by implementing the following strategies:
We invested $1.3 billion from January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017 on acquisitions, restructuring and integration. These restructuring and integration initiatives were substantially completed by the end of 2016. We believe we are now well positioned to reap the benefits of these initiatives. In addition, we are currently implementing our business improvement program within our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses, which we expect to be completed by the end of 2018. If successfully implemented, we expect these plans to result in increased Adjusted EBITDA from general cost reductions, volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products) and further optimization of our manufacturing network including the closure of certain facilities.
We intend to continue to focus on managing fixed costs, increasing productivity and optimizing our manufacturing footprint in each of our segments. We expect that we will have a moderate amount of leverage upon completion of this offering and will not assume any environmental or legal liabilities from Huntsman which are not directly related to our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses. If the TiO 2 industry cycle continues to improve and we succeed in realizing our identified business improvements, we expect to generate higher Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow and improve our leverage ratios and strengthen our balance sheet.
In our Titanium Dioxide segment, we have developed an asset portfolio that positions us as one of the leading differentiated TiO 2 producers in the world, with the ability to flexibly meet customers' demands for both sulfate and chloride TiO 2 . This has allowed us to reduce our exposure to more commoditized TiO 2 applications, while growing our position in the higher value differentiated applications where there is a greater need for technical expertise and client service. We have positioned ourselves to benefit from improving market demand and prices, and we intend to continue to evaluate industry dynamics to ensure that our strategic position remains flexible and adaptable. We believe our specialty business is three times larger than that of our next closest competitor.
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In our Performance Additives segment, we have reviewed and rationalized our asset and product portfolio to position us as a competitive, high quality additives supplier into construction materials, coatings and plastics end-use applications. We continue to optimize our global manufacturing network to reduce operational costs and improve service. We have strong positions in barium and zinc products, ultramarine blue, iron oxides and timber treatment. Our customers value our ability to tailor colors and products to meet their exacting specifications.
Through the restructuring and integration of the Rockwood businesses, including work force reductions, variable and fixed cost optimization and facility closures, we have delivered more than $200 million of annual cost synergies in the year ended December 31, 2016 relative to the year ended December 31, 2014 pro forma for the acquisition of Rockwood and we will continue to seek opportunities to further optimize our business.
We continue to focus on using our industry leading technology, innovation and sustainability practices to develop differentiated cutting edge products that meet the needs of our global customers.
In addition, we benefit from our technical expertise and our ability to provide end-to-end solutions to our customers. We provide our customers with a range of support that includes guidance on the selection of the appropriate products, advice on regulatory aspects and recommendations on the testing of products in final applications. We plan to continue to leverage our technical expertise and knowledge in order to provide an optimal customer platform that is conducive to future growth.
Our Relationship with Huntsman
We are currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman and all of our outstanding ordinary shares are indirectly owned by Huntsman. Upon the completion of this offering, we will be a stand-alone public company and Huntsman, through HHN, will own % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. Huntsman currently intends to monetize its retained ownership stake in Venator following this offering. Subject to prevailing market and other conditions (including the terms of Huntsman's lock-up agreement), this future monetization may be effected in multiple follow-on capital market or block transactions that permit an orderly distribution of Huntsman's retained shares.
On May 22, 2017, Huntsman announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Clariant AG ("Clariant"), a specialty chemicals company headquartered in Switzerland, in an all-stock merger. The combined company will be named HuntsmanClariant. Legacy Huntsman and Clariant shareholders are expected to own 48% and 52% of the combined company, respectively. The board of directors of the combined company is expected to have equal representation from the legacy Huntsman and Clariant boards. The merger is expected to close by year-end 2017, subject to Huntsman and Clariant shareholder approvals, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The merger agreement permits Huntsman to proceed with our initial public offering and we currently expect to complete the initial public offering prior to the closing of the merger.
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The Separation
Prior to and in preparation for the completion of this offering, Huntsman and its subsidiaries will complete an internal reorganization, which we refer to in this prospectus as the "internal reorganization," in order to transfer to us the entities, assets, liabilities and obligations that we will hold following the separation of our business from Huntsman's other businesses. Such internal reorganization may take the form of asset transfers, dividends, contributions and similar transactions, and may involve the formation of new subsidiaries in U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions to own and operate the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business in such jurisdictions. Among other things and subject to limited exceptions, the internal reorganization will result in us owning, directly or indirectly, the operations comprising, and the entities that conduct, the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business.
In addition, we and Huntsman will enter into a separation agreement to effect the separation of our business from Huntsman following this offering. The separation agreement includes provisions to address the impact, if any, of Huntsman's pending lawsuit against Rockwood, and the insurance proceeds and reconstruction costs relating to the January 2017 Pori facility fire, which is described in further detail in "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Business."
We will also enter into ancillary agreements with Huntsman that will govern certain interactions, including with respect to employee matters, tax matters, transition services and registration rights. In addition, in anticipation of this offering, we intend to enter into Financings. For a description of the Financings, see "Recent DevelopmentsFinancing Arrangements." We refer to the internal reorganization, the separation transactions, including the entry into and effectiveness of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, and the Financings, including the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt owed to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses, as the "separation." For a description of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company" and the historical and pro forma financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. The terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Relationship with Huntsman."
Reasons for Separation from Huntsman
Our separation from Huntsman is expected to provide each company with a number of material opportunities and benefits, including the following:
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of the other company, including funding such acquisitions using their respective common equity; and
Risks Affecting Our Business
Investing in our ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described in "Risk Factors" before making a decision to invest in our ordinary shares. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations would likely be negatively affected. In such case, the trading price of our ordinary shares would likely decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment. These risks include, but are not limited to:
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Recent Developments
Financing Arrangements
In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into new financing arrangements and expect to incur up to $750 million of new debt, which will include (i) $375 million of senior unsecured notes and (ii) borrowings of $375 million under a new senior secured term loan facility with a maturity of seven years (the "term loan facility").
On June 29, 2017, Venator Materials LLC (f/k/a Venator Materials Corporation), a Delaware limited liability company, and Venator Finance S.à r.l. (together the "subsidiary issuers"), each of which will be our wholly owned subsidiary as of the completion of this offering, announced the pricing of $375 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior notes due 2025 (the "senior notes") in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to certain non-U.S. persons in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The sale of the senior notes is expected to close on or about July 14, 2017, subject to customary conditions, and the proceeds will be funded into escrow to be released upon the closing of this offering. In addition to the term loan facility and the senior notes, we also expect to enter into a $300 million asset-based revolving lending facility with a maturity of five years (the "ABL facility" and, together with the term loan facility, the "senior credit facilities"). The senior credit facilities are expected to close concurrently with the closing of this offering. For additional information regarding the senior notes and the senior credit facilities, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsFinancing Arrangements."
We intend to use the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Venator had intercompany debt outstanding to Huntsman of $894 million and $882 million, respectively. Prior to, or concurrently with, the closing of this offering, all of our outstanding debt with Huntsman will be repaid, capitalized or otherwise eliminated. The agreement to issue, and the issuance of, the senior notes and the agreements governing the senior credit facilities and the borrowings thereunder from the term loan facility are collectively referred to herein as the "Financings."
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Preliminary Estimate of Selected Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Other Information
Although our results of operations as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2017 are not yet final, based on currently available information, the following table includes preliminary expected financial information for the quarter ended June 30, 2017:
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Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017 |
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2016 |
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(estimated)
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(unaudited)
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(in millions)
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Revenues : |
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Titanium Dioxide |
$ | $ | |||||
Performance Additives |
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Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1) : |
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Titanium Dioxide |
$ | [range] | $ | ||||
Performance Additives |
[range] |
We estimate that our Titanium Dioxide segment revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $ million, as compared to $ million for the three months ended June 30, 2016. We further estimate that Segment Adjusted EBITDA for our Titanium Dioxide segment was within a range of $ million to $ million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, as compared to $ million for the same period in 2016.
We estimate that our Performance Additives segment revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $ million, as compared to $ million for the three months ended June 30, 2016. We estimate that Segment adjusted EBITDA for our Performance Additives segment was within a range of $ million to $ million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, as compared to $ million for the same period in 2016.
Titanium Dioxide Segment
Revenues for the Titanium Dioxide segment for the three months ended June 30, 2017 are expected to be positively impacted by higher average selling prices, offset by lower sales volumes as a result of the fire at our Pori, Finland titanium dioxide facility. Average selling prices are expected to be higher primarily due to continued improvement in business conditions for titanium dioxide. See "TiO 2 Pricing" below. Sales volumes are expected to decrease as a result of the fire at our Pori facility, but we do not expect that to have a material impact on our second quarter Segment Adjusted EBITDA as we have been prepaid business interruption insurance for the quarter. The increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA is expected to primarily result from higher average selling prices for titanium dioxide and lower costs resulting from restructuring savings.
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Performance Additives Segment
Revenues for the Performance Additives segment for the second quarter of 2017 are expected to be [positively/negatively] impacted by [period-to-period drivers to come]. The [increase/decrease] in Segment Adjusted EBITDA is expected to result from [describe material drivers].
Cautionary Note
We have prepared these estimates on a materially consistent basis with the financial information presented elsewhere in this prospectus and in good faith based upon our internal reporting as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2017. These estimated ranges are preliminary and unaudited and are thus inherently uncertain and subject to change as we complete our financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2017. We are in the process of completing our customary quarterly close and review procedures as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2017, and there can be no assurance that our final results for this period will not differ from these estimates. During the course of the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2017, we or our independent registered public accountants may identify items that could cause our final reported results to be materially different from the preliminary financial estimates presented herein are set forth under the headings "Risk Factors," "Forward-Looking Statements," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our audited combined financial statements, unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
These estimates should not be viewed as a substitute for full interim financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, these preliminary estimates for the three months ended June 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for the remainder of 2017 or any future period. Our consolidated financial statements and related notes as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2017 are not expected to be filed with the SEC until after this offering is completed. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these preliminary estimates. This financial information has been prepared by and is the responsibility of our management. Our independent registered public accounting firm has not audited, reviewed or performed any procedures with respect to this preliminary financial data or the accounting treatment thereof and does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto and disclaims any association with, this information.
Pori Fire
On January 30, 2017, our TiO 2 manufacturing facility in Pori, Finland experienced fire damage, and it is currently not fully operational. We are committed to repairing the facility as quickly as possible. We expect the Pori facility to restart in phases as follows: approximately 20% capacity in the second quarter of 2017; approximately 40% capacity in the second quarter of 2018; and full capacity around the end of 2018. During the first quarter of 2017, we recorded a loss of $32 million for the write-off of fixed assets and lost inventory in other operating (income) expense, net in our condensed combined statements of operations (without taking into account the insurance recoveries discussed below). In addition, we recorded a loss of $4 million of costs for cleanup of the facility through March 31, 2017. The Pori facility has a nameplate capacity of up to 130,000 metric tons per year, which represents approximately 17% of our total TiO 2 nameplate capacity and approximately 2% of total global TiO 2 demand.
The site is insured for property damage as well as business interruption losses subject to retained deductibles of $15 million and 60 days, respectively, with a limit of $500 million. The
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separation agreement provides that Venator will have the benefit of the property and business interruption insurance proceeds related to covered repair costs or covered lost profits incurred following this offering related to the Pori Fire. We have established a process with our insurer to receive timely advance payments for the reconstruction of the facility as well as lost profits. We expect to have pre-funded cash on our balance sheet resulting from these advance insurance payments. We have agreed with our insurer to have monthly meetings to review relevant site activities and interim claims as well as regular progress payments. However, if we experience delays in receiving the insurance proceeds, or the proceeds do not fully cover our property damage, business interruption, lost profits or other losses, our short term liquidity may be impacted.
On February 9, 2017, we received $54 million as an initial partial progress payment from our insurer. During the first quarter of 2017, we recorded $32 million of income related to insurance recoveries in other operating (income) expense, net in our condensed combined statements of operations and we recorded $22 million as deferred income in accrued liabilities for costs not yet incurred. On May 2, 2017, we received a progress payment from our insurer of approximately $76 million.
TiO 2 Pricing
TiO 2 prices steadily improved during 2016. After reaching a trough in the first quarter of 2016, prices have increased for each of the last four quarters. We realized approximately $300 per metric ton improvement in pricing over the course of 2016. Although the TiO 2 market has shown signs of recovery, prices and margins remain below long term historical averages. Management expects that global capacity utilization rates will continue to improve as supply and demand conditions continue to improve. TZMI estimates that global TiO 2 demand grew by 8% in 2016 while production capacity grew by about 1%. We expect this growth in demand to create an environment favorable for TiO 2 price increases. We have announced price increases for each of the first three quarters of 2017: $160 per metric ton in the first quarter, $250 per metric ton in the second quarter and an additional $250 per metric ton in the third quarter.
The markets and industry in which we operate are cyclical and subject to competitive and economic dynamics and there can be no assurance that such price increases will be fully realized or not reversed in future periods. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to our BusinessThe market for many of our TiO 2 products is cyclical and volatile, and we may experience depressed market conditions for such products."
Business Improvement Program
We are currently implementing business improvements in our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses, which we expect to provide additional contributions to Adjusted EBITDA beginning in 2017 and to be completed by the end of 2018. If successfully implemented, we expect the general cost reductions and optimization of our manufacturing network to result in increases to our Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $60 million per year by the first quarter of 2019, with additional projected increases to Adjusted EBITDA from volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products). We currently estimate that these business improvements will require approximately $90 million of cash restructuring costs through 2020. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our BusinessIf we are unable to successfully implement our cost reduction program and related strategic initiatives, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate from such programs or may incur additional and/or unexpected costs in order to realize them."
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Other Information
On April 28, 2017, we were incorporated under the laws of England and Wales as a public limited company. Our principal executive offices are located Titanium House, Hanzard Drive, Wynyard Park, Stockton-On-Tees, TS22 5FD, United Kingdom. Our telephone number is +44(0) 1740 608 001. Our website address is www.venatorcorp.com , and it will be completed and become fully functional in connection with the completion of this offering. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus or the registration statement on Form S-1 of which this prospectus is a part, and you should not consider information on our website as part of this prospectus or such registration statement on Form S-1.
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Ordinary shares offered by the selling shareholders |
shares by Huntsman International. | |
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shares by HHN. |
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shares by HHN if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. |
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Ordinary shares to be outstanding immediately after this offering: |
shares. |
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Ordinary shares to be held by Huntsman immediately after this offering |
shares. |
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shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. |
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Underwriters' option to purchase additional ordinary shares |
HHN has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional ordinary shares. |
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Use of proceeds |
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the selling shareholders of our ordinary shares in this offering, including any ordinary shares offered if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares. See "Use of Proceeds." |
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Dividend policy |
We do not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares for the foreseeable future. See "Dividend Policy." |
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Trading market and ticker symbol |
We have applied to list our ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the ticker symbol "VNTR." |
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Risk factors |
You should carefully read and consider the information set forth in this prospectus before deciding to invest in our ordinary shares. See "Risk Factors." |
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL COMBINED AND
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Set forth below is a summary of our historical combined and pro forma condensed combined financial information for the periods indicated. The historical unaudited condensed combined financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the balance sheet data as of March 31, 2017 have been derived from our unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical unaudited condensed combined financial data as of March 31, 2016 has been derived from our unaudited accounting records not included in this prospectus. The unaudited condensed combined financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as our audited combined financial statements, except as stated in the related notes thereto, and include all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our financial condition and results of operations for such periods. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 presented below are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year. The historical combined financial information as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 has been derived from our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical combined financial information as of December 31, 2014 has been derived from our unaudited accounting records not included in this prospectus.
The Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses have historically been included in Huntsman's financial results in different legal forms, including, but not limited to: (1) wholly-owned subsidiaries for which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses were the sole businesses; (2) legal entities which are comprised of other businesses and include the Titanium Dioxide and/or Performance Additives businesses; and (3) variable interest entities in which the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses are the primary beneficiaries. Because our historical combined financial information for the periods indicated reflect the combination of these legal entities under common control, the historical combined financial information includes the results of operations of other Huntsman businesses that will not be a part of our operations following our separation from Huntsman. We will report the results of those other businesses as discontinued operations in our future financial statements for periods that include the date of completion of the separation. In addition, our historical combined financial information has been derived from Huntsman's historical accounting records and is presented on a stand-alone basis as if the operations of the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses had been conducted separately from Huntsman. However, the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses segments did not operate as a stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the historical combined financial statements may not be indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows had the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses segments been a stand-alone company. See "Risks Related to Our Relationship with HuntsmanOur historical financial information may not be representative of the results we would have achieved as a stand-alone public company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results."
The historical combined statements of operations also include expense allocations for certain functions and centrally-located activities historically performed by Huntsman. These functions include executive oversight, accounting, procurement, operations, marketing, internal audit, legal, risk management, finance, tax, treasury, information technology, government relations, investor relations, public relations, financial reporting, human resources, ethics and compliance, and certain other shared services. These expense allocations do not reflect certain anticipated changes to our expenses as a result of the separation. For more information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsFactors Affecting Comparability of Our Historical Financial Results of Operations to Our Future Financial Results of Operations."
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The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been derived from the historical combined financial statements included in this prospectus. The pro forma financial information eliminates the results of operations of other Huntsman businesses that will not be a part of our operations following this offering and otherwise gives effect to the separation of the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses into a stand-alone, publicly traded company as a result of the separation. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and assumptions that are factually supportable and that we believe are reasonable; however, such adjustments are subject to change based on the finalization of the terms of the separation, this offering and related transactions. Actual expenses could vary from this estimate and such variations could be material. The pro forma adjustments, including related tax effects, to reflect the separation and this offering are expected to include the following:
In addition, we expect that our recurring selling, general and administrative costs to operate our business as a standalone public company will be lower than expenses historically allocated to us from Huntsman. Please see note (b) to "Note 2Adjustment to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations" to our "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information."
You should read the following summary financial information in conjunction with "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our audited combined financial statements, unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this prospectus.
The financial information presented below is not necessarily indicative of our future performance or what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we operated as a stand-alone public company during the periods presented, or in the case of the unaudited pro forma information, had the transactions reflected in the pro forma adjustments actually occurred as of the dates assumed. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is for illustrative purposes only. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information
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constitutes forward-looking information and is subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. See "Forward-Looking Statements."
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Statement of Operations Data: |
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Revenues: |
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Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 385 | $ | 392 | $ | 1,554 | $ | 1,583 | $ | 1,411 | $ | 385 | $ | 1,554 | ||||||||
Performance Additives |
152 | 148 | 585 | 577 | 138 | 152 | 585 | |||||||||||||||
Other businesses |
32 | 45 | 170 | 170 | 180 | | | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 569 | $ | 585 | $ | 2,309 | $ | 2,330 | $ | 1,729 | $ | 537 | $ | 2,139 | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (13 | ) | $ | (48 | ) | $ | (77 | ) | $ | (352 | ) | $ | (162 | ) | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | |||
Balance Sheet Data (at period end): |
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Total assets |
$ | 2,873 | $ | 3,400 | $ | 2,659 | $ | 3,413 | $ | 3,933 | $ | 2,380 | $ | 2,557 | ||||||||
Total long-term liabilities |
1,320 | 1,480 | 1,308 | 1,477 | 1,579 | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||||||
Other Financial Data: |
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Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1)(2): |
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Titanium Dioxide(3) |
$ | 48 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 61 | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 62 | $ | 48 | $ | 61 | ||||||
Performance Additives(3) |
21 | 18 | 69 | 69 | 14 | 21 | 69 |
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You should carefully consider the information included in this prospectus, including the matters addressed under "Forward-Looking Statements," and the following risks.
We are subject to certain risks and hazards due to the nature of the business activities we conduct. The risks discussed below, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations and share price, are not the only risks we face. We may experience additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or, as a result of developments occurring in the future, conditions that we currently deem to be immaterial may ultimately materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations and share price.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our industry is affected by global economic factors, including risks associated with volatile economic conditions.
Our financial results are substantially dependent on overall economic conditions in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Declining economic conditions in all or any of these locationsor negative perceptions about economic conditionscould result in a substantial decrease in demand for our products and could adversely affect our business. The timing and extent of any changes to currently prevailing market conditions is uncertain, and supply and demand may be unbalanced at any time. Uncertain economic conditions and market instability make it particularly difficult for us to forecast demand trends. As a consequence, we may not be able to accurately predict future economic conditions or the effect of such conditions on our financial condition or results of operations. We can give no assurances as to the timing, extent or duration of the current or future economic cycles impacting the industries in which we operate.
In addition, a large portion of our revenue and profitability is largely dependent on the TiO 2 industry. TiO 2 is used in many "quality of life" products for which demand historically has been linked to global, regional and local gross domestic product ("GDP") and discretionary spending, which can be negatively impacted by regional and world events or economic conditions. Such events are likely to cause a decrease in demand for our products and, as a result, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The future profitability of our operations, and cash flows generated by those operations, will also be affected by the available supply of our products in the market.
The market for many of our TiO 2 products is cyclical and volatile, and we may experience depressed market conditions for such products.
Historically, the market for large volume TiO 2 applications, including coatings, paper and plastics, has experienced alternating periods of tight supply, causing prices and margins to increase, followed by periods of lower capacity utilization resulting in declining prices and margins. The volatility this market experiences occurs as a result of significant changes in the demand for products as a consequence of global economic activity and changes in customers' requirements. The supply-demand balance is also impacted by capacity additions or reductions that result in changes of utilization rates. In addition, TiO 2 margins are impacted by significant changes in major input costs such as energy and feedstock. Demand for TiO 2 depends in part on the housing and construction industries. These industries are cyclical in nature and have historically been impacted by downturns in the economy. Relative changes in the selling prices for our products are one of the main factors that affect the level of our profitability. In addition, pricing may affect customer inventory levels as customers may from time to time accelerate purchases of TiO 2 in advance of anticipated price increases or defer purchases of TiO 2 in advance of anticipated price decreases.
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The cyclicality and volatility of the TiO 2 industry results in significant fluctuations in profits and cash flow from period to period and over the business cycle. Primarily as a result of oversupply in the market, global prices for TiO 2 declined throughout 2015 before reaching a trough in the first quarter of 2016. Although we have recently successfully implemented price increases, any decline in selling prices in 2017 and beyond could negatively impact our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.
The industries in which we compete are highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete effectively with our competitors that have greater financial resources or those that are vertically integrated, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The industries in which we operate are highly competitive. Among our competitors are companies that are vertically-integrated (those that have their own raw material resources). Changes in the competitive landscape could make it difficult for us to retain our competitive position in various products and markets throughout the world. Our competitors with their own raw material resources may have a competitive advantage during periods of higher raw material prices. In addition, some of the companies with whom we compete may be able to produce products more economically than we can. Furthermore, some of our competitors have greater financial resources, which may enable them to invest significant capital into their businesses, including expenditures for research and development.
The global TiO 2 market is highly competitive, with the top six producers accounting for approximately 60% of the world's production capacity according to TZMI. Competition is based on a number of factors, such as price, product quality and service. Some of our competitors may be able to drive down prices for our products if their costs are lower than our costs. In addition, our TiO 2 business competes with numerous regional producers, including producers in China, who have significantly expanded their sulfate production capacity during the past five years and commenced the commercial production of TiO 2 via chloride technology. The risk of our customers substituting our products with those made by Chinese producers could increase as the Chinese producers expand their use of chloride production technology. Further, consolidation of our competitors or customers may result in reduced demand for our products or make it more difficult for us to compete with our competitors. The occurrence of any of these events could result in reduced earnings or operating losses.
While we are engaged in a range of research and development programs to develop new products and processes, to improve and refine existing products and processes, and to develop new applications for existing products, the failure to develop new products, processes or applications could make us less competitive. Moreover, if any of our current or future competitors develops proprietary technology that enables them to produce products at a significantly lower cost, our technology could be rendered uneconomical or obsolete.
Further, it is possible that we could abandon certain products, processes, or applications due to potential infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or that we could be named in future litigation for the infringement or misappropriation of a competitor's or other third party's intellectual property rights, which could include a claim for injunctive relief and damages, and, if so, such adverse results could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. In addition, certain of our competitors in various countries in which we do business, including China, may be owned by or affiliated with members of local governments and political entities. These competitors may get special treatment with respect to regulatory compliance and product registration, while certain of our products, including those based on new technologies, may be delayed or even prevented from entering into the local market.
Certain of our businesses use technology that is widely available. Accordingly, barriers to entry, apart from capital availability, may be low in certain product segments of our business. The entrance of new competitors into the industry may reduce our ability to maintain margins or capture improving
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margins in circumstances where capacity utilization in the industry is increasing. Increased competition in any of our businesses could compel us to reduce the prices of our products, which could result in reduced margins and loss of market share and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
The classification of TiO 2 as a Category 2 Carcinogen in the European Union could decrease demand for our products and subject us to manufacturing regulations that could significantly increase our costs.
The European Union ("EU") adopted the Globally Harmonised System ("GHS") of the United Nations for a uniform system for the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation ("CLP"). Pursuant to the CLP, an EU Member State can propose a classification for a substance to the European Chemicals Agency ("ECHA"), which upon review by ECHA's Committee for Risk Assessment ("RAC"), can be submitted to the European Commission for adoption by regulation. On May 31, 2016, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety ("ANSES") submitted a proposal to ECHA that would classify TiO 2 as a Category 1B Carcinogen presumed to have carcinogenic potential for humans by inhalation. Huntsman, together with other companies, relevant trade associations and the European Chemical Industry Council ("Cefic"), submitted comments opposing any classification of TiO 2 as carcinogenic, based on evidence from multiple epidemiological studies covering more than 24,000 production workers at 18 TiO 2 manufacturing sites over several decades that found no increased incidence of lung cancer as a result of workplace exposure to TiO 2 and other scientific studies that concluded that the response to lung overload studies with poorly soluble particles upon which the ANSES proposed classification is based is unique to the rat and is not seen in other animal species or humans. On June 8, 2017, the RAC announced its conclusion that certain evidence meets the criteria under CLP to classify TiO 2 as a Category 2 Carcinogen (described by the EU regulation as appropriate for "suspected human carcinogens") for humans by inhalation, but found such evidence not sufficiently convincing to classify TiO 2 in Category 1B ("presumed" to have carcinogenic potential for humans), as was originally proposed by ANSES. The European Commission will now evaluate the RAC report in deciding what, if any, regulatory measures should be taken. Huntsman, Cefic and others expect to continue to advocate with the European Commission that the RAC's report should not justify other than minimal regulatory measures for the reasons stated above, among others. If the European Commission were to subsequently adopt the Category 2 Carcinogen classification, it could require that many end-use products manufactured with TiO 2 be classified as containing a potential carcinogenic component, which could negatively impact public perception of products containing TiO 2 , limit the marketability of and demand for TiO 2 or products containing TiO 2 and potentially have spill-over, restrictive effects under other EU laws, e.g., those affecting medical and pharmaceutical applications, cosmetics, food packaging and food additives. Such classifications would also affect manufacturing operations by subjecting us to new workplace requirements that could significantly increase costs. In addition, any classification, use restriction, or authorization requirement for use imposed by ECHA could trigger heightened regulatory scrutiny in countries outside the EU based on health or safety grounds, which could have a wider adverse impact geographically on market demand for and price of TiO 2 or other products containing TiO 2 and increase our compliance obligations outside the EU. It is also possible that heightened regulatory scrutiny would lead to claims by consumers of such products alleging adverse health impacts. Finally, the classification of TiO 2 as a Category 2 Carcinogen could lead the ECHA to evaluate other products with similar particle size characteristics such as iron oxides or functional additives for carcinogenic potential by inhalation for humans as well, which may ultimately have similar negative impacts to other of our products if classified as potentially carcinogenic. In addition, under the separation agreement, we are required to indemnify Huntsman for any liabilities relating to our TiO 2 operations.
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Sales of TiO 2 in the European Union represented approximately 45% of our revenues for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017.
Disruptions in production at our manufacturing facilities may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition.
Manufacturing facilities in our industry are subject to planned and unplanned production shutdowns, turnarounds, outages and other disruptions. Any serious disruption at any of our facilities could impair our ability to use our facilities and have a material adverse impact on our revenues and increase our costs and expenses. Alternative facilities with sufficient capacity may not be available, may cost substantially more or may take a significant time to increase production or qualify with our customers, any of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and/or financial condition. Long-term production disruptions may cause our customers to seek alternative supply which could further adversely affect our profitability.
Unplanned production disruptions may occur for external reasons including natural disasters, weather, disease, strikes, transportation interruption, government regulation, political unrest or terrorism, or internal reasons, such as fire, unplanned maintenance or other manufacturing problems. Any such production disruption could have a material impact on our operations, operating results and financial condition. For example, a fire occurred in January 2017 at our TiO 2 manufacturing facility in Pori, Finland and the facility is currently not fully operational. We are committed to repairing the facility as quickly as possible and we anticipate a portion of our white end production will be operational during the second quarter of 2017 and full capacity to be available around the end of 2018. However, we may experience delays in construction or equipment procurement, and, even if we are able to resume production on this schedule, we may lose customers that have in the meantime found alternative suppliers elsewhere. Huntsman maintains property damage and business interruption insurance coverage subject to retained deductibles of $15 million and 60 days, respectively, with a limit of $500 million. If we experience delays in receiving the insurance proceeds our short term liquidity and earnings may be impacted. In addition, if the proceeds do not fully cover our property damage, business interruption, lost profits or other losses, this will adversely affect our earnings. Additionally, our premiums and deductibles may increase substantially as a result of the fire. The separation agreement will provide that we will have the benefit of the insurance proceeds related to covered costs incurred in connection with repairs or covered lost profits incurred following this offering.
In addition, we rely on a number of vendors, suppliers and, in some cases, sole-source suppliers, service providers, toll manufacturers and collaborations with other industry participants to provide us with chemicals, feedstocks and other raw materials, along with energy sources and, in certain cases, facilities that we need to operate our business. If the business of these third parties is disrupted, some of these companies could be forced to reduce their output, shut down their operations or file for bankruptcy protection. If this were to occur, it could adversely affect their ability to provide us with the raw materials, energy sources or facilities that we need, which could materially disrupt our operations, including the production of certain of our products. Moreover, it could be difficult to find replacements for certain of our business partners without incurring significant delays or cost increases. All of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
While we maintain business recovery plans that are intended to allow us to recover from natural disasters or other events that could disrupt our business, we cannot provide assurances that our plans would fully protect us from the effects of all such disasters or from events that might increase in frequency or intensity due to climate change. In addition, insurance may not adequately compensate us for any losses incurred as a result of natural or other disasters. In areas prone to frequent natural or other disasters, insurance may become increasingly expensive or not available at all. Furthermore, some
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potential climate-driven losses, particularly flooding due to sea-level rises, may pose long-term risks to our physical facilities such that operations cannot be restored in their current locations.
Significant price volatility or interruptions in supply of raw materials and energy may result in increased costs that we may be unable to pass on to our customers, which could reduce our profitability.
Our manufacturing processes consume significant amounts of raw materials and energy, the costs of which are subject to worldwide supply and demand as well as other factors beyond our control. Variations in the cost for raw materials, and of energy, which primarily reflects market prices for oil and natural gas, may significantly affect our operating results from period to period. We purchase a substantial portion of our raw materials from third-party suppliers and the cost of these raw materials represents a substantial portion of our operating expenses. The prices of the raw materials that we purchase from third parties are cyclical and volatile. For example, according to TZMI, the prices of all feedstocks used for the production of TiO 2 increased 200% to 300% above historical averages in 2011 and 2012. Our supply agreements with our TiO 2 feedstock suppliers provide us only limited protection against price volatility as they are entered into either on a short-term basis or are longer-term volume contracts, which provide for market-based pricing. To the extent we do not have fixed price contracts with respect to specific raw materials, we have no control over the costs of raw materials and such costs may fluctuate widely for a variety of reasons, including changes in availability, major capacity additions or reductions, or significant facility operating problems. While we attempt to match cost increases with corresponding product price increases, we are not always able to raise product prices immediately or at all. Moreover, the outcome of these efforts is largely determined by existing competitive and economic conditions. Timing differences between raw material prices, which may change daily, and contract product prices, which in many cases are negotiated only monthly or less often, also have had and may continue to have a negative effect on our cash flow. Any raw materials or energy cost increase that we are not able to pass on to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
There are several raw materials for which there are only a limited number of suppliers or a single supplier. For example, titanium-containing feedstocks suitable for use in our TiO 2 facilities are available from a limited number of suppliers around the world. To mitigate potential supply constraints, we enter into supply agreements with particular suppliers, evaluate alternative sources of supply and evaluate alternative technologies to avoid reliance on limited or sole-source suppliers. Where supply relationships are concentrated, particular attention is paid by the parties to ensure strategic intentions are aligned to facilitate long term planning. If certain of our suppliers are unable to meet their obligations under present supply agreements, we may be forced to pay higher prices to obtain the necessary raw materials from other sources and we may not be able to increase prices for our finished products to recoup the higher raw materials costs. Any interruption in the supply of raw materials could increase our costs or decrease our revenues, which could reduce our cash flow. The inability of a supplier to meet our raw material needs could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements and results of operations.
The number of sources for and availability of certain raw materials is also specific to the particular geographical region in which a facility is located. Political and economic instability in the countries from which we purchase our raw material supplies could adversely affect their availability. In addition, if raw materials become unavailable within a geographic area from which they are now sourced, then we may not be able to obtain suitable or cost effective substitutes. We may also experience higher operating costs such as energy costs, which could affect our profitability. We may not always be able to increase our selling prices to offset the impact of any higher productions costs or reduced production levels, which could reduce our earnings and decrease our liquidity.
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Our pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations are currently underfunded, and under certain circumstances we may have to significantly increase the level of cash funding to some or all of these plans, which would reduce the cash available for our business.
We have unfunded obligations under our domestic and foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans including certain unfunded pension obligations we assumed upon the consummation of our acquisition of the Performance Additives and Titanium Dioxide businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. The funded status of our pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including returns on invested assets, the level of certain market interest rates and the discount rate used to determine pension obligations. Unfavorable returns on the plan assets or unfavorable changes in applicable laws or regulations could materially change the timing and amount of required plan funding, which would reduce the cash available for our business. In addition, a decrease in the discount rate used to determine pension obligations could result in an increase in the valuation of pension obligations, which could affect the reported funding status of our pension plans and future contributions, as well as the periodic pension cost in subsequent fiscal years.
With respect to our domestic pension and postretirement benefit plans, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") has the authority to terminate an underfunded tax-qualified pension plan under limited circumstances in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. In the event our tax-qualified pension plans are terminated by the PBGC, we could be liable to the PBGC for the entire amount of the underfunding.
With respect to our foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans, the effects of underfunding depend on the country in which the pension and postretirement benefit plan is established. For example, in the U.K. and Germany, semi-public pension protection programs have the authority, in certain circumstances, to assume responsibility for underfunded pension schemes, including the right to recover the amount of the underfunding from us.
Our results of operations may be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and tax rates.
Our headquarters operations are conducted across two of our administrative offices: The Woodlands, Texas and Wynyard, U.K. We conduct a majority of our business operations outside the U.S. Sales to customers outside the U.S. contributed approximately 75% of our revenue in 2016. Our operations are subject to international business risks, including the need to convert currencies received for our products into currencies in which we purchase raw materials or pay for services, which could result in a gain or loss depending on fluctuations in exchange rates. We transact business in many foreign currencies, including the euro, the British pound sterling and the Chinese renminbi. We translate our local currency financial results into U.S. dollars based on average exchange rates prevailing during the reporting period or the exchange rate at the end of that period. During times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, our reported international sales and earnings may be reduced because the local currency may translate into fewer U.S. dollars. Because we currently have significant operations located outside the U.S., we are exposed to fluctuations in global currency rates which may result in gains or losses on our financial statements.
We operate in a significant number of jurisdictions, which contributes to the volatility of our effective tax rate. Changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate may affect our effective tax rate. In addition, GAAP has required us to place valuation allowances against our net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in a significant number of tax jurisdictions. These valuation allowances result from analysis of positive and negative evidence supporting the realization of tax benefits. Negative evidence includes a cumulative history of pre-tax operating losses in specific tax jurisdictions. Changes in valuation allowances have resulted in material fluctuations in our effective tax rate. Economic conditions may dictate the continued imposition of current valuation allowances and, potentially, the establishment of new valuation allowances. While
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significant valuation allowances remain, our effective tax rate will likely continue to experience significant fluctuations. Furthermore, certain foreign jurisdictions may take actions to delay our ability to collect value-added tax refunds.
The impact of changing laws or regulations or the manner of interpretation or enforcement of existing laws or regulations could adversely impact our financial performance and restrict our ability to operate our business or execute our strategies.
New laws or regulations, or changes in existing laws or regulations or the manner of their interpretation or enforcement, could increase our cost of doing business and restrict our ability to operate our business or execute our strategies. This risk includes, among other things, the possible taxation under U.S. law of certain income from foreign operations, the possible taxation under foreign laws of certain income we report in other jurisdictions, and regulations related to the protection of private information of our employees and customers. In addition, compliance with laws and regulations is complicated by our substantial global footprint, which will require significant and additional resources to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the various countries where we conduct business.
Our global operations expose us to trade and economic sanctions and other restrictions imposed by the U.S., the EU and other governments and organizations. The U.S. Departments of Justice, Commerce, State and Treasury and other federal agencies and authorities have a broad range of civil and criminal penalties they may seek to impose against corporations and individuals for violations of economic sanctions laws, export control laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA") and other federal statutes and regulations, including those established by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"). Under these laws and regulations, as well as other anti-corruption laws, anti-money-laundering laws, export control laws, customs laws, sanctions laws and other laws governing our operations, various government agencies may require export licenses, may seek to impose modifications to business practices, including cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries or with sanctioned persons or entities and modifications to compliance programs, which may increase compliance costs, and may subject us to fines, penalties and other sanctions. A violation of these laws or regulations could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Although we have implemented policies and procedures in these areas, we cannot assure you that our policies and procedures are sufficient or that directors, officers, employees, representatives, manufacturers, supplier and agents have not engaged and will not engage in conduct for which we may be held responsible, nor can we assure you that our business partners have not engaged and will not engage in conduct that could materially affect their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or even result in our being held liable for such conduct. Violations of the FCPA, OFAC restrictions or other export control, anti-corruption, anti-money-laundering and anti-terrorism laws or regulations may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our substantial global operations subject us to risks of doing business in foreign countries, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect sales from international markets to continue to represent a large portion of our sales in the future. Also, a significant portion of our manufacturing capacity is located outside of the U.S. Accordingly, our business is subject to risks related to the differing legal, political, cultural, social and regulatory requirements and economic conditions of many jurisdictions.
Certain legal and political risks are also inherent in the operation of a company with our global scope. For example, it may be more difficult for us to enforce our agreements or collect receivables through foreign legal systems. There is a risk that foreign governments may nationalize private
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enterprises in certain countries where we operate. In certain countries or regions, terrorist activities and the response to such activities may threaten our operations more than in the United States. Social and cultural norms in certain countries may not support compliance with our corporate policies including those that require compliance with substantive laws and regulations. Also, changes in general economic and political conditions in countries where we operate are a risk to our financial performance and future growth.
As we continue to operate our business globally, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other related risks. There can be no assurance that the consequences of these and other factors relating to our multinational operations will not have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our efforts to transform our businesses may require significant investments; if our strategies are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations and/or financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
We intend to continuously evaluate opportunities for growth and change. These initiatives may involve making acquisitions, entering into partnerships and joint ventures, divesting assets, restructuring our existing assets and operations, creating new financial structures and building new facilitiesany of which could require a significant investment and subject us to new kinds of risks. We may incur indebtedness to finance these opportunities. We could also issue our ordinary shares or securities of our subsidiaries to finance such initiatives. If our strategies for growth and change are not successful, we could face increased financial pressure, such as increased cash flow demands, reduced liquidity and diminished access to financial markets, and the equity value of our businesses could be diluted.
The implementation of strategies for growth and change may create additional risks, including:
Our inability to mitigate these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our strategies for growth and change could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may fail to fully achieve the savings or growth projected for current or future initiatives notwithstanding the expenditure of substantial resources in pursuit thereof.
If we are unable to successfully implement our business improvement program, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate from such program or may incur additional and/or unexpected costs in order to realize them.
In order to position ourselves for the separation, we undertook a series of strategic, structural and process realignment and restructuring actions within our operations. In recent periods we have recorded restructuring charges in connection with closing certain plant locations, workforce reductions and other cost savings programs in each of our business segments. For example, we have delivered
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more than $200 million of annual cost synergies in the year ended December 31, 2016 relative to the year ended December 31, 2014 pro forma for the acquisition of Rockwood. However, we may not be able to realize the further benefits we have estimated such restructuring initiatives to produce in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
We are currently implementing our business improvement plan within our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses, which we expect to provide additional contributions to Adjusted EBITDA beginning in 2017 and to be completed by the end of 2018. If successfully implemented, we expect the general cost reductions and optimization of our manufacturing network to result in increases to our Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $60 million per year by the first quarter of 2019, with additional projected increases to Adjusted EBITDA from volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products). We currently estimate that these business improvements will require approximately $90 million of cash restructuring costs through 2020. Cost savings expectations, as well as volume improvements, are estimates that are inherently difficult to predict and are necessarily speculative in nature, and we cannot provide assurance that we will achieve expected or any actual cost savings or volume improvements. A variety of factors could cause us not to realize some or all of the expected cost savings, including, among others, delays in the anticipated timing of activities related to our cost savings programs, lack of sustainability in cost savings over time, unexpected costs associated with operating our business, our ability to reduce headcount and our ability to achieve the efficiencies contemplated by the cost savings initiative. We may be unable to realize all of these cost savings or volume improvements within the expected timeframe, or at all, and we may incur additional or unexpected costs in order to realize them. These cost savings are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are in turn based on our analysis of the various factors which currently, and could in the future, impact our business. These assumptions and estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to significant business, operational, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Certain of the assumptions relate to business decisions that are subject to change, including, among others, our anticipated business strategies, our marketing strategies, our product development strategies and our ability to anticipate and react to business trends. Other assumptions relate to risks and uncertainties beyond our control, including, among others, the economic environment in which we operate, environmental regulation and other developments in our industry as well as capital markets conditions from time to time. The actual results of implementing the various cost savings initiatives may differ materially from the estimates set out in this prospectus if any of these assumptions prove incorrect. Moreover, our continued efforts to implement these cost savings may divert management attention from the rest of our business and may preclude us from seeking attractive new product opportunities, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business.
If we are unable to innovate and successfully introduce new products, or new technologies or processes, our profitability could be adversely affected.
Our industries and the end-use markets into which we sell our products experience periodic technological change and product improvement. Our future growth will depend on our ability to gauge the direction of commercial and technological progress in key end-use markets and on our ability to fund and successfully develop, manufacture and market products in such changing end-use markets. We must continue to identify, develop and market innovative products or enhance existing products on a timely basis to maintain our profit margins and our competitive position. We may be unable to develop new products or technology, either alone or with third parties, or license intellectual property rights from third parties on a commercially competitive basis. If we fail to keep pace with the evolving technological innovations in our end-use markets on a competitive basis, including with respect to innovation or the development of alternative uses for, or application of, our products, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. We cannot predict whether technological innovations will, in the future, result in a lower demand for our products or affect the competitiveness of our business. We may be required to invest significant resources to adapt to
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changing technologies, markets, competitive environments and laws and regulations. We cannot anticipate market acceptance of new products or future products. In addition, we may not achieve our expected benefits associated with new products developed to meet new laws or regulations if the implementation of such laws or regulations is delayed.
Differences in views with our joint venture participants may cause our joint ventures not to operate according to their business plans, which may adversely affect our results of operations.
We currently participate in a number of joint ventures, including our joint venture in Lake Charles, Louisiana with Kronos Worldwide, Inc. ("Kronos") and our Harrisburg, North Carolina joint venture with The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow Chemical"), and may enter into additional joint ventures in the future. The nature of a joint venture requires us to share control with unaffiliated third parties. Differences in views among joint venture participants may result in delayed decisions or failure to agree on major decisions. If these differences cause the joint ventures to deviate from their business plans or to fail to achieve their desired operating performance, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Construction projects are subject to numerous regulatory, environmental, legal and economic risks. We cannot assure you that any such project will be completed in a timely fashion or at all or that we will realize the anticipated benefits of any such project.
Additions to or modifications of our existing facilities and the construction of new facilities involve numerous regulatory, environmental, legal and economic uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Expansion and construction projects may require the expenditure of significant amounts of capital. These projects may not be completed on schedule, at the budgeted cost or at all. If our projects are delayed materially or our capital expenditures for such projects increase significantly, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Even if these projects are completed, there can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated benefits of such projects. For example, we are now commissioning a new production facility in Augusta, Georgia, for the synthesis of iron oxide pigments, which we purchased from Rockwood. During commissioning, the facility has experienced delays producing products at the expected specifications and quantities, causing us to question the capabilities of the Augusta technology. Based on the facility's performance during the commissioning process, we have concluded that production capacity at our Augusta facility will be substantially lower than originally anticipated.
Our indebtedness will be substantial and a significant portion of our indebtedness will be subject to variable interest rates. Our indebtedness may make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and may limit our ability to respond to market conditions, to obtain additional financing or to refinance our debt. We may also incur more debt in the future.
As of March 31, 2017, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the transactions described in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, our total debt (including capital leases) would have been approximately $773 million. In addition, we expect to enter into an ABL facility with up to $300 million of commitments at the closing of this offering. Our anticipated debt level and the fact that a significant percentage of our cash flow will be required to make payments on our debt, could have important consequences for our business, including but not limited to the following:
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In addition, our separation from Huntsman's other business may increase the overall cost of debt funding and decrease the overall capacity and commercial credit available to us. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be harmed by a deterioration of our credit profile or by factors adversely affecting the credit markets generally.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
We are subject to many environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that may result in unanticipated costs or liabilities, which could reduce our profitability.
Our properties and operations, including our global manufacturing facilities, are subject to a broad array of environmental, health and safety ("EHS") requirements, including extensive federal, state, local, foreign and international laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, protection of the environment and human health and safety, and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. There has been a been a global upward trend in the number and complexity of current and proposed EHS laws and regulations, including those relating to the chemicals used and generated in our operations and included in our products. The costs to comply with these EHS laws and regulations, as well as internal voluntary programs and goals, are significant and will continue to be significant in the foreseeable future.
Our facilities are dependent on environmental permits to operate. These operating permits are subject to modification, renewal and revocation, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and our financial condition. In addition, third parties may contest our ability to receive or renew certain permits that we need to operate, which can lengthen the application process or even prevent us from obtaining necessary permits. Moreover, actual or alleged violations of permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on our operations and facilities.
In addition, we expect to incur significant capital expenditures and operating costs in order to comply with existing and future EHS laws and regulations. Capital expenditures and operating costs relating to EHS matters will be subject to evolving requirements, and the timing and amount of such expenditures and costs will depend on the timing of the promulgation of the requirements as well as the enforcement of specific standards.
We are also liable for the costs of investigating and cleaning up environmental contamination on or from our currently-owned and operated properties. We also may be liable for environmental contamination on or from our formerly-owned and operated properties, and on or from third-party
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sites to which we sent hazardous substances or waste materials for disposal. In many circumstances, EHS laws and regulations impose joint, several, and/or strict liability for contamination, and therefore we may be held liable for cleaning up contamination at currently owned properties even if the contamination were caused by a former owner, or at third-party sites even if our original disposal activities were in accordance with all then existing regulatory requirements. Moreover, certain of our facilities are in close proximity to other industrial manufacturing sites. In these locations, the source of contamination resulting from discharges into the environment may not be clear. We could potentially be held responsible for such liabilities even if the contamination did not originate from our sites, and we may have to incur significant costs to respond to any remedies imposed, or to defend any actions initiated, by environmental agencies.
Changes in EHS laws and regulations, violations of EHS law or regulations that result in civil or criminal sanctions, the revocation or modification of EHS permits, the bringing of investigations or enforcement proceedings against us by governmental agencies, the bringing of private claims alleging environmental damages against us, the discovery of contamination on our current or former properties or at third-party disposal sites, could reduce our profitability or have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.
Many of our products and operations are subject to the chemical control laws of the countries in which they are located.
We are subject to a wide array of laws governing chemicals, including the regulation of chemical substances and inventories under the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA") in the U.S. and the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals ("REACH") regulation in Europe. Analogous regimes exist in other parts of the world, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan. In addition, a number of countries where we operate, including the U.K., have adopted rules to conform chemical labeling in accordance with the globally harmonized system. Many of these foreign regulatory regimes are in the process of a multi-year implementation period for these rules.
Additional new laws and regulations may be enacted or adopted by various regulatory agencies globally. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") finalized revisions to its Risk Management Program in January 2017. The revisions would impose new requirements for certain facilities to perform hazard analysis, third-party auditing, incident investigations and root cause analyses, emergency response exercises, and to publically share chemical and process information. Compliance for many of rule's new requirements would be required beginning in 2021. In March 2017, the EPA announced that it would reconsider the January 2017 revisions to the rule and, on June 9, 2017, the EPA delayed the effective date of the rule to February 19, 2019. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration may also consider changes to its Process Safety Management standards. In addition, TSCA reform legislation was enacted in June 2016, and the EPA has begun the process of issuing new chemical control regulations. For example, the recent amendments to TSCA require the EPA to designate chemical substances on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory as either "active" or "inactive" in U.S. commerce. The EPA proposed a rule to do so on January 13, 2017. The costs of compliance with any new laws or regulations cannot be estimated until the manner in which they will be implemented has been more precisely defined.
Furthermore, governmental, regulatory and societal demands for increasing levels of product safety and environmental protection could result in increased pressure for more stringent regulatory control with respect to the chemical industry. In addition, these concerns could influence public perceptions regarding our products and operations, the viability of certain products, our reputation, the cost to comply with regulations, and the ability to attract and retain employees. Moreover, changes in product safety and environmental protection regulations could inhibit or interrupt our operations, or require us to modify our facilities or operations. Accordingly, product safety and environmental matters may cause us to incur significant unanticipated losses, costs or liabilities, which could reduce our
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profitability. For example, several of our products are being evaluated under REACH regulations and their classification could negatively impact sales.
Our operations are increasingly subject to climate change regulations that seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Our operations are increasingly subject to regulations that seek to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, or GHGs, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which may be contributing to changes in the Earth's climate. There are existing efforts to address GHG emissions at the international, national, and regional levels. For example, the 2015 Paris climate summit agreement resulted in voluntary commitments by numerous countries to reduce their GHG emissions. The agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and could result in additional firm commitments by various nations with respect to future GHG emissions. However, in June 2017, President Trump announced that his administration intends to withdraw the U.S. from participation in the agreement. The EU also regulates GHGs under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. China has begun pilot programs for carbon taxes and trading of GHG emissions in selected areas.
In the U.S., the EPA issued its final Clean Power Plan rules that establish carbon pollution standards for power plants, called CO 2 emission performance rates, in 2015. In February 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of the implementation of the Clean Power Plan. This stay will remain in effect until the conclusion of the appeals process. On March 28, 2017, the Trump administration issued an executive order directing the EPA to review the Clean Power Plan. On the same day, the EPA filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit requesting that the court hold the case in abeyance while the EPA conducts its review of the Clean Power Plan. It is not yet clear what changes, if any, will result from the EPA's review, or how the courts will rule on the legality of the Clean Power Plan. If the rules survive the EPA's review, are upheld at the conclusion of this appellate process, and depending on how states decide to implement these rules, they may result in national or regional credit trading schemes. Collectively, these rules and agreements may affect the long-term price and supply of electricity and natural gas and demand for products that contribute to energy efficiency and renewable energy. These various regulations and agreements are likely to result in increased costs to purchased energy, additional capital costs for installation or modification of GHG emitting equipment, and additional costs associated directly with GHG emissions (such as cap and trade systems or carbon taxes), which are primarily related to energy use. Compliance with these regulations and any more stringent restrictions in the future may increase our operational costs.
In addition, some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods and other climatic events. If any such effects were to occur in areas where we or our clients operate, they could have an adverse effect on our assets and operations.
We may need additional capital in the future and may not be able to obtain it on favorable terms.
Our Titanium Dioxide businesses are capital intensive, and our success depends to a significant degree on our ability to develop and market innovative products and to update our facilities and process technology. We may require additional capital in the future to finance our growth and development, implement further marketing and sales activities, fund ongoing research and development activities, and meet general working capital needs. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including acceptance of, and demand for, our products, the extent to which we invest in new technology and research and development projects, and the status and timing of these developments, as well as general availability of capital from debt and/or equity markets. Additional financing may not be available when needed on terms favorable to us, or at all. Further, the terms of the separation agreement, our debt or other agreements may limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or issue
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additional equity. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on acceptable terms, we may be unable to develop or enhance our products, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, which could harm our business.
The markets for many of our products have seasonally affected sales patterns.
The demand for TiO 2 and certain of our other products during a given year is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Because TiO 2 is widely used in paint and other coatings, demand is higher in the painting seasons of spring and summer in the Northern Hemisphere. We may be adversely affected by anticipated or unanticipated changes in regional weather conditions. For example, poor weather conditions in a region can lead to an abbreviated painting season, which can depress consumer sales of paint products that use TiO 2 , which could have a negative effect on our cash position.
Our operations involve risks that may increase our operating costs, which could reduce our profitability.
Although we take precautions to enhance the safety of our operations and minimize the risk of disruptions, our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the manufacturing and marketing of chemical and other products. These hazards include: chemical spills, pipeline leaks and ruptures, storage tank leaks, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and other hazards incident to the manufacturing, processing, handling, transportation and storage of dangerous chemicals. We are also potentially subject to other hazards, including natural disasters and severe weather; explosions and fires; transportation problems, including interruptions, spills and leaks; mechanical failures; unscheduled downtimes; labor difficulties; remediation complications; and other risks. In addition, some equipment and operations at our facilities are owned or controlled by third parties who may not be fully integrated into our safety programs and over whom we are able to exercise limited control. Many potential hazards can cause bodily injury and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage, and may result in suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal penalties and liabilities. Furthermore, we are subject to present and future claims with respect to workplace exposure, exposure of contractors on our premises as well as other persons located nearby, workers' compensation and other matters.
We maintain property, business interruption, products liability and casualty insurance policies which we believe are in accordance with customary industry practices, as well as insurance policies covering other types of risks, including pollution legal liability insurance, but we are not fully insured against all potential hazards and risks incident to our business. Each of these insurance policies is subject to customary exclusions, deductibles and coverage limits, in accordance with industry standards and practices. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain insurance policies can increase substantially and, in some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Our operations, financial condition and liquidity could be adversely affected by legal claims against us, including antitrust claims.
We face risks arising from various legal actions, including matters relating to antitrust, product liability, intellectual property and environmental claims. It is possible that judgments could be rendered against us in these cases or others for which we could be uninsured or not covered by indemnity, or which may be beyond the amounts that we currently have reserved or anticipate incurring for such matters. Over the past few years, antitrust claims have been made against TiO 2 companies, including Huntsman. In this type of litigation, the plaintiffs generally seek treble damages, which may be significant. An adverse outcome in any claim could be material and significantly impact our operations, financial condition and liquidity. In addition, we are subject to various claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. For more information, see "BusinessLegal Proceedings."
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We are subject to risks relating to our information technology systems, and any failure to adequately protect our critical information technology systems could materially affect our operations.
We rely on information technology systems across our operations, including for management, supply chain and financial information and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our business depends on the security, reliability and capacity of these systems. Information technology system failures, network disruptions or breaches of security could disrupt our operations, cause delays or cancellations of customer orders or impede the manufacture or shipment of products, processing of transactions or reporting of financial results. An attack or other problem with our systems could also result in the disclosure of proprietary information about our business or confidential information concerning our customers or employees, which could result in significant damage to our business and our reputation.
We have put in place security measures designed to protect against the misappropriation or corruption of our systems, intentional or unintentional disclosure of confidential information, or disruption of our operations. Current employees have, and former employees may have, access to a significant amount of information regarding our operations which could be disclosed to our competitors or otherwise used to harm us. Moreover, our operations in certain locations, such as China, may be particularly vulnerable to security attacks or other problems. Any breach of our security measures could result in unauthorized access to and misappropriation of our information, corruption of data or disruption of operations or transactions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, we could be required to expend significant additional amounts to respond to information technology issues or to protect against threatened or actual security breaches. We may not be able to implement measures that will protect against the significant risks to our information technology systems.
Economic conditions and regulatory changes following the U.K.'s likely exit from the European Union could adversely impact our operations, operating results and financial condition.
Following a referendum in June 2016, in which voters in the U.K. approved an exit from the EU, the U.K. government initiated the formal process to leave the EU (often referred to as Brexit) on March 29, 2017. The process is expected to be completed within the next two years. The referendum triggered short-term financial volatility, including a decline in the value of the British pound sterling in comparison to both the U.S. dollar and euro. It is expected that Brexit will continue to impact economic conditions in the EU. The future effects of Brexit will depend on any agreements the U.K. makes to retain access to the EU or other markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. Given the lack of comparable precedent, it is unclear what financial, trade and legal implications the withdrawal of the U.K. from the EU would have and how such withdrawal would affect our Company.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from sales outside the U.S., including 40% from continental Europe and 5% from the U.K. in 2016. The consequences of Brexit, together with the significant uncertainty regarding the terms on which the U.K. will leave the EU, could introduce significant uncertainties into global financial markets and adversely impact the markets in which we and our customers operate. Brexit could also create uncertainty with respect to the legal and regulatory requirements to which we and our customers in the U.K. are subject and lead to divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. government determines which EU laws to replace or replicate.
While we are not experiencing any immediate adverse impact on our financial condition as a direct result of Brexit, adverse consequences such as deterioration in economic conditions, volatility in currency exchange rates or adverse changes in regulation could have a negative impact on our future
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operations, operating results and financial condition. All of these potential consequences could be further magnified if additional countries were to seek to exit the EU.
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, which resulted in the restatement of our financial statements. If remediation of this material weakness is not effective, or if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting in the future, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or operating results, which may adversely affect investor confidence in our company and, as a result, the value of our ordinary shares.
We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017. As defined in the standards established by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a "material weakness" is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented, or detected on a timely basis.
The material weakness identified related to the presentation of our cash flows related to the cash pooling program in which we participate with certain subsidiaries of Huntsman International. Cash flows related to cash pooling programs should be presented as cash flows from either investing or financing activities on the statements of cash flows. As further described in footnote 13 to our condensed combined financial statements and footnote 25 to our combined financial statements, our cash flows related to cash pooling programs were improperly disclosed as operating activities instead of investing and financing activities in our statements of cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2016 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the adjustment from operating activities to investing and financing activities in the combined statements of cash flows was $46 million, $266 million, and $163 million, respectively. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the adjustment from operating activities to investing and financing activities in the condensed combined statements of cash flows was $146 million and $89 million, respectively. We are taking steps to remediate the material weakness and are in the process of supplementing our existing internal controls related to carve out cash flow reporting. In response to the material weakness, we have hired additional accounting personnel, provided training to our existing accounting personnel and initiated various other remedial measures. The incremental internal controls created to respond to this material weakness will be integrated into our internal controls testing plan and they will be tested during 2017. Although we plan to complete the above remediation process and associated evaluation and testing as quickly as possible, we may not be able to do so and our initiatives may prove not to be successful. If our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weakness, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting are discovered during the evaluation and testing process, we will be unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective and our independent registered public accounting firm will be unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our shares.
Failure to maintain effective internal controls could adversely affect our ability to meet our reporting requirements.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. One key aspect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is that we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management and our independent
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registered public accounting firm to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, with auditor attestation of the effectiveness of our internal controls, beginning with our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identify deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our ordinary shares could decline and we could be subject to regulatory penalties or investigations by the NYSE, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and to effectively prevent fraud. Internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we cannot provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and effectively prevent fraud, our operating results could be misreported. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. If we fail to maintain the effectiveness of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed, we could fail to meet our reporting obligations, and there could be a material adverse effect on our share price.
The process of implementing internal controls in connection with our operation as a stand-alone company requires significant attention from management and we cannot be certain that these measures will ensure that we implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. Difficulties encountered in their implementation could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we fail to obtain the quality of administrative services necessary to operate effectively or incur greater costs in obtaining these services, our profitability, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Our results of operations could be adversely affected by our indemnification of Huntsman and other commitments and contingencies.
In the ordinary course of business, we may make certain commitments, including representations, warranties and indemnities relating to current and past operations, including those related to divested businesses, and issue guarantees of third-party obligations. Additionally, we are required to indemnify Huntsman for uncapped amounts with regard to liabilities allocated to, or assumed by us under each of the separation agreement, the employee matters agreement and the tax matters agreement that we expect to execute prior to the completion of this offering. These indemnification obligations to date have included defense costs associated with certain litigation matters as well as certain damages awards, settlements, and penalties. As we are required to make payments, such payments could be significant and could exceed the amounts we have accrued with respect thereto, adversely affecting our results of operations. In addition, in the event that Huntsman seeks indemnification for adverse trial rulings or outcomes, these indemnification claims could materially adversely affect our financial condition. Disputes between Huntsman and us may also arise with respect to indemnification matters including disputes based on matters of law or contract interpretation. If and to the extent these disputes arise, they could materially adversely affect us.
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Financial difficulties and related problems experienced by our customers, vendors, suppliers and other business partners could have a material adverse effect on our business.
During periods of economic disruption, more of our customers than normal may experience financial difficulties, including bankruptcies, restructurings and liquidations, which could affect our business by reducing sales, increasing our risk in extending trade credit to customers and reducing our profitability. A significant adverse change in a customer relationship or in a customer's financial position could cause us to limit or discontinue business with that customer, require us to assume more credit risk relating to that customer's receivables or limit our ability to collect accounts receivable from that customer.
Our customers, prospective customers, suppliers or other companies with whom we conduct business may need assurances that our financial stability is sufficient to satisfy their requirements for doing or continuing to do business with them.
Some of our customers, prospective customers, suppliers or other companies with whom we conduct business may need assurances that our financial stability is sufficient to satisfy their requirements for doing or continuing to do business with them, and may require us to provide additional credit support, such as letters of credit or other financial guarantees. Any failure of parties to be satisfied with our financial stability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our flexibility in managing our labor force may be adversely affected by existing or new labor and employment laws and policies in the jurisdictions in which we operate, many of which are more onerous than those of the United States; and some of our labor force has substantial workers' council or trade union participation, which creates a risk of disruption from labor disputes.
The global nature of our business presents difficulties in hiring and maintaining a workforce in certain countries. The majority of our employees are located outside the U.S. In many of these countries, including the U.K., Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Finland and Malaysia, labor and employment laws may be more onerous than in the U.S. and, in many cases, grant significant job protection to employees, including rights on termination of employment.
We are required to consult with, and seek the consent or advice of, various employee groups or works councils that represent our employees for any changes to our activities or employee benefits. This requirement could have a significant impact on our flexibility in managing costs and responding to market changes.
Our future success depends on our ability to retain key executives and to identify, attract, retain and motivate qualified senior management and personnel.
We are highly dependent on the experience and strong relationships in the chemicals industry, and financial and business development expertise of Simon Turner, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Kurt Ogden, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Because of our reliance on our senior management team, our future success depends, in part, on our ability to identify, attract, develop and retain key personnel and talent to succeed our senior management and other key positions throughout the organization. The loss of the services of our executive officers or other key employees could impede the achievement of our strategic objectives and seriously harm our ability to successfully implement our business strategy. Furthermore, replacing executive officers and key employees may be difficult and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals in our industry with the breadth of skills and experience required to successfully manage, develop and grow in a highly technical chemicals industry. This risk is further enhanced by the planned
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separation from Huntsman. If we fail to identify and develop or recruit successors, we are at risk of being harmed by the departures of these key employees.
Conflicts, military actions, terrorist attacks and general instability, particularly in certain energy-producing nations, along with increased security regulations related to our industry, could adversely affect our business.
Conflicts, military actions and terrorist attacks have precipitated economic instability and turmoil in financial markets. Instability and turmoil, particularly in energy-producing nations, may result in raw material cost increases. The uncertainty and economic disruption resulting from hostilities, military action or acts of terrorism may impact any or all of our facilities and operations or those of our suppliers or customers. Accordingly, any conflict, military action or terrorist attack that impacts us or any of our suppliers or customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
In addition, a number of governments have instituted regulations attempting to increase the security of chemical plants and the transportation of hazardous chemicals, which could result in higher operating costs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity.
Risks Related to Intellectual Property
Our business is dependent on our intellectual property. If we are unable to enforce our intellectual property rights and prevent use of our intellectual property by third parties, our ability to compete may be adversely affected.
Protection of our proprietary processes, apparatuses and other technology is important to our business. We rely on patent protection, as well as a combination of copyright and trade secret laws to protect and prevent others from duplicating our proprietary processes, apparatuses and technology. While a presumption of validity exists with respect to patents issued to us in the U.S., there can be no assurance that any of our patents will not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable. Such means may afford only limited protection of our intellectual property and may not; (i) prevent our competitors from duplicating our processes or technology; (ii) prevent our competitors from gaining access to our proprietary information and technology; or (iii) permit us to gain or maintain a competitive advantage. In addition, our competitors or other third parties may obtain patents that restrict or preclude our ability to lawfully produce or sell our products in a competitive manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We generally seek to apply for patents or for similar statutory protections as and if we deem appropriate, based on then-current facts and circumstances, and we will continue to do so in the future. No assurances can be given that any patent application that we have filed or will file will result in issuance of a patent, or that any existing or future patents issued to us will afford adequate or meaningful protection against competitors or against similar technology. If our patent claims are rendered invalid or unenforceable, or narrowed in scope, the patent coverage afforded our products could be impaired. Such impairment could significantly impede our ability to market our products, negatively affect our competitive position and harm our business and operating results. Our patents and patent applications may cover particular aspects of our products. Competitors and other third parties may be able to circumvent or design around our patents. Competitors may develop and obtain patent protection for more effective technologies, designs or methods. In addition, no assurances can be given that third parties will not create new products or methods that achieve similar results without infringing upon patents we own. If these developments were to occur, it could have an adverse effect on our sales or market position.
We rely upon trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary know-how and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position. While it is our policy to
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enter into agreements imposing nondisclosure and confidentiality obligations upon our employees and third parties to protect our intellectual property, these confidentiality obligations may be breached, may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or proprietary know-how, or adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized access, use or disclosure of our trade secrets and know-how. Furthermore, despite the existence of such nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, or other contractual restrictions, we may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our confidential proprietary information or trade secrets by consultants, vendors, former employees or current employees. And the laws of foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights effectively or to the same extent as the laws of the United States. In addition, others could obtain knowledge of our trade secrets through independent development or other access by legal means. The occurrence of such events could limit or preclude our ability to produce or sell our products in a competitive manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, competitive position, financial condition or liquidity.
We may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights from misappropriation or infringement in countries where effective patent, trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property laws and judicial systems may be unavailable, or may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as U.S. law. Filing, prosecuting and defending our intellectual property in all countries throughout the world may be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, the laws of some countries outside of the U.S. do not afford intellectual property protection to the same extent as the laws of the U.S.
The lack of adequate legal protections of intellectual property or failure of legal remedies for related actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.
We rely on our trademarks, service marks, domain names and logos to market our brands and to build and maintain brand loyalty and recognition. We rely on trademark protections to protect our business and our products and services. We generally seek to register and continue to register and renew, or secure by contract where appropriate, trademarks, trade names and service marks as they are developed and used, and reserve, register and renew domain names as appropriate. Our registered or unregistered trademarks, trade names or service marks may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. Effective trademark protection may not be available or may not be sought in every country in which our products are made available and contractual disputes may affect the use of marks governed by private contract. We may not be able to protect our rights to these trademarks, domain names and trade names, which we need to build brand name recognition by potential customers or partners in our markets of interest. And while we seek to protect the trademarks we use in the U.S. and in other countries, we may be unsuccessful in obtaining registrations and/or otherwise protecting these trademarks. If that were to happen, we may be prevented from using our names, brands and trademarks unless we enter into appropriate royalty, license or coexistence agreements.
We are dependent on proprietary technology licensed from others. If we lose our licenses, we may not be able to continue developing and manufacturing as well as marketing and selling our products.
We have obtained licenses that give us rights to third party intellectual property that is necessary or useful to our business. These license agreements covering our products impose various royalty and other obligations on us. One or more of our licensors may allege that we have breached our license agreement with them, and accordingly seek to terminate our license. If we materially breach the obligations in our license agreements, the licensor typically has the right to terminate the license and we may not be able to market products that were covered by the license, which could adversely
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affect our competitive business position and harm our business prospects. In addition, any claims brought against us by our licensors could be costly and time-consuming and would divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations.
Third parties may claim that we infringe on their proprietary intellectual property rights, and resulting litigation may be costly, result in the diversion of management's time and efforts, require us to pay damages or prevent us from marketing our existing or future products.
Our commercial success will depend in part on not infringing, misappropriating or violating the intellectual property rights of others. From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims, including claims of alleged infringement of trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights held by third parties. In the future, third parties may sue us for alleged infringement of their proprietary or intellectual property rights. We may not be aware of whether our products do or will infringe existing or future patents or the intellectual property rights of others. Any litigation in this regard, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources as well as harm to our brand, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If the party claiming infringement were to prevail, we could be forced to discontinue the use of the related trademark, technology or design and/or pay significant damages unless we enter into royalty or licensing arrangements with the prevailing party or are able to redesign our products to avoid infringement. Any such license may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all, and there can be no assurance that we would be able to redesign our products in a way that would not infringe the intellectual property rights of others. In addition, any payments we are required to make and any injunction we are required to comply with as a result of such infringement could harm our reputation and financial results.
Risks Related to Our Relationship with Huntsman
We are controlled by Huntsman, and its interests may conflict with yours.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will be a stand-alone public company and Huntsman, through HHN, will own % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. Accordingly, Huntsman will continue to control our business objectives and policies, including the composition of our board of directors and any action requiring the approval of our shareholders, such as the adoption of amendments to our certificate of incorporation, and the approval of mergers or a sale of substantially all of our assets. Huntsman will also control the timing and structure of any further separation of us from Huntsman in the future. This concentration of ownership may also make some transactions, including mergers or other changes in control, more difficult or impossible without the support of Huntsman and could discourage others from making tender offers, which could prevent shareholders from receiving a premium for their shares. Huntsman's interests may conflict with your interests as a shareholder. For additional information about our relationships with Huntsman, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."
We may not realize the anticipated benefits from our separation from Huntsman.
We may not realize the benefits that we anticipate from our separation from Huntsman. These benefits include the following:
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We may not achieve the anticipated benefits from our separation for a variety of reasons. For example, the process of separating our business from Huntsman and operating as a separate public company may distract our management from focusing on our business and strategic priorities. In addition, we may not generate sufficient cash flow to fund our growth plans and to generate acceptable returns. Moreover, even with equity compensation tied to our business, we may not be able to attract and retain employees as desired. We also may not fully realize the anticipated benefits from our separation if any of the other matters identified as risks in this "Risk Factors" section were to occur.
Our historical and pro forma financial information may not be representative of the results we would have achieved as a stand-alone public company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.
The historical and pro forma financial information included in this prospectus has been derived from Huntsman's accounting records and may not reflect what our financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone entity during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future. Huntsman did not account for us, and we were not operated, as a separate, stand-alone company for the historical periods presented. The costs to operate our business as a separate public entity are expected to differ from the historical cost allocations, including corporate and administrative charges from Huntsman reflected in the accompanying historical and pro forma combined financial statements presented elsewhere in this prospectus.
We expect that our recurring selling, general and administrative expense (including any incremental stand-alone public company expense) will be lower than costs allocated to legal entities which will continue to be a part of Venator following this offering as reflected in our statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. The anticipated cost reductions principally relate to lower expected overhead costs for us relative to the allocation from Huntsman included in our historical statements of operations with respect to (i) finance, accounting, compliance, investor relations, treasury, internal audit and legal personnel, (ii) information technology costs (iii) professional fees associated with legal and other services, and (iv) executive compensation. Actual expenses could vary from this estimate and such variations could be material.
Our capital expenditure requirements, including acquisitions, historically have been satisfied as part of Huntsman's companywide cash management practices. Following our separation from Huntsman, we will no longer have access to Huntsman's working capital, and we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities or other arrangements if our cash flow from operations is not sufficient to fund our capital expenditure requirements.
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For additional information about our past financial performance and the basis of presentation of our financial statements, see "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from our operations, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
After this offering, we will not be able to rely on Huntsman's earnings, assets or cash flow, and we will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining sufficient working capital and servicing our own debt. We may not generate sufficient funds to service our debt and meet our business needs, such as funding working capital or the expansion of our operations. Our ability to generate cash is subject in part to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash or repay or refinance our debt as it becomes due, we may be forced to take disadvantageous actions, including reducing spending on marketing and new product innovation, reducing financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, selling assets or dedicating an unsustainable level of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness. In addition, our ability to withstand competitive pressures and to react to changes in our industry could be impaired.
In connection with our separation from Huntsman, we will indemnify Huntsman for certain liabilities, including those related to the operation of our business while it was still owned by Huntsman, and while Huntsman will indemnify us for certain liabilities, such indemnities may not be adequate.
Pursuant to the separation agreement and other agreements with Huntsman, Huntsman will agree to indemnify us for certain liabilities, including those related to the operation of our business while it was still owned by Huntsman, and we will agree to indemnify Huntsman for certain liabilities, in each case for uncapped amounts, as discussed further in "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company." Indemnity payments that we may be required to provide Huntsman may be significant and could negatively impact our business. Third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for liabilities that Huntsman has agreed to retain. Further, there can be no assurance that the indemnity from Huntsman will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Huntsman will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Huntsman any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves.
We will incur additional expenses as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to complying with public company regulations.
Historically, our operations have been fully integrated within Huntsman, and we have relied on Huntsman to provide certain corporate functions. Relative to our pro forma Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additive segments for the year ended December 31, 2016, we expect these segments to be burdened annually by an approximate incremental $33 million to $38 million (before depreciation and amortization) of selling, general and administrative expense (relating to stand-alone public company expense) in the aggregate. As part of Huntsman, we have been able to enjoy certain benefits from Huntsman's scale and purchasing power. As a separate, publicly traded company, we will not have similar negotiating leverage.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the NYSE, have imposed increased regulation and disclosure and required enhanced corporate governance practices of public companies. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate
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governance and public disclosure, and our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards in this regard are likely to result in increased selling and administrative expenses and a diversion of management's time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
In addition, following this offering, we will become obligated to file with the SEC annual and quarterly information and other reports. We will also be required to ensure that we have the ability to prepare financial statements that are fully compliant with all SEC reporting requirements on a timely basis.
Following our separation from Huntsman, Huntsman will provide us with certain transitional services that may not be sufficient to meet our needs. We may have difficulty finding supplemental or, ultimately, replacement services or be required to pay increased costs to supplement or, ultimately, replace these services.
Certain administrative services required by us for the operation of our business are currently provided by Huntsman and its subsidiaries, including, administrative, payroll, human resources, data processing, EHS, financial audit support, financial transaction support, other support services, information technology systems and various other corporate services. Prior to the completion of the separation, we will enter into agreements with Huntsman related to the separation of our business operations from Huntsman, including a transition services agreement. We believe it is helpful for Huntsman to provide transitional assistance for us under the transition services agreement to facilitate the efficient operation of our business as we transition to becoming a stand-alone public company. These services may not be provided at the same level as when we were a business segment within Huntsman, and we may not be able to obtain the same benefits that we received prior to this offering. While these services are being provided to us by Huntsman, our operational flexibility to modify or implement changes with respect to such services or the amounts we pay for them will be limited. After the expiration or termination of the transition services agreement, we may not be able to replace these services or enter into appropriate third-party agreements on terms and conditions, including cost, comparable to those that we will receive from Huntsman under the transition services agreement. Any failure or significant downtime in our own administrative systems or in Huntsman's administrative systems during the transitional period could result in unexpected costs, impact our results and/or prevent us from paying our suppliers or employees and performing other administrative services on a timely basis. Although we intend to replace portions of the services currently provided by Huntsman, we may encounter difficulties replacing certain services or be unable to negotiate pricing or other terms as favorable as those we currently have in effect. For those services currently provided to us by Huntsman but that will not be provided under the transition services agreement after this offering, there can be no assurance that we will be as effective performing these services on a stand-alone basis. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our CompanyTransition Services Agreement."
We may experience unplanned disruptions to our operations in these facilities as a result of actions beyond our control. In some cases, we may share control with Huntsman and differences in views between us and Huntsman may result in delays and may cause us to fail to achieve our planned operating performance. As a result, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
The agreements between us and Huntsman will not be made on an arm's length basis.
The agreements we will enter into with Huntsman in connection with this offering, including, but not limited to, the separation agreement, tax matters agreement, employee matters agreement, registration rights agreement and transition services agreement, will have been negotiated in the context of this offering while we were still a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman. Accordingly, during the period in which the terms of those agreements will have been negotiated, we will not have had an independent board of directors or a management team independent of Huntsman. As a result, the
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terms of those agreements may not reflect terms that would have resulted from arm's-length negotiations between unaffiliated third parties. The terms relate to, among other things, the allocation of assets, liabilities, rights and other obligations between Huntsman and us. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company" for a description of these obligations and the allocation of liabilities between Huntsman and us.
We could have significant tax liabilities for periods during which Huntsman operated our business.
For any tax periods (or portions thereof) prior to the separation and this offering, we or one or more of our subsidiaries will be included in consolidated, combined, unitary or similar tax reporting groups with Huntsman (including Huntsman's consolidated group for U.S. federal income tax purposes). Applicable laws (including U.S. federal income tax laws) often provide that each member of such a tax reporting group is liable for the group's entire tax obligation. Thus, to the extent Huntsman or other members of a tax reporting group of which we or one of our subsidiaries was a member fails to make any tax payments required by law, we could be liable for the shortfall. Huntsman will indemnify us for any taxes attributable to Huntsman and the internal reorganization and separation transactions that we or one of our subsidiaries are required to pay as a result of our (or one of our subsidiaries') membership in such a tax reporting group with Huntsman. We will also be responsible for any increase in Huntsman's tax liability for any period in which we or any of our subsidiaries are combined or consolidated with Huntsman to the extent attributable to our business (including any increase resulting from audit adjustments).
In addition, we will also be responsible for any taxes due with respect to tax returns that include only us and/or our subsidiaries for tax periods (or portions thereof) prior to the separation and this offering.
Further, by virtue of Huntsman's controlling ownership and the tax matters agreement, Huntsman will effectively control all of our tax decisions in connection with any tax reporting group tax returns in which we (or any of our subsidiaries) are included. The tax matters agreement provides that Huntsman will have sole authority to respond to and conduct all tax proceedings (including tax audits) and to prepare and file all such reporting group tax returns in which we or one of our subsidiaries are included on our behalf (including the making of any tax elections). This arrangement may result in conflicts of interest between Huntsman and us. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our CompanyTax Matters Agreement."
In addition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes Huntsman will recognize gain as a result of the internal restructuring if, and to the extent, the fair market value of the assets associated with our U.S. business exceeds the basis of such assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time of the internal restructuring. To the extent any such gain is recognized, the basis of the assets associated with our U.S. business will be increased. Pursuant to the tax matters agreement, we will be required to pay to Huntsman in the future any actual U.S. federal income savings we recognize in tax periods following this offering as a result of any such basis increase. We will benefit from any increased tax basis in our assets over periods ranging from 5 to 15 years. The actual amount of any gain recognized and any corresponding basis increase will not be known until the tax return for the year that includes the internal restructuring is complete. Moreover, any subsequent adjustment asserted by U.S. taxing authorities could increase the amount of gain recognized and any corresponding basis increase, and could result in a higher liability for us under the tax matters agreement.
See note "18. Income Taxes" to our combined financial statements for the amount of our known contingent tax liabilities. We currently have no reason to believe that we have any unrecorded outstanding tax liabilities from prior years; however, due to the inherent complexity of tax law, the many countries in which we operate, and the unpredictable nature of tax authorities, we believe there is inherent uncertainty.
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The amount of tax for which we are liable for taxable periods preceding the separation may be impacted by elections Huntsman makes on our behalf.
Under the tax matters agreement, Huntsman will have the right to make all elections for taxable periods preceding the separation and this offering. As a result, the amount of tax for which we are liable for taxable periods preceding the separation and this offering may be impacted by elections Huntsman makes on our behalf.
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a "passive foreign investment company," or "PFIC," for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of "passive income" or (2) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation's assets for any taxable year produce or are held for the production of those types of "passive income." For purposes of these tests, "passive income" includes dividends, interest and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than certain rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business, but does not include income derived from the performance of services. U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their interests in the PFIC.
Based on the composition of our assets, income and a review of our activities we do not believe that we currently are a PFIC, and we do not expect to become a PFIC in future taxable years. However, our status as a PFIC in any taxable year will depend on our assets, income and activities in each year, and because this is a factual determination made annually after the end of each taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable years, and it is possible that the US. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") would not agree with our conclusion, or the U.S. tax laws could change significantly. For additional information, see "Material Tax ConsiderationsPassive Foreign Investment Company Considerations."
The IRS may not agree that we are a foreign corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes.
For U.S. federal tax purposes, a corporation is generally considered to be a tax resident of the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation. Because we are incorporated under the laws of the U.K., we would be classified as a foreign corporation under these rules. Section 7874 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") provides an exception to this general rule under which a foreign incorporated entity may, in certain circumstances, be classified as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
As part of the internal reorganization, we will directly and indirectly acquire assets, including stock of U.S. subsidiaries and assets previously held by U.S. corporations, from affiliates of Huntsman. Under Section 7874, we could be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if Huntsman International is treated as receiving at least 80% (by either vote or value) of our shares by reason of holding shares in any U.S. subsidiary acquired by us or with respect to our acquisition of substantially all of the assets of any U.S. subsidiary, in each case, in the internal reorganization.
It is currently not expected that Section 7874 will cause us or any of our affiliates to be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. tax purposes. However, the law and Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 7874 are relatively new, complex and somewhat unclear, and there is limited guidance regarding the application of Section 7874. Moreover, the rules for applying Section 7874 are dependent upon the subjective valuation of certain of our U.S. assets and non-U.S. assets.
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Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge our status or the status of any of our foreign affiliates as a foreign corporation under Section 7874 or that such challenge would not be sustained by a court. If the IRS were to successfully challenge such status under Section 7874, we and our affiliates could be subject to substantial additional U.S. federal income tax liability. In addition, we and certain of our foreign affiliates are expected, regardless of any application of Section 7874, to be treated as tax residents of countries other than the United States. Consequently, if we or any such affiliate is treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 7874, we or such affiliate could be liable for both U.S. and non-U.S. taxes. For additional information, see "Material Tax ConsiderationsTax Residence of the Company for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes."
Following this offering, certain members of our board of directors and management may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their ownership of shares of common stock of Huntsman and the expected overlap of two members of our Board with the board of directors of Huntsman.
Following this offering, certain members of our board of directors and management will initially own common stock of Huntsman or options to purchase common stock of Huntsman because of their current or prior relationships with Huntsman, which could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when our directors and executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for Huntsman and us.
In addition, we expect the board of directors of each of us and Huntsman will have members in common after the separation, including Peter R. Huntsman and Sir Robert J. Margetts, which could create actual or potential conflicts of interest.
So long as Huntsman beneficially owns ordinary shares representing at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of our outstanding ordinary shares, Huntsman can effectively control and direct our board of directors. Accordingly, we may not be able to resolve potential conflicts, and even if we do, the resolution may be less favorable than if we were dealing with an unaffiliated party.
As a result of these actual or apparent conflicts of interest, we may be precluded from pursuing certain growth initiatives.
We may not be able to transfer certain entities that are part of the separation from Huntsman prior to this offering.
We may not be able to transfer certain entities that are part of the separation from Huntsman prior to this offering because the entities may be subject to foreign government legal approvals that we may not receive prior to the completion of this offering. Such approvals may include, but not be limited to, approvals to demerge, to form new legal entities and to transfer assets. Following the completion of this offering, if receipt of foreign government legal approvals is further delayed or if we are unable to receive any requisite government approvals, we may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our separation from Huntsman.
We will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
Upon completion of this offering, Huntsman will continue to control a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares. As a result, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the NYSE. Under these standards, a listed company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a
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"controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirement:
Following this offering, we intend to utilize some or all of these exemptions. Accordingly, while Huntsman controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to such corporate governance requirements. See "Management."
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares
No market currently exists for our ordinary shares. We cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for our ordinary shares.
Prior to the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in us will lead to the development of a trading market on the NYSE or otherwise, or how liquid that market might become. If an active market does not develop, you may have difficulty selling any of our ordinary shares that you purchase in this offering. The initial public offering price for the ordinary shares will be determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters, and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering.
The market price and trading volume of our ordinary shares may be volatile and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the initial public offering price of our ordinary shares following this offering.
The market price of our ordinary shares may be influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including those described above in "Risks Related to Our Business" and the following:
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As a result of these factors, holders of our ordinary shares may not be able to resell their shares at or above the initial public offering price following this offering or may not be able to resell them at all. These broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our ordinary shares, regardless of our operating performance. In addition, price volatility may be greater if trading volume of our ordinary shares is low.
A number of our shares are or will be eligible for future sale, which may cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline.
Any sales of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market or the perception that such sales might occur, in connection with this offering or otherwise, may cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline and impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of equity securities. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" for a discussion of possible future sales of our ordinary shares. Subject to the lock-up arrangements discussed below and our agreements with Huntsman described in "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions," we are not restricted from issuing additional ordinary shares, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, ordinary shares or any substantially similar securities.
Upon completion of this offering, we expect that there will be approximately million of our ordinary shares issued and outstanding, or approximately million shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. These shares will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), unless the shares are owned by one of our "affiliates," as that term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. We cannot predict whether large amounts of our ordinary shares will be sold in the open market following this offering. We also cannot predict whether a sufficient number of buyers will be in the market at that time.
In addition, following this offering, Huntsman will retain % of our ordinary shares. In connection with this offering, we and Huntsman will enter into a Registration Rights Agreement, pursuant to which we will agree, upon the request of Huntsman, to use our best efforts to effect the registration under applicable securities laws of the disposition of our ordinary shares retained by Huntsman. Huntsman currently intends to monetize its retained ownership stake in Venator following this offering. Subject to prevailing market and other conditions (including the terms of Huntsman's lock-up agreement), this future monetization may be effected in multiple follow-on capital market or block transactions that permit an orderly distribution of Huntsman's retained shares. Huntsman has no contractual obligation to retain any of our ordinary shares, except as described under "Underwriting."
In connection with this offering, we, our directors and executive officers, Huntsman and its directors and executive officers, and the selling shareholders and their directors and executive officers have each agreed to enter into a lock-up agreement and thereby be subject to a lock-up period, meaning that they and their permitted transferees will not be permitted to sell any of the shares of our ordinary shares for 180 days after the date of this prospectus, without the prior consent of three of the four representatives of the underwriters. Subject to applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws, after the expiration of this 180 day waiting period (or before, with consent of the underwriters to this offering), Huntsman may sell any and all of our ordinary shares that it beneficially owns or distribute, or exchange, any or all of such ordinary shares to, or with, its stockholders. Any disposition by Huntsman of our ordinary shares, or the perception that such dispositions may occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our ordinary shares.
In connection with this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 to register our ordinary shares that are or will be reserved for issuance under the Venator Materials 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the "LTIP"). Significant sales of our ordinary shares pursuant to our LTIP could also adversely affect the prevailing market price for our ordinary shares.
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You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value per share.
Dilution per share represents the difference between the initial public offering price and the adjusted net tangible book value per share immediately after this offering. Purchasers of our ordinary shares in this offering will experience immediate dilution of $ in net tangible book value per share. See "Dilution." In connection with the separation, we will assume Huntsman stock-based compensation awards of our employees, which may result in additional dilution to investors in this offering.
The rights of our shareholders may differ from the rights typically offered to shareholders of a U.S. corporation organized in Delaware and these differences may make our ordinary shares less attractive to investors.
We are incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. The rights of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by English law, including the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, and by our articles of association. These rights differ in certain respects from the rights of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations organized in Delaware, including with respect to preemptive rights, distribution of dividends, limitation on derivative suits, and certain heightened shareholder approval requirements. The principal differences are set forth in "Description of Share CapitalDifferences in Corporate Law."
U.S. investors may have difficulty enforcing civil liabilities against the Company, our directors or members of senior management and the experts named in this prospectus.
We are incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. The U.S. and the U.K. do not currently have a treaty providing for the recognition and enforcement of judgments, other than arbitration awards, in civil and commercial matters. The enforceability of any judgment of a U.S. federal or state court in the U.K. will depend on the laws and any treaties in effect at the time, including conflicts of laws principles (such as those bearing on the question of whether a U.K. court would recognize the basis on which a U.S. court had purported to exercise jurisdiction over a defendant). In this context, there is doubt as to the enforceability in the U.K. of civil liabilities based solely on the federal securities laws of the U.S. In addition, awards for punitive damages in actions brought in the U.S. or elsewhere may be unenforceable in the U.K.. An award for monetary damages under the U.S. securities laws would likely be considered punitive if it did not seek to compensate the claimant for loss or damage suffered and was intended to punish the defendant.
The U.K. City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, or the Takeover Code, may apply to the Company.
The Takeover Code applies, among other things, to an offer for a public company whose registered office is in the U.K. (or the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man) and whose securities are not admitted to trading on a regulated market in the U.K. (or the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man) if the company is considered by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, or the Takeover Panel, to have its place of central management and control in the U.K. (or the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man). This is known as the "residency test." Under the Takeover Code, the Takeover Panel will determine whether we have our place of central management and control in the U.K. by looking at various factors, including the structure of our board of directors, the functions of the directors and where they are resident.
If at the time of a takeover offer, the Takeover Panel determines that we have our place of central management and control in the U.K., we would be subject to a number of rules and restrictions, including but not limited to the following: (i) our ability to enter into deal protection arrangements with a bidder would be extremely limited; (ii) we might not, without the approval of our shareholders, be able to perform certain actions that could have the effect of frustrating an offer, such as issuing
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shares or carrying out acquisitions or disposals; and (iii) we would be obliged to provide equality of information to all bona fide competing bidders.
Following the completion of this offering, Huntsman will be interested in over 50% of our voting share capital, and therefore, even if the Takeover Panel were to determine that we were subject to the Takeover Code, Huntsman would be able to increase its aggregate holding in us without triggering the requirement under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code to make a cash offer for the outstanding shares in the Company.
Based upon our current and intended plans for our directors and management, for the purposes of the Takeover Code, we will be considered to have our place of central management and control outside the U.K., the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Therefore, the Takeover Code should not apply to us. It is possible that in the future circumstances could change that may cause the Takeover Code to apply to us.
Pre-emption rights for U.S. and other non-U.K. holders of shares may be unavailable.
In the case of certain increases in our issued share capital, under English law, existing holders of shares are entitled to pre-emption rights to subscribe for such shares, unless shareholders dis-apply such rights by a special resolution at a shareholders' meeting. These pre-emption rights will have been dis-applied for a period of five years by our shareholder prior to completion of the offering and we intend to propose equivalent resolutions in the future once the initial period of dis-application has expired. We cannot assure prospective U.S. investors that any exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or applicable non-U.S. securities laws would be available to enable U.S. or other non-U.K. holders to exercise such pre-emption rights or, if available, that we will utilize any such exemption.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our ordinary shares, and we expect that our debt agreements will place certain restrictions on our ability to do so. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our ordinary shares appreciates.
We do not plan to declare dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Additionally, we expect that our debt agreements will place certain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends. Consequently, unless we revise our dividend policy, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment in us will be if you sell your ordinary shares at a price greater than you paid for it. There is no guarantee that the price of our ordinary shares that will prevail in the market will ever exceed the price that you pay in this offering.
Transfers of our shares may be subject to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax in the U.K., which would increase the cost of dealing in our shares.
Stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax ("SDRT"), are imposed in the U.K. on certain transfers of chargeable securities (which include shares in companies incorporated in the U.K.) at a rate of 0.5% of the consideration paid for the transfer. Certain issues or transfers of shares to depositories or into clearance systems may be charged at a higher rate of 1.5%.
You are strongly encouraged to hold your shares in book entry form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). Transfers of shares held in book entry form through DTC currently do not attract a charge to stamp duty or SDRT in the U.K. A transfer of title in the shares from within the DTC system out of DTC and any subsequent transfers that occur entirely outside the DTC system, will attract a charge to stamp duty at a rate of 0.5% of any consideration, which is payable by the transferee of the shares. Any such duty must be paid (and the relevant transfer document, if any, stamped by HM Revenue & Customs ("HMRC")) before the transfer can be
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registered in the books of Venator. However, if those shares are redeposited into DTC, the redeposit will attract stamp duty or SDRT at the rate of 1.5% to be paid by the transferor.
In connection with the completion of this offering, we expect to put in place arrangements to require that shares held in certificated form cannot be transferred into the DTC system until the transferor of the shares has first delivered the shares to a depositary specified by us so that SDRT may be collected in connection with the initial delivery to the depositary. Any such shares will be evidenced by a receipt issued by the depositary. Before the transfer can be registered in our books, the transferor will also be required to put the depositary in funds to settle the resultant liability to SDRT, which will be charged at a rate of 1.5% of the value of the shares.
If our shares are not eligible for deposit and clearing within the facilities of DTC, then transactions in our securities may be disrupted.
The facilities of DTC are a widely-used mechanism that allow for rapid electronic transfers of securities between the participants in the DTC system, which include many large banks and brokerage firms. We expect that our ordinary shares will be eligible for deposit and clearing within the DTC system. We expect to enter into arrangements with DTC whereby we will agree to indemnify DTC for any SDRT that may be assessed upon it as a result of its service as a depository and clearing agency for our shares. We expect these actions, among others, will result in DTC agreeing to accept the shares for deposit and clearing within its facilities.
DTC is not obligated to accept the shares for deposit and clearing within its facilities in connection with this offering and, even if DTC does initially accept the shares, it will generally have discretion to cease to act as a depository and clearing agency for the shares. While we would pursue alternative arrangements to preserve our listing and maintain trading, any such disruption could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ordinary shares.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our shares or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our share price could decline.
The trading market for our ordinary shares will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline.
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Certain information set forth in this prospectus contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements other than historical factual information are forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding: projections of revenue, expenses, profit, margins, tax rates, tax provisions, cash flows, pension and benefit obligations and funding requirements, our liquidity position or other projected financial measures; management's plans and strategies for future operations, including statements relating to anticipated operating performance, cost reductions, restructuring activities, new product and service developments, competitive strengths or market position, acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs, or other distributions, strategic opportunities, securities offerings, share repurchases, dividends and executive compensation; growth, declines and other trends in markets we sell into; new or modified laws, regulations and accounting pronouncements; outstanding claims, legal proceedings, tax audits and assessments and other contingent liabilities; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; general economic and capital markets conditions; the timing of any of the foregoing; assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address events or developments that we intend or believe will or may occur in the future. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "anticipates" or "intends" or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. We may also make additional forward-looking statements from time to time. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, by us or on our behalf, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events which may not be accurate or realized. Forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Important factors that may materially affect such forward-looking statements and projections include:
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All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. All forward-looking statements apply only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by securities and other applicable law.
There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in or contemplated by this prospectus. Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of the risks set forth in the section "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.
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Background
As part of a strategic review to streamline and focus operations, Huntsman's board of directors reviewed the possibility and advisability of separating its Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business from Huntsman's other businesses. On September 7, 2016, Huntsman's board of directors authorized management to pursue the separation of its Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives into a separate, publicly traded company. On April 28, 2017, we were formed as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman. On , 2017 Huntsman's board of directors unanimously approved the pursuit of this offering by us.
The Separation
In connection with this offering, we and Huntsman intend to take certain actions to transfer substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Huntsman's Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business to us through the internal reorganization, and enter into the separation agreement and ancillary agreements to separate our business from Huntsman and govern certain interactions with Huntsman. In addition, in anticipation of this offering, we intend to enter into new financing arrangements. We refer to the internal reorganization, the separation transactions, including the entry into and effectiveness of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, and the Financings, including the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt owed to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses, as the "separation." Giving effect to the separation, Huntsman will indirectly own all of our outstanding ordinary shares. The following are the principal steps of the separation:
In the separation, we are generally assuming all of the liabilities related to the Pigments & Additives segment of Huntsman and we expect to have adequate liquidity to address those liabilities as
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they materialize. Please see our condensed combined and our combined financial statements and the notes thereto for more information.
Following this offering, Huntsman intends to transfer to us certain assets and liabilities of the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business that, due to business, regulatory or other legal constraints, could not be transferred prior to this offering.
For more information regarding the agreements we and Huntsman intend to enter into, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company."
Reasons for Separation from Huntsman
Our separation from Huntsman is expected to provide each company with a number of material opportunities and benefits, including the following:
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We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the selling shareholders of our ordinary shares in this offering, including any ordinary shares offered if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares. For information about the selling shareholders, see "Security Ownership of Management and Selling Shareholders."
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Immediately following this offering and for the foreseeable future, we do not expect to pay dividends. However, we anticipate that our board of directors will consider the payment of dividends from time to time to return a portion of our profits to our shareholders when we experience adequate levels of profitability and associated reduced debt leverage. If our board of directors determines to pay any dividend in the future, there can be no assurance that we will continue to pay such dividends or the amount of such dividends. In addition, English law and our debt agreements will place certain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends. For more information please see "Risk FactorsRisk Related to Our Ordinary Shares."
58
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of March 31, 2017:
The table below should be read in conjunction with "Summary Historical Combined and Pro Forma Combined Financial Information," "Prospectus SummaryRecent DevelopmentsFinancing Arrangements," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our historical combined financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
We expect to enter into the ABL facility at the closing of this offering, with up to $300 million of commitments. However, this amount may not reflect actual borrowing capacity insofar as our borrowing capacity under the ABL facility depends, in part, on a borrowing base comprised of a combination of (based upon availability in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain) inventory, accounts receivable and other assets that fluctuate from time to time and may be further impacted by the lenders' discretionary ability to impose reserves and availability blocks and to re-characterize assets that might otherwise incrementally increase borrowing availability.
59
The term loan facility provides for an option to increase, subject to certain conditions, the aggregate amount of such facility by the Incremental Term Loan Amount (as defined under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsFinancing Arrangements."). We may also request incremental facilities under the ABL facility in an aggregate amount up to $100 million.
The availability of the incremental term loan facilities and incremental facilities under the ABL facility will be subject in each case to our ability to find sources to provide the incremental financing in the market and certain customary terms and conditions, including the absence of events of default and the accuracy of representations and warranties in all material respects. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsFinancing Arrangements."
60
Dilution is the amount by which the offering price paid by the purchasers of our ordinary shares in this offering exceeds the adjusted net tangible book value or deficiency per share of our ordinary shares after giving effect to the separation and this offering. Net tangible book value or deficiency per share of our ordinary shares is determined at any date by subtracting our total liabilities from our total assets less our intangible assets and dividing the difference by the number of ordinary shares deemed to be outstanding at that date.
If you invest in our ordinary shares in this offering, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our ordinary shares and the adjusted net tangible book value or deficiency per share of our ordinary shares after giving effect to the separation and this offering.
As of , 2017, after giving effect to the separation, but not to this offering, our net tangible book deficit was approximately $ million, or $ per ordinary share (based on of ordinary shares outstanding immediately prior to this offering). After giving effect to the separation and this offering, our net tangible book deficit, as adjusted, as of , 2017, would have equaled approximately $ million, or $ per ordinary share. This represents an immediate increase in the net tangible book value of $ per share to Huntsman, as our sole shareholder prior to this offering, and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $ per share to purchasers of our ordinary shares in this offering. The following table illustrates the per share dilution to new investors purchasing shares in this offering:
Initial public offering price per share |
$ | ||||||
Net tangible book value per share as of , 2017 (after giving effect to the separation, but not this offering) |
$ | ||||||
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering |
|||||||
| | | | | | | |
Adjusted net tangible book value per share (after giving effect to the separation and this offering) |
|||||||
| | | | | | | |
Dilution per share to new investors in this offering |
$ | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The foregoing discussion and table do not give effect to ordinary shares that we will issue if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares.
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full, our adjusted net tangible book deficit after giving effect to the separation and this offering, as of , 2017, would be approximately $ per share and the dilution per share to new investors would be $ per share. Furthermore, the number of our ordinary shares held by new investors would increase to , or approximately % of the total number of our ordinary shares outstanding after this offering, and the number of shares held by Huntsman would remain at shares, or approximately % of the total number of our ordinary shares outstanding after this offering.
The tables and calculations above exclude of our ordinary shares reserved for issuance under our LTIP upon the exercise of future awards. See "Executive Compensation."
61
SELECTED HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth selected historical combined financial data for the periods indicated. Our selected historical unaudited combined financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the balance sheet data as of March 31, 2017 have been derived from our unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our selected historical unaudited combined financial data as of March 31, 2016 has been derived from our unaudited accounting records not included in this prospectus. The unaudited condensed combined financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as our audited combined financial statements and include all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our financial condition and results of operations for such periods. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 presented below are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year. Our selected historical combined financial data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 have been derived from our audited historical combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our selected historical combined financial data as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 have been derived from our unaudited accounting records not included in this prospectus.
The Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses have historically been included in Huntsman's financial results in different legal forms, including, but not limited to: (1) wholly-owned subsidiaries for which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses were the sole businesses; (2) legal entities which are comprised of other businesses and include the Titanium Dioxide and/or Performance Additives businesses; and (3) variable interest entities in which the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses are the primary beneficiaries. Because our historical combined financial information for the periods indicated reflect the combination of these legal entities under common control, the financial information includes the results of operations of other Huntsman businesses that will not be a part of our operations following our separation from Huntsman. In addition, our historical combined financial information has been derived from Huntsman's historical accounting records and is presented on a stand-alone basis as if the operations of the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses had been conducted separately from Huntsman. However, the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the combined financial statements may not be indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows had the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses been a stand-alone company.
The financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus may not necessarily reflect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as if we had operated as a stand-alone public company during all periods presented. Accordingly, our historical results should not be relied upon as an indicator of our future performance.
The following selected historical combined financial data should be read in conjunction with "Capitalization," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between
62
Huntsman and Our Company" and our historical combined financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
Three Months
Ended March 31, |
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 569 | $ | 585 | $ | 2,309 | $ | 2,330 | $ | 1,729 | $ | 1,448 | $ | 1,596 | ||||||||
Net (loss) income from continuing operations |
(13 | ) | (48 | ) | (77 | ) | (352 | ) | (162 | ) | (49 | ) | 150 | |||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (at period end): |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,873 | $ | 3,400 | $ | 2,659 | $ | 3,413 | $ | 3,933 | $ | 2,313 | $ | 2,247 | ||||||||
Total long-term liabilities |
1,320 | 1,480 | 1,308 | 1,477 | 1,579 | 548 | 484 |
63
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information set forth below has been derived from the historical combined financial statements of the Huntsman Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses including the audited combined statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the unaudited condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2017 and the unaudited condensed combined statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect certain known impacts of our separation from Huntsman and this offering. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements also reflect certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable given the information currently available.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have generally been prepared giving effect to the separation as if it had occurred as of January 1, 2014 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations and as of March 31, 2017 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. However, for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations, the incurrence of debt under the Financings and the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses have been given effect as if they had occurred on January 1, 2016. This debt incurrence and debt repayment is therefore not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements presented below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," our historical combined financial statements and corresponding notes thereto and our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and corresponding notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The historical combined financial statements include all revenues, costs, assets, liabilities and cash flows directly attributable to the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses, as well as allocations of direct and indirect corporate expenses, which are based upon an allocation method that in the opinion of management is reasonable. For purposes of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements, all significant transactions with Huntsman International have been included in group equity. All intercompany transactions within the combined Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses have been eliminated.
The historical combined financial statements have been prepared from Huntsman's historical accounting records and are presented on a stand-alone basis as if the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses had been conducted separately from Huntsman; however, the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the combined financial statements may not be indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows had the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses been a stand-alone company. The Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses operations were included in Huntsman's financial results in different legal forms, including but not limited to: (1) wholly-owned subsidiaries for which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments were the sole businesses; (2) legal entities which are comprised of other businesses and include the Titanium Dioxide and/or Performance Additives businesses; and (3) variable interest entities in which the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses are the primary beneficiaries. Accordingly, the accompanying historical combined financial statements include amounts from the other businesses discussed above that will be retained by Huntsman following this offering. Because the other businesses will be retained by Huntsman and are expected to be treated as discontinued operations upon completion of the legal restructuring prior to
64
the closing date of this offering, we have included unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and for the three years ended December 31, 2016 that exclude the operations, assets and liabilities of the other businesses that are not part of the Titanium Dioxide or Performance Additives businesses. Please note that the pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 only reflect adjustments to reflect the exclusion of other businesses and are not otherwise adjusted to reflect the separation (including the incurrence of debt under the Financings) or the acquisition of the Rockwood business in 2014.
The historical combined statements of operations also include expense allocations for certain functions and centrally-located activities historically performed by Huntsman. These functions include executive oversight, accounting, procurement, operations, marketing, internal audit, legal, risk management, finance, tax, treasury, information technology, government relations, investor relations, public relations, financial reporting, human resources, ethics and compliance, and certain other shared services. For more information, see note 2(b) below.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been included for illustrative and informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what our financial condition or results of operations would have been had the Huntsman Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses operated historically as a company separate from Huntsman or if the separation had occurred on the dates indicated. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information also should not be considered representative of our future combined financial condition or combined results of operations.
65
Venator Materials PLC
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
AS OF MARCH 31, 2017
(Dollars in millions)
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
66
Venator Materials PLC
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
(Dollars and shares in millions,
except per share amounts)
|
Historical |
Legal Entities
Adjustment (a) |
Subtotal |
Other Pro
Forma Adjustments |
|
Pro Forma |
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Trade sales, services and fees, net |
$ | 2,249 | $ | (110 | ) | $ | 2,139 | $ | | $ | 2,139 | ||||||||
Related party sales |
60 | (60 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
2,309 | (170 | ) | 2,139 | | 2,139 | |||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
2,134 | (147 | ) | 1,987 | | 1,987 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
240 | (15 | ) | 225 | | 225 | b | ||||||||||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
35 | | 35 | | 35 | ||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net |
(46 | ) | 1 | (45 | ) | | (45 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
229 | (14 | ) | 215 | | 215 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss |
(54 | ) | (9 | ) | (63 | ) | | (63 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest expense |
(59 | ) | 1 | (58 | ) | [ ] | c | [ ] | |||||||||||
Interest income |
15 | (1 | ) | 14 | [ ] | c | [ ] | ||||||||||||
Other (expense) income, net |
(1 | ) | 7 | 6 | | 6 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes |
(99 | ) | (2 | ) | (101 | ) | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
Income tax benefit |
22 | 1 | 23 | [ ] | e | [ ] | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(77 | ) | (1 | ) | (78 | ) | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(10 | ) | | (10 | ) | | (10 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (87 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | $ | (88 | ) | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | [ ] | |||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares |
[ ] | d | [ ] |
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
67
Venator Materials PLC
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
(Dollars and shares in millions,
except per share amounts)
|
Historical |
Legal Entities
Adjustment (a) |
Pro Forma |
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: |
|||||||||||
Trade sales, services and fees, net |
$ | 2,270 | $ | (108 | ) | $ | 2,162 | ||||
Related party sales |
60 | (60 | ) | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
2,330 | (168 | ) | 2,162 | |||||||
Cost of goods sold |
2,192 | (146 | ) | 2,046 | |||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
271 | (8 | ) | 263 | b | ||||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
223 | (5 | ) | 218 | |||||||
Other (income) expense, net |
(3 | ) | 2 | (1 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
491 | (11 | ) | 480 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss |
(353 | ) | (11 | ) | (364 | ) | |||||
Interest expense |
(52 | ) | | (52 | ) | ||||||
Interest income |
22 | | 22 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes |
(383 | ) | (11 | ) | (394 | ) | |||||
Income tax benefit |
31 | (2 | ) | 29 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(352 | ) | (13 | ) | (365 | ) | |||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(7 | ) | | (7 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (359 | ) | $ | (13 | ) | $ | (372 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share: |
|||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | [ ] | |||||||||
Weighted average shares |
[ ] |
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
68
Venator Materials PLC
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(Dollars and shares in millions,
except per share amounts)
|
Historical |
Legal Entities
Adjustment (a) |
Pro Forma |
|
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: |
|||||||||||
Trade sales, services and fees, net |
$ | 1,654 | $ | (105 | ) | $ | 1,549 | ||||
Related party sales |
75 | (75 | ) | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
1,729 | (180 | ) | 1,549 | |||||||
Cost of goods sold |
1,637 | (154 | ) | 1,483 | |||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
199 | (17 | ) | 182 | b | ||||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
62 | (2 | ) | 60 | |||||||
Other expense, net |
7 | 3 | 10 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
268 | (16 | ) | 252 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss |
(176 | ) | (10 | ) | (186 | ) | |||||
Interest expense |
(25 | ) | | (25 | ) | ||||||
Interest income |
23 | | 23 | ||||||||
Other expense |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes |
(179 | ) | (10 | ) | (189 | ) | |||||
Income tax benefit |
17 | 1 | 18 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(162 | ) | (9 | ) | (171 | ) | |||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(2 | ) | | (2 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (164 | ) | $ | (9 | ) | $ | (173 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share: |
|||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | [ ] | |||||||||
Weighted average shares |
[ ] |
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
69
Venator Materials PLC
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017
(Dollars and shares in
millions, except per share amounts)
|
Historical |
Legal Entities
Adjustment(a) |
Subtotal |
Other
Pro Forma Adjustments |
|
Pro Forma |
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Trade sales, services and fees, net |
$ | 552 | $ | (15 | ) | $ | 537 | $ | | $ | 537 | ||||||||
Related party sales |
17 | (17 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
569 | (32 | ) | 537 | | 537 | |||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
489 | (26 | ) | 463 | | 463 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
44 | 8 | 52 | | 52 | b | |||||||||||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
27 | (1 | ) | 26 | | 26 | |||||||||||||
Other expense (income), net |
11 | (2 | ) | 9 | | 9 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
82 | 5 | 87 | | 87 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss |
(2 | ) | (11 | ) | (13 | ) | | (13 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest expense |
(14 | ) | 1 | (13 | ) | [ ] | c | [ ] | |||||||||||
Interest income |
2 | (1 | ) | 1 | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes |
(14 | ) | (11 | ) | (25 | ) | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
Income tax benefit |
1 | 4 | 5 | [ ] | e | [ ] | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(13 | ) | (7 | ) | (20 | ) | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(3 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (16 | ) | $ | (7 | ) | $ | (23 | ) | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | [ ] | |||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares |
[ ] | d | [ ] |
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
70
Venator Materials PLC
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements
NOTE 1ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
71
Reclassification of parent's net investment and advances |
$ | 651 | ||
Contribution by parent of accounts receivable previously sold into the A/R Programs |
108 | |||
Exclusion of intercompany balances, net |
1,181 | |||
Inclusion of debt |
[ ] | |||
Dividend payment |
[ ] | |||
Issuance of ordinary shares |
[ ] | |||
| | | | |
Additional paid-in capital |
$ | [ ] | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
NOTE 2ADJUSTMENTS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Relative to our pro forma Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additive segments for the year ended December 31, 2016, we expect these segments to be burdened annually by an approximate incremental $33 million to $38 million (before depreciation and amortization) of selling, general and administrative expense (relating to stand-alone public company expense) in the aggregate.
72
$1,181 million of intercompany balances, net, and our removal from Huntsman International's A/R Program in connection with the separation:
Pro forma interest expense was calculated based on an assumed blended interest rate of % using the actual interest rates for the $375 million of senior notes and market rates on borrowings of $375 million under our term loan facility. Interest expense also includes estimated amortization on approximately $ million of debt issuance costs related to the senior notes offering and the debt we intend to incur under the term loan facility. Such costs are amortized over the terms of the associated debt. Interest expense also includes an estimated % commitment fee on the anticipated new $300 million ABL Facility. Actual interest expense may be higher or lower depending on fluctuations in interest rates. For example, assuming all commitments were available and all loans under the ABL facility were fully drawn, a 1% increase in interest rates, without giving effect to interest rate hedges or other offsetting items, would increase our annual interest rate expense by approximately $7 million.
73
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the information under the headings "Risk Factors," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information" and "Business," as well as the audited combined financial statements, unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the related notes thereto, all appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following MD&A gives effect to the restatement as described in Note 13 to our condensed combined financial statements and Note 25 to our combined financial statements. Except when the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, (1) all references to "Venator," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Venator Materials PLC and its subsidiaries, or, as the context requires, the Pigments & Additives business of Huntsman, and assume the completion of all of the transactions referred to in this prospectus in connection with this offering, (2) all references to "Huntsman" refer to Huntsman Corporation, our ultimate parent company prior to this offering, and our controlling shareholder following this offering, and its subsidiaries, other than us, (3) all references to the "Titanium Dioxide" segment or business refer to the TiO 2 business of the Pigments & Additives segment of Huntsman and the related operations and assets, liabilities and obligations, which we will assume in connection with the separation, (4) all references to the "Performance Additives" segment or business refer to the functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses of the Pigments & Additives segment of Huntsman and the related operations and assets, liabilities and obligations, which we will assume in connection with the separation, (5) all references to "other businesses" refer to certain businesses that Huntsman will retain following the separation and that are included in our historical combined financial statements in "corporate and other", (6) all references to "Huntsman International" refer to Huntsman International LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman, a selling shareholder and the entity through which Huntsman operates all of its businesses, (7) all references to "HHN" refer to Huntsman (Holdings) Netherlands B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman and a selling shareholder, (8) all references to the "selling shareholders" refer to Huntsman International and HHN, our parent companies prior to this offering, and the entity through which Huntsman is selling our ordinary shares in this offering, (9) "Financings" has the meaning set forth under "Prospectus SummaryRecent DevelopmentsFinancing Arrangements" and (10) we refer to the internal reorganization, the separation transactions, including the entry into and effectiveness of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, and the Financings, including the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses, as the "separation."
This MD&A contains forward-looking statements concerning trends or events potentially affecting our business or future performance, including, without limitation, statements relating to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions. The words "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "budget," "continue," "could," "effort," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "objective," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target, "will" or "would" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking information unless required to do so under the federal securities laws. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements contained in this prospectus. See "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors."
Our Relationship with Huntsman
On September 7, 2016, Huntsman's board of directors authorized management to pursue the separation from Huntsman of its Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses into a separate, publicly traded company. On April 28, 2017, we were formed as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman. Upon the completion of this offering, we will be a stand-alone public company
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and Huntsman, through HHN, will own % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. Huntsman currently intends to monetize its retained ownership stake in Venator following this offering. Subject to prevailing market and other conditions (including the terms of Huntsman's lock-up agreement), this future monetization may be effected in multiple follow-on capital market or block transactions that permit an orderly distribution of Huntsman's retained shares.
On May 22, 2017, Huntsman announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Clariant, a specialty chemicals company headquartered in Switzerland, in an all-stock merger. The combined company will be named HuntsmanClariant. Legacy Huntsman and Clariant shareholders are expected to own 48% and 52% of the combined company, respectively. The board of directors of the combined company is expected to have equal representation from the legacy Huntsman and Clariant boards. The merger is expected to close by year-end 2017, subject to Huntsman and Clariant shareholder approvals, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The merger agreement permits Huntsman to proceed with our initial public offering and we currently expect to complete the initial public offering prior to the closing of the merger.
Basis of Presentation
The Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses have historically been included in Huntsman's financial results in different legal forms, including, but not limited to: (1) wholly-owned subsidiaries for which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses were the sole businesses; (2) legal entities which are comprised of other businesses and include the Titanium Dioxide and/or Performance Additives businesses; and (3) variable interest entities in which the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses are the primary beneficiaries. Because our historical combined financial information for the periods indicated reflect the combination of these legal entities under common control, our financial statements include the results of operations of other Huntsman businesses that will not be a part of our operations following this offering. We will report the results of those other businesses as discontinued operations in our future financial statements for periods that include the date of completion of the separation.
Our historical financial information has been derived from Huntsman's historical accounting records and is presented on a stand-alone basis as if the operations of the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses had been conducted separately from Huntsman. However, the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the combined financial statements may not be indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows had the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses been a stand-alone company.
The combined financial statements include all revenues, costs, assets, liabilities and cash flows directly attributable to the Titanium Dioxide, Performance Additives and other businesses, as well as allocations of direct and indirect corporate expenses, which are based upon an allocation method that in the opinion of management is reasonable. For purposes of the combined financial statements, all significant transactions with Huntsman International have been included in group equity. All intercompany transactions within our combined business have been eliminated.
Overview
We are a leading global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that improve the quality of life for downstream consumers and promote a sustainable future. Our products comprise a broad range of innovative chemicals and formulations that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. We market our products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments: Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our
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TiO 2 business, and Performance Additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We are a leading global producer in many of our key product lines, including TiO 2 , color pigments and functional additives, a leading North American producer of timber treatment products and a leading European producer of water treatment products. We operate 27 facilities, employ approximately 4,500 associates worldwide and sell our products in more than 110 countries. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, we had total pro forma revenues of $2,136 million.
Factors Affecting Comparability of Our Historical Financial Results of Operations to Our Future Financial Results of Operations
Following this offering, we will operate as a stand-alone company and, as a result, the future results of operations will not be comparable to the historical results of operations for the periods presented, primarily because:
We expect that our recurring selling, general and administrative expense (including any incremental stand-alone public company expense) will be lower than costs historically allocated to legal entities which will continue to be a part of Venator following this offering as reflected in our statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. The anticipated reduction in selling, general and administrative expense on a consolidated basis principally relates to lower expected overhead costs for us relative to the allocation from Huntsman included in our historical statements of operations with respect to (i) finance, accounting, compliance, investor relations, treasury, internal audit and legal personnel, (ii) information technology costs (iii) professional fees associated with legal and other services, and (iv) executive compensation. Relative to our pro forma Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additive segments for the year ended December 31, 2016, we expect these segments to be burdened annually by an approximate incremental $33 million to $38 million (before depreciation and amortization) of selling, general and administrative expense (relating to stand-alone public company expense) in the
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aggregate. Actual expenses could vary from this estimate and such variations could be material. Subject to the terms of the separation agreement, nonrecurring third-party costs and expenses that are related to the separation, other than the debt-related costs, and incurred prior to the separation date will generally be paid by Huntsman. We expect such nonrecurring amounts to include costs to separate and/or duplicate information technology systems, outside legal and accounting fees, and similar costs. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information."
Similarly, our tax obligations and filings were included in different legal forms, including, but not limited to, legal entities in certain countries where fiscal unity or consolidation is allowed or required with other Huntsman businesses, components of legal entities in which we operated in conjunction with other Huntsman businesses, and legal entities which file separate tax returns in their respective tax jurisdictions.
The combined financial statements have been prepared from Huntsman's historical accounting records and are presented on a stand-alone basis as if our operations had been conducted separately from Huntsman; however, we did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the tax results and attributes presented in our combined financial statements would not be indicative of the income tax expense or benefit, income tax related assets and liabilities and cash taxes had we been a stand-alone company.
The combined financial statements have been prepared under our currently anticipated legal structure such that the historical results of legal entities are presented as follows: The historical tax results of legal entities which file separate tax returns in their respective tax jurisdictions and which need no restructuring before being contributed to us are included without adjustment, including the inclusion of any currently held subsidiaries. The historical tax results of legal entities in which we operated in conjunction with other Huntsman
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businesses that will be retained by Huntsman following the separation for which new legal entities will be formed for our operations are presented on a stand-alone basis as if their operations had been conducted separately from Huntsman and any adjustments to current taxes payable have been treated as adjustments to parent's net investment and advances. The historical tax results of legal entities in which we operated in conjunction with other Huntsman businesses for which the Huntsman business will be transferred out to different legal entities have been presented without adjustment, including the historical results of the other Huntsman businesses which are unrelated to our continuing operating businesses.
Pursuant to tax-sharing agreements, subsidiaries of Huntsman are charged or credited, in general, with an amount of income taxes as if they filed separate income tax returns. Adjustments to current income taxes payable by us have been treated as adjustments to parent's net investment and advances.
We include the U.S. Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives subsidiaries of Huntsman International which are treated for U.S. tax purposes as divisions of Huntsman International. Huntsman International is included in the U.S. consolidated tax return of its parent, Huntsman. A 2% U.S. state income tax rate (net of federal benefit) was estimated for us based upon the estimated apportionment factors and actual income tax rates in state tax jurisdictions where we have nexus. U.S. foreign tax credits relating to taxes paid by non-U.S. business entities have been generated and utilized by Huntsman. On a separate entity basis, these foreign tax credits would not have been generated or utilized. Therefore, no additional allocation of Huntsman foreign tax credits was necessary. Additionally, Huntsman had no U.S. net operating loss carryforward amounts ("NOLs") or similar attributes to allocate to us. We believe this methodology is reasonable and complies with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1B, Allocation of Expenses and Related Disclosure in Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Divisions or Lesser Business Components of Another Entity .
In addition, there were acquisitions, dispositions and restructuring initiatives completed in the periods presented that will impact the comparability of the historical results of operations for the periods presented and to future periods, primarily comprising the following:
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In 2015, the Titanium Dioxide segment began to accelerate depreciation on the affected assets and recorded accelerated depreciation in 2015 of $68 million as restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs. In addition, during 2015, the Titanium Dioxide segment recorded charges of $30 million primarily for workforce reductions and non-cash charges of $17 million and, in the first quarter of 2016, recorded further restructuring charges of $1 million.
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from volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products). We currently estimate that these business improvements will require approximately $90 million of cash restructuring costs through 2020. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our BusinessIf we are unable to successfully implement our cost reduction program and related strategic initiatives, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate from such programs or may incur additional and/or unexpected costs in order to realize them."
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Three Months
Ended March 31, |
Year Ended
December 31, |
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2017 | 2016 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
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(in millions)
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Statement of Operations and Cash Flows Data: |
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Revenues |
$ | 380 | $ | 401 | $ | 1,561 | $ | 1,509 | $ | 330 | ||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations |
6 | (4 | ) | 18 | (58 | ) | 2 | |||||||||
Operating cash flows |
(94 | ) | 23 | 70 | 126 | (3 | ) | |||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (at period end): |
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Total assets |
$ | 1,847 | $ | 1,720 | $ | 1,699 | $ | 1,679 | ||||||||
Total long-term liabilities |
539 | 542 | 526 | 531 |
Raw Material Costs
The primary variable manufacturing costs in our TiO 2 business are titanium-bearing feedstocks and energy.
Feedstocks are available in different forms, including ilmenite, sulfate slag, synthetic rutile and chloride slag. Our manufacturing facilities use the different forms in varying proportions depending on their technology and configuration. We incurred manufacturing costs of $388 million and $440 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in relation to feedstocks.
The energy used in TiO 2 manufacturing includes electricity, gas and steam. The costs in each location primarily depend on the plant design and prevailing market prices. The manufacturing costs of energy for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $183 million and $218 million, respectively.
Business Environment and Industry Outlook
Global TiO 2 demand growth rates tend to track global GDP growth rates over the medium term; however, this varies by region. Developed markets such as the U.S. and Western Europe exhibit higher consumption per person but lower demand growth rates, while emerging markets such as Asia
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exhibit higher demand growth rates. The TiO 2 industry experiences some seasonality in sales reflecting the high exposure to seasonal coatings end-use markets. Coating sales generally peak during the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere, resulting in greater sales volumes during the second and third quarters of the year.
We are one of the six major producers of TiO 2 in the world that collectively account for approximately 60% of global TiO 2 production capacity according to TZMI. Producers of the remaining 40% are primarily single-plant producers that focus on regional sales. TiO 2 supply has historically kept pace with increases in demand as producers increased capacity through low cost incremental debottlenecks, efficiency improvements and, more recently, new capacity additions mainly in China. During periods of low TiO 2 demand, the industry experiences high stock levels and consequently reduces production to manage working capital. Pricing in the industry is driven primarily by the supply/demand balance.
Global TiO 2 sales in 2016 exceeded 6.0 million metric tons, generating approximately $12.6 billion in industry-wide revenues based on data provided by TZMI. The global TiO 2 market is highly competitive, and competition is based primarily on product price, quality and technical service. We face competition from producers using the chloride process as well as those using the sulfate process. Due to the ease of transporting TiO 2 , there is also competition between producers with facilities in different geographies. Over the last decade, there has been substantial growth in TiO 2 demand in emerging economies, notably Asia. The growing demand in Asia has consumed the majority of Chinese production. We operate primarily in markets where our product quality and service are valued or preferred by our customers and differentiate us from Chinese TiO 2 competitors. Cost advantages are typically driven by the scale of the plant, type of feedstock, source of energy and cost of local labor. The profitability of a plant is not solely related to its cost structure, but also importantly to its slate of manufactured products. We are generally able to reduce production costs by finding innovative solutions to convert the by-products arising from our sulfate process into value-adding co-products. Today, approximately 60% of all by-products of our sulfate processes are sold as co-products, and we are one of the largest producers of sulfate co-products in the world, including gypsum, copperas and other iron salts. We believe our differentiated and specialty products, along with our ability to profitably commercialize the associated co-products, enhance our plants' overall efficiency and resulting profitability. With our competitive cost structure, and our slate of differentiated and specialty products, we believe we are well positioned to compete in a cyclical market.
Historically, the market for large volume TiO 2 applications, including coatings, paper and plastics, has experienced alternating periods of tight supply, causing prices and margins to increase, followed by periods of lower capacity utilization, resulting in declining prices and margins. The volatility this market experiences occurs as a result of significant changes in the demand for products as a consequence of global economic activity and changes in customers' requirements. The supply-demand balance is also impacted by capacity additions or reductions that result in changes of utilization rates. In addition, TiO 2 margins are impacted by significant changes in major input costs such as energy and feedstock.
Profitability for TiO 2 reached a peak in 2011, with significantly higher demand, prices and margins. Based on publicly available information, we believe that during this period of peak profitability many TiO 2 peer companies, including Huntsman's TiO 2 business, generated EBITDA margins in excess of 25%. Following the peak, utilization rates dropped in 2012 as demand fell due to weaker economic conditions, industry de-stocking and the addition of new TiO 2 capacity. There was an associated decline in prices and margins. Over the following three years, demand recovered slowly; however, this modest demand improvement did not result in any significant increase in operating rates, and TiO 2 prices consequently declined throughout the period. After reaching a trough in the first quarter of 2016, supply/demand fundamentals began improving in 2016 primarily due to strong global demand growth and some capacity rationalizations. Though the TiO 2 market has shown signs of recovery, prices and
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margins remain below long-term historical averages. With the expectation of global capacity utilization rate improvements and further price increases, TiO 2 margins are expected to increase. With approximately 70% of our revenue during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 being derived from TiO 2 sales, we believe recovery in TiO 2 margins to long-term historical averages should result in increased profitability and cash flow generation.
We estimate that the global demand for iron oxide pigments was approximately 1.3 million metric tons per year for 2016. Approximately 45% of this demand was generated from Asia, with Europe representing approximately 23% of demand and North America representing approximately 21% of demand. The construction industry consumes approximately 45% of colored iron oxide pigments, where the products are used for the coloring of manufactured concrete products such as paving tiles and precast roof tiles as well as for coloring cast in place concrete such as ready-mix, stucco and mortar. Industrial and architectural coatings represent the second largest segment for iron oxides (approximately 30% of total demand), where these pigments bring color, opacity and fade resistance to a variety of solvent and water-borne coating systems. Growth in the demand for iron oxide pigments is therefore closely linked to demand in the construction and coatings industries.
We sell more than 90% of our functional additives products into coatings and plastics end markets. The demand dynamics for functional additives are therefore similar to those of TiO 2 . Over the last five years, there has been strong growth in demand for functional additives in specific applications such as white BOPET films. Final applications of these films include flat panel displays for televisions, labels and medical diagnostic devices. The demand for ultramarine blue pigments is primarily driven by the plastics industry, with approximately two-thirds of all ultramarine pigments used as colorants in polymeric materials such as packaging, automotive components and consumer plastics.
Exchange Rate Movements
Our earnings are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rate movements. Our revenues and expenses are denominated in various currencies, including the primary European currencies, which have recently been volatile, while our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Generally, a decline in the value of the euro relative to the U.S. dollar will reduce our reported profitability. A decline in the value of the British pound sterling or Malaysian ringgit relative to the U.S. dollar will increase our reported profitability.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our combined results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions). These results include other Huntsman businesses that are not part of our Titanium Dioxide or Performance Additives segments and that will ultimately not be part of our continuing operations. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information."
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Percent
Change Three Months Ended March 31, |
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Percent Change
Year Ended December 31, |
Three
Months Ended March 31, |
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Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2016 vs.
2015 |
2015 vs.
2014 |
2017 vs.
2016 |
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2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 2,309 | $ | 2,330 | $ | 1,729 | (1 | )% | 35 | % | $ | 569 | $ | 585 | (3 | )% | |||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
2,134 | 2,192 | 1,637 | (3 | )% | 34 | % | 489 | 550 | (11 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
194 | 268 | 206 | (28 | )% | 30 | % | 55 | 63 | (13 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
35 | 223 | 62 | (84 | )% | 260 | % | 27 | 11 | 145 | % | ||||||||||||||
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Operating loss |
(54 | ) | (353 | ) | (176 | ) | (85 | )% | 101 | % | (2 | ) | (39 | ) | 95 | % | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(44 | ) | (30 | ) | (2 | ) | 47 | % | NM | % | (12 | ) | (11 | ) | 9 | % | |||||||||
Other expense |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | NM | 100 | % | | | | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes |
(99 | ) | (383 | ) | (179 | ) | (74 | )% | 114 | % | (14 | ) | (50 | ) | 72 | % | |||||||||
Income tax benefit |
22 | 31 | 17 | (29 | )% | 82 | % | 1 | 2 | (50 | )% | ||||||||||||||
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Net loss |
(77 | ) | (352 | ) | (162 | ) | (78 | )% | 117 | % | (13 | ) | (48 | ) | 73 | % | |||||||||
Reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA: |
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Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(10 | ) | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | 43 | % | 250 | % | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | 50 | % | |||||||||
Interest expense, net |
44 | 30 | 2 | 47 | % | NM | % | 12 | 11 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit |
(22 | ) | (31 | ) | (17 | ) | (29 | )% | 82 | % | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | 50 | % | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
120 | 107 | 93 | 12 | % | 15 | % | 30 | 24 | 25 | % | ||||||||||||||
Other adjustments: |
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Acquisition and integration expenses |
11 | 44 | 45 | | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase accounting adjustments |
| | 13 | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposition of business/assets |
(22 | ) | 2 | (1 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Certain legal settlements and related expenses |
2 | 3 | 3 | | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses |
11 | 11 | 11 | 4 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net plant incident costs |
1 | 4 | | 5 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
35 | 223 | 62 | 27 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA(2) |
$ | 93 | $ | 34 | $ | 47 | $ | 61 | $ | 5 | |||||||||||||||
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Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(1) |
$ | 97 | $ | (63 | ) | $ | (63 | ) | NM | (2 | )% | $ | 22 | $ | (47 | ) | NM | ||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(1) |
(118 | ) | (139 | ) | 29 | (15 | )% | NM | (59 | ) | (37 | ) | (59 | )% | |||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities(1) |
30 | 194 | 52 | (85 | )% | 273 | % | 41 | 90 | (54 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(113 | ) | (211 | ) | (142 | ) | (46 | )% | 49 | % | (20 | ) | (33 | ) | (39 | )% |
NMNot meaningful
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We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in assessing our ongoing financial performance and provides improved comparability between periods through the exclusion of certain items that management believes are not indicative of our operational profitability and that may obscure underlying business results and trends. However, this measure should not be considered in isolation or viewed as a substitute for net income or other measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Moreover, Adjusted EBITDA as used herein is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation. Our management believes this measure is useful to compare general operating performance from period to period and to make certain related management decisions. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of different companies because it excludes certain items that can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. For example, interest expense can be highly dependent on a company's capital structure, debt levels and credit ratings. Therefore, the impact of interest expense on earnings can vary significantly among companies. In addition, the tax positions of companies can vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits and because of the tax policies of the various jurisdictions in which they operate. As a result, effective tax rates and tax expense can vary considerably among companies. Finally, companies employ productive assets of different ages and utilize different methods of acquiring and depreciating such assets. This can result in considerable variability in the relative costs of productive assets and the depreciation and amortization expense among companies.
Nevertheless, our management recognizes that there are limitations associated with the use of Adjusted EBITDA in the evaluation of us as compared to net income. Our management compensates for the limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA by using this measure to supplement U.S. GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business rather than U.S. GAAP results alone.
In addition to the limitations noted above, Adjusted EBITDA excludes items that may be recurring in nature and should not be disregarded in the evaluation of performance. However, we believe it is useful to exclude such items to provide a supplemental analysis of current results and trends compared to other periods because certain excluded items can vary significantly depending on specific underlying transactions or events, and the variability of such items may not relate specifically to ongoing operating results or trends and certain excluded items, while potentially recurring in future periods, may not be indicative of future results. For example, while EBITDA from discontinued operations is a recurring item, it is not indicative of ongoing operating results and trends or future results.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, net loss was $13 million on revenues of $569 million, compared with net loss of $48 million on revenues of $585 million for the same period of 2016. The decrease of $35 million in net loss was the result of the following items:
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Segment Analysis
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
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Three Months
Ended March 31, |
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Percent
Change Favorable (Unfavorable) |
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2017 | 2016 | ||||||||
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(in millions)
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Revenues |
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Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 385 | $ | 392 | (2 | )% | ||||
Performance Additives |
152 | 148 | 3 | % | ||||||
Other businesses |
32 | 45 | (29 | )% | ||||||
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Total |
$ | 569 | $ | 585 | (3 | )% | ||||
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Segment Adjusted EBITDA |
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Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 48 | $ | (3 | ) | NM | ||||
Performance Additives |
21 | 18 | 17 | % | ||||||
Other businesses |
(8 | ) | (10 | ) | 20 | % | ||||
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Total |
$ | 61 | $ | 5 | NM | % | ||||
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 vs. 2016 | ||||||||||||
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Average Selling
Price(1) |
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Local
Currency |
Foreign
Currency Translation Impact |
Mix &
Other(2) |
Sales
Volumes(3) |
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Period-Over-Period (Decrease) Increase |
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Titanium Dioxide |
12 | % | (2 | )% | (4 | )% | (6 | )% | |||||
Performance Additives |
| (1 | )% | 9 | % | (6 | )% |
NMNot meaningful
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Titanium Dioxide
The decrease in revenues of $7 million, or 2%, in our Titanium Dioxide segment for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 was due to a 6% decrease in sales volumes and 4% decrease due to product mix, collectively totalling $45 million, partially offset by a $38 million, or a 10%, increase in average selling prices. Sales volumes decreased as a result of the fire at our Pori, Finland manufacturing facility. Average selling prices increased primarily due to improved competitive conditions which enabled announced price increases to be effected.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by $51 million as a result of a $38 million increase in revenues due to higher average selling prices, $20 million of savings due to improvements in operational efficiencies in 2017, a $4 million decrease in cost of goods sold due to savings from restructuring initiatives, a $2 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expense due to savings from restructuring and a $2 million decrease in other operating expenses due to realized foreign exchange movements, partially offset by a $15 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA due to the fire at our Pori, Finland plant.
Performance Additives
The increase in revenues in our Performance Additives segment of $4 million, or 3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 was due to a net increase of $5 million, or 3%, due to changes in product mix and sales volume, and a $1 million, or 1%, decrease in average selling prices. The increase in Segment Adjusted EBITDA of $3 million was primarily due to improvement in product mix and restructuring savings.
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015
For the year ended December 31, 2016, net loss was $77 million on revenues of $2,309 million, compared with net loss of $352 million on revenues of $2,330 million in 2015. The decrease of $275 million in net loss was the result of the following items:
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Segment Analysis
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015
|
Year Ended
December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Percent
Change Favorable (Unfavorable) |
|||||||||
|
2016 | 2015 | ||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
|
||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 1,554 | $ | 1,583 | (2 | )% | ||||
Performance Additives |
585 | 577 | 1 | % | ||||||
Other businesses |
170 | 170 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2,309 | $ | 2,330 | (1 | )% | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Segment Adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 61 | $ | (8 | ) | NM | ||||
Performance Additives |
69 | 69 | | |||||||
Other businesses |
(37 | ) | (27 | ) | (37 | )% | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 93 | $ | 34 | 165 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2016 vs. 2015 |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Average Selling
Price(1) |
|
|
||||||||||
|
Local
Currency |
Foreign
Currency Translation Impact |
Mix &
Other(2) |
Sales
Volumes(3) |
|||||||||
Period-Over-Period (Decrease) Increase |
|||||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
(6 | )% | (1 | )% | 1 | % | 4 | % | |||||
Performance Additives |
| (1 | )% | (2 | )% | 4 | % |
NMNot meaningful
Titanium Dioxide
The decrease in revenues of $29 million, or 2%, in our Titanium Dioxide segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 was due to a $105 million, or 7%, decrease in average selling prices, partially offset by a $76 million, or 4%, increase in sales volumes. Average selling prices decreased primarily as a result of competitive pressure and the foreign currency exchange impact of a stronger U.S. dollar primarily against the euro. Sales volumes increased primarily due to increased end-use demand.
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Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by approximately $69 million primarily due to the decrease in cost of sales of $68 million, a decrease in selling, general and administrative costs of $19 million, primarily as a result of restructuring savings and a decrease in other operating expenses of $11 million due to insurance proceeds received relating to the 2015 nitrogen tank explosion at our Uerdingen, Germany manufacturing facility, partially offset by a $29 million decrease in revenue. The change in cost of sales was primarily related to a $115 million decrease due to restructuring savings offset by a $47 million increase in cost of sales due to increased volumes.
Performance Additives
The increase in revenues in our Performance Additives segment of $8 million, or 1%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 was due to an increase of $12 million, or 2%, due to changes in sales volumes and product mix offset by a $4 million, or 1%, decrease in average selling prices. Segment Adjusted EBITDA remained unchanged as the benefit of higher sales volumes and restructuring savings were offset by lower average selling prices.
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014
For the year ended December 31, 2015, net loss was $352 million on revenues of $2,330 million, compared with net loss of $162 million on revenues of $1,729 million for the same period in 2014. The increase of $190 million in net loss was the result of the following items:
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Segment Analysis
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014
|
Year Ended
December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Percent
Change Favorable (Unfavorable) |
|||||||||
|
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
|
||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 1,583 | $ | 1,411 | 12 | % | ||||
Performance Additives |
577 | 138 | 318 | % | ||||||
Other businesses |
170 | 180 | (6 | )% | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2,330 | $ | 1,729 | 35 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Segment Adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | (8 | ) | $ | 62 | NM | ||||
Performance Additives |
69 | 14 | 393 | % | ||||||
Other businesses |
(27 | ) | (29 | ) | 7 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 34 | $ | 47 | (28 | )% | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2015 vs. 2014 |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Average Selling
Price(1) |
|
|
||||||||||
|
Local
Currency |
Foreign
Currency Translation Impact |
Mix &
Other(2) |
Sales
Volumes(2),(3) |
|||||||||
Period-Over-Period (Decrease) Increase |
|||||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
(7 | )% | (12 | )% | 36 | % | (5 | )% | |||||
Performance Additives |
(10 | )% | (4 | )% | 337 | % | (5 | )% |
NMNot meaningful
Titanium Dioxide
The increase in revenues in our Titanium Dioxide segment for 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the impact of the Rockwood acquisition which added $411 million to revenue and $373 million to cost of sales. Fixed costs increased by $27 million due to recognizing a full year of Rockwood costs. Other than the impact of the Rockwood acquisition, average selling prices decreased 19% primarily as a result of high TiO 2 industry inventory levels and the foreign currency exchange impact of a stronger U.S. dollar against major European currencies; these factors reduced revenues by $235 million. Sales volumes decreased 5% in 2015 primarily as a result of lower end-use demand. Other than the impact of the Rockwood acquisition, fixed costs decreased by $18 million primarily due to the foreign currency exchange impact of a stronger U.S. dollar against major European currencies and $4 million in cost synergies from restructuring initiatives. The impact of a nitrogen tank explosion owned and operated by a third party at our Uerdingen, Germany facility disrupted our manufacturing during the third quarter of 2015 and reduced Segment Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $6 million, the impact of which is included in the above figures. The decrease in Segment Adjusted EBITDA was
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primarily due to lower average selling prices, partially offset by the decrease in operating expenses resulting from restructuring savings, as discussed above, lower raw material and energy prices, and the Rockwood acquisition.
Performance Additives
The increase in revenues in our Performance Additives segment for 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the impact of the Rockwood acquisition in October 2014, which added $413 million to revenue and $308 million to cost of sales. Fixed costs increased by $73 million due to recognizing a full year of Rockwood costs, partially offset by $6 million of cost synergies. The increase of $55 million in Segment Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to the inclusion of a full year of business results due to the Rockwood acquisition.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources have historically been cash flows from operations, our participation in a cash pooling program with Huntsman and debt incurred by Huntsman. Following the completion of this offering, we will not receive any capital contributions from Huntsman or funding through the Huntsman cash pooling program. We had cash and cash equivalents of $35 million and $30 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into the Financings and expect to incur up to $750 million of new debt, which will include (i) $375 million of senior notes and (ii) borrowings of $375 million under our term loan facility. We intend to use the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses. In addition, in connection with the closing of this offering, we intend to enter into a $300 million ABL facility available for our working capital needs and general corporate purposes. For more information about the senior notes offering and the senior credit facilities, see "Financing Arrangements."
We expect to have adequate liquidity to meet our obligations over the next 12 months. Additionally, we believe our future obligations, including needs for capital expenditures and acquisitions will be met by available cash generated from operations and borrowings under the ABL facility.
Items Impacting Short-Term and Long-Term Liquidity
Our liquidity can be significantly impacted by various factors. The following matters had, or are expected to have, a significant impact on our liquidity:
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Further, although the business improvement program is expected to be completed by the end of 2018, we expect to incur additional restructuring charges well beyond the end of 2018. We expect the business improvement program to provide additional contributions to Adjusted EBITDA beginning in 2017.
As of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had $10 million classified as current portion of debt.
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had approximately $31 million and $26 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries, including our variable interest entities. We intend to use cash held in our foreign subsidiaries to fund our local operations. Nevertheless, we could repatriate this cash or future operating cash from earnings as dividends to our U.S. enterprise. If foreign cash were repatriated as dividends, under current tax law, our existing tax attributes provide the ability to repatriate the cash without incurring incremental U.S. income tax. We anticipate that these attributes will be sufficient to allow for the repatriation of an amount of cash equivalent to at least our expected third-party debt at the time of this offering. Cash held by certain foreign subsidiaries, including our variable interest entities, may also be subject to legal restrictions, including those arising from the interests of our partners, which could limit the amounts available for repatriation.
Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities was $22 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 while net cash used in operating activities was $47 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016 was primarily attributable to a decrease in net loss as described in "Results of Operations" above in addition to a $32 million favorable variance in operating assets and liabilities for 2017 as compared with 2016.
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Net cash used in investing activities was $59 million and $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016 was primarily attributable to an $87 million increase in advances to affiliates partially offset by a $54 million inflow of insurance proceeds related to the fire in our plant in Pori, Finland received during the three months ended March 31, 2017 as well as a $13 million decrease in capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $41 million and $90 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016 was primarily attributable to a $48 million net repayment of borrowings on affiliate accounts payable.
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Net cash provided by operating activities for 2016 was $97 million while net cash used in operating activities for 2015 was $63 million. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during 2016 compared with 2015 was primarily attributable to a $275 million decrease in net loss offset by a $33 million unfavorable variance in operating assets and liabilities for 2016 as compared with 2015 and a $94 million unfavorable variance in noncash adjustments from 2015 to 2016 for impairment of assets.
Net cash used in investing activities for 2016 and 2015 was $118 million and $139 million, respectively. During 2016 and 2015, we paid $113 million and $211 million, respectively, for capital expenditures. During 2016 and 2015, we made investments in Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. ("LPC") of $29 million and $42 million, respectively, and we received dividends from LPC of $32 million and $48 million, respectively. Finally, we had an unfavorable variance in advances to affiliates of $83 million from 2015 to 2016.
Net cash provided by financing activities for 2016 and 2015 was $30 million and $194 million, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to a $158 million decrease in cash inflows related to net borrowings on affiliates accounts payable and a $6 million increase in dividends paid to noncontrolling interest.
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Net cash used in operating activities for both 2015 and 2014 was $63 million. Net cash used in operating activities during 2015 compared with 2014 reflects a $52 million favorable variance in operating assets and liabilities for 2015 as compared with 2014, a $135 million favorable change due to noncash adjustments in 2015 for impairment of assets and noncash interest, offset by an increase in net loss as described in "Results of Operations" above. See note "11. Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs" to our combined financial statements for further discussion of the impairment in 2015.
Net cash used in investing activities for 2015 was $139 million compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $29 million in 2014. During 2015 and 2014, we paid $211 million and $142 million, respectively, for capital expenditures. During 2015 and 2014, we made investments in LPC of $42 million and $37 million, respectively, and we received dividends from LPC of $48 million in both periods. During 2014, we received $77 million in cash in connection with the Rockwood acquisition. We had a decrease of $17 million in net advances to affiliates.
Net cash provided by financing activities for 2015 and 2014 was $194 million and $52 million, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to an increase in net borrowings from affiliate accounts payable offset by dividends paid to noncontrolling interests.
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Changes in Financial Condition
The following information summarizes our working capital as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollars in millions):
|
March 31,
2017 |
December 31,
2016 |
Increase
(Decrease) |
Percent
Change |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 35 | $ | 30 | $ | 5 | 17 | % | |||||
Accounts and notes receivable, net |
275 | 258 | 17 | 7 | % | ||||||||
Accounts receivable from affiliates |
502 | 303 | 199 | 66 | % | ||||||||
Inventories |
440 | 434 | 6 | 1 | % | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
11 | 11 | | | |||||||||
Other current assets |
63 | 60 | 3 | 5 | % | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
1,326 | 1,096 | 230 | 21 | % | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable |
295 | 303 | (8 | ) | (3 | )% | |||||||
Accounts payable to affiliates |
783 | 705 | 78 | 11 | % | ||||||||
Accrued liabilities |
188 | 156 | 32 | 21 | % | ||||||||
Current portion of debt |
10 | 10 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
1,276 | 1,174 | 102 | 9 | % | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Working capital (deficit) |
$ | 50 | $ | (78 | ) | $ | 128 | NM | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Our working capital increased by $128 million as a result of the net impact of the following significant changes:
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The following information summarizes our working capital as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in millions):
|
December 31,
2016 |
December 31,
2015 |
Increase
(Decrease) |
Percent
Change |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 30 | $ | 22 | $ | 8 | 36 | % | |||||
Accounts and notes receivable, net |
258 | 260 | (2 | ) | (1 | )% | |||||||
Accounts receivable from affiliates |
303 | 464 | (161 | ) | (35 | )% | |||||||
Inventories |
434 | 571 | (137 | ) | (24 | )% | |||||||
Prepaid expenses |
11 | 50 | (39 | ) | (78 | )% | |||||||
Other current assets |
60 | 65 | (5 | ) | (8 | )% | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
1,096 | 1,432 | (336 | ) | (23 | )% | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable |
303 | 317 | (14 | ) | (4 | )% | |||||||
Accounts payable to affiliates |
705 | 623 | 82 | 13 | % | ||||||||
Accrued liabilities |
156 | 259 | (103 | ) | (40 | )% | |||||||
Current portion of debt |
10 | 9 | 1 | 11 | % | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
1,174 | 1,208 | (34 | ) | (3 | )% | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Working capital |
$ | (78 | ) | $ | 224 | $ | (302 | ) | NM | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Our working capital decreased by $302 million as a result of the net impact of the following significant changes:
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Third-Party Debt Agreements
We also have lease obligations accounted for as capital leases primarily related to manufacturing facilities which are included in other long-term debt. The scheduled maturities of our commitments under capital leases are as follows (dollars in millions):
Year ending December 31:
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
2017 |
$ | 7 | ||
2018 |
2 | |||
2019 |
2 | |||
2020 |
2 | |||
Thereafter |
11 | |||
| | | | |
Total minimum payments |
24 | |||
Less: Amounts representing interest |
(4 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
20 | |||
Less: Current portion of capital leases |
(7 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Long-term portion of capital leases |
$ | 13 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
In addition to these capital leases, we intend to enter into the Financings described below under "Financing Arrangements." We intend to use the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses. Prior to, or concurrently with, the closing of this offering, all of our outstanding debt with Huntsman will be repaid, capitalized or otherwise eliminated.
Financing Arrangements
Following the closing of this offering, we expect to have the following indebtedness and other facilities:
Senior Facilities
General
Our new senior credit facilities will provide for first lien senior secured financing of up to $675 million, consisting of:
In addition, we may request one or more incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount (the "Incremental Term Loan Amount") equal to (a) sum of (1) $225 million and (2) the amount of voluntary prepayments of the term loan facility (including all debt buybacks with credit given to the principal amount of loans purchased) other than any such prepayments funded with the proceeds of long-term indebtedness, and (b) (i) in the case of any incremental term facility to be secured equally and ratably with the term loan facility, the amount that would result in a first lien net leverage ratio (to be defined in a manner to be agreed) equal to or less than 1.5 to 1.00 and (ii) in the case of any
95
incremental term facility or incremental equivalent debt to be secured on a junior basis to the term loan facility, subordinated in right of payment to the term loan facility or unsecured, the amount that would result in a total net leverage ratio (to be defined in a manner to be agreed) equal to or less than 3.00 to 1.00. We may also request incremental commitments under the ABL facility in an aggregate amount up to $100 million. The availability of the incremental term loan facilities and incremental facilities under the ABL facility will be subject in each case to our ability to secure commitments to provide the incremental financing in the market and certain customary terms and conditions including the absence of events of default and the accuracy of representations and warranties in all material respects.
The aggregate amount available for extensions of credit in each jurisdiction under the ABL facility is calculated according to a "borrowing base" formula based primarily on 85% of the value of our eligible accounts receivable and, to a lesser extent, the value of our eligible inventory and up to $15 million of the value of our unrestricted cash (in certain jurisdictions). As a result, the aggregate amount available for extensions of credit under the ABL facility at any time will be the lesser of $300 million and our borrowing base calculated according to the formula described above minus the aggregate amount of extensions of credit outstanding under the ABL facility at such time.
Borrowings under the term loan facility, together with the net proceeds of the senior notes offering, will be used to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses.
Interest Rates and Fees
Borrowings under the term loan facility will bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (a) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for Eurodollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing, adjusted for certain additional costs subject to an interest rate floor to be agreed or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the rate of interest per annum determined from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum and (iii) the one-month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00% per annum, in each case plus an applicable margin to be agreed upon.
Borrowings under the ABL facility will bear interest at a variable rate equal to an applicable margin based on the applicable quarterly average excess availability under the ABL facility plus either a LIBOR or a base rate. Thereafter, the applicable margin percentage will be calculated and established once every 3 calendar months and will vary from 150 to 200 basis points for LIBOR loans depending on the quarterly average excess availability under the ABL facility for the immediately preceding 3-month period.
Amortization and Prepayments
The term loan facility will require scheduled quarterly amortization payments on the term loan in an amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan, commencing on the first full fiscal quarter ending after the closing date of the term loan facility, with the balance paid at maturity.
In addition, the term loan facility will require us to prepay outstanding term loan borrowings, subject to certain exceptions, with:
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We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the term loan facility at any time, without prepayment premium or penalty, except in connection with a repricing event in respect of the term loan as described below, subject to customary "breakage" costs with respect to LIBOR rate loans.
Any refinancing of the term loan facility through the issuance of debt or a repricing amendment that results in a repricing event that lowers the existing yield at any time during the first six months after the closing date of the term loan facility will require payment of a 1.00% prepayment premium or fee, as applicable.
The asset based lending facility requires mandatory prepayment in the event that outstanding borrowings under the facility exceed availability as calculated under the borrowing base and upon the occurrence and continuation of a cash dominion event.
Collateral and Guarantors
Subject to customary exceptions, all obligations under the senior credit facilities will be unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by Venator and each existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect material wholly-owned restricted subsidiary of Venator. The obligations of the loan parties will be secured by a pledge of our capital stock directly held by Venator and any domestic loan parties and substantially all of our assets and those of each subsidiary guarantor, including capital stock of the subsidiary guarantors and 65% of the capital stock of the first-tier foreign subsidiaries that are not subsidiary guarantors, in each case subject to exceptions. Lien priority as between the term loan facility and the ABL facility with respect to the collateral will be governed by an intercreditor agreement.
Restrictive Covenants and Other Matters
The senior credit facilities will contain certain customary affirmative covenants. The negative covenants in the senior credit facilities will include, among other things, limitations (none of which are absolute) on our ability to:
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In addition, if excess availability under the ABL facility is less than a certain amount or less than a certain percentage of the aggregate available commitments under such facility, the ABL facility will require compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.
The senior credit facilities will contain certain customary events of default, including relating to a change of control. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the senior credit facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the senior credit facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor in respect of the collateral securing the senior credit facilities.
Senior Notes
The subsidiary issuers, which will be our wholly-owned subsidiaries as of the completion of this offering, announced on June 29, 2017 the pricing of $375 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to certain non-U.S. persons in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The sale of the senior notes is expected to close on or about July 14, 2017, subject to customary conditions. The gross proceeds of the senior notes offering will be funded into a segregated escrow account for the benefit of the holders of the senior notes. The funds will be released from escrow upon the closing of this offering, and used, together with borrowings under the term loan facility, to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses. Upon the closing of the senior notes offering, the senior notes will be guaranteed by the subsidiaries that guarantee our new senior credit facilities. Interest payments are due on the senior notes semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, commencing on January 15, 2018.
The senior notes contain customary events of default for similar debt securities, which if triggered may accelerate payment of principal, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on the senior notes. Such events of default include but are not limited to non-payment of principal and interest, non-performance of covenants and obligations, default on other material debt, and bankruptcy or insolvency. If a change of control repurchase event occurs, the subsidiary issuers may be required to offer to purchase the senior notes from the holders thereof at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest. Following the closing of the senior notes offering, the senior notes are not required to be repaid prior to maturity, although they may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option of the subsidiary issuers at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices specified in the indenture.
A/R Programs
Certain of our entities participate in the A/R Programs sponsored by Huntsman International. Under the A/R Programs, these entities sell certain of their trade receivables to Huntsman International. Huntsman International grants an undivided interest in these receivables to bankruptcy remote special purpose entities ("SPE"), which serve as security for the issuance of debt of Huntsman International. These entities continue to service the securitized receivables. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Huntsman International had $167 million and $144 million, respectively, of net receivables in their A/R Programs and reflected on their balance sheet associated with Venator. The entities allocated losses on the A/R Programs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1 million and $2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Huntsman International had $144 million and $152 million, respectively, of net receivables in their A/R Programs and reflected on their balance sheet associated with us. The entities allocated losses on the A/R Programs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $5 million, $3 million and $5 million, respectively. The allocation of losses on sale of accounts receivable is based upon the pro-rata portion of total receivables sold into the securitization program as well as other program and
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interest expenses associated with the A/R Programs. On April 21, 2017, Huntsman International amended its accounts receivable securitization facilities, which among other things removed existing receivables sold into the program by the Pigments and Additives business. In addition, after April 21, 2017, receivables generated by the Pigments and Additives legal entities will no longer participate in the Huntsman A/R Program sponsored by Huntsman.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
Our obligations under long-term debt (including the current portion), lease agreements and other contractual commitments as of December 31, 2016 are summarized below (dollars in millions):
|
2017 | 2018 - 2019 | 2020 - 2021 | After 2021 | Total | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Long-term debt, including current portion(1) |
$ | 10 | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | 7 | $ | 23 | ||||||
Interest(2) |
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||
Operating leases |
8 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 24 | |||||||||||
Purchase commitments(3) |
606 | 512 | 34 | 63 | 1,215 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total(4)(5) |
$ | 624 | $ | 526 | $ | 42 | $ | 74 | $ | 1,266 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
2017 | 2018 - 2019 | 2020 - 2021 |
5-Year
Average Annual |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pension plans |
$ | 24 | $ | 52 | $ | 56 | $ | 31 | |||||
Other postretirement obligations |
| | | |
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Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
No off-balance sheet arrangements exist at this time.
Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs
Following the Rockwood acquisition, we identified 21 business improvement projects in our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments. We commenced implementation of such projects in December 2014 and they collectively have produced significant cost savings and improved global competitiveness for our business. The benefits of these programs were measured at the individual project level while the cost performance of the business as a whole was measured against a benchmark period (fiscal year 2014). In total, the successful completion of these programs delivered more than $200 million of annual cost synergies to businesses that will be assumed by us in connection with the separation in the year ended December 31, 2016 relative to the year ended December 31, 2014, pro forma for the Rockwood acquisition. Approximately 85% of these cost savings were attributable to costs of goods sold and 15% were attributable to selling, general and administrative expenses.
In addition, we are currently implementing a business improvement program, which is expected to provide additional contributions to Adjusted EBITDA beginning in 2017 and to be completed by the end of 2018. If successfully implemented, we expect our business improvement program to result in increased Adjusted EBITDA from general cost reductions, volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products) and further optimization of our manufacturing network including the closure of certain facilities.
We have initiated various restructuring programs in an effort to reduce operating costs and maximize operating efficiency. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, accrued restructuring and plant closing costs by type of cost and initiative consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
Workforce
reductions(1) |
Other
restructuring costs |
Total(2) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accrued liabilities as of January 1, 2017 |
$ | 22 | $ | | $ | 22 | ||||
2017 charges |
20 | 4 | 24 | |||||||
2017 payments |
(6 | ) | (4 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||
Distribution of prefunded restructuring costs |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2017 |
$ | 35 | $ | | $ | 35 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
March 31,
2017 |
December 31,
2016 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 initiatives and prior |
$ | 15 | $ | 22 | |||
2016 initiatives |
| | |||||
2017 initiatives |
20 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 35 | $ | 22 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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Details with respect to our reserves for restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs are provided below by segment and initiative (dollars in millions):
|
Titanium
Dioxide |
Performance
Additives |
Other
businesses |
Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accrued liabilities as of January 1, 2017 |
$ | 12 | $ | 9 | $ | 1 | $ | 22 | |||||
2017 charges |
19 | 5 | | 24 | |||||||||
Distribution of prefunded restructuring costs |
(1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | |||||||
2017 payments |
(4 | ) | (6 | ) | | (10 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2017 |
$ | 26 | $ | 8 | $ | 1 | $ | 35 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current portion of restructuring reserves |
$ | 22 | $ | 8 | $ | 1 | $ | 31 | |||||
Long-term portion of restructuring reserve |
4 | | | 4 |
Details with respect to cash and noncash restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 by initiative are provided below (dollars in millions):
|
Three months ended
March, 31 2017 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cash charges: |
||||
2017 charges |
$ | 24 | ||
Other non-cash charges |
3 | |||
| | | | |
Total 2017 Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs |
$ | 27 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|
Three months ended
March 31, 2016 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cash charges: |
||||
2016 charges |
$ | | ||
Pension-related charges |
6 | |||
Accelerated depreciation |
4 | |||
Other non-cash charges |
1 | |||
| | | | |
Total 2016 Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs |
$ | 11 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Restructuring Activities
In December 2014, we implemented a comprehensive restructuring program to improve the global competitiveness of our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments. As part of the program, we are reducing our workforce by approximately 900 positions. In connection with this restructuring program, we recorded restructuring expense of $3 million in 2016. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $4 million through the end of 2017.
In February 2015, we announced a plan to close the black end manufacturing operations and ancillary activities at our Calais, France site, which will reduce our TiO 2 capacity by approximately 100,000 metric tons, or 11% of our European TiO 2 capacity. In connection with this closure, we recorded restructuring expense of $1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016.
In March 2015, we implemented a restructuring program in our color pigments business. In connection with this restructuring, we recorded restructuring expenses of approximately $4 million and $3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $7 million through the end of 2017.
In July 2016, we announced plans to close our Umbogintwini, South Africa TiO 2 manufacturing facility. As part of the program, we recorded restructuring expense of approximately $1 million for the
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three months ended March 31, 2017. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $4 million through the end of the third quarter of 2018.
In March 2017, we announced a plan to close the white end finishing and packaging operation of our TiO 2 manufacturing facility at our Calais, France site. The announced plan follows the 2015 closure of the black end manufacturing operations and would result in the closure of the entire facility. In connection with this closure, we recorded restructuring expense of $22 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. We recorded $4 million of accelerated depreciation on the remaining long-lived assets associated with this manufacturing facility during the three months ended March 31, 2016. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $41 million through the end of 2021.
As part of our business improvement program, we recorded restructuring expense of approximately $23 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
We expect that our open restructuring plans will improve earnings significantly as they are implemented through 2018 primarily as a result of lower operating costs due to workforce reductions resulting from plant closures. While our open restructuring plans are expected to result in net cash outflows in 2017, they are expected to result in net cash inflows in 2018 and 2019. If successfully implemented, we expect the general cost reductions and optimization of our manufacturing network to result in increases to our Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $60 million per year by the first quarter of 2019, with additional projected increases to Adjusted EBITDA from volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products). These net cash flow impacts are primarily attributable to plant closure and severance costs, which are more than offset by reduced cash operating costs.
For further information on restructuring activities, see note "11. Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs" to our combined financial statements.
Legal Proceedings
Antitrust Matters
We were named as a defendant in consolidated class action civil antitrust suits filed on February 9 and 12, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland alleging that we, our co-defendants and other alleged co-conspirators conspired to fix prices of TiO 2 sold in the U.S. between at least March 1, 2002 and the present. The other defendants named in this matter were E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company ("DuPont"), Kronos and National Titanium Dioxide Company, Ltd. ("Cristal") (formerly Millennium). On August 28, 2012, the court certified a class consisting of all U.S. customers who purchased TiO 2 directly from the defendants (the "Direct Purchasers") since February 1, 2003. On December 13, 2013, we and all other defendants settled the Direct Purchasers litigation and the court approved the settlement. We paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our combined financial statements.
On November 22, 2013, we were named as a defendant in a civil antitrust suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota brought by a Direct Purchaser who opted out of the Direct Purchasers class litigation (the "Opt-Out Litigation"). On April 21, 2014, the court severed the claims against us from the other defendants sued and ordered our case transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Subsequently, Kronos, another defendant, was also severed from the Minnesota case and claims against it were transferred and consolidated for trial with our case in the Southern District of Texas. On February 26, 2016, we reached an agreement to settle the Opt-Out Litigation and subsequently paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our combined financial statements.
We were also named as a defendant in a class action civil antitrust suit filed on March 15, 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by the purchasers of products made from TiO 2 (the "Indirect Purchasers") making essentially the same allegations as did the Direct
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Purchasers. On October 14, 2014, plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Class Action Complaint narrowing the class of plaintiffs to those merchants and consumers of architectural coatings containing TiO 2 . On August 11, 2015, the court granted our motion to dismiss the Indirect Purchasers litigation with leave to amend the complaint. A Third Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on September 29, 2015 further limiting the class to consumers of architectural paints. Plaintiffs have raised state antitrust claims under the laws of 15 states, consumer protection claims under the laws of nine states, and unjust enrichment claims under the laws of 16 states. On November 4, 2015, we and our co-defendants filed another motion to dismiss. On June 13, 2016, the court substantially denied the motion to dismiss except as to consumer protection claims in one state. The parties are negotiating a resolution to this action.
On August 23, 2016, we were named as a defendant in a fourth civil antitrust suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by an indirect purchaser of TiO 2 , Home Depot. Home Depot is an Indirect Purchaser of TiO 2 primarily through paints it purchases from various manufacturers. We settled this matter and the court dismissed the case on May 31, 2017 for an amount immaterial to our financial statements.
These Indirect Purchasers seek to recover injunctive relief, treble damages or the maximum damages allowed by state law, costs of suit and attorneys' fees. We are not aware of any illegal conduct by us or any of our employees.
Other Proceedings
We are a party to various other proceedings instituted by private plaintiffs, governmental authorities and others arising under provisions of applicable laws, including various environmental, products liability and other laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in our combined financial statements, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
As noted in "BusinessEnvironmental, Health and Safety Matters" and "Risk Factors," we are subject to extensive environmental regulations, which may impose significant additional costs on our operations in the future. While we do not expect any of these enactments or proposals to have a material adverse effect on us in the near term, we cannot predict the longer-term effect of any of these regulations or proposals on our future financial condition.
Environmental, Health and Safety Capital Expenditures
We may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under EHS laws, including costs to acquire, maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 16, our capital expenditures for EHS matters totaled $3 million and $5 million, respectively. Because capital expenditures for these matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and depend, in part, on the timing, promulgation and enforcement of specific requirements, our capital expenditures for EHS matters have varied significantly from year to year and we cannot provide assurance that our recent expenditures are indicative of future amounts we may spend related to EHS and other applicable laws.
Environmental Reserves
We accrue liabilities relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and closure costs, and known penalties. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our liability estimates are calculated using present value techniques as appropriate and are based upon requirements placed upon us by
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regulators, available facts, existing technology, and past experience. The environmental liabilities do not include amounts recorded as asset retirement obligations. As of both March 31, 2017 and 2016, we had environmental reserves of $12 million. We may incur losses for environmental remediation.
Environmental Matters
We have incurred, and we may in the future incur, liability to investigate and clean up waste or contamination at our current or former facilities or facilities operated by third parties at which we may have disposed of waste or other materials. Similarly, we may incur costs for the cleanup of waste that was disposed of prior to the purchase of our businesses. Under some circumstances, the scope of our liability may extend to damages to natural resources.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and similar state laws, a current or former owner or operator of real property in the U.S. may be liable for remediation costs regardless of whether the release or disposal of hazardous substances was in compliance with law at the time it occurred, and a current owner or operator may be liable regardless of whether it owned or operated the facility at the time of the release. Outside the U.S., analogous contaminated property laws, such as those in effect in France, can hold past owners and/or operators liable for remediation at former facilities. We have not been notified by third parties of claims against us for cleanup liabilities at former facilities or third-party sites, including, but not limited to, sites listed under CERCLA.
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") in the U.S. and similar state laws, we may be required to remediate contamination originating from our properties as a condition to our hazardous waste permit. Some of our manufacturing sites have an extended history of industrial chemical manufacturing and use, including on-site waste disposal. We are aware of soil, groundwater or surface contamination from past operations at some of our sites, and we may find contamination at other sites in the future. Similar laws exist in a number of locations in which we currently operate, or previously operated, manufacturing facilities, such as France and Italy.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , outlining a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenues arising from contracts with customers and this guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , deferring the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Further, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , clarifying the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , clarifying the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations in a contract and determining whether an entity's promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity's intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity's intellectual property (which is satisfied over time), in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , providing clarifications and practical expedients for certain narrow aspects in Topic 606, and in December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The amendments in these ASUs are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-09, ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20 should be applied retrospectively, and early application is permitted. We are
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currently performing the analysis identifying areas that will be impacted by the adoption of the amendments in ASU No. 2014-09, ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20 on our combined financial statements. The standard will be adopted in our fiscal year 2018 and we have elected the modified retrospective approach as the transition method.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . The amendments in this ASU do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in first-out ("LIFO") or the retail inventory method, but rather does apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in first-out or average cost. An entity should measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The amendments in this ASU will increase transparency and comparability among entities by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU will require lessees to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application of the amendments in this ASU is permitted for all entities. Reporting entities are required to recognize and measure leases under these amendments at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the amendments in this ASU on our combined financial statements and believe, based on our preliminary assessment, that we will record significant additional right-to-use assets and lease obligations.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The amendments in this ASU clarify and include specific guidance to address diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The amendments in this ASU require entities to recognize the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to deferring the recognition of the income tax consequences until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
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In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash . The amendments in this ASU require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim period within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. No disclosures are required at transition. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, CompensationRetirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . The amendments in this ASU require that an employer report the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the same line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of income from operations. The amendments in this ASU also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable (for example, as a cost of internally manufactured inventory or a self-constructed asset). The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in assets. The amendments in this ASU will impact the presentation of our condensed combined financial statements. Our current presentation of service cost components is consistent with the amendments in this ASU. Upon adoption of the amendments in this ASU, we expect to present the other components within other non-operating income, whereas we currently present these within cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in our combined financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are summarized in note "1. Description of Business, Recent Developments, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant
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Accounting Policies" to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements. Summarized below are our critical accounting policies:
Employee Benefit Programs
We sponsor several contributory and non-contributory defined benefit plans, covering employees primarily in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Finland, but also covering employees in a number of other countries. We fund the material plans through trust arrangements (or local equivalents) where the assets are held separately from us. We also sponsor unfunded postretirement plans which provide medical and, in some cases, life insurance benefits covering certain employees in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Amounts recorded in our combined financial statements are recorded based upon actuarial valuations performed by various third-party actuaries. Inherent in these valuations are numerous assumptions regarding expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, compensation increases, mortality rates and health care cost trends. These assumptions are described in note "19. Employee Benefit Plans" to our combined financial statements.
Management, with the advice of actuaries, uses judgment to make assumptions on which our employee pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations and expenses are based. The effect of a 1% change in three key assumptions is summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Assumptions
|
Statement of
Operations(1) |
Balance Sheet
Impact(2) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Discount rate |
|||||||
1% increase |
$ | (6 | ) | $ | (173 | ) | |
1% decrease |
10 | 208 | |||||
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets |
|||||||
1% increase |
(11 | ) | | ||||
1% decrease |
11 | | |||||
Rate of compensation increase |
|||||||
1% increase |
2 | 20 | |||||
1% decrease |
(2 | ) | (18 | ) |
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. We evaluate deferred tax assets to determine whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Valuation allowances are reviewed on a tax jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence to support a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax assets for each jurisdiction. These conclusions require significant judgment. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, we consider the cyclicality of businesses and cumulative income or losses during the applicable period. Cumulative losses incurred over the period limit our ability to consider other subjective evidence such as our projections for the future. Changes in expected future income in applicable jurisdictions could affect the realization of deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2016, we had total valuation allowances of $247 million. See note "18. Income Taxes" to our combined financial statements for more information regarding our valuation allowances.
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As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no unremitted earnings of subsidiaries to consider for indefinite reinvestment. Going forward, to the extent future U.S. cash flow needs require distributions from foreign subsidiaries, based on existing law, we expect to have tax attributes (at least up to the amount of our anticipated external debt) that could allow repatriation of earnings to the U.S. without incremental U.S. income tax.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. We are required to determine if an income tax position meets the criteria of more-likely-than-not to be realized based on the merits of the position under tax law, in order to recognize an income tax benefit. This requires us to make significant judgments regarding the merits of income tax positions and the application of income tax law. Additionally, if a tax position meets the recognition criteria of more-likely-than-not we are required to make judgments and apply assumptions in order to measure the amount of the tax benefits to recognize. These judgments are based on the probability of the amount of tax benefits that would be realized if the tax position was challenged by the taxing authorities. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. As a consequence, changes in assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in our combined financial statements.
Long-Lived Assets
The useful lives of our property, plant and equipment are estimated based upon our historical experience, engineering estimates and industry information and are reviewed when economic events indicate that we may not be able to recover the carrying value of the assets. The estimated lives of our property range from 3 to 50 years and depreciation is recorded on the straight-line method. Inherent in our estimates of useful lives is the assumption that periodic maintenance and an appropriate level of annual capital expenditures will be performed. Without on-going capital improvements and maintenance, the productivity and cost efficiency declines and the useful lives of our assets would be shorter.
Management uses judgment to estimate the useful lives of our long-lived assets. At March 31, 2017, if the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment had either been one year greater or one year less than their recorded lives, then depreciation expense for 2017 would have been approximately $9 million less or $10 million greater, respectively.
We are required to evaluate the carrying value of our long-lived tangible and intangible assets whenever events indicate that such carrying value may not be recoverable in the future or when management's plans change regarding those assets, such as idling or closing a plant. We evaluate impairment by comparing undiscounted cash flows of the related asset groups that are largely independent of the cash flows of other asset groups to their carrying values. Key assumptions in determining the future cash flows include the useful life, technology, competitive pressures, raw material pricing and regulations. In connection with our asset evaluation policy, we reviewed all of our long-lived assets for indicators that the carrying value may not be recoverable. During 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $1 million related to the impairment of our South African asset group. See note "11. Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs" to our combined financial statements.
Restructuring and Plant Closing Costs
We have recorded restructuring charges in recent periods in connection with closing certain plant locations, workforce reductions and other cost savings programs in each of our business segments. These charges are recorded when management has committed to a plan and incurred a liability related
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to the plan. Estimates for plant closing costs include the write-off of the carrying value of the plant, any necessary environmental and/or regulatory costs, contract termination and demolition costs. Estimates for workforce reductions and other costs savings are recorded based upon estimates of the number of positions to be terminated, termination benefits to be provided and other information, as necessary. Management evaluates the estimates on a quarterly basis and will adjust the reserve when information indicates that the estimate is above or below the currently recorded estimate. For further discussion of our restructuring activities, see note "5. Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs" to our condensed combined financial statements.
Contingent Loss Accruals
Environmental remediation costs for our facilities are accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of environmental reserves require evaluating government regulation, available technology, site-specific information and remediation alternatives. We accrue an amount equal to our best estimate of the costs to remediate based upon the available information. The extent of environmental impacts may not be fully known and the processes and costs of remediation may change as new information is obtained or technology for remediation is improved. Our process for estimating the expected cost for remediation considers the information available, technology that can be utilized and estimates of the extent of environmental damage. Adjustments to our estimates are made periodically based upon additional information received as remediation progresses. As of March 31, 2017, we had recognized a liability of $12 million related to these environmental matters. For further information, see note "22. Environmental, Health and Safety Matters" to our combined financial statements.
We are subject to legal proceedings and claims arising out of our business operations. We routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known claim. We have an active risk management program consisting of numerous insurance policies secured from many carriers. These policies often provide coverage that is intended to minimize the financial impact, if any, of the legal proceedings. The required reserves may change in the future due to new developments in each matter. For further information, see note "21. Commitments and ContingenciesLegal Proceedings" to our combined financial statements.
Variable Interest EntitiesPrimary Beneficiary
We evaluate each of our variable interest entities on an on-going basis to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary. Management assesses, on an on-going basis, the nature of our relationship to the variable interest entity, including the amount of control that we exercise over the entity as well as the amount of risk that we bear and rewards we receive in regards to the entity, to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of that variable interest entity. Management judgment is required to assess whether these attributes are significant. The factors management considers when determining if we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact each of our variable interest entity's economic performance include supply arrangements, manufacturing arrangements, marketing arrangements and sales arrangements. We consolidate all variable interest entities for which we have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the percentage of revenues from our consolidated variable interest entities in relation to total revenues that will ultimately be attributable to Venator is approximately 6.3%, 5.4%, 5.4%, 4.6% and 1.5%, respectively. For further information, see note "7. Variable Interest Entities" to our combined financial statements.
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Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Venator is exposed to market risks associated with foreign exchange risks. From time to time, Venator, through Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, will enter into hedging or derivative transactions to mitigate these exposures.
Interest Rate Risk
In connection with the separation and this offering, we intend to enter into the Financings. Through our borrowing activities, we expect to be exposed to interest rate risk. Such risk will arise due to the anticipated structure of our debt portfolio, including the mix of fixed and floating interest rates. Actions we may take to reduce interest rate risk include managing the mix and rate characteristics of various interest bearing liabilities, as well as entering into interest rate derivative instruments.
From time to time, we may purchase interest rate swaps and/or other derivative instruments to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on our floating-rate long-term debt. Under interest rate swaps, we agree with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Venator's cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rate variation. Venator's revenues and expenses are denominated in various foreign currencies. From time to time, Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, on behalf of Venator, may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to minimize the short term impact of movements in foreign currency rates. Where practicable, Venator generally nets multicurrency cash balances among its subsidiaries to help reduce exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. Certain other exposures may be managed from time to time through financial market transactions, principally through the purchase of spot or forward foreign exchange contracts (generally with maturities of three months or less). Venator does not hedge its foreign currency exposures in a manner that would eliminate the effect of changes in exchange rates on its cash flows and earnings. As of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, on behalf of Venator, had approximately $63 million and $88 million in notional amount (in U.S. dollar equivalents) outstanding, respectively, in forward foreign currency contracts with a term of approximately one month.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We identified a material weakness over our financial reporting as of March 31, 2017. As defined in Regulation 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a "material weakness" is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented, or detected on a timely basis. Specifically, we determined that there is a deficiency in the design of our internal controls surrounding the review of the statements of cash flows for carve out financial statements. This material weakness led to a material misstatement in our combined statements of cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2016 and in our condensed combined statements of cash flows for the three months periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
As described further in footnote 25 to our combined financial statements and footnote 13 to our condensed combined financial statements, the misstatements related to the presentation of cash flows associated with the cash pooling programs in which we participate with certain subsidiaries of Huntsman International. These transactions were improperly classified between cash flows from operating activities and cash flows from either investing or financing activities.
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Remediation Plans
We have initiated various programs to mitigate this material weakness in future periods and are in the process of supplementing our existing internal controls related to carve-out cash flow reporting, including hiring of additional accounting personnel and providing training specific to cash flow reporting to our existing accounting personnel. In periods subsequent to the business separation we will no longer participate in a cash pooling program with affiliates outside of the Venator legal entities and no related cash flow transactions will exist in subsequent periods.
Although we plan to complete the above remediation process and integrate incremental internal controls into our 2017 testing plan, the implementation of these initiatives may not fully address any material weakness or other deficiencies that we may have in our internal control over financial reporting. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our BusinessWe have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, which resulted in the restatement of our financial statements." If remediation of this material weakness is not effective, or if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting in the future, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or operating results, which may adversely affect investor confidence in our company.
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Overview
We are a leading global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that improve the quality of life for downstream consumers and promote a sustainable future. Our products comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. We market our products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments: Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our TiO 2 business, and Performance Additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We are a leading global producer in many of our key product lines, including TiO 2 , color pigments and functional additives, a leading North American producer of timber treatment products and a leading European producer of water treatment products. We operate 27 facilities, employ approximately 4,500 associates worldwide and sell our products in more than 110 countries.
We operate in a variety of end markets, including industrial and architectural coatings, construction materials, plastics, paper, printing inks, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, fibers and films and personal care. Within these end markets, our products serve approximately 6,900 customers globally. Our production capabilities allow us to manufacture a broad range of functional TiO 2 products as well as specialty TiO 2 products that provide critical performance for our customers and sell at a premium for certain end-use applications. Our color pigments, functional additives and timber treatment products provide essential properties for our customers' end-use applications by enhancing the color and appearance of construction materials and delivering performance benefits in other applications such as corrosion and fade resistance, water repellence and flame suppression. We believe that our global footprint and broad product offerings differentiate us from our competitors and allow us to better meet our customers' needs.
For the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, we had total pro forma revenues of $2,136 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 was $112 million for our Titanium Dioxide segment and $72 million for our Performance Additives segment.
Our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments have been transformed in recent years and we have established ourselves as a market leader in each of the industries in which we operate. We invested $1.3 billion in our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments from January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017 on acquisitions, restructuring and integration. We are currently implementing our business improvement program within our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses, which we expect to provide additional contributions to Adjusted EBITDA beginning in 2017 and to be completed by the end of 2018. If successfully implemented, we expect these plans to result in increased Adjusted EBITDA from general cost reductions, volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products) and further optimization of our manufacturing network including the closure of certain facilities. As a result of these efforts, we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on a continued market recovery and related growth opportunities.
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The table below summarizes the key products, end markets and applications, representative customers, revenues and sales information by segment:
For additional information about our business segments, including related financial information, see note "24. Operating Segment Information" to our combined financial statements and note "12. Operating Segment Information" to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
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Our Competitive Strengths
We are committed to continued value creation for our customers and shareholders by focusing on our competitive strengths, including the following:
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variety of niche market segments where innovation and specialization are high. We believe the differentiation of our products allows us to generate greater growth prospects and stronger customer relationships.
We believe we are the leading global manufacturer of zinc and barium functional additives, including the only producer of zinc sulfide and the largest global supplier of synthetic barium sulfate, with nameplate capacity to produce 100,000 metric tons of functional additives per year. We are a leading global producer of colored inorganic pigments for the construction materials, coating, plastics and specialty markets. We are one of three global leaders in the manufacture and processing of liquid, powder and granulated forms of iron oxide color pigments, producing approximately 95,000 metric tons per year. We also sell natural and synthetic inorganic pigments and metal carboxylate driers, and are the world's second largest manufacturer of technical grade ultramarine blue pigments.
While our customers include some of the most recognizable names in their respective industries, during the year ended December 31, 2016, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our Titanium Dioxide segment revenues or more than 10% of our Performance Additives segment revenues. We have exposure to both emerging and mature markets, and we believe our geographic mix positions us to take advantage of significant growth opportunities.
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plastics, cosmetics, food and fibers. Although TiO 2 is primarily known for its opacifying properties, our expertise has also enabled us to unlock additional functionality from the TiO 2 crystal and our teams are at the leading edge of innovations in UV absorption technology, solar reflectance and catalytic applications. As an example, our UV technology is critical to the development of sunscreens, and our catalyst technology has enabled us to produce TiO 2 particles that strip pollutants from exhaust gases and help to remove nitrogen and sulfur contaminants from refinery process streams.
Kurt Ogden, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, previously served as Huntsman's Vice President, Investor Relations and Finance, Russ Stolle, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, previously served as Huntsman's Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, and Mahomed Maiter, our Senior Vice President, White Pigments, previously served as Huntsman's Vice President, Revenue/Global Sales and Marketing. Together, they bring more than 75 years of experience in the chemicals industry, strong relationships with financial market participants and a history of success as part of Huntsman's senior management team.
Our Business Strategies
We intend to leverage our strengths to accelerate growth and improve profitability by implementing the following strategies:
We invested $1.3 billion from January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017 on acquisitions, restructuring and integration. These restructuring and integration initiatives were substantially completed by the end of 2016. We believe we are now well positioned to reap the benefits of these initiatives. In addition, we are currently implementing our business improvement program within our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses, which we expect to be completed by the end of 2018. If successfully implemented, we expect these plans to result in increased Adjusted EBITDA from general cost reductions, volume growth (primarily via the launch of new products) and further optimization of our manufacturing network including the closure of certain facilities.
We intend to continue to focus on managing fixed costs, increasing productivity and optimizing our manufacturing footprint in each of our segments. We expect that we will have a moderate amount of leverage upon completion of this offering and will not assume any environmental or legal liabilities from Huntsman which are not directly related to our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses. If the TiO 2 industry cycle continues to improve and we succeed in realizing our identified business improvements, we expect to
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generate higher Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow and improve our leverage ratios and strengthen our balance sheet.
In our Titanium Dioxide segment, we have developed an asset portfolio that positions us as one of the leading differentiated TiO 2 producers in the world, with the ability to flexibly meet customers' demands for both sulfate and chloride TiO 2 . This has allowed us to reduce our exposure to more commoditized TiO 2 applications, while growing our position in the higher value differentiated applications where there is a greater need for technical expertise and client service. We have positioned ourselves to benefit from improving market demand and prices, and we intend to continue to evaluate industry dynamics to ensure that our strategic position remains flexible and adaptable. We believe our specialty business is three times larger than that of our next closest competitor.
In our Performance Additives segment, we have reviewed and rationalized our asset and product portfolio to position us as a competitive, high quality additives supplier into construction materials, coatings and plastics end-use applications. We continue to optimize our global manufacturing network to reduce operational costs and improve service. We have strong positions in barium and zinc products, ultramarine blue, iron oxides and timber treatment. Our customers value our ability to tailor colors and products to meet their exacting specifications.
Through the restructuring and integration of the Rockwood businesses, including work force reductions, variable and fixed cost optimization and facility closures, we have delivered more than $200 million of annual cost synergies in the year ended December 31, 2016 relative to the year ended December 31, 2014 pro forma for the acquisition of Rockwood and we will continue to seek opportunities to further optimize our business.
We continue to focus on using our industry leading technology, innovation and sustainability practices to develop differentiated cutting edge products that meet the needs of our global customers.
In addition, we benefit from our technical expertise and our ability to provide end-to-end solutions to our customers. We provide our customers with a range of support that includes guidance on the selection of the appropriate products, advice on regulatory aspects and recommendations on the testing of products in final applications. We plan to continue to leverage our technical expertise and knowledge in order to provide an optimal customer platform that is conducive to future growth.
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Our Business
We manufacture TiO 2 , functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment products. Our broad product range, coupled with our ability to develop and supply specialized products into technically exacting end-use applications, has positioned us as a leader in the markets we serve. In 2014, Huntsman acquired the performance additives and TiO 2 businesses of Rockwood, broadening our specialty TiO 2 product offerings and adding significant scale and capacity to our TiO 2 facilities. The Rockwood acquisition positioned us as a leader in the specialty and differentiated TiO 2 industry segments, which includes products that sell at a premium and have more stable margins. The Rockwood acquisition also provided us with complementary functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We have 27 manufacturing facilities operating in 10 countries with a total nameplate production capacity of approximately 1.3 million metric tons per year. We operate eight TiO 2 manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America and Asia and 19 color pigments, functional additives, water treatment and timber treatment manufacturing and processing facilities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, our pro forma revenues were $2,136 million. We believe recovery in TiO 2 margins to long term historical averages would result in a substantial increase in our profitability and cash flow.
Titanium Dioxide Segment
TiO 2 is derived from titanium bearing ores and is a white inert pigment that provides whiteness, opacity and brightness to thousands of everyday items, including coatings, plastics, paper, printing inks, fibers, food and personal care products. We are one of the six major producers of TiO 2 that collectively account for approximately 60% of global TiO 2 production capacity according to TZMI. Producers of the remaining 40% are primarily single-plant producers that focus on regional sales. We are among the three largest global TiO 2 producers, with nameplate production capacity of approximately 782,000 metric tons per year, accounting for approximately 11% of global TiO 2 production capacity. We are able to manufacture a broad range of TiO 2 products from functional to specialty. Our specialty products generally sell at a premium into specialized applications such as fibers, catalysts, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Our production capabilities are distinguished from some of our competitors because of our ability to manufacture TiO 2 using both sulfate and chloride manufacturing processes, which gives us the flexibility to tailor our products to meet our customers' needs. By operating both sulfate and chloride processes, we also have the ability to use a wide range of titanium feedstocks, which enhances the competitiveness of our manufacturing operations, by providing flexibility in the selection of raw materials. This helps insulate us from price fluctuations for any particular feedstock and allows us to manage our raw material costs.
On January 30, 2017, our TiO 2 manufacturing facility in Pori, Finland experienced fire damage, and it is currently not fully operational. We are committed to repairing the facility as quickly as possible. We expect the Pori facility to restart in phases as follows: approximately 20% capacity in the second quarter of 2017; approximately 40% capacity in the second quarter of 2018; and full capacity around the end of 2018. During the first quarter of 2017, we recorded a loss of $32 million for the write-off of fixed assets and lost inventory in other operating (income) expense, net in our condensed combined statements of operations (without taking into account the insurance recoveries discussed below). In addition, we recorded a loss of $4 million of costs for cleanup of the facility through March 31, 2017. The Pori facility has a nameplate capacity of up to 130,000 metric tons per year, which represents approximately 17% of our total TiO 2 nameplate capacity and approximately 2% of total global TiO 2 demand.
The site is insured for property damage as well as business interruption losses subject to retained deductibles of $15 million and 60 days, respectively, with a limit of $500 million. We have established a process with our insurer to receive timely advance payments for the reconstruction of the facility as well as lost profits. We expect to have pre-funded cash on our balance sheet resulting from
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these advance insurance payments. We have agreed with our insurer to have monthly meetings to review relevant site activities and interim claims as well as regular progress payments. However, if we experience delays in receiving the insurance proceeds, or the proceeds do not fully cover our property damage, business interruption, lost profits or other losses, our short term liquidity may be impacted.
On February 9, 2017, we received $54 million as an initial partial progress payment from our insurer. During the first quarter of 2017, we recorded $32 million of income related to insurance recoveries in other operating (income) expense, net in our condensed combined statements of operations and we recorded $22 million as deferred income in accrued liabilities for costs not yet incurred. On May 2, 2017, we received a progress payment from our insurer of approximately $76 million.
We own a portfolio of brands including the TIOXIDE®, HOMBITAN®, HOMBITEC®, UVTITAN® and ALTIRIS® ranges, which are produced in our eight manufacturing facilities around the globe. We service over 1,800 customers in most major industries and geographic regions. Our global manufacturing footprint allows us to service the needs of both local and global customers, including A. Schulman, AkzoNobel, Ampacet, BASF, Clariant, DSM, Flint, PPG, PolyOne, Sherwin-Williams and Sun Chemical.
There are two manufacturing processes for the production of TiO 2 , the sulfate process and the chloride process. We believe that the chloride process accounts for approximately 45% of global production capacity. Our production capabilities are distinguished from some of our competitors because of our ability to manufacture TiO 2 using both sulfate and chloride manufacturing processes, which gives us the flexibility to tailor our products to meet our customers' needs. Most end-use applications can use pigments produced by either process, although there are markets that prefer pigment from a specific manufacturing routefor example, the inks market prefers sulfate products and the automotive coatings market prefers chloride products. Regional customers typically favor products that are available locally. The sulfate process produces TiO 2 in both the rutile and anatase forms, the latter being used in certain high-value specialty applications.
Once an intermediate TiO 2 pigment has been produced using either the chloride or sulfate process, it is "finished" into a product with specific performance characteristics for particular end-use applications. Co-products from both processes require treatment prior to disposal to comply with environmental regulations. In order to reduce our disposal costs and to increase our cost competitiveness, we have developed and marketed the co-products of our Titanium Dioxide segment. We sell approximately 60% of the co-products generated by our business.
We have an established broad customer base and have successfully differentiated ourselves by establishing ourselves as a market leader in a variety of niche market segments where the innovation and specialization of our products is rewarded with higher growth prospects and strong customer relationships.
Product Type
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Rutile TiO 2 | Anatase TiO 2 | Nano TiO 2 | |||
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Characteristics | Most common crystal form of TiO 2 . Harder and more durable crystal form | Softer, less abrasive pigment, preferred for some specialty applications | Ultra-fine TiO 2 and other TiO 2 specialties | |||
Applications | Coatings, printing inks, PVC window frames, plastic masterbatches | Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers | Catalysts and cosmetics |
Performance Additives Segment
Functional Additives. Functional additives are barium and zinc based inorganic chemicals used to make colors more brilliant, coatings shine, plastic more stable and protect products from fading. We
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believe we are the leading global manufacturer of zinc and barium functional additives. The demand dynamics of functional additives are closely aligned with those of functional TiO 2 given the overlap in applications served, including coatings, plastics and pharmaceuticals.
Product Type
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Barium and Zinc Additives | |
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Characteristics | Specialty pigments and fillers based on barium and zinc based chemistry | |
Applications | Coatings, films, pharmaceuticals, paper and glass fiber reinforced plastics |
Color Pigments. We are a leading global producer of colored inorganic pigments for the construction, coating, plastics and specialty markets. We are one of three global leaders in the manufacture and processing of liquid, powder and granulated forms of iron oxide color pigments. We also sell natural and synthetic inorganic pigments and metal carboxylate driers. The cost effectiveness, weather resistance, chemical and thermal stability and coloring strength of iron oxide make it an ideal colorant for construction materials, such as concrete, brick and roof tile, and for coatings and plastics. We produce a wide range of color pigments and are the world's second largest manufacturer of technical grade ultramarine blue pigments, which have a unique blue shade and are widely used to correct colors, giving them a desirable clean, blue undertone. These attributes have resulted in ultramarine blue being used world-wide for polymeric applications such as construction plastics, food packaging, automotive polymers, consumer plastics, coatings and cosmetics.
Our products are sold under a portfolio of brands that are targeted to the construction sector such as DAVIS COLORS®, GRANUFIN® and FERROXIDE® and the following brands HOLLIDAY PIGMENTS, COPPERAS RED® and MAPICO® focused predominantly on the coatings and plastics sectors.
Our products are also used by manufacturers of colorants, rubber, paper, cosmetics, pet food, digital ink, toner and other industrial uses delivering benefits in other applications such as corrosion protection and catalysis.
Our construction customers value our broad product range and benefit from our custom blending, color matching and color dosing systems. Our coatings customers benefit from a consistent and quality product.
Product Type
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Iron Oxides | Ultramarines |
Specialty Inorganics
Chemicals |
Driers | ||||
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Characteristics | Powdered, granulated or in liquid form are synthesized using a range of feedstocks | Range of ultramarine blue and violet and also manganese violet pigments | Complex inorganic pigments and cadmium pigments | A range of metal carboxylates and driers | ||||
Applications | Construction, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, inks, catalyst and laminates | Predominantly used in plastics, coatings and cosmetics | Coatings, plastics and inks | Predominantly coatings |
Iron oxide pigment's cost effectiveness, weather resistance, chemical and thermal stability and coloring strength make it an ideal colorant for construction materials, such as concrete, brick and roof tile, and for coatings such as paints and plastics. We are one of the three largest synthetic inorganic color pigments producers which together represent more than 50% of the global market for iron oxide pigments. The remaining market share consists primarily of competitors based in China.
Made from clay, our ultramarine blue pigments are non-toxic, weather resistant and thermally stable. Ultramarine blue is used world-wide for food contact applications. Our synthetic ultramarines are permitted for unrestricted use in certain cosmetics applications. Ultramarine blue is used extensively in plastics and the paint industry. We focus on supplying our customers with technical grade ultramarine blues and violets to high specification markets such as the cosmetics industry.
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We are now commissioning a new production facility in Augusta, Georgia, for the synthesis of iron oxide pigments, which we purchased from Rockwood. During commissioning, the facility has experienced delays producing products at the expected specifications and quantities, causing us to question the capabilities of the Augusta technology. Based on the facility's performance during the commissioning process, we have concluded that production capacity at our Augusta facility will be substantially lower than originally anticipated.
Copperas, iron and alkali are raw materials for the manufacture of iron oxide pigments. They are used to produce colored pigment particles which are further processed into a finished pigment in powder, liquid, granule or blended powder form.
Timber Treatment and Water Treatment. We manufacture wood protection chemicals used primarily in residential and commercial applications to prolong the service life of wood through protection from decay and fungal or insect attack. Wood that has been treated with our products is sold to consumers through major branded retail outlets.
We manufacture our timber treatment chemicals in the U.S. and market our products primarily in North America through Viance, LLC ("Viance"), our 50%-owned joint venture with Dow Chemical formed in 2007. Our residential construction products such as ACQ, ECOLIFE and Copper Azole are sold for use in decking, fencing and other residential outdoor wood structures. Our industrial construction products such as Chromated Copper Arsenate are sold for use in telephone poles and salt water piers and pilings.
We manufacture our water treatment chemicals in Germany, and these products are used to improve water purity in industrial, commercial and municipal applications. We are one of Europe's largest suppliers of polyaluminium chloride based flocculants with approximately 140,000 metric tons of production capacity. Our main markets are municipal and industrial waste water treatment and the paper industry.
Industry Overview and Market Outlook
Global TiO 2 demand growth rates tend to track global GDP growth rates over the medium term; however, this varies by region. Developed markets such as the U.S. and Western Europe exhibit higher consumption per person but lower demand growth rates, while emerging markets such as Asia exhibit higher demand growth rates. The TiO 2 industry experiences some seasonality in sales reflecting the high exposure to seasonal coatings end-use markets. Coating sales generally peak during the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere, resulting in greater sales volumes during the second and third quarters of the year.
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We are one of the six major producers of TiO 2 in the world that collectively account for approximately 60% of global TiO 2 production capacity according to TZMI. Producers of the remaining 40% are primarily single-plant producers that focus on regional sales. TiO 2 supply has historically kept pace with increases in demand as producers increased capacity through low cost incremental debottlenecks, efficiency improvements and, more recently, new capacity additions mainly in China. During periods of low TiO 2 demand, the industry experiences high stock levels and consequently reduces production to manage working capital. Pricing in the industry is driven primarily by the supply/demand balance.
Global TiO 2 sales in 2016 exceeded 6.0 million metric tons, generating approximately $12.6 billion in industry-wide revenues based on data provided by TZMI. The global TiO 2 market is highly competitive, and competition is based primarily on product price, quality and technical service. We face competition from producers using the chloride process as well as those using the sulfate process. Due to the ease of transporting TiO 2 , there is also competition between producers with facilities in different geographies. Over the last decade, there has been substantial growth in TiO 2 demand in emerging economies, notably Asia. The growing demand in Asia has consumed the majority of Chinese production. We operate primarily in markets where our product quality and service are valued or preferred by our customers and differentiate us from Chinese TiO 2 competitors. Cost advantages are typically driven by the scale of the plant, type of feedstock, source of energy and cost of local labor. We are generally able to reduce production costs by finding innovative solutions to convert the by-products arising from our sulfate process into value-adding co-products. Today, approximately 60% of all by-products of our sulfate processes are sold as co-products, and we are one of the largest producers of sulfate co-products in the world, including gypsum, copperas and other iron salts. The profitability of a plant is not solely related to its cost structure, but also importantly to its slate of manufactured products. We believe our differentiated and specialty products, along with our ability to profitably commercialize the associated co-products, enhance our plants' overall efficiency and resulting profitability. With our competitive cost structure, and our slate of differentiated and specialty products, we believe we are well positioned to compete in a cyclical market.
Historically, the market for large volume TiO 2 applications, including coatings, paper and plastics, has experienced alternating periods of tight supply, causing prices and margins to increase, followed by periods of lower capacity utilization, resulting in declining prices and margins. The volatility this market experiences occurs as a result of significant changes in the demand for products as a consequence of global economic activity and changes in customers' requirements. The supply-demand balance is also impacted by capacity additions or reductions that result in changes of utilization rates. In addition, TiO 2 margins are impacted by significant changes in major input costs such as energy and feedstock.
Profitability for TiO 2 reached a peak in 2011, with significantly higher demand, prices and margins. Based on publicly available information, we believe that during this period of peak profitability many TiO 2 peer companies, including Huntsman's TiO 2 business, generated EBITDA margins in excess of 25%. Following the peak, utilization rates dropped in 2012 as demand fell due to weaker economic conditions, industry de-stocking and the addition of new TiO 2 capacity. There was an associated decline in prices and margins. Over the following three years, demand recovered slowly; however, this modest demand improvement did not result in any significant increase in operating rates, and TiO 2 prices consequently declined throughout the period. After reaching a trough in the first quarter of 2016, supply/demand fundamentals began improving in 2016 primarily due to strong global demand growth and some capacity rationalizations. Though the TiO 2 market has shown signs of recovery, prices and margins remain below long-term historical averages. With the expectation of global capacity utilization rate improvements and further price increases, TiO 2 margins are expected to increase. With approximately 70% of our revenue during the twelve months ended March 31, 2017 being derived from
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TiO 2 sales, we believe recovery in TiO 2 margins to long-term historical averages should result in increased profitability and cash flow generation.
We estimate that the global demand for iron oxide pigments was approximately 1.3 million metric tons per year for 2016. Approximately 45% of this demand was generated from Asia, with Europe representing approximately 23% of demand and North America representing approximately 21% of demand. The construction industry consumes approximately 45% of colored iron oxide pigments, where the products are used for the coloring of manufactured concrete products such as paving tiles and precast roof tiles as well as for coloring cast in place concrete such as ready-mix, stucco and mortar. Industrial and architectural coatings represent the second largest segment for iron oxides (approximately 30% of total demand), where these pigments bring color, opacity and fade resistance to a variety of solvent and water-borne coating systems. Growth in the demand for iron oxide pigments is therefore closely linked to demand in the construction and coatings industries.
We sell more than 90% of our functional additives products into coatings and plastics end markets. The demand dynamics for functional additives are therefore similar to those of TiO 2 . Over the last five years, there has been strong growth in demand for functional additives in specific applications such as white BOPET films. Final applications of these films include flat panel displays for televisions, labels and medical diagnostic devices. The demand for ultramarine blue pigments is primarily driven by the plastics industry, with approximately two-thirds of all ultramarine pigments used as colorants in polymeric materials such as packaging, automotive components and consumer plastics.
Customers, Sales, Marketing and Distribution
Titanium Dioxide Segment
We serve over 1,800 customers through our Titanium Dioxide segment. These customers produce paints and coatings, plastics, paper, printing inks, fibers and films, pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics.
Our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 22% of the segment's sales in 2016 and no single TiO 2 customer represented more than 10% of our sales in 2016. Approximately 85% of our TiO 2 sales are made directly to customers through our own global sales and technical services network. This network enables us to work directly with our customers and develop a deep understanding of our customers' needs and to develop valuable relationships. The remaining 15% of sales are made through our distribution network. We maximize the reach our distribution network by utilizing specialty distributors in selected markets.
Larger customers are typically served via our own sales network and these customers often have annual volume targets with associated pricing mechanisms. Smaller customers are served through a combination of our global sales teams and a distribution network, and the route to market decision is often dependent upon customer size and end application.
Our focus is on marketing products and services to higher growth and higher value applications. For example, we believe that our Titanium Dioxide segment is well-positioned to benefit from growth sectors, such as fibers and films, catalysts, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food, where customers' needs are complex resulting in fewer companies that have the capability to support them. We maximize reach through specialty distributors in selected markets. Our focused sales effort, technical expertise, strong customer service and local manufacturing presence have allowed us to achieve leading market positions in a number of the countries where we manufacture our products.
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Performance Additives Segment
We serve over 5,000 customers through our Performance Additives segment. These customers produce materials for the construction industry, as well as coatings, plastics, pharmaceutical, personal care and catalyst applications.
Our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 17% of the segment's sales in 2016 and no single Performance Additives customer represented more than 10% of our sales in 2016. Performance Additives segment sales are made directly to customers through our own global sales and technical services network, in addition to utilizing specialty distributors. Our focused sales effort, technical expertise, strong customer service and local manufacturing presence have allowed us to achieve leading market positions in a number of the countries where we manufacture our products. We sell iron oxides primarily through our global sales force whereas our ultramarine sales are predominantly through specialty distributors. We sell the majority of our timber treatment products directly to end customers via our joint venture Viance.
Manufacturing and Operations
Titanium Dioxide Segment
As of March 31, 2017, our Titanium Dioxide segment has eight manufacturing facilities operating in seven countries with a total nameplate production capacity of approximately 782,000 metric tons per year.
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Annual Capacity (metric tons) | ||||||||||||
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Product Area
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EAME(1) |
North
America |
APAC(2) | Total | |||||||||
TiO 2 |
647,000 | 75,000 | 60,000 | 782,000 |
Production capacities of our eight TiO 2 manufacturing facilities are listed below. Approximately 80% of our TiO 2 capacity is in Western Europe.
|
Annual Capacity (metric tons) |
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Site
|
EAME(1) |
North
America |
APAC | Process | |||||||
Greatham, U.K. |
150,000 | Chloride TiO 2 | |||||||||
Pori, Finland(3) |
130,000 | Sulfate TiO 2 | |||||||||
Uerdingen, Germany |
107,000 | Sulfate TiO 2 | |||||||||
Duisburg, Germany |
100,000 | Sulfate TiO 2 | |||||||||
Huelva, Spain |
80,000 | Sulfate TiO 2 | |||||||||
Scarlino, Italy |
80,000 | Sulfate TiO 2 | |||||||||
Lake Charles, Louisiana(2) |
75,000 | Chloride TiO 2 | |||||||||
Teluk Kalung, Malaysia |
60,000 | Sulfate TiO 2 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
647,000 | 75,000 | 60,000 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
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Performance Additives Segment
As of March 31, 2017, our Performance Additives segment has 19 manufacturing facilities operating in seven countries with a total nameplate production capacity of approximately 540,000 metric tons per year.
|
Annual Capacity (metric tons) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product Area
|
EAME |
North
America |
APAC | Total | |||||||||
Functional additives |
100,000 | 100,000 | |||||||||||
Color pigments |
85,000 | 55,000 | 20,000 | 160,000 | |||||||||
Timber treatment |
140,000 | 140,000 | |||||||||||
Water treatment |
140,000 | 140,000 | |||||||||||
Total |
325,000 | 195,000 | 20,000 | 540,000 |
Joint Ventures
LPC is our 50%-owned joint venture with Kronos. We share production offtake and operating costs of the plant with Kronos, though we market our share of the production independently. The operations of the joint venture are under the direction of a supervisory committee on which each partner has equal representation. Our investment in LPC is accounted for using the equity method.
Viance is our 50%-owned joint venture with Dow Chemical. Viance markets our timber treatment products. Our joint venture interest in Viance was acquired as part of the Rockwood acquisition on October 1, 2014. The joint venture sources all of its products through a contract manufacturing arrangement at our Harrisburg, North Carolina facility, and we bear a disproportionate amount of working capital risk of loss due to the supply arrangement whereby we control manufacturing on Viance's behalf. As a result, we concluded that we are the primary beneficiary and began consolidating Viance upon the Rockwood acquisition on October 1, 2014.
Raw Materials
Titanium Dioxide Segment
The primary raw materials used in our Titanium Dioxide segment are titanium-bearing ores.
|
Titanium Dioxide | |
---|---|---|
Primary raw materials | Titanium bearing ore, sulfuric acid, chlorine |
The primary raw materials that are used to produce TiO 2 are various types of titanium feedstock, which include ilmenite, rutile, titanium slag (chloride slag and sulfate slag) and synthetic rutile. According to TZMI, the world market for titanium-bearing ores has a diverse range of suppliers
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with the four largest accounting for approximately 40% of global supply. The majority of our titanium-bearing ores are sourced from India, Africa, Canada and Norway. Ore accounts for approximately 45% of TiO 2 variable manufacturing costs, while utilities (electricity, gas and steam), sulfuric acid and chlorine collectively account for approximately 30% of variable manufacturing costs.
The majority of the titanium-bearing ores market is transacted on short-term contracts, or longer-term volume contracts with market-based pricing re-negotiated several times per year. This form of market-based ore contract provides flexibility and responsiveness in terms of pricing and quantity obligations.
Performance Additives Segment
Our primary raw materials for our Performance Additives segment are as follows:
|
Functional Additives | Color Pigments | Timber Treatment | Water Chemicals | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Primary raw materials |
Barium and zinc based inorganics | Iron oxide particles, scrap iron, copperas alkali | DCOIT, copper, monoethanolamine | Aluminum oxide |
The primary raw materials for functional additives production are barite and zinc. We currently source material barite from China, where we have long standing supplier relationships and pricing is negotiated largely on a purchase by purchase basis. The quality of zinc required for our business is mainly mined in Australia but can also be sourced from Canada and South America. The majority of our zinc is sourced from two key suppliers with whom we have long standing relationships.
We source our raw material for the majority of our color pigments business from China, the U.S., France and Italy. Key raw materials are iron powder and metal scrap that are sourced from various mid-size and smaller producers primarily on a spot contract basis.
The primary raw materials for our timber treatment business are dichloro-octylisothiazolinone ("DCOIT") and copper. We source the raw materials for the majority of our timber treatment business from China and the U.S. DCOIT is sourced on a long term contract whereas copper is procured from various mid-size and larger producers primarily on a spot contract basis.
The primary raw materials for our water treatment business are aluminum hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, which are widely available from a number of sources and typically sourced through long-term contracts. We also use sulfuric acid which we source internally.
Competition
The global markets in which our business operates are highly competitive and vary according to segment.
Titanium Dioxide Segment
Competition within the standard grade TiO 2 market is based on price, product quality and service. Our key competitors are The Chemours Company, Tronox Limited, Kronos and Cristal each of which is a major global producer with the ability to service all global markets and Henan, a Chinese TiO 2 producer. If any of our current or future competitors develops proprietary technology that enables them to produce products at a significantly lower cost, our technology could be rendered uneconomical or obsolete. Moreover, the sulfate based TiO 2 technology used by our Titanium Dioxide segment is widely available. Accordingly, barriers to entry, apart from capital availability, may be low and the entrance of new competitors into the industry may reduce our ability to capture improving margins in circumstances where capacity utilization in the industry is increasing.
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Competition within the specialty TiO 2 market and the color pigments market is based on customer service, technical expertise in the customers' applications, product attributes (such as product form and quality), and price. Product quality is particularly critical in the technically demanding applications in which we focus as inconsistent product quality adversely impacts consistency in the end-product. Our primary competitors within specialty TiO 2 include Fuji Titanium Industry, Kronos and Precheza.
Performance Additives Segment
Competition within the functional additives market is primarily based on application know-how, brand recognition, product quality and price. Key competitors for barium-based additives include Solvay S.A., Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., 20 Microns Ltd., and various Chinese barium producers. Key competitors for zinc-based additives include various Chinese lithopone producers.
Our primary competitors within color pigments include Lanxess AG, Cathay Pigments Group, Ferro Corporation and Shanghai Yipin Pigments Co., Ltd.
Competition within the timber treatment market is based on price, customer support services, innovative technology, including sustainable solutions and product range. Our primary competitors are Lonza Group and Koppers Inc. Competition within the water treatment market is based on proximity to customers and price. Our primary competitors are Kemira Oyj and Feralco Group.
Intellectual Property
Proprietary protection of our processes, apparatuses, and other technology and inventions is important to our businesses. When appropriate, we file patent and trademark applications, often on a global basis, for new product development technologies. For example, we have patented and trademarked our new solar reflecting technologies (ALTIRIS® pigments) that are used to keep colored surfaces cooler when they are exposed to the sun. As of May 2, 2017, we own a total of approximately 905 issued patents and pending patent applications and 862 trademark registrations and applications for registration. Our intellectual property portfolio includes approximately 65 issued U.S. patents, 625 patents issued in countries outside the U.S., and 215 pending patent applications, worldwide. It also includes approximately 850 trademark registrations and 12 applications for trademark registrations, worldwide.
We hold numerous patents and, while a presumption of validity exists with respect to issued U.S. patents, we cannot assure that any of our patents will not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable. Furthermore, we cannot assure the issuance of any pending patent application, or that if patents do issue, that these patents will provide meaningful protection against competitors or against competitive technologies. Additionally, our competitors or other third parties may obtain patents that restrict or preclude our ability to lawfully produce or sell our products in a competitive manner.
We also rely upon unpatented proprietary know-how and continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets to develop and maintain our competitive position. There can be no assurance, however, that confidentiality and other agreements into which we enter and have entered will not be breached, that they will provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or proprietary know-how, or that adequate remedies will be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of such trade secrets and know-how. In addition, there can be no assurance that others will not obtain knowledge of these trade secrets through independent development or other access by legal means.
In addition to our own patents, patent applications, proprietary trade secrets and know-how, we are a party to certain licensing arrangements and other agreements authorizing us to use trade secrets,
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know-how and related technology and/or operate within the scope of certain patents owned by other entities. We also have licensed or sub-licensed intellectual property rights to third parties.
Certain of our products are well-known brand names. Some of these registrations and applications include filings under the Madrid system for the international registration of marks and may confer rights in multiple countries. However, there can be no assurance that the trademark registrations will provide meaningful protection against the use of similar trademarks by competitors, or that the value of our trademarks will not be diluted. In our Titanium Dioxide segment, we consider our TIOXIDE®, HOMBITAN®, HOMBITEC®, UVTITAN®, HOMBIKAT, DELTIO® and ALTIRIS® trademarks to be valuable assets. In our Performance Additives segment, we consider BLANC FIXE, GRANUFIN, FERROXIDE®, ECOLIFE and NICASAL® trademarks to be valuable assets.
Because of the breadth and nature of our intellectual property rights and our business, we do not believe that any single intellectual property right (other than certain trademarks for which we intend to maintain the applicable registrations) is material to our business. Moreover, we do not believe that the termination of intellectual property rights expected to occur over the next several years, either individually or in the aggregate, will materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Please also see the section entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements between Huntsman and Our Company" for a description of the material terms of our arrangements with Huntsman that we intend to enter prior to the consummation of this offering.
Research and Development
We support our businesses with a major commitment to research and development, technical services and process engineering improvement. We believe innovation is critical in providing customer satisfaction and in maintaining sustainability and competitiveness in markets in which we participate. Our research and development and technical services facilities are in Wynyard, U.K. and Duisburg, Germany. Much of our research and development is focused on solutions that address significant emerging trends in the market.
The research and development team maintains a vibrant pipeline of new developments that are closely aligned with the needs of our customers. Approximately 7% of the 2016 revenues generated by TiO 2 originate from products launched in the last five years. In the specialty markets, which have demanding and dynamic requirements, more than 20% of revenues are generated from products commercialized in the last five years. We believe we are recognized by our customers as the leading innovator in applications such as printing inks, performance plastics, cosmetics, food and fibers, and we believe they view our products in these applications as benchmarks in the industry. Our innovations include the development of different pigmentary properties, such as enhanced glossiness and opacity in ink products, as well as new dosage forms of TiO 2 . In addition, our expertise has also enabled us to unlock additional functionality from the TiO 2 crystal and our teams are at the leading edge of innovations in UV absorption technology that is critical to the development of sunscreens, as well as the optimization of TiO 2 particles for use in catalytic processes that strip pollutants from exhaust gases and help to remove nitrogen and sulfur contaminants from refinery process streams.
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, on a pro forma basis for the Rockwood acquisition as if it occurred on January 1, 2014, we spent $15.2 million, $16.6 million and $20.8 million, respectively, on research and development.
Geographic Data
For sales revenue and long-lived assets by geographic areas, see note "24. Operating Segment Information" to our combined financial statements.
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Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
General. We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and international laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to safety, pollution, protection of the environment, product management and distribution, and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to frequent environmental inspections and monitoring and occasional investigations by governmental enforcement authorities. In the U.S., these laws include the RCRA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act ("CAA"), the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and CERCLA, as well as the state counterparts of these statutes.
In addition, our production facilities require operating permits that are subject to renewal, modification and, in certain circumstances, revocation. Actual or alleged violations of safety laws, environmental laws or permit requirements could result in restrictions or prohibitions on plant operations or product distribution, substantial civil or criminal sanctions, and, under some environmental laws, the assessment of strict liability and/or joint and several liability. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations could inhibit or interrupt our operations, or require us to modify our facilities or operations. Accordingly, environmental or regulatory matters may cause us to incur significant unanticipated losses, costs or liabilities. Information related to EHS matters may also be found in other areas of this report including "Risk Factors," note "2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesEnvironmental Expenditures" to our combined financial statements and note "22. Environmental, Health and Safety Matters" to our combined financial statements.
We are subject to a wide array of laws governing chemicals, including the regulation of chemical substances and inventories under TSCA in the U.S. and CLP regulation in Europe. Analogous regimes exist in other parts of the world, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan. In addition, a number of countries where we operate, including the U.K., have adopted rules to conform chemical labeling in accordance with the globally harmonized system. Many of these foreign regulatory regimes are in the process of a multi-year implementation period for these rules. For example, GHS established a uniform system for the classification, labeling and packaging of certain chemical substances and ECHA is currently in the process of determining if certain chemicals should be proposed to the European Commission to receive a carcinogenic classification.
Certain of our products are being evaluated under CLP regulation and their classification could negatively impact sales. On May 31, 2016, ANSES submitted a proposal to ECHA that would classify TiO 2 as a Category 1B Carcinogen classification presumed to have carcinogenic potential for humans by inhalation. Huntsman, together with other companies, relevant trade associations and Cefic, submitted comments opposing any classification of TiO 2 as carcinogenic, based on evidence from multiple epidemiological studies covering more than 24,000 production workers at 18 TiO 2 manufacturing sites over several decades that found no increased incidence of lung cancer as a result of workplace exposure to TiO 2 and other scientific studies that concluded that the response to lung overload studies with poorly soluble particles upon which the ANSES proposed classification is based is unique to the rat and is not seen in other animal species or humans. On June 8, 2017, the RAC announced its conclusion that certain evidence meets the criteria under CLP to classify TiO 2 as a Category 2 Carcinogen (described by the EU regulation as appropriate for "suspected human carcinogens") for humans by inhalation, but found such evidence not sufficiently convincing to classify TiO 2 in Category 1B ("presumed" to have carcinogenic potential for humans), as was originally proposed by ANSES. The European Commission will now evaluate the RAC report in deciding what, if any, regulatory measures should be taken. Huntsman, Cefic and others expect to continue to advocate with the European Commission that the RAC's report should not justify other than minimal regulatory measures for the reasons stated above, among others. If the European Commission were to subsequently adopt the Category 2 Carcinogen classification, it could require that many end-use products manufactured with TiO 2 be classified as containing a potential carcinogenic component, which
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could negatively impact public perception of products containing TiO 2 , limit the marketability of and demand for TiO 2 or products containing TiO 2 and potentially have spill-over, restrictive effects under other EU laws, e.g., those affecting medical and pharmaceutical applications, cosmetics, food packaging and food additives. Such classifications would also affect manufacturing operations by subjecting us to new workplace requirements that could significantly increase costs. Finally, the classification of TiO 2 as a Category 2 Carcinogen could lead the ECHA to evaluate other products with similar particle size characteristics such as iron oxides or functional additives for carcinogenic potential by inhalation for humans as well, which may ultimately have similar negative impacts to other of our products if classified as potentially carcinogenic. In addition, under the separation agreement, we are required to indemnify Huntsman for any liabilities relating to our TiO 2 operations.
Environmental, Health and Safety Systems. We are committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable EHS legal requirements, and we have developed policies and management systems that are intended to identify the multitude of EHS legal requirements applicable to our operations, enhance compliance with applicable legal requirements, improve the safety of our employees, contractors, community neighbors and customers and minimize the production and emission of wastes and other pollutants. Although EHS legal requirements are constantly changing and are frequently difficult to comply with, these EHS management systems are designed to assist us in our compliance goals while also fostering efficiency and improvement and reducing overall risk to us.
Environmental Remediation. We have incurred, and we may in the future incur, liability to investigate and clean up waste or contamination at our current or former facilities or facilities operated by third parties at which we may have disposed of waste or other materials. Similarly, we may incur costs for the cleanup of waste that was disposed of prior to the purchase of our businesses. Under some circumstances, the scope of our liability may extend to damages to natural resources. Based on available information, we believe that the costs to investigate and remediate known contamination will not have a material effect on our financial statements. At the current time, we are unable to estimate the total cost to remediate contamination sites.
Under CERCLA and similar state laws, a current or former owner or operator of real property in the U.S. may be liable for remediation costs regardless of whether the release or disposal of hazardous substances was in compliance with law at the time it occurred, and a current owner or operator may be liable regardless of whether it owned or operated the facility at the time of the release. Outside the U.S., analogous contaminated property laws, such as those in effect in France, can hold past owners and/or operators liable for remediation at former facilities. We have not been notified by third parties of claims against us for cleanup liabilities at former facilities or third party sites, including, but not limited to, sites listed under CERCLA.
Under the RCRA in the U.S. and similar state laws, we may be required to remediate contamination originating from our properties as a condition to our hazardous waste permit. Some of our manufacturing sites have an extended history of industrial chemical manufacturing and use, including on-site waste disposal. We are aware of soil, groundwater or surface contamination from past operations at some of our sites, and we may find contamination at other sites in the future. Similar laws exist in a number of locations in which we currently operate, or previously operated, manufacturing facilities, such as India, France and Italy.
Climate Change. Globally, our operations are increasingly subject to regulations that seek to reduce emissions of GHGs, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which may be contributing to changes in the earth's climate. At the Durban negotiations of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol in 2012, a limited group of nations, including the EU, agreed to a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that provides for reductions in GHG emissions. More significantly, the EU GHG Emissions Trading System ("ETS"), established pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce GHG emissions in the EU, continues in its third phase. The European Parliament
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has used a process to formalized "backloading"the withholding of GHG allowances during 2012-2016 until 2019-2020 to prop up carbon prices. As backloading is only a temporary measure, a sustainable solution to the imbalance between supply and demand requires structural changes to the ETS. The European Commission proposes to establish a market stability reserve to address the current surplus of allowances and improve the system's resilience. The reserve will start operating in 2019. In addition, the EU has recently announced the binding target to reduce domestic GHG emissions by at least 40% below the 1990 level by 2030. The European Commission proposed an objective of increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 27% of the EU's energy consumption by 2030. The European Council endorsed this target, which is binding at the EU level. The European Commission also proposed a 30% energy savings target for 2030. The European Council, however, endorsed an indicative target of 27% to be reviewed in 2020 having in mind a 30% target.
In addition, at the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, the United States and nearly 200 other nations entered into an international climate agreement. Although this agreement does not create any binding obligations for nations to limit their GHG emissions, it does include pledges to voluntarily limit or reduce future emissions. The Paris Agreement entered into force in November 2016. Though the United States was one of the original signatories to the Paris Agreement, President Trump announced in June 2017 that the United States would withdraw from participation in the Agreement, but that he was willing to consider participation in other, future international agreements relating to GHGs.
Federal climate change legislation in the U.S. appears unlikely in the near-term. As a result, domestic efforts to curb GHG emissions will continue to be led by the EPA's GHG regulations and the efforts of states. To the extent that our domestic operations are subject to the EPA's GHG regulations, we may face increased capital and operating costs associated with new or expanded facilities. Significant expansions of our existing facilities or construction of new facilities may be subject to the CAA requirements for pollutants regulated under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V programs.
In August 2015, the EPA issued its final Clean Power Plan rules that establish carbon pollution standards for power plants, called CO 2 emission performance rates. In February 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of the implementation of the Clean Power Plan. This stay will remain in effect until the conclusion of the appeals process. On March 28, 2017, the Trump administration issued an executive order directing the EPA to review the Clean Power Plan. On the same day, the EPA filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit requesting that the court hold the case in abeyance while the EPA conducts its review of the Clean Power Plan. It is not yet clear what changes, if any, will result from the EPA's review, or how the courts will rule on the legality of the Clean Power Plan. If the rules survive the EPA's review, are upheld at the conclusion of this appellate process, and depending on how states decide to implement these rules, they may result in national or regional credit trading schemes. Collectively, these rules and agreements may affect the long-term price and supply of electricity and natural gas and demand for products that contribute to energy efficiency and renewable energy. These various regulations and agreements are likely to result in increased costs to purchased energy, additional capital costs for installation or modification of GHG emitting equipment, and additional costs associated directly with GHG emissions (such as cap and trade systems or carbon taxes), which are primarily related to energy use. Compliance with these regulations and any more stringent restrictions in the future may increase our operational costs.
Under a consent decree with states and environmental groups, the EPA is due to propose new source performance standards for GHG emissions from refineries. These standards could significantly increase the costs of constructing or adding capacity to refineries and may ultimately increase the costs or decrease the supply of refined products. Either of these events could have an adverse effect on our business. We are already managing and reporting GHG emissions, to varying degrees, as required by law for our sites in locations subject to Kyoto Protocol obligations and/or ETS requirements. Although
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these sites are subject to existing GHG legislation, few have experienced or anticipate significant cost increases as a result of these programs, although it is possible that GHG emission restrictions may increase over time. Potential consequences of such restrictions include capital requirements to modify assets to meet GHG emission restrictions and/or increases in energy costs above the level of general inflation, as well as direct compliance costs. Currently, however, it is not possible to estimate the likely financial impact of potential future regulation on any of our sites.
Finally, it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the earth's atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods and other climatic events. If any of those effects were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our assets and operations.
Employees
As of December 31, 2016, we employed approximately 4,500 associates in our operations around the world. We believe our relations with our employees are good.
Legal Proceedings
We are a party to various legal proceedings instituted by private plaintiffs, governmental authorities and others arising under provisions of applicable laws, including various environmental, products liability and other laws.
Pursuant to the separation agreement, we will indemnify Huntsman against certain liabilities, including the litigation liabilities discussed below that arose prior to this offering. The term of this indemnification is indefinite and includes defense costs and expenses, as well as monetary and non-monetary settlements and judgments. Also, pursuant to the separation agreement, we will indemnify Huntsman against liabilities that may arise in the future in connection with our business, including environmental, tax and product liabilities. For additional information see note "21. Commitments and Contingencies" to our combined financial statements and note "10. Commitments and Contingencies" to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
Antitrust Matters. We were named as a defendant in consolidated class action civil antitrust suits filed on February 9 and 12, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland alleging that we, our co-defendants and other alleged co-conspirators conspired to fix prices of TiO 2 sold in the U.S. between at least March 1, 2002 and the present. The other defendants named in this matter were DuPont, Kronos and Cristal (formerly Millennium). On August 28, 2012, the court certified a class consisting of the Direct Purchasers since February 1, 2003. On December 13, 2013, we and all other defendants settled the Direct Purchasers litigation and the court approved the settlement. We paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our financial statements.
On November 22, 2013, we were named as a defendant in the Opt-Out Litigation. On April 21, 2014, the court severed the claims against us from the other defendants sued and ordered our case transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Subsequently, Kronos, another defendant, was also severed from the Minnesota case and claims against it were transferred and consolidated for trial with our case in the Southern District of Texas. On February 26, 2016, we reached an agreement to settle the Opt-Out Litigation and subsequently paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our financial statements.
We were also named as a defendant in a class action civil antitrust suit filed on March 15, 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by the Indirect Purchasers making essentially the same allegations as did the Direct Purchasers. On October 14, 2014, plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Class Action Complaint narrowing the class of plaintiffs to those merchants and consumers of architectural coatings containing TiO 2 . On August 11, 2015, the court granted our motion
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to dismiss the Indirect Purchasers litigation with leave to amend the complaint. A Third Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on September 29, 2015 further limiting the class to consumers of architectural paints. Plaintiffs have raised state antitrust claims under the laws of 15 states, consumer protection claims under the laws of nine states, and unjust enrichment claims under the laws of 16 states. On November 4, 2015, we and our co-defendants filed another motion to dismiss. On June 13, 2016, the court substantially denied the motion to dismiss except as to consumer protection claims in one state. The parties are negotiating a resolution to this action.
On August 23, 2016, we were named as a defendant in a fourth civil antitrust suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by an Indirect Purchaser, Home Depot. Home Depot is an Indirect Purchaser primarily through paints it purchases from various manufacturers. We settled this matter and the court dismissed the case on May 31, 2017 for an amount immaterial to our financial statements.
These Indirect Purchasers seek to recover injunctive relief, treble damages or the maximum damages allowed by state law, costs of suit and attorneys' fees. We are not aware of any illegal conduct by us or any of our employees.
Other Proceedings. We are a party to various other proceedings instituted by private plaintiffs, governmental authorities and others arising under provisions of applicable laws, including various environmental, products liability and other laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in our combined financial statements, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Properties
We own or lease chemical manufacturing and research facilities in the locations indicated in the list below which we believe are adequate for our short-term and anticipated long-term needs. We own or lease office space and storage facilities throughout the world. Our headquarters operations are conducted across two of our administrative offices: The Woodlands, Texas and Wynyard, U.K. Our principal executive offices are located at the Wynyard location, with the address of Titanium House, Hanzard Drive, Wynyard Park, Stockton-On-Tees, TS22 5FD, United Kingdom. The following is a list
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of our principal owned or leased properties where manufacturing, research and main office facilities are located.
Location(2)
|
Business Segment(4) | Description of Facility | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wynyard, U.K.(1) |
Various | Headquarters & Administrative Offices, Research Facility and Shared Services Center | ||
Greatham, U.K. |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Manufacturing Facility | ||
Birtley, U.K. |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Kidsgrove, U.K. |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Sudbury, U.K. |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Duisburg, Germany |
Various | TiO 2 , Functional Additives, Water Treatment Manufacturing and Research Facility and Administrative Offices | ||
Ibbenbueren, Germany |
Additives | Water Treatment Manufacturing Facility | ||
Uerdingen, Germany(1) |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Manufacturing Facility | ||
Schwarzheide, Germany(1) |
Additives | Water Treatment Manufacturing Facility | ||
Walluf, Germany(1) |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Everberg, Belgium |
Various | Shared Services Center and Administrative Offices | ||
Calais, France(5) |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Finishing Facility | ||
Comines, France |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Huelva, Spain |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Manufacturing Facility | ||
Scarlino, Italy |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Manufacturing Facility | ||
Turin, Italy |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Pori, Finland |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Manufacturing Facility | ||
Taicang, China(1) |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Teluk Kalung, Malaysia |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Manufacturing Facility | ||
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(1) |
Various | Shared Services Center and Administrative Offices | ||
Dandenong, Australia(1) |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Augusta, Georgia |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Lake Charles, Louisiana(3) |
TiO 2 | TiO 2 Manufacturing Facility | ||
Beltsville, Maryland(1) |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Los Angeles, California |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
St. Louis, Missouri(1) |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Harrisburg, North Carolina |
Additives | Timber Treatments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Easton, Pennsylvania(1) |
Additives | Color Pigments Manufacturing Facility | ||
Freeport, Texas |
Additives | Timber Treatments Manufacturing Facility | ||
The Woodlands, Texas(1) |
Various | Headquarters & Administrative Offices |
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Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information, as of June 30, 2017, regarding the individuals who are expected to serve as our executive officers following this offering.
Name
|
Age | Position(s) at Venator | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Simon Turner |
53 | President and Chief Executive Officer | |||
Kurt Ogden |
48 | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||
Russ Stolle |
55 | Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer | |||
Phil Wrigley |
50 | Vice President, EHS and Manufacturing Excellence | |||
Antje Gerber |
50 | Vice President, Specialty | |||
Jan Buberl |
41 | Vice President, Color Pigments and Timber Treatment | |||
Mahomed Maiter |
56 | Senior Vice President, White Pigments |
Simon Turner has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Venator since the second quarter of 2017. Mr. Turner has served as Division President, Pigments & Additives, at Huntsman since November 2008, Senior Vice President, Pigments & Additives, from April 2008 to November 2008, Vice President of Global Sales from September 2004 to April 2008 and General Manager Co-Products and Director Supply Chain and Shared Services from July 1999 to September 2004. Prior to joining Huntsman, Mr. Turner held various positions with Imperial Chemical Industries PLC ("ICI"). Our board of directors believes Mr. Turner's extensive experience in the chemical industry, his wealth of knowledge of our business and his demonstrated track record of success in leading the Pigments & Additives segment of Huntsman will make him a valuable member of our board of directors.
Kurt Ogden has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Venator since the second quarter of 2017. Mr. Ogden has served as Vice President, Investor Relations and Finance of Huntsman since February 2009 and as Director, Corporate Finance from October 2004 to February 2009. Between 2000 and 2004, he was Executive Director Financial Planning and Analysis with Hillenbrand Industries and Vice President Treasurer with Pliant Corporation. Mr. Ogden began his career with Huntsman Chemical Corporation in 1993 and held various positions with related companies up to 2000. Mr. Ogden is a Certified Public Accountant.
Russ Stolle has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Venator since the second quarter of 2017. Mr. Stolle has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Huntsman since January 2010. From October 2006 to January 2010, Mr. Stolle served as Huntsman's Senior Vice President, Global Public Affairs and Communications, from November 2002 to October 2006, he served as Huntsman's Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, from October 2000 to November 2002, he served as Huntsman's Vice President and Chief Technology Counsel and from April 1994 to October 2000 he served as Huntsman's Chief Patent and Licensing Counsel. Prior to joining Huntsman in 1994, Mr. Stolle had been an attorney with Texaco Inc. and an associate with the law firm of Baker Botts L.L.P.
Phil Wrigley has served as Vice President, EHS and Manufacturing Excellence of Venator since the second quarter of 2017. Mr. Wrigley has served as Vice President, Manufacturing Operations at Huntsman since September 2014, and as EHS Director from February 2011 to August 2014. Prior to joining Huntsman in 2011, Mr. Wrigley served as Works Director for an aluminum smelter at Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. Mr. Wrigley started his career as an engineer at ICI and later moved to Rohm and Haas Company where he held a series of engineering and manufacturing leadership positions, culminating in the position of European Operations Director.
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Antje Gerber has served as Vice President, Specialty of Venator since the second quarter of 2017. Ms. Gerber has served as Vice President, Specialty for Huntsman since February 2016. Prior to joining Huntsman, Ms. Gerber gained over 20 years of specialty chemical experience at leading chemical companies. From March 2014 to January 2016, Ms. Gerber was the Head of Global Key Accounts at Evonik Degussa Gmbh, and from March 2014 to January 2016, she was Business Director at H.B. Fuller Construction Products Inc.
Jan Buberl has served as Vice President, Color Pigments and Timber Treatment of Venator since the second quarter of 2017. Mr. Buberl has served as Vice President, Color Pigments and Timber Treatment for Huntsman since October 2014. Prior to joining Huntsman, Mr. Buberl held various positions at BASF SE ("BASF") in Germany, the United States of America, Spain and China from 1996 to 2014. Most recently, from September 2009 to March 2014, Mr. Buberl was Business Director for BASF's Specialty Product Division.
Mahomed Maiter has served as Senior Vice President, White Pigments of Venator since the second quarter of 2017. Mr. Maiter has served as Vice President, Revenue/Global Sales and Marketing of Huntsman since May 2008 and in other various senior leadership capacities with Huntsman since August 2004. Prior to joining Huntsman, Mr. Maiter held various positions with ICI. Mr. Maiter has over 32 years of experience in the chemical and pigment industry covering a range of senior commercial, global sales and marketing, business development, manufacturing and business roles.
Board of Directors
The following table sets forth information, as of June 30, 2017, regarding certain individuals who are expected to serve as members of our board of directors following this offering. Additional individuals will be appointed to our board of directors prior to the completion of this offering. Upon completion of this offering, we expect a majority of the board of directors will qualify as independent directors.
Name
|
Age | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Peter R. Huntsman |
54 | |||
Simon Turner |
53 | |||
Sir Robert J. Margetts |
67 | |||
Douglas D. Anderson |
67 | |||
Daniele Ferrari |
56 |
Peter R. Huntsman was appointed as a director of Venator in the second quarter of 2017. Mr. Huntsman currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Huntsman and has served as a director of Huntsman and its affiliated companies since 1994. Prior to his appointment in July 2000 as CEO of Huntsman, Mr. Huntsman had served as its President and Chief Operating Officer since 1994. In 1987, after working for Olympus Oil since 1983, Mr. Huntsman joined Huntsman Polypropylene Corporation as Vice President before serving as Senior Vice President and General Manager. Mr. Huntsman has also served as Senior Vice President of Huntsman Chemical Corporation and as a Senior Vice President of Huntsman Packaging Corporation, a former subsidiary of Huntsman.
Our board of directors believes that Mr. Huntsman's current position as Huntsman's CEO enables him to bring invaluable operational, financial, regulatory and governance insights to our board of directors, and his considerable role in the history and management of Huntsman and its affiliates enables him to advise our board of directors on our business, the chemical industry and related opportunities and challenges as we transition into a standalone company, and will help provide continuity for employees and customers of Venator.
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Sir Robert J. Margetts was appointed as a director of Venator in the second quarter of 2017. Sir Margetts has served as one of Huntsman's directors since August 2010, and is a member of its Audit Committee and its Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee. Sir Margetts currently also serves as Deputy Chairman of PJSC Uralkali, a publicly traded potash fertilizer producer, and on the boards of a number of privately held companies. In addition to previously serving as a director for several other companies, Sir Margetts also previously worked for ICI where he ultimately served as the Vice Chairman of its Main Board. Our board of directors believes that Sir Margetts's knowledge of and experience in the chemical industry qualify him to serve on our board of directors.
Douglas D. Anderson is expected to serve as a director of Venator, effective prior to or concurrently with the completion of this offering. Mr. Anderson currently serves as the Dean of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, a position he was appointed to in 2006, and is the Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Professor of Leadership. Previously, Mr. Anderson served as Deputy Counselor to the Secretary, U.S. Treasury, as a director of corporate development for Bendix Corporation, and as managing partner of the Center for Executive Development, an executive consulting firm. Our board of directors believes that Mr. Anderson's extensive business and leadership expertise qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.
Daniele Ferrari is expected to serve as a director of Venator, effective prior to or concurrently with the completion of this offering. Mr. Ferrari is also serving as Chief Executive Officer of Versalis S.p.A., a chemical manufacturer, and as Chairman of Matrìca S.p.A., a joint-venture with Novamont focusing on renewable chemistry, since March 2011. Mr. Ferrari has over 30 years of experience in the chemical industry, including working as President of Huntsman's Performance Products division until January 2011 and previously in several business assignments at ICI in the U.K. Our board of directors believes that Mr. Ferrari's experience in and knowledge of the chemical industry and his executive leadership experience qualify him to serve on our board of directors.
Status as a Controlled Company
Because Huntsman will beneficially own a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares following the completion of this offering, we expect to be a controlled company under the NYSE corporate governance standards. A controlled company need not comply with the applicable corporate governance rules that require its board of directors to have a majority of independent directors and independent compensation and nominating and governance committees. Notwithstanding our status as a controlled company, we will remain subject to the applicable corporate governance standard that requires us to have an audit committee composed entirely of independent directors. As a result, we must have at least one independent director on our audit committee by the date our ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE, a majority of independent directors on our audit committee within 90 days of the listing date and all independent directors on our audit committee within one year of the listing date.
Following this offering, we intend to utilize some or all of the exemptions from the NYSE corporate governance standards available to controlled companies. If at any time we cease to be a controlled company, we will take all action necessary to comply with the NYSE listing rules, including appointing a majority of independent directors to our board of directors and ensuring we have a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee, each composed entirely of independent directors, subject to a permitted "phase-in" period. We will cease to qualify as a controlled company once Huntsman ceases to own a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares.
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Board Committees
Upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will establish an Audit Committee. As required by the rules of the SEC and listing standards of the NYSE, our Audit Committee will consist solely of independent directors within one year of the listing date. The committee will meet separately with representatives of our independent auditors, our internal audit personnel and representatives of senior management in performing its functions. The Audit Committee will approve the services of the independent auditors and review the general scope of audit coverage, matters relating to internal controls systems and other matters related to accounting and reporting functions. The board of directors is expected to determine that all of the members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and have accounting or related financial management expertise, each as required by the applicable NYSE listing standards. The board of directors is also expected to determine that at least one member of the Audit Committee will qualify as an audit committee financial expert under the applicable rules of the Exchange Act.
Director Independence
To qualify as "independent" under the NYSE listing standards, a director must meet objective criteria set forth in the NYSE listing standards, and the board of directors must affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with us (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with us) that would interfere with his or her exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities as a director. The NYSE independence criteria include that the director not be our employee and not have engaged in various types of business dealings with us.
The board of directors will review all direct or indirect business relationships between each director (including his or her immediate family) and us, as well as each director's relationships with charitable organizations, to assess director independence as defined in the listing standards of the NYSE.
Corporate Governance Policies
Our board of directors will adopt corporate governance policies that among other matters, will provide for the following: membership on the board is made up of a majority of independent directors who, at a minimum, meet the criteria for independence required by the NYSE; each regularly scheduled board of directors meeting will include an executive session of the non-management directors; the independent directors will meet in executive session at least once annually; the board of directors and its committees will conduct an annual self-evaluation; non-management directors are not permitted to serve as directors for more than three other public companies; our Chief Executive Officer is not permitted to serve as a director for more than two other public companies; directors are expected to attend all meetings of the board of directors and of the committees of which they are members; directors not also serving as executive officers are required to offer their resignation effective at the next annual meeting of shareholders upon reaching their 75th birthday (subject to certain exceptions); directors are required to offer their resignation upon a change in their principal occupation; directors should function consistent with the highest level of professional ethics and integrity; and to effectively discharge their oversight duties, directors have full and free access to our officers and employees.
Financial Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Guidelines
Our board of directors will adopt a Financial Code of Ethics applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer or Controller. Among other matters, this code will be designed to promote: honest and ethical conduct; ethical handling of actual or apparent
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conflicts of interest; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and in our other public communications; compliance with applicable governmental laws and regulations and stock exchange rules; prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and accountability for adherence to the code. In addition, our board of directors will adopt Business Conduct Guidelines, which will require all directors, officers and employees to adhere to these guidelines in addressing the legal and ethical issues encountered in conducting their work.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments were operated by subsidiaries of Huntsman and not through a separate company and therefore did not have a compensation committee or any other committee serving a similar function. Decisions as to the compensation of those who will serve as our executive officers will be made initially by Huntsman.
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Upon the completion of this offering, we will be a stand-alone public company formed to hold the assets of the Pigments & Additives segment of Huntsman's business, which, prior to the consummation of the separation, comprised a portion of the business and assets of Huntsman. The individuals identified below will serve as our "named executive officers" ("NEOs"), and these individuals have not historically acted as a management team prior to this offering.
In accordance with SEC disclosure rules, historical compensation for our NEOs is not required in connection with the IPO of a Huntsman subsidiary. However, at the request of the SEC, we included historical compensation information with respect to Mr. Turner in prior filings and communications with the SEC, therefore his historical compensation information has been retained and disclosed below. All discussions regarding compensation policies and programs with respect to Mr. Turner's historical compensation relate to Huntsman policies and programs. For a more detailed explanation of the Huntsman compensation plans applicable to Huntsman's named executive officers and certain executive officers, see the section titled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" within Huntsman's latest definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC. Following this offering, Mr. Turner and our other NEOs will receive compensation and benefits under our compensation programs and plans, which may not mirror the Huntsman plans described below.
2016 Summary Compensation Table
The following table details compensation paid to or earned by Simon Turner, our President and Chief Executive Officer under Huntsman's compensation programs and plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Name and Principal
Position |
Year | Salary | Bonus |
Stock
Awards(1) |
Option
Awards(2) |
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation(3) |
Change in
Pension Value & Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings(4) |
All Other
Compensation(5) |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Simon Turner(6) |
2016 | $ | 517,419 | $ | | $ | 420,000 | $ | 179,999 | $ | 541,785 | $ | 2,420,323 | $ | 111,052 | $ | 4,190,578 | |||||||||||
President and Chief |
2015 | 544,616 | | 595,003 | 255,001 | 843,613 | 1,181,977 | 107,519 | 3,527,729 | |||||||||||||||||||
Executive Officer |
2014 | 539,219 | 150,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 | 171,542 | 1,658,686 | 86,037 | 3,405,484 |
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|
Simon
Turner |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Personal Use of Auto |
$ | 20,937 | ||
Family Travel |
4,652 | |||
Company Contributions to Retirement |
||||
Huntsman UK Pension Plan |
| |||
Huntsman UK Pension Plan Cash Alternative* |
78,267 | |||
Global Pension Membership Tax Gross-Up* |
7,196 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
$ | 111,052 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2016
The following table provides information about annual cash performance awards granted through Huntsman's annual cash performance award program and long-term equity incentive awards granted through the Huntsman Stock Incentive Plan to Mr. Turner in 2016.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant
Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(6) ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) |
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2) |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
All
Other Stock Awards(3) (#) |
All
Other Option Awards(4) (#) |
Exercise or
Base Price of Option Awards(5) ($/Sh) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name
|
Grant
Date |
Threshold
($) |
Target
($) |
Maximum
($) |
Threshold
(#) |
Target
(#) |
Maximum
(#) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Simon Turner |
02/03/16 | $ | 0 | $ | 364,850 | $ | 729,700 | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
02/03/16 | | | | 5,079 | 20,316 | 40,632 | | | | $ | 180,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
02/03/16 | | | | | | | 27,088 | | | 240,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
02/03/16 | | | | | | | | 61,224 | $ | 8.86 | 179,999 |
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Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
Mr. Turner was not a party to an employment agreement with Huntsman during the 2016 year. His base salary, annual bonus opportunity and equity grants were each determined by Huntsman. Huntsman designs base salaries to be a fixed portion of total compensation, with an executive officer's base salary generally reflecting the officer's responsibilities, tenure, job performance, special circumstances (such as overseas assignments) and the market for the executive's services.
Mr. Turner's 2016 annual bonus was granted pursuant to Huntsman's annual cash performance award program. The Huntsman 2016 annual bonus plan was based on various performance goals, including corporate and divisional Adjusted EBITDA, cash flow and inventory goals, as individualized for each executive based on his or her responsibilities. Mr. Turner's target bonus award was set at 70% of his base salary, with a maximum payout set at 200% of his target amount. Mr. Turner received a payout for the 2016 year that was in the mid-range of his target and maximum bonus award amounts.
For 2016 Huntsman approved awards of stock options, time-based restricted stock and performance share units, which vest upon the achievement of relative TSR milestones. The long term equity incentive awards granted to Mr. Turner in 2016 comprised a mix of stock options (30% value), restricted stock (40% value) and performance share units (30% value). The vesting schedules for each award are described above within the footnotes to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table above.
With respect to the perquisites provided to Mr. Turner during the 2016 year, Huntsman provides executive officers with leased vehicles for business use, which executives may also use for personal transportation. Executive officers are responsible for the taxes on imputed income associated with the personal use of these vehicles. Travel costs for family members of employees or consultants are reimbursable by Huntsman under limited circumstances. Employees and consultants are responsible for any taxable income associated with this reimbursement.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Year-End
The following table provides information on the outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards and performance share units held by Mr. Turner as of December 31, 2016. The market value of
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the restricted stock and performance share unit awards is based on the closing market price of Huntsman stock on December 30, 2016, the last day of trading in 2016, which was $19.08.
|
|
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares that Have Not Vested(4) (#) |
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Market Value of Unearned Shares that Have Not Vested(5) ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market
Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested(3) ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Options(1) |
|
|
Number of
Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested(2) # |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Option
Exercise Price ($) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name
|
Date of
Award |
Exercisable
(#) |
Unexercisable
(#) |
Option
Expiration Date |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Simon Turner |
02/03/16 | | 61,224 | $ | 8.86 | 02/03/26 | 27,088 | $ | 516,839 | 40,632 | $ | 775,259 | ||||||||||||||||
|
02/04/15 | 8,383 | 16,765 | $ | 22.77 | 02/04/25 | 9,954 | $ | 189,922 | 1,400 | $ | 26,712 | ||||||||||||||||
|
02/05/14 | 27,692 | 13,845 | $ | 21.22 | 02/05/24 | 6,283 | $ | 119,880 | | | |||||||||||||||||
|
02/06/13 | 53,662 | | $ | 17.85 | 02/06/23 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
|
02/01/12 | 62,893 | | $ | 13.41 | 02/01/22 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
|
02/02/11 | 46,231 | | $ | 17.59 | 02/02/21 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
|
02/23/10 | 21,459 | | $ | 13.50 | 02/23/20 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
|
03/02/09 | 89,561 | | $ | 2.59 | 03/02/19 | | | | |
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested During 2016
The following table presents information regarding the vesting of Huntsman restricted stock awards during 2016 for Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner did not exercise any Huntsman stock options during the 2016 year, and no Huntsman performance share units were eligible to vest during the 2016 year.
|
Stock Awards(1) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Number of Shares
Vested in 2016 (#) |
Value Realized
on Vesting ($) |
|||||
Simon Turner |
19,197 | 173,961 |
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock
Vested |
Shares Withheld
for Tax Obligation |
Net Shares
Issued |
||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name
|
Grant
Date |
Vest
Date |
Closing
Price on Vest Date |
(#) |
Value
Realized |
(#) |
Value
Paid |
(#) |
Market
Value |
|||||||||||||||||||
Simon Turner |
02/04/15 | 02/04/16 | $ | 9.41 | 4,978 | $ | 46,843 | 2,340 | $ | 22,019 | 2,638 | $ | 24,824 | |||||||||||||||
|
02/05/14 | 02/05/16 | $ | 8.94 | 6,283 | $ | 56,170 | 2,954 | $ | 26,409 | 3,329 | $ | 29,761 | |||||||||||||||
|
02/06/13 | 02/06/16 | $ | 8.94 | 7,936 | $ | 70,948 | 3,730 | 33,346 | 4,206 | $ | 37,602 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
19,197 | $ | 173,961 | 9,024 | $ | 81,774 | 10,173 | $ | 92,187 | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pension Benefits in 2016
The table below sets forth information on the pension benefits for Mr. Turner under Huntsman's pension plans, each of which is more fully described in the narrative following the table. The amounts reported in the table below equal the present value of the accumulated benefit at December 31, 2016 for Mr. Turner under each plan based upon the assumptions described below.
Name
|
Plan Name |
Number of Years
of Credited Service(1) |
Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit(2) |
Payments During
Last Fiscal Year |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
(#)
|
($)
|
($)
|
||||||||
Simon Turner(3) |
Tioxide Pension Fund | 26.833 | $ | 1,427,816 | | |||||||
|
Huntsman Global Pension Scheme | $ | 1,092,038 | | ||||||||
|
Huntsman Top-Up Payment | $ | 7,403,046 | |
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Huntsman sponsors retirement benefit plans in connection with its operations in the U.K. Mr. Turner participates in the Huntsman UK Pension Plan (a qualified defined contribution pension plan) with trailing participation in the nonqualified Huntsman Global Pension Scheme (a defined benefit plan) and the qualified Tioxide Pension Fund (a defined benefit plan) for all U.K. associates in the Pigments & Additives segment. In addition, Mr. Turner has a Huntsman top-up promise that is based on a payment difference between the final pensionable pay limitations in the Tioxide Pension Fund and Huntsman Global Pension Scheme, where Mr. Turner's pensionable pay is limited to (£150,600) $210,132 and his total pensionable salary (£373,550) $521,214. Mr. Turner became a member of the Huntsman UK Pension Plan in January 2011 after his benefits, along with other U.K. Pigments & Additives associates in the Tioxide Pension Fund, were closed to future service accrual.
Mr. Turner participates in a defined benefit pension arrangement through the tax-qualified Tioxide Pension Fund for service with Huntsman prior to January 1, 2011. The Tioxide Pension Fund was a traditional defined benefit pension plan that provided benefit accruals based on final average earnings, with a typical accrual rate of 1/55th for senior managers and a normal retirement age of 60. Defined benefit pension arrangements for the Tioxide Pension Fund were closed for Pigments & Additives associates on December 31, 2010, and arrangements were shifted to participation in the defined contribution Huntsman UK Pension Plan, on January 1, 2011. The Huntsman UK Pension Plan provides a 3-for-1 matching formula whereby an associate can receive a company matching contribution of up to 15% of pay if the associate contributed 5% of pay. For five years following implantation of this plan, associates receive an additional company contribution through transition credits. For as long as associates remain with Huntsman, they retain a link between future pensionable salary growth and accrued service to the date of closure of the Tioxide Pension Fund. The Huntsman Global Pension Scheme is a non-registered defined benefit pension plan designed to restore benefits that cannot be provided in a registered plan due to pension or tax regulations or due to international assignments. During 2012, a top-up payment agreement was put in place to make up for benefits lost due to salary restrictions in the U.K. and provides benefits under the Huntsman Global Pension Scheme based on Mr. Turner's uncapped final salary. As of December 31, 2016, Mr. Turner had approximately 27 years of service in the U.K., and is fully vested in benefits from these plans.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
As of December 31, 2016, Mr. Turner could have received compensation in connection with an involuntary termination of employment or a change of control pursuant to the terms of the following arrangements:
Executive Severance Plan. Through its Executive Severance Plan, Huntsman provides its executive officers, including its NEOs, with severance benefits in connection with a termination of an executive's employment by Huntsman without "Reasonable Cause" or by the executive for "Good Reason." Pursuant to the Huntsman Executive Severance Plan, Huntsman provides its executives with a lump sum severance payment equal to two times base salary in order to attract and retain the executive
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talent necessary for its business. The level of severance is evaluated each year. As defined in the Huntsman Executive Severance Plan:
"Reasonable Cause" means: (1) the grossly negligent, fraudulent, dishonest or willful violation of any law or the material violation of any of Huntsman's significant policies that materially and adversely affects it, or (2) the failure of the participant to substantially perform his duties.
"Good Reason" means a voluntary termination of employment by the participant as a result of (1) a materially detrimental reduction or change to the job responsibilities or in the current base compensation of the Participant, or (2) within a period of 12 months following a Change of Control, changing the participant's principal place of work by more than 50 miles, in each case, which is not remedied by the Company within 30 days after receipt of notice.
A "Change of Control" is defined pursuant to the Huntsman Stock Incentive Plan and means the occurrence of any of the following:
A participant is not entitled to benefits under the Huntsman Executive Severance Plan if the participant is reemployed with an employer in Huntsman's controlled group, if the participant refuses to sign a waiver and release of claims in Huntsman's favor if requested, or if the participant is entitled to severance benefits under a separate agreement or plan maintained by Huntsman.
As a citizen of the U.K., Mr. Turner is an entitled participant in his respective business severance plan. At the time of a termination, payout potential from the Huntsman Executive Severance Plan and Mr. Turner's U.K. business plan would be considered, then the plan generating the more generous payout would be used. Mr. Turner is entitled to 200% of his annual base pay and 12 months' notice upon termination. Accordingly, his potential severance payment would be 36 times base monthly salary upon termination. The respective U.K. business severance plans provide greater severance amounts than the Huntsman Executive Severance Plan for Mr. Turner in the event of a termination without "Reasonable Cause" or upon a termination by the executive for "Good Reason."
Huntsman Stock Incentive Plan Awards. Long-term equity incentive awards granted under the Huntsman Stock Incentive Plan provide for accelerated vesting upon a change of control or certain other events, including certain terminations of employment or service, at the discretion of Huntsman's Compensation Committee. The performance share unit award agreements provide that, upon a termination of employment due to death or disability or upon the occurrence of a change of control (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), the Huntsman Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, waive any remaining restrictions on the performance share units, in whole or in part, and deem the applicable performance period to end immediately prior to the date of death, disability or the occurrence of the change of control, in which case the satisfaction of the applicable relative TSR performance metrics will be based upon actual performance as of the end of the revised performance period. Any such provision made by Huntsman's Compensation Committee could benefit all
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participants in the Huntsman Stock Incentive Plan, including the NEOs. If there is a Change of Control, Huntsman's Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, provide for:
Quantification of Potential Payments and Benefits. The table below reflects the compensation that could have been payable to or on behalf of Mr. Turner upon an involuntary termination or a change of control. The amounts shown assume that such termination or change of control was effective as of December 31, 2016. All equity acceleration values have been calculated using the closing price of Huntsman's stock on December 30, 2016 of $19.08. The actual amounts Huntsman could have be required to disburse could only be determined at the time of the applicable circumstance.
Payment Type
|
Simon
Turner |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
INVOLUNTARY TERMINATIONWITHOUT CAUSE OR FOR GOOD REASON |
||||
Cash Severance(1) |
$ | 1,552,257 | ||
Health & Welfare(2) |
$ | 1,391 | ||
Outplacement Services(3) |
$ | 5,750 | ||
TOTAL TERMINATION BENEFITS |
||||
CHANGE OF CONTROL |
||||
Accelerated Equity Awards(4) |
$ | 1,946,808 | ||
CHANGE OF CONTROL/ INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OR FOR GOOD REASON |
||||
Cash Severance |
$ | |
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restricted stock would have an estimated value of $826,641 and 25,915 target unvested performance share units would have an estimated value of $494,458. In addition, an acceleration of Mr. Turner's 91,834 unvested options would have an estimated value of $625,709 on December 31, 2016.
Future Compensation and Incentive and Benefit Plans and Arrangements
Venator Materials 2017 Stock Incentive Plan
We expect to adopt an omnibus equity compensation plan in connection with this offering. The expected terms of the LTIP are set forth below, but at the time of this filing we have not adopted this plan. The purpose of the LTIP is to provide incentives to our employees and consultants (and those of our subsidiaries) and to members of our Board who are not employees or consultants to devote their abilities and energies to our success through affording such individuals a means to acquire and maintain stock ownership or awards, the value of which is tied to the performance of our ordinary shares. The LTIP permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, phantom stock, performance awards, bonus stock, dividend equivalents, substitute awards, and other stock-based awards (collectively referred to as "Awards").
Administration
The LTIP will be administered by a committee of our Board pursuant to its terms and all applicable state, federal or other rules or laws. However, our Board may also take any action designated to the committee, unless it is determined that administration of the LTIP by "outside directors" is necessary with respect to Awards intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code ("Section 162(m)"). The LTIP administrator (the "Committee") has the sole discretion to determine the eligible employees, directors and consultants to whom Awards are granted under the LTIP and the manner in which such Awards will vest. Awards may be granted by the Committee to employees, directors and consultants in such amounts (measured in cash, ordinary shares or as otherwise designated) and at such times during the term of the LTIP as the Committee shall determine. Subject to applicable law and the terms of the LTIP, the Committee is authorized to interpret the LTIP, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the LTIP, to delegate duties under the LTIP, to terminate, modify or amend the LTIP (except for certain amendments that require stockholder approval as described below), and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the LTIP. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the LTIP in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable.
Notwithstanding anything within the LTIP to the contrary, to comply with applicable laws in countries other than the United States in which we or our affiliates operates or has employees, directors or other service providers, or to ensure that we comply with any applicable requirements of foreign securities exchanges, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to determine who is eligible to participate in the LTIP, modify the terms and conditions of awards, establish sub-plans with applicable foreign jurisdiction provisions, or take other actions deemed advisable to comply with foreign laws or securities exchange rules. The remaining description of the LTIP set forth below addresses the terms and conditions of the LTIP with respect to U.S.-based Award recipients, therefore an Award granted to an employee that is subject to foreign laws or regulations may differ from the descriptions set forth below or contained within the LTIP document.
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Eligibility
Consistent with certain provisions of Section 162(m) and the accompanying regulations, the employees eligible to receive compensation must be set forth in the plan and approved by our stockholders. The employees eligible to receive Awards under the LTIP are our employees and those of our subsidiaries. Members of our Board who are not employees or consultants of us or our subsidiaries are eligible to receive Awards and individuals who provide consulting, advisory or other similar services to us or our subsidiaries are also eligible to receive Awards. Eligible employees, directors or consultants who are designated by the Committee to receive an Award under the LTIP are referred to as "Participants."
Individual Limits on Awards
Consistent with certain provisions of Section 162(m) and accompanying regulations, restrictions on the maximum number of shares that may be granted to a Participant in a specified period and restrictions on the maximum amount of cash compensation payable pursuant to an Award under the LTIP to a Participant must be provided for in the plan and approved by our stockholders. Accordingly, no Participant may receive share-denominated Awards during a calendar year with respect to more than shares of our ordinary shares. For dollar-denominated Awards, the maximum aggregate dollar amount that may be granted to any Participant in any calendar year is limited to $ .
Number of Shares Subject to the LTIP
The number of ordinary shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP is shares, subject to certain adjustments as provided in the LTIP. In addition, if an Award is surrendered, exchanged, forfeited, settled in cash or otherwise lapses, expires, terminates, or is cancelled without the actual delivery of the shares, including (a) shares forfeited with respect to restricted stock, and (b) the number of shares withheld or surrendered in payment of any exercise or purchase price of an Award or taxes related to an Award, then the shares subject to those Awards will again be available for issuance under the LTIP, unless an applicable law or regulation prevents such re-issuance.
Source of Shares
Ordinary shares issued under the LTIP may come from authorized but unissued shares of our ordinary shares, from treasury stock held by the company or from previously issued shares of ordinary shares reacquired by us, including shares purchased on the open market.
Stock Options
Stock options to purchase one or more shares of our ordinary shares may be granted under the LTIP. The Committee may determine to grant stock options that are either incentive stock options governed by Section 422 of the Code, or stock options that are not intended to meet these requirements (called "nonstatutory options"). The Committee will determine the specific terms and conditions of any stock option at the time of grant. The exercise price of any stock option will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of the grant (other than in limited situations pertaining to substitute Awards, as noted below), and in the case of an incentive stock option granted to an eligible employee that owns more than 10% of our ordinary shares, the exercise price will not be less than 110% percent of the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of grant. Stock options may be exercised by paying the exercise price in cash, through the delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to sell shares obtained upon the exercise of the stock option and to deliver to us an amount out of the proceeds of the sale equal to the aggregate exercise price for the shares being purchased, withholding (netting) shares from the exercised Award or such other methods
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as the Committee has determined to be appropriate. The term for a stock option may not exceed 10 years.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Committee may grant SARs independent of or in connection with a stock option. The exercise price per share of an SAR will be an amount determined by the Committee. However, SARs must generally have an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the ordinary shares on the date the SAR is granted. Generally, each SAR will entitle a Participant upon exercise to an amount equal to (i) the excess of (a) the fair market value of one ordinary share on the exercise date over (b) the exercise price, times (ii) the number of shares of ordinary shares covered by the SAR. Payment shall be made in ordinary shares or in cash, or partly in ordinary shares and partly in cash, as determined by the Committee. The term of an SAR may not exceed 10 years.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock may be granted under the LTIP, which means shares of our ordinary shares are granted to an individual subject to transfer limitations, a risk of forfeiture and other restrictions imposed by the Committee in its discretion. During the restricted period, the Participant may not sell, assign or otherwise dispose of the restricted stock, and any stock certificate will contain an appropriate legend noting the restrictions upon such ordinary shares until such time as all restrictions have been removed. Subject to acceleration of vesting upon a Permitted Waiver Event (as defined in the LTIP), a Participant will forfeit all restricted stock (and any dividends or distributions accumulated thereon that are subject to restrictions) upon his or her termination of service prior to the satisfaction of the vesting restrictions placed upon the Award. Restrictions may lapse at such times and under such circumstances as determined by the Committee. During the restricted period, the holder will have rights as a stockholder, including the right to vote the ordinary shares subject to the Award. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Award agreement, any dividends or distributions on the restricted stock during the restricted period shall be held by us and be subject to the same "vesting" terms as applicable to the restricted stock.
Phantom Shares
The LTIP allows the Committee to grant phantom shares, which are notional shares that entitle the Participant to receive at the end of a specified deferral period (which may or may not be coterminous to the vesting period applicable to the Award) either shares of our ordinary shares or cash equal to the then fair market value of our ordinary shares, or any combination of shares and cash, as determined by the Committee. The Committee may also grant "restricted stock unit" awards pursuant to the phantom share sections of the LTIP. The terms and conditions attached to any phantom share award will be determined by the Committee, including the vesting period and whether vesting is based upon the attainment of any performance objectives or subject to acceleration upon a Permitted Waiver Event. While the Participant shall not have the rights of stock ownership during the applicable restricted period, the Committee may establish a bookkeeping account ("DER Account") for the Participant that is credited with dividend equivalents with respect to dividends paid on shares of our ordinary shares during the vesting period. The DER Account may or may not be credited with interest, as provided by the Committee, and will vest or be forfeited at the same time as the related phantom shares vest or are forfeited, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award agreement.
Bonus Stock
Bonus stock awards may be granted to eligible individuals. Each bonus stock award will constitute a transfer of unrestricted shares of ordinary shares on terms and conditions determined by the Committee.
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Dividend Equivalents
Dividend equivalents may be granted to eligible individuals, entitling the Participant to receive cash, ordinary shares, other Awards or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of ordinary shares, or other periodic payments at the discretion of the Committee. Dividend equivalents may be awarded on a freestanding basis or in connection with another Award. The Committee may provide that dividend equivalents will be payable or distributed when accrued, deferred until a later payment date or deemed reinvested in additional ordinary shares, Awards, or other investment vehicles. The Committee will specify any restrictions on transferability and risks of forfeiture imposed upon dividend equivalents.
Substitute Awards
Individuals who become eligible to participate in the LTIP following a merger, consolidation or other acquisition by our company may be entitled to receive substitute Awards in exchange for similar awards that the individual may have held prior to the applicable merger, consolidation or other acquisition. If the substitute Award is in the form of a stock option or SAR, these Awards may be granted with an exercise price that is less than the fair market value per share on the replacement date, to the extent necessary to preserve the value of the original award for that individual.
Other Stock-Based Awards
Other stock-based awards may be granted that consist of a right denominated in or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to shares of our ordinary shares. In the discretion of the Committee, other stock-based awards may be subject to such vesting and other terms as the Committee may establish, including performance goals. Cash awards may be granted as an element of or a supplement to any other stock-based awards permitted under the LTIP.
Performance Awards
The LTIP provides for the grant of performance awards, which are (i) rights to receive a grant or to exercise or receive vesting or settlement of any Award subject to performance goals specified by the Committee, and (ii) dollar-denominated Awards granted by the Committee where the attainment of one or more performance goals during a specified performance period will be measured for purposes of determining a Participant's right to, and the amount of payment of, the Award. Performance awards made to Covered Employees may be designed to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m). See "Performance-Based Compensation" below. The Committee will determine both the performance goals and the performance period that will be associated with a performance award, as well as the method to be used in calculating the amount, if any, of the performance award at the end of the performance period. In connection with performance awards, the Committee may establish a performance award pool, which will be an unfunded pool, for the purpose of measuring performance, with the amount of such pool based on the achievement of performance goals specified by the Committee, including performance goals based on the business criteria described below. The Committee shall also determine whether performance awards will be paid in cash, our ordinary shares, or a combination of both cash and shares. The Committee may exercise its discretion to reduce or increase the amounts payable under any performance award, except for any performance award intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m), in which case discretion may be used to decrease but not increase the amount of the Award.
Performance-Based Compensation
If the Committee determines that an eligible person is or is likely to be a Covered Employee under Section 162(m) or the regulations thereunder and the contemplated Award is intended to qualify
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as "performance-based compensation" under such section, then the grant, exercise, vesting and/or settlement of such Award will be contingent upon the achievement of one or more pre-established performance goals based on one or more of the business criteria set forth below. Consistent with certain provisions of Section 162(m) and accompanying regulations, the business criteria on which performance goals may be based must be provided for in the plan and approved by our stockholders. However, even if stockholders approve the business criteria set forth below and the other material plan terms of the LTIP for purposes of the "performance-based compensation" exception, the Committee may determine to pay compensation that is not "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) and that is not deductible by reason thereof. With respect to Awards intended to constitute "performance-based compensation," performance goals will be designed to be objective, "substantially uncertain" of achievement at the date of grant and that will otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder. Performance goals may vary among Award recipients or among Awards to the same recipient. Performance goals will be established not later than 90 days after the beginning of any performance period applicable to such Awards, or at such other date as may be required or permitted for "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m).
One or more of the following business criteria for the company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, divisions, businesses or geographical units of the company (except with respect to stock price and earnings per share criteria), will be used by the Committee in establishing performance goals: (A) earnings per share; (B) revenues; (C) cash flow; (D) cash flow returns; (E) free cash flow; (F) operating cash flow; (G) net cash flow; (H) working capital; (I) return on net assets; (J) return on assets; (K) return on investment; (L) return on capital; (M) return on equity; (N) economic value added; (O) gross margin; (P) contribution margin; (Q) operating margin; (R) net income; (S) pretax earnings; (T) pretax earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"); (U) pretax earnings after interest expense and before incentives, service fees, and extraordinary or special items; (V) operating income; (W) total stockholder return; (X) share price; (Y) book value; (Z) enterprise value; (AA) debt reduction; (BB) costs or expenses; (CC) objective safety measures (including recordable incident rates and lost time incident rates); (DD) objective environmental measures (including gas releases); (EE) sales; (FF) market share; (GG) objective productivity measures; (HH) revenue or earnings per employee; (II) objective measures related to implementation or completion of significant projects or processes; (JJ) significant and objective strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified market penetration, geographic business expansion, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, human resources management, supervision of litigation, information technology, and goals relating to acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and similar transactions, and budget comparisons; and (KK) significant and objective individual criteria, including any of the foregoing performance goals, the implementation of policies and plans, the negotiation of transactions, the development of long-term business goals, formation of joint ventures, research or development collaborations, and the completion of other corporation transactions. To the extent consistent with Section 162(m) with respect to Awards intended to constitute "performance-based compensation," the Committee (i) shall appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a performance goal to eliminate the effects of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items and all items of gain, loss or expense determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or related to the disposal of a segment of a business or related to a change in accounting principle, all as determined in accordance with applicable accounting provisions, as well as the cumulative effect of accounting changes, in each case as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or identified in the Company's financial statements or notes to the financial statements; and (ii) may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a performance goal to exclude any of the following that occurs during the applicable performance period: (a) asset write-downs, (b) litigation, claims, judgments or settlements, (c) the effect of changes in tax law or other such laws or provisions affecting reported
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results, (d) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, or (e) accruals of any amounts for payment under the LTIP or any other compensation arrangement maintained by the Company. The performance measures may be absolute or measured relative to one or more peer companies or public indexes
Minimum Vesting Requirements
Awards that are options, SARs or other Awards for which a Participant pays (or the value or amount payable under the Award is reduced by) an amount equal to or exceeding the fair market value of the stock determined as of the grant date are subject to a one-year minimum vesting or forfeiture restriction period. This one-year minimum vesting or forfeiture restriction period does not apply to the grant of any such Awards with respect to an aggregate number of shares that does not exceed 5% of the total shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP.
Recapitalization Adjustments
In the event of any "equity restructuring" event (such as a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or similar event) with respect to our ordinary shares, the number of shares of ordinary shares with respect which Awards may be granted, the number of shares subject to outstanding Awards, the exercise price with respect to outstanding Awards and the individual grant limits with respect to share-denominated Awards shall be equitably adjusted to reflect such event.
Change of Control
Unless the applicable Award agreement (including any severance agreement or similar arrangement) provides otherwise or an Award is replaced or continued by the successor in connection with a "change of control" (as defined below), upon a change of control (i) Awards solely dependent on the satisfaction of a service obligation shall become fully vested and (ii) Awards dependent in any part on the satisfaction of performance objectives shall vest with performance determined based on actual performance achieved as of the date of the change of control or on a pro-rated basis based on target performance. A "change of control" means the occurrence of any of the following:
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Unusual Transactions or Events; Change of Control
In the event of any distribution, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, spin-off, combination, repurchase, exchange of securities, or other corporate transaction or event or any other unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events (including without limitation a "change of control" as defined in the LTIP), or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, the Committee may provide, in general, for (i) the termination of an Award, with or without exchange for a cash payment or other rights or property of substantially equivalent value, (ii) the acceleration of vesting, exercisability or payment with respect to all or any portion of an Award, (iii) the issuance of substitute Awards by the successor or survivor entity, or (v) other adjustments in the terms of an Award.
Discontinuance or Amendment of the LTIP; No Repricing
Our Board or the Committee may amend or discontinue the LTIP in any respect at any time, but no amendment may materially diminish any of the rights of a Participant under any Awards previously granted without his or her consent, except as may be necessary to comply with applicable laws. In addition, no amendment may, without the approval of the stockholders, (i) increase the number of shares available for Awards, (ii) enlarge the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards, (iii) materially increase the benefits available under the LTIP or (iv) reduce the exercise price of an outstanding stock option or SAR or cancel or exchange outstanding stock options or SARs for cash or other Awards or for stock options or SARs with lower exercise prices than the original stock option or SAR, and stockholder approval will also be required with respect to other amendments to the extent required by applicable law or listing requirements. The Committee may, except as otherwise provided in the LTIP, waive any conditions or rights under, or amend, alter, suspend or terminate any Award previously granted and any Award agreement related thereto, provided, that without the consent of the affected Participant, no Committee action may materially and adversely affect the rights of the Participant, except as may be necessary to comply with applicable laws.
Venator Materials Executive Severance Plan
We anticipate that we will adopt a severance plan in connection with this offering to provide severance and change of control benefits to certain executive officers in connection with a termination of an executive's employment by us without "Reasonable Cause," or by the executive for "Good Reason." We have not yet adopted such a plan, but through the Venator Materials Executive Severance Plan (the "Executive Severance Plan") we expect to provide our executive officers, including our NEOs, a lump sum severance payment equal to two times base salary in order to attract and retain the executive talent necessary for our business. The level of severance will be evaluated each year. Pursuant to the Executive Severance Plan:
The Executive Severance Plan also provides the continuation of medical benefits for U.S. participants for up to two years following termination (which will be in the form of a lump sum cash
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payment equal to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, premium at the time of departure multiplied by the severance period multiplied by 150%), and outplacement services for a period of one year.
A participant is not entitled to benefits under the Executive Severance Plan if the participant is reemployed with an employer in our controlled group, if the participant refuses to sign a waiver and release of claims in our favor if requested, or if the participant is entitled to severance benefits under a separate agreement or plan maintained by us.
Named Executive Officer Compensation
Beginning July 1, 2017, the base salary of our NEOs will be as follows, pro-rated for the 2017 calendar year and expressed in U.S. dollars: Mr. Turner, $850,000; Mr. Ogden, $500,000; Mr. Stolle, $430,000; Mr. Maiter, $402,907 (£310,000 converted to U.S. dollars assuming a rate of 1:1.3); and Mr. Buberl, $375,134. We have also determined that the target bonus opportunities for the NEOs with respect to the 2017 year shall be 100% of base salary for Mr. Turner, 70% of base salary for Messrs. Ogden, Stolle and Maiter, and 40% for Mr. Buberl. Our NEOs will participate in the Executive Severance Plan described above, but we do not expect to enter into individual employment agreements or severance agreements with our NEOs. Other than the Huntsman equity award conversion described under the heading "Arrangements Between Huntsman and Our CompanyEmployee Matters Agreement," at the time of this filing we have not made decisions regarding the equity compensation awards, if any, that the NEOs may receive pursuant to the LTIP following the IPO.
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Non-Employee Director Compensation Program
In connection with this offering, we expect to adopt a compensation program for our non-employee directors (the "Non-Employee Director Compensation Program"). Our non-employee directors will be entitled to receive compensation for services they provide to us consisting of retainers and equity compensation as described below.
Annual Retainers. Each non-employee director will be eligible to receive the following for their service on our board of directors pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Compensation Program:
Equity-Based Compensation. In addition to cash compensation, our non-employee directors will be eligible to receive annual equity-based compensation with an aggregate grant date value equal to $120,000. We expect that the equity awards will generally be fully vested on the date of grant. The equity awards granted to our non-employee directors will be subject to the terms and conditions of the LTIP and individual award agreements pursuant to which such awards are granted.
Share Ownership Guidelines. Our non-employee directors will be subject to certain share ownership guidelines and share holding requirements under the Non-Employee Director Compensation Program, which must be achieved within five years following the date on which the non-employee director's service on our board of directors begins. We expect that our non-employee directors will be required to hold a number of our ordinary shares with a value equal to five times their applicable annual cash retainer.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan. In connection with this offering we expect to adopt a voluntary deferred compensation plan in which our non-employee directors will be eligible to participate, the terms of which have not yet been determined.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Our Relationship with Huntsman
Before this offering, all of our outstanding ordinary shares were indirectly owned by Huntsman. All of the ordinary shares being sold in this offering are being offered by Huntsman International and HHN, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Huntsman. After completion of this offering, Huntsman, through HHN, will own approximately % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or approximately % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full. We are not selling any ordinary shares under this prospectus and we will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.
Huntsman currently intends to monetize its retained ownership stake in Venator following this offering. Subject to prevailing market and other conditions (including the terms of Huntsman's lock-up agreement), this future monetization may be effected in multiple follow-on capital market or block transactions that permit an orderly distribution of Huntsman's retained shares.
On May 22, 2017, Huntsman announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Clariant, a specialty chemicals company headquartered in Switzerland, in an all-stock merger. The combined company will be named HuntsmanClariant. Legacy Huntsman and Clariant shareholders are expected to own 48% and 52% of the combined company, respectively. The board of directors of the combined company is expected to have equal representation from the legacy Huntsman and Clariant boards. The merger is expected to close by year-end 2017, subject to Huntsman and Clariant shareholder approvals, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The merger agreement permits Huntsman to proceed with our initial public offering and we currently expect to complete the initial public offering prior to the closing of the merger.
Prior to and in preparation for the completion of this offering, Huntsman and its subsidiaries expect to complete an internal reorganization, which we refer to in this prospectus as the "internal reorganization," in order to transfer to us the entities, assets, liabilities and obligations that we will hold following the separation of our business from Huntsman's other businesses. Such internal reorganization may take the form of asset transfers, dividends, contributions and similar transactions, and may involve the formation of new subsidiaries in U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions to own and operate the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business in such jurisdictions. Among other things and subject to limited exceptions, the internal reorganization will result in us owning, directly or indirectly, the operations comprising, and the entities that conduct, the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business.
In addition, we and Huntsman will enter into a separation agreement to effect the separation of our business from Huntsman following this offering. The separation agreement includes provisions to address the impact, if any, of Huntsman's pending lawsuit against Rockwood, and the insurance proceeds and reconstruction costs relating to the January 2017 Pori facility fire, which is described in further detail in "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Business." For a description of the separation agreement, see "Arrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company" and the historical and pro forma financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
We will also enter into ancillary agreements with Huntsman that will govern certain interactions, including with respect to employee matters, tax matters, transition services and registration rights. In addition, in anticipation of this offering, we intend to enter into the Financings. We refer to the internal reorganization, the separation transactions, including the entry into and effectiveness of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, and the Financings, including the use of the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility therefrom to repay intercompany debt owed to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses, as the "separation." For a description of the separation agreement and ancillary agreements, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsArrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company"
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and the historical and pro forma financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. The terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Relationship with Huntsman." For a description of the Financings, see "Arrangements Between Huntsman and Our CompanyFinancing Arrangements."
Arrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company
This section provides a summary description of agreements expected to be entered into between Huntsman and us relating to this offering (including our separation from Huntsman) and our relationship with Huntsman after this offering. This description of the agreements between Huntsman and us is a summary and, with respect to each such agreement, is qualified by reference to the terms of the agreement, a form of each of which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We urge you to read the full text of these agreements. We will enter into these agreements with Huntsman immediately prior to the completion of this offering; accordingly, we will enter into these agreements with Huntsman in the context of our relationship as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman. Huntsman will determine the terms of these agreements, which may be more or less favorable to us than if they had been negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Relationship with Huntsman."
Separation Agreement
The separation agreement will govern the terms of the separation of the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business from Huntsman's other business. Generally, the separation agreement includes the agreements of Huntsman and us on the steps to be taken to complete the separation, including the assets and rights to be transferred, liabilities to be assumed or retained, contracts to be assigned and related matters. Subject to the receipt of required governmental and other consents and approvals, in order to accomplish the separation, the separation agreement provides for Huntsman and us to transfer specified assets and liabilities between the two companies to separate the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business from Huntsman's remaining businesses. As a result of this transfer, we will own all assets exclusively related to the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business, including the assets reflected on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2017, other than assets disposed of after such date, and certain other assets related to the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business specifically allocated to us. We will also be responsible for all liabilities, including environmental liabilities, to the extent relating to the operation or ownership of the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business (including liabilities related to discontinued businesses that were part of the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business prior to being discontinued) or any of the assets allocated to us in the separation, as well as all liabilities arising out of, relating to or resulting from the Financings, or reflected as liabilities on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2017, subject to the discharge of any such liabilities after March 31, 2017. Huntsman will retain all other assets and liabilities, including assets and liabilities related to discontinued businesses (other than those businesses that were a part of the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives business prior to being discontinued).
Unless otherwise provided in the separation agreement or any of the ancillary agreements, we expect that all assets will be transferred on an "as is, where is" basis.
The separation agreement requires Huntsman and us to endeavor to obtain consents, approvals and amendments required to novate or assign the assets and liabilities that are to be transferred pursuant to the separation agreement as soon as reasonably practicable. Generally, if the transfer of any assets or liabilities requires a consent that will not be obtained before this offering, or if any assets or liabilities are erroneously transferred or if any assets or liabilities are erroneously not transferred, each party will hold the relevant assets or liabilities for the intended party's use and benefit (at the intended party's expense) until they can be transferred to the intended party.
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The separation agreement also governs the treatment of all aspects relating to indemnification (other than for tax matters) and insurance, and generally provides for cross-indemnities principally designed to place financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of our business with us and financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of the remaining Huntsman business with Huntsman. The separation agreement also establishes procedures for handling claims subject to indemnification and related matters. We and Huntsman will also generally release each other from all claims arising prior to this offering other than claims arising under the transaction agreements, including the indemnification provisions described above.
The separation agreement also provides that we will have the benefit of the property and business interruption insurance proceeds related to covered repair costs or covered lost profits incurred following this offering related to the January 2017 fire at our TiO 2 manufacturing facility in Pori, Finland which is currently not fully operational. We have established a process with our insurer to receive timely advance payments for the reconstruction of the facility as well as lost profits. We expect to have pre-funded cash on our balance sheet resulting from these advance insurance payments. As of March 31, 2017, the amount of deferred income relating to these advance insurance payments was $22 million. We have agreed with our insurer to have monthly meetings to review relevant site activities and interim claims as well as regular progress payments. We expect the Pori facility to restart in phases as follows: approximately 20% capacity in the second quarter of 2017; approximately 40% capacity in the second quarter of 2018; and full capacity around the end of 2018.
In February 2017, Huntsman filed suit against the legacy owner and certain former executives of Rockwood, primarily related to the failure of new technology that Huntsman acquired in the Rockwood acquisition that was to be implemented at the new Augusta, Georgia, facility and subsequently at other facilities. Huntsman is seeking various forms of legal remedy, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, expectation damages, consequential damages and restitution. We are not party to the suit. The separation agreement includes provisions addressing such matters, including Huntsman retaining all rights to the claims against the defendants in such suit.
The separation agreement also includes certain covenants, including covenants by us regarding:
Transition Services Agreement
In order to help ensure an orderly transition, we will enter into a transition services agreement pursuant to which Huntsman will, for a limited time following the completion of this offering, provide us with certain services and functions that the we have historically shared, including administrative, payroll, human resources, data processing, EHS, financial audit support, financial transaction support, marketing support and other support services, information technology systems and various other corporate services. The services to be provided cover all necessary services that were provided by Huntsman to us prior to the effective date of the transition services agreement. Huntsman may also provide us with additional services that we and Huntsman may identify from time to time in the future. While the services provided by Huntsman will support our businesses, we retain the right to control and direct all of our operations.
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In general, the services will begin following the completion of this offering and cover a period not expected to exceed 24 months. We may terminate individual services early as we become able to operate our businesses without those services.
Huntsman will agree to perform the services with the same general degree of care, at the same general level and at the same general degree of accuracy and responsiveness, as when performed within Huntsman's organization prior to the separation. If any of the services do not meet this standard, Huntsman will use commercially reasonable efforts to re-perform any deficient services as soon as reasonably practicable, at no additional cost to us. We and Huntsman have agreed to cooperate in connection with the performance of the services, and Huntsman has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts, at our expense, to obtain any third-party consents required for the performance of the services.
The services will be provided by Huntsman without representation or warranty of any kind. Huntsman will have no liability with respect to its furnishing of the services except to the extent occasioned by its willful misconduct.
As part of the transition services agreement, we will also be providing limited services to Huntsman for a transition period. These services were previously provided by our businesses to Huntsman and will be provided on the same basis as the services provided by Huntsman under the transition services agreement.
Tax Matters Agreement
The tax matters agreement will govern the respective rights, responsibilities, and obligations of Huntsman and us with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings, and other matters regarding taxes.
In general, pursuant to the tax matters agreement:
In addition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes Huntsman will recognize gain as a result of the internal restructuring if, and to the extent, the fair market value of the assets associated with our U.S. business exceeds the basis of such assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time of the internal restructuring. To the extent any such gain is recognized, the basis of the assets associated with our U.S. business will be increased. Pursuant to the tax matters agreement, we will be required to pay to Huntsman in the future any actual U.S. federal income savings we recognize in tax periods following the offering as a result of any such basis increase. It is currently estimated (based on a value of our U.S. business derived from a price for our stock equal to the midpoint of the price range set forth on
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the cover of this prospectus) that the aggregate future payments required to be made pursuant to this provision of the tax matters agreement will not exceed $ million (based on current tax rates). We will benefit from any increased tax basis in our assets over periods ranging from 5 to 15 years. The actual amount of any gain recognized and any corresponding basis increase will not be known until the tax return for the year that includes the internal reorganization is complete. Moreover, any subsequent adjustment asserted by U.S. taxing authorities could increase the amount of gain recognized and any corresponding basis increase, and could result in a higher liability for us under the tax matters agreement.
Employee Matters Agreement
The employee matters agreement will govern Huntsman's and our compensation and employee benefit obligations with respect to the current and former employees of each company, and generally allocates liabilities and responsibilities relating to employee compensation and benefit plans and programs. The employee matters agreement generally provides for the following:
In addition, the employee matters agreement sets forth the treatment of outstanding Huntsman equity compensation awards in connection with this offering:
Huntsman Options
With respect to option awards that were granted to transferred employees prior to this offering under any of Huntsman's equity plans (the "Huntsman Options"), the employee matters agreement provides that the Huntsman Options that are vested but not yet exercised at the effective time of our separation from Huntsman will continue to be exercisable for Huntsman stock, subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Huntsman equity plan and the individual award agreements covering such vested Huntsman Options. Huntsman Options that are unvested at the effective time of the separation shall be cancelled and the rights of transferred employees under such cancelled Huntsman Options will be converted into the right to receive a stock option award granted pursuant under the LTIP (the "Venator Options"). The number of Venator Options to be granted to each such applicable transferred employee will be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman
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stock subject to the Huntsman Option that is being cancelled by a ratio determined by dividing (i) the volume weighted average price of Huntsman common stock for a ten (10) trading day period, starting with the opening of trading on the eleventh (11 th ) trading day prior to the effective time of the separation to the closing of trading on the last trading day prior to the effective time of the separation by (ii) the volume weighted average price of our ordinary shares for a ten (10) trading day period, starting with the opening of trading on the first (1 st ) trading day following the effective time of the separation to the closing of trading on the tenth (10 th ) trading day following the effective time of the separation (the "Equity Award Ratio"). The exercise price of each new Venator option shall be determined by dividing the exercise price of the original Huntsman Option by the Equity Award Ratio, rounded up to the nearest whole cent. The Equity Award Ratio is used to determine the relationship of Huntsman shares prior to the IPO to Venator shares following the IPO for purposes of the conversion of outstanding equity awards. The use of a 10-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) for both the Huntsman and Venator stock prices immediately prior to and following the Venator IPO is intended to ensure the value of converted awards is fair and equitable by mitigating the potential impact of the transaction. The Venator Options will be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the corresponding Huntsman Options, including vesting, and will be governed by the Venator Materials 2017 Stock Incentive Plan described within the "Executive Compensation" section of this prospectus.
Huntsman Phantom Shares
With respect to phantom shares that were granted to transferred employees prior to this offering under any of the Huntsman equity plans (the "Huntsman Phantom Shares") that are outstanding and unvested immediately prior to the effective time of the separation, such Huntsman Phantom Shares shall be cancelled and converted into the right to receive a restricted stock unit granted pursuant to the LTIP ("Venator Restricted Stock Units"). The number of Venator Restricted Stock Units that will be granted to each applicable transferred employee will be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman stock subject to the Huntsman Phantom Shares by the Equity Award Ratio. The Venator Restricted Stock Units will be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the corresponding Huntsman Phantom Shares, including vesting. As applicable and if required by the laws and regulations of the United Kingdom, Venator Restricted Stock Units may be accompanied by a nil or nominal payment or be settled in cash.
Huntsman Restricted Stock
With respect to shares of restricted stock that were granted to transferred employees prior to this offering under any of the Huntsman equity plans (the "Huntsman Restricted Stock") that are outstanding and unvested immediately prior to the effective time of the separation, such Huntsman Restricted Stock shall be cancelled and converted into the right to receive Venator Restricted Stock Units. The number of Venator Restricted Stock Units that will be granted to each applicable transferred employee will be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman stock subject to the Huntsman Restricted Stock by the Equity Award Ratio. The Venator Restricted Stock Units will be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the corresponding Huntsman Restricted Stock award, including vesting. As applicable and if required by the laws and regulations of the United Kingdom, Venator Restricted Stock Units may be accompanied by a nil or nominal payment or be settled in cash.
Huntsman Restricted Stock Units
With respect to restricted stock units that were granted to transferred employees prior to this offering under any of Huntsman's equity plans (the "Huntsman Restricted Stock Units") that are outstanding and unvested immediately prior to the effective time of the separation, such Huntsman Restricted Stock Units shall be cancelled and converted into the right to receive Venator Restricted
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Stock Units. The number of Venator Restricted Stock Units that will be granted to each applicable transferred employee will be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman stock subject to the Huntsman Restricted Stock Units by the Equity Award Ratio; provided, however, that if the Huntsman Restricted Stock Units were subject to performance conditions immediately prior to the effective time of the separation, the number of Huntsman Restricted Stock Units will be adjusted based on actual performance achieved immediate prior to the effective time and the number of Venator Restricted Stock Units will be based on this adjusted number of Huntsman Restricted Stock Units. The Venator Restricted Stock Units will be subject to the terms and conditions that were applicable to the corresponding Huntsman Restricted Stock Units, including time-based vesting, but not including any performance conditions. As applicable and if required by the laws and regulations of the United Kingdom, Venator Restricted Stock Units may be accompanied by a nil or nominal payment or be settled in cash.
Accrued Dividends
If any Huntsman equity-based incentive award has accrued dividends or dividend equivalent rights that have not been paid or otherwise settled immediately prior to the effective time of the settlement, we will keep a bookkeeping account or accounts (the "Dividend Accounts") for each applicable transferred employee equal to the amount of such dividends or dividend equivalent rights. The amounts in the Dividend Accounts will remain subject to the same terms and conditions, including vesting and forfeiture, that were applicable to the dividends and dividend equivalent rights under the applicable Huntsman equity plan. Immediately following the time or times at which such Dividend Accounts become eligible to be settled, Huntsman will transfer to us the cash amount of such Dividend Accounts.
The Exchange Act; Code Sections 162(m) and 409A
By approving the employee matters agreement, each of our board of directors and the board of directors of Huntsman intend to exempt from the short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act by reason of the application of Rule 16b-3 thereunder, all acquisitions and dispositions of equity incentive awards by the directors and officers of both us and Huntsman, and the respective boards of directors also intend expressly to approve, in respect of any equity-based award, the use of any method for the payment of an exercise price and the satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding (specifically including the actual or constructive tendering of shares in payment of an exercise price and the withholding of award shares from delivery in satisfaction of applicable tax withholding requirements) to the extent such method is permitted under the applicable Huntsman equity plan, the LTIP and award agreement.
Form S-8
Prior to, or as reasonably practicable following, the effective time of the separation, we will prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 (or other appropriate form) registering under the Securities Act, the offering and sale of a number of our ordinary shares that is equal, at a minimum, to the number of shares subject to the awards to be granted to transferred employees pursuant to the terms of the employee matters agreement and we will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to remain effective as long as any such awards remain outstanding.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with this offering, we will enter into a Registration Rights Agreement with the selling shareholders. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we will agree to register the sale of our ordinary shares owned by the selling shareholders under certain circumstances.
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Demand Rights
At any time after the 180 day lock-up period, as described in "Underwriting" and subject to the limitations set forth below, the selling shareholders (or their permitted transferees) will have the right to require us by written notice to prepare and file a registration statement registering the offer and sale of a certain number of the ordinary shares they own. Generally, we are required to provide notice of the request to certain other holders of our ordinary shares who may, in certain circumstances, participate in the registration. Subject to certain exceptions, we will not be obligated to effect a demand registration within 90 days after the closing of any underwritten offering of ordinary shares. Further, we are not obligated to effect more than a total of eight demand registrations.
We will also not be obligated to effect any demand registration in which the anticipated aggregate offering price for our ordinary shares included in such offering is less than $25 million. Once we are eligible to effect a registration on Form S-3, any such demand registration may be for a shelf registration statement. We will be required to use reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of any such registration statement until the earlier of (i) 180 days (or five years in the case of a shelf registration statement) after the effective date thereof or (ii) the date on which all ordinary shares covered by such registration statement have been sold (subject to certain extensions).
In addition, the selling shareholders (or their permitted transferees) will have the right to require us, subject to certain limitations, to effect a distribution of any or all of the ordinary shares they own by means of an underwritten offering.
Piggyback Rights
Subject to certain exceptions, if at any time we propose to register an offering of ordinary shares or conduct an underwritten offering, whether or not for our own account, then we must notify the selling shareholders (or their permitted transferees) of such proposal to allow them to include a specified number of the ordinary shares they own in that registration statement or underwritten offering, as applicable.
Conditions and Limitations; Expenses
These registration rights will be subject to certain conditions and limitations, including the right of the underwriters to limit the number of shares to be included in a registration and our right to delay or withdraw a registration statement under certain circumstances. We will generally pay all registration and offering expenses of the selling shareholders, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with our obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, regardless of whether a registration statement is filed or becomes effective.
Financing Arrangements
In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into new financing arrangements and expect to incur up to $750 million of new debt, which will include (i) $375 million of the senior notes and (ii) borrowings of $375 million under term loan facility. On June 29, 2017, the subsidiary issuers announced the pricing of the senior notes in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to certain non-U.S. persons in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The sale of the senior notes is expected to close July 14, 2017, subject to customary conditions, and the proceeds will be funded into escrow to be released upon the closing of this offering. In addition to the term loan facility and the senior notes, we also expect to enter into a $300 million ABL facility. The senior credit facilities are expected to close concurrently with the closing of this offering. For additional information regarding the senior notes and the senior credit facilities, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsFinancing Arrangements."
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We intend to use the net proceeds of the senior notes offering and the term loan facility to repay intercompany debt we owe to Huntsman, to pay a dividend to Huntsman and to pay related fees and expenses. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Venator had intercompany debt outstanding to Huntsman of $894 million and $882 million, respectively. Prior to, or concurrently with, the closing of this offering, all of our outstanding debt with Huntsman will be repaid, capitalized or otherwise eliminated.
Other Related Party Transactions
In addition to the related party transactions described in "Arrangements Between Huntsman and Our Company" above, this section discusses other transactions and relationships with related persons during the past three fiscal years. As a current subsidiary of Huntsman, we engage in related party transactions with Huntsman. Those transactions are described in more detail in the notes to the accompanying combined financial statements.
Sales to and Purchases from Unconsolidated Affiliates
We enter into transactions in the normal course of our business with parties under common ownership. Sales of raw materials to our LPC joint venture with Kronos as part of a sourcing arrangement were $67 million, $80 million and $108 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Proceeds from this arrangement are recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold in our combined statements of operations. Purchases of finished goods from LPC were $158 million, $163 million and $194 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sales by us to other unconsolidated affiliates of Huntsman were $60 million, $60 million and $75 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Related Party Financing
We have historically received financing from Huntsman International and its subsidiaries, which are related parties.
Cash Pooling Program
We have historically addressed cash flow needs by participating in a cash pooling program. The cash pooling program is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce our dependence on external short-term borrowing. The cash pool provides for the participating subsidiaries of Huntsman to loan or borrow funds daily from the cash pool. We record these transactions as either amounts receivable from affiliates or amounts payable to affiliates. Interest income is earned if we are a net lender to the cash pool and paid if we are a net borrower from the cash pool based on a variable interest rate determined from time to time by Huntsman. Following this offering, we will no longer participate in Huntsman's cash pooling program.
See note "14. Related Party Financing" to our combined financial statements.
A/R Programs
Certain legal entities comprising the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments participate in the A/R Programs sponsored by Huntsman. Under the A/R Programs, these entities sell certain of their trade receivables to Huntsman International. Huntsman grants an undivided interest in these receivables to a special purpose entity, which serves as security for the issuance of debt of Huntsman. These entities continue to service the securitized receivables. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Huntsman had $106 million and $110 million, respectively, of net receivables in the A/R Program and reflected on its balance sheet associated with the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives segments. The entities' allocated losses on the A/R Programs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $5 million, $3 million and $4 million, respectively. The allocation of losses on sale
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of accounts receivable is based upon the pro-rata portion of total receivables sold into the securitization program as well as other program and interest expenses associated with the A/R Programs. On April 21, 2017, Huntsman International amended its accounts receivable securitization facilities, which among other things removed existing receivables sold into the program by the Pigments and Additives business. In addition, after April 21, 2017 receivables generated by the Pigments and Additives legal entities will no longer participate in the Huntsman A/R Program sponsored by Huntsman.
Policies and Procedures with Respect to Approval of Related Party Transactions
Prior to this offering, we will adopt a policy for approval of Related Party Transactions. Pursuant to this policy, we expect that our audit committee will review all material Related Party Transactions. A "Related Party Transaction" is a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we or any of our subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant, the amount of which involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A "Related Person" means:
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
As of the date of this prospectus, all of our outstanding ordinary shares are owned beneficially by Huntsman. Huntsman International LLC and Huntsman (Holdings) Netherlands B.V., wholly-owned subsidiaries of Huntsman, are offering and of our ordinary shares, respectively, in this offering. The following table sets forth information with respect to the anticipated beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by:
To our knowledge, except as indicated in the footnotes to this table or as provided by applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to the ordinary shares indicated. The selling shareholders may be deemed to be underwriters with respect to the ordinary shares that they will sell in this offering. This table assumes that the underwriters' option to purchase additional ordinary shares is not exercised.
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Beneficial Ownership | |||||||||||
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|
Prior to this
Offering |
Following this
Offering |
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owners(1)
|
Ordinary
shares |
% |
Ordinary
shares |
% | ||||||||
5% or greater shareholders |
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Huntsman International LLC(2) |
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Huntsman (Holdings) Netherlands B.V.(3) |
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Directors, Director Nominees and Named Executive Officers |
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Peter R. Huntsman |
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Sir Robert J. Margetts |
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Douglas D. Anderson |
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Daniele Ferrari |
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Simon Turner |
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Kurt Ogden |
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Russ Stolle |
||||||||||||
Phil Wrigley |
||||||||||||
Antje Gerber |
||||||||||||
Jan Buberl |
||||||||||||
Mahomed Maiter |
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All directors and executive officers as a group ( persons) |
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General
The following is a description of the material terms of our share capital as provided in our amended and restated articles of association, as is anticipated to be in effect upon the completion of this offering. The summaries and descriptions below do not purport to be complete statements of the relevant provisions. For a complete description, we refer you to, and the following summaries and descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to our amended and restated articles of association, a copy of which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The summaries and descriptions below do not purport to be complete statements of the Companies Act 2006.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will be a stand-alone public company and Huntsman, through HHN, will own % of our outstanding ordinary shares, or % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ordinary shares in full.
Ordinary Shares
Dividend Rights
Subject to the provisions of English law and any preferences that may apply to preferred ordinary shares outstanding at the time, holders of outstanding ordinary shares will be entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available at the times and in the amounts as our board of directors may determine from time to time. All dividends are declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares in respect of which the dividend is paid. Any dividend unclaimed after a period of 12 years from the due date of payment of such dividend shall, if the board of directors so resolves, be forfeited and shall revert to us. In addition, the payment by our board of directors of any unclaimed dividend, interest or other sum payable on or in respect of an ordinary share into a separate account shall not constitute us as a trustee in respect thereof. For further information regarding the payment of dividends under English law, see "Differences in Corporate LawDistributions and Dividends."
Voting Rights
Each outstanding ordinary share will be entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Holders of ordinary shares shall have no cumulative voting rights. Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares on a poll every member present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every share of which he is the holder. None of our shareholders will be entitled to vote at any general meeting or at any separate class meeting in respect of any share unless all calls or other sums payable in respect of that share have been paid.
Preemptive Rights
There are no rights of preemption under our articles of association in respect of transfers of issued ordinary shares. In certain circumstances, our shareholders may have statutory preemption rights under the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the allotment of new shares as described in "Differences in Corporate LawPreemptive Rights." These statutory pre-emption rights would require us to offer new shares for allotment to existing shareholders on a pro rata basis before allotting them to other persons, unless shareholders dis-apply such rights by a special resolution for a period of not more than five years at a shareholders' meeting. These pre-emption rights will have been dis-applied by our shareholder prior to completion of the offering and we intend to propose equivalent resolutions in the future once the initial period of dis-application has expired. In any circumstances where the pre-emption rights have not been dis-applied, the procedure for the exercise of such statutory
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pre-emption rights would be set out in the documentation by which such ordinary shares would be offered to our shareholders.
Conversion or Redemption Rights
Our ordinary shares will be neither convertible nor redeemable, provided that our board of directors has the right to issue additional classes of shares in the Company (including redeemable shares) on such terms and conditions, and with such rights attached, as it may determine.
Liquidation Rights
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to participate in any distribution of assets upon a liquidation after payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any holders of preferred ordinary shares then outstanding. A liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution and any other sanction required by the Insolvency Act 1986, divide among the members in specie the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for that purpose, value any assets and determine how the division shall be carried out as between the members or different classes of members.
Variation of Rights
The rights or privileges attached to any class of shares may (unless otherwise provided by the terms of the issue of the shares of that class) be varied or abrogated by (i) the written consent of the holders of 3 / 4 in nominal value of the issued shares of that class or (ii) a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the shareholders of that class.
Capital Calls
Our board of directors has the authority to make calls upon the shareholders in respect of any money unpaid on their shares and each shareholder shall pay to us as required by such notice the amount called on its shares. If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable, and the 14 days' notice provided by our board of directors has not been complied with, any share in respect of which such notice was given may be forfeited by a resolution of our board of directors. None of our ordinary shares to be sold in this offering will be subject to a capital call.
Transfer of Shares
Our share register is maintained by our registrar, . Registration in this share register is determinative of share ownership. A shareholder who holds our shares through DTC is not the holder of record of such shares. Instead, the depositary (for example, Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC) or other nominee is the holder of record of such shares. Accordingly, a transfer of shares from a person who holds such shares through DTC to a person who also holds such shares through DTC will not be registered in our official share register, as the depositary or other nominee will remain the record holder of such shares. The directors may decline to register a transfer:
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Limitations on Ownership
Under English law and our articles of association, there are no limitations on the right of non-residents of the U.K. or owners who are not citizens of the U.K. to hold or vote our ordinary shares.
Preferred Ordinary Shares
Our board of directors may, from time to time, following an ordinary resolution of the ordinary shareholders granting authority to the directors to allot shares and a special resolution of the ordinary shareholders to amend the articles of association (and dis-apply pre-emption rights, if not already dis-applied), direct the issuance of preferred ordinary shares in series and may, at the time of issuance, determine the designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights as well as the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the ordinary shares. Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of outstanding preferred ordinary shares would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on ordinary shares. Holders of preferred ordinary shares may be entitled to receive a preference payment in the event of our liquidation before any payment is made to the holders of ordinary shares. Upon consummation of this offering, there will be no preferred ordinary shares outstanding, and we have no present intention to issue any preferred ordinary shares.
Articles of Association and English Law Considerations
Directors
Number
Our articles of association provide for a minimum number and a maximum number of directors, and that otherwise the number of directors shall be as determined by our board of directors from time to time. Directors may be appointed by any ordinary resolution of shareholders or by the board. Each director elected shall hold office until his or her successor is elected or until his or her earlier resignation or removal in accordance with the articles of association.
Appointment and Retirement of Directors
The directors shall have power to appoint any person who is willing to act to be a director, either to fill a casual vacancy or as an additional director, provided that person is not prohibited to act as a director under English law so long as the total number of directors shall not exceed nine. Any director so appointed shall retire from office at our annual general meeting following such appointment. Any director so retiring shall be eligible for re-election.
Shareholders may by ordinary resolution elect any person who is willing to act as a director either to fill a vacancy or as an addition to the existing directors, provided that person is not prohibited to act as a director under English law.
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Directors may be appointed for a fixed term, following which that director shall retire. A retiring director shall be eligible for re-election, provided that if he or she is not elected or deemed to be re-elected, he or she shall hold office until the next annual general meeting elects someone in his place or, if it does not do so until the end of that meeting.
If shareholders, at the meeting at which a director retires, do not fill the vacancy, the retiring director shall, if willing to act, be deemed to have been reappointed unless at the meeting it is resolved not to fill the vacancy or unless a resolution for the reappointment of the director is put to the meeting and not passed.
Indemnity of Directors
Under our articles of association, and subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, each of our directors is entitled to be indemnified by us against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred by such director or officer in the execution and discharge of his or her duties or in relation to those duties. The Companies Act 2006 renders void an indemnity for a director against any liability attaching to him or her in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company of which he or she is a director, as described in "Differences in Corporate LawLiability of Directors and Officers."
Shareholders' Meetings
Each year, we will hold a general meeting of our shareholders in addition to any other meetings in that year, and will specify the meeting as such in the notice convening it. The annual general meeting will be held at such time and place as the directors may appoint. The arrangements for the calling of general meetings are described in "Differences in Corporate LawNotice of General Meetings." No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business, but the absence of a quorum shall not preclude the appointment of a chairman, which appointment shall not be treated as part of the business of a meeting. Our articles of association will provide that the necessary quorum at any general meeting of shareholders (or adjournment thereof) shall be the holders of ordinary shares who together represent at least the majority of the voting rights of all the holders of ordinary shares entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, at such meeting.
Requisitioning Shareholder Meetings
Subject to certain conditions being satisfied, shareholders holding at least 5% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying voting rights at general meetings can require the directors to call a general meeting. If any shareholder requests, in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, us to (a) call a general meeting for the purposes of bringing a resolution before the meeting, or (b) give notice of a resolution to be proposed at a general meeting, such request must (in addition to any other statutory requirements and other requirements set forth in our articles of association):
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required to be disclosed by us in connection with the election of directors, and such other information as we may require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee for appointment to the board.
Other English Law Considerations
Mandatory Purchases and Acquisitions
Pursuant to sections 979 to 982 of the Companies Act 2006, where a takeover offer has been made for us and the offeror has, by virtue of acceptances of the offer, acquired or unconditionally contracted to acquire not less than 90% of the voting rights carried by the shares to which the offer relates, the offeror may give notice to the holder of any shares to which the offer relates that the offeror has not acquired or unconditionally contracted to acquire that it desires to acquire those shares on the same terms as the general offer.
If a takeover offer is structured as a scheme of arrangement pursuant to Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006, the scheme, and therefore takeover, would need to be approved by a majority in number representing 75% in value of the shareholders of class of shareholders voting, whether in person or by proxy. If approved, the scheme, and therefore takeover, would be binding on 100% of the shareholders.
U.K. City Code on Takeovers and Mergers
Based upon our current and intended plans for our directors and management, for the purposes of the Takeover Code, we will be considered to have our place of central management and control outside the U.K., the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Therefore, the Takeover Code should not apply to us. It is possible that in the future circumstances could change that may cause the Takeover Code to apply to us. The Takeover Code provides a framework within which takeovers of companies subject to it are conducted. In particular, the Takeover Code contains certain rules in respect of mandatory offers. Under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code, if a person:
the acquirer, and, depending on the circumstances, its concert parties, would be required (except with the consent of the Takeover Panel) to make a cash offer for our outstanding shares at a price not less than the highest price paid for any interests in the shares by the acquirer or its concert parties during the previous 12 months.
Disclosure of Interest in Shares
Section 793 of the Companies Act gives us the power to require persons whom we know have, or whom we have reasonable cause to believe have, or within the previous three years have had, any ownership interest in any of our shares, (the "default shares"), to disclose prescribed particulars of those shares. For this purpose, default shares includes any of our shares allotted or issued after the date of the Section 793 notice in respect of those shares. Failure to provide the information requested within the prescribed period after the date of sending the notice will result in restrictions being imposed on the default shares and sanctions being imposed against the holder of the default shares as provided within the Companies Act.
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Under our articles of association, we will also withdraw certain voting rights of default shares if the relevant holder of default shares has failed to provide the information requested within the prescribed period after the date of sending the notice, depending on the level of the relevant shareholding (and unless our board of directors decides otherwise).
Under English law, dividends and distributions may only be made from distributable profits. "Distributable profits" generally means accumulated realized profits, so far as not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less accumulated realized losses, so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital, duly made. This would include reserves created by way of a court-approved reduction of capital. For further information regarding the payment of dividends under English law, see "Differences in Corporate LawDistributions and Dividends."
Purchase of Own Shares
Under English law, a public limited company may purchase its own shares only out of the distributable profits of the company or the proceeds of a new issue of shares made for the purpose of financing the purchase. A limited company may not purchase its own shares if as a result of the purchase there would no longer be any issued shares of the company other than redeemable shares or shares held as treasury shares. Subject to the foregoing, because the NYSE is not a "recognized investment exchange" under the Companies Act 2006, we may purchase our own fully paid shares only pursuant to a purchase contract authorized by ordinary resolution of the holders of our ordinary shares before the purchase takes place. Any authority will not be effective if any shareholder from whom we propose to purchase shares votes on the resolution and the resolution would not have been passed if such shareholder had not done so. The resolution authorizing the purchase must specify a date, not being later than five years after the passing of the resolution, on which the authority to purchase is to expire.
Differences in Corporate Law
Certain provisions of the Companies Act 2006 differ from laws applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of certain differences between the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to us and the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to shareholders' rights and protections. This summary is not intended to be a complete discussion of the respective rights and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to Delaware law and English law.
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Number of Directors | Under the Companies Act 2006, a public limited company must have at least two directors and the number of directors may be fixed by or in the manner provided in a company's articles of association. Our articles of association provide that the maximum number of directors is nine. | Under Delaware law, a corporation must have at least one director. The number of directors of a corporation is fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the bylaws, unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number of directors, in which case a change in the number of directors must be made by amendment of the certificate of incorporation. Delaware law does not contain specific provisions requiring a majority of independent directors. |
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Removal of Directors | Under the Companies Act 2006, shareholders may remove a director without cause by an ordinary resolution (which is passed by a simple majority of those voting in person or by proxy at a general meeting) irrespective of any provisions of any service contract the director has with the company, provided that 28 clear days' notice of the resolution is given to the company and its shareholders and certain other procedural requirements under the Companies Act 2006 are followed (such as allowing the director to make representations against his or her removal either at the meeting or in writing). |
Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, directors may be removed from office, with or without cause, by a majority stockholder vote, except:
(i) in the case of a corporation whose board is classified, stockholders may effect such removal only for cause; and (ii) in the case of a corporation having cumulative voting, if less than the entire board is to be removed, no director can be removed without cause if the votes cast against such director's removal would be sufficient to elect such director if then cumulatively voted at an election of the entire board, or, if there are classes of directors, at an election of the class of directors of which such director is a part. |
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Vacancies on the Board of Directors |
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Under English law, the procedure by which directors (other than a company's initial directors) are appointed is generally set out in a company's articles of association, provided that where two or more persons are appointed as directors of a public limited company by resolution of the shareholders, resolutions appointing each director must be voted on individually. |
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Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, vacancies on a corporation's board of directors, including those caused by an increase in the number of directors, may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. |
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Shareholder Action by Written Consent | A public company can only pass a shareholders' resolution by way of a vote taken at a meeting of its members. Accordingly, public companies cannot pass a written resolution by sanction of its members, and the relevant approval must be obtained by the company in a duly convened and held general meeting. | Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a written consent to the action is signed by stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting power. If a different proportion of voting power is required for an action at a meeting, then that proportion of written consents is also required. | ||
Annual General Meeting |
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Under the Companies Act 2006, a public limited company must hold an annual general meeting in the six-month period following the company's annual accounting reference date. |
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Unless directors are elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting, an annual meeting of stockholders must be held for the election of directors on a date and at a time designated by or in the manner provided in the by-laws. |
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Stockholders may, unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides, act by written consent to elect directors; provided, however, that, if such consent is less than unanimous, such action by written consent may be in lieu of holding an annual meeting only if all of the directorships to which directors could be elected at an annual meeting held at the effective time of such action are vacant and are filled by such action. Any other proper business may be transacted at the annual meeting. |
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If there is a failure to hold the annual meeting or to take action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting for a period of 30 days after the date designated for the annual meeting, or if no date has been designated, for a period of 13 months after the latest to occur of the organization of the corporation, its last annual meeting or the last action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting, the Delaware Court of Chancery may order a meeting to be held upon the application of any stockholder or director. | ||||
General Meeting |
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Under the Companies Act 2006, a general meeting of the shareholders of a public limited company may be called by the directors. Shareholders holding at least 5% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying voting rights at general meetings can require the directors to call a general meeting. |
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Under Delaware law, special meetings of the stockholders may be called by the board of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorized by the certificate of incorporation or by the bylaws. |
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Notice of General Meetings | Under the Companies Act 2006, subject to a company's articles of association providing for a longer period, 21 clear days' notice must be given for an annual general meeting and any resolutions to be proposed at the meeting. Subject to a company's articles of association providing for a longer period, at least 14 clear days' notice is required for any other general meeting. In addition, certain matters (such as the removal of directors or auditors) require special notice, which is at least 28 clear days' notice. The shareholders of a company may in all cases consent to a shorter notice period, the proportion of shareholders' consent required being 100% of those entitled to attend and vote in the case of an annual general meeting and, in the case of any other general meeting, a majority in number of the members having a right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority who together hold not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares giving a right to attend and vote at the meeting. | Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws or under other portions of Delaware law, written notice of any meeting of the stockholders must be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting and must specify the place, if any, date, hour, means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes of the meeting. | ||
Proxy |
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Under the Companies Act 2006, at any meeting of shareholders, a shareholder may designate another person to attend, speak and vote at the meeting on their behalf by proxy. |
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Under Delaware law, at any meeting of stockholders, a stockholder may designate another person to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. |
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Issues of New Shares |
Under the Companies Act 2006, the board of directors may issue new shares in the company, provided that they are authorized to do so either by (i) a provision of the company's articles of association, or (ii) a resolution of the company's
shareholders.
Any authorization provided to the directors must specify (a) the maximum amount of shares which may be allotted under it, and (b) the expiry date of the authorization, which must not be more than five years following the date of incorporation of the company or the date of passing of the relevant authorizing resolution, as applicable. |
Under Delaware law, the directors may, at any time and from time to time, if all of the shares of capital stock which the corporation is authorized by its certificate of incorporation to issue have not been issued, subscribed for, or otherwise committed to be issued, issue or take subscriptions for additional shares of its capital stock up to the amount authorized in its certificate of incorporation. | ||
Reduction of Share Capital |
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Under the Companies Act 2006, a public company may reduce or cancel its issued share capital in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 if the reduction of capital has been approved by a special resolution of shareholders in general meeting and the reduction of capital has been confirmed by the court. The special resolution of shareholders will need to specify the exact amount of the proposed reduction, although a public company cannot reduce its share capital below the minimum share capital requirements under the Companies Act 2006 (i.e. £50,000, of which at least one quarter must be fully paid up). |
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Under Delaware law, a corporation, by resolution of its board of directors, may retire any shares of its capital stock that are issued but are not outstanding. Whenever any shares of the capital stock of a corporation are retired, they resume the status of authorized and unissued shares of the class or series to which they belong unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides. Under Delaware law, a corporation may, under certain circumstances, by resolution of its board of directors, reduce its capital. No reduction of capital may be made or effected unless the assets of the corporation remaining after such reduction are sufficient to pay any debts of the corporation for which payment has not been otherwise provided. A reduction of capital will not release any liability of any stockholder whose shares have not been fully-paid. |
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Preemptive Rights | Under the Companies Act 2006, equity securities proposed to be allotted for cash must be offered first to the existing equity shareholders in the company in proportion to the respective nominal value of their holdings, unless an exception applies or a special resolution to the contrary has been passed by shareholders in a general meeting or the articles of association provide otherwise, in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. | Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in a corporation's certificate of incorporation or any amendment thereto, or in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such shares adopted by the board of directors pursuant to authority expressly vested in it by the provisions of its certificate of incorporation, a stockholder does not, by operation of law, possess pre-emptive rights to subscribe to additional issuances of the corporation's capital stock. | ||
Bonus Issue of Shares |
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Under the Companies Act 2006, if a company's articles of association permit a bonus issue of shares, the board of directors may be authorized to capitalize certain reserves or profits and use those to issue bonus shares in accordance with the terms of the articles of association and the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. |
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Under Delaware law, by resolution of the board of directors, dividends may be paid in shares of the corporation's capital stock. |
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Distributions and Dividends |
Under English law, dividends and distributions may only be made from distributable profits. "Distributable profits" generally means accumulated realized profits, so far as not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less accumulated
realized losses, so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital, duly made. This would include reserves created by way of a court-approved reduction of capital.
In the case of a public limited company, additional rules relating to capital maintenance requirements are applicable and, accordingly, a public company can only make a distribution (a) if, at the time that the distribution is made, the amount of its net assets is not less than the total of its called up share capital and undistributable reserves, and (b) if, and to the extent that, the distribution itself , at the time it is made, does not reduce the amount of net assets to less than that total. |
Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in a corporation's certificate of incorporation, directors may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of its capital stock either (i) out of its surplus or (ii) if the corporation does not
have surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.
The excess, if any, at any given time, of the net assets of the corporation over the amount so determined to be capital is surplus. "Net assets" means the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the corporation's capital stock. |
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Undistributable reserves include the share premium account, the capital redemption reserve, the amount by which the company's unrealized uncapitalised profits exceed its unrealized losses not written off, or any other reserve that the company is prohibited from distributing either by statute or by its constitutional documents. |
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The determination as to whether or not the company has sufficient distributable profits to fund a dividend or distribution must be made by reference to the "relevant accounts" of the company. Relevant accounts are always individual (not group) accounts and may be any of the following: (i) the company's most recent annual accounts, (ii) specifically prepared interim accounts, or (iii) specifically prepared initial accounts. | ||||
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Irrespective of the accounts used to justify the dividend or distribution, they must enable reasonable judgment to be made of the company's profits, losses, assets and liabilities, include appropriate provisions, and include details of the company's share capital and reserves (including undistributable reserves). |
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The process for declaring and paying dividends is usually set out in a company's articles of association. Typically these will provide that (a) final dividends are declared by shareholders following a recommendation from the board of directors (often at the company's annual general meeting), and (b) interim dividends can be decided solely by the board of directors. |
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Dividends may be declared and paid in the form of cash, property, stock or other non-cash assets and may be paid in dollars or any other currency. |
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Repurchases and Redemptions of Shares |
Under English law, a company is free to purchase its own shares, unless its articles of association expressly prohibit or limit share buybacks. A company's articles may also provide that repurchased shares are either cancelled or held as treasury
shares.
A share repurchase can only be funded out of distributable profits or from the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of financing the buyback. Public companies are not permitted to purchase their own shares out of capital. Any repurchase of a company's shares will require shareholder approval. For an "off-market" purchase, the relevant buyback contract must be approved by shareholders either (i) before it was entered into, or (ii) after it was entered into, but provided that no shares may be purchased under the contract until it has been approved (by way of an ordinary resolution). For a "market" purchase, the repurchase must be approved by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders (unless the company's articles require a higher percentage), and it is common for listed companies to seek an annual authority from shareholders to repurchase shares at their annual general meeting. A public limited company has the authority to issue redeemable shares provided that this is permitted by its articles of association (and the articles can be amended by way of special resolution if necessary for these |
Under Delaware law, any stock of any class or series may be made subject to redemption by the corporation at its option or at the option of the holders of such stock or upon the happening of a specified event; provided however, that immediately
following any such redemption the corporation must have outstanding one or more shares of one or more classes or series of shares, which share, or shares together, have full voting powers.
Any stock which may be made redeemable may be redeemed for cash, property or rights, including securities of the same or another corporation, at such time or times, price or prices, or rate or rates, and with such adjustments, as stated in the certificate of incorporation or in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such stock adopted by the board of directors. Every corporation may purchase, redeem, receive, take or otherwise acquire, own and hold, sell, lend, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of, pledge, use and otherwise deal in and with its own shares; provided, however, that no corporation may (i) purchase or redeem its own shares of capital stock for cash or other property when the capital of the corporation is impaired or when such purchase or redemption would cause any impairment of the capital of the corporation, except that a corporation other than a non-stock corporation may purchase or redeem out of capital any of its own shares which are entitled upon any |
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purposes). Shares which are capable of being redeemed must be issued as redeemable shares from the outset and, accordingly, a company cannot amend the terms attaching to a non-redeemable class of shares to make them redeemable. Under the Companies Act 2006, a company which has issued redeemable shares must ensure that it has at least one non-redeemable share in issue and, in the case of a public limited company, that the redemption does not reduce the share capital of the company below the statutory minimum (£50,000, of which one-quarter must be fully paid up) unless the company intends to re-register as a private limited company. | distribution of its assets, whether by dividend or in liquidation, to a preference over another class or series of its stock, or, if no shares entitled to such a preference are outstanding, any of its own shares, if such shares will be retired upon their acquisition and the capital of the corporation reduced (ii) purchase, for more than the price at which they may then be redeemed, any of its shares which are redeemable at the option of the corporation; or (iii) redeem any of its shares, unless their redemption is authorized by Delaware law and then only in accordance with its certificate of incorporation. | |||
Liability of Directors and Officers |
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Under the Companies Act 2006, any provision (whether contained in a company's articles of association or any contract or otherwise) that purports to exempt a director of a company (to any extent) from any liability that would otherwise attach to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company is void. Any provision by which a company directly or indirectly provides an indemnity (to any extent) for a director of the company or of an associated company against any liability attaching to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company of which he is a director is also void except as permitted by the Companies Act 2006, which |
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Under Delaware law, a corporation's certificate of incorporation may include a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation and its stockholders for monetary damages arising from a breach of fiduciary duty as a director. However, no provision can limit the liability of a director for: (i) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) willful or negligent declaration and payment of unlawful dividends, or unlawful share purchases or redemptions; or (iv) any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. |
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provides exceptions for a company to (a) purchase and maintain insurance against such liability; (b) provide a "qualifying third party indemnity" (being an indemnity against liability incurred by the director to a person other than the company or an associated company as long as he or she is successful in defending the claim or criminal proceedings); and (c) provide a "qualifying pension scheme indemnity" (being an indemnity against liability incurred in connection with the company's activities as trustee of an occupational pension plan). | In addition, under Delaware law, a corporation has the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (whether or not such action is by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person if the person acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; provided, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, there was no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful; provided, further, that the corporation may not indemnify any person in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless determined otherwise by court order. |
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Voting Rights | Under English law, unless a poll is demanded by the shareholders of a company or is required by the chairman of the meeting or the company's articles of association, shareholders shall vote on all resolutions on a show of hands. Under the Companies Act 2006, a poll may be demanded by (a) not fewer than five shareholders having the right to vote on the resolution; (b) any shareholder(s) representing at least 10% of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote on the resolution; or (c) any shareholder(s) holding shares in the company conferring a right to vote on the resolution (being shares on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than 10% of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right). A company's articles of association may provide more extensive rights for shareholders to call a poll. Under English law, an ordinary resolution is passed on a show of hands if it is approved by a simple majority (more than 50%) of the votes cast by shareholders present (in person or by proxy) and entitled to vote at a meeting. If a poll is demanded, an ordinary resolution is passed if it is approved by holders representing a simple majority of the total voting rights of shareholders present (in person or by proxy) who (being entitled to vote) vote on the resolution. Special resolutions require the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the votes cast by shareholders present (in person or by proxy) at the meeting. If a | Delaware law provides that, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder. |
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poll is demanded, a special resolution is passed if it is approved by holders representing not less than 75% of the total voting rights of shareholders present (in person or by proxy) who (being entitled to vote) vote on the resolution. | ||||
Shareholder Vote on Certain Transactions |
The Companies Act 2006 provides for schemes of arrangement, which are arrangements or compromises between a company and any class of shareholders or creditors and used in certain types of restructurings, amalgamations, capital reorganizations or
takeovers.
These arrangements require:
the approval at a shareholders' or creditors' meeting convened by order of the court, of a majority in number of shareholders or creditors representing 75% in value of the capital held by, or debt owed to, the class of shareholders or creditors, or class thereof present and voting, either in person or by proxy; and
the approval of the court. |
Generally, under Delaware law, unless the certificate of incorporation provides for the vote of a larger portion of the stock, completion of a merger, consolidation, sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of a corporation's assets or dissolution requires the approval of the board of directors and approval by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock or, if the certificate of incorporation provides for more or less than one vote per share, a majority of the votes of the outstanding stock of a corporation entitled to vote on the matter. |
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Standard of Conduct for Directors |
Under English law, a director owes various statutory and fiduciary duties to the company, including:
to act in the way he or she considers, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole;
to avoid a situation in which he or she has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly conflicts, with the interests of the company; |
Delaware law does not contain specific provisions setting forth the standard of conduct of a director. The scope of the fiduciary duties of directors is generally determined by the courts of the State of Delaware. In general, directors have a duty to act without self-interest, on a well-informed basis and in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interest of the stockholders. |
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to act in accordance with the company's constitution and only exercise his or her powers for the purposes for which they are conferred; |
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to exercise independent judgment; |
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to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence; |
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not to accept benefits from a third party conferred by reason of his or her being a director or doing (or not doing) anything as a director; and |
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a duty to declare any interest that he or she has, whether directly or indirectly, in a proposed or existing transaction or arrangement with the company. |
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Shareholder Suits |
Under English law, generally, the company, rather than its shareholders, is the proper claimant in an action in respect of a wrong done to the company or where there is an irregularity in the company's internal management. Notwithstanding this general position, the Companies Act 2006 provides that (i) a court may allow a shareholder to bring a derivative claim (that is, an action in respect of and on behalf of the company in which the company is the beneficiary of any damages arising) in respect of a cause of action arising from a director's negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust and (ii) a shareholder may bring a claim for a court order where the company's affairs have been or are being conducted in a manner that is unfairly prejudicial to some of its shareholders. |
Under Delaware law, a stockholder may initiate a derivative action to enforce a right of a corporation if the corporation fails to enforce the right itself. The complaint must:
state that the plaintiff was a stockholder at the time of the transaction of which the plaintiff complains or that the plaintiffs shares thereafter devolved on the plaintiff by operation of law; and
allege with particularity the efforts made by the plaintiff to obtain the action the plaintiff desires from the directors and the reasons for the plaintiff's failure to obtain the action; or
state the reasons for not making the effort. Additionally, the plaintiff must remain a stockholder through the duration of the derivative suit. The action will not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the Delaware Court of Chancery. |
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Inspection of Books and Records |
Under the Companies Act 2006, shareholders have rights including the right to:
inspect and obtain copies (for a fee) of the minutes of all general meetings of the company and all resolutions of members passed other than at a general meeting;
inspect copies of the register of members, register of directors, register of secretaries and other statutory registers maintained by the company;
receive copies of the company's annual report and accounts for each financial year;
receive notices of general meetings of the company. A company's articles of association must be registered at Companies House and are therefore open to public inspection. Shareholders do not have any right to inspect board minutes of the company. |
Under Delaware law, any stockholder, in person or by attorney or other agent, does, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose, and to make copies and extracts from: (i) the corporation's stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records; and (ii) a subsidiary's books and records, to the extent that: (a) the corporation has actual possession and control of such records of such subsidiary; or (b) the corporation could obtain such records through the exercise of control over such subsidiary, provided that as of the date of the making of the demand: (1) the stockholder inspection of such books and records of the subsidiary would not constitute a breach of an agreement between the corporation or the subsidiary and a person or persons not affiliated with the corporation; and (2) the subsidiary would not have the right under the law applicable to it to deny the corporation access to such books and records upon demand by the corporation. |
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Amendments of Constituent Documents | Under the Companies Act 2006, companies may only alter their articles of association by way of passing a special resolution of shareholders in general meeting. | Under Delaware law, corporation may amend its certificate of incorporation, from time to time, in any and as many respects as may be desired, so long as its certificate of incorporation as amended would contain only such provisions as it would be lawful and proper to insert in an original certificate of incorporation filed at the time of the filing of the amendment; and, if a change in stock or the rights of stockholders, or an exchange, reclassification, subdivision, combination or cancellation of stock or rights of stockholders is to be made, such provisions as may be necessary to effect such change, exchange, reclassification, subdivision, combination or cancellation. | ||
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The board of directors must adopt a resolution setting forth the amendment proposed, declaring its advisability, and either calling a special meeting of the stockholders entitled to vote in respect thereof for the consideration of such amendment or directing that the amendment proposed be considered at the next annual meeting of the stockholders. A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon and a majority of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class must vote in favor of the amendment. |
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The holders of the outstanding shares of a class must be entitled to vote as a class upon a proposed amendment, whether or not entitled to vote thereon by the certificate of incorporation, if the amendment would increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of such class, increase or decrease the par value of the shares of such class, or alter or change the powers, preferences, or special rights of the shares of such class so as to affect them adversely. |
Sale of Unregistered Securities
Upon our formation, we issued 50,000 of our ordinary shares, par value $0.32 per share, to Huntsman International (Netherlands) B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman, upon agreement of an aggregate payment by Huntsman International (Netherlands) B.V. of $16,100. Pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, we did not register the issuance of these shares under the Securities Act because such issuance did not constitute a public offering.
Listing
We have applied to list our ordinary shares on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "VNTR."
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there was no public market for our ordinary shares.
Sale of Restricted Securities
After this offering, we will have outstanding ordinary shares, assuming no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional ordinary shares, or ordinary shares, assuming full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional ordinary shares. Of these shares, all of the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless purchased by our "affiliates" as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act ("Rule 144"). The remaining ordinary shares that will be outstanding after this offering are "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under Rule 144, which is summarized below. Subject to the lock-up agreements described below, shares held by our affiliates that are not restricted securities may be sold subject to compliance with Rule 144 without regard to the prescribed one-year holding period under Rule 144. Huntsman currently intends to monetize its retained ownership stake in Venator following this offering. Subject to prevailing market and other conditions (including the terms of Huntsman's lock-up agreement), this future monetization may be effected in multiple follow-on capital market or block transactions that permit an orderly distribution of Huntsman's retained shares.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144, as in effect on the date of this prospectus, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned restricted shares for at least six months, will be entitled to sell in any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
Sales pursuant to Rule 144 are subject to provisions relating to notice, manner of sale and the availability of current public information about us.
In addition, under Rule 144, a person, or persons whose shares must be aggregated, who is not currently an affiliate of ours, and who has not been an affiliate of ours for at least 90 days before the sale, and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months is entitled to sell the shares without restriction, provided that until the shares have been held for at least one year, they may only be sold subject to the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 701
In general, Rule 701 of the Securities Act, as currently in effect, provides that any of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchased our ordinary shares in connection with a compensatory share or option plan or other written agreement relating to compensation is eligible to resell those shares 90 days after we became a reporting company under the Exchange Act in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions provided in Rule 144, including the holding period requirements.
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Lock-Up Arrangements
In connection with this offering, we, our directors and executive officers, Huntsman and its directors and executive officers, and the selling shareholders and their directors and executive officers have each agreed to enter into a lock-up agreement described in "Underwriting" that restricts the sale of our ordinary shares for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. Three of the four representatives of the underwriters may consent to the release of any of our ordinary shares subject to these lock-up agreements at any time without notice. Following the lock-up period, substantially all of the ordinary shares that are restricted securities or are held by our affiliates as of the date of this prospectus will be eligible for sale in the public market in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Registration Rights
Prior to the consummation of this offering, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Huntsman pursuant to which we will grant Huntsman certain registration rights with respect to our ordinary shares owned by them. For more information, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions." Pursuant to the lock-up arrangements described above, Huntsman and its affiliates have agreed not to exercise those rights during the lock-up period without the prior written consent of the representatives, on behalf of the underwriters.
Shares Issued Under Employee Plans
We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register shares issuable under our equity incentive plan. This registration statement on Form S-8 is expected to be filed following the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and will be effective upon filing. Accordingly, shares registered under such registration statement will be available for sale in the open market following the effective date, unless such shares are subject to vesting restrictions with us, Rule 144 restrictions applicable to our affiliates or the lock-up restrictions described above.
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares by a U.S. holder (as defined below). This summary addresses only the U.S. federal income tax considerations for U.S. holders that are initial purchasers of our ordinary shares pursuant to the offering and that will hold such ordinary shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This summary does not address all U.S. federal income tax matters that may be relevant to a particular U.S. holder. This summary does not address tax considerations applicable to a holder of ordinary shares that may be subject to special tax rules including, without limitation, the following:
Further, this summary does not address the U.S. federal estate, gift, or alternative minimum tax considerations, or any U.S. state, local, or non-U.S. tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
This description is based on the Code; existing, proposed and temporary U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof. All the foregoing is subject to change, which change could apply retroactively, and to differing interpretations, all of which could affect the tax considerations described below. There can be no assurances that the IRS will not take a contrary or different position concerning the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares or that such a position would not be sustained by a court. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of acquiring, owning, and disposing of our ordinary shares in their particular circumstances.
As used herein, a "U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner, upon the activities of the partnership and upon certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, we urge partners in partnerships (including entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) considering the purchase of our ordinary shares to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares by such partnership.
As indicated below, this discussion is subject to U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to a PFIC.
PERSONS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT IN OUR ORDINARY SHARES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES APPLICABLE TO THEM RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS.
Tax Residence of the Company for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes.
For U.S. federal tax purposes, a corporation is generally considered to be a tax resident of the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation. Because we are incorporated under the laws of the U.K., we would be classified as a foreign corporation under these rules. Section 7874 of the Code provides an exception to this general rule under which a foreign incorporated entity may, in certain circumstances, be classified as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes.
Under Section 7874, a corporation created or organized outside the U.S. (i.e., a foreign corporation) will nevertheless be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes if (i) the foreign corporation directly or indirectly acquires substantially all of the properties held directly or indirectly by a U.S. corporation (including through an acquisition of the outstanding shares of the U.S. corporation), or the "Substantially All Test", (ii) the former shareholders of the acquired U.S. corporation hold at least 80% (by either vote or value) of the shares of the foreign acquiring corporation after the acquisition by reason of holding shares in the acquired U.S. corporation (including the receipt of the foreign corporation's shares in exchange for the U.S. corporation's shares), or the "80% Ownership Test", and (iii) the foreign corporation's "expanded affiliated group" does not have substantial business activities in the foreign corporation's country of organization or incorporation relative to such expanded affiliated group's worldwide activities. For purposes of Section 7874, acquisitions of multiple U.S. corporations (and/or substantially all of the assets of multiple U.S. corporations) by a foreign corporation, if treated as part of a plan or series of related transactions, may be treated as a single acquisition, in which case all shares of the foreign acquiring corporation received by the shareholders of the U.S. corporations would be aggregated for purposes of the 80% Ownership Test. Where, pursuant to the same transaction, stock of the foreign acquiring corporation is received in exchange for stock of a U.S. corporation as well as other property, the portion of the stock of the foreign acquiring corporation received in exchange for the stock of the U.S. corporation is determined based on the relative value of the stock of the U.S. corporation compared with the aggregate value of such stock and such other property.
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As part of the internal reorganization, we will directly and indirectly acquire assets, including stock of U.S. subsidiaries and assets previously held by U.S. corporations, from affiliates of Huntsman. It is not expected that Section 7874 will cause us or any of our affiliates to be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. tax purposes as a result of such acquisitions because, among other things, under Section 7874 and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, neither the Substantially All Test nor the 80% Ownership Test should be satisfied. However, the law and Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 7874 are relatively new, complex and somewhat unclear, and there is limited guidance regarding the application of Section 7874. Moreover, the rules for applying Section 7874 are dependent upon the subjective valuation of certain of our U.S. assets and non-U.S. assets.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge our status or the status of any of our foreign affiliates as a foreign corporation under Section 7874 or that such challenge would not be sustained by a court. If the IRS were to successfully challenge such status under Section 7874, we and our affiliates could be subject to substantial additional U.S. federal income tax liability. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Company will not be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 7874.
Distributions
Although we do not currently plan to pay dividends, and subject to the discussion in "Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations", below, the gross amount (before reduction for any amounts withheld in respect of foreign withholding tax) of distributions actually or constructively received by a U.S. holder with respect to our ordinary shares will be taxable as dividends to the extent paid out of our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Such dividends generally will be includible in a U.S. holder's gross income in accordance with the U.S. holder's method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions in excess of earnings and profits will then be non-taxable to the U.S. holder to the extent of, and will be applied against and correspondingly reduce, the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares. Distributions in excess of earnings and profits and such adjusted tax basis will generally be taxable to the U.S. holder as either long-term or short-term capital gain depending upon whether the U.S. holder has held the ordinary shares for more than one year as of the time such distribution is received. However, since we do not calculate (and do not intend to calculate) our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that any distribution will be reported as a dividend, even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as a non-taxable return of capital or as capital gain under the rules described above because U.S. federal income tax rules assume we will have sufficient earnings and profits.
Non-corporate U.S. holders may qualify for the preferential rates of taxation with respect to dividends on ordinary shares applicable to long-term capital gains (i.e., gains from the sale of capital assets held for more than one year) applicable to qualified dividend income (as discussed below) if we are a "qualified foreign corporation" and certain other requirements (discussed below) are met. A non-U.S. corporation (other than a corporation that is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year) generally will be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (a) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of information provision, or (b) with respect to any dividend it pays on ordinary shares which are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Our ordinary shares will be listed on the NYSE, which is an established securities market in the U.S., and we expect the ordinary shares to be readily tradable on the NYSE. However, there can be no assurance that the ordinary shares will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. in later years. Subject to the discussion in "Passive Foreign Investment
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Company Considerations", below, such dividends will generally be "qualified dividend income" in the hands of individual U.S. holders, provided that a holding period requirement (more than 60 days of ownership, without protection from the risk of loss, during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date) and certain other requirements are met. The dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. holders.
A U.S. holder generally may claim the amount of any U.K. withholding tax as either a deduction from gross income or a credit against U.S. federal income tax liability. The U.K. currently does not have a dividend withholding tax but there is no assurance that a dividend withholding tax will not be enacted following this offering. However, the foreign tax credit is subject to numerous complex limitations that must be determined and applied on an individual basis. Generally, the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. holder's foreign source taxable income bears to such U.S. holder's worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. holder's various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either "foreign source" or "U.S. source." In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. Each U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
In general, the amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. holder in a foreign currency will be the dollar value of the foreign currency calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is includible in the U.S. holder's income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars at that time. Generally, a U.S. holder should not recognize any foreign currency gain or loss if the foreign currency is converted into dollars on the date the payment is received. However, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the U.S. holder includes the dividend payment in income to the date such U.S. holder actually converts the payment into dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss. That currency exchange income or loss (if any) generally will be income or loss from U.S. sources for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Ordinary Shares
A U.S. holder will generally recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized from such sale or exchange and the U.S. holder's tax basis for those ordinary shares. Subject to the discussion in "Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations" below, this gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss. The adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares generally will be equal to the cost of such ordinary shares paid by the U.S. holder. Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the ordinary shares of a non-corporate U.S. holder is generally eligible for a preferential rate of taxation applicable to capital gains, if the non-corporate U.S. holder's holding period determined at the time of such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition for such ordinary shares exceeds one year (i.e., such gain is long-term taxable gain). The deductibility of capital losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes is subject to limitations under the Code. Any such gain or loss that a U.S. holder recognizes generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
For a cash basis taxpayer, units of foreign currency paid or received are translated into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the settlement date of the purchase or sale. In that case, no foreign currency exchange gain or loss will result from currency fluctuations between the trade date and the settlement date of such a purchase or sale. An accrual basis taxpayer, however, may elect the same treatment required of cash basis taxpayers with respect to purchases and sales of the ordinary shares that are traded on an established securities market, provided the election is applied consistently from year to year. Such election may not be changed without the consent of the IRS. For an accrual basis taxpayer who does not make such election, units of foreign currency paid or received are translated into U.S.
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dollars at the spot rate on the trade date of the purchase or sale. Such an accrual basis taxpayer may recognize exchange gain or loss based on currency fluctuations between the trade date and the settlement date. Any foreign currency gain or loss a U.S. holder realizes will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
Net Investment Income Tax
Certain U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts may be subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which may include all or a portion of their dividend income and net gains from the disposition of our ordinary shares. Each U.S. holder that is an individual, estate or trust is urged to consult its tax advisors regarding the applicability of the net investment income tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in the ordinary shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
If we are classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. holder would be subject to special rules generally intended to reduce or eliminate any benefits from the deferral of U.S. federal income tax that a U.S. holder could derive from investing in a non-U.S. company that does not distribute all of its earnings on a current basis.
A corporation organized outside the U.S. generally will be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules with respect to the income and assets of its subsidiaries, either: (i) at least 75% of its gross income is "passive income" or (ii) at least 50% of the average quarterly value of its total gross assets (which, assuming our stock is publicly-traded for the year being tested, would be measured by the fair market value of our assets) is attributable to assets that produce "passive income" or are held for the production of "passive income."
Based on the composition of our assets, income and a review of our activities we do not believe that we currently are a PFIC, and we do not expect to become a PFIC in future taxable years. However, our status in any taxable year will depend on our assets, income and activities in each year, and because this is a factual determination made annually after the end of each taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable years. If we were a PFIC for any taxable year while a taxable U.S. holder held our ordinary shares, such U.S. holder would generally be taxed at ordinary income rates on any gain recognized from the sale or exchange of our ordinary shares and on any dividends treated as "excess distributions" and interest charges generally applicable to underpayments of tax should apply to any taxes payable.
If we are determined to be a PFIC, U.S. holders may be able to make certain elections that could alleviate some of the adverse consequences of PFIC status and would result in an alternative treatment of the ordinary shares. Such elections include a "mark to market" election, a "deemed sale" election, and a "qualified electing fund" election. We may or may not be able to provide the information required to make any such elections, and U.S. holders should therefore not assume that any particular election will be available to them.
If we are determined to be a PFIC, the general tax treatment for U.S. holders described in this section would apply to indirect distributions and gains deemed to be realized by U.S. holders in respect of any of our subsidiaries that also may be determined to be PFICs.
If a U.S. holder owns ordinary shares during any taxable year in which we are a PFIC, the U.S. holder generally will be required to file an IRS Form 8621 (Information Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund) with respect to the Company, generally with the U.S. holder's federal income tax return for that taxable year. If we were a PFIC for
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a given taxable year, then you should consult your tax advisor concerning your annual filing requirements.
The U.S. federal income tax rules relating to PFICs are complex. Prospective U.S. investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares, the consequences to them of an investment in a PFIC, any elections available with respect to the ordinary shares and the IRS information reporting obligations with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the ordinary shares.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
U.S. holders generally will be subject to information reporting requirements with respect to dividends on our ordinary shares and on the proceeds from the sale, exchange or disposition of our ordinary shares that are paid within the U.S. or through U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the U.S. holder is an "exempt recipient." In addition, U.S. holders may be subject to backup withholding on such payments, unless the U.S. holder provides a taxpayer identification number and a duly executed IRS Form W-9 (or other successor form) or otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and the amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Certain Reporting Requirements With Respect to Payments of Offer Price
U.S. holders paying more than U.S. $100,000 for our ordinary shares generally may be required to file IRS Form 926 reporting the payment of the offer price for the ordinary shares. Substantial penalties may be imposed upon a U.S. holder that fails to comply. For purposes of determining the total dollar value of ordinary shares purchased by a U.S. Holder in this offering, ordinary shares purchased by certain related parties (including family members) are included. Each U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisor as to the possible obligation to file IRS Form 926.
Foreign Asset Reporting
Certain U.S. holders who are individuals (and, to the extent specified in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, certain U.S. holders that are entities and certain non-U.S. holders) are required to report information relating to an interest in our ordinary shares, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for shares held in accounts maintained by U.S. financial institutions) by filing IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) with their federal income tax return. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Also, in the event a U.S. holder does not file IRS Form 8938 or fails to report a specified foreign financial asset that is required to be reported, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such U.S. holder for the related tax year may not close before the date which is three years after the date on which the required information is filed. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their information reporting obligations, if any, with respect to their ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
THE DISCUSSION ABOVE IS A GENERAL SUMMARY. IT DOES NOT COVER ALL TAX MATTERS THAT MAY BE OF IMPORTANCE TO A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF AN INVESTMENT IN OUR ORDINARY SHARES IN LIGHT OF THE INVESTOR'S OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.
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Material U.K. Tax Considerations
The following paragraphs relate only to persons who are resident for tax purposes in (and only in) the U.K. (except to the extent that the position of non-U.K. resident persons is expressly referred to herein). They describe certain U.K. tax consequences relating to the holding of our ordinary shares and are based on current U.K. tax law and HMRC published practice applying as of the date of this prospectus (both of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retrospective effect). They do not constitute legal or tax advice and do not purport to be a complete analysis of all U.K. tax considerations relating to the holding of our ordinary shares. They relate only to persons who are absolute beneficial owners of our ordinary shares.
These paragraphs may not relate to certain classes of holders of our ordinary shares, such as (but not limited to):
These paragraphs do not describe all of the circumstances in which holders of our ordinary shares may benefit from an exemption or relief from U.K. taxation. It is recommended that all holders of our ordinary shares obtain their own tax advice. In particular, non-U.K. resident or domiciled persons are advised to consider the potential impact of any relevant double tax agreements.
The statements below relating to U.K. stamp duty and SDRT are subject to the comments made in the section entitled " Risk Relating to Our Ordinary SharesTransfers of our shares may be subject to stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax in the U.K., which would increase the cost of dealing in our shares" of this prospectus.
Taxation of Dividends
Withholding Tax
Dividends paid by the Company will not be subject to any withholding or deduction for or on account of U.K. tax, irrespective of the residence or particular circumstances of the recipient shareholders.
Income Tax
An individual holder of our ordinary shares who is resident for tax purposes in the U.K. may, depending on his or her particular circumstances, be subject to U.K. tax on dividends received from the Company. An individual holder of our ordinary shares who is not resident for tax purposes in the U.K. should not be chargeable to U.K. income tax on dividends received from the Company unless he or she carries on (whether solely or in partnership) any trade, profession or vocation in the U.K. through a
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branch or agency to which the ordinary shares are attributable. There are certain exceptions for trading in the U.K. through independent agents, such as some brokers and investment managers.
An individual holder who is resident for tax purposes in the U.K. and who receives a dividend in the tax year 2017/2018 will be entitled to a tax-free annual allowance of £5,000. It was announced in the UK Spring Budget that the dividend tax free allowance will be reduced to £2,000 from 6 April 2018. This measure was not enacted into U.K. law as part of the Finance Act 2017. However, the U.K. Government has announced that it will legislate for this provision at the earliest opportunity at the start of the new Parliament following the U.K. general election 2017. Shareholders should note that as this measure has not been enacted it may therefore be subject to change. Any dividend income received by such individual U.K. holder in excess of this tax-free allowance will be taxed at rates of 7.5%, 32.5%, and 38.1% for basic rate, higher rate, and additional rate taxpayers respectively. Dividend income that is within the allowance will count towards an individual's basic or higher rate limits. Dividend income will be treated as the top slice of an individual's income.
Corporation Tax
Corporate holders of our ordinary shares that are resident for tax purposes in the U.K. or which carries on a trade in the U.K. through a permanent establishment to which the ordinary shares are attributable should not be subject to U.K. corporation tax on any dividend received from the Company so long as the dividends fall within an exempt class, which should be the case, although certain conditions must be met (including anti-avoidance conditions).
Taxation of Disposals
A disposal of our ordinary shares by a shareholder resident for tax purposes in the U.K. may, depending on the shareholder's circumstances and subject to any available exemptions or reliefs, give rise to a chargeable gain or an allowable loss for the purposes of U.K. capital gains tax or U.K. corporation tax on chargeable gains (collectively, "CGT").
If an individual holder of our ordinary shares, who is subject to U.K. income tax at either the higher or the additional rate becomes liable to U.K. capital gains tax on the disposal of ordinary shares, the applicable rate will be 20% (2017/18). For an individual holder of our ordinary shares who is subject to U.K. income tax at the basic rate and liable to U.K. capital gains tax on such disposal, the applicable rate would be 10% (2017/18), save to the extent that any capital gains exceed the unused basic rate tax band. In that case, the rate applicable to the excess would be 20% (2017/18).
If a corporate holder of our ordinary shares, including a corporate holder which carries on a trade in the U.K. through a permanent establishment to which the ordinary shares are attributable, becomes liable to U.K. corporation tax on the disposal of the ordinary shares, the main rate of U.K. corporation tax (currently 19%) would apply. An indexation allowance may be available to such a holder to give an additional deduction based on the indexation of its base cost in the shares by reference to U.K. retail price inflation over its holding period. An indexation allowance can only reduce a gain on a future disposal, and cannot create a loss.
A holder of our ordinary shares that is not resident for tax purposes in the U.K. should not normally be liable to CGT on a disposal of ordinary shares. However, an individual holder of our ordinary shares who has ceased to be resident for tax purposes in the U.K. for a period of five years or less and who disposes of ordinary shares during that period may be liable on his or her return to the U.K. to U.K. tax on any capital gain realized (subject to any available exemption or relief).
Stamp Duty and SDRT
The discussion below relates to holders of our ordinary shares wherever resident.
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Transfers of our ordinary shares within a clearance service or depositary receipt system should not give rise to a liability to U.K. stamp duty or SDRT, provided that no instrument of transfer is entered into and that no election that applies to the ordinary shares is, or has been, made by the clearance service under Section 97A of the U.K. Finance Act 1986. It is understood that HMRC regards the facilities of DTC as a clearance service for these purposes and we are not aware of any relevant election under Section 97A of the U.K. Finance Act 1986 being made.
Transfers of our ordinary shares within a clearance service where an election has been made by the clearance service under Section 97A of the U.K. Finance Act 1986 will generally be subject to SDRT (rather than U.K. stamp duty) at the rate of 0.5% of the amount or value of the consideration.
Transfers of our ordinary shares that are held in certificated form will generally be subject to U.K. stamp duty at the rate of 0.5% of the consideration given (rounded up to the nearest £5). An exemption from U.K. stamp duty is available for a written instrument transferring an interest in shares where the amount or value of the consideration is £1,000 or less, and it is certified on the instrument that the transaction effected by the instrument does not form part of a larger transaction or series of transactions for which the aggregate consideration exceeds £1,000. SDRT may be payable on an agreement to transfer such shares, generally at the rate of 0.5% of the consideration given in money or money's worth under the agreement to transfer the shares. This charge to SDRT would be discharged if an instrument of transfer is executed pursuant to the agreement which gave rise to SDRT and U.K. stamp duty is duly paid on the instrument transferring the shares within six years of the date on which the agreement was made or, if the agreement was conditional, the date on which the agreement became unconditional.
If our ordinary shares (or interests therein) are transferred (in the case of U.K. stamp duty) or issued or transferred (in the case of U.K. SDRT) to, or to a nominee or agent for, a person whose business is or includes the provision of clearance services or issuing depositary receipts, U.K. stamp duty or SDRT is provided for under U.K. legislation at the rate of 1.5% of the amount or value of the consideration given or, in certain circumstances, the value of the shares (save to the extent that an election has been made under Section 97A of the U.K. Finance Act 1986). However, following litigation, HMRC have confirmed that they will no longer seek to apply the 1.5% SDRT charge on such an issue of shares or securities on the basis that the charge is not compatible with EU law. HMRC's view is that the 1.5% SDRT or stamp duty charge will continue to apply to such a transfer of shares or securities to a clearance service or depositary receipt system where the transfer is not an integral part of an issue of share capital. This liability for U.K. stamp duty or SDRT will strictly be accountable by the clearance service or depositary receipt system, as the case may be, but will, in practice, generally be reimbursed by participants in the clearance service or depositary receipt system.
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Each of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as a representative (collectively, "the representatives") of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we and the selling shareholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us and the selling shareholders, the number of ordinary shares set forth opposite its name below.
Underwriter
|
Number of
Ordinary Shares |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
||||
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
||||
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
|
||||
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
||||
Barclays Capital Inc. |
||||
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
||||
UBS Securities LLC |
||||
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. |
||||
Nomura Securities International, Inc. |
||||
SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. |
||||
Academy Securities, Inc. |
||||
Commerz Markets LLC |
||||
| | | | |
Total |
||||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the ordinary shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these ordinary shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
We and the selling shareholder have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the ordinary shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the ordinary shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part. The underwriters may offer and sell the ordinary shares through certain of their respective affiliates.
Commissions and Discounts
The representatives have advised us and the selling shareholders that the underwriters propose initially to offer the ordinary shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.
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The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to the selling shareholders. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ordinary shares.
|
Per Share | Without Option | With Option | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public offering price |
$ | $ | $ | |||
Underwriting discount(1) |
$ | $ | $ | |||
Proceeds, before expenses, to Huntsman International |
$ | $ | $ | |||
Proceeds, before expenses, to HHN |
$ | $ | $ |
The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $ and are payable by us. We will pay a structuring fee in the amount of $ to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated for the evaluation, analysis and structuring of the transactions in connection with the separation of our business from Huntsman through a spin-off, this initial public offering or otherwise.
We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain out-of-pocket expenses of the underwriters, including the reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel in connection with required review by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, in an amount not to exceed $ .
Option to Purchase Additional Ordinary Shares
HHN has granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to additional ordinary shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional ordinary shares proportionate to that underwriter's initial amount reflected in the above table.
No Sales of Similar Securities
We, our directors and executive officers, Huntsman and its directors and executive officers, and the selling shareholders and their directors and executive officers have agreed not to sell or transfer any ordinary shares or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with ordinary shares, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of three of the four representatives of the underwriters. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly
204
This lock-up provision applies to ordinary shares and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with ordinary shares. It also applies to ordinary shares owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition.
New York Stock Exchange Listing
We expect the ordinary shares to be approved for listing on the NYSE under the symbol "VNTR." In order to meet the requirements for listing on that exchange, the underwriters have undertaken to sell a minimum number of ordinary shares to a minimum number of beneficial owners as required by that exchange.
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations among us, the selling shareholders and the representatives. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price are
An active trading market for the ordinary shares may not develop. It is also possible that after the offering the ordinary shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the ordinary shares in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the ordinary shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our ordinary shares. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the ordinary shares, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our ordinary shares in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional ordinary shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional ordinary shares or purchasing ordinary shares in the open market. In determining the source of ordinary shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of ordinary shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase ordinary shares through the option granted to them. "Naked" short sales are sales in excess of such option. The
205
underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing ordinary shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our ordinary shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of ordinary shares made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased ordinary shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters' purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our ordinary shares or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our ordinary shares. As a result, the price of our ordinary shares may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our ordinary shares. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic Distribution
In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.
Other Relationships
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
European Economic Area
In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area, no offer of ordinary shares which are the subject of the offering has been, or will be made, to the public in that member state of the European Economic Area ("Member State"), other than under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive:
206
provided that no such offer of ordinary shares referred to in (a) to (c) above shall result in a requirement for the Company or any representative to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive, or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.
Each person located in a Member State to whom any offer of ordinary shares is made or who receives any communication in respect of an offer of ordinary shares, or who initially acquires any ordinary shares will be deemed to have represented, warranted, acknowledged and agreed to and with each representative and the Company that (1) it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of the law in that Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive; and (2) in the case of any ordinary shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, the ordinary shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, as that term is defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives have been given to the offer or resale; or where ordinary shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of those ordinary shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons.
The Company, the representative and their respective affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgments and agreements.
This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of ordinary shares in any Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or the representatives to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither the Company nor the representatives have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of ordinary shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for the Company or the representatives to publish a prospectus for such offer.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of ordinary shares to the public" in relation to any ordinary shares in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the ordinary shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the ordinary shares, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Member State.
The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the U.K.
In addition, in the U.K., this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order
207
(all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the U.K. by persons who are not relevant persons. In the U.K., any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland
The ordinary shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange ("SIX") or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the ordinary shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the ordinary shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of ordinary shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, and the offer of ordinary shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes ("CISA"). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of ordinary shares.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA"). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The ordinary shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the ordinary shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the ordinary shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia
No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the "Corporations Act"), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.
Any offer in Australia of the ordinary shares may only be made to persons (the "Exempt Investors") who are "sophisticated investors" (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), "professional investors" (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the ordinary shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
208
The ordinary shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring ordinary shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.
This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The ordinary shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the ordinary shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to ordinary shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The ordinary shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese Person" shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of ordinary shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the ordinary shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"), (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275, of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
209
Where the ordinary shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the ordinary shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
The ordinary shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations . Any resale of the ordinary shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
210
The validity of our ordinary shares offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins R.L.L.P., London, England. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas and for the underwriters by Shearman & Sterling LLP, New York, New York.
211
The balance sheet of Venator Materials PLC as of April 28, 2017 included in this prospectus, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statement has been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The combined financial statements and the related financial statement schedule of Venator (comprising the combined operations and legal entities of the Pigments & Additives division and certain other operations of Huntsman Corporation) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, included in this prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and the financial statement schedule and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the correction of an error as described in Note 25 to the combined financial statements). Such financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The combined financial statements of Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other Businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, included in this prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
212
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to ordinary shares the selling shareholders are offering to sell. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement and the exhibits thereto. For additional information relating to us and our ordinary shares, we refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits, which are on file at the offices of the SEC. Statements contained in this prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document referred to may not be complete, and in each instance, if we have filed the contract or document as an exhibit to the registration statement, we refer you to the copy of the contract or other documents so filed. We qualify each statement in all respects by the relevant reference.
You may inspect and copy the registration statement and exhibits that we have filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov , from which you can electronically access the registration statement, including its exhibits.
We maintain an Internet site at www.venatorcorp.com , and it will be completed and become fully functional in connection with the completion of this offering. We do not incorporate our Internet site, or the information contained on that site or connected to that site, into this prospectus or this registration statement.
Upon completion of this offering, we will be required to comply with the full informational requirements of the Exchange Act. We will fulfill those obligations with respect to these requirements by filing periodic reports and other information with the SEC.
We plan to make available free of charge on our website, all materials that we file electronically with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, Section 16 reports and amendments to these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. You also can obtain information about us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized any person to provide you with different information or to make any representation not contained in this prospectus.
213
F-1
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors of
Venator Materials PLC:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Venator Materials PLC (the "Company") as of April 28, 2017 (date of formation). This financial statement is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such balance sheet presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Venator Materials PLC as of April 28, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston,
Texas
May 5, 2017
F-3
VENATOR MATERIALS PLC
Balance Sheet
|
April 28,
2017 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
ASSETS |
||||
Total Assets |
$ | | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
||||
Total liabilities |
$ | | ||
Equity |
||||
Ordinary shares ($0.32 par value per share, 50,000 shares authorized and subscribed) |
$ | 16,100 | ||
Ordinary share receivable from Huntsman International (Netherlands) B.V. |
(16,100 | ) | ||
Total equity |
$ | | ||
| | | | |
Total Liabilities and Equity |
$ | | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
See notes to balance sheet.
F-4
VENATOR MATERIALS PLC
Notes to Balance Sheet
1. Background and Basis of Presentation
Venator Materials PLC (the "Company"), a company incorporated in the United Kingdom, was formed on April 28, 2017. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman International (Netherlands) B.V. and has no assets, no liabilities and has conducted no operations. It is intended that the Company will assume, in connection with the initial public offering, the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses of Huntsman Corporation ("Huntsman") and the related operations, assets, liabilities and obligations. It is also intended that the Company will ultimately operate in two segments, Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives.
The accompanying balance sheet of the Company is prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
On April 28, 2017, Huntsman International (Netherlands) B.V. subscribed to 50,000 shares for £12,500. This amount has been reflected in the accompanying balance sheet as a reduction of equity.
2. Subsequent Events
Venator Materials PLC evaluated subsequent events through May 5, 2017, the date this balance sheet was available to be issued.
******
F-5
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
See notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-6
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
Three months
ended March 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | |||||
Revenues: |
|||||||
Trade sales, services and fees, net |
$ | 552 | $ | 566 | |||
Related party sales |
17 | 19 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
569 | 585 | |||||
Cost of goods sold |
489 | 550 | |||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||
Selling, general, and administrative (includes corporate allocations of $26 and $24, respectively) |
44 | 57 | |||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
27 | 11 | |||||
Other expense, net |
11 | 6 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
82 | 74 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Operating loss |
(2 | ) | (39 | ) | |||
Interest expense |
(14 | ) | (15 | ) | |||
Interest income |
2 | 4 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes |
(14 | ) | (50 | ) | |||
Income tax benefit |
1 | 2 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(13 | ) | (48 | ) | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(3 | ) | (2 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (16 | ) | $ | (50 | ) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
See notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-7
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
Three months
ended March 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | |||||
Net loss |
$ | (13 | ) | $ | (48 | ) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
|||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
5 | (47 | ) | ||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments |
4 | 8 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
9 | (39 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive loss |
(4 | ) | (87 | ) | |||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(3 | ) | (2 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (7 | ) | $ | (89 | ) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
See notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-8
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
Venator Equity |
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Parent's Net
Investment and Advances |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
Noncontrolling
Interest in Subsidiaries |
Total | |||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2017 |
$ | 588 | $ | (423 | ) | $ | 12 | $ | 177 | ||||
Net (loss) income |
(16 | ) | | 3 | (13 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in other comprehensive loss |
| 9 | | 9 | |||||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |
| | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in parent's net investment and advances |
106 | | 2 | 108 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, March 31, 2017 |
$ | 678 | $ | (414 | ) | $ | 13 | $ | 277 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Venator Equity |
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Parent's Net
Investment and Advances |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
Noncontrolling
Interest in Subsidiaries |
Total | |||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2016 |
$ | 1,112 | $ | (401 | ) | $ | 17 | $ | 728 | ||||
Net (loss) income |
(50 | ) | | 2 | (48 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in other comprehensive loss |
| (39 | ) | | (39 | ) | |||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |
| | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in parent's net investment and advances |
79 | | (1 | ) | 78 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, March 31, 2016 |
$ | 1,141 | $ | (440 | ) | $ | 15 | $ | 716 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-9
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
Three months
ended March 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | |||||
|
(As Restated)
|
(As Restated)
|
|||||
Operating Activities: |
|||||||
Net loss |
$ | (13 | ) | $ | (48 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: |
|||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
30 | 24 | |||||
Deferred income taxes |
(7 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
Noncash restructuring charges |
3 | 5 | |||||
Noncash interest |
10 | 10 | |||||
Noncash loss on foreign currency transactions |
7 | 3 | |||||
Other, net |
2 | 4 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|||||||
Accounts receivable |
(7 | ) | (56 | ) | |||
Inventories |
(3 | ) | 28 | ||||
Prepaid expenses |
29 | 1 | |||||
Other current assets |
(1 | ) | 5 | ||||
Other noncurrent assets |
2 | (5 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable |
(2 | ) | (10 | ) | |||
Accrued liabilities |
(21 | ) | (7 | ) | |||
Other noncurrent liabilities |
(7 | ) | 2 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
22 | (47 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Investing Activities: |
|||||||
Capital expenditures |
(20 | ) | (33 | ) | |||
Insurance proceeds for recovery of property damage |
54 | | |||||
Net advances to affiliates |
(90 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
Cash received from unconsolidated affiliates |
12 | 10 | |||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates |
(15 | ) | (11 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities |
(59 | ) | (37 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Financing Activities: |
|||||||
Net borrowings on affiliate accounts payable |
45 | 93 | |||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest |
(4 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
41 | 90 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
1 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
5 | 6 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
30 | 22 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 35 | $ | 28 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplemental cash flow information: |
|||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 2 | $ | 2 | |||
Cash paid for income taxes |
2 | 1 |
As of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of capital expenditures in accounts payable was $8 million and $17 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we received noncash settlements of notes receivable from affiliates of nil and $52 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we settled noncash long-term debt to affiliates of $12 million and nil, respectively.
See notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-10
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General For convenience in this report, the terms "our," "us" or "we" may be used to refer to Venator and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries.
Description of Business Venator (comprising the combined operations and legal entities of the Pigments & Additives division and certain other operations of Huntsman Corporation, or Huntsman) operates in two segments: Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives.
The Titanium Dioxide segment manufactures and sells primarily titanium dioxide ("TiO 2 "), and has global operations operating eight TiO 2 manufacturing facilities, predominantly in Europe.
The Performance Additives segment manufactures and sells functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment chemicals. This segment operates 19 color pigments, functional additives, water treatment and timber treatment manufacturing and processing facilities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Recent Developments On March 17, 2017, we announced a plan to close the white end finishing and packaging operation of our TiO 2 manufacturing facility based in Calais, France during the third quarter of 2017. The announced plan follows the 2015 closure of the black end manufacturing operations and will result in the closure of the entire facility. For more information, see note "5. Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs."
On January 30, 2017, our titanium dioxide manufacturing facility in Pori, Finland experienced fire damage, and it is currently not fully operational. We are committed to repairing the facility as quickly as possible and we anticipate that a portion of our white end production will be operational during the second quarter of 2017. During the first quarter of 2017, we recorded a loss of $32 million for the write-off of fixed assets and lost inventory in other operating expense in our condensed combined statements of operations. In addition, we recorded a loss of $4 million of costs for cleanup of the facility through March 31, 2017. The site is insured for property damage as well as business interruption losses subject to retained deductibles of $15 million and 60 days, respectively, with a limit of $500 million. On February 9, 2017, we received $54 million as an initial partial progress payment from our insurer. During the first quarter of 2017, we recorded $32 million of income related to insurance recoveries in other operating expense in our condensed combined statements of operations and we recorded $22 million as deferred income in accrued liabilities for costs not yet incurred.
Basis of Presentation Venator's unaudited condensed combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP" or "U.S. GAAP") and in management's opinion reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. Results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected for the full year. These unaudited condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited combined financial statements and notes to combined financial statements.
Venator's operations were included in Huntsman Corporation's financial results in different legal forms, including but not limited to: (1) wholly-owned subsidiaries for which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses were the sole businesses; (2) legal entities which are comprised
F-11
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
of the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses; and (3) variable interest entities in which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses are the primary beneficiaries. The unaudited condensed combined financial statements include all revenues, costs, assets, liabilities and cash flows directly attributable to Venator, as well as allocations of direct and indirect corporate expenses, which are based upon an allocation method that in the opinion of management is reasonable. Such corporate cost allocation transactions between Venator and Huntsman Corporation have been considered to be effectively settled for cash in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded and the net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the combined statements of cash flows as a financing activity. The unaudited condensed combined financial statements have been prepared from Huntsman Corporation's historical accounting records and are presented on a stand-alone basis as if Venator's operations had been conducted separately from Huntsman Corporation; however, Venator did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the combined financial statements may not be indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows had Venator been a stand-alone company.
For purposes of these unaudited condensed combined financial statements, all significant transactions with Huntsman International LLC ("Huntsman International"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman through which Huntsman operates all of its businesses, have been included in group equity. All intercompany transactions within the combined business have been eliminated.
Huntsman Corporation's executive, information technology, environmental, health and safety and certain other corporate departments perform certain administrative and other services for Venator. Additionally, Huntsman Corporation performs certain site services for Venator. Expenses incurred by Huntsman Corporation and allocated to Venator are determined based on specific services provided or are allocated based on Venator's total revenues, total assets, and total employees in proportion to those of Huntsman Corporation. Management believes that such expense allocations are reasonable. Corporate allocations include allocated selling, general, and administrative expenses of $26 million and $24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During 2017
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . The amendments in this ASU do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in first-out ("LIFO") or the retail inventory method, but rather does apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in first-out or average cost. An entity should measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively. We adopted the amendments in this ASU effective January 1, 2017, and the
F-12
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
initial adoption of the amendment in this ASU did not have a significant impact on our condensed combined financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, IntangiblesGoodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The amendments in this ASU simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, which eliminates the current requirement to calculate a goodwill impairment charge by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a prospective basis. We adopted the amendments in this ASU effective January 1, 2017 and the initial adoption of the amendments in this ASU did not have a significant impact on our condensed combined financial statements.
Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption in Future Periods
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , outlining a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenues arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , deferring the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Further, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , clarifying the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , clarifying the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations in a contract and determining whether an entity's promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity's intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity's intellectual property (which is satisfied over time), in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , providing clarifications and practical expedients for certain narrow aspects in Topic 606, and in December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The amendments in these ASUs are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-09, ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20 should be applied retrospectively, and early application is permitted. We are currently performing the analysis identifying areas that will be impacted by the adoption of the amendments in ASU No. 2014-09, ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20 on our condensed combined financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the amendments in this ASU on our condensed combined financial statements. The standard will be adopted in our fiscal year 2018 and we have elected the modified retrospective approach as the transition method.
F-13
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The amendments in this ASU will increase transparency and comparability among entities by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU will require lessees to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application of the amendments in this ASU is permitted for all entities. Reporting entities are required to recognize and measure leases under these amendments at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the amendments in this ASU on our condensed combined financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The amendments in this ASU clarify and include specific guidance to address diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our condensed combined financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The amendments in this ASU require entities to recognize the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to deferring the recognition of the income tax consequences until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our condensed combined financial statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash . The amendments in this ASU require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim period within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our condensed combined financial statements.
F-14
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. No disclosures are required at transition. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our condensed combined financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, CompensationRetirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . The amendments in this ASU require that an employer report the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the same line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of income from operations. The amendments in this ASU also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable (for example, as a cost of internally manufactured inventory or a self-constructed asset). The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in assets. The amendments in this ASU will impact the presentation of our condensed combined financial statements. Our current presentation of service cost components is consistent with the amendments in this ASU. Upon adoption of the amendments in this ASU, we expect to present the other components within other nonoperating income, whereas we currently present these within cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.
3. INVENTORIES
Inventories at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
March 31,
2017 |
December 31,
2016 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raw materials and supplies |
$ | 144 | $ | 138 | |||
Work in process |
41 | 47 | |||||
Finished goods |
255 | 249 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 440 | $ | 434 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-15
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
We evaluate our investments and transactions to identify variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We hold a variable interest in the following joint ventures for which we are the primary beneficiary:
Creditors of these entities have no recourse to Venator's general credit. As the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities at March 31, 2017, the joint ventures' assets, liabilities and results of operations are included in Venator's combined financial statements.
The revenues, income from continuing operations before income taxes and net cash provided by operating activities for our variable interest entities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Three
months ended March 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | |||||
Revenues |
$ | 34 | $ | 29 | |||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
7 | 4 | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
7 | 7 |
F-16
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND PLANT CLOSING COSTS
Venator has initiated various restructuring programs in an effort to reduce operating costs and maximize operating efficiency. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, accrued restructuring and plant closing costs by type of cost and initiative consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
Workforce
reductions(1) |
Other
restructuring costs |
Total(2) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accrued liabilities as of January 1, 2017 |
$ | 22 | $ | | $ | 22 | ||||
2017 charges |
20 | 4 | 24 | |||||||
Distribution of prefunded restructuring costs |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | |||||
2017 payments |
(6 | ) | (4 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2017 |
$ | 35 | $ | | $ | 35 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
March 31,
2017 |
December 31,
2016 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 initiatives and prior |
$ | 15 | $ | 22 | |||
2017 initiatives |
20 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 35 | $ | 22 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Details with respect to our reserves for restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs are provided below by segment and initiative (dollars in millions):
|
Titanium
Dioxide |
Performance
Additives |
Other
businesses |
Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accrued liabilities as of January 1, 2017 |
$ | 12 | $ | 9 | $ | 1 | $ | 22 | |||||
2017 charges |
19 | 5 | | 24 | |||||||||
Distribution of prefunded restructuring costs |
(1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | |||||||
2017 payments |
(4 | ) | (6 | ) | | (10 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2017 |
$ | 26 | $ | 8 | $ | 1 | $ | 35 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current portion of restructuring reserves |
$ | 22 | $ | 8 | $ | 1 | $ | 31 | |||||
Long-term portion of restructuring reserve |
4 | | | 4 |
F-17
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND PLANT CLOSING COSTS (Continued)
Details with respect to cash and noncash restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 by initiative are provided below (dollars in millions):
|
Three months ended
March 31, 2017 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cash charges: |
||||
2017 charges |
$ | 24 | ||
Other non-cash charges |
3 | |||
| | | | |
Total 2017 Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs |
$ | 27 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|
Three months ended
March 31, 2016 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cash charges: |
||||
2016 charges |
$ | 6 | ||
Accelerated depreciation |
4 | |||
Other non-cash charges |
1 | |||
| | | | |
Total 2016 Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs |
$ | 11 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
In December 2014, we implemented a comprehensive restructuring program to improve the global competitiveness of our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions. As part of the program, we are reducing our workforce by approximately 900 positions. In connection with this restructuring program, we recorded restructuring expense of $3 million in 2016. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $4 million through the end of 2017.
In February 2015, we announced a plan to close the black end manufacturing operations and ancillary activities at our Calais, France site, which will reduce our TiO 2 capacity by approximately 100,000 metric tons, or 11% of our European TiO 2 capacity. In connection with this closure, we recorded restructuring expense of $1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. All expected changes have been incurred as of the end of 2016.
In March 2015, we implemented a restructuring program in our color pigments business. In connection with this restructuring, we recorded restructuring expenses of approximately $4 million and $3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $7 million through the end of 2017.
In July 2016, we announced plans to close our Umbogintwini, South Africa TiO 2 manufacturing facility. As part of the program, we recorded restructuring expense of approximately $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $4 million through the end of the third quarter of 2018.
In March 2017, we announced a plan to close the white end finishing and packaging operation of our TiO 2 manufacturing facility at our Calais, France site. The announced plan follows the 2015 closure of the black end manufacturing operations and would result in the closure of the entire facility.
F-18
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND PLANT CLOSING COSTS (Continued)
In connection with this closure, we recorded restructuring expense of $22 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. We recorded $4 million of accelerated depreciation on the remaining long-lived assets associated with this manufacturing facility during the three months ended March 31, 2016. We expect to incur additional charges of approximately $41 million through the end of 2021.
6. RELATED PARTY FINANCING
Venator receives financing from Huntsman International and its subsidiaries, which are related parties. The financing relates to Venator's participation in a cash pooling program.
Cash Pooling Program Venator addresses cash flow needs by participating in a cash pooling program. The cash pool provides for the participating subsidiaries of Huntsman International to loan or borrow funds daily from the cash pool. The business records these transactions as either amounts receivable from affiliates or amounts payable to affiliates and reflects these transaction in "Net advances to affiliates" and "Net borrowings on affiliate accounts payable" in the investing and financing sections, respectively, in the combined statements of cash flows. Interest income is earned if Venator is a net lender to the cash pool and paid if Venator is a net borrower from the cash pool based on a variable interest rate determined from time to time by Huntsman International.
Notes Receivable and Payable of Venator to Subsidiaries of Huntsman International As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Venator had notes receivable outstanding from affiliates of $57 million each, and notes payable outstanding to affiliates totaling $894 million and $882 million, respectively. The borrowers and lenders are subsidiaries of Huntsman International and the notes are unsecured. Under the terms of the notes, Venator promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amounts at a rate per annum as agreed upon from time to time by Huntsman International and Venator. As of March 31, 2017, the average interest rate on notes receivable and notes payable was 4%.
A/R Programs Certain of our entities participate in the accounts receivable securitization programs ("A/R Programs") sponsored by Huntsman International. Under the A/R Programs, these entities sell certain of their trade receivables to Huntsman International. Huntsman International grants an undivided interest in these receivables to a SPE, which serve as security for the issuance of debt of Huntsman International. These entities continue to service the securitized receivables. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Huntsman International had $123 million and $106 million, respectively, of net receivables in their A/R Programs and reflected on their balance sheet associated with Venator. The entities allocated losses on the A/R Programs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1 million and $1 million, respectively. The allocation of losses on sale of accounts receivable is based upon the pro-rata portion of total receivables sold into the securitization program as well as other program and interest expenses associated with the A/R Programs. On April 21, 2017, Huntsman International amended its accounts receivable securitization facilities, which among other things removed existing receivables sold into the program by the Pigments and Additives business. In addition, after April 21, 2017 receivables generated by the Pigments and Additives legal entities will no longer participate in the Huntsman A/R Program sponsored by Huntsman.
F-19
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Venator is exposed to market risks associated with foreign exchange risks. From time to time, Venator, through Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, will enter into hedging or derivative transactions to mitigate these exposures.
Venator's cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rate variation. Venator's revenues and expenses are denominated in various foreign currencies. From time to time, Huntsman International, or its subsidiaries, on behalf of Venator, may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to minimize the short-term impact of movements in foreign currency rates. Where practicable, Venator generally nets multicurrency cash balances among its subsidiaries to help reduce exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. Certain other exposures may be managed from time to time through financial market transactions, principally through the purchase of spot or forward foreign exchange contracts (generally with maturities of three months or less). Venator does not hedge its foreign currency exposures in a manner that would eliminate the effect of changes in exchange rates on its cash flows and earnings. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, on behalf of Venator, had approximately $63 million and $88 million in notional amount (in U.S. dollar equivalents) outstanding, respectively, in forward foreign currency contracts with a term of approximately one month.
8. INCOME TAXES
Venator uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. Venator evaluates deferred tax assets to determine whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Valuation allowances are reviewed on a tax jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence to support a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax assets for each jurisdiction. These conclusions require significant judgment. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, Venator considers the cyclicality of Venator and cumulative income or losses during the applicable period. Cumulative losses incurred over the period limits Venator's ability to consider other subjective evidence such as Venator's projections for the future. Changes in expected future income in applicable tax jurisdictions could affect the realization of deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions.
We recorded income tax benefit of $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our tax expense is significantly affected by the mix of income and losses in tax jurisdictions in which we operate, as impacted by the presence of valuation allowances in certain tax jurisdictions.
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Guarantees Substantially all of our U.S. operations and certain of their foreign subsidiary holdings fully and unconditionally guaranteed Huntsman International's outstanding notes. Subsequent to the business separation, such operations and entities will no longer guarantee Huntsman International's outstanding notes. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Huntsman International and its guarantors had third-party debt outstanding of $3,814 million and $3,793 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our U.S. operations and certain of our
F-20
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
foreign subsidiaries had total assets, excluding intercompany amounts, of $458 million and $502 million, respectively.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Antitrust Matters We were named as a defendant in consolidated class action civil antitrust suits filed on February 9 and 12, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland alleging that we, our co-defendants and other alleged co-conspirators, conspired to fix prices of TiO 2 sold in the U.S. between at least March 1, 2002 and the present. The other defendants named in this matter were E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont), Kronos Worldwide, Inc. ("Kronos") and National Titanium Dioxide Company, Ltd. ("Cristal") (formerly Millennium). On August 28, 2012, the court certified a class consisting of all U.S. customers who purchased TiO 2 directly from the defendants (the "Direct Purchasers") since February 1, 2003. On December 13, 2013, we and all other defendants settled the Direct Purchasers litigation and the court approved the settlement. We paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our combined financial statements.
On November 22, 2013, we were named as a defendant in a civil antitrust suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota brought by a Direct Purchaser who opted out of the Direct Purchasers class litigation (the "Opt-Out Litigation"). On April 21, 2014, the court severed the claims against us from the other defendants sued and ordered our case transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Subsequently, Kronos, another defendant, was also severed from the Minnesota case and claims against it were transferred and consolidated for trial with our case in the Southern District of Texas. On February 26, 2016, we reached an agreement to settle the Opt-Out litigation and subsequently paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our combined financial statements.
We were also named as a defendant in a class action civil antitrust suit filed on March 15, 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by the purchasers of products made from TiO 2 (the "Indirect Purchasers") making essentially the same allegations as did the Direct Purchasers. On October 14, 2014, plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Class Action Complaint narrowing the class of plaintiffs to those merchants and consumers of architectural coatings containing TiO 2 . On August 11, 2015, the court granted our motion to dismiss the Indirect Purchasers litigation with leave to amend the complaint. A Third Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on September 29, 2015 further limiting the class to consumers of architectural paints. Plaintiffs have raised state antitrust claims under the laws of 15 states, consumer protection claims under the laws of nine states, and unjust enrichment claims under the laws of 16 states. On November 4, 2015, we and our co-defendants filed another motion to dismiss. On June 13, 2016, the court substantially denied the motion to dismiss except as to consumer protection claims in one state. The parties are presently negotiating a settlement for an amount that would not be material to our combined financial statements.
On August 23, 2016, we were named as a defendant in a fourth civil antitrust suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by an indirect purchaser of TiO 2 , Home Depot. Home Depot is an indirect purchaser of TiO 2 primarily through paints it purchases from various manufacturers. Home Depot makes the same claims as the Direct and Indirect Purchasers. On
F-21
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
January 13, 2017, we filed a motion to dismiss the Home Depot case, which remains pending. We do not expect this matter to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
These Indirect Purchasers seek to recover injunctive relief, treble damages or the maximum damages allowed by state law, costs of suit and attorneys' fees. We are not aware of any illegal conduct by us or any of our employees.
Other Proceedings We are a party to various other proceedings instituted by private plaintiffs, governmental authorities and others arising under provisions of applicable laws, including various environmental, products liability and other laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in these combined financial statements, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
10. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS
Environmental, Health and Safety ("EHS") Capital Expenditures We may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under EHS laws, including costs to acquire, maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, our capital expenditures for EHS matters totaled $3 million and $5 million, respectively. Because capital expenditures for these matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and depend, in part, on the timing, promulgation and enforcement of specific requirements, our capital expenditures for EHS matters have varied significantly from year to year and we cannot provide assurance that our recent expenditures are indicative of future amounts we may spend related to EHS and other applicable laws.
Environmental Reserves We accrue liabilities relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and closure costs, and known penalties. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our liability estimates are calculated using present value techniques as appropriate and are based upon requirements placed upon us by regulators, available facts, existing technology, and past experience. The environmental liabilities do not include amounts recorded as asset retirement obligations. As of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had environmental reserves of $12 million. We may incur losses for environmental remediation.
Environmental Matters We have incurred and we may in the future incur, liability to investigate and clean up waste or contamination at our current or former facilities or facilities operated by third parties at which we may have disposed of waste or other materials. Similarly, we may incur costs for the cleanup of waste that was disposed of prior to the purchase of our businesses. Under some circumstances, the scope of our liability may extend to damages to natural resources.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and similar state laws, a current or former owner or operator of real property in the U.S. may be liable for remediation costs regardless of whether the release or disposal of hazardous substances was in compliance with law at the time it occurred, and a current owner or operator may be liable regardless of whether it owned or operated the facility at the time of the release. Outside the U.S., analogous contaminated property laws, such as those in effect in France, can hold past owners and/or operators liable for remediation at former facilities. We have not been notified by third parties
F-22
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS (Continued)
of claims against us for cleanup liabilities at former facilities or third-party sites, including, but not limited to, sites listed under CERCLA.
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in the U.S. and similar state laws, we may be required to remediate contamination originating from our properties as a condition to our hazardous waste permit. Some of our manufacturing sites have an extended history of industrial chemical manufacturing and use, including on-site waste disposal. We are aware of soil, groundwater or surface contamination from past operations at some of our sites, and we may find contamination at other sites in the future. Similar laws exist in a number of locations in which we currently operate, or previously operated, manufacturing facilities, such as France and Italy.
11. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustment(a) |
Pension and other
postretirement benefits adjustments, net of tax(b) |
Other
comprehensive income of unconsolidated affiliates |
Total |
Amounts
attributable to noncontrolling interests |
Amounts
attributable to Venator |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beginning balance, January 1, 2017 |
$ | (112 | ) | $ | (306 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (423 | ) | $ | | $ | (423 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications |
4 | | | 4 | | 4 | |||||||||||||
Tax expense |
1 | | | 1 | | 1 | |||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, gross(c) |
| 4 | | 4 | | 4 | |||||||||||||
Tax expense |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net current-period other comprehensive income |
5 | 4 | | 9 | | 9 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ending balance, March 31, 2017 |
$ | (107 | ) | $ | (302 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (414 | ) | $ | | $ | (414 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-23
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Continued)
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustment(a) |
Pension and other
postretirement benefits adjustments, net of tax(b) |
Other
comprehensive income of unconsolidated affiliates |
Total |
Amounts
attributable to noncontrolling interests |
Amounts
attributable to Venator |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 |
$ | (144 | ) | $ | (252 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (401 | ) | $ | | $ | (401 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications |
(47 | ) | 6 | | (41 | ) | | (41 | ) | ||||||||||
Tax benefit (expense) |
| (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, gross(c) |
| 3 | | 3 | | 3 | |||||||||||||
Tax benefit |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income |
(47 | ) | 8 | | (39 | ) | | (39 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ending balance, March 31, 2016 |
$ | (191 | ) | $ | (244 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (440 | ) | $ | | $ | (440 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-24
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Continued)
|
Three
months ended March 31, |
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Affected line item in the statement
where net income is presented |
|||||||
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Components(a): |
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefits: |
||||||||
Actuarial loss |
$ | 4 | $ | 3 | (b) | |||
Settlement loss |
| | (b) | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
|
4 | 3 | Total before tax | |||||
|
| | Income tax (expense) benefit | |||||
| | | | | | | | |
Total reclassifications for the period |
$ | 4 | $ | 3 | Net of tax | |||
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
12. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
We derive our revenues, earnings and cash flows from the manufacture and sale of a wide variety of commodity chemical products. We have reported our operations through our two segments, Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives, and organized our business and derived our operating segments around differences in product lines. We also conduct other business within components of legal entities we operated in conjunction with Huntsman businesses, and such businesses are included within the corporate and other line item below.
The major product groups of each reportable operating segment are as follows:
Segment
|
Product Group | |
---|---|---|
Titanium Dioxide | titanium dioxide | |
Performance Additives | functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment chemicals |
Sales between segments are generally recognized at external market prices and are eliminated in consolidation. Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a measure of the financial performance of our global business units and for reporting the results of our operating segments. The revenues and
F-25
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
Adjusted EBITDA for each of the two reportable operating segments are as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Three months ended
March 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | |||||
Revenues: |
|||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 385 | $ | 392 | |||
Performance Additives |
152 | 148 | |||||
Corporate and other |
32 | 45 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 569 | $ | 585 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1) |
|||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 48 | $ | (3 | ) | ||
Performance Additives |
21 | 18 | |||||
Corporate and other |
(8 | ) | (10 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 61 | $ | 5 | |||
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss: |
|||||||
Interest expense |
(14 | ) | (15 | ) | |||
Interest income |
2 | 4 | |||||
Income tax benefit |
1 | 2 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(30 | ) | (24 | ) | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
3 | 2 | |||||
Other adjustments: |
|||||||
Acquisition and integration expenses |
| (6 | ) | ||||
Certain legal settlements and related expenses |
| (1 | ) | ||||
Amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses |
(4 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
Net plant incident costs |
(5 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
(27 | ) | (11 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net loss |
$ | (13 | ) | $ | (48 | ) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
13. RESTATEMENT OF CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
We identified errors within our previously issued condensed combined statements of cash flows related to classification of affiliate transactions which were previously presented as cash flows from
F-26
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. RESTATEMENT OF CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
operating activities. We have concluded that the previously issued condensed combined statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were materially misstated and require restatement. There was no effect on Venator's previously reported condensed combined balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and the condensed combined statements of operations, comprehensive loss and equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The schedule below provides a summary of the impact of these restatement adjustments on our condensed combined statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
As Restated |
As Previously
Reported |
|||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||
Combined Statements of Cash Flows: |
|||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | (2 | ) | $ | (148 | ) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
22 | (124 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|||||||
Net advances to affiliates |
(90 | ) | | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(59 | ) | 31 | ||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|||||||
Net borrowings on affiliate accounts payable |
45 | | |||||
Net change in parent company investment |
| 101 | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
41 | 97 |
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
As Restated |
As Previously
Reported |
|||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||
Combined Statements of Cash Flows: |
|||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | (10 | ) | $ | 79 | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
(47 | ) | 42 | ||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|||||||
Net advances to affiliates |
(3 | ) | | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(37 | ) | (34 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|||||||
Net borrowings on affiliate accounts payable |
93 | | |||||
Net change in parent company investment |
| 1 | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
90 | (2 | ) |
******
F-27
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors of
Huntsman Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Venator (comprising the combined operations and legal entities of the Pigments & Additives division and certain other operations of Huntsman Corporation) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related combined statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included Schedule IIValuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (the "financial statement schedule"). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of Huntsman Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Venator is not required to have, nor have we been engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Venator's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Venator as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic combined financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, the combined financial statements include allocations of direct and indirect corporate expenses from Huntsman Corporation and are presented on a stand-alone basis as if Venator's operations had been conducted independently from Huntsman Corporation; however, Venator did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the combined financial statements may not be fully indicative of Venator's financial position, results of operations and cash flows as an unaffiliated company from Huntsman Corporation.
As discussed in Note 25 to the combined financial statements, the accompanying combined statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 have been restated to correct a misstatement.
/s/
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
May 5, 2017 (June 12, 2017 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 25)
F-28
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions)
See notes to combined financial statements.
F-29
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||
Trade sales, services and fees, net |
$ | 2,249 | $ | 2,270 | $ | 1,654 | ||||
Related party sales |
60 | 60 | 75 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
2,309 | 2,330 | 1,729 | |||||||
Cost of goods sold |
2,134 | 2,192 | 1,637 | |||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative (includes corporate allocations of $111, $96 and $86, respectively) |
240 | 271 | 199 | |||||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
35 | 223 | 62 | |||||||
Other (income) expense, net |
(46 | ) | (3 | ) | 7 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
229 | 491 | 268 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating loss |
(54 | ) | (353 | ) | (176 | ) | ||||
Interest expense |
(59 | ) | (52 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
Interest income |
15 | 22 | 23 | |||||||
Other expense |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes |
(99 | ) | (383 | ) | (179 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit |
22 | 31 | 17 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
(77 | ) | (352 | ) | (162 | ) | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
(10 | ) | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (87 | ) | $ | (359 | ) | $ | (164 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to combined financial statements.
F-30
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Dollars in millions)
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Net loss |
$ | (77 | ) | $ | (352 | ) | $ | (162 | ) | |
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: |
||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
32 | (71 | ) | (93 | ) | |||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustments |
(54 | ) | (10 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||
Other, net |
| (1 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: |
(22 | ) | (82 | ) | (111 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive loss |
(99 | ) | (434 | ) | (273 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(10 | ) | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Venator |
$ | (109 | ) | $ | (441 | ) | $ | (275 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to combined financial statements.
F-31
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Dollars in millions)
|
Venator Equity |
|
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Parent's Net
Investment and Advances |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
Noncontrolling
Interest in Subsidiaries |
Total | |||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2014 |
$ | 1,454 | $ | (208 | ) | $ | 1 | $ | 1,247 | ||||
Net loss |
(164 | ) | | 2 | (162 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in other comprehensive loss |
| (111 | ) | | (111 | ) | |||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |
| | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
Acquisition of a business |
| | 16 | 16 | |||||||||
Net changes in parent's net investment and advances |
424 | | 2 | 426 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2014 |
1,714 | (319 | ) | 20 | 1,415 | ||||||||
Net loss |
(359 | ) | | 7 | (352 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in other comprehensive loss |
| (82 | ) | | (82 | ) | |||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |
| | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in parent's net investment and advances |
(243 | ) | | (2 | ) | (245 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2015 |
1,112 | (401 | ) | 17 | 728 | ||||||||
Net loss |
(87 | ) | | 10 | (77 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in other comprehensive loss |
| (22 | ) | | (22 | ) | |||||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests |
| | (14 | ) | (14 | ) | |||||||
Net changes in parent's net investment and advances |
(437 | ) | | (1 | ) | (438 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2016 |
$ | 588 | $ | (423 | ) | $ | 12 | $ | 177 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to combined financial statements.
F-32
VENATOR
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
|
Year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
|
(As Restated)
|
(As Restated)
|
(As Restated)
|
|||||||
Operating Activities: |
||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (77 | ) | $ | (352 | ) | $ | (162 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
120 | 107 | 93 | |||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(16 | ) | (29 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets |
(22 | ) | 2 | (1 | ) | |||||
Noncash restructuring charges and impairment of assets |
10 | 104 | | |||||||
Noncash interest |
44 | 33 | 2 | |||||||
Noncash gain on foreign currency transactions |
(9 | ) | (4 | ) | | |||||
Other, net |
4 | 1 | 5 | |||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(13 | ) | 29 | 30 | ||||||
Inventories |
110 | 95 | (7 | ) | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
1 | (42 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||
Other current assets |
(4 | ) | 10 | (4 | ) | |||||
Other noncurrent assets |
(9 | ) | 2 | (9 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable |
9 | (24 | ) | 11 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
(36 | ) | 35 | 49 | ||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities |
(15 | ) | (30 | ) | (45 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
97 | (63 | ) | (63 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Investing Activities: |
||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(113 | ) | (211 | ) | (142 | ) | ||||
Cash received from unconsolidated affiliates |
32 | 48 | 48 | |||||||
Net (advances to) payments from affiliates |
(17 | ) | 66 | 83 | ||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates |
(29 | ) | (42 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||
Cash acquired from the acquisition of business |
| | 76 | |||||||
Proceeds from sale of businesses/assets |
9 | | 1 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(118 | ) | (139 | ) | 29 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financing Activities: |
||||||||||
Proceeds from short-term debt |
1 | 1 | | |||||||
Repayments of short-term debt |
| (1 | ) | | ||||||
Net borrowings from affiliate accounts payable |
46 | 204 | 53 | |||||||
Principal payments on long-term debt |
(3 | ) | (2 | ) | | |||||
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest |
(14 | ) | (8 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
30 | 194 | 52 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
(1 | ) | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
8 | (11 | ) | 16 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
22 | 33 | 17 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 30 | $ | 22 | $ | 33 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental cash flow information: |
||||||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 5 | $ | 4 | $ | 5 | ||||
Cash paid (received) for income taxes |
7 | 8 | (2 | ) | ||||||
Noncash investing and financing activities: |
||||||||||
As of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 the amount of capital expenditures in accounts payable was $21, $25 and $36, respectively. |
||||||||||
During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we received noncash settlements of notes receivable from affiliates of $270 and $256, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we issued noncash notes receivable to affiliates of $244. |
||||||||||
During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we settled noncash long-term debt to affiliates of $145 and $39, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we issued noncash long-term debt to affiliates of $811. |
||||||||||
During the year ended December 31, 2014, Huntsman Corporation made a noncash capital contribution of $960 to contribute the Rockwood Acquisition to Venator. |
See notes to combined financial statements.
F-33
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General For convenience in this report, the terms "our," "us" or "we" may be used to refer to Venator and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries.
Description of Business Venator (comprising the combined operations and legal entities of the Pigments & Additives division and certain other operations of Huntsman Corporation, or Huntsman) operates in two segments: Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives. The Titanium Dioxide segment manufactures and sells primarily titanium dioxide ("TiO 2 "), and has global operations operating eight TiO 2 manufacturing facilities, predominantly in Europe. The Performance Additives segment manufactures and sells functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment chemicals. This segment operates 19 color pigments, functional additives, water treatment and timber treatment manufacturing and processing facilities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Recent Developments In February 2017, Huntsman filed suit against the legacy owner and certain former executives of Rockwood, primarily related to the failure of new technology that Huntsman acquired in the Rockwood acquisition that was to be implemented at the new Augusta facility and subsequently at other facilities. Huntsman is seeking various forms of legal remedy, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, expectation damages, consequential damages and restitution. Venator is not party to the suit.
On January 30, 2017, Venator's TiO 2 manufacturing facility in Pori, Finland experienced fire damage and is currently not fully operational. We are committed to repairing the facility as quickly as possible. The site is insured for property damage as well as business interruption losses.
Basis of Presentation Venator's combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP" or "U.S. GAAP"). Venator's operations were included in Huntsman Corporation's financial results in different legal forms, including but not limited to: (1) wholly-owned subsidiaries for which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses were the sole businesses; (2) legal entities which are comprised of other businesses and include the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives businesses; and (3) variable interest entities in which the Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives and other businesses are the primary beneficiaries. The combined financial statements include all revenues, costs, assets, liabilities and cash flows directly attributable to Venator, as well as allocations of direct and indirect corporate expenses, which are based upon an allocation method that in the opinion of management is reasonable. Such corporate cost allocation transactions between Venator and Huntsman Corporation have been considered to be effectively settled for cash in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded and the net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the combined statements of cash flows as a financing activity. The combined financial statements have been prepared from Huntsman Corporation's historical accounting records and are presented on a stand-alone basis as if Venator's operations had been conducted separately from Huntsman Corporation; however, Venator did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the combined financial statements may not be indicative of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows had Venator been a stand-alone company.
F-34
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
For purposes of these combined financial statements, all significant transactions with Huntsman International LLC ("Huntsman International"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntsman through which Huntsman operates all of its businesses, have been included in group equity. All intercompany transactions within the combined business have been eliminated. Additional disclosures are included in note "20. Related Party Transactions."
Huntsman Corporation's executive, information technology, environmental, health and safety and certain other corporate departments perform certain administrative and other services for Venator. Additionally, Huntsman Corporation performs certain site services for Venator. Expenses incurred by Huntsman Corporation and allocated to Venator are determined based on specific services provided or are allocated based on Venator's total revenues, total assets, and total employees in proportion to those of Huntsman Corporation. Management believes that such expense allocations are reasonable. Corporate allocations include allocated selling, general, and administrative expenses of $111 million, $96 million and $86 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Asset Retirement Obligations Venator accrues for asset retirement obligations, which consist primarily of asbestos abatement costs, demolition and removal costs, leasehold remediation costs and landfill closure costs, in the period in which the obligations are incurred. Asset retirement obligations are initially recorded at estimated fair value. When the related liability is initially recorded, Venator capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its estimated settlement value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, Venator will recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded.
Carrying Value of Long-Lived Assets Venator reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is based upon current and anticipated undiscounted cash flows, and Venator recognizes an impairment when such estimated cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset. Measurement of the amount of impairment, if any, is based upon the difference between carrying value and fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Venator considers cash in bank accounts and short-term highly liquid investments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. Venator's day-to-day funding requirements are primarily met by the Huntsman International treasury function.
Venator participates in Huntsman International's cash pooling program. The cash pooling program is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Venator's dependence on external short-term borrowing. See note "14. Related Party Financing."
Cost of Goods Sold Venator classifies the costs of manufacturing and distributing its products as cost of goods sold. Manufacturing costs include variable costs, primarily raw materials and energy, and fixed expenses directly associated with production. Manufacturing costs include, among other things, plant site operating costs and overhead costs (including depreciation), production planning and
F-35
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
logistics costs, repair and maintenance costs, plant site purchasing costs, and engineering and technical support costs. Distribution, freight, and warehousing costs are also included in cost of goods sold.
Derivative Transactions All derivatives are recorded on Venator's balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recognized in earnings. See note "16. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
Environmental Expenditures Environmental-related restoration and remediation costs are recorded as liabilities when site restoration and environmental remediation and cleanup obligations are either known or considered probable and the related costs can be reasonably estimated. Other environmental expenditures that are principally maintenance or preventative in nature are recorded when expended and incurred and are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. See note "22. Environmental, Health and Safety Matters."
Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, amounts receivable from affiliates, accounts payable, amounts payable to affiliates, and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of non-qualified employee benefit plan investments is estimated using prevailing market prices. The estimated fair values of Venator's long-term debt are based on quoted market prices for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market. Such fair value approximates carrying value.
Foreign Currency Translation The accounts of Venator's operating subsidiaries outside of the U.S. consider the functional currency to be the currency of the economic environment in which they operate. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated at rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated at a weighted average rate for the period. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded to equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other (income) expense in the combined statements of operations and were net gains of $9 million, $4 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Income Taxes Venator is comprised of operations in various tax jurisdictions. Venator's operations were included in Huntsman Corporation's financial results in different legal forms, including but not limited to wholly-owned subsidiaries for which Venator was the sole business, components of legal entities in which Venator operated in conjunction with other Huntsman Corporation businesses and variable interest entities in which Venator is the primary beneficiary.
Similarly, Venator's tax obligations and filings were included in different legal forms, including but not limited to legal entities in certain countries where fiscal unity or consolidation is allowed or required with other Huntsman Corporation businesses, components of legal entities in which Venator operated in conjunction with other Huntsman Corporation businesses, and legal entities which file separate tax returns in their respective tax jurisdictions.
F-36
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
The combined financial statements have been prepared from Huntsman Corporation's historical accounting records and are presented on a stand-alone basis as if Venator's operations had been conducted separately from Huntsman; however, Venator did not operate as a separate, stand-alone entity for the periods presented and, as such, the tax results and attributes presented in these combined financial statements would not be indicative of the income tax expense or benefit, income tax related assets and liabilities and cash taxes had Venator been a stand-alone company.
The combined financial statements have been prepared under the currently anticipated legal structure of Venator such that the historical results of legal entities are presented as follows: The historical tax results of legal entities which file separate tax returns in their respective tax jurisdictions and which need no restructuring before being contributed are included without adjustment, including the inclusion of any currently held subsidiaries. The historical tax results of legal entities in which Venator operated in conjunction with other Huntsman Corporation businesses for which new legal entities will be formed for Venator operations are presented on a stand-alone basis as if their operations had been conducted separately from Huntsman and any adjustments to current taxes payable have been treated as adjustments to parent's net investment and advances. The historical tax results of legal entities in which Venator operated in conjunction with other Huntsman Corporation businesses for which the Huntsman business will be transferred out have been presented without adjustment, including the historical results of the Huntsman businesses which are unrelated to Venator operating businesses.
Pursuant to tax-sharing agreements, subsidiaries of Huntsman Corporation are charged or credited, in general, with an amount of income taxes as if they filed separate income tax returns. Adjustments to current income taxes payable by Venator have been treated as adjustments to parent's net investment and advances.
Venator includes the U.S. Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives subsidiaries of Huntsman International which are treated for U.S. tax purposes as divisions of Huntsman International. Huntsman International is included in the U.S. consolidated tax return of its parent, Huntsman Corporation. A 2% U.S. state income tax rate (net of federal benefit) was estimated for Venator based upon the estimated apportionment factors and actual income tax rates in state tax jurisdictions where it has nexus. U.S. foreign tax credits relating to taxes paid by non-U.S. business entities have been generated and utilized by Huntsman. On a separate entity basis, these foreign tax credits would not have been generated or utilized, therefore, no additional allocation of Huntsman foreign tax credits was necessary. Additionally, Huntsman had no U.S. net operating loss carryforward amounts ("NOLs") or similar attributes to allocate. Venator believes this methodology is reasonable and complies with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1B, Allocation of Expenses and Related Disclosure in Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Divisions or Lesser Business Components of Another Entity .
Venator uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. Venator evaluates deferred tax assets to determine whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Valuation allowances are reviewed on a tax jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence to support a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax assets for each jurisdiction. These
F-37
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
conclusions require significant judgment. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, Venator considers the cyclicality of Venator and cumulative income or losses during the applicable period. Cumulative losses incurred over the period limits Venator's ability to consider other subjective evidence such as Venator's projections for the future. Changes in expected future income in applicable tax jurisdictions could affect the realization of deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no unremitted earnings of subsidiaries to consider for indefinite reinvestment. Going forward, to the extent future U.S. cash flow needs require distributions from foreign subsidiaries, based on existing law, we expect to have tax attributes (at least up to the amount of anticipated external Venator debt) that could allow repatriation of earnings to the U.S. without incremental U.S. income tax.
The U.S. tax expense, deferred tax assets, and deferred tax liabilities in these financial statements do not necessarily reflect the tax expense, deferred tax assets, or deferred tax liabilities that would have resulted had Venator not been operated as a U.S. income tax branch structure in combination with Huntsman Corporation. By illustration, there are no net operating losses to be allocated to Venator given the overall profitability of the Huntsman group in the U.S.
The tax provision is not intended in any way to be representative of future taxes. Further, the tax attributes presented reflect calculated unaffiliated results based upon the legal entity structure of Venator and using the stand-alone methodology. The actual income tax attributes that would be allocated under the various required tax laws to the specific legal entities comprising Venator would be different than the amounts presented.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. Venator is required to determine if an income tax position meets the criteria of more-likely-than-not to be realized based on the merits of the position under tax law, in order to recognize an income tax benefit. This requires Venator to make significant judgments regarding the merits of income tax positions and the application of income tax law. Additionally, if a tax position meets the recognition criteria of more-likely-than-not, Venator is required to make judgments and apply assumptions in order to measure the amount of the tax benefits to recognize. The judgments are based on the probability of the amount of tax benefits that would be realized if the tax position was challenged by the taxing authorities. Interpretations and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations change over time. As a consequence, changes in assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in the combined financial statements.
F-38
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Intangible Assets and Goodwill Intangible assets are stated at cost (fair value at the time of acquisition) and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or the life of the related agreement as follows:
Patents and technology | 5 - 30 years | |
Trademarks | 9 - 30 years | |
Licenses and other agreements | 5 - 15 years | |
Other intangibles | 5 - 15 years |
Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not subject to any method of amortization, but is tested for impairment annually (at the beginning of the third quarter) and when events and circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. When the fair value is less than the carrying value of the related reporting unit, Venator is required to reduce the amount of goodwill through a charge to earnings. Fair value is estimated using the market approach, as well as the income approach based on discounted cash flow projections. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing.
Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out and average costs methods for different components of inventory.
Legal Costs Venator expenses legal costs, including those legal costs incurred in connection with a loss contingency, as incurred.
Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or lease term as follows:
Buildings and equipment | 5 - 50 years | |
Plant and equipment | 3 - 30 years | |
Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements | 5 - 20 years |
Normal maintenance and repairs of plant and equipment are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals, betterments, and major repairs that significantly extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized and the assets replaced, if any, are retired.
Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in selling, general and administrative expense. Research and development costs charged to expense were $20 million, $21 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Revenue Recognition Venator generates substantially all of its revenues through sales in the open market and long-term supply agreements. Venator recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue for product sales is recognized when a sales arrangement exists, risk and title to the product transfer to the customer, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. The transfer of risk and title to the product to the customer usually occurs at the time
F-39
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
shipment is made. The revenue recognition policy for sales to related parties does not differ from the policy described above.
Securitization of Accounts Receivable Venator participates in A/R Programs sponsored by Huntsman International. Under the A/R Programs, Venator sells certain of its trade receivables to Huntsman International. Huntsman International grants an undivided interest in these receivables to bankruptcy remote special purpose entities ("SPE"), which serve as security for the issuance of debt of Huntsman International. See note "14. Related Party Financing."
Subsequent Events Venator evaluated material subsequent events through May 5, 2017, the date these combined financial statements were available to be issued.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption in Future Periods
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , outlining a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenues arising from contracts with customers and this guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , deferring the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Further, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , clarifying the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , clarifying the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations in a contract and determining whether an entity's promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity's intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity's intellectual property (which is satisfied over time), in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , providing clarifications and practical expedients for certain narrow aspects in Topic 606, and in December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The amendments in these ASUs are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-09, ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20 should be applied retrospectively, and early application is permitted. We are currently performing the analysis identifying areas that will be impacted by the adoption of the amendments in ASU No. 2014-09, ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20 on our combined financial statements. The
F-40
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
standard will be adopted in our fiscal year 2018 and we have elected the modified retrospective approach as the transition method.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . The amendments in this ASU do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in first-out ("LIFO") or the retail inventory method, but rather does apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in first-out or average cost. An entity should measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The amendments in this ASU will increase transparency and comparability among entities by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU will require lessees to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application of the amendments in this ASU is permitted for all entities. Reporting entities are required to recognize and measure leases under these amendments at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the amendments in this ASU on our combined financial statements and believe, based on our preliminary assessment, that we will record significant additional right-to-use assets and lease obligations.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The amendments in this ASU clarify and include specific guidance to address diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The amendments in this ASU require entities to recognize the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to deferring the recognition of the income tax consequences until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an annual reporting
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)
period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash . The amendments in this ASU require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim period within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments in this ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. No disclosures are required at transition. We do not expect the adoption of the amendments in this ASU to have a significant impact on our combined financial statements.
3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
ROCKWOOD ACQUISITION
On October 1, 2014, Huntsman completed the Rockwood acquisition. Huntsman paid $1.02 billion in cash and assumed certain unfunded pension liabilities in connection with the Rockwood acquisition and subsequently contributed these businesses to our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions. The acquisition was financed using a bank term loan. Transaction costs charged to expense related to this acquisition were approximately nil, nil and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the combined statements of operations.
The following businesses were acquired from Rockwood:
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Continued)
In connection with securing certain regulatory approvals required to complete the Rockwood acquisition, we sold our TiO 2 TR52 product line used in printing inks to Henan in December 2014. The sale did not include any manufacturing assets but does include an agreement to supply TR52 product to Henan during a transitional period.
We have accounted for the Rockwood acquisition using the acquisition method. As such, we analyzed the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The allocation of acquisition cost to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
During the second quarter of 2015, we received $18 million related to the settlement of certain purchase price adjustments. As a result of the finalization of the valuation of the assets and liabilities,
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Continued)
reallocations were made in certain property, plant and equipment, deferred tax, accrued liability and other long-term liability balances. None of the fair value of this acquisition was allocated to goodwill. Intangible assets acquired consist primarily of developed technology, trademarks and customer relationships, all of which are being amortized over nine years. The noncontrolling interest primarily relates to Viance, a 50%-owned joint venture with Dow Chemical acquired as part of the Rockwood acquisition. The noncontrolling interest was valued at 50% of the fair value of the net assets of Viance as of October 1, 2014, as dictated by the ownership interest percentages. If the Rockwood acquisition were to have occurred on January 1, 2014, the following estimated pro forma revenues and net loss attributable to Venator would have been reported (dollars in millions):
|
Pro Forma | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited) |
|||
Revenues |
$ | 2,875 | ||
Net loss attributable to Venator |
(65 | ) |
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Raw materials and supplies |
$ | 138 | $ | 182 | |||
Work in process |
47 | 72 | |||||
Finished goods |
249 | 317 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 434 | $ | 571 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The cost and accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Land and land improvements |
$ | 96 | $ | 79 | |||
Buildings |
222 | 190 | |||||
Plant and equipment |
1,899 | 1,857 | |||||
Construction in progress |
106 | 316 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
2,323 | 2,442 | |||||
Less accumulated depreciation |
(1,125 | ) | (1,115 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Property, plant, and equipmentnet |
$ | 1,198 | $ | 1,327 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Continued)
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $116 million, $106 million and $90 million, respectively.
6. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
Investments in companies in which we exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in companies in which we do not exercise significant influence are accounted for using the cost method.
Tioxide Americas Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Venator, has a 50% interest in Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. ("LPC"). Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, LPC is a joint venture that produces TiO 2 for the exclusive benefit of each of the joint venture partners. In accordance with the joint venture agreement, this plant operates on a break-even basis. This investment is accounted for using the equity method and totaled $81 million and $84 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
During 2012, we made a $3 million investment in White Mountain Titanium Corporation, which reflects a 3% ownership interest. This investment is accounted for using the cost method and totaled $3 million each at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Investments in other affiliates of Venator's parent company totaled $1 million and $11 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
7. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
We evaluate our investments and transactions to identify variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. We hold a variable interest in the following joint ventures for which we are the primary beneficiary:
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Continued)
Creditors of these entities have no recourse to Venator's general credit. As the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities at December 31, 2016, the joint ventures' assets, liabilities and results of operations are included in Venator's combined financial statements.
The revenues, income from continuing operations before income taxes and net cash provided by operating activities for our variable interest entities for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Revenues |
$ | 116 | $ | 100 | $ | 24 | ||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
21 | 13 | 3 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
26 | 17 | |
8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carrying
Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net |
Carrying
Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net | |||||||||||||
Patents, trademarks and technology |
$ | 18 | $ | 1 | $ | 17 | $ | 19 | $ | 4 | $ | 15 | |||||||
Other intangibles |
14 | 8 | 6 | 22 | 9 | 13 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 32 | $ | 9 | $ | 23 | $ | 41 | $ | 13 | $ | 28 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization expense was $4 million, $1 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Our estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets over the next five years is as follows (dollars in millions):
Year ending December 31,
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
2017 |
$ | 4 | ||
2018 |
3 | |||
2019 |
3 | |||
2020 |
3 | |||
2021 |
3 |
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
Other noncurrent assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Spare parts inventory |
$ | 13 | $ | 15 | |||
Notes receivable |
7 | 7 | |||||
Deposits |
| 4 | |||||
Pension assets |
4 | 2 | |||||
Other |
11 | 9 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 35 | $ | 37 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Payroll and benefits |
$ | 55 | $ | 59 | |||
Restructuring and plant closing costs |
15 | 86 | |||||
Rebate accrual |
26 | 22 | |||||
Current taxes payable |
4 | 7 | |||||
Asset retirement obligation |
13 | 18 | |||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
2 | 3 | |||||
Pension liabilities |
3 | 3 | |||||
Other miscellaneous accruals |
38 | 61 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 156 | $ | 259 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND PLANT CLOSING COSTS
Venator has initiated various restructuring programs in an effort to reduce operating costs and maximize operating efficiency. As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, accrued restructuring and plant closing costs by type of cost and initiative consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
Workforce
reductions(1) |
Other
restructuring costs |
Total(2) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accrued liabilities as of January 1, 2014 |
$ | 2 | $ | | $ | 2 | ||||
2014 charges |
62 | | 62 | |||||||
2014 payments |
(6 | ) | | (6 | ) | |||||
Adjustment to Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives opening balance sheet liabilities |
1 | | 1 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2014 |
59 | | 59 | |||||||
2015 charges |
95 | 21 | 116 | |||||||
2015 payments |
(56 | ) | (21 | ) | (77 | ) | ||||
Adjustment to Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives opening balance sheet liabilities |
1 | | 1 | |||||||
Foreign currency effect on liability balance |
(6 | ) | | (6 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2015 |
93 | | 93 | |||||||
2016 charges |
9 | 16 | 25 | |||||||
Distribution of prefunded restructuring costs |
(36 | ) | | (36 | ) | |||||
2016 payments |
(43 | ) | (16 | ) | (59 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency effect on liability balance |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2016 |
$ | 22 | $ | | $ | 22 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
2014 initiatives and prior |
$ | 18 | $ | 77 | |||
2015 initiatives |
4 | 16 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 22 | $ | 93 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND PLANT CLOSING COSTS (Continued)
Details with respect to our reserves for restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs are provided below by segment and initiative (dollars in millions):
|
Titanium
Dioxide |
Performance
Additives |
Other
businesses |
Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Accrued liabilities as of January 1, 2014 |
$ | 2 | $ | | $ | | $ | 2 | |||||
2014 charges |
51 | 9 | 2 | 62 | |||||||||
2014 payments |
(4 | ) | | (2 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
Adjustment to Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives opening balance sheet liabilities |
| 1 | | 1 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2014 |
49 | 10 | | 59 | |||||||||
2015 charges |
75 | 36 | 5 | 116 | |||||||||
2015 payments |
(62 | ) | (13 | ) | (2 | ) | (77 | ) | |||||
Adjustment to Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives opening balance sheet liabilities |
| 1 | | 1 | |||||||||
Foreign currency effect on liability balance |
(5 | ) | (1 | ) | | (6 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2015 |
57 | 33 | 3 | 93 | |||||||||
2016 charges |
9 | 16 | | 25 | |||||||||
Distribution of prefunded restructuring costs |
(23 | ) | (13 | ) | | (36 | ) | ||||||
2016 payments |
(29 | ) | (29 | ) | (1 | ) | (59 | ) | |||||
Foreign currency effect on liability balance |
(2 | ) | 2 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2016 |
$ | 12 | $ | 9 | $ | 1 | $ | 22 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current portion of restructuring reserves |
$ | 5 | $ | 9 | $ | 1 | $ | 15 | |||||
Long-term portion of restructuring reserve |
7 | | | 7 |
Details with respect to cash and noncash restructuring charges for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 by initiative are provided below (dollars in millions):
Cash charges: |
||||
2016 charges |
$ | 25 | ||
Accelerated depreciation |
9 | |||
Other non-cash charges |
1 | |||
| | | | |
Total 2016 Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs |
$ | 35 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Cash charges: |
||||
2015 charges |
$ | 116 | ||
Pension-related charges |
3 | |||
Accelerated depreciation |
68 | |||
Other non-cash charges |
36 | |||
| | | | |
Total 2015 Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs |
$ | 223 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND PLANT CLOSING COSTS (Continued)
Cash charges: |
||||
2014 charges |
$ | 62 | ||
Non-cash charges |
| |||
| | | | |
Total 2014 Restructuring, Impairment and Plant Closing Costs |
$ | 62 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
2016 RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
In December 2014, we announced a comprehensive restructuring program to improve the global competitiveness of our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions. As part of the program, we are reducing our workforce by approximately 900 positions. In connection with this restructuring program, we recorded restructuring expense of $3 million in 2016.
In February 2015, we announced a plan to close the black end manufacturing operations and ancillary activities at our Calais, France site, which will reduce our TiO 2 capacity by approximately 100,000 metric tons, or 11% of our European TiO 2 capacity. In connection with this announcement, we recorded restructuring expense of $1 million in the first quarter of 2016. All expected charges have been incurred as of the end of 2016.
In March 2015, we announced plans to restructure our color pigments business, another step in our previously announced plan to significantly restructure our global Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions, and recorded restructuring expense of approximately $15 million in 2016.
In July 2016, we announced plans to close our Umbogintwini, South Africa TiO 2 manufacturing facility. As part of the program, we recorded restructuring expense of approximately $6 million in 2016. Additionally, we recorded an impairment charge of $1 million during the second quarter of 2016. The majority of the long-lived assets associated with this manufacturing facility were impaired in the fourth quarter of 2015.
In connection with planned restructuring activities, our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions recorded accelerated depreciation as restructuring expense of $8 million during 2016.
2015 RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
In December 2014, we announced a comprehensive restructuring program to improve the global competitiveness of our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions. As part of the program, we are reducing our workforce by approximately 900 positions. In connection with this restructuring program, during 2015, we recorded charges of $61 million for workforce reductions, $3 million for pension related charges and $15 million in other restructuring costs associated with this initiative.
In February 2015, we announced a plan to close the black end manufacturing operations and ancillary activities at our Calais, France site, which will reduce our TiO 2 capacity by approximately 100,000 metric tons, or 11%, of our European TiO 2 capacity. In connection with this announcement, we began to accelerate depreciation on the affected assets and recorded accelerated depreciation in 2015
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRMENT AND PLANT CLOSING COSTS (Continued)
of $68 million as restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs. In addition, during 2015, we recorded charges of $30 million primarily for workforce reductions and non-cash charges of $17 million.
In March 2015, we announced plans to restructure our color pigments business, another step in our previously announced plan to significantly restructure our global Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions, and recorded restructuring expense of approximately $4 million during 2015 primarily related to workforce reductions.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, in connection with our plans to shut down the TiO 2 manufacturing facility in Umbogintwini, South Africa by the end of the fourth quarter of 2016, we determined that the South African asset group was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $19 million.
2014 RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
In December 2014, we announced a comprehensive restructuring program to improve the global competitiveness of our Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives divisions. As part of the restructuring program we are reducing our workforce by approximately 900 positions. In connection with this restructuring program, we recorded restructuring expense of $57 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 related primarily to workforce reductions.
12. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Asset retirement obligations consist primarily of asbestos abatement costs, demolition and removal costs, leasehold remediation costs and landfill closure costs. Venator is legally required to perform capping and closure and post-closure care on the landfills and asbestos abatement on certain of its premises. For each asset retirement obligation, Venator recognized the estimated fair value of a liability and capitalized the cost as part of the cost basis of the related asset.
The following table describes changes to Venator's asset retirement obligation liabilities (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Asset retirement obligations at beginning of year |
$ | 44 | $ | 18 | |||
Accretion expense |
2 | 2 | |||||
Liabilities incurred |
| | |||||
Liabilities assumed in connection with the Rockwood acquisition |
| 30 | |||||
Liabilities settled |
(4 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Foreign currency effect on reserve balance |
(3 | ) | (5 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Asset retirement obligations at end of year |
$ | 39 | $ | 44 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Other noncurrent liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Pension liabilities |
$ | 341 | $ | 342 | |||
Employee benefit accrual |
7 | 8 | |||||
Asset retirement obligations |
26 | 26 | |||||
Other postretirement benefits |
3 | 5 | |||||
Environmental reserves |
12 | 11 | |||||
Restructuring and plant closing costs |
7 | 7 | |||||
Other |
5 | 8 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 401 | $ | 407 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
14. RELATED PARTY FINANCING
Venator receives financing from Huntsman International and its subsidiaries, which are related parties. The financing relates to Venator's participation in a cash pooling program. See note "1. Description of Business, Recent Developments, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
Cash Pooling Program Venator addresses cash flow needs by participating in a cash pooling program. The cash pool provides for the participating subsidiaries of Huntsman International to loan or borrow funds daily from the cash pool. The business records these transactions as either amounts receivable from affiliates or amounts payable to affiliates and reflects these transaction in "Net advances to affiliates" and "Net borrowings on affiliate accounts payable" in the investing and financing sections, respectively, in the combined statements of cash flows. Interest income is earned if Venator is a net lender to the cash pool and paid if Venator is a net borrower from the cash pool based on a variable interest rate determined from time to time by Huntsman International. See note "1. Description of Business, Recent Developments, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
Notes Receivable and Payable of Venator to Subsidiaries of Huntsman International As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Venator had notes receivable outstanding from affiliates of $57 million and $327 million, respectively, and notes payable outstanding to affiliates totaling $882 million and $1,027 million, respectively. The borrowers and lenders are subsidiaries of Huntsman International and the notes are unsecured. Under the terms of the notes, Venator promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amounts at a rate per annum as agreed upon from time to time by Huntsman International and Venator. As of December 31, 2016, the average interest rate on notes receivable and notes payable was 4%.
A/R Programs Certain of our entities participate in the accounts receivable securitization programs ("A/R Programs") sponsored by Huntsman International. Under the A/R Programs, these entities sell certain of their trade receivables to Huntsman International. Huntsman International grants an undivided interest in these receivables to a SPE, which serve as security for the issuance of debt of
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Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. RELATED PARTY FINANCING (Continued)
Huntsman International. These entities continue to service the securitized receivables. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Huntsman International had $105 million and $110 million, respectively, of net receivables in their A/R Programs and reflected on their balance sheet associated with Venator. The entities allocated losses on the A/R Programs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $5 million, $3 million and $4 million, respectively. The allocation of losses on sale of accounts receivable is based upon the pro-rata portion of total receivables sold into the securitization program as well as other program and interest expenses associated with the A/R Programs. On April 21, 2017, Huntsman International amended its accounts receivable securitization facilities, which among other things removed existing receivables sold into the program by the Pigments and Additives business. In addition, after April 21, 2017 receivables generated by the Pigments and Additives legal entities will no longer participate in the Huntsman A/R Program sponsored by Huntsman.
15. THIRD-PARTY DEBT AGREEMENTS
Venator also has lease obligations accounted for as capital leases primarily related to manufacturing facilities which are included in other long-term debt. The scheduled maturities of Venator's commitments under capital leases are as follows (dollars in millions):
Year ending December 31:
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
2017 |
$ | 7 | ||
2018 |
2 | |||
2019 |
2 | |||
2020 |
2 | |||
Thereafter |
11 | |||
| | | | |
Total minimum payments |
24 | |||
Less: Amounts representing interest |
(4 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Present value of minimum lease payments |
20 | |||
Less: Current portion of capital leases |
(7 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Long-term portion of capital leases |
$ | 13 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
16. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Venator is exposed to market risks associated with foreign exchange risks. From time to time, Venator, through Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, will enter into hedging or derivative transactions to mitigate these exposures.
Venator's cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations due to exchange rate variation. Venator's revenues and expenses are denominated in various foreign currencies. From time to time, Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, on behalf of Venator, may enter into foreign currency derivative instruments to minimize the short-term impact of movements in foreign currency rates. Where practicable, Venator generally nets multicurrency cash balances among its subsidiaries to help reduce exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. Certain other exposures may be managed from time to time through financial market transactions, principally through the purchase of spot or forward foreign exchange contracts (generally with maturities of three months or less). Venator does not hedge
F-53
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)
its foreign currency exposures in a manner that would eliminate the effect of changes in exchange rates on its cash flows and earnings. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Huntsman International or its subsidiaries, on behalf of Venator, had approximately $88 million and $50 million in notional amount (in U.S. dollar equivalents) outstanding, respectively, in forward foreign currency contracts with a term of approximately one month.
17. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN
Under the Huntsman Corporation Stock Incentive Plan, a plan approved by stockholders, Huntsman Corporation may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, phantom stock, performance awards and other stock-based awards to its employees, directors and consultants and to employees and consultants of its subsidiaries, provided that incentive stock options may be granted solely to employees. The terms of the grants are fixed at the grant date. Option awards have a maximum contractual term of 10 years and generally must have an exercise price at least equal to the market price of Huntsman Corporation's common stock on the date the option award is granted. Stock-based awards generally vest over a three-year period; certain performance awards vest over a two-year period and awards to Huntsman Corporation's directors vest on the grant date.
The compensation cost from continuing operations under the Stock Incentive Plan allocated to Venator was approximately $2 million each for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The allocation was determined annually based upon the outstanding number of shares of each type of award granted to individuals employed by Venator.
STOCK OPTIONS
The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of Huntsman Corporation's common stock through the grant date. The expected term of options granted was estimated based on the contractual term of the instruments and employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The assumptions noted below represent the weighted averages of the assumptions utilized for all stock options granted during the year.
NONVESTED SHARES
Nonvested shares granted under the Huntsman Corporation Stock Incentive Plan consist of restricted stock, which is accounted for as an equity award, and phantom stock, which is accounted for as a liability award because it can be settled in either stock or cash.
F-54
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
17. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN (Continued)
The fair value of each performance share unit award is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model that uses various assumptions, including an expected volatility rate and a risk-free interest rate. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the weighted-average expected volatility rate was 39.3% and 30.0%, respectively and the weighted average risk-free interest rate was 0.9% and 0.7%, respectively. For the performance awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the number of shares earned varies based upon Huntsman Corporation achieving certain performance criteria over two-year and three-year performance periods. The performance criteria are total stockholder return of Huntsman Corporation's common stock relative to the total stockholder return of a specified industry peer-group for the two-year and three-year performance periods. No performance share unit awards were granted during the year ended December 31, 2014.
18. INCOME TAXES
Our income tax basis of presentation is summarized in note "1. Description of Business, Recent Developments, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
A summary of the provisions for current and deferred income taxes is as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense: |
||||||||||
U.S. |
||||||||||
Current |
$ | (4 | ) | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 4 | ||
Deferred |
(5 | ) | 5 | | ||||||
Non-U.S. |
||||||||||
Current |
(2 | ) | 6 | 4 | ||||||
Deferred |
(11 | ) | (35 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | (22 | ) | $ | (31 | ) | $ | (17 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-55
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The reconciliation of the differences between the U.S. federal income taxes at the U.S. statutory rate to Venator's provision for income taxes is as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes |
$ | (99 | ) | $ | (383 | ) | $ | (179 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Expected tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate of 35% |
$ | (35 | ) | $ | (134 | ) | $ | (63 | ) | |
Change resulting from: |
||||||||||
State tax benefit net of federal benefit |
| 1 | | |||||||
Non-U.S. tax rate differentials |
(4 | ) | 21 | 11 | ||||||
Effects of non-U.S. operations |
(4 | ) | 6 | (1 | ) | |||||
Non-taxable portion of gain on sale of businesses |
(3 | ) | | | ||||||
Unrealized currency exchange gains and losses |
1 | (21 | ) | | ||||||
Tax authority audits and dispute resolutions |
(2 | ) | 4 | 2 | ||||||
Tax benefit of losses with valuation allowances as a result of other comprehensive income |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
Change in valuation allowance |
28 | 96 | 39 | |||||||
Other, net |
(2 | ) | (3 | ) | 1 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total income tax benefit |
$ | (22 | ) | $ | (31 | ) | $ | (17 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Included in the non-U.S. deferred tax expense are income tax benefits of $1 million in 2016, $1 million in 2015 and $6 million in 2014 for losses from continuing operations for certain jurisdictions with valuation allowances to the extent that income was recorded in other comprehensive income in that same jurisdiction. Foreign currency gains and changes in pension related items resulted in other comprehensive income where Venator has a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset. An offsetting income tax expense was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Venator operates in over 25 non-U.S. tax jurisdictions with no specific country earning a predominant amount of its off-shore earnings. The vast majority of these countries have income tax rates that are lower than the U.S. statutory rate. In 2016, the average statutory rate for countries with pre-tax income was lower than the average statutory rate for countries with pre-tax losses, resulting in a net benefit as compared to the U.S. statutory rate. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the tax rate differential resulted in lower tax expense of $4 million, reflected in the reconciliation above. In 2015 and 2014, the average statutory rate for countries with pre-tax losses was lower than the average statutory rate for countries with pre-tax income, resulting in a net expense as compared to the U.S. statutory rate.
In certain non-U.S. tax jurisdictions, Venator's U.S. GAAP functional currency is different than the local tax currency. As a result, foreign exchange gains and losses will impact Venator's effective tax rate. For 2016, this resulted in a tax expense of $1 million. For 2015, this resulted in a tax benefit of $11 million ($21 million of benefit included in "unrealized currency exchange gains and losses" in the reconciliation above, net of $10 million of expense related to establishing contingent liabilities for potential non-deductibility of these foreign currency losses included in "tax authority audits and dispute resolutions" in the reconciliation above). During 2015, a number of Venator's intercompany liabilities
F-56
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
that were denominated in U.S. dollars were owed by entities whose tax currency was the euro. As a result of the depreciation in the euro opposite the U.S. dollar, these entities recorded a tax only foreign exchange loss. Most of the receivables associated with these same U.S. dollar denominated intercompany debts were held by entities with a tax currency of the U.S. dollar which, therefore, resulted in no taxable gain.
The components of loss before income taxes were as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
U.S. |
$ | (7 | ) | $ | (18 | ) | $ | 8 | ||
Non-U.S. |
(92 | ) | (365 | ) | (187 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | (99 | ) | $ | (383 | ) | $ | (179 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (dollars in millions):
The net operating loss carryforward amounts ("NOLs"), including the amounts discussed below, and other attributes reflected in these combined financial statements are based upon the legal entity structure of Venator using the stand-alone methodology with on-top income adjustments and do
F-57
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
not reflect the actual NOLs and other tax attributes that exist or that would be allocated under the various required tax laws to the specific legal entities comprising Venator. Under the stand-alone methodology, NOLs that would have been created, utilized or expire unused do not reflect the actual creation, utilization and expiration of NOLs in the legal entities comprising Venator. For example, Huntsman had no U.S. NOLs to allocate to Venator.
Venator has NOLs of $1,174 million in various non-U.S. jurisdictions, all of which have no expiration date. Venator had no NOLs expire unused in 2016. Venator has NOLs of $120 million in U.S. federal and $120 million in U.S. state jurisdictions.
Venator has total tax-effected NOLs of $373 million. After taking into account deferred tax liabilities, there are $216 million of valuation allowances that related to these NOLs. Venator's NOLs are principally located in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.
Venator has total net deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance, of $398 million. Venator has a full valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets of $247 million in the following countries: France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, and the U.K. Venator also has net deferred tax assets of $161 million, not subject to valuation allowances, in Canada, Finland, Malaysia and Germany, and net deferred tax liabilities of $10 million in the U.S..
Valuation allowances are reviewed each period on a tax jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence to support a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax assets. Uncertainties regarding expected future income in certain jurisdictions could affect the realization of deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions and result in additional valuation allowances in future periods.
Valuation allowances are determined on a tax jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. While Venator has generated consolidated losses before income taxes over the past three years, certain jurisdictions, significantly Germany, but also including Canada, Finland and Malaysia, are profitable and recognize net deferred tax assets.
During 2016, Venator released valuation allowances of $6 million in France, as a result of deferred tax liabilities offsetting deferred tax assets, which previously had a valuation allowance.
During 2015, Venator established valuation allowances of $12 million. In Italy, Venator established $10 million of valuation allowances on certain net deferred tax assets as a result of cumulative losses, and, in South Africa, Venator established a full valuation allowance on $2 million of deferred tax assets as a result of current year losses shifting it from a net deferred tax liability position.
F-58
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The following is a summary of changes in the valuation allowance (dollars in millions):
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Valuation allowance as of January 1 |
$ | 241 | $ | 157 | $ | 159 | ||||
Valuation allowance as of December 31 |
247 | 241 | 157 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net (increase) decrease |
(6 | ) | (84 | ) | 2 | |||||
Foreign currency movements |
(20 | ) | (16 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
(Decrease) increase to deferred assets with an offsetting increase or decrease to valuation allowances |
(2 | ) | 4 | (23 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Change in valuation allowance per rate reconciliation |
$ | (28 | ) | $ | (96 | ) | $ | (39 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Components of change in valuation allowance affecting operating tax expense: |
||||||||||
Pre-tax income and pre-tax (losses) in jurisdictions with valuation allowances resulting in no tax expense or benefit |
$ | (34 | ) | $ | (84 | ) | $ | (39 | ) | |
Release of valuation allowance in various jurisdictions |
6 | | | |||||||
Establishments of valuation allowances in various jurisdictions |
| (12 | ) | | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Change in valuation allowances per rate reconciliation |
$ | (28 | ) | $ | (96 | ) | $ | (39 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following is a reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits (dollars in millions):
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1 |
$ | 23 | $ | 25 | $ | 28 | ||||
Gross increases and decreasestax positions taken during a prior period |
| 3 | 1 | |||||||
Gross increases and decreasestax positions taken during the current period |
(1 | ) | 7 | | ||||||
Decreases related to settlements of amounts due to tax authorities |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||
Reductions resulting from the lapse of statutes of limitation |
| (8 | ) | | ||||||
Foreign currency movements |
(1 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31 |
$ | 20 | $ | 23 | $ | 25 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $11 million, $14 million and $13 million, respectively.
In accordance with Venator's accounting policy, it recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (dollars in millions):
|
Year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Interest included in income tax expense |
$ | | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 1 | |||
Penalties expense included in tax expense |
| | |
F-59
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Accrued liability for interest |
$ | | $ | |
Venator conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various U.S. state and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. The following table summarizes the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions:
Tax Jurisdiction
|
Open Tax Years | |
---|---|---|
China |
2012 and later | |
France |
2002 and later | |
Germany |
2011 and later | |
Italy |
2012 and later | |
Malaysia |
2012 and later | |
Spain |
2002 and later | |
United Kingdom |
2015 and later | |
United States federal |
2009 and later |
Certain of Venator's U.S. and non-U.S. income tax returns are currently under various stages of audit by applicable tax authorities and the amounts ultimately agreed upon in resolution of the issues raised may differ materially from the amounts accrued.
Venator estimates that it is reasonably possible that certain of its non-U.S. unrecognized tax benefits could change within 12 months of the reporting date with a resulting decrease in the unrecognized tax benefits within a reasonably possible range of nil to $3 million. For the 12-month period from the reporting date, Venator would expect that a substantial portion of the decrease in its unrecognized tax benefits would result in a corresponding benefit to its income tax expense.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no unremitted earnings of subsidiaries to consider for indefinite reinvestment. Going forward, to the extent future U.S. cash flow needs require distributions from foreign subsidiaries, based on existing law, we expect to have tax attributes (at least up to the amount of anticipated external Venator debt) that could allow repatriation of earnings to the U.S. without incremental U.S. income tax.
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Venator sponsors defined benefit plans in a number of countries outside of the U.S. in which employees of Venator participate. The availability of these plans and their specific design provisions are consistent with local competitive practices and regulations.
During 2012, Venator's U.K. pension plan was closed to new entrants. For existing participants, benefits will only grow as a result of increases in pay. A defined contribution plan was established to replace this pension plan for future benefit accruals.
The disclosures for the defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans within the U.S. are combined with the disclosures of the plans outside of the U.S. Of the total projected benefit
F-60
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
obligations for Venator as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the amount related to the U.S. benefit plans is $15 million and $14 million, respectively, or 1% each. Of the total fair value of plan assets for Venator, the amount related to the U.S. benefit plans for December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $11 million and $10 million, respectively, or 1% each.
Certain plans are shared by Venator and other Huntsman International subsidiaries unrelated to Venator. In such cases, the projected benefit obligation is allocated based upon individual employee census data and the fair value of plan assets is allocated based upon a relevant percentage of projected benefit obligation.
On December 31, 2016, legal entity restructuring commenced for other businesses that will not ultimately be part of Venator after the separation. As a result, certain other businesses within three legal entities were disposed.
F-61
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans for Venator and the amounts recognized in the combined balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in millions):
F-62
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
|
Defined
Benefit Plans |
Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss: |
|||||||||||||
Net actuarial loss (gain) |
$ | 360 | $ | 307 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (3 | ) | |||
Prior service cost (credit) |
8 | 9 | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 368 | $ | 316 | $ | (6 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year are as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Defined
Benefit Plans |
Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Actuarial loss |
$ | 16 | $ | 1 | |||
Prior service credit |
1 | (3 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 17 | $ | (2 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Defined
Benefit Plans |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Service cost |
$ | 7 | $ | 9 | $ | 5 | ||||
Interest cost |
34 | 37 | 40 | |||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(39 | ) | (51 | ) | (44 | ) | ||||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
11 | 11 | 11 | |||||||
Amortization of prior service cost |
1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
Special termination benefit |
| 2 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 14 | $ | 9 | $ | 13 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Service cost |
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
Interest cost |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-63
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
The amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (loss) income as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Defined
Benefit Plans |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Current year actuarial loss |
$ | 86 | $ | 11 | $ | 37 | ||||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
(11 | ) | (11 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||
Current year prior service cost |
1 | 9 | | |||||||
Amortization of prior service credits |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||
Disposals |
(23 | ) | | | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income |
52 | 8 | 25 | |||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
14 | 9 | 13 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income |
$ | 66 | $ | 17 | $ | 38 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Current year actuarial loss |
$ | | $ | | $ | 1 | ||||
Current year prior service credits |
(2 | ) | (2 | ) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income |
(2 | ) | (2 | ) | 1 | |||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income |
$ | (2 | ) | $ | (2 | ) | $ | 1 | ||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligation at the measurement date and the net periodic pension cost for the year:
|
Defined
Benefit Plans |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Projected benefit obligation: |
||||||||||
Discount rate |
2.25 | % | 3.18 | % | 3.03 | % | ||||
Rate of compensation increase |
3.73 | % | 3.60 | % | 3.59 | % | ||||
Net periodic pension cost: |
||||||||||
Discount rate |
3.18 | % | 3.03 | % | 4.29 | % | ||||
Rate of compensation increase |
3.62 | % | 3.59 | % | 4.06 | % | ||||
Expected return on plan assets |
5.22 | % | 5.99 | % | 6.24 | % |
F-64
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
|
Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Projected benefit obligation: |
||||||||||
Discount rate |
3.72 | % | 6.94 | % | 5.65 | % | ||||
Net periodic pension cost: |
||||||||||
Discount rate |
6.94 | % | 5.65 | % | 6.59 | % |
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the health care trend rate used to measure the expected increase in the cost of benefits was assumed to be 5.82% and 7.0%, respectively, decreasing to 4.38% after 2030. Assumed health care cost trend rates can have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefit plans. A one-percent point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would not have a significant effect.
The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the defined benefit plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as were as follows (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Projected benefit obligation |
$ | 1,109 | $ | 1,125 | |||
Fair value of plan assets |
766 | 779 |
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (dollars in millions):
|
December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Projected benefit obligation |
$ | 1,109 | $ | 436 | |||
Accumulated benefit obligation |
1,057 | 409 | |||||
Fair value of plan assets |
766 | 122 |
Expected future contributions and benefit payments are as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Defined
Benefit Plans |
Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 expected employer contributions: |
|||||||
To plan trusts |
$ | 24 | $ | | |||
Expected benefit payments: |
|||||||
2017 |
38 | | |||||
2018 |
39 | | |||||
2019 |
40 | | |||||
2020 |
41 | | |||||
2021 |
43 | | |||||
2022 - 2026 |
231 | 1 |
F-65
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
Our investment strategy with respect to pension assets is to pursue an investment plan that, over the long term, is expected to protect the funded status of the plan, enhance the real purchasing power of plan assets and not threaten the plan's ability to meet currently committed obligations. Additionally, our investment strategy is to achieve returns on plan assets, subject to a prudent level of portfolio risk. Plan assets are invested in a broad range of investments. These investments are diversified in terms of domestic and international equities, both growth and value funds, including small, mid and large capitalization equities; short-term and long-term debt securities; real estate; and cash and cash equivalents. The investments are further diversified within each asset category. The portfolio diversification provides protection against a single investment or asset category having a disproportionate impact on the aggregate performance of the plan assets.
Our pension plan assets are managed by outside investment managers. The investment managers value our plan assets using quoted market prices, other observable inputs or unobservable inputs. For certain assets, the investment managers obtain third-party appraisals at least annually, which use valuation techniques and inputs specific to the applicable property, market or geographic location. We have established target allocations for each asset category. Venator's pension plan assets are periodically rebalanced based upon our target allocations.
The fair value of plan assets for the pension plans was $790 million and $806 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The following plan assets are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (dollars in millions):
Asset Category
|
December 31,
2016 |
Fair Value
Amounts Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |
Significant
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pension plans: |
|||||||||||||
Equities |
$ | 212 | $ | 206 | $ | 6 | $ | | |||||
Fixed income |
542 | 40 | 496 | 6 | |||||||||
Real estate/other |
32 | | 5 | 27 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
4 | 4 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total pension plan assets |
$ | 790 | $ | 250 | $ | 507 | $ | 33 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset Category
|
December 31,
2015 |
Fair Value
Amounts Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |
Significant
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |
Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pension plans: |
|||||||||||||
Equities |
$ | 213 | $ | 204 | $ | 9 | $ | | |||||
Fixed income |
565 | 37 | 528 | | |||||||||
Real estate/other |
21 | | 12 | 9 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
7 | 2 | 5 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total pension plan assets |
$ | 806 | $ | 243 | $ | 554 | $ | 9 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
|
Real Estate/
Other Year ended December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | |||||
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||
Balance at the beginning of the period |
$ | 9 | $ | 10 | |||
Return on pension plan assets |
| (1 | ) | ||||
Purchases, sales and settlements |
19 | | |||||
Transfers (out of) into Level 3 |
| | |||||
Disposals |
(1 | ) | | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at the end of the period |
$ | 27 | $ | 9 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Based upon historical returns, the expectations of our investment committee and outside advisors, the expected long-term rate of return on the pension assets is estimated to be between 5.22% and 6.24%. The asset allocation for our pension plans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the target allocation for 2017, by asset category, are as follows:
Asset category
|
Target
allocation 2017 |
Allocation at
December 31, 2016 |
Allocation at
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pension plans: |
||||||||||
Equities |
27 | % | 27 | % | 26 | % | ||||
Fixed income |
68 | % | 69 | % | 70 | % | ||||
Real estate/other |
5 | % | 4 | % | 3 | % | ||||
Cash |
| | 1 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total pension plans |
100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities in Venator's pension plans did not include any equity securities of Huntsman Corporation or Venator and its affiliates at the end of 2016.
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Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
U.S. Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Sponsored by Huntsman International Venator's U.S. employees participate in a trusteed, non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (the "Plan") that covers substantially all of Huntsman International's full-time U.S. employees. Effective July 1, 2004, the Plan formula for employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement was converted to a cash balance design. For represented employees, participation in the cash balance design is subject to the terms of negotiated contracts. For participating employees, benefits accrued under the prior formula were converted to opening cash balance accounts. The new cash balance benefit formula provides annual pay credits from 4% to 12% of eligible pay, depending on age and service, plus accrued interest. Participants in the plan on July 1, 2004 may be eligible for additional annual pay credits from 1% to 8%, depending on their age and service as of that date, for up to five years. The conversion to the cash balance plan did not have a significant impact on the accrued benefit liability, the funded status or ongoing pension expense. Beginning July 1, 2014, the Huntsman Defined Benefit Pension Plan was closed to new, non-union entrants. New hires will be provided with a defined contribution plan with a non-discretionary employer contribution of 6% of pay and a company match of up to 4% of pay, for a total company contribution of up to 10% of pay.
Our employees also participate in an unfunded postretirement benefit plan, which provides medical and life insurance benefits. This plan is sponsored by Huntsman International.
Our U.S. employees participate in a postretirement benefit plan that provides a fully insured Medicare Part D plan including prescription drug benefits affected by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act"). Neither Venator nor Huntsman can determine whether the medical benefits provided by these postretirement benefit plans are actuarially equivalent to those provided by the Act. Neither Venator nor Huntsman collects a subsidy, and our net periodic postretirement benefits cost, and related benefit obligation, do not reflect an amount associated with the subsidy.
Non-U.S. Defined Contribution Plans
We have defined contribution plans in a variety of non-U.S. locations.
Venator's combined expense for these defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $7 million, $8 million and $7 million, respectively, primarily related to the Huntsman UK Pension Plan.
All U.K. associates are eligible to participate in the Huntsman U.K. Pension Plan, a contract based arrangement with a third party. Company contributions vary by business during a five year transition period. Plan participants elect to make voluntary contributions to this plan up to a specified amount of their compensation. We contribute a matching amount not to exceed 12% of the participant's salary for new hires and 15% of the participant's salary for all other participants.
U.S. Defined Contribution Plans
We have a money purchase pension plan covering substantially all of our domestic employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2004. Employer contributions are made based on a percentage of employees' earnings (ranging up to 8%). During 2014, we closed this plan to non-union participants,
F-68
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
continuing to provide equivalent benefits to those covered under this plan into their salary deferral accounts.
We also have a salary deferral plan covering substantially all U.S. employees. Plan participants may elect to make voluntary contributions to this plan up to a specified amount of their compensation. We contribute an amount equal to one-half of the participant's contribution, not to exceed 2% of the participant's compensation.
Along with the introduction of the cash balance formula within the defined benefit pension plan, the money purchase pension plan was closed to new hires. At the same time, the employer match in the salary deferral plan was increased, for new hires, to a 100% match, not to exceed 4% of the participant's compensation, once the participant has achieved six years of service with us.
Our total combined expense for the above defined contribution plans was $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and de minimus for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Huntsman Corporation's executive, information technology, EHS and certain other corporate departments perform certain administrative and other services for Venator. Additionally, Huntsman Corporation performs certain site services for Venator. Expenses incurred by Huntsman Corporation and allocated to Venator are determined based on specific services provided or are allocated based on our total revenues, total assets, and total employees in proportion to those of Huntsman Corporation. Management believes that such expense allocations are reasonable. It is not practical to estimate the expenses that would have been incurred by Venator had it been operated on a stand-alone basis. Corporate allocations include allocated selling, general, and administrative expenses of $111 million, $96 million and $86 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
We also conduct transactions in the normal course of business with parties under common ownership. Sales of raw materials to LPC as part of a sourcing arrangement were $67 million, $80 million and $108 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Proceeds from this arrangement are recorded as a reduction of cost of goods sold in Venator's combined statements of operations. Related to this same arrangement, purchases of finished goods from LPC were $158 million, $163 million and $194 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sales to other affiliates of Huntsman by Venator were $60 million, $60 million and $75 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Inventory purchases from other affiliates of Huntsman by Venator were $61 million, $56 million and $63 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The related accounts receivable from affiliates and accounts payable to affiliates as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are recognized in the combined balance sheets.
We participate in a cash management system with various subsidiaries of Huntsman International, which results in interest expense to Venator. See note "1. Description of Business, Recent Developments, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and note "14. Related Party Financing."
F-69
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Purchase Commitments We have various purchase commitments extending through 2029 for materials, supplies and services entered into in the ordinary course of business. Included in the purchase commitments table below are contracts which require minimum volume purchases that extend beyond one year or are renewable annually and have been renewed for 2017. Certain contracts allow for changes in minimum required purchase volumes in the event of a temporary or permanent shutdown of a facility. To the extent the contract requires a minimum notice period; such notice period has been included in the table below. The contractual purchase prices for substantially all of these contracts are variable based upon market prices, subject to annual negotiations. We have estimated our contractual obligations by using the terms of our current pricing for each contract. We also have a limited number of contracts which require a minimum payment even if no volume is purchased. We believe that all of our purchase obligations will be utilized in our normal operations. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we made minimum payments under such take or pay contracts without taking the product of $1 million, nil and nil, respectively. Total purchase commitments as of December 31, 2016 were as follows (dollars in millions):
Year Ending December 31:
|
TiO
2
& Performance Additives |
Other
businesses |
Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 |
$ | 582 | $ | 24 | $ | 606 | ||||
2018 |
438 | 17 | 455 | |||||||
2019 |
49 | 8 | 57 | |||||||
2020 |
14 | 4 | 18 | |||||||
2021 |
12 | 4 | 16 | |||||||
Thereafter |
39 | 24 | 63 |
Operating Leases We lease certain premises, automobiles, and office equipment under long-term lease agreements. The total expense recorded under operating lease agreements in the combined statements of operations was approximately $10 million, $10 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2016 were as follows (dollars in millions):
Year Ending December 31:
|
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
2017 |
$ | 8 | ||
2018 |
7 | |||
2019 |
3 | |||
2020 |
2 | |||
2021 |
2 | |||
Thereafter |
2 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
$ | 24 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Guarantees Substantially all of our U.S. operations and certain of their foreign subsidiary holdings fully and unconditionally guaranteed Huntsman International's outstanding notes. Subsequent
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Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
to the business separation, such operations and entities will no longer guarantee Huntsman International's notes. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Huntsman International and its guarantors had third-party debt outstanding of $3,793 million and $4,318 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, our U.S. operations and certain of our foreign subsidiaries that guarantee Huntsman International's outstanding notes had total assets, excluding intercompany amounts, of $502 million and $384 million, respectively.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Antitrust Matters We were named as a defendant in consolidated class action civil antitrust suits filed on February 9 and 12, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland alleging that we, our co-defendants and other alleged co-conspirators conspired to fix prices of TiO 2 sold in the U.S. between at least March 1, 2002 and the present. The other defendants named in this matter were E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont), Kronos Worldwide, Inc. ("Kronos") and National Titanium Dioxide Company, Ltd. ("Cristal") (formerly Millennium). On August 28, 2012, the court certified a class consisting of all U.S. customers who purchased TiO 2 directly from the defendants (the "Direct Purchasers") since February 1, 2003. On December 13, 2013, we and all other defendants settled the Direct Purchasers litigation and the court approved the settlement. We paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our combined financial statements.
On November 22, 2013, we were named as a defendant in a civil antitrust suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota brought by a Direct Purchaser who opted out of the Direct Purchasers class litigation (the "Opt-Out Litigation"). On April 21, 2014, the court severed the claims against us from the other defendants sued and ordered our case transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Subsequently, Kronos, another defendant, was also severed from the Minnesota case and claims against it were transferred and consolidated for trial with our case in the Southern District of Texas. On February 26, 2016, we reached an agreement to settle the Opt-Out litigation and subsequently paid the settlement in an amount immaterial to our combined financial statements.
We were also named as a defendant in a class action civil antitrust suit filed on March 15, 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by the purchasers of products made from TiO 2 (the "Indirect Purchasers") making essentially the same allegations as did the Direct Purchasers. On October 14, 2014, plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Class Action Complaint narrowing the class of plaintiffs to those merchants and consumers of architectural coatings containing TiO 2 . On August 11, 2015, the court granted our motion to dismiss the Indirect Purchasers litigation with leave to amend the complaint. A Third Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on September 29, 2015 further limiting the class to consumers of architectural paints. Plaintiffs have raised state antitrust claims under the laws of 15 states, consumer protection claims under the laws of nine states, and unjust enrichment claims under the laws of 16 states. On November 4, 2015, we and our co-defendants filed another motion to dismiss. On June 13, 2016, the court substantially denied the motion to dismiss except as to consumer protection claims in one state. The parties are presently negotiating a settlement for an amount that would not be material to our combined financial statements.
F-71
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
On August 23, 2016, we were named as a defendant in a fourth civil antitrust suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by an Indirect Purchaser of TiO 2 , Home Depot. Home Depot is an Indirect Purchaser of TiO 2 primarily through paints it purchases from various manufacturers. Home Depot makes the same claims as the Direct and Indirect Purchasers. On January 13, 2017, we filed a motion to dismiss the Home Depot case, which remains pending. We do not expect this matter to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
These Indirect Purchasers seek to recover injunctive relief, treble damages or the maximum damages allowed by state law, costs of suit and attorneys' fees. We are not aware of any illegal conduct by us or any of our employees. Nevertheless, we have incurred costs relating to these claims and could incur additional costs in amounts which in the aggregate could be material to us. Because of the overall complexity of these cases, we are unable to reasonably estimate any possible loss or range of loss and we have not made a material accrual with respect to these claims.
Other Proceedings We are a party to various other proceedings instituted by private plaintiffs, governmental authorities and others arising under provisions of applicable laws, including various environmental, products liability and other laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in these combined financial statements, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
22. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS
Environmental, Health and Safety ("EHS") Capital Expenditures We may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under EHS laws, including costs to acquire, maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, our capital expenditures for EHS matters totaled $18 million, $45 million and $30 million, respectively. Because capital expenditures for these matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and depend, in part, on the timing, promulgation and enforcement of specific requirements, our capital expenditures for EHS matters have varied significantly from year to year and we cannot provide assurance that our recent expenditures are indicative of future amounts we may spend related to EHS and other applicable laws.
Environmental Reserves We accrue liabilities relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and closure costs, and known penalties. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our liability estimates are calculated using present value techniques as appropriate and are based upon requirements placed upon us by regulators, available facts, existing technology, and past experience. The environmental liabilities do not include amounts recorded as asset retirement obligations. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had environmental reserves of $12 million and $14 million, respectively. We may incur additional losses for environmental remediation.
Environmental Matters We have incurred and we may in the future incur, liability to investigate and clean up waste or contamination at our current or former facilities or facilities operated by third parties at which we may have disposed of waste or other materials. Similarly, we may incur costs for the cleanup of waste that was disposed of prior to the purchase of our businesses. Under some circumstances, the scope of our liability may extend to damages to natural resources.
F-72
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
22. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS (Continued)
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and similar state laws, a current or former owner or operator of real property in the U.S. may be liable for remediation costs regardless of whether the release or disposal of hazardous substances was in compliance with law at the time it occurred, and a current owner or operator may be liable regardless of whether it owned or operated the facility at the time of the release. Outside the U.S., analogous contaminated property laws, such as those in effect in France, can hold past owners and/or operators liable for remediation at former facilities. We have not been notified by third parties of claims against us for cleanup liabilities at former facilities or third-party sites, including, but not limited to, sites listed under CERCLA.
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in the U.S. and similar state laws, we may be required to remediate contamination originating from our properties as a condition to our hazardous waste permit. Some of our manufacturing sites have an extended history of industrial chemical manufacturing and use, including on-site waste disposal and we have made accruals for related remediation activity. We are aware of soil, groundwater or surface contamination from past operations at some of our sites and have made accruals for related remediation activity, and we may find contamination at other sites in the future. Similar laws exist in a number of locations in which we currently operate, or previously operated, manufacturing facilities, such as France and Italy.
23. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Other comprehensive loss consisted of the following (dollars in millions):
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustment(a) |
Pension and
other postretirement benefits adjustments, net of tax(b) |
Other
comprehensive income of unconsolidated affiliates |
Total |
Amounts
attributable to noncontrolling interests |
Amounts
attributable to Venator |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 |
$ | (144 | ) | $ | (252 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (401 | ) | $ | | $ | (401 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications |
32 | (62 | ) | | (30 | ) | | (30 | ) | ||||||||||
Tax expense |
| (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | ||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, gross(c) |
| 12 | | 12 | | 12 | |||||||||||||
Tax expense |
| (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income |
32 | (54 | ) | | (22 | ) | | (22 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ending balance, December 31, 2016 |
$ | (112 | ) | $ | (306 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (423 | ) | $ | | $ | (423 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-73
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
23. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Continued)
|
Foreign
currency translation adjustment(a) |
Pension and
other postretirement benefits adjustments, net of tax(b) |
Other
comprehensive income of unconsolidated affiliates |
Total |
Amounts
attributable to noncontrolling interests |
Amounts
attributable to Venator |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beginning balance, January 1, 2015 |
$ | (73 | ) | $ | (242 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (319 | ) | $ | | $ | (319 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications |
(71 | ) | (18 | ) | (1 | ) | (90 | ) | | (90 | ) | ||||||||
Tax benefit (expense) |
| (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | ||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, gross(c) |
| 12 | | 12 | | 12 | |||||||||||||
Tax benefit |
| (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income |
(71 | ) | (10 | ) | (1 | ) | (82 | ) | | (82 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ending balance, December 31, 2015 |
$ | (144 | ) | $ | (252 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (401 | ) | $ | | $ | (401 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-74
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
We derive our revenues, earnings and cash flows from the manufacture and sale of a wide variety of commodity chemical products. We have reported our operations through our two segments, Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives, and organized our business and derived our operating segments around differences in product lines. We also conduct other business within components of legal entities we operated in conjunction with Huntsman businesses. These other businesses will not ultimately be part of Venator. As such, these other businesses do not meet the definition of operating segments.
The major product groups of each reportable operating segment are as follows:
Segment
|
Product Group | |
---|---|---|
Titanium Dioxide | titanium dioxide | |
Performance Additives |
|
functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment chemicals |
Sales between segments are generally recognized at external market prices and are eliminated in consolidation. Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a measure of the financial performance of our global business units and for reporting the results of our operating segments. The revenues and
F-75
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
Adjusted EBITDA for each of the two reportable operating segments are as follows (dollars in millions):
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 1,554 | $ | 1,583 | $ | 1,411 | ||||
Performance Additives |
585 | 577 | 138 | |||||||
Corporate and other |
170 | 170 | 180 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2,309 | $ | 2,330 | $ | 1,729 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1) |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 61 | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 62 | |||
Performance Additives |
69 | 69 | 14 | |||||||
Corporate and other |
(37 | ) | (27 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 93 | $ | 34 | $ | 47 | ||||
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss: |
||||||||||
Interest expense |
(59 | ) | (52 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
Interest income |
15 | 22 | 23 | |||||||
Income tax benefit |
22 | 31 | 17 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(120 | ) | (107 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |
10 | 7 | 2 | |||||||
Other adjustments: |
||||||||||
Acquisition and integration expenses |
(11 | ) | (44 | ) | (45 | ) | ||||
Purchase accounting adjustments |
| | (13 | ) | ||||||
Gain (loss) on disposition of business/assets |
22 | (2 | ) | 1 | ||||||
Certain legal settlements and related expenses |
(2 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||
Amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses |
(11 | ) | (11 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||
Net plant incident costs |
(1 | ) | (4 | ) | | |||||
Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs |
(35 | ) | (223 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
$ | (77 | ) | $ | (352 | ) | $ | (162 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-76
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Depreciation and Amortization: |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 87 | $ | 72 | $ | 73 | ||||
Performance Additives |
19 | 20 | 5 | |||||||
Other businesses |
14 | 15 | 15 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 120 | $ | 107 | $ | 93 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Expenditures: |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 73 | $ | 124 | $ | 109 | ||||
Performance Additives |
30 | 79 | 27 | |||||||
Other businesses |
10 | 8 | 6 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 113 | $ | 211 | $ | 142 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Assets: |
||||||||||
Titanium Dioxide |
$ | 1,561 | $ | 1,707 | $ | 2,059 | ||||
Performance Additives |
764 | 783 | 724 | |||||||
Other businesses |
334 | 923 | 1,150 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2,659 | $ | 3,413 | $ | 3,933 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
By Geographic Area
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Revenues(1): |
||||||||||
United States |
$ | 491 | $ | 501 | $ | 313 | ||||
Germany |
273 | 298 | 181 | |||||||
Italy |
158 | 145 | 106 | |||||||
China |
113 | 97 | 54 | |||||||
United Kingdom |
102 | 105 | 94 | |||||||
France |
99 | 95 | 84 | |||||||
Spain |
79 | 71 | 71 | |||||||
Switzerland |
75 | 79 | 90 | |||||||
Canada |
59 | 59 | 41 | |||||||
Other nations |
860 | 880 | 695 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2,309 | $ | 2,330 | $ | 1,729 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-77
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
24. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
|
December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Long-Lived Assets: |
||||||||||
Germany |
$ | 226 | $ | 256 | $ | 254 | ||||
United States |
263 | 256 | 187 | |||||||
United Kingdom |
198 | 252 | 241 | |||||||
Italy |
164 | 173 | 177 | |||||||
Finland |
146 | 150 | 170 | |||||||
Other nations |
201 | 240 | 378 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 1,198 | $ | 1,327 | $ | 1,407 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
25. RESTATEMENT OF COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
We identified errors within our previously issued condensed combined statements of cash flows related to our classification of affiliate transactions which were previously presented as cash flows from operating activities. We have concluded that the previously issued combined statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were materially misstated and require restatement. There was no effect on Venator's previously reported combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the combined statements of operations, comprehensive loss and equity for the three years ended December 31, 2016. The schedule below provides a summary of the impact of these restatement adjustments on our combined statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2016 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
As Restated |
As Previously
Reported |
|||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||
Combined Statements of Cash Flows: |
|||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 9 | $ | 55 | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
97 | 143 | |||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|||||||
Net (advances to) payments from affiliates |
(17 | ) | | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(118 | ) | (101 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|||||||
Net borrowings from affiliate accounts payable |
46 | | |||||
Net change in parent company investment |
| (17 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
30 | (33 | ) |
F-78
Venator
(Combined Divisions of Huntsman Corporation)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
25. RESTATEMENT OF COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2015 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
As Restated |
As Previously
Reported |
|||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||
Combined Statements of Cash Flows: |
|||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | (24 | ) | $ | 242 | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
(63 | ) | 203 | ||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|||||||
Net (advances to) payables from affiliates |
66 | | |||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activity |
(139 | ) | (205 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|||||||
Net borrowings on affiliate accounts payable |
204 | | |||||
Net change in parent company investment |
| 4 | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
194 | (6 | ) |
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2014 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
As Restated |
As Previously
Reported |
|||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||
Combined Statements of Cash Flows: |
|||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 11 | $ | 174 | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
(63 | ) | 100 | ||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|||||||
Net (advances to) payables from affiliates |
83 | | |||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activity |
29 | (54 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|||||||
Net borrowings on affiliate accounts payable |
53 | | |||||
Net change in parent company investment |
| (27 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
52 | (28 | ) |
******
F-79
Schedule IIValuation and Qualifying Accounts
VENATOR
(Dollars in millions)
|
|
Additions |
|
|
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Description
|
Balance at
beginning of period |
Charges
to cost and expenses |
Charged
to other accounts |
Deductions |
Balance at
end of period |
|||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts: |
||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2016 |
$ | 5 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 5 | ||||||
Year ended December 31, 2015 |
6 | | (1 | ) | | 5 | ||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2014 |
8 | | (2 | ) | | 6 |
F-80
To
the Board of Directors of
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.
Princeton, New Jersey
We have audited the accompanying combined financial statements of the Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other Businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc., consisting of several of its businesses as one combined company, comprised of Titanium Dioxide Pigments, Color Pigments and Services, Timber Treatment Chemicals, Rubber/Thermoplastics Compounding and Water Chemistry (the "Company"), which comprise the combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related combined statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and changes in parent company equity for the years then ended, and the related notes to the combined financial statements.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these combined financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of combined financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors' Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the combined financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Company's preparation and fair presentation of the combined financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the combined financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other Businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc., consisting of several of its businesses as one combined company, comprised of Titanium Dioxide Pigments, Color Pigments and Services, Timber Treatment Chemicals, Rubber/Thermoplastics Compounding and Water Chemistry, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
F-81
As discussed in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, the Company is comprised of the assets and liabilities used in managing and operating the Company. The combined financial statements also include allocations from Rockwood Holdings, Inc. (the "Parent"). These allocations may not be reflective of the actual level of assets, liabilities, or costs which would have been incurred had the Company operated as a separate entity apart from the Parent.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Parsippany,
New Jersey
June 9, 2014
F-82
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Net sales |
$ | 1,607.6 | $ | 1,451.0 | |||
Cost of products sold |
1,466.8 | 1,202.2 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
140.8 | 248.8 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
180.8 | 175.9 | |||||
Restructuring and other severance costs |
2.2 | 7.9 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Operating (loss) income |
(42.2 | ) | 65.0 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Other expenses, net: |
|||||||
Interest expense, net |
(5.8 | ) | (22.9 | ) | |||
Loss on early extinguishment/modification of debt |
(17.2 | ) | (2.8 | ) | |||
Foreign exchange (loss) gain on financing activities, net |
(0.7 | ) | 0.2 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Other expenses, net |
(23.7 | ) | (25.5 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
(Loss) income before taxes |
(65.9 | ) | 39.5 | ||||
Income tax (benefit) provision |
(11.6 | ) | 11.7 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income |
(54.3 | ) | 27.8 | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(1.2 | ) | (18.4 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income attributable to Parent company equity |
$ | (55.5 | ) | $ | 9.4 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-83
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in
millions)
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Net (loss) income |
$ | (54.3 | ) | $ | 27.8 | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
|||||||
Pension related adjustments |
30.8 | (37.1 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation |
49.2 | 6.3 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
80.0 | (30.8 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income (loss) |
25.7 | (3.0 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(2.6 | ) | (5.6 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Parent company equity |
$ | 23.1 | $ | (8.6 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-84
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions)
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-85
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-86
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARENT COMPANY EQUITY
(Dollars in
millions)
|
|
Parent Company Equity |
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total |
Parent Company
Investment |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income |
Noncontrolling
Interest |
|||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2012 |
$ | 811.8 | $ | 510.7 | $ | (8.4 | ) | $ | 309.5 | ||||
Dividend distribution to noncontrolling shareholder |
(47.0 | ) | | | (47.0 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
(30.8 | ) | | (18.0 | ) | (12.8 | ) | ||||||
Net income |
27.8 | 9.4 | | 18.4 | |||||||||
Net transfers to Parent |
(79.5 | ) | (79.5 | ) | | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2012 |
682.3 | 440.6 | (26.4 | ) | 268.1 | ||||||||
Dividend distribution to noncontrolling shareholder |
(6.6 | ) | | | (6.6 | ) | |||||||
Purchase of noncontrolling interest |
| 138.5 | (27.4 | ) | (111.1 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |
80.0 | | 78.6 | 1.4 | |||||||||
Net (loss) income |
(54.3 | ) | (55.5 | ) | | 1.2 | |||||||
Net transfers from Parent |
522.2 | 522.2 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2013 |
$ | 1,223.6 | $ | 1,045.8 | $ | 24.8 | $ | 153.0 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-87
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Organization The combined financial statements include the accounts of several of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. ("Rockwood" or "Parent") businesses, comprised of Titanium Dioxide Pigments, Color Pigments and Services, Timber Treatment Chemicals, Rubber/Thermoplastics Compounding and Water Chemistry businesses ("Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other"), as one combined company (the "Company").
The Titanium Dioxide Pigments ("Titanium Dioxide") business operates under the Sachtleben brand name and is a leading producer of high quality chemical products with a unique range of small inorganic particles that add significant value to customers' products and reduce the cost of customers' production processes. The Titanium Dioxide business was a venture (the "Titanium Dioxide Venture") that was formed in September 2008 between Rockwood (61% interest) and Kemira Oyj ("Kemira", 39% interest). In February 2013, Rockwood acquired Kemira's 39% interest in the Titanium Dioxide Venture, resulting in Rockwood owning 100% of the Titanium Dioxide Venture. The Titanium Dioxide business is a leading producer of specialty grade titanium dioxide, serving a wide variety of international customers in the synthetic fibers, plastics, paints, packaging inks, coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and paper industries. Titanium dioxide is a fine white powder that derives its value from its unparalleled whitening strength and opacifying ability, which is commonly referred to as hiding power. The Titanium Dioxide businesses principal products include titanium dioxide in anatase grade, titanium dioxide in rutile grade and titanium specialties. This business also provides recycling services for sulfuric waste acid. The Functional Additives business line of Titanium Dioxide is a leading global manufacturer of barium-based and zinc-based inorganic fine white pigments and additives. The main function of these products is to improve brilliance of colors and shine of coatings, improve the mechanical strength of plastic parts and prevent degradation due to exposure to light, particularly serving diverse end-markets, including the plastics industry, the coatings industry and the pharmaceutical industry.
The Color Pigments and Services business is a global producer of synthetic iron-oxide and other inorganic pigments, and serves the construction, paints and coatings, plastics, and specialty application markets with powder, granular and liquid grades primarily in North America and Europe. Color Pigments and Services focuses on developing and manufacturing high value-added inorganic pigments. The business also offers a number of unique pigment dispensing systems and has been driven by product innovation, its brand names and its customer and technical service, including customer-specific color blending.
The Timber Treatment Chemicals business is a manufacturer of wood protection products primarily in North America. In 2007, the Company's Chemical Specialties, Inc. ("CSI") subsidiary within the Timber Treatment Chemicals business and The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") formed a joint venture, Viance, LLC ("Viance"). Applications for the Company's products include wood protection products used for decking, fencing, playground equipment, garden furniture, house construction materials, utility poles and other wood constructions. In addition, Timber Treatment Chemicals provides a broad range of technical expertise and services to its customers. Timber Treatment Chemicals also manufactures inorganic chemicals such as nitrates and chlorides for various industrial applications including, chemicals that are added to concrete as curing accelerants and corrosion inhibitors, chemicals that are used for odor control in water treatment, galvanizing fluxes, micronutrients, pesticides and catalysts used in the manufacture of textile resins.
F-88
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
The Rubber/Thermoplastics Compounding business is active primarily in the European automotive market, with products made of rubber, thermoplastic and polyurethane materials.
The Water Chemistry business is a manufacturer of polyaluminium chloride, or PAC, and polyaluminium nitrate-based flocculants in Central Europe. Flocculants are added to water to improve its purity before, during and after its use in industrial, commercial and municipal applications. PAC flocculants are widely used in public, industrial and swimming pool water treatment and as a process agent in the paper industry.
In September 2013, Rockwood announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to sell certain of its Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other businesses to Huntsman Corporation. Completion of the proposed sale is subject to certain conditions, including approval of anti-trust authorities. The businesses subject to the purchase and sale agreement constitute substantially all of the Company's assets and liabilities and substantially all of the Company's operations.
Basis of Presentation The combined financial statements reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as Rockwood was historically managing it, prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), and have been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Rockwood, principally from statements and records represented in the businesses described above.
All revenue, assets and liabilities and most expenses reflected in the combined financial statements are directly associated with the Company. In addition, certain general corporate overhead expenses have been allocated by Rockwood to the Company. The Company used certain underlying activity drivers as a basis of allocation, including net sales and headcount. Management believes such allocations are reasonable; however, they may not be indicative of the actual results of the Company had the Company been operating as an independent company for the periods presented or the amounts that will be incurred by the Company in the future. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone company for the periods presented would depend on a number of factors, including the Company's chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by the Company's employees and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology systems and infrastructure. Note 2, "Related Party Transactions" provides further information regarding general corporate overhead allocations.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. All significant intercompany transactions between the Company and Rockwood have been included in these combined financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the combined statements of cash flows as a financing activity and in the combined balance sheets as "Parent company investment." The Company has evaluated whether any subsequent events have occurred through June 9, 2014, the date the combined financial statements were available to be issued.
Rockwood uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. The majority of the Company's subsidiaries are party to Rockwood's cash concentration arrangements with four financial institutions to maximize the availability of cash for general operating and investing
F-89
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
purposes. Under two of the cash concentration arrangements, cash balances are swept daily from the Company's accounts, whose owners are party to the arrangements into Rockwood's concentration accounts. Cash transfers to and from Rockwood's cash concentration accounts and the resulting balances at the end of each reporting period are reflected in "Parent company investment" in the equity section on the combined balance sheets.
Rockwood's third-party debt, and the related interest expense, has not been allocated to the Company for any of the periods presented as the Company was not the legal obligor of the debt and the Rockwood borrowings were not directly attributable to the Company's business.
The Company's noncontrolling interest represents the total of the noncontrolling party's interest in certain investments (principally the Titanium Dioxide Venture and the Viance joint venture) that are combined but less than 100% owned. See Note 2, "Related Party Transactions," for details regarding Rockwood's acquisition of Kemira's 39% interest in the Titanium Dioxide venture in February 2013.
Unless otherwise noted, all balance sheet items as of December 31, 2013 which are denominated in Euros are converted at the December 31, 2013 and 2012 exchange rates of €1.00 = $1.3743 and €1.00 = $1.3193, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the average rate of exchange of the Euro to the U.S. dollar is $1.3285 and $1.2864, respectively.
Parent Company Investment Parent company investment in the combined balance sheets represents Rockwood's historical investment in the Company, the Company's accumulated net earnings after taxes and the net effect of transactions with and allocations from Rockwood. See Note 2, "Related Party Transactions," for additional information.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenue and expenses during the periods reported. These estimates include, among other things, assessing the collectability of accounts receivable, the use and recoverability of inventory, the valuation of deferred tax assets, the measurement of the accrual for uncertain tax benefits, impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets, the accrual of environmental and legal reserves, the useful lives of tangible and intangible assets and the measurement of pension obligations, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates also include the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of allocations of the purchase price of business combinations consummated.
Major Customers and Concentration of Credit The Company has a number of major end-user, retail and original equipment manufacturer customers, with the largest concentration in Europe and the United States. No single customer accounted for more than 2% of net sales during any of the periods presented. The Company does not believe a material part of its business is dependent upon any single customer, the loss of which would have a material long-term impact on the business of the Company. However, the loss of one or more of the Company's largest customers would most likely have a negative short-term impact on the Company's results of operations. Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable and derivative contracts.
F-90
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
Accounts Receivable The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated at each reporting date based on factors such as receivable age, customer liquidity status and previous write-off history. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of customers and generally does not require collateral. Credit insurance is maintained by certain of the Company's businesses. An allowance is maintained for aggregate expected credit losses. Write-offs are charged to the allowance when taken, net of recoveries. Allowance for doubtful account activity is as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Balance, January 1 |
$ | 2.1 | $ | 1.9 | |||
Additions, net of recoveries |
1.4 | 0.3 | |||||
Write-offs |
(0.9 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31 |
$ | 2.6 | $ | 2.1 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when the earnings process is complete. Product sales are recognized when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the terms of the contract of sale, when title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. Accruals are made for sales returns and other allowances based on the Company's experience. The Company records shipping and handling costs in cost of products sold and records shipping and handling costs billed to customers in net sales. Revenue under service agreements, which was less than 1% of combined net sales in 2013 and 2012, is realized when the service is performed. Liabilities for product warranties are less than 1% of combined net sales as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of each of the Company's combined international entities is primarily the respective local currency. Balance sheet accounts of the foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates and income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Translation gains and losses related to net assets located outside the U.S. are shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a component of Parent company equity on the combined balance sheets. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency), including intercompany financing arrangements for which settlement is planned or anticipated, are included in determining net income for the period in which exchange rates change.
Advertising The Company expenses advertising costs within selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred. Advertising costs are less than 1% of combined net sales in 2013 and 2012.
Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to expense within selling, general and administrative expenses, as incurred. Such costs were $15.6 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
F-91
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
Cash Cash in the Company's combined balance sheets represent cash held locally by entities included in its combined financial statements.
Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily on average cost or the first-in, first-out method. Inventory quantities on hand are reviewed regularly, and where necessary, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory are recorded based primarily on either the Company's estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements or historical usage. See Note 5, "Inventories."
Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the various asset classes. Estimated lives generally range from 20-30 years for buildings and improvements (including land improvements), 7-12 years for machinery and equipment and 3-5 years for furniture and fixtures. See Note 6, "Property, Plant and Equipment."
The estimated useful lives of leasehold improvements are the lesser of the estimated life of the improvement or the term of the lease.
Major renewals and improvements are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are charged to current operations as incurred. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any gain or loss is reflected in the statements of operations.
Intangible assets primarily consists of patents and other intellectual property, trade names and trademarks, and customer relationships. Patents and other intellectual property are recorded at their estimated fair values at the time of acquisition and are being amortized over their estimated remaining useful lives, ranging from 4-20 years. Trade names and trademarks are being amortized from 18-25 years, customer relationships are being amortized over periods ranging from 7-15 years and supply agreements are being amortized over periods ranging from 10-15 years. See Note 7, "Intangible Assets, Net."
The Company classifies depreciation and amortization in its combined statements of operations consistent with the utilization of the underlying assets as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Cost of products sold |
$ | 94.7 | $ | 93.4 | |||
Selling, general and administrative expenses (a) |
29.3 | 28.0 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total depreciation and amortization |
$ | 124.0 | $ | 121.4 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Impairment AccountingLong-lived tangible and intangible assets These assets are reviewed each reporting period to determine if events or changes in circumstances have occurred indicating that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Such circumstances may include a significant
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
adverse change in the manner in which a long-lived asset is used, a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with projected and/or a history of operating or cash flow losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset, or changes in the expected useful life of the long-lived asset.
To determine the recoverability of long-lived tangible and other intangible assets, these assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from the cash flows of other assets, which could be at the individual asset level, the product line level, the plant level or the subsidiary level depending on the nature of the identifiable cash flows at our various subsidiaries. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets or asset group to the sum of future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group.
Management estimates future undiscounted cash flows using key assumptions of industry and market conditions, future sales volumes and prices, raw material and labor costs, and inflation rates. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no long-lived assets or asset groups that had a carrying value greater than the sum of corresponding undiscounted cash flows and therefore, we did not perform any applicable fair value calculations to measure any impairment loss.
If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment loss that would be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. To determine fair value, we would use our internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate interest rate, third party appraisals, as appropriate, and/or market prices of similar assets, when available.
During 2012, the Company performed recoverability tests of intangible assets related to multiple product lines at Viance. These recoverability tests were performed because actual and historical sales volumes related to these specific products were significantly lower than projected sales volumes primarily due to changes in market conditions. In 2013, there were no indicators of impairment, so no recoverability tests were performed.
For the intangible assets tested in 2012, the primary reason for lower sales was the decision to delay the introduction of one product to the marketplace and the loss of another product's largest customer. For these recoverability tests, the Company estimated cash flows over the remaining lives of the assets. The primary assumptions used in these analyses were the timing of the penetration of such product in the marketplace and the expected demand. The recoverability test resulted in undiscounted cash flows that substantially exceeded the carrying value of the assets for each product line.
Based on these tests, the Company concluded that there was no impairment of these assets.
Financial Instruments Management believes the carrying amount of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt, approximates fair value as described in Note 4, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements."
Derivatives All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in earnings. The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates. See Note 4, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements" for the
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
impact of the Company's interest rate hedges. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for trading purposes nor does it use leveraged or complex instruments.
Pension, Postemployment and Postretirement Costs Defined benefit costs and liabilities and postretirement benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with accounting standards for retirement benefits. Postemployment benefit costs and liabilities have been determined in accordance with accounting standards for nonretirement postemployment benefits. See Note 12, "Employee Benefit Plans," for further details.
Income Taxes During the period presented, the Company's U.S. legal entities did not file separate U.S. tax returns, as their operating results were included in the Rockwood consolidated U.S. federal tax return with other Rockwood entities. The Company does file separate foreign and state income tax returns for its legal entities except in one jurisdiction and two states where they are required to be included in a tax grouping of other Rockwood entities. The income tax provisions included in these financial statements were calculated using the separate return basis, as if the Company was a separate taxpayer.
With the exception of certain entities, the Company does not maintain taxes payable to/from its parent and is deemed to settle the annual current tax balances immediately with the legal tax-paying entities in the respective jurisdictions. These settlements are reflected as changes in "Parent Company Investment" within equity in the combined balance sheets.
The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized based on available evidence weighted toward evidence that is objectively verifiable. Deferred taxes are not provided on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries as such amounts are considered to be permanently invested.
The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained based on technical merits.
The Company records liabilities for uncertain tax benefits net of deferred tax assets associated with tax loss carryforwards for liabilities arising in the same year as the asset and for liabilities arising in different years from the asset, provided that the related tax loss can be carried back or forward to offset the liability.
Future realization of the tax benefit of an existing deductible temporary difference or carryforward ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (for example, ordinary income or capital gain) within the carryforward period available under the tax law. The Company's policy is to consider the following sources of taxable income, which may be
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
available under the tax law to realize a tax benefit for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards:
Evidence available about each of those possible sources of taxable income will vary between tax jurisdictions and, possibly, from year to year. To the extent evidence about one or more sources of taxable income is sufficient to support a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not necessary, the Company's policy is that other sources need not be considered. Consideration of each source is required, however, to determine the amount of the valuation allowance that may be required to be recognized for deferred tax assets.
For any specific jurisdiction where a history of three years of cumulative losses has occurred or where there has been a substantial change in the business (e.g., a major acquisition or divestiture); the Company does not rely on projections of future taxable income as described above. Instead, the Company determines its need for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, if any, by determining a normalized cumulative taxable income amount over the last three years, adjusted for acquisitions or divestitures if necessary. The Company will also consider the following positive evidence in the above scenarios, if present:
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and the other comprehensive income (loss) components, which include unrealized gains and losses from foreign currency translation and pension-related adjustments that are recorded directly into a separate section of Parent company equity in the balance sheet. Foreign currency translation amounts are not adjusted for income taxes since they relate to indefinite life investments in non-U.S. combined international entities. See Note 14, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)."
Accounting for Environmental Liabilities In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to extensive and changing federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, and has made provisions for the estimated financial impact of environmental cleanup and site reclamation costs. The Company's policy has been to accrue costs of a non-capital nature related to
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
environmental clean-up when those costs are believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. If the aggregate amount of the obligation and the amount and timing of the cash payments for a site are fixed or reliably determinable, the liability is discounted. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized and expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or present operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible are immediately expensed. The quantification of environmental exposures requires an assessment of many factors, including changing laws and regulations, advancements in environmental technologies, the quality of information available related to specific sites, the assessment stage of each site investigation and the length of time involved in remediation or settlement. In some matters, the Company may share costs with other parties. The Company does not include anticipated recoveries from insurance carriers or other third parties in its accruals for environmental liabilities.
Stock-Based Compensation Rockwood sponsors stock-incentive plans in which certain employees of the Company participate. As the stock-based compensation plans are Rockwood plans, amounts have been recognized through Parent company equity on the combined balance sheets.
Stock-based compensation awards issued to employees since 2010 relate to market-based and performance-based restricted stock units. Stock-based compensation costs are recognized within selling, general and administrative costs at fair value over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. The calculated compensation cost is reduced by a forfeiture rate based on an estimate of awards not expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock units was estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo simulation model as they are tied to market conditions. See Note 11, "Stock-based Compensation" for further details.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards In February 2013, the FASB issued an ASU that addressed the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The amendments in this ASU do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income (loss), but will require companies to present the effects of the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). This ASU has been adopted in these financial statements and did not have a material impact.
In February 2013, the FASB issued an ASU that addressed obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. This ASU provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this ASU is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. The guidance requires an entity to measure those obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance in this ASU also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. This ASU is effective for the Company in its first quarter beginning January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued)
In March 2013, the FASB issued an ASU that addressed the release of the cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business. This ASU requires a parent to release any related CTA into net income only if the sale results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity. This practice is consistent with the Company's previous accounting policy and will not have an impact on the Company's financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company in its first quarter beginning January 1, 2015.
In July 2013, the FASB issued an ASU that eliminates diversity in practice for presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryfoward is available to reduce the taxable income or tax payable that would result from disallowance of a tax position. Under this ASU, an entity must present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for an NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryfoward except when: an NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryfoward is not available as of the reporting date under the governing tax law to settle taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position; and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose. This ASU is effective for the Company in its first quarter beginning January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Trade Activity
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has engaged in transactions with certain related parties. The Company had sales to Rockwood and its affiliates of $4.8 million and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Purchases from Rockwood and its affiliates, primarily related to insurance, were $22.3 million and $19.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company had amounts due from Rockwood and its affiliates of $1.2 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and amounts due to Rockwood and its affiliates of $1.5 million and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Allocation of General Corporate Overhead
These combined statements of operations include expense allocations for certain expenses related to centralized functions historically provided to the Company by Rockwood, including general expenses related to centralized functions such as executive oversight, risk management, information technology, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, internal and external audit and accounting. These allocations are based on specific identification, the percentage of the Company's net sales and headcount to the respective total Rockwood net sales and headcount. These allocations are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in these combined statements of operations and totaled $23.9 million and $18.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Further discussion of allocations is included in Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies."
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS: (Continued)
Parent Company Equity
The majority of the Company's subsidiaries are party to Rockwood's cash concentration arrangements with four financial institutions to maximize the availability of cash for general operating and investing purposes. Under two of the cash concentration arrangements, cash balances are swept daily from the Company's accounts into Rockwood's concentration accounts. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company's payable to Rockwood resulting from the cash concentration arrangements was $65.8 million and $81.2 million, respectively. The resulting payable to Rockwood at the end of each reporting period are reflected in "Parent company investment" in the equity section on the combined balance sheets.
In addition to cash concentration arrangements, the net transfers to and from Rockwood were general financing activities, cash transfers for acquisitions, investments and various allocations from Rockwood. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the combined statements of cash flows as a financing activity. Intercompany funding with Rockwood and related interest expense has not been reflected in the combined financial statements and are included as a component of "Parent company investment" in the combined balance sheets.
Titanium Dioxide Venture
On February 15, 2013, Rockwood acquired Kemira's 39% interest in the Titanium Dioxide Venture for a purchase price of €97.5 million ($130.3 million based on the rate in effect on the date of purchase). As a result, Rockwood now owns 100% of the Titanium Dioxide Venture. The acquisition of Kemira's 39% interest is shown as a component of "Parent company investment" in the Company's combined balance sheets.
In conjunction with the formation of the former Titanium Dioxide Venture in September 2008, the Titanium Dioxide Venture entered into a long-term agreement expiring in August 2018 to purchase steam and electricity ("energy") from Kemira. The Titanium Dioxide Venture purchased $45.4 million and $33.4 million of energy from Kemira during 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, $6.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively, was due to Kemira for energy purchases. In 2009, the Titanium Dioxide Venture also made a contractual advance of $16.0 million in connection with this agreement. Minimum annual payments under the energy agreement are approximately $15.8 million per year. The Company has a non-interest bearing note receivable from its former Titanium Dioxide Venture partner in the amount of $29.4 million that is due in August 2028 with a carrying value of $7.4 million and $6.5 million in the combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Interest is imputed at an effective rate of 8.96%. The fair value of the note receivable is approximately $13.6 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Further, as part of the formation of the former Titanium Dioxide Venture, the Titanium Dioxide Venture entered into a long-term supply agreement for the sale of certain raw materials to Kemira that are manufactured by the venture. The term of this contract expires in December 2015. Transactions between the Titanium Dioxide Venture and Kemira consisted of sales to Kemira of $3.5 million and $3.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and amounts due from Kemira of $0.8 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS: (Continued)
Viance Joint Venture
In conjunction with the formation of the Viance joint venture between CSI and Dow, Viance entered into certain related party transactions. Viance does not own manufacturing facilities, and as a result, relies on the members of the joint venture to provide substantially all production requirements. In addition, the members sell products to Viance.
3. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:
Viance Joint Venture
The Viance joint venture provides an extensive range of advanced wood treatment technologies and services to the global wood treatment industry. The Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of Viance and as such has combined the joint venture. This conclusion was made as the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of Viance that could potentially be significant to Viance and/or the right to receive benefits from Viance that could potentially be significant to Viance. In addition, the Company has the power to direct the activities of Viance that most significantly impact Viance's performance, as Viance does not own manufacturing facilities. As a result, Viance primarily relies on the Company to provide product and distribution requirements through a supply agreement.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, no combined assets of the Company were pledged as collateral for any obligations of Viance and the general creditors of Viance had no recourse against the Company. Viance's assets can only be used to settle direct obligations of Viance.
The carrying values of the assets and liabilities of the Viance joint venture included in the combined balance sheets are as follows:
Titanium Dioxide Venture
In September 2008, Rockwood completed the formation of the Titanium Dioxide Venture that focuses on specialty titanium dioxide pigments. The Titanium Dioxide Venture includes the combination of the Company's titanium dioxide pigments and functional additives businesses, including its production facility in Duisburg, Germany, and Kemira's titanium dioxide business, including Kemira's titanium dioxide plant in Pori, Finland. The Company has not identified significant variable interests in this venture and accordingly has concluded that this venture does not meet the definition of
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES: (Continued)
a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Company owned 61% of the Titanium Dioxide Venture and combined it based on the "voting interest" model given its majority ownership and ability to control decision making. Kemira only has certain "protective rights" to limit Rockwood's control.
In conjunction with this venture, there is a power plant that is legally owned and operated by a Finnish power cooperative ("PVO"). Kemira is a cooperative participant and has an indirect interest in the power plant via ownership of a special share class. The venture utilizes the majority of power supplied. This power plant was determined to be a VIE as the equity holders of the power plant as a group (including Kemira) lack the ability to influence decision making since PVO effectively controls the power plant. It was determined that Rockwood and Kemira jointly form the primary beneficiary of the power plant. The Titanium Dioxide Venture has a long-term agreement expiring in August 2018 to purchase steam and electricity ("energy") from Kemira. Due to the terms of this agreement under which Kemira has the risks and benefits of the majority of the expected life of the power plant, the Company concluded that Kemira is the party most closely associated with the power plant and therefore is the primary beneficiary within the related party group. Accordingly, the Company does not consolidate the power plant. Apart from routine payables to Kemira or the PVO in connection with this agreement, no results or balances of the power plant are reflected in the Company's financial statements. See Note 2, "Related Party Transactions" for more details regarding the energy agreement. On February 15, 2013, Rockwood acquired Kemira's 39% interest in the Titanium Dioxide Venture for a purchase price of €97.5 million ($130.3 million based on the rate in effect on the date of purchase). As a result, Rockwood now owns 100% of the Titanium Dioxide Venture. Subsequent to the repurchase of Kemira's 39% interest, the power plant will continue to be a VIE.
4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Financial instruments include accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt instruments and derivatives. Due to their short term maturity, the carrying amount of receivables and payables approximates fair value. The Company has exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. As a result, certain derivative financial instruments may be used when available on a cost-effective basis to hedge the underlying economic exposure. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in earnings as they occur. Derivative financial instruments are not used for trading purposes.
Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
In June 2012, the Company's Titanium Dioxide Venture entered into a new facility agreement (See Note 8, "Long-Term Debt") which requires the Titanium Dioxide Venture to convert 50% of the term loan balances from variable to fixed interest rates for a period of two years.
To comply with the requirement to convert 50% of the term loan balances from variable to fixed interest rates, the Titanium Dioxide Venture entered into interest rate swaps ("New Swaps") in July 2012 with an aggregate notional amount of €400.0 million. The New Swaps mature in September 2014. The Company has not applied hedge accounting for these interest rate swaps and has recorded the mark-to-market adjustment of these derivatives as a component of interest expense in its combined statements of operations. Including the effect of the interest rate swaps, all outstanding debt is at a fixed-rate as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company may in the future consider adjusting the amounts covered by these derivative contracts to better suit its capital structure and may allow all or a portion of these swaps to lapse, enter into replacement swaps or settle these swaps prior to expiration.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Continued)
Prior to executing the new facility agreement, the Titanium Dioxide Venture had entered into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates related to certain variable-rate debt. These contracts effectively converted all of the obligations under the Titanium Dioxide Venture's term loan facility to fixed rate obligations. In July 2012, these interest rate swaps were terminated and the fair market value of these swaps was transferred into the New Swaps. As a result of the repayment of all borrowings under the Titanium Dioxide facility agreement in March 2013, the Titanium Dioxide Venture terminated the outstanding interest rate swaps, resulting in a payment of €3.0 million ($3.9 million based on exchange rates in effect on the date of transaction). See Note 8, "Long-term Debt" for further details.
The following table provides the fair value and balance sheet location of the Company's derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012:
|
As of December 31, 2012 | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Balance Sheet
Location |
Notional | Fair Value | ||||||
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|||||||
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments: |
|||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $ | 662.9 | 3.0 | |||||
|
Other liabilities | 1.8 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Total derivatives |
$ | 4.8 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
All financial instruments, including derivatives, are subject to counterparty credit risk which is considered as part of the overall fair value measurement. Counterparty credit risk is mitigated by entering into derivative contracts with only major financial institutions of investment grade quality and by limiting the amount of exposure to each financial institution. The Company has considered credit adjustments in its determination of the fair value of its derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, based on market participant assumptions. In addition, based on the credit evaluation of each counter-party institution as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company believes the carrying values to be fully realizable. No counterparty has experienced a significant downgrade in 2013 or 2012 and the combined financial statements would not be materially impacted if any counterparties failed to perform according to the terms of its agreement. Under the terms of the agreements, posting of collateral is not required by any party whether derivatives are in an asset or liability position.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Continued)
The following table provides the gains and losses reported in the combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
The Company follows a fair value measurement hierarchy to measure assets and liabilities. The Company did not have any liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2012, the liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are derivatives. In addition, the Company measures its pension plan assets at fair value (see Note 12, "Employee Benefit Plans," for further details). The Company's financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1 | Inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. | |
Level 2 |
|
Inputs are directly or indirectly observable, which include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. The fair values of derivatives are based on quoted market prices from various banks for similar instruments. The valuation of these instruments reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including forward curves. |
Level 3 |
|
Inputs are unobservable inputs that are used to measure fair value to the extent observable inputs are not available. The Company does not have any recurring financial assets or liabilities that are recorded on its combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 that are classified as Level 3 inputs. |
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Continued)
In accordance with the fair value hierarchy, the following table provides the fair value of the Company's recurring financial liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value as of December 31, 2012:
|
As of
December 31, 2012 |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total | Level 2 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Liabilities |
|||||||
Interest rate swaps |
$ | 4.8 | $ | 4.8 | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities at fair value |
$ | 4.8 | $ | 4.8 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Note Receivable
The Company has a non-interest bearing note receivable from its former Titanium Dioxide Venture partner in the amount of $29.4 million that is due in August 2028 with a carrying value of $7.4 million and $6.5 million in the combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair value of the note receivable is approximately $13.6 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is determined based on an internally developed valuation that uses current interest rates in developing a present value of the receivable.
Debt
As of December 31, 2012, the carrying value of the Company's term loans under the Titanium Dioxide Venture facility agreement approximated fair value as they bore interest based on prevailing variable market rates available. As a result, the Company categorized these term loans as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. In March 2013, the Company repaid all borrowings under the Titanium Dioxide facility agreement. See Note 8, "Long-term Debt" for further details.
5. INVENTORIES:
Inventories are comprised of the following:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Raw materials |
$ | 142.0 | $ | 168.2 | |||
Work-in-progress |
26.1 | 27.6 | |||||
Finished goods |
249.1 | 290.7 | |||||
Packaging materials |
3.2 | 3.5 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 420.4 | $ | 490.0 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-103
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, net is comprised of the following:
|
As of December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Land |
$ | 52.9 | $ | 52.2 | |||
Buildings and improvements, including land improvements |
297.1 | 271.6 | |||||
Machinery and equipment |
1,042.7 | 954.5 | |||||
Furniture and fixtures |
53.2 | 48.3 | |||||
Construction-in-progress |
125.3 | 60.3 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
1,571.2 | 1,386.9 | |||||
Less accumulated depreciation |
(807.6 | ) | (686.2 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
$ | 763.6 | $ | 700.7 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Depreciation expense of property, plant and equipment was $98.2 million and $96.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET:
|
As of December 31, 2013 | As of December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gross
Carrying Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net |
Gross
Carrying Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net | |||||||||||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Patents and other intellectual property |
$ | 160.1 | $ | (75.9 | ) | $ | 84.2 | $ | 154.7 | $ | (63.9 | ) | $ | 90.8 | |||||
Trade names and trademarks |
39.6 | (14.0 | ) | 25.6 | 38.1 | (11.7 | ) | 26.4 | |||||||||||
Customer relationships |
125.9 | (62.1 | ) | 63.8 | 121.9 | (52.3 | ) | 69.6 | |||||||||||
Supply agreements |
48.2 | (25.4 | ) | 22.8 | 47.2 | (20.9 | ) | 26.3 | |||||||||||
Other |
16.9 | (12.7 | ) | 4.2 | 13.3 | (10.1 | ) | 3.2 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 390.7 | $ | (190.1 | ) | $ | 200.6 | $ | 375.2 | $ | (158.9 | ) | $ | 216.3 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of other intangible assets was $25.8 million and $25.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:
|
Amortization
Expense |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
|||
Year ending |
||||
2014 |
$ | 26.3 | ||
2015 |
25.8 | |||
2016 |
24.2 | |||
2017 |
23.0 | |||
2018 |
21.9 |
F-104
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET: (Continued)
Goodwill The Company does not have any goodwill recorded as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, as it recorded a full impairment charge of $642.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.
8. LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ and € in
millions) |
||||||
TiO 2 Venture term loans: |
|||||||
Facility A (€190.0) |
$ | | $ | 250.7 | |||
Facility B (€200.0) |
| 263.8 | |||||
Capitalized lease obligations |
3.1 | 3.9 | |||||
Other loans |
5.4 | 16.5 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
8.5 | 534.9 | |||||
Less current maturities |
(3.2 | ) | (516.2 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total long-term debt |
$ | 5.3 | $ | 18.7 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
|
($ in millions) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 |
$ | 3.2 | ||
2015 |
1.1 | |||
2016 |
1.0 | |||
2017 |
0.4 | |||
2018 |
0.2 | |||
Thereafter |
2.6 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
$ | 8.5 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Titanium Dioxide Venture term loans and revolving credit facility
In June 2012, the Company's Titanium Dioxide Venture, Sachtleben GmbH, entered into a new facility agreement, consisting of €190.0 million of term loan A, €200.0 million of term loan B and a €30.0 million revolving credit facility. The Titanium Dioxide Venture used the proceeds to retire existing term loans (€195.0 million$244.1 million based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of payment), pay a dividend to the venture partners (€88.8 million$112.3 million based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of payment, of which $68.5 million was paid to Rockwood and $43.8 million was paid to Kemira) and to acquire certain business assets, including production assets and inventory, of crenox GmbH. The Company recorded a charge of $2.8 million in 2012 comprised of fees incurred of $2.5 million and the write-off of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million in connection with the refinancing of the Titanium Dioxide Venture facility agreement.
F-105
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. LONG-TERM DEBT: (Continued)
As of December 31, 2012, the availability under the revolving credit facility was €4.5 million ($6.0 million) after an outstanding bank guarantee of €25.5 million ($33.6 million) related to a Titanium Dioxide Pigments defined benefit pension obligation in Finland.
As of December 31, 2012, the interest rate on term loan A and the revolving credit facility was Euribor plus 3.25% and the interest rate on term loan B was Euribor plus 3.50%, both subject to an adjustment determined by reference to a leverage ratio test. Term loan A was payable in semi-annual installments over its five-year term. Term loan B and the revolving credit facility had a maturity of five years. The term loan and revolving credit facility may be repaid in advance without penalty.
The loans were secured by the assets of the Titanium Dioxide Venture. The revolving credit facility agreement contained affirmative and restrictive covenants and also required the Titanium Dioxide Venture to meet certain financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with the above covenants as of December 31, 2012.
In March 2013, the Company prepaid all of its outstanding borrowings under its Titanium Dioxide Pigments facility agreement using cash on hand and contributions from Rockwood. The aggregate amount prepaid was €394.5 million ($512.4 million), consisting of €190.0 million ($246.8 million) of term loan A, €200.0 million ($259.8 million) of term loan B and a €4.5 million ($5.8 million) revolving credit facility. The U.S. dollar amounts above were all based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of payment. In connection with this prepayment, the Company recorded a charge of $17.2 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs. In addition, as a result of the prepayment, Rockwood has an outstanding bank guarantee of €25.5 million ($33.6 million) related to a Titanium Dioxide Pigments defined benefit pension obligation in Finland that was previously secured by the Titanium Dioxide Pigments facility agreement.
Other loans
The Company has Euro-denominated loan facilities that provide aggregate outstanding borrowings of approximately €2.3 million ($3.2 million) and €10.9 million ($14.4 million) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, these loans mature in 2019 and bear annual interest rates ranging up to 5.00%. In addition, the Company has a loan facility denominated in Chinese Renminbi providing for borrowings of an aggregate U.S. dollar equivalent amount of $2.2 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This loan matures in 2015 and bears an annual interest rate of 3.00%.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rate for the Company was 4.96% and 4.13%, respectively, excluding deferred financing costs.
F-106
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. INCOME TAXES:
During the periods presented, the Company's U.S. legal entities did not file separate U.S. federal tax returns, as their operating results were included in the Rockwood consolidated U.S. federal tax return with other Rockwood entities. The Company does file separate foreign and state income tax returns for its legal entities except in one jurisdiction and two states where they are required to be included in a tax grouping of other Rockwood entities. The income tax provisions included in these combined financial statements were calculated using the separate return basis, as if the Company was a separate taxpayer. With the exception of certain dedicated entities, the Company did not maintain taxes payable to/from its parent and is deemed to settle the annual current tax balances immediately with the legal tax-paying entities in the respective jurisdictions. These settlements are reflected as changes in "Parent Company Investment" within equity in the combined balance sheets.
(Loss) income before income taxes is as follows:
|
Year Ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
United States |
$ | (4.2 | ) | $ | (10.6 | ) | |
Foreign |
(61.7 | ) | 50.1 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | (65.9 | ) | $ | 39.5 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The (benefit) provision for taxes on income (loss) consisted of the following:
|
Year Ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Current income tax expense: |
|||||||
Federal |
$ | 0.2 | $ | 0.5 | |||
State |
0.6 | 0.5 | |||||
Foreign |
3.6 | 21.8 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
4.4 | 22.8 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Deferred income tax expense: |
|||||||
Federal |
0.1 | | |||||
State |
0.6 | | |||||
Foreign |
(16.7 | ) | (11.1 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
|
(16.0 | ) | (11.1 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total (benefit) provision for taxes |
$ | (11.6 | ) | $ | 11.7 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Changes in tax rates impact the tax (benefit) provision in the year a rate change is enacted.
Deferred income taxes are provided for the effects of temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for income tax purposes. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on a jurisdictional basis by
F-107
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. INCOME TAXES: (Continued)
applying the enacted relevant tax rate in the year in which the temporary difference is expected to reverse.
The tax effects of the major items recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Current deferred income tax assets, net: |
|||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
$ | 0.4 | $ | | |||
Restructuring |
0.7 | 1.1 | |||||
Derivative instruments |
(0.3 | ) | 0.7 | ||||
Other current reserves and accruals |
2.4 | 1.5 | |||||
Valuation allowance |
(1.5 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total current deferred income tax assets, net |
1.7 | 3.2 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets: |
|||||||
Investment basis difference |
50.7 | 50.8 | |||||
Pension and postretirement benefits |
39.0 | 48.7 | |||||
Tax loss carryforwards and credits |
64.4 | 41.2 | |||||
Other noncurrent reserves and accruals |
5.5 | 4.3 | |||||
Foreign exchange on debt |
0.1 | 0.1 | |||||
Derivative instruments |
| 0.7 | |||||
Other |
1.9 | 2.2 | |||||
Valuation allowance |
(49.1 | ) | (43.7 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total noncurrent deferred income tax assets |
112.5 | 104.3 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities: |
|||||||
Goodwill and other intangibles |
(23.2 | ) | (22.7 | ) | |||
Property, plant and equipment |
(38.2 | ) | (39.1 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities |
(61.4 | ) | (61.8 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net deferred income tax asset |
$ | 52.8 | $ | 45.7 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-108
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. INCOME TAXES: (Continued)
Reconciliations of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate are as follows:
|
Year Ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Federal statutory rate |
35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | |||
State taxes, net of federal effect |
0.8 | (1.0 | ) | ||||
Foreign/U.S. tax differential |
(14.5 | ) | (16.7 | ) | |||
Increase in valuation allowance |
(8.6 | ) | 8.9 | ||||
Noncontrolling interest |
1.2 | (0.7 | ) | ||||
Other |
3.7 | 4.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Effective tax rate |
17.6 | % | 29.6 | % | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The 2013 effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a beneficial foreign earnings mix of (14.5)% primarily in Finland, Germany and the U.K., as well as an increase in the valuation allowance of (8.6)% on a loss before taxes, primarily in the U.S.
The 2012 effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a beneficial foreign earnings mix of (16.7)% primarily in Finland, Germany and the U.K., partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance of 8.9%, primarily in the U.S.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company has domestic and foreign corporate tax loss carryforwards (excluding state and local amounts) of approximately $149.5 million, of which $23.6 million expire through 2017, $41.5 million expire through 2033 and $84.4 million which have no current expiration date. The Company has $8.4 million of federal capital loss carryforwards which expire in 2014. Additionally, the Company has U.S. state and local tax loss carryforwards of $101.7 million, of which $1.4 million expire through 2018, $4.8 million expire through 2028 and $95.5 million expiring in years through 2033. The state capital loss carryforwards of $8.4 million expire in 2014. As a result of preparing the tax provision as if the carve-out group is a separate taxpayer, certain deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards that were recorded on the carve-out balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2013 were already used by other members of the Rockwood group to reduce taxes payable in those years. As a consequence, the net operating loss carryforwards are not tax attributes that would carryforward to an acquirer of the carve-out group. The acquirer of the carve-out group will also not receive any of the domestic or German net operating loss carryforwards as these amounts will be retained by the seller.
The worldwide valuation allowance increased by $6.9 million to $50.6 million at December 31, 2013. The valuation allowance as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was attributable to deferred tax assets related to certain items, such as tax loss carryforwards in China, federal and certain states in the United States for which it was more likely than not that the related tax benefits would not be realized.
F-109
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. INCOME TAXES: (Continued)
A table reflecting the activity in the valuation allowance is as follows:
|
Year Ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Balance, January 1 |
$ | 43.8 | $ | 39.9 | |||
Increase as reflected in income tax expense |
7.6 | 3.6 | |||||
Other |
(0.8 | ) | 0.3 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31 |
$ | 50.6 | $ | 43.8 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Deferred taxes are not provided on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries as such amounts are considered to be permanently invested.
The Company records liabilities for potential tax assessments upon tax authority audit of its returns in various tax jurisdictions. The liabilities relate to tax return positions which, although supportable by the Company, may be challenged by the tax authorities. The Company adjusts these liabilities as a result of changes in tax legislation, interpretations of laws by Courts, rulings by tax authorities, changes in estimates and the closing of the statute of limitations. The Company's effective tax rate in any given year includes the impact of any changes to these liabilities. Favorable resolution of an issue would generally be recognized as a reduction to the Company's annual effective tax rate.
The Company has classified uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities (other liabilities) unless expected to be paid within one year. As of December 31, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $4.4 million. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, which excludes interest and penalties, is as follows:
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 |
$ | 4.0 | $ | 1.4 | |||
Increases in tax positions for prior years |
0.4 | 2.9 | |||||
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities |
| (0.2 | ) | ||||
Lapse in statute of limitations |
| (0.1 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 |
$ | 4.4 | $ | 4.0 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company had accrued liabilities of $0.5 million and $0.6 million for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
In accordance with the Company's policy, where tax losses can be carried back or forward to offset liabilities for uncertain tax benefits, deferred tax assets associated with such tax losses are netted against liabilities for such uncertain tax benefits. This policy results in a $0.5 million and $0.5 million reduction in both liabilities and deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company has unrecognized tax benefits, net of deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses, of $3.9 million and $3.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
F-110
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. INCOME TAXES: (Continued)
The unrecognized tax benefits of $3.9 million and $3.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, would, if recognized, benefit the effective tax rate.
The Company is currently under audit in certain jurisdictions and during the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that resolution of these audits could result in no change. Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty.
The Company would be subject to taxation in the U.S., various states, and foreign jurisdictions. The Company's tax filings in its major jurisdictions are open to investigation by tax authorities; in the U.S. from 2010, in the U.K. from 2012 and in Germany from 2008.
10. OPERATING LEASE OBLIGATIONS:
The following is a schedule of minimum future rentals under the terms of noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2013:
|
($ in millions) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Years ended December 31: |
||||
2014 |
$ | 3.4 | ||
2015 |
2.8 | |||
2016 |
1.6 | |||
2017 |
1.1 | |||
2018 |
0.4 | |||
Thereafter |
0.1 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
$ | 9.4 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Rent expense under all operating leases was $15.8 million and $10.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Rent escalations and other lease concessions are reflected on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. Minimum future rentals include the effect of any index or rate that was applicable at lease inception.
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
Rockwood sponsors stock-incentive plans in which certain employees of the Company participate. As the stock-based compensation plans are Rockwood plans, amounts have been recognized through Parent company equity on the combined balance sheets. In April 2009, Rockwood adopted the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"; together with the previous plans, the "Plans"), which has 11,000,000 authorized shares. All equity awards granted after this date are being awarded under the Plan.
The aggregate compensation cost for stock options and restricted stock units, as discussed below, was $2.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The stock-based compensation expense relates to the fair value of awards associated with employees of the Company.
F-111
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: (Continued)
Restricted Stock Units In December 2012, Rockwood awarded market-based and performance-based restricted stock units to its management and key employees as long as the employee continues to be employed by the Company on the vesting date and upon the achievement of certain performance targets approved by Rockwood's Compensation Committee. The terms of the awards are as follows:
Award Date
|
Number of
Awards |
Vesting Date | Market Performance Period (a) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 2012 |
63,071 | January 1, 2016 | January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 |
There were no restricted stock units awarded to employees of the Company in 2013.
For each award date, the market-based restricted stock units vest based on the percentage change in the price of the Company's stock over the market performance period and the performance-based restricted stock units vest based upon the Company's total shareholder return as compared to the total shareholder return for the DOW Jones U.S. Chemical Index over the market performance period.
The Company specified a "target amount" of market-based restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units, whereby if the specified performance target is met, shares of the Company's common stock would be awarded upon vesting of these units. However, these awards provide the employee with the possibility of earning from 0% to 150% of the targeted amounts granted based upon performance.
The Company began recognizing compensation expense for the restricted stock units awarded in December 2012 in January of 2013 because the performance targets that formed the basis for vesting of these awards were not available as of December 31, 2012. The fair value of these market-based restricted stock units was estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo simulation model as they are tied to market conditions. The model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying each market condition stipulated in the grant and calculates the fair value for the awards.
The fair value of market-based restricted stock units awarded in the year ended December 31, 2012 used the assumptions noted in the following table:
|
2012 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Expected volatility |
43 | % | ||
Risk-free rate |
0.4 | % |
The compensation cost related to restricted stock units of the Company caused income from continuing operations before taxes to decrease by $2.1 million for both the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The total tax benefit recognized related to restricted stock was $0.7 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of the restricted shares granted in 2012 was $50.12 per stock unit. The total fair value of shares vested during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $1.9 million. As of December 31, 2013, there was $2.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years. The total tax benefit realized from restricted stock units vesting was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. No restricted stock units vested in 2013.
F-112
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: (Continued)
A summary of the status of nonvested restricted stock units granted to employees of the Company pursuant to the Plan at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:
|
Shares |
Weighted Average
Fair Value |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
('000)
|
||||||
Nonvested at December 31, 2012 |
154 | $ | 50.42 | ||||
Cancelled |
(10 | ) | 50.45 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Nonvested at December 31, 2013 |
144 | $ | 50.42 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Stock Options Stock options granted to employees under the Plans shall have an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company did not grant any stock options to employees in 2013 and 2012.
Stock options granted in 2004 or prior years have a life of ten years from the date of grant and are fully vested. Stock options granted after 2004 typically have a life of seven years and vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of December 31 of the year granted.
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $4.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises during 2013 and 2012 was $2.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The total tax benefit realized from options exercised was $1.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
A summary of the status of the Company's options granted pursuant to the Plan at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:
|
Options |
Weighted Average
Exercise Price |
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual Term |
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
('000)
|
|
(years)
|
($ in millions)
|
|||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2012 |
171 | $ | 20.84 | ||||||||||
Exercised |
(113 | ) | 20.18 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 |
58 | $ | 22.13 | 1.7 | $ | 2.9 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
All outstanding options are fully vested as of December 31, 2012.
F-113
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
The Company maintains various defined benefit pension plans, which cover certain employees in the U.S., Germany, Finland and other countries. In Germany, plan obligations include the provision of postretirement benefits covering private health insurance premiums. One U.S. subsidiary provides certain retirees with healthcare and life insurance.
Funding requirements and investment policies for the Company's various defined benefit plans are governed by local statutes and fiduciary standards outlined below.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: (Continued)
The following tables summarize the benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of the pension plans, along with the amounts recognized in the combined balance sheets and the weighted average assumptions used.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: (Continued)
|
U.S. Plans |
Non-U.S.
Plans |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||||||||
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31: |
|||||||||||||
Discount rate |
3.67 | % | 4.17 | % | 3.25 | % | 4.49 | % | |||||
Expected return on plan assets(a) |
5.75 | % | 6.50 | % | 5.36 | % | 6.18 | % | |||||
Rate of compensation increase |
N/A | N/A | 3.03 | % | 3.05 | % | |||||||
Components of net pension benefit costs: |
|||||||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 0.3 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 6.2 | $ | 5.0 | |||||
Interest cost |
0.3 | 0.3 | 10.1 | 11.8 | |||||||||
Expected return on assets |
(0.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (5.3 | ) | (6.3 | ) | |||||
Net amortization of actuarial losses |
0.5 | 0.5 | 8.6 | 2.0 | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost |
0.2 | 0.2 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total pension cost |
$ | 1.0 | $ | 0.9 | $ | 19.6 | $ | 12.5 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
|
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
2014 |
$ | 0.3 | $ | 16.1 | |||
2015 |
0.5 | 15.7 | |||||
2016 |
0.5 | 16.5 | |||||
2017 |
0.5 | 16.7 | |||||
2018 |
0.5 | 17.0 | |||||
Years 2019 - 2023 |
2.6 | 86.9 | |||||
Expected employer contributions to plan assets: |
|||||||
2014 |
$ | 0.4 | $ | 1.3 |
Recognition of actuarial losses In 2014, the Company expects to recognize $4.3 million of previously unrecognized actuarial losses.
Other postretirement benefits The Company had liabilities of $2.7 million and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to other postretirement benefit plans reported as "Pension and Related Liabilities" in the combined balance sheets. Related plan expenses were $0.2 million and $0.1 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: (Continued)
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Substantially all of the Company's defined benefit plans all had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets The Company's defined benefit plans all had projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.
Contributions During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company made contributions of approximately $1.7 million to its defined benefit pension trusts and an additional $3.6 million in benefit payments directly to plan participants. For 2014, the Company expects to make payments of approximately $1.7 million as contributions to pension trusts plus benefit payments directly to plan participants of approximately $4.0 million.
Investment policies and strategies The Company's plans have varying statutory and plan governance requirements. For example, U.S. plan investments are generally limited to mutual funds. Although the Company has representatives of local management involved in the governance of all plans, some plans or statutes also have representation by workers, employee unions, and/or corporate-level executives.
Plans in Finland and the U.S. represent approximately 90% of total plan assets. In these countries, the general investment objectives are to maximize the expected return on the plans' assets without unduly prejudicing the security of the members' accrued benefits and with sufficient liquidity to meet current plan cash flow requirements. As each plan is locally governed, asset allocations may vary between plans. Most plans do not have fixed targets but vary their investment allocations based on plan trustees' consultation with professional investment advisors as to whether these allocations remain appropriate in light of relative investment performance and risk and/or actuarial changes related to plan participants. The following table presents the weighted-average of the plans' targeted investment allocations in 2013 as well as the actual weighted-average investment allocations as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
|
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Target | 2013 | 2012 | Target | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
5 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | 8 | % | 12 | % | 1 | % | |||||||
Equity securities |
40 | 49 | 45 | 11 | 14 | 34 | |||||||||||||
Fixed income |
55 | 50 | 54 | 67 | 61 | 55 | |||||||||||||
Insurance contracts, real estate and other |
| | | 14 | 13 | 10 |
The following table presents the Company's plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. See Note 4, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for descriptions of the Company's fair value hierarchy levels. The Company does not have any employee benefit plan assets that are classified as Level 3 inputs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: (Continued)
Company has not been informed by its investment managers of any changes in valuation techniques or inputs during the periods presented.
|
Fair Value Measurements | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
As of December 31, 2013 | As of December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||
|
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | |||||||||||||
|
(in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 14.7 | $ | 13.3 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 2.6 | $ | 2.5 | $ | 0.1 | |||||||
Equity securities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Domestic large-cap growth(a)(b) |
2.7 | | 2.7 | 4.1 | | 4.1 | |||||||||||||
International large-cap growth(a) |
3.5 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 0.4 | 3.5 | |||||||||||||
Other equity funds |
13.8 | 2.6 | 11.2 | 15.3 | 2.0 | 13.3 | |||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Domestic government bonds(a)(b) |
3.6 | | 3.6 | 3.8 | | 3.8 | |||||||||||||
International government bonds(a) |
5.7 | | 5.7 | 3.6 | | 3.6 | |||||||||||||
Corporate bonds(a) |
44.4 | | 44.4 | 50.5 | | 50.5 | |||||||||||||
Plan sponsor |
| | | 10.1 | | 10.1 | |||||||||||||
Other bond funds |
3.9 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||
Other |
19.0 | | 19.0 | 14.5 | | 14.5 | |||||||||||||
Other investments: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Insurance contracts |
0.7 | | 0.7 | 0.5 | | 0.5 | |||||||||||||
Real estate investment funds |
10.0 | | 10.0 | 9.8 | | 9.8 | |||||||||||||
Other |
5.8 | | 5.8 | 5.0 | | 5.0 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 127.8 | $ | 19.4 | $ | 108.4 | $ | 127.7 | $ | 7.9 | $ | 119.8 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Level 1
Direct investments in publicly traded equity and debt securities are valued at quoted market prices. Similarly, mutual funds are public investment vehicles valued at quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value ("NAV") of the shares held.
Level 2
Most of the Company's Level 2 investments are funds valued at NAV provided by investment managers. Investments that do not meet the criteria for Level 1, but are redeemable at NAV within 90 days of the measurement date are classified as Level 2. Investments with longer time horizons for redemption are evaluated individually based on specific facts and circumstances with the rebuttable presumption that such investments should be classified as Level 3.
F-118
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: (Continued)
Direct investments in corporate and government bonds that are not actively traded are based on institutional bid evaluations using proprietary models that are derived from observable inputs. Commingled and proprietary funds are valued at unit or net asset values provided by investment managers, which are based on the fair value of the underlying investments utilizing public information, independent external valuation from third-party services, third-party advisors, or standard bond or other investment valuation models. Insurance contracts are valued as reported by the issuer, typically either using cash surrender value, and the amount a plan would receive if a contract was cashed out at year end, or based on the present value of the expected future cash flows. Participations in real estate funds are valued at net asset value as determined by the fund manager using directly and indirectly observable inputs including comparable asset values and lease-rental cash flows. The plan sponsor loan is valued at its principal amount, consistent with its valuation in the Company's combined financial statements.
Other Retirement Benefit Plans
Savings Plans The Company sponsors various defined contribution plans for certain employees. Contributions under the plans are based on specified percentages of employee compensation. In aggregate, the Company's contributions to these plans were $3.4 million and $3.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Multiemployer Plans During 2013 and 2012, the Company participated in three multiemployer plans. Two of these plans were located in Germany and one in the U.S. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
The Company's contribution to these plans is outlined in the table below:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pension Fund
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
Pensionskasse Dynamit Nobel Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit, Troisdorf ("DN Pensionskasse") |
$ | 2.2 | $ | 2.2 | |||
Bayer-Pensionskasse Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit, Leverkusen ("Bayer Pensionskasse") |
1.7 | 0.8 | |||||
U.S. Plans |
0.1 | 0.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 4.0 | $ | 3.1 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: (Continued)
DN Pensionskasse
The Company's contributions to the DN Pensionskasse represented approximately 55% of the Company's total multiemployer contributions in 2013 (see table above) and represented approximately 15% of the total contributions received by the DN Pensionskasse in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (other Rockwood affiliates represented approximately 20% of the total contributions received by the DN Pensionskasse).
The DN Pensionskasse provides monthly payments in the case of disability, death or retirement. Additional information of the DN Pensionskasse is available in the public domain. Some participants in the plan are subject to collective bargaining arrangements, which have no fixed expiration date. The contribution and benefit levels are neither negotiated nor significantly influenced by these collective bargaining arrangements nor are benefit levels generally subject to reduction.
The DN Pensionskasse rules require that contributions are set by its Board to comply with the applicable German insurance law. This law requires that such plans be fully funded at all times. The DN Pensionskasse was fully funded as of December 31, 2012, the date the most recent information is publicly available. This funding level would correspond to the highest funding zone status (at least 80% funded) under U.S. pension regulation.
The DN Pensionskasse plan is subject to a financial improvement plan ("FIP") which expires in at the end of 2014. The FIP calls for increased capital reserves to avoid future underfunding risk. In 2012, the Company's contribution included a one-time payment of €0.1 million ($0.1 million) to ensure that the solvency requirements agreed upon in the FIP were met at the end of year end. In 2013, Rockwood provided a guarantee of €4.7 million ($6.5 million) to meet these solvency requirements based on a December 31, 2013 measurement date.
The majority of the Company's contributions are tied to employees' contributions, which are generally calculated as a percentage of base compensation, up to a certain statutory ceiling. Until the end of 2014 (end of the FIP), the Company will pay at least three times the employees' contributions for longer-term employees. However, for employees starting after December 1, 2007, the Company's contributions equal the employee contributions.
Since the plan liabilities need to be fully funded at all times according to local funding requirements, it is unlikely that the DN Pensionskasse plan will fail to fulfill its obligations, however, in such an event, the Company is liable for the benefits of its employees who participate in the plan.
Bayer Pensionskasse
The Company's contributions to the Bayer Pensionskasse represented approximately 43% of the Company's total multiemployer contributions in 2013 (see table above). In 2012, the Company only participated in this plan from July to December 2012 as a result of an acquisition.
The Bayer Pensionskasse provides monthly payments in the case of disability, death or retirement. Additional information of the Bayer Pensionskasse is available in the public domain. As of the date of the most recent publically available information, December 31, 2012, the Bayer Pensionskasse was more than 80% funded. The Bayer Pensionskasse plan is not subject to a financial improvement plan and no surcharge has been imposed.
F-120
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: (Continued)
Company contributions are tied to employees' contributions, which are generally calculated as a percentage of base compensation, up to a certain statutory ceiling. Currently, the Company pays at four times the employees' contributions, but the contribution level can increase or decrease in the future.
Since the plan is under strict supervision from the German authorities, it is unlikely that the Bayer Pensionskasse plan will fail to fulfill its obligations, however, in such an event, the Company is liable for the benefits of its employees who participate in the plan.
13. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SEVERANCE COSTS:
The Company records restructuring liabilities that represent charges incurred in connection with consolidations and cessations of certain of its operations, including operations from acquisitions, as well as headcount reduction programs. These charges consist primarily of severance and facility/entity closure costs. Severance charges are based on various factors including the employee's length of service, contract provisions, salary levels and local governmental legislation. At the time a related charge is recorded, the Company calculates its best estimate based upon detailed analysis. Although significant changes are not expected, actual costs may differ from these estimates.
The following table provides the restructuring and other severance costs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Severance/Relocation |
$ | 1.0 | $ | 4.5 | |||
Facility closure and other |
0.9 | 1.6 | |||||
Asset write-downs |
| 0.6 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Restructuring charge |
1.9 | 6.7 | |||||
Other severance costs |
0.3 | 1.2 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2.2 | $ | 7.9 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the restructuring charges primarily relate to severance and facility closure costs in connection with the future consolidation of the Color Pigments and Services business and severance costs in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments business.
All restructuring actions still in progress as of December 31, 2013 are expected to be substantially complete within the next twelve months, except for severance and facility closure costs in connection with the future consolidation of the Color Pigments and Services business. However, payouts of certain liabilities resulting from these actions will take place over several years. There are no
F-121
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SEVERANCE COSTS: (Continued)
significant future costs related to open restructuring plans remaining. Selected information for outstanding liabilities from recent restructuring actions is as follows:
|
Severance/
Relocation |
Facility Closure
and Other |
Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
|||||||||
Liability balance, December 31, 2011 |
$ | 0.7 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 0.8 | ||||
Restructuring charge in 2012 |
4.5 | 2.2 | 6.7 | |||||||
Utilized |
(1.1 | ) | (1.6 | ) | (2.7 | ) | ||||
Other |
(0.5 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (1.1 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liability balance, December 31, 2012 |
3.6 | 0.1 | 3.7 | |||||||
Restructuring charge in 2013 |
1.0 | 0.9 | 1.9 | |||||||
Utilized |
(2.6 | ) | (0.9 | ) | (3.5 | ) | ||||
Other |
(0.2 | ) | 0.3 | 0.1 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liability balance, December 31, 2013 |
$ | 1.8 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 2.2 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
14. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
|
Pension related
adjustments, net of tax(a) |
Foreign currency
translation(b) |
Total accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
|||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 |
$ | (23.5 | ) | $ | 15.1 | $ | (8.4 | ) | ||
Period change |
(23.6 | ) | 5.6 | (18.0 | ) | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
(47.1 | ) | 20.7 | (26.4 | ) | |||||
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications |
24.2 | 47.8 | 72.0 | |||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income |
6.6 | | 6.6 | |||||||
Amounts reclassified from noncontrolling interest to accumulated other comprehensive loss(c) |
(27.4 | ) | | (27.4 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
$ | (43.7 | ) | $ | 68.5 | $ | 24.8 | |||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-122
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): (Continued)
The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income are as follows:
|
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
|
Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||
Pension related adjustments: |
||||
Actuarial losses(a) |
$ | (9.1 | ) | |
Prior service costs(a) |
(0.2 | ) | ||
| | | | |
|
(9.3 | ) | ||
Income tax provision |
2.7 | |||
| | | | |
Total reclassifications for the period |
$ | (6.6 | ) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES:
Legal Proceedings The Company is involved in various legal proceedings, including commercial, intellectual property, product liability, regulatory and environmental matters of a nature considered normal for its business. The Company accrues for amounts related to these matters if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses such matters when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss may have been incurred. However, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any litigation or the potential for future litigation.
Inspector General Subpoena
In February 2010, a subsidiary of the Company received a subpoena from the Inspector General of the Department of Defense ("DOD") seeking information related to a product in the Timber Treatment Chemicals business in the Performance Additives segment. In June 2012, the United States government filed a notice of election indicating that it would not intervene at that time and the court ordered the complaint to be unsealed. The complaint was served on the Company in November 2012 by Osmose, Inc. ("Osmose"), a competitor of our Timber Treatment business, and alleges that our subsidiary misrepresented properties of certain fire retardants in relation to a military specification for such products. In March 2013, Osmose filed an amended complaint. In May 2013, the Company's subsidiary filed a motion to dismiss the action. In January 2014, the United States District Court for the Western District of New York granted the Company's motion and dismissed all claims with prejudice. Osmose did not appeal this matter.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
Other Matters
Although the Company expects to continue to pay legal fees in connection with the above matters, other legal actions, such as chromated copper arsenate, and other product liability matters, such as certain high purity color pigments, based on currently available facts, the Company does not believe that any individual action will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Reserves in connection with known product liability matters equaled $0.5 million as of December 31, 2013. The Company's reserve estimates are based on available facts, including damage claims and input from its internal and external legal counsel, past experience, and, in some instances where defense costs are being paid by its insurer, known or expected insurance recoveries. The Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of any potential incremental charges should facts and circumstances change and may in the future revise its estimates based on new information becoming available. Further, the Company cannot predict the outcome of any litigation or the potential for future litigation.
Indemnity Matters The Company is indemnified by third parties in connection with certain matters related to acquired businesses. Although the Company has no reason to believe that the financial condition of those parties who may have indemnification obligations to the Company is other than sound, in the event the Company seeks indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that any party who may have obligations to indemnify the Company will adhere to their obligations and the Company may have to resort to legal action to enforce its rights under the indemnities. In cases where the Company's indemnification claims to such third parties are uncontested, the Company expects to realize recoveries within the short term.
In the opinion of management, and based upon information currently available, the ultimate resolution of any indemnification obligations owed to the Company or by the Company is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Guarantees The Company's U.S. Entities, along with certain other Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. ("RSGI") U.S. subsidiaries, are guarantors of RSGI's obligation under the terms of the indenture related to the $1.25 billion of 4.625% senior notes due in 2020 ("Notes").
Rockwood and the Company intend to obtain releases from these guarantees in connection with the divestiture of the Company.
Certain of the Company's affiliated U.S. legal entities (the "Company's U.S. Entities") along with certain other U.S. subsidiaries of RSGI were guarantors of the obligations, under RSGI's senior secured credit facility which had outstanding borrowings of $924.2 million as of December 31, 2012. Pursuant to the terms of RSGI's senior secured credit facility, the lenders had a first-priority security interest in substantially all the Company's U.S. Entities' tangible and intangible assets, the book values of which were $245.5 million as of December 31, 2012. In addition, the shares representing substantially all of the capital stock of the Company's U.S. Entities were pledged as collateral for RSGI's indebtedness. However, in September 2013, RSGI prepaid all of its outstanding borrowings under the term loans under the senior secured credit facility and terminated all commitments under the senior secured credit agreement. As a result, all obligations were discharged, including those under the revolving credit commitments.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
The indenture governing the Notes contain various affirmative and restrictive covenants which limit the ability of RSGI and the Company, subject to certain exceptions, to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, make investments and other restricted payments, create liens, sell assets, engage in certain transactions with certain affiliates, and merge or consolidate with other companies or sell substantially all of our assets. In addition, RSGI is subject to further limitations on its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions (limited to $600 million, plus additional amounts subject to satisfying certain leverage ratios).
Safety, Health and Environmental Matters
General
The Company is subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws in the United States, the European Union ("EU") and elsewhere at the international, national, state, and local levels. Many of these laws impose requirements relating to clean up of contamination, and impose liability in the event of damage to human beings, natural resources or property, and provide for substantial fines, injunctions and potential criminal sanctions for violations. Other laws or contractual agreements require post-closure reclamation of landfills, surface mining sites and manufacturing facilities for damage resulting from normal operation of these locations. The products, including the raw materials handled, are also subject to industrial hygiene regulations and investigation. The nature of the Company's operations exposes it to risks of liability for breaches of these laws and regulations as a result of the production, storage, transportation and sale of materials that can cause contamination or personal injury when released into the environment. Environmental laws are subject to change and have tended to become stricter over time. Such changes in environmental laws, or the enactment of new environmental laws, could result in materially increased capital, operating and compliance costs.
Safety, Health and Environmental Management Systems
The Company is committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable safety, health and environmental ("SHE") legal requirements. The Company's subsidiaries have developed policies and management systems that are intended to identify the SHE legal requirements applicable to their operations, enhance compliance with such requirements, ensure the safety of the Company's employees, contractors, community neighbors and customers and minimize the production and emission of wastes and other pollutants. Although SHE legal requirements are constantly changing, these SHE management systems are designed to assist the Company in meeting its compliance goals and minimizing risk.
SHE Capital Expenditures
The Company will incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under SHE laws. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the capital expenditures for SHE matters totaled $7.2 million and $8.9 million, respectively, excluding costs to maintain and repair pollution control equipment. For 2014, the Company estimates capital expenditures for compliance with SHE laws to be at similar levels as 2013; however, because capital expenditures for these matters are subject to changes in existing and new SHE laws, the Company cannot provide assurance that its recent expenditures will be indicative of future amounts required to comply with these laws.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
Regulatory Developments
Greenhouse gases have increasingly become the subject of international, national, state and local attention. On September 22, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") passed its final greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting rule that required certain facilities in the U.S. to record their greenhouse gases beginning January 1, 2010 and begin reporting these measurements on September 30, 2011. Currently, no facilities are required to report under this program. Based upon currently available information, the Company does not believe that this rule will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, further legislation of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide has been proposed in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. Certain European facilities are subject to different carbon emission trading schemes imposed by local governments, e.g. U.K. and Germany. Any such laws may directly and indirectly have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in any quarterly or annual reporting period, such as through higher costs for energy and certain raw materials and additional capital expenditures to comply with such laws.
The Company is also subject to the Homeland Security Agency's regulations, which address chemical plant safety, the Kyoto Protocol, which relates to the emission of greenhouse gases and the European Union Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive, which relates to environmental permitting programs for individual facilities. In addition, legislation was recently introduced in Congress seeking to reform the Toxic Control Substances Act, which among other things, would require manufacturers to develop and submit additional safety data for each chemical it produces, similar to the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals ("REACH") legislation. Based upon currently available information, the Company does not believe that these regulations will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Reserves
Environmental laws have a significant effect on the nature and scope of any clean-up of contamination at current and former operating facilities, the costs of transportation and storage of chemicals and finished products and the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes.
In addition, "Superfund" statutes in the United States as well as statutes in other jurisdictions impose strict, joint and several liability for clean-up costs on the entities that generated waste and/or arranged for its disposal at contaminated third party sites, as well as the past and present owners and operators of contaminated sites. All responsible parties may be required to bear some or all clean-up costs regardless of fault, legality of the original disposal or ownership of the disposal site.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
The following table provides a list of the Company's present and former facilities with environmental contamination or reclamation obligations for which the Company has reserved for at December 31, 2013:
Country
|
Location | (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
China |
Shenzhen | X | ||||||
Finland |
Kipsikorpi | X | ||||||
Germany |
Duisburg | X | X | |||||
|
Hainhausen | X | ||||||
|
Schwarzheide | X | ||||||
|
Uerdingen | X | ||||||
Italy |
Turin | X | ||||||
United Kingdom |
Birtley | X | ||||||
United States |
Beltsville, MD | X | ||||||
|
East St. Louis, IL | X | ||||||
|
Easton, PA | X | ||||||
|
Harrisburg, NC | X | X | |||||
|
Valdosta, GA | X |
The Company is also responsible for environmental matters at some of its former off-site disposal locations owned by third parties. These sites are considered Superfund sites as defined by the EPA or state regulatory authority.
Although the Company cannot provide assurances in this regard, the Company does not believe that these issues will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Nonetheless, the discovery of contamination arising from present or historical industrial operations at some of the Company's or its predecessor's former and present properties and/or at sites where the Company and its predecessor disposed wastes could expose the Company to cleanup obligations and other damages in the future.
The Company has established financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and remediation and closure costs, which are reviewed at least quarterly based on currently available information. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. In the event that the Company establishes a financial reserve in connection with site remediation costs, the Company records a reserve for the estimated cost of the remediation, even though the costs of the remediation will likely be spread out over many years. The Company does not include unasserted claims in its reserves.
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
The Company's liability estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology, indemnities from third parties, past experience and, in some instances, insurance recoveries where the remediation costs are being paid by its insurers, and are generated by several means, including State-mandated schedules, environmental consultants and internal experts, depending on the circumstances. On a combined basis, the Company has accrued $24.5 million and $21.8 million for environmental liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, most of which were classified as other non-current liabilities in the combined balance sheets.
Included in the environmental liabilities are reclamation obligations (see table below). These obligations primarily relate to post-closure reclamation of landfills and manufacturing sites. The following table represents the change in the Company's reclamation obligations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Liability balance, January 1 |
$ | 7.7 | $ | 9.8 | |||
Accretion |
0.5 | 0.3 | |||||
Utilization |
(0.4 | ) | (2.7 | ) | |||
Revisions to estimates |
| 0.2 | |||||
Foreign exchange |
0.3 | 0.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Liability balance, December 31 |
$ | 8.1 | $ | 7.7 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The remaining environmental liabilities ($16.4 million and $14.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively), represent remediation obligations. Of these accruals, $6.6 million and $6.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, represent liabilities discounted using discount rates ranging from 5.5% to 7.0%, with the undiscounted amount of these reserves being $9.7 million for both periods.
The Company's remediation liabilities are payable over periods of up to 30 years. At a number of the sites described above, the extent of contamination has not yet been fully investigated or the final scope of remediation is not yet determinable and could potentially affect the range. The Company estimates that the potential range for such environmental matters as of December 31, 2013 is from $16.4 million to $32.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded charges of $3.0 million to increase its environmental liabilities and made payments of $1.5 million for reclamation and remediation costs, which reduced its environmental liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the recurring cost of managing hazardous substances for ongoing operations is $36.5 million.
The Company believes these accruals are adequate based on currently available information. The Company may incur losses in excess of the amounts accrued; however, based on currently available information, it does not believe the additional amount of potential losses would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given quarterly or annual reporting period. The Company does not believe that any known individual environmental matter would have a material adverse effect on its
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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of any potential incremental charges should facts and circumstances change and may in the future revise its estimates based on new information becoming available.
In the event that manufacturing operations are discontinued at any of the Company's facilities with known contamination, regulatory authorities may impose more stringent requirements on the Company including soil remediation. The Company does not contemplate any such action occurring in the foreseeable future, as these facilities' remaining lives are not known. Given the indeterminate useful life of these facilities and the corresponding indeterminate settlement date of any soil remediation obligations, the Company does not have sufficient information to estimate a range of potential settlement dates for its obligations. Consequently, the Company cannot employ a present value technique to estimate fair value and, accordingly, has not accrued for any environmental-related costs to remediate soil at these facilities.
Commitments
As of December 31, 2013, the Company has unconditional purchase obligations of $1,110.5 million primarily consisting of take-or-pay contracts to purchase goods and energy that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. These purchase obligations are expected to be incurred as follows: $467.7 million in less than one year, $527.5 million in one-three years, $78.5 million in three-five years and $36.9 million after five years.
16. ACQUISITION:
In July 2012, our Titanium Dioxide Venture completed the acquisition of certain business assets, primarily inventory and other production assets, of crenox GmbH, a German titanium dioxide producer based in Krefeld, Germany, from the insolvency administrator for €56 million ($69 million using the rate in effect on the transaction date). The allocation of the purchase price to the identifiable assets acquired was complete as of December 31, 2012.
* * *
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CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
Nine months ended
September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Net sales |
$ | 1,230.2 | $ | 1,237.6 | |||
Cost of products sold |
1,059.2 | 1,133.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
171.0 | 104.5 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
146.3 | 132.1 | |||||
Restructuring and other severance costs |
0.2 | 2.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Operating income (loss) |
24.5 | (29.7 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Other income (expenses), net: |
|||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
2.2 | (6.0 | ) | ||||
Loss on early extinguishment/modification of debt |
| (17.2 | ) | ||||
Other, net |
0.1 | (0.4 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Other income (expenses), net |
2.3 | (23.6 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before taxes |
26.8 | (53.3 | ) | ||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
11.9 | (8.7 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) |
14.9 | (44.6 | ) | ||||
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(2.4 | ) | 0.6 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Parent company equity |
$ | 12.5 | $ | (44.0 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.
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CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars
in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
Nine months
ended September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 14.9 | $ | (44.6 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: |
|||||||
Pension related adjustments |
5.9 | 4.2 | |||||
Foreign currency translation |
(78.1 | ) | 31.5 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income |
(72.2 | ) | 35.7 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss |
(57.3 | ) | (8.9 | ) | |||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest |
(2.4 | ) | (0.9 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Parent company equity |
$ | (59.7 | ) | $ | (9.8 | ) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.
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CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARENT COMPANY EQUITY
(Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Parent Company Equity |
|
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total |
Parent Company
Investment |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Noncontrolling
Interest |
|||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2014 |
$ | 1,223.6 | $ | 1,045.8 | $ | 24.8 | $ | 153.0 | |||||
Dividend distribution to noncontrolling shareholder |
(5.2 | ) | | | (5.2 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
(72.2 | ) | | (72.2 | ) | | |||||||
Net income |
14.9 | 12.5 | | 2.4 | |||||||||
Net transfers from Parent |
140.0 | 140.0 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, September 30, 2014 |
$ | 1,301.1 | $ | 1,198.3 | $ | (47.4 | ) | $ | 150.2 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, January 1, 2013 |
$ | 682.3 | $ | 440.6 | $ | (26.4 | ) | $ | 268.1 | ||||
Dividend distribution to noncontrolling shareholder |
(2.1 | ) | | | (2.1 | ) | |||||||
Purchase of noncontrolling interest |
| 138.5 | (27.4 | ) | (111.1 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |
35.7 | | 34.2 | 1.5 | |||||||||
Net loss |
(44.6 | ) | (44.0 | ) | | (0.6 | ) | ||||||
Net transfers from Parent |
523.8 | 523.8 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, September 30, 2013 |
$ | 1,195.1 | $ | 1,058.9 | $ | (19.6 | ) | $ | 155.8 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.
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Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
Organization The unaudited condensed combined financial statements include the accounts of several of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. ("Rockwood" or "Parent") businesses, comprised of Titanium Dioxide Pigments, Color Pigments and Services, Timber Treatment Chemicals, Rubber/Thermoplastics Compounding and Water Chemistry businesses ("Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other"), as one condensed combined company (the "Company").
In September 2013, Rockwood announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to sell certain of its Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other businesses to Huntsman Corporation. The businesses subject to the purchase and sale agreement constitute substantially all of the Company's assets and liabilities and substantially all of the Company's operations. On October 1, 2014, Rockwood completed the sale of its Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other businesses to Huntsman Corporation. See Note 14, "Subsequent Events," for further details.
Basis of Presentation The unaudited condensed combined financial statements reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as Rockwood was historically managing it, prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim reporting, and have been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Rockwood, principally from statements and records represented in the businesses described above. Under those rules, certain footnotes and other financial information that are normally required for annual financial statements can be condensed or omitted. The Company is responsible for these condensed combined financial statements, which include all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and changes in parent company equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Material subsequent events are evaluated through January 12, 2015, the date the condensed combined financial statements were available to be issued, and disclosed where applicable. These unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjunction with the audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. Revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities can vary during each interim period of the year. Accordingly, the results and trends in these unaudited condensed combined financial statements may not be indicative of the full year results.
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenue and expenses during the periods reported. These estimates include, among other things, assessing the collectability of accounts receivable, the use and recoverability of inventory, the valuation of deferred tax assets, the measurement of the accrual for uncertain tax benefits, impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets, the accrual of environmental and legal reserves, the useful lives of tangible and intangible assets and the measurement of pension obligations, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Such estimates also include the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of allocations of the purchase price of business combinations consummated.
All revenue, assets and liabilities and most expenses reflected in the condensed combined financial statements are directly associated with the Company. In addition, certain general corporate
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Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: (Continued)
overhead expenses have been allocated by Rockwood to the Company. The Company used certain underlying activity drivers as a basis of allocation, including net sales and headcount. Management believes such allocations are reasonable; however, they may not be indicative of the actual results of the Company had the Company been operating as an independent company for the periods presented or the amounts that will be incurred by the Company in the future. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone company for the periods presented would depend on a number of factors, including the Company's chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by the Company's employees and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology systems and infrastructure. Note 2, "Related Party Transactions" provides further information regarding general corporate overhead allocations.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. All significant intercompany transactions between the Company and Rockwood have been included in these condensed combined financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in the condensed combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the condensed combined statements of cash flows as a financing activity and in the condensed combined balance sheet as "Parent company investment."
Rockwood uses a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. The majority of the Company's subsidiaries are party to Rockwood's cash concentration arrangements with four financial institutions to maximize the availability of cash for general operating and investing purposes. Under two of the cash concentration arrangements, cash balances are swept daily from the Company's accounts, whose owners are party to the arrangements into Rockwood's concentration accounts. Cash transfers to and from Rockwood's cash concentration accounts and the resulting balances at the end of each reporting period are reflected in "Parent company investment" in the equity section on the condensed combined balance sheet.
Rockwood's third-party debt, and the related interest expense, has not been allocated to the Company for any of the periods presented as the Company was not the legal obligor of the debt and Rockwood's borrowings were not directly attributable to the Company's business.
The Company's noncontrolling interest represents the total of the noncontrolling party's interest in certain investments (principally the Titanium Dioxide Venture and the Viance joint venture) that are combined but less than 100% owned. See Note 2, "Related Party Transactions," for details regarding Rockwood's acquisition of Kemira's 39% interest in the Titanium Dioxide venture in February 2013.
Unless otherwise noted, all balance sheet items which are denominated in Euros are converted at the September 30, 2014 exchange rate of €1.00 = $1.2631 and December 31, 2013 exchange rate of €1.00 = $1.3743. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the average rate of exchange of the Euro to the U.S. dollar is $1.3557 and $1.3175, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards:
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an
F-136
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: (Continued)
entity's operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples of these include disposals of a major geographic area, a major line of business or a major equity method investment. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations, as well as requiring disclosure of pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This ASU is effective for the Company in its first quarter beginning January 1, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") issued their final standard on revenue from contracts with customers. The standard, issued as an ASU by the FASB and as International Financial Reporting Standards 15 by the IASB, outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for the Company in its first quarter beginning January 1, 2017 and the impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements is still being evaluated.
In June 2014, the FASB issued an ASU that clarified that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. Therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity's satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target is met. This ASU is effective for the Company in its first quarter beginning January 1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Trade Activity
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has engaged in transactions with certain related parties. The Company had sales to Rockwood and its affiliates of $1.5 million and $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Purchases from Rockwood and its affiliates, primarily related to insurance, were $20.7 million and $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company had amounts due from Rockwood and its affiliates of $0.4 million and $1.2 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and amounts due to Rockwood and its affiliates of $0.4 million and $1.5 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Allocation of General Corporate Overhead
These condensed combined statements of operations include expense allocations for certain expenses related to centralized functions historically provided to the Company by Rockwood, including general expenses related to centralized functions such as executive oversight, risk management, information technology, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, internal and external audit and accounting.
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Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS: (Continued)
These allocations are based on specific identification, the percentage of the Company's net sales and headcount to the respective total Rockwood net sales and headcount. These allocations are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in these condensed combined statements of operations and totaled $19.8 million and $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Further discussion of allocations is included in Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and New Accounting Standards."
Parent Company Equity
The majority of the Company's subsidiaries are party to Rockwood's cash concentration arrangements with four financial institutions to maximize the availability of cash for general operating and investing purposes. Under two of the cash concentration arrangements, cash balances are swept daily from the Company's accounts into Rockwood's concentration accounts. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's payable to Rockwood resulting from the cash concentration arrangements was $78.7 million and $65.8 million, respectively. The resulting payable to Rockwood at the end of each reporting period are reflected in "Parent company investment" in the equity section on the condensed combined balance sheet.
In addition to cash concentration arrangements, the net transfers to and from Rockwood were general financing activities, cash transfers for acquisitions, investments and various allocations from Rockwood. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the condensed combined statements of cash flows as a financing activity. Intercompany funding with Rockwood and related interest expense has not been reflected in the condensed combined financial statements and are included as a component of "Parent company investment" in the condensed combined balance sheet.
Titanium Dioxide Venture
On February 15, 2013, Rockwood acquired Kemira's 39% interest in the Titanium Dioxide Venture for a purchase price of €97.5 million ($130.3 million based on the rate in effect on the date of purchase). As a result, Rockwood now owns 100% of the Titanium Dioxide Venture. The acquisition of Kemira's 39% interest is shown as a component of "Parent company investment" in the Company's condensed combined balance sheet.
Viance Joint Venture
In conjunction with the formation of the Viance joint venture between CSI and Dow, Viance entered into certain related party transactions. Viance does not own manufacturing facilities, and as a result, relies on the members of the joint venture to provide substantially all production requirements. In addition, the members sell products to Viance.
3. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:
Titanium Dioxide Venture
The Company formed a Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture with Kemira in September 2008. The Company previously owned 61% of the venture and consolidated it based on the "voting interest"
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
3. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES: (Continued)
model given its majority ownership and ability to control decision making. On February 15, 2013, the Company acquired Kemira's 39% interest in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments venture for a purchase price of €97.5 million ($130.3 million based on the rate in effect on the date of purchase). The increase in ownership was accounted for as an equity transaction. As a result, the Company owns 100% of the Titanium Dioxide Pigments business. In conjunction with this venture, there is a power plant that was previously determined to be a variable interest entity ("VIE"). Subsequent to the purchase of Kemira's 39% interest, the power plant will continue to be a VIE.
Viance Joint Venture
The Viance joint venture provides an extensive range of advanced wood treatment technologies and services to the global wood treatment industry. The Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of Viance and as such has combined the joint venture. This conclusion was made as the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of Viance that could potentially be significant to Viance and/or the right to receive benefits from Viance that could potentially be significant to Viance. In addition, the Company has the power to direct the activities of Viance that most significantly impact Viance's performance, as Viance does not own manufacturing facilities. As a result, Viance primarily relies on the Company to provide product and distribution requirements through a supply agreement.
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no combined assets of the Company were pledged as collateral for any obligations of Viance and the general creditors of Viance had no recourse against the Company. Viance's assets can only be used to settle direct obligations of Viance.
The carrying values of the assets and liabilities of the Viance joint venture included in the condensed combined balance sheet are as follows:
4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Financial instruments include accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt instruments and derivatives. Due to their short term maturity, the carrying amount of receivables and payables approximates fair value. The Company has exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. As a result, certain derivative financial instruments may be used when available on a cost-effective basis to hedge the underlying economic exposure. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in earnings as they occur. Derivative financial instruments are not used for trading purposes.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
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Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Continued)
The Company follows a fair value measurement hierarchy to measure assets and liabilities. The Company did not have any liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. In addition, the Company measures its pension plan assets at fair value (see Note 12, "Employee Benefit Plans," in the Company's audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further details). The Company's financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1 | Inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. | |
Level 2 |
|
Inputs are directly or indirectly observable, which include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. The fair values of derivatives are based on quoted market prices from various banks for similar instruments. The valuation of these instruments reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including forward curves. |
Level 3 |
|
Inputs are unobservable inputs that are used to measure fair value to the extent observable inputs are not available. The Company does not have any recurring financial assets or liabilities that are recorded on its condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 that are classified as Level 3 inputs. |
Interest Rate Swaps Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
As a result of the repayment of all borrowings under the Titanium Dioxide facility agreement in March 2013, the Titanium Dioxide Venture terminated the outstanding interest rate swaps, resulting in a payment of €3.0 million ($3.9 million based on exchange rates in effect on the date of transaction). A gain of $0.9 million related to the interest rate swaps was recognized in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. See Note 4, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," in the Company's audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further details.
Note Receivable
The Company has a non-interest bearing note receivable from its former Titanium Dioxide Venture partner in the amount of $29.4 million that is due in August 2028 with a carrying value of $7.3 million and $7.4 million in other assets in the condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Interest is imputed at an effective rate of 8.96%. The fair value of the note receivable is approximately $13.0 million and $13.6 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is determined based on an internally developed valuation that uses current interest rates in developing a present value of the receivable.
F-140
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
5. INVENTORIES:
Inventories are comprised of the following:
|
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Raw materials |
$ | 144.1 | $ | 142.0 | |||
Work-in-process |
27.2 | 26.1 | |||||
Finished goods |
249.5 | 249.1 | |||||
Packaging materials |
3.3 | 3.2 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 424.1 | $ | 420.4 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET:
|
As of September 30, 2014 | As of December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gross
Carrying Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net |
Gross
Carrying Amount |
Accumulated
Amortization |
Net | |||||||||||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Patents and other intellectual property |
$ | 150.7 | $ | (77.1 | ) | $ | 73.6 | $ | 160.1 | $ | (75.9 | ) | $ | 84.2 | |||||
Trade names and trademarks |
36.5 | (13.9 | ) | 22.6 | 39.6 | (14.0 | ) | 25.6 | |||||||||||
Customer relationships |
118.0 | (63.4 | ) | 54.6 | 125.9 | (62.1 | ) | 63.8 | |||||||||||
Supply agreements |
46.1 | (27.0 | ) | 19.1 | 48.2 | (25.4 | ) | 22.8 | |||||||||||
Other |
18.4 | (16.8 | ) | 1.6 | 16.9 | (12.7 | ) | 4.2 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 369.7 | $ | (198.2 | ) | $ | 171.5 | $ | 390.7 | $ | (190.1 | ) | $ | 200.6 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of other intangible assets was $20.1 million and $19.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Goodwill The Company does not have any goodwill recorded as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as it recorded a full impairment charge of $642.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.
7. LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
|
September 30, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Capitalized lease obligations |
$ | 0.4 | $ | 3.1 | |||
Other loans |
2.9 | 5.4 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
3.3 | 8.5 | |||||
Less current maturities |
(0.2 | ) | (3.2 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total long-term debt |
$ | 3.1 | $ | 5.3 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-141
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
7. LONG-TERM DEBT: (Continued)
For further details of the terms of the Company's long-term debt, see Note 8, "Long-Term Debt," in the Company's audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
8. INCOME TAXES:
During the periods presented, the Company's U.S. legal entities did not file separate U.S. federal tax returns, as their operating results were included in the Rockwood consolidated U.S. federal tax return with other Rockwood entities. The Company does file separate foreign and state income tax returns for its legal entities except in one jurisdiction and two states where they are required to be included in a tax grouping of other Rockwood entities. The income tax provisions included in these condensed combined financial statements were calculated using the separate return basis, as if the Company was a separate taxpayer. With the exception of certain dedicated entities, the Company did not maintain taxes payable to/from its parent and is deemed to settle the annual current tax balances immediately with the legal tax-paying entities in the respective jurisdictions. These settlements are reflected as changes in "Parent Company Investment" within equity in the condensed combined balance sheet.
The effective tax rate was 44.4% and 16.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was higher than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance of 25.8%, primarily in Germany and the U.S., partially offset by a beneficial foreign earnings mix of (16.4)%, primarily in Finland, Germany and the U.K.
The income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a foreign earnings mix of (12.9)% primarily in Finland, Germany and the U.K., as well as an increase in the valuation allowance of (5.8)% on a loss before taxes, primarily in the U.S.
A table reflecting the activity in the valuation allowance is as follows:
|
Allowance
Valuation |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
|||
Balance as of December 31, 2013 |
$ | 50.6 | ||
Increase as reflected in income tax expense |
4.9 | |||
Other |
(0.3 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Balance as of September 30, 2014 |
$ | 55.2 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
The unrecognized tax benefits of $3.8 million and $3.9 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, would, if recognized, benefit the effective tax rate.
The Company is currently under audit in certain jurisdictions and during the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that resolution of these audits could result in no change. Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty.
F-142
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
The aggregate compensation cost for restricted stock units and Board of Director stock grants recorded under the stock-based compensation plans was $1.0 million and $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total tax benefit recognized related to stock awards was $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For further details of the terms of the Company's stock-based compensation plans, see Note 11, "Stock-Based Compensation," in the Company's audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
The following table represents the net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans:
|
Nine months
ended September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Service cost |
$ | 4.1 | $ | 4.9 | |||
Interest cost |
8.4 | 7.7 | |||||
Expected return on assets |
(4.3 | ) | (4.2 | ) | |||
Net amortization of actuarial losses |
3.2 | 7.5 | |||||
Amortization of prior service cost |
0.1 | 0.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total pension cost |
$ | 11.5 | $ | 16.0 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company also sponsors and participates in various defined contribution and multi-employer plans. The expense for the defined contribution plans was $2.8 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The expense for the multi-employer plans was $2.4 million and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
11. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SEVERANCE COSTS:
The Company records restructuring liabilities that represent charges incurred in connection with consolidations and cessations of certain of its operations, including operations from acquisitions, as well as headcount reduction programs. These charges consist primarily of severance and facility/entity closure costs. Severance charges are based on various factors including the employee's length of service, contract provisions, salary levels and local governmental legislation. At the time a related charge is recorded, the Company calculates its best estimate based upon detailed analysis. Although significant changes are not expected, actual costs may differ from these estimates.
F-143
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
11. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SEVERANCE COSTS: (Continued)
The following table provides the restructuring and other severance costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
|
Nine months
ended September 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Severance/Relocation |
$ | | $ | 0.7 | |||
Facility closure and other |
0.2 | 1.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total restructuring charge |
0.2 | 1.8 | |||||
Other severance costs |
| 0.3 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 0.2 | $ | 2.1 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the restructuring charges primarily relate to severance and facility closure costs in connection with the future consolidation of the Color Pigments and Services business and severance costs in the Titanium Dioxide Pigments business.
All restructuring actions still in progress as of September 30, 2014 are expected to be substantially complete within the next twelve months, except for severance and facility closure costs in connection with the future consolidation of the Color Pigments and Services business. However, payouts of certain liabilities resulting from these actions will take place over several years. There are no significant future costs related to open restructuring plans remaining. Selected information for outstanding liabilities from recent restructuring actions is as follows:
|
Severance/
Relocation |
Facility Closure
and Other |
Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
|||||||||
Liability balance, December 31, 2013 |
$ | 1.8 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 2.2 | ||||
Restructuring charge in 2014 |
| 0.2 | 0.2 | |||||||
Utilized |
(0.5 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (0.9 | ) | ||||
Other |
0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liability balance, September 30, 2014 |
$ | 1.4 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 1.7 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-144
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
12. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
|
Pension related
adjustments, net of tax |
Foreign currency
translation |
Total
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
($ in millions)
|
|||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
$ | (43.7 | ) | $ | 68.5 | $ | 24.8 | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications |
3.5 | (78.1 | ) | (74.6 | ) | |||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income |
2.4 | | 2.4 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2014 |
$ | (37.8 | ) | $ | (9.6 | ) | $ | (47.4 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income are as follows:
|
Amounts
Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nine months
ended September 30, |
||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
|
2014 | 2013 | |||||
|
($ in millions)
|
||||||
Pension related adjustments: |
|||||||
Actuarial losses(a) |
$ | 3.2 | $ | 7.5 | |||
Prior service costs(a) |
0.1 | 0.1 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
3.3 | 7.6 | |||||
Income tax provision |
(0.9 | ) | (2.0 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total reclassifications for the period |
$ | 2.4 | $ | 5.6 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
13. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES:
Legal Proceedings The Company is involved in various legal proceedings, including commercial, intellectual property, product liability, regulatory and environmental matters of a nature considered normal for its business. The Company accrues for amounts related to these matters if it is
F-145
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
13. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses such matters when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss may have been incurred. However, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any litigation or the potential for future litigation.
Although the Company expects to continue to pay legal fees in connection with the above matters, other legal actions, such as chromated copper arsenate, and other product liability matters, such as certain high purity color pigments, based on currently available facts, the Company does not believe that any individual action will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Reserves in connection with known product liability matters equaled $0.6 million as of September 30, 2014. The Company's reserve estimates are based on available facts, including damage claims and input from its internal and external legal counsel, past experience, and, in some instances where defense costs are being paid by its insurer, known or expected insurance recoveries. The Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of any potential incremental charges should facts and circumstances change and may in the future revise its estimates based on new information becoming available. Further, the Company cannot predict the outcome of any litigation or the potential for future litigation.
Indemnity Matters The Company is indemnified by third parties in connection with certain matters related to acquired businesses. Although the Company has no reason to believe that the financial condition of those parties who may have indemnification obligations to the Company is other than sound, in the event the Company seeks indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that any party who may have obligations to indemnify the Company will adhere to their obligations and the Company may have to resort to legal action to enforce its rights under the indemnities. In cases where the Company's indemnification claims to such third parties are uncontested, the Company expects to realize recoveries within the short term.
In the opinion of management, and based upon information currently available, the ultimate resolution of any indemnification obligations owed to the Company or by the Company is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Guarantees The Company's U.S. Entities, along with certain other Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc. ("RSGI") U.S. subsidiaries, are guarantors of RSGI's obligation under the terms of the indenture related to the $1.25 billion of 4.625% senior notes due in 2020 ("Notes").
Rockwood and the Company intend to obtain releases from these guarantees in connection with the divestiture of the Company.
The indenture governing the Notes contain various affirmative and restrictive covenants which limit the ability of RSGI and the Company, subject to certain exceptions, to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, make investments and other restricted payments, create liens, sell assets, engage in certain transactions with certain affiliates, and merge or consolidate with other companies or sell substantially all of our assets. In addition, RSGI is subject to further limitations on its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions (limited to $600 million, plus additional amounts subject to satisfying certain leverage ratios).
F-146
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
13. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
Safety, Health and Environmental Matters
For further details of the Company's Safety, Health and Management Systems, SHE Capital Expenditures and Regulatory Developments, see Note 15, "Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees," in the Company's audited combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Environmental Reserves
Environmental laws have a significant effect on the nature and scope of any clean-up of contamination at current and former operating facilities, the costs of transportation and storage of chemicals and finished products and the costs of the storage and disposal of wastes.
In addition, "Superfund" statutes in the United States as well as statutes in other jurisdictions impose strict, joint and several liability for clean-up costs on the entities that generated waste and/or arranged for its disposal at contaminated third party sites, as well as the past and present owners and operators of contaminated sites. All responsible parties may be required to bear some or all clean-up costs regardless of fault, legality of the original disposal or ownership of the disposal site.
The following table provides a list of the Company's present and former facilities with environmental contamination or reclamation obligations for which the Company has reserved for as of September 30, 2014:
Country
|
Location | (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
China |
Shenzhen | X | ||||||
Finland |
Kipsikorpi | X | ||||||
Germany |
Duisburg | X | X | |||||
|
Hainhausen | X | ||||||
|
Schwarzheide | X | ||||||
|
Uerdingen | X | ||||||
Italy |
Turin | X | ||||||
United Kingdom |
Birtley | X | ||||||
United States |
Beltsville, MD | X | ||||||
|
East St. Louis, IL | X | ||||||
|
Easton, PA | X | ||||||
|
Harrisburg, NC | X | X | |||||
|
Valdosta, GA | X |
F-147
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
13. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
The Company is also responsible for environmental matters at some of its former off-site disposal locations owned by third parties. These sites are considered Superfund sites as defined by the EPA or state regulatory authority.
Although the Company cannot provide assurances in this regard, the Company does not believe that these issues will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Nonetheless, the discovery of contamination arising from present or historical industrial operations at some of the Company's or its predecessor's former and present properties and/or at sites where the Company and its predecessor disposed wastes could expose the Company to cleanup obligations and other damages in the future.
The Company has established financial reserves relating to anticipated environmental cleanup obligations, site reclamation and remediation and closure costs, which are reviewed at least quarterly based on currently available information. Liabilities are recorded when potential liabilities are either known or believed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. In the event that the Company establishes a financial reserve in connection with site remediation costs, the Company records a reserve for the estimated cost of the remediation, even though the costs of the remediation will likely be spread out over many years. The Company does not include unasserted claims in its reserves.
The Company's liability estimates are based upon available facts, existing technology, indemnities from third parties, past experience and, in some instances, insurance recoveries where the remediation costs are being paid by its insurers, and are generated by several means, including State-mandated schedules, environmental consultants and internal experts, depending on the circumstances. On a combined basis, the Company has accrued $21.7 million and $24.5 million for environmental liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, most of which were classified as other non-current liabilities in the condensed combined balance sheet. Included in the environmental liabilities are reclamation obligations of $7.1 million and $8.1 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These obligations primarily relate to post-closure reclamation of landfills and manufacturing sites.
The remaining environmental liabilities ($14.6 million and $16.4 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively), represent remediation obligations. The Company estimates that the potential range for such environmental matters (excluding reclamation obligations) as of September 30, 2014 is from $14.6 million to $31.4 million. Of these accruals, $5.6 million and $6.6 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, represent liabilities discounted using discount rates ranging from 5.5% to 7.0%, with the undiscounted amount of these reserves being $8.7 million and $9.7 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
The Company's remediation liabilities are payable over periods of up to 30 years. At a number of the sites described above, the extent of contamination has not yet been fully investigated or the final scope of remediation is not yet determinable and could potentially affect the range. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded charges of $1.1 million to increase its environmental liabilities and made payments of $2.3 million for reclamation and remediation costs, which reduced its environmental liabilities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the recurring cost of managing hazardous substances for ongoing operations is $33.5 million.
F-148
TITANIUM DIOXIDE PIGMENTS AND OTHER BUSINESSES OF
ROCKWOOD HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes To Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
13. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES: (Continued)
The Company believes these accruals are adequate based on currently available information. The Company may incur losses in excess of the amounts accrued; however, based on currently available information, it does not believe the additional amount of potential losses would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition, but may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or cash flows in any given quarterly or annual reporting period. The Company does not believe that any known individual environmental matter would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of any potential incremental charges should facts and circumstances change and may in the future revise its estimates based on new information becoming available.
In the event that manufacturing operations are discontinued at any of the Company's facilities with known contamination, regulatory authorities may impose more stringent requirements on the Company including soil remediation. The Company does not contemplate any such action occurring in the foreseeable future, as these facilities' remaining lives are not known. Given the indeterminate useful life of these facilities and the corresponding indeterminate settlement date of any soil remediation obligations, the Company does not have sufficient information to estimate a range of potential settlement dates for its obligations. Consequently, the Company cannot employ a present value technique to estimate fair value and, accordingly, has not accrued for any environmental-related costs to remediate soil at these facilities.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
On October 1, 2014, Rockwood completed the sale of its Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other businesses to Huntsman Corporation for an enterprise value of $1.275 billion, including the assumption of $225 million in pension obligations and subject to certain post-closing adjustments.
F-149
Through and including , 2017 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the ordinary shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to a dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
Shares
Venator Materials PLC
Ordinary Shares
PROSPECTUS
Citigroup
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
BofA Merrill Lynch
J.P. Morgan
Barclays
Deutsche Bank Securities
UBS Investment Bank
HSBC
Nomura
SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Academy Securities
COMMERZBANK
, 2017
Part II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth an itemized statement of the amounts of all expenses (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions) payable by us in connection with the registration of the ordinary shares offered hereby. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") filing fee, and the NYSE listing fee, the amounts set forth below are estimates.
SEC registration fee |
$ | 11,590 | ||
FINRA filing fee |
15,500 | |||
NYSE listing fee |
* | |||
Accounting fees and expenses |
* | |||
Legal fees and expenses |
* | |||
Printing and engraving expenses |
* | |||
Transfer agent and registrar fees |
* | |||
Miscellaneous |
* | |||
| | | | |
Total |
$ | * | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
We plan to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers to indemnify them to the maximum extent allowed under applicable law. These agreements indemnify these individuals against certain costs, charges, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses incurred by such director or officer in the execution or discharge of his or her duties. These agreements do not indemnify our directors against any liability attaching to such individuals in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company of which he or she is a director, which would be rendered void under the Companies Act 2006. The U.K. specific restrictions apply to directors but not officers.
We intend to maintain liability insurance policies that indemnify our directors and officers against various liabilities, including certain liabilities under arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, that may be incurred by them in their capacity as such.
The proposed form of Underwriting Agreement to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement provides for indemnification of our directors and officers by the underwriters against certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise in connection with this offering.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
We have not sold any securities, registered or otherwise, within the past three years, except for the shares issued to our sole shareholder, Huntsman.
II-1
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Exhibits. See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page hereto, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules. Financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not applicable, not required or included in the financial statements or the notes thereto included in the prospectus that forms a part of this registration statement.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
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 SEC 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 it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus 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.
II-2
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wynyard, U.K., on June 30, 2017.
Venator Materials PLC | ||||
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By: |
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/s/ RUSS STOLLE Russ Stolle Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Date: June 30, 2017 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name
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Title
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Date
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*
Simon Turner |
President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | June 30, 2017 | ||||
/s/ KURT OGDEN Kurt Ogden |
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), and Venator's Authorized Representative in the United States |
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June 30, 2017 |
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/s/ STEPHEN IBBOTSON Stephen Ibbotson |
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Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) |
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June 30, 2017 |
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* Peter R. Huntsman |
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Director |
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June 30, 2017 |
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/s/ SIR ROBERT J. MARGETTS Sir Robert J. Margetts |
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Director |
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June 30, 2017 |
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*By |
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/s/ RUSS STOLLE Russ Stolle Attorney-in-fact |
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June 30, 2017 |
II-3
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
1.1 | * | Form of Underwriting Agreement | |
2.1 | Form of Separation Agreement | ||
3.1 | Articles of Association | ||
3.2 | * | Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Association | |
4.1 | Form of Certificate evidencing Ordinary Shares | ||
4.2 | Form of Registration Rights Agreement | ||
4.3 | * | Form of Indenture for 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 | |
4.4 | * | Form of 5.75% Senior Note due 2025 (included in Exhibit 4.3) | |
5.1 | * | Form of Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. | |
10.1 | ** | Form of Transition Services Agreement | |
10.2 | * | Form of Tax Matters Agreement | |
10.3 | Form of Employee Matters Agreement | ||
10.4 | * | Form of Venator Materials PLC Stock Incentive Plan | |
10.5 | * | Form of Indemnification Agreement | |
10.6 | * | Form of ABL Facility Agreement | |
10.7 | * | Form of Term Loan Credit Agreement | |
21.1 | * | List of Subsidiaries of Venator Materials PLC | |
23.1 | * | Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
23.2 | Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (Venator Materials PLC) | ||
23.3 | Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (Venator (Combined Divisions of Huntsman)) | ||
23.4 | Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other Businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc.) | ||
24.1 | ** | Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page of Registration Statement) | |
24.2 | Powers of Attorney | ||
99.1 | Consent to be Named (Ferrari) | ||
99.2 | Consent to be Named (Anderson) |
II-4
Exhibit 2.1
FORM OF
SEPARATION AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
HUNTSMAN CORPORATION
AND
VENATOR MATERIALS PLC
DATED AS OF [ ], 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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Article I Definitions |
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2 |
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Article II The Separation |
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14 |
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2.1 |
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Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities |
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14 |
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2.2 |
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Venator Assets |
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18 |
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2.3 |
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Venator Liabilities |
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19 |
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2.4 |
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Approvals and Notifications |
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20 |
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2.5 |
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Novation of Venator Liabilities |
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24 |
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2.6 |
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Novation of Huntsman Liabilities |
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24 |
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2.7 |
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Termination of Agreements |
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25 |
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2.8 |
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Treatment of Shared Contracts |
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26 |
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2.9 |
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Bank Accounts; Cash Balances |
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27 |
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2.10 |
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Other Ancillary Agreements |
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28 |
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2.11 |
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Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties |
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28 |
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2.12 |
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Venator Debt Financing |
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29 |
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Article III The IPO AND ACTIONS PENDING THE IPO |
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29 |
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3.1 |
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The IPO |
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29 |
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3.2 |
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Articles of Association |
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30 |
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3.3 |
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Equity-Based Benefits |
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30 |
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Article IV Dispute Resolution |
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30 |
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4.1 |
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General Provisions |
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30 |
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4.2 |
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Consideration by Senior Executives |
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31 |
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4.3 |
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Mediation |
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31 |
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4.4 |
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Arbitration |
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31 |
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4.5 |
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Confidentiality |
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32 |
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Article V Mutual Releases; Indemnification |
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32 |
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5.1 |
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Regardless of Fault |
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32 |
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5.2 |
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Intention of Parties |
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33 |
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5.3 |
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Release of Pre-Closing Claims |
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33 |
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5.4 |
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Indemnification by Venator |
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35 |
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5.5 |
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Indemnification by Huntsman |
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36 |
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5.6 |
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Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds |
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37 |
5.7 |
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Procedures for Indemnification of Third Party Claims |
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38 |
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5.8 |
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Additional Matters |
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40 |
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5.9 |
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Remedies Cumulative |
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41 |
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5.10 |
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Survival of Indemnities |
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42 |
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5.11 |
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Guarantees, Letters of Credit and other Obligations |
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42 |
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5.12 |
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No Impact on Third Parties |
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42 |
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5.13 |
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No Cross-Claims or Third-Party Claims |
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42 |
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5.14 |
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Severability |
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43 |
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5.15 |
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Change of Control |
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43 |
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Article VI Insurance Matters |
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43 |
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6.1 |
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Insurance Matters |
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43 |
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Article VII Exchange of Information; Confidentiality |
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46 |
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7.1 |
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Agreement for Exchange of Information |
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46 |
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7.2 |
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Ownership of Information |
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46 |
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7.3 |
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Reimbursement for Providing Information |
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46 |
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7.4 |
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Record Retention |
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47 |
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7.5 |
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Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information |
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47 |
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7.6 |
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Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation |
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47 |
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7.7 |
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Confidentiality |
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48 |
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7.8 |
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Protective Arrangements |
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50 |
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Article VIII Further Assurances and Additional Covenants |
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50 |
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8.1 |
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Further Assurances |
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50 |
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8.2 |
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Performance |
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51 |
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8.3 |
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Huntsman Guarantees |
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51 |
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8.4 |
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Third-Party Agreements |
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52 |
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8.5 |
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Huntsman Names and Marks |
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52 |
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8.6 |
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Conflicts with and between Ancillary Agreements |
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53 |
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8.7 |
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No Actions Related to Certain Technical Information and Copyrightable Works |
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53 |
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8.8 |
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Attorney Client Privilege |
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54 |
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8.9 |
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No Attorney Testimony |
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54 |
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Article IX Financial and Related Covenants |
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54 |
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9.1 |
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Disclosure and Financial Controls |
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54 |
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9.2 |
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Auditors and Audits; Annual Statements and Accounting |
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60 |
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9.3 |
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Other Covenants |
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62 |
9.4 |
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Covenants Regarding the Incurrence of Indebtedness |
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63 |
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9.5 |
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Applicability of Rights in the Event of an Acquisition of Venator |
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64 |
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9.6 |
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Transfer of Huntsmans Rights |
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64 |
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9.7 |
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Huntsman Policies and Procedures |
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64 |
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Article X Miscellaneous |
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65 |
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10.1 |
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Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power |
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65 |
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10.2 |
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Governing Law; Waiver of Trial by Jury |
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66 |
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10.3 |
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Assignability |
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66 |
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10.4 |
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Third-Party Beneficiaries |
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66 |
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10.5 |
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Notices |
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66 |
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10.6 |
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Severability |
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67 |
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10.7 |
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Force Majeure |
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67 |
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10.8 |
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Publicity |
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67 |
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10.9 |
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Expenses |
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67 |
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10.10 |
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Late Payments |
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67 |
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10.11 |
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Headings |
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67 |
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10.12 |
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Survival of Covenants |
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67 |
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10.13 |
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Waivers of Default |
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68 |
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10.14 |
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Specific Performance |
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68 |
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10.15 |
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Termination; Amendments |
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68 |
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10.16 |
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Interpretation |
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68 |
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10.17 |
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Limitations of Liability |
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69 |
SCHEDULES
1.1 |
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Assumed Actions |
1.2(a) |
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Huntsman Contracts |
1.2(b) |
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Venator Contracts |
1.2(e) |
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Customer, Distribution, Supply or Vendor Contracts |
1.3(b) |
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Venator Intellectual Property |
1.4 |
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Restructuring Steps |
2.2(a)(ii)(B) |
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Equity Interests in Huntsman Affiliates and Subsidiaries Constituting Venator Assets |
2.2(a)(ii)(C) |
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Equity Interests in Other Entities Constituting Venator Assets |
2.2(b)(i) |
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Assets Constituting Huntsman Assets |
2.8(a) |
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Treatment of Shared Contracts |
5.11(a) |
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Venator Contracts with Huntsman Group Guarantor or Obligor |
FORM OF SEPARATION AGREEMENT
This SEPARATION AGREEMENT , dated , 2017 (this Agreement ), is by and between Huntsman Corporation, a Delaware corporation ( Huntsman ), and Venator Materials PLC, a public limited company incorporated and registered under the laws of England and Wales with company number 10747130 and a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Huntsman ( Venator ). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Article I .
R E C I T A L S
The board of directors of Huntsman (the Huntsman Board ) has determined that it is in the best interests of Huntsman and the Huntsman shareholders to separate the Venator Business from the other businesses conducted by Huntsman and its Subsidiaries.
In furtherance of the foregoing, Huntsman and its applicable Subsidiaries transferred the Venator Assets to Venator and certain entities that would become Subsidiaries of Venator (any such Subsidiaries, the Venator Designees ), and Venator and the Venator Designees assumed or retained, as applicable, the Venator Liabilities in each case as more fully described in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (the Contribution ).
Following the Venator Debt Financing, Huntsman or its Subsidiary will make an offer and sale to the public of Ordinary Shares, which will take place pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC (the IPO ).
After the IPO, Huntsman may (i) affect a disposition of Ordinary Shares it owns pursuant to one or more public or private offerings or transactions ( Dispositions ), or (ii) continue to hold its interest in Ordinary Shares.
It is appropriate and desirable to set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Separation (to the extent not previously completed prior to the date hereof), and the Venator Debt Financing, IPO and certain other agreements that, subject to the conflict provisions set forth in Section 8.6 of this Agreement, will govern certain matters relating to the Separation and the Venator Debt Financing, IPO and the relationship of Huntsman, Venator and their respective Subsidiaries, following the IPO.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
For the purpose of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
AAA shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .
AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a) .
Action means any demand, action, claim, dispute, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, proceeding or investigation of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial or otherwise) by or before any federal, state, local, foreign or international Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.
Affiliate means, when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, control (including with correlative meanings, controlled by and under common control with), when used with respect to any specified Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. From and after the Effective Date, (a) no member of the Venator Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Huntsman Group and (b) no member of the Huntsman Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Venator Group.
Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Ancillary Agreements means the Employee Matters Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement and the Transfer Documents.
Anti-Corruption Laws means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, as amended, or any other applicable comparable Laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Anti-Money Laundering Laws means the money laundering Laws, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, of all applicable jurisdictions, and regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity applicable to the Company.
Annual Financial Statements shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(e) .
Applicable Period shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2 .
Approvals or Notifications means any consents, waivers, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, notices, registrations or reports to be submitted to, or other filings to be made with, any Third Party, including any Governmental Authority.
Assets means, with respect to any Person, the assets, properties, claims and rights (including goodwill) of such Person, wherever located (including in the possession of vendors or other Third Parties or elsewhere), of every kind, character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible, intangible or contingent, in each case, whether or not recorded or reflected or required to be recorded or reflected on the books and records or financial statements of such Person, including the following:
(a) all Records;
(b) all apparatus, IT Equipment, fixtures, machinery, equipment, furniture, office equipment, automobiles, trucks, vessels, motor vehicles and other transportation equipment, structures, materials and other tangible personal property;
(c) all inventories of materials, parts, raw materials, components, supplies, works-in-process and finished goods and products;
(d) all interests in real property of whatever nature, including buildings, fixtures and easements, whether as owner, mortgagee or holder of a Security Interest in real property, lessor, sublessor, lessee, sublessee or otherwise, including interests in and rights with respect to all leases, subleases, licenses, easements, rights-of-way or other similar surface interests;
(e) (i) all interests in any capital stock or other equity interests of any Subsidiary, Affiliate or any other Person, (ii) all bonds, notes, debentures or other securities issued by any Subsidiary, Affiliate or any other Person, (iii) all loans, advances or other extensions of credit or capital contributions to any Subsidiary, Affiliate or any other Person, and (iv) all other investments in securities of any Person;
(f) all license agreements, leases of personal property, open purchase orders for raw materials, supplies, parts or services and other contracts, agreements or commitments;
(g) all letters of credit;
(h) all written (including in electronic form) or oral technical information, data, specifications, research and development information, engineering drawings and specifications, operating and maintenance manuals;
(i) all Intellectual Property;
(j) all Software;
(k) all cost information, sales and pricing data, customer prospect lists, supplier records, customer and supplier lists, customer and vendor data, correspondence and lists, product data and literature, artwork, design, formulations and specifications, quality records and reports and other books, records, studies, surveys, reports, plans and documents;
(l) all prepaid expenses, trade accounts and other accounts and notes receivable;
(m) all rights under contracts or agreements, all claims or rights against any Person arising from the ownership of any Asset described in clauses ( a ) through (l) and (n) through (p) hereof, including, to the extent transferrable, all rights against Third
Parties with respect to indemnification, and all rights in connection with any bids or offers and all claims, choses in action or similar rights, whether accrued or contingent;
(n) all licenses, permits, approvals and authorizations which have been issued by any Governmental Authority;
(o) all cash or cash equivalents, bank accounts, lock boxes and other deposit arrangements; and
(p) all interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar agreements or arrangements.
Assumed Actions means (a) those Actions which are listed in Schedule 1.1 ; and (b) those Actions that are primarily related to the Venator Business, regardless whether listed on Schedule 1.1 , other than Actions related to or forming the basis of the Rockwood Claims.
Confidential Information means all non-public, confidential or proprietary Information to the extent concerning a Party, its Group and/or its Subsidiaries or with respect to Venator, the Venator Business, any Venator Assets or any Venator Liabilities or with respect to Huntsman, the Huntsman Business, any Huntsman Assets or any Huntsman Liabilities, including any such Information that was acquired by any Party after the Effective Date pursuant to Article VII or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, or that was provided to a Party by a third party in confidence, including (a) any and all technical information relating to the design, operation, testing, test results, development, and manufacture of any Partys product (including product specifications and documentations; engineering, design, and manufacturing drawings, diagrams, and illustrations; formulations and material specifications; laboratory studies and benchmark tests; quality assurance policies procedures and specifications; evaluation and/validation studies; assembly code, software, firmware, programming data, databases, and all information referred to in the same); product costs, margins and pricing; as well as product marketing studies and strategies; all other know-how, methodology, procedures, techniques and trade secrets related to research, engineering, development and manufacturing; (b) information, documents and materials relating to the Partys financial condition, management and other business conditions, prospects, plans, procedures, infrastructure, security, information technology procedures and systems, and other business or operational affairs; (c) pending unpublished patent applications and trade secrets; and (d) any other data or documentation resident, existing or otherwise provided in a database or in a storage medium, permanent or temporary, intended for confidential, proprietary and/or privileged use by a Party; except for any Information that is (i) in the public domain or known to the public through no fault of the receiving Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) lawfully acquired after the Effective Date by such Party or its Subsidiaries from other sources not known to be subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such Information or (iii) independently developed by the receiving Party after the Effective Date without reference to any Confidential Information. As used herein, by example and without limitation, Confidential Information shall mean any information of a Party intended or marked as confidential, proprietary and/or privileged.
Contribution shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
[ Contribution Agreement means the Contribution Agreement between [Foreign Newco (NL)] and Venator dated , 2017.]
Contribution Date means , 2017.
Corporate Action means any Action, whether filed before, on or after the Effective Date, to the extent it asserts violations of any federal, state, local, foreign or international securities Law, securities class action or shareholder derivative claim.
Credit Rating means on any date, the rating that has been most recently announced by any Rating Agency for any class of senior, unsecured, non-convertible long-term debt of a Person.
Disposition shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Disposition Date means the date that Huntsman and its Affiliates cease to hold in excess of 50% of the outstanding Venator Ordinary Shares.
Dispute shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) .
Effective Date means the settlement of the first sale of Ordinary Shares pursuant to the IPO Registration Statement.
Employee Matters Agreement means the Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date between Huntsman and Venator.
Environmental Law means all Laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or safety or the environment, including Laws relating to the exposure to, or Release, threatened Release or the presence of Hazardous Materials, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials and all Laws with regard to recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements respecting Hazardous Materials, and all laws relating to endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants and the management or use of natural resources.
Environmental Liabilities means all Liabilities, environmental response costs (including all removal, remediation or cleanup costs, investigatory costs, monitoring costs, and response costs with respect to Hazardous Materials), damages (including natural resources damages, property damages, personal injury damages), costs of compliance (including with any product take back requirements, or with any settlement, judgment or other determination of Liability and indemnity, contribution or similar obligations), court costs, attorneys fees, and all other Liabilities, costs, expenses, interest, fines, penalties or monetary sanctions relating to, arising out of or resulting from any order, notice of responsibility, directive, injunction, judgment or similar act (including settlements) by any Governmental Authority to the extent arising out of non-compliance with or any violation of, or obligation under, any Environmental Laws, or pursuant to any demand, action, claim, dispute, suit, countersuit, settlement, arbitration, formal inquiry, subpoena, investigation, proceeding or other legal determination of liability by a Governmental Authority or any other Person with respect to Hazardous Materials (including any
exposure to Hazardous Materials), Environmental Law or contract or agreement relating to environmental, health or safety matters.
Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Financial Statements means the Annual Financial Statements and the Quarterly Financial Statements collectively.
Governmental Approvals means any notices, reports or other filings to be made, or any consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, any Governmental Authority.
Governmental Authority means any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau, court, tribunal or other instrumentality, whether federal, state, local, domestic, foreign or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other similar functions of, or pertaining to, government and any executive official thereof.
Group means either the Venator Group or the Huntsman Group, as the context requires.
Hazardous Materials means (a) any substances defined, listed, classified or regulated as hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, hazardous materials, extremely hazardous wastes, restricted hazardous wastes, toxic substances, toxic pollutants, contaminants, pollutants, wastes, radioactive materials, petroleum, oils or designations of similar import under any Environmental Law, or (b) any other chemical, material or substance that is regulated or for which liability can be imposed under any Environmental Law.
Huntsman shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Huntsman Accounts shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) .
Huntsman Assets shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b) .
Huntsman Board shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Huntsman Business means the business of Huntsman and its Subsidiaries as conducted at any point in time, other than the Venator Business.
Huntsman Common Stock means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Huntsman.
Huntsman Contracts means any contracts, agreements and instruments to which Huntsman or any of its Affiliates is a party or by which it or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective Assets is bound, whether or not in writing, in each case immediately prior to the Effective Date that is (a) contemplated to be retained by Huntsman or any member of the
Huntsman Group pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or (b) listed on Schedule 1.2(a) .
Huntsman Group means Huntsman, (a) each Subsidiary of Huntsman immediately after the Effective Date, (b) each Affiliate of Huntsman controlled by Huntsman immediately after the Effective Date and (c) each other entity that becomes a Subsidiary of Huntsman at any time following the Effective Date for so long as such entity is a Subsidiary of Huntsman; provided that, from and after the Effective Date, each member of the Venator Group will be deemed not to be a member of the Huntsman Group.
Huntsman Guarantees shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.3 .
Huntsman Indemnitees shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4 .
Huntsman Intellectual Property means (a) the Huntsman Names and Marks, and (b) all other Intellectual Property that, as of the Effective Date, is owned or licensed by any member of either Group, other than the Venator Intellectual Property.
Huntsman Liabilities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b) .
Huntsman Names and Marks means (a) the Trademarks of Huntsman or any of its Affiliates using or containing Huntsman, Huntsman Corporation or HUN, either alone or in combination with other words or elements, together with all variations and acronyms thereof, and all trademarks, design marks, service marks, Internet domain names, trade names, trade dress, company names and other identifiers of source or goodwill containing or incorporated with any of the foregoing, including the Huntsman corporate logo, (b) all Trademarks registered by a member of the Huntsman Group prior to the Effective Date and not used or held for use exclusively in the Venator Business as of the Effective Date, (c) all Trademarks registered by a member of the Venator Group prior to the Effective Date and not used or held for use exclusively in the Venator Business as of the Effective Date, and (d) Trademarks confusingly similar to or embodying any of the foregoing either alone or in combination with other words or elements, together with the goodwill associated with any of the foregoing.
Huntsman Public Filings shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(l) .
Huntsman Software means all Software that, as of the Effective Date, is owned by any member of either Group.
Huntsman Third Party Claim shall mean any claim or commencement of any Action by any Person (including any Governmental Authority) other than a member of the Huntsman Group.
Huntsman Transfer Documents shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b) .
Huntsman Transferee shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.6 .
Income Taxes shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
Indemnifying Party shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(a) .
Indemnitee shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(a) .
Indemnity Payment shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(a) .
Information means information, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, stored in any medium, including studies, reports, records, books, contracts, instruments, surveys, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, data, computer data, disks, diskettes, tapes, computer programs or other software, marketing plans, customer names, memos, and other technical, financial, employee or business information or data.
Initial Notice shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 .
Insurance Proceeds means those monies:
(a) received by an insured from an insurance carrier; or
(b) paid by an insurance carrier on behalf of the insured;
in any such case net of any applicable premium adjustments (including reserves and retrospectively rated premium adjustments) and net of any costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof and excluding fronted insurance policies, deductibles, self-insured retentions and any similar concept that does not accomplish a real risk transfer to a third-party insurer; provided , however , with respect to a captive insurance arrangement, Insurance Proceeds shall only include net amounts received by the captive insurer in respect of any reinsurance arrangement with respect to the insurance issued by such captive insurer.
Intellectual Property means any and all proprietary and intellectual property rights whether arising under the Laws of the United States or of any other foreign or multinational jurisdiction or provided by international treaties or convention, including: (a) patents, patent applications, statutory invention registrations and utility models, including reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations in part, substitutions, renewals, extensions and reexaminations of any of the foregoing, (b) trademarks, service marks, design marks, trade names, service names, trade dress, logos, Internet domain names, uniform resource locaters, and other source or business identifiers, including all goodwill associated with any of the foregoing and any and all common law rights in and to any of the foregoing, registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing, and all reissues, extensions and renewals of any of the foregoing (collectively, Trademarks ), (c) copyrights, moral rights, mask work rights, database rights, other rights in works of authorship, and all registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing, and (d) trade secrets, know how, and rights in confidential and proprietary information, including invention disclosures, formulations, concepts, compilations of information, methods, techniques, procedures, and processes, whether or not patentable.
IPO has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
IPO Registration Statement means the registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-217723) filed under the Securities Act, relating to the initial public offering of Ordinary Shares.
IT Equipment means all computers, servers, printers, computer hardware, wired or mobile telephones, on-site process control and automation systems, telecommunication assets, and other information technology-related equipment.
Law means any national, supranational, federal, state, provincial, local or similar law (including common law), statute, code, order, ordinance, rule, regulation, treaty (including any income tax treaty), license, permit, authorization, approval, consent, decree, injunction, binding judicial or administrative interpretation or other requirement, in each case, enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by a Governmental Authority.
LHO shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.7(i) .
Liabilities means any and all debts, guarantees, assurances, commitments, liabilities (including Environmental Liabilities), responsibilities, Losses, remediation, deficiencies, reimbursement obligations in respect of letters of credit, damages, fines, penalties, settlements, sanctions, costs, expenses, interest and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, accrued or not accrued, asserted or unasserted, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, claim (including any Third-Party Claim), demand, Action, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority or arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment or undertaking, or any fines, damages or equitable relief that is imposed, in each case, including all costs and expenses relating thereto.
Losses means actual losses (including any diminution in value), costs, damages, penalties and expenses (including legal and accounting fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim.
Mediation Procedures shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .
Minimum Credit Rating shall mean a rating of at least (a) BB- by Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC, (b) Ba3 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or (c) BB- by Fitch, Inc.
NYSE means the New York Stock Exchange.
Parties means Venator and Huntsman.
Person means an individual, a general or limited partnership, a corporation, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, a limited liability entity, any other entity and any Governmental Authority.
Pigments and Additives Business means the pigments and additives segment of Huntsman as described in Huntsmans Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016.
Prime Rate means the rate which JPMorgan Chase Bank (or any successor thereto or other major money center commercial bank agreed to by the Parties) announces from time to time as its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time at its principal office in New York City.
Privilege shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 .
Quarterly Financial Statements shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(d) .
Rating Agency means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poors, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Fitch, Inc. or any nationally recognized statistical rating organizations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Records means all corporate, operational, accounting and other books and records, files, data, correspondence, studies, surveys, reports, customer lists, supplier lists, sales materials, engineering data and reports, health, environmental and safety information and records, Third Party licenses, accounting and financial records, promotional materials, operational records, technical records, accounting files, tax records (other than income tax), and contract files (including copies of all contracts, all files regarding the contracts and related files).
Release means any depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, seeping, dumping, or disposing of Hazardous Materials into the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata).
Representatives means, with respect to any Person, any of such Persons directors, officers, employees, agents, managers, consultants, advisors, accountants, attorneys or other representatives.
Response shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 .
Restructuring Steps means the restructuring steps to be taken prior to the Effective Date and the sequence thereof set forth on Schedule 1.4 .
Retained Copyrightable Works means the unregistered works of authorship not owned by any member of the Venator Group on the Effective Date but which were in the possession of any Venator Group Employees on or before the Effective Date
Retained Technical Information means the Confidential Information not owned by any member of the Venator Group on the Effective Date but which were in the possession of any Venator Group Employees on or before the Effective Date.
Revolving Credit Facility means that certain $300 million asset based revolving lending facility dated [ · ], 2017 between Venator and certain of its Subsidiaries and the banks named therein.
Rockwood Claims means the claims asserted by Huntsman International LLC in that certain action styled Huntsman International LLC v. Albemarle Corporation, Rockwood
Specialties Group, Inc., Rockwood Holdings, Inc., Seifollah Seifi Ghasemi, Andrew M. Ross, Thomas J. Riordan, and Michael W. Valente filed in the Supreme Court of New York.
Rule 144A / Capital Markets Securities means the % senior notes due 2025 issued by Venator Materials LLC (f/k/a Venator Materials Corporation) and Venator France S.á r.l .
Sanctions Laws means the economic and financial sanctions, Laws, regulations, requirements, embargoes, or restrictive measures imposed, administered, enacted or enforced from time to time by any of the United States Government, the government of the United Kingdom, the United Nations, the European Union or other relevant sanctions Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, the United States Department of Commerce, the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Treasury, the United States Department of State, Her Majestys Treasury of the United Kingdom or the United Nations Security Council.
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Security Interest means any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, claim, option, right to acquire, voting or other restriction, right-of-way, covenant, condition, easement, encroachment, restriction on transfer, or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever.
Shared Contract shall mean any Schedule 2.8 Contract and any contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding that has been assigned in part to any Group pursuant to a Transfer Document.
Shareholders Agreement means the Stockholders and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date between Huntsman or one of its Subsidiaries and Venator.
Software means any and all (a) computer programs, including the tangible media on which it is recorded (in any form), and any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form, together with all translations, adaptations, modifications, derivations, combinations or derivative works thereof, (b) databases and compilations, including any and all data and collections of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, (c) descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons and icons, and (d) documentation, including user manuals and other training documentation, relating to any of the foregoing.
Subsidiary or subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or partnership of which such Person (a) beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities of such Person, (ii) the total combined equity interests or (iii) the capital or profit interests, in the case of a partnership, or (b) otherwise has the power to vote, either directly or indirectly, sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body.
Supplies shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.5(a) .
Tax Benefit shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
Tax Matters Agreement means the Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date between Huntsman and Venator.
Tax Return shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
Taxes shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
Term Loan Facility means [ that certain loan facility dated [ · ], 2017 between Venator, certain of its Subsidiaries and the banks named therein providing for borrowing of up to $375 million of senior secured term notes ].
Third-Party shall mean any Person (including any Governmental Authority) other than (a) Venator, (b) each Subsidiary of Venator immediately after the Effective Date, (c) each Affiliate of Venator controlled by Venator immediately after the Effective Date, (d) Huntsman, (e) each Subsidiary of Huntsman immediately after the Effective Date, (f) each Affiliate of Huntsman controlled by Huntsman immediately after the Effective Date and (g) any successor to any such Person referenced to in clauses (a) through (f) .
Third-Party Claim shall mean a Venator Third Party Claim or a Huntsman Third Party Claim.
Trademarks shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of Intellectual Property.
Transfer Documents shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c) .
Transferred Copyrightable Works means the unregistered works of authorship owned by any member of the Venator Group on the Effective Date but which were in the possession of any employees of the Huntsman Group on or before the Effective Date.
Transferred Entities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(ii) .
Transferred Technical Information means the Confidential Information owned by any member of the Venator Group on the Effective Date but which were in the possession of any employees of the Huntsman Group on or before the Effective Date.
Transition Services Agreement means the Transition Services Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date hereof, between Huntsman and Venator.
Unreleased Huntsman Liability shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(b) .
Unreleased Venator Liability shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b) .
Venator shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Venator Accounts shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) .
Venator Articles of Association shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .
Venator Assets shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a) .
Venator Auditors shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a) .
Venator Balance Sheet means the unaudited combined balance sheet of the Venator Group, including the notes thereto, as of [ ] , 2017. 1
1 NTD: Date of most recent balance sheet included in Registration Statement.
Venator Business means (a) the business and operations that comprise the Pigments and Additives Business and activities and operations directly and primarily supporting such business and operations and (b) without limiting the foregoing clause (a) and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any other terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, Assets or operations that were of such a nature that they would be a part of the Pigments and Additives Business had they not been terminated, divested or discontinued.
Venator Contracts means the following contracts, agreements and instruments to which Huntsman or any of its Affiliates is a party or by which it or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective Assets is bound, whether or not in writing, in each case immediately prior to the Effective Date (except for any such contract or agreement that is a Huntsman Contract)):
(a) Any lease, sublease, easement, right of way or any similar agreement granting occupancy rights, in each case relating primarily to the Venator Business including those on Schedule 1.2(b) ;
(b) Any contract that relates to futures, swaps, collars, puts, calls, floors, caps, options or otherwise is intended to reduce or eliminate the fluctuations in the prices of commodities, in each case that relates primarily to the Venator Business;
(c) Any customer, distribution, supply or vendor contract, or any joint venture or license agreement, in each case, that relates primarily to the Venator Business, including those contracts listed on Schedule 1.2(e) ;
(d) Any employment, change of control, retention, consulting, indemnification, termination, severance or other similar agreement with any Venator Group Employees;
(e) Any contract or agreement relating primarily to the acquisition or distribution of any Venator Assets; and
(f) Any other contract that relates primarily to the Venator Business, including those listed on Schedule 1.2(f) .
Venator Covered Group means those individuals of Venator who were serving as directors or officers of Huntsman or any of its Subsidiaries at or prior to the Effective Date.
Venator Debt Financing means the sale by Venator of the Rule 144A / Capital Markets Securities and borrowings made under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility.
Venator Debt Obligation means all Indebtedness of Venator or any member of the Venator Group, including without limitation Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Venator Debt Financing.
Venator Designees shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
Venator Group means Venator, each Transferred Entity, and (a) each Subsidiary of Venator immediately after the Effective Date, (b) each Affiliate of Venator controlled by Venator immediately after the Effective Date and (c) each other entity that becomes a Subsidiary of Venator at any time following the Effective Date for so long as such entity is a Subsidiary of Venator.
Venator Group Employee shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
Venator Indemnitees shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5 .
Venator Intellectual Property means (a) the patents, Trademarks, registered Internet domain names, copyright registrations, and applications for the foregoing that are owned exclusively by or licensed exclusively to any member of the Venator Group at or prior to the Effective Date, excluding any such Intellectual Property that has been assigned by any member of the Venator Group to any member of the Huntsman Group prior to the Effective Date, and (b) all other Intellectual Property set forth on Schedule 1.3(b) .
Venator Liabilities shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a) .
Venator Ordinary Shares means the ordinary shares, nominal value $0.001 per share, of Venator.
Venator Public Documents shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(h) .
Venator Third Party Claim shall mean any claim or commencement of any Action by any Person (including any Governmental Authority) other than a member of the Venator Group.
ARTICLE II
THE SEPARATION
2.1 Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities .
(a) Subject to Section 2.1(d) and (e) , on the Contribution Date:
(i) Huntsman or its applicable Subsidiaries contributed, assigned, transferred and conveyed to Venator, or the applicable Venator Designees, and Venator or such Venator Designees accepted from Huntsman and its applicable Subsidiaries, all of Huntsmans and such Subsidiaries respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all of the Venator Assets (it being understood that if any Venator Asset shall be held by a Transferred Entity or a wholly owned Subsidiary of a Transferred Entity, such Venator Asset will be indirectly owned by Venator as a result of the transfer of the equity interests in such Transferred Entity);
(ii) Venator and the applicable Venator Designees accepted, assumed from Huntsman and the applicable Huntsman Subsidiaries and agreed faithfully to
perform, pay, discharge and fulfill the Venator Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms, regardless of when or where such Venator Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Contribution Date, regardless of where or against whom such Venator Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Venator Liabilities arising out of claims made by the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, stockholders, managers, Subsidiaries or Affiliates of either Group against any member of either Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud, misrepresentation or any other cause by any member of either Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or managers;
(iii) Huntsman caused its applicable Subsidiaries or Venator to assign, transfer and convey to certain of its other Subsidiaries, which accepted from such applicable Huntsman Subsidiaries or Venator, such applicable Subsidiaries respective right, title and interest in and to any Huntsman Assets specified by Huntsman to be so assigned, transferred and conveyed; and
(iv) Huntsman and certain of its Subsidiaries accepted and assumed from certain of its other Subsidiaries and agreed faithfully to perform, pay, discharge and fulfill the Huntsman Liabilities of such other Subsidiaries, regardless of when or where such Huntsman Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Contribution Date, regardless of where or against whom such Huntsman Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any such Huntsman Liabilities arising out of claims made by the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, stockholders, managers, Subsidiaries or Affiliates of either Group against any member of either Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud, misrepresentation or any other cause by any member of either Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or managers.
In exchange for the Contributions, Venator issued Venator Ordinary Shares to Huntsman or a member of the Huntsman Group.
Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (A) and except for where the assignment, transfer or conveyance of any Venator Assets from Huntsman to Venator would be a violation of applicable Law, or require any Approvals or Notifications in connection with the Contribution or the IPO that have not been obtained or made by the Effective Date, to the extent that any Venator Assets have not been assigned, transferred or conveyed by Huntsman to Venator or an applicable Venator Designee in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(i) as of immediately prior to the Effective Date, then from and after the Effective Date, Huntsman hereby assigns and Venator accepts such assignment of Huntsmans right, title and interest in such Venator Assets and (B) and except for where the assignment, transfer or conveyance of any Huntsman Assets from its Subsidiaries or Venator to Huntsman would be a violation of applicable Law, or require any Approvals or Notifications in connection with the Contribution or the IPO that have not been obtained or made by the Effective Date, to the extent
that any Huntsman Assets have not been assigned, transferred or conveyed by its Subsidiaries or Venator to Huntsman or an applicable Huntsman Group member in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(iii) as of immediately prior to the Effective Date, then from and after the Effective Date, its Subsidiaries or Venator shall and hereby do assign and Huntsman shall and hereby does accept such assignment of the Subsidiaries or Venators right, title and interest in such Huntsman Assets.
Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (A) and except for where the assumption by Venator of any Venator Liabilities would be a violation of applicable Law, or require any Approvals or Notifications in connection with the Contribution or the IPO that have not been obtained or made by the Effective Date, to the extent that any Venator Liabilities have not been accepted and assumed by Venator or an applicable Venator Designee in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(ii) as of immediately prior to the Effective Date, then from and after the Effective Date, Venator shall and hereby does, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all such Venator Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms and (B) except for where the assumption by Huntsman of any Huntsman Liabilities would be a violation of applicable Law, or require any Approvals or Notifications in connection with the Contribution or the IPO that have not been obtained or made by the Effective Date, to the extent that any Huntsman Liabilities have not been accepted and assumed by Huntsman or an applicable Huntsman Group member in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(iv) as of immediately prior to the Effective Date, then from and after the Effective Date, Huntsman shall and hereby does, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, pay, discharge and fulfill all such Huntsman Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms.
(b) In furtherance of the assignment, transfer and conveyance of the Venator Assets and the assumption of the Venator Liabilities in accordance with Sections 2.1(a)(i) , 2.1(a)(ii) and 2.1(d) , on, before and/or as of the date that such Venator Assets are assigned, transferred or conveyed or such Venator Liabilities are assumed, (i) Huntsman shall execute and deliver, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to execute and deliver, such bills of sale, quitclaim deeds, stock powers, certificates of title, assignments of contracts and other instruments of transfer, conveyance and assignment as and to the extent necessary to evidence the transfer, conveyance and assignment of all of Huntsmans and its Subsidiaries (other than Venator and its Subsidiaries) right, title and interest in and to the Venator Assets to Venator and the Venator Designees, and (ii) Venator shall execute and deliver, and shall cause the Venator Designees to execute and deliver, such assumptions of contracts and other instruments of assumption as and to the extent necessary to evidence the valid and effective assumption of the Venator Liabilities. All of the foregoing documents contemplated by this Section 2.1(b) (whether executed on or after the date hereof or prior to the date hereof in contemplation of the Contribution) shall be referred to collectively herein as the Huntsman Transfer Documents.
(c) In furtherance of the assignment, transfer and conveyance of Huntsman Assets and the assumption of Huntsman Liabilities set forth in Sections 2.1(a)(iii) , 2.1(a)(iv) and 2.1(e) , on, before and/or as of the date that such Venator Assets are assigned, transferred or conveyed or such Venator Liabilities are assumed: (i) Venator shall execute and deliver, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to execute and deliver, such bills of sale, quitclaim deeds, stock powers, certificates of title, assignments of contracts (including partial assignments) and other instruments of transfer, conveyance and assignment as and to the extent necessary to evidence
the transfer, conveyance and assignment of all of Venators and its Subsidiaries right, title and interest in and to the Huntsman Assets to Huntsman and its Subsidiaries, and (ii) Huntsman shall execute and deliver, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to execute and deliver, such assumptions of contracts and other instruments of assumption as and to the extent necessary to evidence the valid and effective assumption of the Huntsman Liabilities. All of the foregoing documents contemplated by this Section 2.1(c) (whether executed on or after the date hereof or prior to the date hereof in contemplation of the Contribution) shall be referred to collectively herein as the Venator Transfer Documents and, together with the Huntsman Transfer Documents, the Transfer Documents .
(d) To the extent any Venator Asset is not transferred, assigned or delivered to or retained by, or any Venator Liability is not assumed by or retained by, a member of the Venator Group at the Effective Date or is owned or held by a member of the Huntsman Group after the Effective Date, from and after the Effective Date, any such Venator Asset or Venator Liability shall be held by such member of the Huntsman Group for the use, benefit and/or burden of the member of the Venator Group entitled thereto (at the expense and for the account of the member of the Venator Group entitled thereto) in accordance with Section 2.4(e) , and, subject to Section 2.4(b) :
(i) Huntsman shall, and shall cause its applicable Subsidiaries to, as soon as reasonably practicable, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Venator or certain of its Subsidiaries designated by Venator, and Venator or such Subsidiaries shall accept from Huntsman and its applicable Subsidiaries, all of Huntsmans and such Subsidiaries respective right, title and interest in and to such Venator Assets in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement; and
(ii) Venator and certain of its Subsidiaries designated by Venator shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all such Venator Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms.
(e) To the extent any Huntsman Asset is not transferred, assigned or delivered to or retained by, or any Huntsman Liability is not assumed by or retained by, a member of the Huntsman Group at the Effective Date or is owned or held by a member of the Venator Group after the Effective Date, from and after the Effective Date, any such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability shall be held by such member of the Venator Group for the use, benefit and/or burden of the member of the Huntsman Group entitled thereto (at the expense and for the account of the member of the Huntsman Group entitled thereto) in accordance with Section 2.4(f) , and, subject to Section 2.4(c) :
(i) Venator shall, and shall cause its applicable Subsidiaries to, as soon as reasonably practicable, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Huntsman or certain of its Subsidiaries designated by Huntsman, and Huntsman or such Subsidiaries shall accept from Venator and its applicable Subsidiaries, all of Venators and such Subsidiaries respective right, title and interest in and to such Huntsman Assets in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement; and
(ii) Huntsman and certain of its Subsidiaries designated by Huntsman shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all such Huntsman Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms.
(f) Venator hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the Huntsman Group with the requirements and provisions of any bulk-sale or bulk-transfer Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Venator Assets to any member of the Venator Group.
(g) Huntsman hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the Venator Group with the requirements and provisions of any bulk-sale or bulk-transfer Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Huntsman Assets to any member of the Huntsman Group.
2.2 Venator Assets .
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, Venator Assets means (without duplication):
(i) all Assets that are provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be transferred to Venator or any other member of the Venator Group;
(ii) (A) all Venator Contracts, (B) all issued and outstanding equity interests held by Huntsman or its Subsidiaries in the wholly owned Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Huntsman that have been or shall be contributed to, or otherwise transferred, conveyed, or assigned to, the Venator Group or entities that shall be members of the Venator Group as of the Effective Date, as listed on Schedule 2.2(a)(ii)(B) (such Subsidiaries and entities, the Transferred Entities ), and (C) the shares of capital stock or other equity interests held by Huntsman or its Subsidiaries in certain entities (other than the Transferred Entities) that have been or shall be contributed to, or otherwise transferred, conveyed, or assigned to, the Venator Group as listed on Schedule 2.2(a)(ii)(C) ;
(iii) all Assets reflected as assets of Venator or its Subsidiaries on the Venator Balance Sheet, subject to any dispositions of such Assets subsequent to the date of the Venator Balance Sheet;
(iv) all Venator Intellectual Property;
(v) all permits, waivers, authorizations and similar approvals issued under or pursuant to any Environmental Laws used or held for use by Huntsman or any of its Subsidiaries exclusively in the Venator Business or listed on Schedule 2.2(a)(v) ;
(vi) any Shared Contracts (but only to the extent assigned to a member of the Venator Group pursuant to Section 2.8(a) or a Transfer Document);
(vii) any and all Assets owned and used or held for use immediately prior to the Effective Date by Huntsman or any of its Subsidiaries primarily in the Venator Business, including any account or trade receivables, inventory, property, plant and equipment, prepaid expenses, whether or not reflected as assets of Venator or its Subsidiaries on the Venator Balance Sheet.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Venator Assets shall not, in any event, include the Huntsman Assets referred to in Sections 2.2(b)(i) , (ii) , (iii) and (iv) . All rights of the Venator Group in respect of Huntsman insurance policies are set forth in Article VI and shall not be included in the Venator Assets.
(b) For the purposes of this Agreement, Huntsman Assets means (without duplication):
(i) the Assets listed on Schedule 2.2(b)(i) 2 and any and all other Assets that are provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be retained by Huntsman or any other member of the Huntsman Group;
(ii) any cash or cash equivalents withdrawn from Venator Accounts in accordance with Sections 2.9(c) , (d) or (e) ;
(iii) all Huntsman Intellectual Property and Huntsman Software;
(iv) any Shared Contracts (other than Venator Assets to the extent assigned to a member of the Venator Group pursuant to Section 2.8(a) or a Transfer Document); and
(v) any and all Assets of any members of the Huntsman Group that are not Venator Assets pursuant to Section 2.2(a) .
2.3 Venator Liabilities .
(a) For the purposes of this Agreement, Venator Liabilities means (without duplication):
(i) all Liabilities, including any Environmental Liabilities to the extent relating to:
(A) the operation or ownership of the Venator Business, as conducted at any time prior to, on or after the Effective Date (including any Liabilities related to property or operations formerly owned or operated by Huntsman or any of its Subsidiaries and related primarily to the VCM Business), including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from (1) any strict liability under or violation of Environmental Law at any Venator Assets; (2) a Release of Hazardous Materials to, on or under any Venator Assets (including Releases that migrate from Venator Assets to, on or under other properties); or (3) any Liabilities related to Hazardous Materials generated, transported from or disposed of by any Venator Business, including any act or failure to act by any
2 The Huntsman Assets schedule should include the Rockwood Claims.
Person, whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Persons authority; or
(B) any Venator Assets, including any Venator Contracts, Shared Contracts (to the extent related to the Venator Business) and any real property and leasehold interests;
in any such case, whether arising before, on or after the Effective Date;
(ii) all Liabilities that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Liabilities to be assumed by Venator or any member of the Venator Group including the Assumed Actions, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the Venator Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;
(iii) all Liabilities (including costs and expenses) relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Venator Debt Financing;
(iv) all Liabilities reflected as liabilities or obligations of Venator or its Subsidiaries on the Venator Balance Sheet, subject to any discharge of such Liabilities subsequent to the date of the Venator Balance Sheet; and
(v) all Liabilities arising out of claims made by the respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees, agents, managers, Subsidiaries or Affiliates of either Group against any member of either Group relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Venator Business or the other businesses, operations, activities or Liabilities referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above, inclusive.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Venator Liabilities shall not include (i) the Liabilities listed on Schedule 2.3(b) , (ii) any and all other Liabilities that are stated in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Liabilities to be retained or assumed by Huntsman or any other member of the Huntsman Group and (iii) all agreements and obligations of any member of the Huntsman Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements.
(b) For the purposes of this Agreement, Huntsman Liabilities means (without duplication): all Liabilities of Huntsman and its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date other than Venator Liabilities.
2.4 Approvals and Notifications .
(a) To the extent that the transfer or assignment of any Venator Asset, the assumption of any Venator Liability, the Contribution or the IPO requires any Approvals or Notifications, the Parties will endeavor to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications as soon as reasonably practicable; provided , however , that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement (including in Section 2.4(j) ) or any of the Ancillary Agreements or as otherwise agreed between Huntsman and Venator), neither Huntsman nor Venator shall be obligated to contribute capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any
letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications.
(b) To the extent that the transfer or assignment of any Huntsman Asset, the assumption of any Huntsman Liability, the Contribution or the IPO requires any Approvals or Notifications, the Parties will endeavor to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications as soon as reasonably practicable; provided , however , that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement (including in Section 2.4(j) ) or any of the Ancillary Agreements or as otherwise agreed between Huntsman and Venator), neither Huntsman nor Venator shall be obligated to contribute capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications.
(c) If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected transfer or assignment to the Venator Group of any Venator Assets or assumption by the Venator Group of any Venator Liabilities would be a violation of applicable Law, or require any Approvals or Notifications in connection with the Contribution or the IPO that have not been obtained or made by the Effective Date, then, unless the Parties shall otherwise mutually determine, the transfer or assignment to the Venator Group of such Venator Assets or the assumption by the Venator Group of such Venator Liabilities, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any such purported transfer, assignment or assumption shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approvals or Notifications have been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Venator Assets or Venator Liabilities shall continue to constitute Venator Assets and Venator Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.
(d) If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected transfer or assignment to the Huntsman Group of any Huntsman Assets or assumption by the Huntsman Group of any Huntsman Liabilities would be a violation of applicable Law, or require any Approvals or Notifications in connection with the Contribution or the IPO that have not been obtained or made by the Effective Date, then, unless the Parties shall otherwise mutually determine, the transfer or assignment to the Huntsman Group of such Huntsman Assets or the assumption by the Huntsman Group of such Huntsman Liabilities, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any such purported transfer, assignment or assumption shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approvals or Notifications have been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Huntsman Assets or Huntsman Liabilities shall continue to constitute Huntsman Assets and Huntsman Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.
(e) If any transfer or assignment of any Venator Asset or any assumption of any Venator Liability intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated on or prior to the Effective Date, whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.4(c) or for any other reason, then, insofar as reasonably possible, the member of the Huntsman Group retaining such Venator Asset or such Venator Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Venator Asset or Venator Liability, as the case may be, for the use, benefit and/or burden of the member of the Venator Group entitled thereto (at the expense and for the account of the member of the Venator Group entitled thereto). In addition, the member of
the Huntsman Group retaining such Venator Asset or such Venator Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Venator Asset or Venator Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the Venator Group to whom such Venator Asset is to be transferred or assigned, or which will assume such Venator Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the Venator Group in a substantially similar position as if such Venator Asset or Venator Liability had been transferred, assigned or assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Venator Asset or Venator Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Venator Asset or Venator Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Effective Date to the Venator Group.
(f) If any transfer or assignment of any Huntsman Asset or any assumption of any Huntsman Liability intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated on or prior to the Effective Date, whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.4(d) or for any other reason, then, insofar as reasonably possible, the member of the Venator Group retaining such Huntsman Asset or such Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, for the use, benefit and/or burden of the member of the Huntsman Group entitled thereto (at the expense and for the account of the member of the Huntsman Group entitled thereto). In addition, the member of the Venator Group retaining such Huntsman Asset or such Huntsman Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability with reasonable care in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the Huntsman Group to whom such Huntsman Asset is to be transferred or assigned, or which will assume such Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the Huntsman Group in a substantially similar position as if such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability had been transferred, assigned or assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Effective Date to the Huntsman Group.
(g) If the transfer or assignment of any Huntsman Asset or the assumption of any Huntsman Liability not intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is consummated on or prior to the Effective Date, then, insofar as reasonably possible, the member of the Venator Group holding or owning such Huntsman Asset or such Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, for the use, benefit and/or burden of the member of the Huntsman Group entitled thereto (at the expense of the member of the Huntsman Group entitled thereto). In addition, the member of the Venator Group retaining such Huntsman Asset or such Huntsman Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the Huntsman Group to whom such Huntsman Asset is to be transferred or assigned, or which
will assume such Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the Huntsman Group in a substantially similar position as if such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability had not been so transferred, assigned or assumed and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Effective Date to the Huntsman Group.
(h) If the transfer or assignment of any Venator Asset or the assumption of any Venator Liability not intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is consummated on or prior to the Effective Date, then, insofar as reasonably possible, the member of the Huntsman Group holding or owning such Venator Asset or such Venator Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Venator Asset or Venator Liability, as the case may be, for the use, benefit and/or burden of the member of the Venator Group entitled thereto (at the expense of the member of the Venator Group entitled thereto). In addition, the member of the Huntsman Group retaining such Venator Asset or such Venator Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Venator Asset or Venator Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the Venator Group to whom such Venator Asset is to be transferred or assigned, or which will assume such Venator Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the Venator Group in a substantially similar position as if such Venator Asset or Venator Liability had not been so transferred, assigned or assumed and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Venator Asset or Venator Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Venator Asset or Venator Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Effective Date to the Venator Group.
(i) If and when the Approvals or Notifications, the absence of which caused the deferral of transfer or assignment of any Venator Asset or the deferral of assumption of any Venator Liability pursuant to Section 2.4(c) or the deferral of transfer or assignment of any Huntsman Asset or the deferral of assumption of any Huntsman Liability pursuant to Section 2.4(d) , are obtained or made, and, if and when any other legal impediments for the transfer or assignment of any Venator Asset or the assumption of any Venator Liability or for the transfer or assignment of any Huntsman Asset or the assumption of any Huntsman Liability, have been removed, the transfer or assignment of the applicable Venator Asset or the assumption of the applicable Venator Liability or the transfer or assignment of the applicable Huntsman Asset or the assumption of the applicable Huntsman Liability, as the case may be, shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement.
(j) Except as otherwise agreed between Huntsman and Venator, (i) any member of the Huntsman Group holding, owning or retaining a Venator Asset or Venator Liability (whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.4(c) or for any other reason), and (ii) any member of the Venator Group holding, owning or retaining an Huntsman Asset or Huntsman Liability due to a transfer or assignment to, or assumption by, such member of the Venator Group (whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.4(d) or for any other reason),
shall not be obligated, in order to effect the transfer of such Asset or Liability to the Group member entitled thereto, to expend any money unless the necessary funds are advanced (or otherwise made available) by the Group member entitled thereto, other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, attorneys fees and recording or similar fees, all of which shall be promptly reimbursed by the Group member entitled to such Asset or Liability.
2.5 Novation of Venator Liabilities .
(a) Each of Huntsman and Venator, at the request of the other, shall endeavor, if reasonably practicable, to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, if reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all obligations under agreements, leases, licenses and other obligations or Liabilities of any nature whatsoever that constitute Venator Liabilities, or to obtain in writing the unconditional release of all parties to such arrangements other than any member of the Venator Group, so that, in any such case, the members of the Venator Group will be solely responsible for the Venator Liabilities; provided , however , that neither Huntsman nor Venator shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Third Party from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested.
(b) If Huntsman or Venator is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release and the applicable member of the Huntsman Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability (each, an Unreleased Venator Liability ), Venator shall, to the extent not prohibited by Law, as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the Huntsman Group, as the case may be, (i) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the Huntsman Group that constitute Unreleased Venator Liabilities from and after the Effective Date and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance, or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance, or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligee thereunder on any member of the Huntsman Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased Venator Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, Huntsman shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and Venator or the applicable Venator Group member shall assume, such Unreleased Venator Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.
2.6 Novation of Huntsman Liabilities .
(a) Each of Huntsman and Venator, at the request of the other, shall endeavor, if reasonably practicable, to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, if reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all obligations under agreements, leases, licenses and other obligations or Liabilities of any nature whatsoever that constitute Huntsman Liabilities, or to obtain in writing the unconditional release of all parties to such arrangements other than any member of the Huntsman Group, so that, in any such case, the members of the Huntsman Group will be solely responsible for such Huntsman Liabilities; provided , however , that neither Huntsman nor Venator shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or
other financial accommodation) to any Third Party from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested.
(b) If Huntsman or Venator is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release and the applicable member of the Venator Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability (each, an Unreleased Huntsman Liability ), Huntsman shall, to the extent not prohibited by Law, as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the Venator Group, as the case may be, (i) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the Venator Group that constitute Unreleased Huntsman Liabilities from and after the Effective Date and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance, or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance, or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligee thereunder on any member of the Venator Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased Huntsman Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, Venator shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and Huntsman or the applicable Huntsman Group member shall assume, such Unreleased Huntsman Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.
2.7 Termination of Agreements .
(a) Except as set forth in Section 2.7(b) , in furtherance of the releases and other provisions of this Agreement, Venator and each member of the Venator Group, on the one hand, and Huntsman and each member of the Huntsman Group, on the other hand, hereby terminate any and all agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings, whether or not in writing, between or among Venator and/or any member of the Venator Group and/or any entity that shall be a member of the Venator Group as of the Effective Date, on the one hand, and Huntsman and/or any member of the Huntsman Group (other than entities that shall be members of the Venator Group as of the Effective Date), on the other hand, effective as of the Effective Date. No such terminated agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (including any provision thereof which purports to survive termination) shall be of any further force or effect after the Effective Date. Each Party shall, at the reasonable request of the other Party, take, or cause to be taken, such other actions as may be necessary to effect the foregoing.
(b) The provisions of Section 2.7(a) shall not apply to any of the following agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings (or to any of the provisions thereof): (i) this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (and each other agreement or instrument expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to be entered into by any of the Parties or any of the members of their respective Groups); (ii) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings listed or described on Schedule 2.7(b)(ii) ; (iii) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any Person other than the Parties and the members of their respective Groups is a Party (it being understood that to the extent that the rights and obligations of the Parties and the members of their respective Groups under any such agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings constitute Venator Assets or Venator Liabilities, they shall be assigned pursuant to Section 2.1 ); (iv) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any member of the Huntsman Group or Venator Group, other than Huntsman, Venator or a wholly owned
Subsidiary of Huntsman or Venator, as the case may be, is a Party (it being understood that directors qualifying shares or similar interests will be disregarded for purposes of determining whether a Subsidiary is wholly owned); (v) any Shared Contracts; and (vi) any other agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings that this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement expressly states will survive the Effective Date.
2.8 Treatment of Shared Contracts .
(a) Without limiting the generality of the obligations set forth in Section 2.1 , unless the Parties otherwise agree or the benefits of any contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding described in this Section 2.8 are expressly conveyed to the applicable party pursuant to an Ancillary Agreement, any contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding that is listed on Schedule 2.8(a) shall be assigned in part to the applicable member(s) of the applicable Group, if so assignable, or appropriately amended prior to, on or after the Effective Date, so that each Party or the members of its respective Group shall, as of the Effective Date, be entitled to the rights and benefits, and shall assume the related portion of any Liabilities, inuring to its respective businesses, in each case, in accordance with the allocation of benefits and burdens set forth on Schedule 2.8(a) (each, a Schedule 2.8 Contract ); provided , however , that, (i) in no event shall any member of any Group be required to assign (or amend) any Schedule 2.8 Contract in its entirety or to assign a portion of any Schedule 2.8 Contract which is not assignable (or cannot be amended) by its terms (including any terms imposing consents or conditions on an assignment where such consents or conditions have not been obtained or fulfilled) and (ii) if any Schedule 2.8 Contract cannot be so partially assigned by its terms or otherwise, or cannot be amended or if such assignment or amendment would impair the benefit the parties thereto derive from such Schedule 2.8 Contract, then the Parties shall, and shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, take such other reasonable and permissible actions (including by providing prompt notice to the other Party with respect to any relevant claim of Liability or other relevant matters arising in connection with a Schedule 2.8 Contract so as to allow such other Party the ability to exercise any applicable rights under such Schedule 2.8 Contract) to cause a member of the Venator Group or the Huntsman Group, as the case may be, to receive the rights and benefits of that portion of each Schedule 2.8 Contract that relates to the Venator Business or the businesses retained by Huntsman, as the case may be (in each case, to the extent so related), as if such Schedule 2.8 Contract had been assigned to (or amended to allow) a member of the applicable Group pursuant to this Section 2.8 , and to bear the burden of the corresponding Liabilities (including any Liabilities that may arise by reason of such arrangement), as if such Liabilities had been assumed by a member of the applicable Group pursuant to this Section 2.8 .
(b) Each of Huntsman and Venator shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes the portion of each Shared Contract inuring to its respective businesses as Assets owned by, and/or Liabilities of, as applicable, such Party, or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, not later than the Effective Date; and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by applicable Law).
(c) Nothing in this Section 2.8 shall require any member of any Group to make any material payment (except to the extent advanced, assumed or agreed in advance to be
reimbursed by any member of the other Group), incur any material obligation or grant any material concession for the benefit of any member of any other Group in order to effect any transaction contemplated by this Section 2.8 .
2.9 Bank Accounts; Cash Balances .
(a) Huntsman and Venator each agrees to take, or cause the respective members of their respective Groups to take, at the Effective Date (or such earlier time as Huntsman and Venator may agree), all actions necessary to amend all contracts or agreements governing each bank and brokerage account owned by Venator or any other member of the Venator Group (collectively, the Venator Accounts ) so that such Venator Accounts, if currently linked (whether by automatic withdrawal, automatic deposit or any other authorization to transfer funds from or to, hereinafter linked) to any bank or brokerage account owned by Huntsman or any other member of the Huntsman Group (collectively, the Huntsman Accounts ), are de-linked from the Huntsman Accounts.
(b) Huntsman and Venator each agrees to take, or cause the respective members of their respective Groups to take, at the Effective Date (or such earlier time as Huntsman and Venator may agree), all actions necessary to amend all agreements governing the Huntsman Accounts so that such Huntsman Accounts, if currently linked to a Venator Account, are de-linked from the Venator Accounts.
(c) It is intended that, following consummation of the actions contemplated by Sections 2.9(a) and 2.9(b) , there will be in place a cash management process pursuant to which the Venator Accounts will be managed and funds collected will be transferred into one or more accounts maintained by Venator or its designee; provided that, on [] , 2017, the net accumulated funds in such centralized Venator Accounts will be transferred to one or more accounts managed by Huntsman, at the discretion of Huntsman.
(d) With respect to any outstanding payments initiated by Huntsman, Venator, or any of their respective Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Date, such outstanding payments shall be honored following the Separation by the Person or Group owning the account from which the payment was initiated.
(e) As between Huntsman and Venator (and the members of their respective Groups) all payments made and reimbursements received after the Contribution by either Party (or member of its Group) that relate to a business, Asset or Liability of the other Party (or member of its Group), shall be held by such Party for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto (at the expense of the Party entitled thereto). Each Party shall maintain an accounting of any such payments and reimbursements, and the Parties shall have a monthly reconciliation, whereby all such payments made and reimbursements received by each Party are calculated and the net amount owed to Huntsman or Venator shall be paid over where possible with right of set-off. If at any time the net amount owed to either Party exceeds $10,000,000, an interim payment of such net amount owed shall be made to the Party entitled thereto within five (5) business days of such amount exceeding $10,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Huntsman nor Venator shall act as collection agent for the other Party, nor shall either Party act as surety or endorser
with respect to non-sufficient funds checks, or funds to be returned in a bankruptcy or fraudulent conveyance action.
2.10 Other Ancillary Agreements . Effective as of the date hereof, each of Huntsman and Venator will execute and deliver all Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party (other than the Transfer Documents, which will be executed on or prior to the Effective Date to the extent not previously executed prior to the date hereof).
2.11 Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties . EACH OF HUNTSMAN (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE HUNTSMAN GROUP) AND VENATOR (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE VENATOR GROUP) UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE, IS REPRESENTING OR WARRANTING IN ANY WAY AS TO THE ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES TRANSFERRED, ASSUMED OR RETAINED AS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, AS TO ANY CONSENTS OR APPROVALS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AS TO THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ANY SECURITY INTERESTS OF, OR ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING, ANY ASSETS OF SUCH PARTY, OR AS TO THE ABSENCE OF ANY DEFENSES OR RIGHT OF SET-OFF OR FREEDOM FROM COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM OR OTHER ASSET, INCLUDING ANY ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OF ANY PARTY, OR AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF ANY ASSIGNMENT, DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSET OR THING OF VALUE UPON THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND FILING HEREOF OR THEREOF, AND IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, EACH OF HUNTSMAN (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE HUNTSMAN GROUP) AND VENATOR (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE VENATOR GROUP) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS NOT RELYING ON ANY SUCH REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY. EXCEPT AS MAY EXPRESSLY BE SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED ON AN AS IS, WHERE IS BASIS (AND, IN THE CASE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE AGREED BY HUNTSMAN, BY MEANS OF A QUITCLAIM OR SIMILAR FORM DEED OR CONVEYANCE) AND THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEREES SHALL BEAR THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL RISKS THAT (I) ANY CONVEYANCE WILL PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO VEST IN THE TRANSFEREE GOOD AND MARKETABLE TITLE, FREE AND CLEAR OF ANY SECURITY INTEREST, AND (II) ANY NECESSARY APPROVALS OR NOTIFICATIONS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS OF LAWS, INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, OR JUDGMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS AGREEMENT, HUNTSMAN MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY REGARDING ANY MATTER OR CIRCUMSTANCE RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, THE RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT OR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH, SAFETY, NATURAL RESOURCES OR THE ENVIRONMENT, OR ANY OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF THE VENATOR ASSETS.
2.12 Venator Debt Financing . Prior to the Effective Date (to the extent not previously effected prior to the date hereof), Venator shall enter into the Venator Debt Financing, on such terms and conditions as agreed by Huntsman (including the amount that shall be borrowed pursuant to the Venator Debt Financing and the interest rates for such borrowings). Huntsman and Venator shall participate in the preparation of all materials and presentations as may be reasonably necessary to secure funding pursuant to the Venator Debt Financing, including rating agency presentations necessary to obtain the requisite ratings needed to secure the financing under any of the Venator Debt Financing. The Parties agree that Venator, and not Huntsman, shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by, and for reimbursement of, such costs and expenses to, any member of the Huntsman Group associated with the Venator Debt Financing. Venator shall use borrowings under the Credit Facility to fund the Debt Repayment. For the avoidance of doubt, Venator shall not be permitted to use cash flows from its operations to fund the amount referenced in above.
ARTICLE III
THE IPO AND ACTIONS PENDING THE IPO
3.1 The IPO . Venator shall cooperate with, and take all actions reasonably requested by, Huntsman in connection with the IPO. In furtherance thereof, to the extent not undertaken and completed prior to the execution of this Agreement:
(a) Venator shall file the IPO Registration Statement, and such amendments or supplements thereto, as may be necessary in order to cause the same to become and remain effective as required by the Equity Underwriting Agreement, the SEC and applicable Law, including federal, state or foreign securities Laws. Venator shall also cooperate in preparing, filing with the SEC and causing to become effective a registration statement registering the Ordinary Shares under the Exchange Act, and any registration statements or amendments thereof that are required to reflect the establishment of, or amendments to, any employee benefit and other plans necessary or appropriate in connection with the IPO or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
(b) Venator shall enter into the Equity Underwriting Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Huntsman and shall comply with their respective obligations thereunder.
(c) Venator shall use its commercially reasonably efforts to take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under state securities and blue sky laws of the United States (and any comparable Laws under any foreign jurisdictions) in connection with the IPO.
(d) Venator shall participate in the preparation of materials and presentations as Huntsman and the Equity Underwriters shall deem necessary or desirable in connection with the IPO.
(e) Venator will cooperate in all respects with Huntsman and the Equity Underwriters in connection with the pricing of the Ordinary Shares to be sold in the IPO and the timing of the IPO and will, at such partys request, promptly take any and all actions necessary
or desirable to consummate the IPO as contemplated by the IPO Registration Statement and the Equity Underwriting Agreement.
(f) Venator shall prepare, file and use its commercially reasonable efforts to seek to make effective an application for listing of the Ordinary Shares sold in the IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.
3.2 Articles of Association . Prior to the effectiveness of the IPO Registration Statement, Huntsman and Venator shall take all necessary action that may be required to provide for the adoption by Venator of the Amended and Restated Articles of Association of Venator (the Venator Articles of Association ) in such form as may be reasonably determined by Huntsman and Venator, and Venator will file the Venator Articles of Association as required by applicable Law.
3.3 Equity-Based Benefits . Prior to the effectiveness of the IPO Registration Statement, Huntsman and Venator shall take all actions as may be necessary to approve the stock-based employee benefit plans of Venator (and the grants of adjusted awards over Huntsman stock by Huntsman and of awards over Venator stock by Venator) in order to satisfy the requirement of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE.
ARTICLE IV
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
4.1 General Provisions .
(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements (except as otherwise set forth in any such Ancillary Agreements), including the validity, interpretation, breach or termination thereof, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including all actions take in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby on or prior to the Effective Date), or the commercial or economic relationship of the Parties hereto (a Dispute ), shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article IV , which shall be the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of any such Dispute unless otherwise specified in the applicable Ancillary Agreement or in this Article IV .
(b) Commencing with a request contemplated by Section 4.2 , all communications between the Parties or their representatives to attempt to resolve any Dispute shall be deemed to have been delivered in furtherance of a Dispute settlement and shall be exempt from disclosure and production, and shall not be introduced into evidence for any reason (whether as an admission or otherwise) before any arbitral tribunal.
(c) The specific procedures set forth in this Article IV , including the time limits referenced herein, may be modified by agreement of both of the Parties in writing.
(d) All applicable statutes of limitations and defenses based upon the passage of time shall be tolled while the procedures specified in this Article IV are pending. The Parties will take any necessary or appropriate action required to effectuate such tolling.
4.2 Consideration by Senior Executives . If a Dispute is not resolved in the normal course of business at the operational level, the Parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation between executives. Either Party may initiate the executive negotiation process by providing a written notice to the other (the Initial Notice ). Within fifteen (15) days after delivery of the Initial Notice, the receiving Party shall submit to the other a written response (the Response ). The Initial Notice and the Response shall include (a) a statement of the Dispute and of each Partys respective position and (b) the name and title of the executive who will represent that Party and of any other person who will accompany the executive. The Parties agree that such executives shall have full and complete authority to resolve any Disputes submitted pursuant to this Section 4.2 . Such executives will meet in person or by teleconference or video conference within thirty (30) days of the date of the Initial Notice to seek a resolution of the Dispute. If the executives are unable to agree to a format for such meeting, the meeting shall be convened by teleconference.
4.3 Mediation . If a Dispute is not resolved by negotiation or if a meeting between executives is not held as provided in Section 4.2 in either case within forty-five (45) days from the delivery of the Initial Notice, resolution of such Dispute shall be attempted by mediation administered by the American Arbitration Association (the AAA ) under its Commercial Mediation Procedures (the Mediation Procedures ) as then in effect. Unless otherwise agreed by Huntsman and Venator, the Parties shall (a) conduct the mediation in Houston, Texas, and (b) select a mutually agreeable mediator. If the Parties are unable to agree upon a mediator within ten (10) days of the request for mediation, a mediator shall be appointed as set out in the Mediation Procedures. The Parties shall agree to a mutually convenient date and time to conduct the mediation; provided that the mediation must occur within thirty (30) days of the appointment of the mediator unless a later date is agreed to by the Parties in writing. Each Party shall bear its own fees, costs and expenses and an equal share of the expenses of the mediation. Each Party shall designate an executive to have full and complete authority to resolve the Dispute and to represent its interests in the mediation, and each Party may, in its sole and absolute discretion, include any number of other Representatives in the mediation process. At the commencement of the mediation, either Party may request to submit a written mediation statement to the mediator.
4.4 Arbitration .
(a) Any Dispute that is not resolved prior to the date of termination of mediation under the Mediation Procedures shall be submitted to arbitration administered in accordance with the AAAs Commercial Arbitration Rules then in effect (the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules ) except as modified by this Section 4.4 .
(b) Without waiving its rights to any remedy under this Agreement and without first complying with the provisions of Sections 4.2 and 4.3 , either Party may seek any emergency measures of protection or interim relief (i) before any [Texas] federal or state court, (ii) before an emergency arbitrator, as provided for under the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules, or (iii) before the arbitral tribunal established hereunder.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed by Huntsman and Venator, any Dispute to be decided in arbitration hereunder shall be decided by a tribunal of three (3) arbitrators appointed pursuant to the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules.
(d) The place of arbitration shall be held, and the award shall be rendered in, Houston, Texas. The final hearing(s) in such arbitration shall take place within fourteen (14) months of the date of appointment of the arbitral tribunal, unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing.
(e) The arbitral tribunal will have the right to award, on an interim basis, or include in the final award, any relief which it deems proper in the circumstances, including money damages (with interest on unpaid amounts from the due date), injunctive relief (including specific performance) and attorneys fees and costs; provided that the arbitral tribunal will not award any relief not specifically requested by the Parties and, in any event, will not award special damages. Upon constitution of the arbitral tribunal following any grant of interim relief by a special arbitrator or court pursuant to Section 4.4 , the tribunal may affirm or disaffirm that relief, and the Parties will take such measures that are necessary to execute the tribunals decision.
(f) So long as either Party has a timely claim to assert, the agreement to arbitrate Disputes set forth in this Section 4.4 will continue in full force and effect subsequent to, and notwithstanding the completion, expiration or termination of, this Agreement.
(g) Any award of the arbitrators shall state reasons and shall be conclusive and binding upon the Parties. Judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
(h) Each Party shall bear its own fees, costs and expenses and shall bear an equal share of the costs and expenses of the arbitration, including the fees, costs and expenses of the arbitral tribunal, provided , that the arbitral tribunal may award the prevailing Party its reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys fees), including such reasonable fees and expenses for any Disputes relating to the Parties rights and obligations for indemnification under this Agreement.
4.5 Confidentiality . Except as may be required by law or to enforce an award, neither a Party nor an arbitrator may disclose the existence, content or results of any arbitration hereunder without the prior written consent of the Parties.
ARTICLE V
MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION
5.1 Regardless of Fault . IN THIS ARTICLE V , THE PHRASE REGARDLESS OF FAULT MEANS WITH RESPECT TO ANY INDEMNITY OR RELEASE PROVISION THAT THE INDEMNITY OR RELEASE IS BEING GIVEN WITHOUT REGARD TO THE FAULT OF THE PARTY BEING INDEMNIFIED OR RELEASED AND THAT THE INDEMNITY OR RELEASE WILL BE ENFORCEABLE EVEN IF THE LIABILITY BEING INDEMNIFIED OR RELEASED AGAINST WAS CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE (OF ANY DEGREE OR CHARACTER), STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF DUTY OR ANY OTHER FAULT ON THE PART OF THE PARTY OR PERSON BEING INDEMNIFIED OR RELEASED.
5.2 Intention of Parties . IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE PARTIES THAT THE INDEMNITIES AND RELEASES IN THIS ARTICLE V COMPLY WITH BOTH THE EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE DOCTRINE AND THE CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS RULE AND THAT WHEREVER REGARDLESS OF FAULT APPEARS IN THIS ARTICLE V , THE DEFINITION SET OUT IN SECTION 5.1 IS INCORPORATED AS THOUGH FULLY SET OUT THEREIN.
5.3 Release of Pre-Closing Claims .
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.3(c) , effective as of the Effective Date, Venator does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Venator Group, their respective Affiliates (other than any member of the Huntsman Group), successors and assigns, and to the extent permitted by Law all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Date have been directors, officers, agents, managers, or employees of any member of the Venator Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge REGARDLESS OF FAULT Huntsman and the members of the Huntsman Group, their respective controlled Affiliates (other than any member of the Venator Group), successors and assigns, and all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Date have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents, managers or employees of any member of the Huntsman Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all Liabilities whatsoever, whether at law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether arising under any contract or agreement, by operation of Law or otherwise, including from fraud, existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to have existed on or before the Effective Date, including in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation and the IPO and any other transactions contemplated under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; provided , however , with respect to stockholders, directors, officers, agents, managers, or employees of any member of the Huntsman Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, such remise, release and discharge shall not apply to the extent any such person or party is grossly negligent or has acted in bad faith or has engaged in willful misconduct.
(b) Except as provided in Section 5.3(c) , effective as of the Effective Date, Huntsman does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Huntsman Group, their respective Affiliates (other than any member of the Venator Group), successors and assigns, and to the extent permitted by Law all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Date have been directors, officers, agents, managers, or employees of any member of the Huntsman Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge REGARDLESS OF FAULT Venator, and the members of the Venator Group, their respective controlled Affiliates (other than any member of the Huntsman Group), successors and assigns, and all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Date have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents, managers, or employees of any member of the Venator Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all Liabilities whatsoever, whether at law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether arising under any contract or agreement, by operation of Law or otherwise, including from fraud, existing or arising from any acts or events
occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to have existed on or before the Effective Date, including in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation and the IPO and any other transactions contemplated under this Agreement or under any Ancillary Agreement; provided , however , with respect to stockholders, directors, officers, agents, managers, or employees of any member of the Venator Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, such remise, release and discharge shall not apply to the extent any such person or party is grossly negligent or has acted in bad faith or has engaged in willful misconduct.
(c) Nothing contained in Section 5.3(a) or (b) shall impair any right of any Person to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any agreements specified in Section 2.7(b) of this Agreement or the applicable Schedule thereto. Nothing contained in Section 5.3(a) or (b) shall release any Person from:
(i) any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement among any members of the Huntsman Group or the Venator Group that is specified in Section 2.7(b) of this Agreement or the applicable Schedules thereto as not to terminate as of the Effective Date, or any other Liability specified in such Section 2.7(b) as not to terminate as of the Effective Date;
(ii) any Liability, contingent or otherwise, assumed, transferred, assigned or allocated to the Group of which such Person is a member in accordance with, or any other Liability of any member of any Group under, this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;
(iii) any Liability for the agreed upon purchase price or fee due arising out of the sale, lease, construction or receipt of goods, property or services purchased, obtained or used in the ordinary course of business by a member of one Group from a member of the other Group prior to the Effective Date;
(iv) any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement for claims brought against the Parties by Third Parties, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Article V and Article VI and, if applicable, the other appropriate provisions of this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements; or
(v) any Liability the release of which would result in the release of any Person other than a Person released pursuant to this Section 5.3 ; provided , however , that the Parties agree not to bring or allow their respective Subsidiaries to bring suit or other Action against the other Party or any of their respective past, present or future directors, officers and employees, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing, with respect to any such Liability.
In addition, nothing contained in Section 5.3(a) shall release Huntsman from honoring its obligations in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date to indemnify any director, officer or employee of a member of the Venator Group who was a director, officer or employee of a
member of the Huntsman Group on or prior to the Effective Date, to the extent such director, officer or employee is or becomes a named defendant in any Action covered by such indemnity obligations; it being understood that, if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a Venator Liability, Venator shall indemnify Huntsman for such Liability (including Huntsmans costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article V .
(d) Venator will not make, and will not permit any member of the Venator Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 5.3(a) , with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 5.3(a) . Huntsman will not make, and will not permit any member of the Huntsman Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against Venator or any member of the Venator Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 5.3(b) , with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 5.3(b) .
(e) It is the intent of each of Huntsman and Venator, by virtue of the provisions of this Section 5.3 , to provide for a full and complete release and discharge REGARDLESS OF FAULT of all Liabilities existing or arising from all acts and events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur and all conditions existing or alleged to have existed on or before the Effective Date, between or among Venator or any member of the Venator Group, on the one hand, and Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group, on the other hand (including any contractual agreements or arrangements existing or alleged to exist between or among any such members on or before the Effective Date, including any representations or warranties or indemnities made or alleged to have been made on or before the Effective Date, by any member of the Venator Group or the Huntsman Group), except as expressly set forth in Section 5.3(c) . At any time, at the request of the other Party, each Party shall cause each member of its respective Group to execute and deliver releases reflecting the provisions hereof.
(f) Any breach of the provisions of this Section 5.3 by either Huntsman or Venator shall entitle the other Party to recover reasonable fees and expenses of counsel in connection with such breach or any action resulting from such breach.
5.4 Indemnification by Venator . Subject to Section 5.6 , Venator shall REGARDLESS OF FAULT indemnify, defend and hold harmless Huntsman, each member of the Huntsman Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers and employees, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the Huntsman Indemnitees ), from and against any and all Liabilities of the Huntsman Indemnitees arising out of or resulting from:
(a) any Huntsman Third Party Claim to the extent arising out of or resulting from any of the following items:
(i) the failure of Venator or any other member of the Venator Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Venator
Liabilities or Venator Contracts in accordance with its respective terms, whether prior to or after the Effective Date;
(ii) the Venator Business, any Venator Liabilities or any Venator Contracts;
(iii) any representation or warranty (including any warranty of title) from or made by the Huntsman Group contained in any deed, agreement or other document constituting or relating to the Venator Assets or the Venator Business, including any conveyancing instrument whereby any of the Venator assets were conveyed, assigned or transferred to a member of the Venator Group (whether in connection with the Separation or a transaction not related to the Separation);
(iv) the Assumed Actions;
(v) any Corporate Action or Action relating to the Venator Business from which Venator is unable to cause an Huntsman Group party to be removed pursuant to Section 5.8(d) , but only to the extent relating to the Venator Business;
(vi) any use by any member of the Venator Group or Person that becomes an Affiliate of a member of the Venator Group after the Effective Date of the Huntsman Names and Marks;
(vii) any guarantee, indemnification obligation, letter of credit reimbursement obligations, surety, bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of Venator or its Subsidiaries by Huntsman or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Venator or its Subsidiaries) that survives following the Effective Date; and
(viii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in the IPO Registration Statement or any Disclosure Document with respect to the IPO or any offering memorandum or other marketing materials prepared in connection with the Venator Debt Financing or otherwise, other than any such statement or omission therein based on information furnished by Huntsman solely in respect of the Huntsman Group (it being understood that, with respect to the IPO Registration Statement or Disclosure Documents, the only such information furnished by Huntsman is the information set forth in the section titled ); and
(b) any breach by Venator or any member of the Venator Group of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements.
5.5 Indemnification by Huntsman . Subject to Section 5.6 , Huntsman shall REGARDLESS OF FAULT indemnify, defend and hold harmless Venator, each member of the Venator Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers and employees, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing
(collectively, the Venator Indemnitees ), from and against any and all Liabilities of the Venator Indemnitees arising out of or resulting from:
(a) any Venator Third Party Claim to the extent arising out of or resulting from any of the following items:
(i) the failure of Huntsman or any other member of the Huntsman Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Huntsman Liabilities, whether prior to or after the Effective Date;
(ii) the Huntsman Business, any Huntsman Liabilities or any Huntsman Contracts;
(iii) any representation or warranty (including any warranty of title) from or made by the Venator Group contained in any deed, agreement or other document constituting or relating to the Huntsman Assets or the Huntsman Business, including any conveyancing instrument whereby any of the Huntsman assets were conveyed, assigned or transferred to a member of the Huntsman Group (whether in connection with the Separation or a transaction not related to the Separation);
(iv) any Corporate Action or Action relating to the Huntsman Business from which Huntsman is unable to cause a Venator Group party to be removed pursuant to Section 5.8(d) (but only to the extent relating to the Huntsman Business);
(v) any Actions listed on Schedule 5.5(a)(v) ; 3 and
(b) any breach by Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements.
5.6 Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds .
(a) The Parties intend that any Liability subject to indemnification or reimbursement pursuant to this Article V or Article VI will be net of Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of the Liability. Accordingly, the amount which any Party (an Indemnifying Party ) has paid to or on behalf of any person or entity entitled to indemnification hereunder (an Indemnitee ) will be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds theretofore actually recovered by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of the related Liability. If an Indemnitee receives a payment (an Indemnity Payment ) required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of any Liability and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds, then the Indemnitee will pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received and any costs or expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in recovering such payment over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.
(i) Notwithstanding anything in Section 5.6(a) , the initial obligation of the Indemnifying Party shall be to indemnify fully the Indemnitee, without regard to whether there may or may not be available Insurance Proceeds.
3 This Schedule to include the Rockwood Claims.
(ii) Once the Indemnifying Party has indemnified the Indemnitee, or agreed to the reasonable satisfaction of the Indemnitee to indemnify the Indemnitee without reservation or exception, for a liability as to which the Indemnitee may have insurance coverage, then upon the request of the Indemnifying party, the Indemnitee shall pursue recovery of Insurance Proceeds under the Indemnitees insurance policies, including making claims and filing suits if necessary. Such insurance recovery efforts shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, but shall be under the final control of the Indemnitee. Specifically, the Indemnitee shall retain and direct counsel, control litigation, and make final decisions on all matters, including settlement or any other form of claim resolution relating to such insurance recovery effort. In all such matters, the Indemnitee shall consult with the Indemnifying Party if requested, but the Indemnitee shall retain final authority.
(b) An insurer who would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim shall not be relieved of the responsibility therefor, or have any subrogation rights with respect thereto, as a consequence of the indemnification rights under this Agreement.
(c) The Parties intend that any indemnification or reimbursement payment in respect of a Liability pursuant to this Article V or Article VI shall be (i) reduced to take into account the amount of any Tax Benefit actually realized by the indemnified or reimbursed Person in respect of such Liability by the end of the taxable year in which the indemnification or reimbursement payment is made and (ii) increased as necessary to ensure that, after all required Taxes on the indemnification or reimbursement payment are paid (including Taxes applicable to any increases in the indemnity payment under this Section 5.6(c) ), the indemnified or reimbursed Person receives the amount it would have received if the indemnity payment was not taxable. For purposes of this Section 5.6(c) , the amount of any Tax Benefit and any Income Taxes shall be calculated on the basis that the indemnified or reimbursed Person is subject to the highest federal marginal regular statutory income Tax rate, has sufficient taxable income to permit the realization or receipt of any relevant Tax Benefit at the earliest possible time and is not subject to the alternative minimum tax.
(d) For all claims as to which indemnification is provided under Section 5.4 or 5.5 other than Third-Party Claims (as to which Section 5.7 shall apply), the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnitee for the enforcement of the indemnity obligations shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party.
5.7 Procedures for Indemnification of Third Party Claims .
(a) If an Indemnitee shall receive written notice of a Third Party Claim with respect to which an Indemnifying Party may be obligated to provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to Section 5.4 or 5.5 , or any other Section of this Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, such Indemnitee shall give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof within fourteen (14) days of such written notice. Any such notice shall describe the Third-Party Claim in reasonable detail and include copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of an Indemnitee to provide notice in accordance with this Section 5.7(a) shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement,
except to the extent to which the Indemnifying Party shall demonstrate that it was materially prejudiced by the Indemnitees failure to provide notice in accordance with this Section 5.7(a) .
(b) An Indemnifying Party may elect to defend (and, unless the Indemnifying Party has specified any reservations or exceptions, to seek to settle or compromise), at such Indemnifying Partys own expense and by such Indemnifying Partys own counsel, any Third-Party Claim; provided , however , that an Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to elect to defend any Third Party Claim that potentially includes Liabilities for which the Indemnitee will not be indemnified hereunder unless either the Indemnitee consents to the Indemnifying Party assuming such defense or the Indemnifying Party agrees to assume such defense and indemnify without reservation or exception. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 5.7(a) (or sooner, if the nature of such Third-Party Claim so requires), the Indemnifying Party shall notify the Indemnitee of its election whether the Indemnifying Party will assume responsibility for defending such Third-Party Claim, which election shall specify any reservations or exceptions if the Indemnitee has consented to the Indemnifying Party assuming the defense notwithstanding such reservations or exceptions. After notice from an Indemnifying Party to an Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise, or settlement thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be the expense of such Indemnitee except as set forth in the next sentence.
(c) If the Indemnifying Party has elected (and is permitted hereunder) to assume the defense of the Third-Party Claim but has specified, and continues to assert, any reservations or exceptions in such notice, then, in any such case, the reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel for all Indemnitees shall be the expense of such Indemnitees, but shall be promptly reimbursed by the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense of the Third Party Claim but has specified, and continues to assert, any reservations or exceptions in such notice, then the Indemnifying Party must obtain the consent of the Indemnitee prior to any settlement or compromise.
(d) Notwithstanding an election by an Indemnifying Party to defend a Third-Party Claim pursuant to Section 5.7(b) , the Indemnitee may, upon notice to the Indemnifying Party, elect to take over the defense of such Third-Party Claim if (i) in its exercise of reasonable business judgment, the Indemnitee determines that the Indemnifying Party is not defending such Third-Party Claim in good faith, (ii) the Credit Rating of the Indemnifying Party is or falls below the Minimum Credit Rating as determined by at least two Rating Agencies, (iii) the Indemnitee determines in its exercise of reasonable business judgment that there exists a compelling business reason for such Indemnitee to defend such Third-Party Claim (other than as contemplated by the foregoing clause (i) ), (iv) the Indemnifying Party makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, has filed against it or files a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or is declared bankrupt or insolvent or declares that it is bankrupt or insolvent, or (v) when Huntsman is the Indemnitee, there has occurred a change of control of Venator since the Effective Date.
(e) If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending a Third-Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election as provided in Section 5.7(b) ,
or if an Indemnitee takes over the defense of a Third-Party Claim as provided in Section 5.7(d) , the Indemnifying Party shall bear, and reimburse promptly, all of the Indemnitees reasonable costs and expenses incurred in defending such Third-Party Claim.
(f) If, pursuant to Section 5.7(d) or for any other reason, the Indemnifying Party is not defending a Third-Party Claim for which indemnification is provided under this Agreement, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right, at its own expense, to monitor reasonably the defense of such Third-Party Claim; provided , that such monitoring activity shall not interfere in any material respect with the conduct of such defense.
(g) If an Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense of the Third-Party Claim in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or an Indemnitee takes over the defense of a Third-Party Claim as provided in Section 5.7(d)(i) , an Indemnitee may settle or compromise the Third-Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party. If an Indemnitee takes over the defense of a Third-Party Claim as provided in Section 5.7(d)(ii)-(v) , such Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(h) In the case of a Third-Party Claim, no Indemnifying Party shall consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement of the Third-Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnitee if the effect thereof is to permit any injunction, declaratory judgment, regulatory penalty or other non-monetary relief to be entered, directly or indirectly against any Indemnitee.
(i) Venator or Huntsman, as applicable, shall prepare and circulate a legal hold order ( LHO ) covering relevant categories of documents as promptly as practical following receipt of any notice pursuant to Section 5.7(a) and shall promptly notify the other Party after such LHO has been circulated. Huntsman or Venator, as applicable, shall prepare and circulate a LHO covering documents in the possession, custody or control of the members of its Group with respect to any Action so notified to the other Party.
(j) The provisions of this Section 5.7 (other than this Section 5.7(j) ) and the provisions of Section 5.8 shall not apply to Taxes (Taxes being governed by the Tax Matters Agreement).
(k) All Assumed Actions have been tendered by Huntsman to Venator and are deemed to be formally accepted by Venator upon the execution of this Agreement without reservation or exception and Venator has elected to defend all such actions subject to the other provisions of this Section 5.7 .
(l) An Indemnifying Party shall provide the Indemnitee with a monthly written report identifying any Third Party Claims which such Indemnifying Party has elected to defend pursuant to this Section 5.7 .
5.8 Additional Matters .
(a) Indemnification payments in respect of any Liabilities for which an Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Article V shall be paid by the Indemnifying
Party to the Indemnitee as such Liabilities are incurred upon demand by the Indemnitee, including reasonably satisfactory documentation setting forth the basis for the amount of such indemnification payment, including documentation with respect to calculations made and consideration of any Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of such Liabilities; provided , however , that if requested by the Indemnitee, in the case of any Third Party Claims for which the Indemnifying Party is liable under the terms of this Agreement, the Indemnifying Party will pay the amounts due to such Third Party as a result of any settlement of such Third Party Claim in accordance with Section 5.7 directly to the Third Party as opposed to reimbursing the Indemnitee for the amounts paid in any such settlement. THE INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE V SHALL REMAIN OPERATIVE AND IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, REGARDLESS OF (I) ANY INVESTIGATION MADE BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY INDEMNITEE AND (II) THE KNOWLEDGE BY THE INDEMNITEE OF LIABILITIES FOR WHICH IT MIGHT BE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION HEREUNDER.
(b) Any claim on account of a Liability that does not result from a Third-Party Claim shall be asserted by written notice given by the Indemnitee to the related Indemnifying Party. Such Indemnifying Party shall have a period of thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice within which to respond thereto. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such thirty (30)-day period, such Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have refused to accept responsibility to make payment. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such thirty (30)-day period or rejects such claim in whole or in part, such Indemnitee shall be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to such Party as contemplated by this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements.
(c) In the event of payment by or on behalf of any Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right, defense or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim or against any other Person. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right, defense or claim.
(d) In the event of an Action for which indemnification is sought pursuant to Section 5.4 or 5.5 and in which the Indemnifying Party is not a named defendant, if either the Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party shall so request, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to substitute the Indemnifying Party for the named defendant.
5.9 Remedies Cumulative . The remedies provided in this Article V shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party expressly provided in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; provided , however , if a Party has recovered any Losses from the other Party pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise, it shall not be entitled to recover the same Losses pursuant to any other provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
5.10 Survival of Indemnities . The rights and obligations of each of Huntsman and Venator and their respective Indemnitees under this Article V shall survive the sale or other transfer by any Party of any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities.
5.11 Guarantees, Letters of Credit and other Obligations . In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the obligations set forth in Sections 2.6 and 8.3 hereof:
(a) On or prior to the Effective Date or as soon as practicable thereafter, Venator shall (with the reasonable cooperation of the applicable member(s) of the Huntsman Group) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have any member(s) of the Huntsman Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any Venator Liability, including in respect of those guarantees, letters of credit and other obligations set forth on Schedule 5.11(a) .
(b) On or prior to the Effective Date, to the extent required to obtain a release from a guarantee, letter of credit or other obligation of any member of the Huntsman Group, Venator shall execute a substitute document substantially in the form of any such existing guarantee or letter of credit, as applicable, or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guarantee agreement, letter of credit or other obligation, provided that Venator shall not be required to make or agree to any representations, covenants or other terms or provisions in an existing guarantee, letter of credit or other obligation to the extent (i) Venator would not be reasonably able to comply therewith or (ii) Venator would reasonably be expected to be in breach thereof.
(c) If the Parties are unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 5.11 , (i) Venator shall REGARDLESS OF FAULT indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Huntsman Indemnitees for any Liability arising from or relating to such guarantee, letter of credit or other obligation, as applicable, and shall, as agent or subcontractor for the applicable Huntsman Group guarantor or obligor, pay, perform and discharge fully all of the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder, and (ii) Venator shall not, and shall cause the other members of the Venator Group not to, agree to renew or extend the term of, increase any obligations under, or transfer to a Third Party, any loan, guarantee, letter of credit, lease, contract or other obligation for which a member of the Huntsman Group is or may be liable unless all obligations of the members of the Huntsman Group with respect thereto are thereupon terminated by documentation satisfactory in form and substance to Huntsman in its sole and absolute discretion.
5.12 No Impact on Third Parties . For the avoidance of doubt, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the indemnifications provided for in this Article V are made only for purposes of allocating responsibility for Liabilities between the Huntsman Group, on the one hand, and the Venator Group, on the other hand, and are not intended to, and shall not, affect any obligations to, or give rise to any rights of, any Third Parties.
5.13 No Cross-Claims or Third-Party Claims . Each of Venator and Huntsman agrees that it shall not, and shall not permit any of its respective Subsidiaries or controlled Affiliates to, in connection with any Third-Party Claim, assert as a counterclaim or third-party claim against any member of the Huntsman Group or Venator Group, respectively, any claim (whether
sounding in contract, tort or otherwise) that arises out of or relates to this Agreement, any breach or alleged breach hereof, the transactions contemplated hereby (including all actions taken in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby on or prior to the date hereof), or the construction, interpretation, enforceability or validity hereof, which in each such case shall be asserted only as contemplated by Article V .
5.14 Severability . If any indemnification provided for in this Article V is determined by any arbitrator or arbitral tribunal with authority to make such determination under Article V or by a Texas federal or state court to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the Liability shall be apportioned between the Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party as determined in a separate proceeding in accordance with Article V .
5.15 Change of Control . If any Third Party or group (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) acquires beneficial ownership, including by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets or voting equity of Venator, Venator shall take all necessary action so that such Third Party or group shall become a guarantor of the obligations of Venator under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
ARTICLE VI
INSURANCE MATTERS
6.1 Insurance Matters .
(a) Huntsman and Venator agree to cooperate in good faith to arrange insurance coverage for Venator to be effective no later than the Effective Date. In no event shall Huntsman, any other member of the Huntsman Group or any Huntsman Indemnitee have Liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the Venator Group if any insurance policy or other contract or policy of insurance shall be terminated or otherwise cease to be in effect for any reason, shall be unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the Venator Group for any reason whatsoever or shall not be renewed or extended beyond the current expiration date. From and after the Effective Date, other than as provided in Sections 6.1(c) and 6.1(d) , neither Venator nor any member of the Venator Group shall have any rights to or under any of Huntsmans or its Affiliates insurance policies.
(b) At the Effective Date, Venator shall have in effect all insurance programs required to comply with Venators contractual obligations and such other insurance policies as reasonably necessary, and, following the Effective Date, Venator shall maintain such insurance programs and policies with insurers which comply with the minimum financial credit rating standards set by the major global insurance brokers.
(c) (i) Until the sixth anniversary of the Effective Date, Huntsman shall maintain directors and officers liability insurance policies and fiduciary liability insurance policies (collectively, D&O Insurance Policies) for officers and directors of the Venator Group (in their capacity as a member of the Huntsman Group) who prior to the Effective Date served as officers or directors of the Huntsman Group that is no less favorable than the coverage provided for the Huntsman Group. Huntsman and Venator acknowledge that, as of immediately prior to the Effective Date, Huntsman intends to take such action as it may deem necessary or desirable to terminate and cease coverage under any D&O Insurance Policy issued to it or any officer or director of a member of the Venator Group by any insurance carrier effective immediately prior to the Effective Date for all claims related to actions by such persons in their capacity as officers or directors of any member of the Venator Group.
(ii) On and after the Effective Date, to the extent that any claims have been duly reported before such date under the D&O Insurance Policies maintained by members of the Huntsman Group, Huntsman shall not, and shall cause the members of the Huntsman Group not to, take any action that would limit the coverage of the individuals who acted as directors or officers of Venator (or members of the Venator Group) prior to the Effective Date under any D&O Insurance Policies maintained by the members of the Huntsman Group.
(iii) On and after the Effective Date, Venator shall maintain in effect for each past or present director of Venator or any of its subsidiaries, for a period of at least six years after the Effective Date, D&O Insurance Policies containing terms and conditions (but with coverage limits as Venator shall have in place at the Effective Date shall be agreed upon by Huntsman) which are, in the aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured, as the current D&O Insurance Policies of Huntsman with respect to claims arising from acts or omissions that occurred on or prior to the Effective Date. Huntsman shall provide, and shall cause other members of the Huntsman Group to provide, such cooperation as is reasonably requested by Venator in order for Venator to have in effect on and after the Effective Date such new D&O Insurance Policies as Venator deems appropriate with respect to claims reported on or after the Effective Date.
(d) (i) Following the Effective Date, except with respect to the insurance matters identified on Schedule 6.1(d) , whose treatment shall be as set forth on such Schedule or otherwise provided in this Section 6.1(d), with respect to any losses, damages and liabilities incurred by any member of the Venator Group prior to or in respect of the period prior to the Effective Date, Huntsman will provide Venator with access to, and Venator may, upon 10 days prior written notice to Huntsman, make claims under Huntsmans insurance policies in place at the Effective Date and Huntsmans historical policies of insurance, but solely to the extent that such policies provided coverage for any of the members of the Venator Group prior to the IPO. Huntsman will reasonably cooperate with Venator, any member of the Venator Group, and/or any of their present or former employees, officers, or directors in order to afford access for such parties to any insurance policies issued to Huntsman under which any such parties are insureds. The foregoing shall not apply to fronted policies to the extent not reinsured and/or to any other policies to the extent that they do not accomplish an actual risk transfer. It is understood that the coverage available to Venator, any member of the Venator Group, and/or any of their present or former employees, officers, or directors shall be subject to the terms and conditions of such insurance policies, including any limits on coverage or scope, any deductibles and other fees and expenses, and shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) Venator shall provide Huntsman with a written report sixty (60) days prior to any such third-party insurance policys renewal date, as advised by Huntsman, identifying any claims made by Venator for which notice has previously been provided to insurers of Huntsman;
(B) Venator and its Affiliates shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse Huntsman and its Affiliates for any deductibles, self-insured retention, fees and expenses incurred by Huntsman or its Affiliates to the extent resulting from any such access to, or any claims made by Venator or any of its Affiliates under, any insurance provided pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) , including any indemnity payments, settlements, judgments, legal fees and allocated claims expenses and claim handling fees, whether such claims are made by Venator, its employees or Third Parties; and
(C) Venator shall exclusively bear (and neither Huntsman nor its Affiliates shall have any obligation to repay or reimburse Venator or its Affiliates for) and shall be liable for all uninsured, uncovered, unavailable or uncollectible amounts of all such claims made by Venator or any of its Affiliates under the policies as provided for in this Section 6.1(d) .
(ii) If an insurance policy aggregate is exhausted, or believed likely to be exhausted, due to noticed claims, the Venator Group, on the one hand, and the Huntsman Group, on the other hand, shall be responsible for their pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium, based upon the losses of such Group submitted to Huntsmans insurance carrier(s) (including any submissions prior to the Effective Date). To the extent that the Huntsman Group or the Venator Group is allocated more than its pro rata portion of such premium due to the timing of losses submitted to
Huntsmans insurance carrier(s), the other Party shall promptly pay the first Party an amount so that each Group has been properly allocated its pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium. Huntsman can decide not to reinstate the policy aggregate and each Group then will bear all of its own future costs.
(iii) If any member of the Huntsman Group incurs any losses, damages or Liability prior to the Effective Date under Venators third-party insurance policies and captive insurance policies (to the extent such captive insurance policies have been reinsured), the same process pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) shall apply, substituting Huntsman for Venator and Venator for Huntsman.
(e) All payments and reimbursements by Venator pursuant to this Section 6.1 will be made within forty-five (45) days after Venators receipt of an invoice therefor from Huntsman. If Huntsman incurs costs to enforce Venators obligations herein, Venator agrees to indemnify Huntsman for such enforcement costs, including attorneys fees.
(f) All payments and reimbursements by Huntsman pursuant to this Section 6.1 will be made within forty-five (45) days after Huntsmans receipt of an invoice therefor from Venator. If Venator incurs costs to enforce Huntsmans obligations herein, Huntsman agrees to indemnify Venator for such enforcement costs, including attorneys fees.
(g) Except to the extent that Venator, any member of the Venator Group, and/or any of their present or former employees, officers or directors is an insured thereunder, Huntsman shall retain the exclusive right to control its insurance policies and programs. With the sole exception of the rights of Venator, members of the Venator Group, and/or any of their present or former employees, officers, or directors to settle claims as to which they are insureds, for monetary amounts payable to them or on their behalf, Huntsman shall have the exclusive right to exhaust, settle, release, commute, buy-back or otherwise resolve disputes with respect to any of its insurance policies and programs and to amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs, notwithstanding whether any such policies or programs apply to any Venator Liabilities and/or claims Venator has made or could make in the future, and no member of the Venator Group shall, without the prior written consent of Huntsman, erode, exhaust, settle, release, commute, buy-back or otherwise resolve disputes with Huntsmans insurers with respect to any of Huntsmans insurance policies and programs, or amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs. Venator shall cooperate with Huntsman and share such information at Venators cost as is reasonably necessary in order to permit Huntsman to manage and conduct its insurance matters as it deems appropriate. Neither Huntsman nor any of its Affiliates shall have any obligation to secure extended reporting for any claims under any of Huntsmans or its Affiliates liability policies for any acts or omissions by any member of the Venator Group incurred prior to the Effective Date.
(h) This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any member of the Huntsman Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.
(i) Venator does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Venator Group, agree that no member of the Huntsman Group shall have any Liability whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies and practices of Huntsman and its Affiliates as in effect at any time, including as a result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, the terms and conditions of any policy, or the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim or otherwise.
(j) The Parties acknowledge that to the extent there are losses or premium adjustments under the Parties tripartite insurance agreements, such losses or adjustments will be governed by such tripartite insurance agreements.
ARTICLE VII
EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY
7.1 Agreement for Exchange of Information . Subject to Section 7.7 and any other applicable confidentiality obligations, each of Huntsman and Venator, on behalf of its respective Group, agrees to provide, or cause to be provided, to the other Group, at any time before or after the Effective Date, as soon as reasonably practicable after written request therefor, access to any Information in the possession or under the control of such respective Group which the requesting Party reasonably needs (a) to comply with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements imposed on the requesting Party (including under applicable securities or tax Laws) by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the requesting Party, (b) for use in any other judicial, regulatory, administrative, tax or other proceeding or in order to satisfy audit, accounting, claims, regulatory, litigation, tax or other similar requirements, in each case other than claims or allegations that one Party has against the other, or (c) subject to the foregoing clause (b) , to comply with its obligations under this Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement; provided , however , that, in the event that any Party determines that any such provision of Information could be commercially detrimental, violate any Law or agreement, or waive any privilege otherwise available under applicable Law, including the attorney-client privilege, work product, joint defense, common interest or other applicable privilege (each, a Privilege ) the Parties shall take all reasonable measures to permit the compliance with such obligations in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence, and shall only provide that portion of the Information that is mandatorily required by the requesting agency.
7.2 Ownership of Information . Any Information owned by one Group that is provided to a requesting Party pursuant to Section 7.1 or 7.6 shall be deemed to remain the property of the providing Party. Unless specifically set forth herein, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring any right, title or interest whether by license or otherwise in any such Information.
7.3 Reimbursement for Providing Information . Except as otherwise contemplated by any Ancillary Agreement, the Party requesting Information agrees to reimburse the other Party for the reasonable costs, if any, of creating, gathering and copying such Information. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement or in any other agreement between the Parties, such costs shall be computed in accordance with the providing Partys standard methodology and procedures.
7.4 Record Retention . Except as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, with regard to any Information, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, at such parties sole cost and expense, to retain, until the latest of, as applicable, (i) the date on which such Information is no longer required to be retained pursuant to Huntsmans applicable record retention policy as in effect immediately prior to the IPO, including, without limitation, pursuant to any Litigation Hold issued by Huntsman or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the IPO (ii) the concluding date of any period as may be required by any applicable Law, (iii) the concluding date of any period during which such information relates to a pending or threatened Action which is known to the members of the Huntsman Group or Venator Group, as applicable, in possession of such Information at the time any retention obligation with regard to such Information would otherwise expire, and (iv) the concluding date of any period during which the destruction of such Information could interfere with a pending or threatened investigation by a Governmental Entity which is known to the members of the Huntsman Group or Venator Group, as applicable, in possession of such Information at the time any retention obligation with regard to such Information would otherwise expire; provided that with respect to any pending or threatened Action arising after the IPO, clause (iii) of this sentence applies only to the extent that whichever member of the Huntsman Group or Venator Group, as applicable, is in possession of such Information has been notified in writing pursuant to a Litigation Hold by the other Party of the relevant pending or threatened Action. The parties hereto agree that upon written request from the other that certain Information relating to the Venator Business, the Huntsman Business or the transactions contemplated hereby be retained in connection with an Action, the parties use reasonable efforts to preserve and not to destroy or dispose of such Information without the consent of the requesting party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 6.7(c) of the Tax Matters Agreement shall govern the retention of Tax Records (as defined in the Tax Matters Agreement).
7.5 Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information . The rights and obligations granted under this Article VII are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange, retention or confidential treatment of Information set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
7.6 Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation .
(a) After the Effective Date, except in the case of an adversarial Action by one Party against another Party, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, managers, other personnel and agents of the members of its respective Group as witnesses and any Records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, managers, other personnel and agents) or Records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with any Action in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved, regardless of whether such Action is a matter with respect to which indemnification may be sought hereunder. The requesting Party shall bear all costs and expenses in connection therewith.
(b) If an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to seek to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, the other Party shall make available to such Indemnifying Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, managers,
other personnel and agents of the members of its respective Group as witnesses and any Records (unless the provision of any Record would result in the waiver of any applicable Privilege) or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, managers, other personnel and agents) or Records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with such defense, settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be, and shall otherwise cooperate in such defense, settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties shall cooperate and consult to the extent reasonably necessary with respect to any Third Party Actions.
(d) Without limiting any provision of this Section 7.6 , each of the Parties agrees to cooperate, and to cause each member of its respective Group to cooperate, with each other in the defense of any infringement or similar claim with respect any Intellectual Property and shall not claim to acknowledge, or permit any member of its respective Group to claim to acknowledge, the validity or infringing use of any Intellectual Property of a Third Party in a manner that would hamper or undermine the defense of such infringement or similar claim.
(e) The obligation of the Parties to provide witnesses pursuant to this Section 7.6 is intended to be interpreted in a manner so as to facilitate cooperation and shall include the obligation to provide as witnesses inventors and other officers without regard to whether the witness or the employer of the witness could assert a possible business conflict (subject to the exception set forth in the first sentence of Section 7.6(a) ).
(f) In connection with any matter contemplated by this Section 7.6 , the Parties will enter into a mutually acceptable joint defense agreement so as to maintain to the extent practicable any applicable Privilege of any member of any Group.
7.7 Confidentiality .
(a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, and except as otherwise provided in the Ancillary Agreements, each of Huntsman and Venator shall hold, and shall cause their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors to hold, in strict confidence and not to disclose or release or, except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, use, without the prior written consent of the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates (which may be withheld in such Partys sole and absolute discretion, except where disclosure is required by applicable Law), any and all Confidential Information concerning or belonging to the other Party or its Affiliates; provided that each Party may disclose, or may permit disclosure of, Confidential Information (i) to its respective auditors, attorneys, financial advisors, bankers and other appropriate consultants and advisors who have a need to know such Information or auditing and other non-commercial purposes and are informed of the obligation to hold such Information confidential and in respect of whose failure to comply with such obligations, the applicable Party will be responsible, (ii) if any Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries is required or compelled to disclose any such Confidential Information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of Law or stock exchange rule or is
advised by outside counsel in connection with a proceeding brought by a Governmental Entity that it is advisable to do so, (iii) as required in connection with any legal or other proceeding by one Party against any other Party or in respect of claims by one Party against the other Party brought in a proceeding, (iv) as necessary in order to permit a Party to prepare and disclose its financial statements in connection with any regulatory filings or Tax Returns, (v) as necessary for a Party to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, (vi) to Governmental Entities in accordance with applicable procurement regulations and contract requirements and (vii) to other Persons in connection with their evaluation of, and negotiating and consummating, a potential transaction, to the extent reasonably necessary in connection therewith, provided an appropriate and customary confidentiality agreement has been entered into with such other Persons receiving such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any demand or request for disclosure of Confidential Information is made by a Third Party pursuant to clause (ii), (iii), (v) or (vi) above, each Party, as applicable, shall promptly notify (to the extent permissible by Law) the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates of the existence of such request, demand or disclosure requirement and shall provide such affected Party a reasonable opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order or other remedy, which such Party will cooperate in obtaining to the extent reasonably practicable. In the event that such appropriate protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Party which faces the disclosure requirement shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed and shall take commercially reasonable steps to ensure that confidential treatment is a accorded such Confidential Information.
(b) Each Party acknowledges that it and the other members of its Group may have in its or their possession Confidential Information of third parties that was received under confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with such third party while such Party and/or members of its Group were part of the Huntsman Group. Each Party shall comply, and shall cause the other members of its Group to comply, and shall cause its and their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors (or potential buyers) to comply, with all terms and conditions of any such third-party agreements entered into prior to the Effective Date, with respect to any Confidential Information of third parties to which it or any other member of its Group has had access.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) the Parties shall be deemed to have satisfied their obligations hereunder with respect to Confidential Information if they exercise at least the same degree of care that applies to Huntsmans confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Effective Date and (ii) confidentiality obligations provided for in any Contract between each Party or its Subsidiaries and their respective employees shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Confidential Information of any Party in the possession of and used by any other Party as of the Effective Time may continue to be used by such Party in possession of the Confidential Information in and only in the operation of the Venator Business (in the case of the Venator Group) or the Huntsman Business (in the case of the Huntsman Group).
(d) The parties agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that the provisions of this Section 7.7 were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or
injunctions to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
(e) For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 7.7 , (i) the disclosure and sharing of Privileged Information shall be governed solely by Section 7.9 , and (ii) Information that is subject to any confidentiality provision or other disclosure restriction in any Ancillary Agreement shall be governed by the terms of such Ancillary Agreement.
7.8 Protective Arrangements .
(a) If Venator or any member of its Group either determines on the advice of its counsel that it is required to disclose any Information pursuant to applicable Law or receives any demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide Information of Huntsman (or any member of the Huntsman Group) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions hereof, Venator shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify Huntsman prior to disclosing or providing such Information and shall cooperate at the expense of Huntsman in seeking any reasonable protective arrangements requested by Huntsman. Subject to the foregoing, the Person that received such request may thereafter disclose or provide Information to the extent required by such Law (as so advised by counsel) or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority.
(b) If Huntsman or any member of its Group either determines on the advice of its counsel that it is required to disclose any Information pursuant to applicable Law or receives any demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide Information of Venator (or any member of the Venator Group) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions hereof, Huntsman shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify Venator prior to disclosing or providing such Information and shall cooperate at the expense of Venator in seeking any reasonable protective arrangements requested by Venator. Subject to the foregoing, the Person that received such request may thereafter disclose or provide Information to the extent required by such Law (as so advised by counsel) or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority.
ARTICLE VIII
FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
8.1 Further Assurances .
(a) In addition to the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, each of the Parties shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, prior to, on and after the Effective Date, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws, regulations and agreements, to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, prior to, on and after the Effective Date, each Party hereto shall cooperate with the other Party, and without any further consideration, but
at the expense of the requesting Party, to execute and deliver, or use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and to make all filings with, and to obtain all consents, approvals or authorizations of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any permit, license, agreement, indenture or other instrument (including any Third Party consents or Governmental Approvals), and to take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by any other Party hereto from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the transfers of the Venator Assets and the assignment and assumption of the Venator Liabilities and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(c) On or prior to the Effective Date, Huntsman and Venator in their respective capacities as direct and indirect stockholders of their respective Subsidiaries, shall each ratify any actions which are reasonably necessary or desirable to be taken by any Subsidiary of Huntsman or Venator, as the case may be, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
(d) Huntsman and Venator, and each of the members of their respective Groups, waive (and agree not to assert against any of the others) any claim or demand that any of them may have against any of the others for any Liabilities or other claims relating to or arising out of: (i) the failure of Venator or any member of the Venator Group, on the one hand, or of Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group, on the other hand, to provide any notification or disclosure required under any state Environmental Law in connection with the Separation or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, including the transfer by any member of any Group to any member of the other Group of ownership or operational control of any Assets not previously owned or operated by such transferee; or (ii) any inadequate, incorrect or incomplete notification or disclosure under any such state Environmental Law by the applicable transferor. To the extent any Liability to any Governmental Authority or any Third Party arises out of any action or inaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above, the transferee of the applicable Asset hereby assumes and agrees to pay any such Liability.
8.2 Performance . Huntsman will cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the Huntsman Group. Venator will cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the Venator Group. Each Party (including its permitted successors and assigns) further agrees that it will (a) give timely notice of the terms, conditions and continuing obligations contained in this Section 8.2 to all of the other members of its Group, and (b) cause all of the other members of its Group not to take any action or fail to take any such action inconsistent with such Partys obligations under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
8.3 Huntsman Guarantees . Venator acknowledges that in the course of conduct of the Venator Business, Huntsman and members of the Huntsman Group may have entered into various arrangements in which guarantees, bonds, letters of credit or similar arrangements were
issued or arranged by Huntsman or members of the Huntsman Group to support or facilitate the Venator Business. Any such arrangements entered into by Huntsman and its Affiliates are, to the extent related to the Venator Business, hereinafter referred to as the Huntsman Guarantees. Except as otherwise agreed by Huntsman and Venator, Venator agrees that it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or provide replacement guarantees, bonds, letters of credit or similar arrangements, which will be in effect at the Effective Date, and obtain the release of Huntsman and members of the Huntsman Group from any Huntsman Guarantees in accordance with Section 5.11 . On a quarterly basis and upon any specific request by Huntsman, Venator shall provide Huntsman a listing of outstanding Huntsman Guarantees and the then current status with respect to the replacement or cancellation of such Huntsman Guarantees and other relevant information with respect thereto that Huntsman reasonably requests.
8.4 Third-Party Agreements . Venator agrees that it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or provide replacement agreements with Third Parties for agreements between such Third Parties and Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group that are Venator Contracts and cannot be assigned to Venator.
8.5 Huntsman Names and Marks .
(a) Venator agrees that, after the Effective Date, no member of the Venator Group nor any Person that becomes an Affiliate of a member of the Venator Group after the Effective Date, shall have any rights in and to the Huntsman Names and Marks, and (except as expressly set forth in this Section 8.5 ) will not, at any time after the Effective Date, market, promote, advertise or offer for sale any products, goods or services utilizing any of the Huntsman Names and Marks. Venator agrees that (i) if the Venator Assets include any signage or facility bearing the Huntsman Names and Marks in a manner that is visible to consumers or the general public, Venator shall remove and replace the Huntsman Names and Marks on such signage or facility within one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date, (ii) if the Venator Assets include any vehicles that bear any of the Huntsman Names and Marks and are visible to consumers or the general public, Venator shall remove and replace such Huntsman Names and Marks within two hundred seventy (270) days after the Effective Date, and (iii) if any of the other Venator Assets, including any promotional materials or printed forms, bear any of the Huntsman Names and Marks, Venator shall, prior to distributing, selling or otherwise making use of such Venator Assets for consumers or the general public, remove, delete or render illegible the Huntsman Names and Marks as they may appear on such Venator Assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date, Venator may distribute and display marketing, promotional and advertising materials including business cards, stationery, packaging materials, displays, signs, promotional materials and other similar materials that include one or more of the Huntsman Names and Marks (collectively, Supplies ), provided such Supplies are used solely in connection with the promotion, marketing, advertising and sale of the Venator Business products of the type sold, and in a manner consistent with that used, prior to the Effective Date
(b) Venator agrees to cause each member of the Venator Group whose name includes any of the Huntsman Names and Marks, promptly following the Effective Date, and in
any event within two hundred seventy (270) days after the Effective Date, change its name such that its name does not include any of the Huntsman Names and Marks.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Section 8.5 , Venator may use the Huntsman Names and Marks (i) on internal office supplies or signage not visible to consumers or the general public, provided that such supplies or signage are replaced promptly in the ordinary course of business, (ii) in a neutral, non-trademark manner to describe the historical relationship of the Venator Group and the Huntsman Group, or (iii) to the extent required by Law in legal or business documents already in existence on the Effective Date.
8.6 Conflicts with and between Ancillary Agreements . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement:
(a) in the case of any conflict between this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Tax Matters Agreement) and the Tax Matters Agreement in relation to any matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall prevail;
(b) except as set forth in Section 8.6(a) or 8.6(b) , in the case of any conflict between this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Employee Matters Agreement) and the Employee Matters Agreement in relation to any matters addressed by the Employee Matters Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement shall prevail;
(c) except as set forth in Section 8.6(a) , 8.6(b) or 8.6(c) in the case of any conflict between this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Shareholders Agreement) and the Shareholders Agreement in relation to any matters addressed by the Shareholders Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement shall prevail; and
(d) except as set forth in Section 8.6(a) , 8.6(b) or 8.6(c) , or 8.6(d) , in the case of any conflict between this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement in relation to any matters addressed by this Agreement, this Agreement shall prevail.
8.7 No Actions Related to Certain Technical Information and Copyrightable Works .
(a) Huntsman, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates and its and their respective successors and assigns, hereby covenants: (i) not to sue or proceed in any manner, whether legal, equitable, administrative, or otherwise against; (ii) not to solicit others to institute any such actions or proceedings; and (iii) not to consent to be a complainant in any criminal action or proceeding against, Venator or its Affiliates relating to or arising out of the use and exploitation by Venator and its Affiliates of any Retained Technical Information or Retained Copyrightable Works in the field of the Venator Business, including the disclosure of such Retained Technical Information in the ordinary course of business and including reproducing, distributing, preparing derivative works of, and publicly performing, displaying and digitally transmitting Retained Copyrightable Works.
(b) Venator, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates and its and their respective successors and assigns, hereby covenants: (i) not to sue or proceed in any manner, whether legal, equitable, administrative, or otherwise against; (ii) not to solicit others to institute any such actions or proceedings; and (iii) not to consent to be a complainant in any criminal action or
proceeding against, Huntsman or its Affiliates relating to or arising out of the use and exploitation by Huntsman and its Affiliates of any Transferred Technical Information or Transferred Copyrightable Works in any field other than the Venator Business, including the disclosure of such Transferred Technical Information in the ordinary course of business and including reproducing, distributing, preparing derivative works of, and publicly performing, displaying and digitally transmitting Transferred Copyrightable Works.
8.8 Attorney Client Privilege . Venator agrees that, in the event of any Dispute or other litigation, dispute, controversy or claim between Huntsman or a member of the Huntsman Group, on the one hand, and Venator or a member of the Venator Group, on the other hand, Venator will not, and will cause the members of its Group not to, seek any waiver of any applicable Privilege with respect to any oral or written communications relating to advice given prior to the Effective Date by counsel to Huntsman or any Person that was a Subsidiary of Huntsman prior to the Effective Date, regardless of any argument that such advice may have affected the interests of both Parties. Moreover, Venator will, and will cause the members of its Group to, honor any such applicable Privilege between Huntsman and the members of its Group and its or their counsel, and will not assert that Huntsman or a member of its Group has waived, relinquished or otherwise lost such Privilege. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of any litigation, dispute, controversy or claim between Huntsman or a member of its Group, on the one hand, and a Third Party other than a member of the Venator Group, on the other hand, Huntsman shall retain the right to assert any applicable Privilege with respect to any communications relating to advice given prior to the Effective Date by counsel to Huntsman or any Person that was a Subsidiary of Huntsman prior to the Effective Date (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that nothing in this Section 8.8 shall prevent Venator from asserting any applicable Privilege with respect to the matters discussed herein in the event such Privilege is not waived by Huntsman).
8.9 No Attorney Testimony . No in-house attorney or outside attorney may be called to testify about or present evidence covering the interpretation or meaning of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements in any Dispute between the Parties.
ARTICLE IX
FINANCIAL AND RELATED COVENANTS
9.1 Disclosure and Financial Controls . Venator agrees that, for so long as Huntsman is required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Venator and any other members of the Venator Group or to account for its investment in Venator under the equity method of accounting (determined in accordance with GAAP and consistent with SEC reporting requirements):
(a) Disclosure of Financial Controls . Venator will, and will cause each other member of Venator Group to, maintain, as of and after the Effective Date, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15; Venator will cause each of its principal executive and principal financial officers to sign and deliver certifications to Venators periodic reports and will include the certifications in Venators periodic reports, as and when required pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 and Item 601 of Regulation S-K; Venator will cause its management to evaluate Venators disclosure
controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting (including any change in internal control over financial reporting) as and when required pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15; Venator will disclose in its periodic reports filed with the SEC information concerning Venator managements responsibilities for and evaluation of Venators disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting (including, without limitation, the annual management report and attestation report of Venators independent auditors relating to internal control over financial reporting) as and when required under Items 307 and 308 of Regulation S-K and other applicable SEC rules; and, without limiting the general application of the foregoing, Venator will, and will cause each other member of the Venator Group to, maintain as of and after the Effective Date internal systems and procedures that will provide reasonable assurance that (A) the Financial Statements are reliable and timely prepared in accordance with GAAP and applicable Law, (B) all transactions of members of the Venator Group are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of the Financial Statements, (C) the receipts and expenditures of members of the Venator Group are authorized at the appropriate level within Venator, and (D) unauthorized use or disposition of the assets of any member of the Venator Group that could have a material effect on the Financial Statements is prevented or detected in a timely manner.
(b) Fiscal Year . Venator will, and will cause each member of the Venator Group organized in the U.S. to maintain a fiscal year that commences and ends on the same calendar days as Huntsmans fiscal year commences and ends, and to maintain monthly accounting periods that commence and end on the same calendar days as Huntsmans monthly accounting periods commence and end. Venator will, and will cause each member of the Venator Group organized outside the U.S. to maintain a fiscal year that commences and ends on the same calendar days as the fiscal year of the members of the corresponding Huntsman Group organized outside the U.S. commences and ends, and to maintain monthly accounting periods that commence and end on the same calendar days as the monthly accounting periods of members of the corresponding Huntsman Group organized outside the U.S. commence and end.
(c) Monthly and Quarterly Financial Information . Venator and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates will deliver to Huntsman an income statement and balance sheet on a monthly basis for Venator for such period in such format and detail as Huntsman in accordance with Schedule 9.1(c). Venator and each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates will deliver to Huntsman an income statement and balance sheet and supplemental data related to cash flows and other necessary disclosures on a quarterly basis in accordance with Schedule 9.1(c) in such format and detail as Huntsman may request. Venator will be responsible for reviewing its results and data and for informing Huntsman immediately of any post-closing adjustments that come to its attention. Venator must provide final sign-off of its results, using Huntsman materiality, no later than seven (7) Business Days after the quarterly close period end for the income statement and no later than fourteen (14) Business Days after the quarterly close period end for the balance sheet and supplemental data. A certification will be provided by the Controller and Chief Financial Officer and President of Venator pertaining to the quarter financials and internal controls no later than five (5) Business Days prior to Huntsmans filing of its quarterly financial statements with the SEC.
(d) Quarterly Financial Statements . As soon as practicable, in accordance with Schedule 9.1(d), Venator will deliver to Huntsman drafts of (A) the consolidated financial
statements of the Venator Group (and notes thereto) for such periods and for the period from the beginning of the current fiscal year to the end of such quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form for each such fiscal quarter of Venator the consolidated figures (and notes thereto) for the corresponding quarter and periods of the previous fiscal year and all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation S-X and GAAP, (B) discussion and analysis by management of the Venator Groups financial condition and results of operations for such fiscal period, including, without limitation, an explanation of any material period-to-period change and any off-balance sheet transactions, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K and (C) a completed Huntsman quarterly Accounting Policies and Procedures Questionnaire in the form required of Huntsman Subsidiaries; provided, however, that Venator will deliver such information at such earlier time upon Huntsmans written request with thirty (30) days notice resulting from Huntsmans determination to accelerate the timing of the filing of its financial statements with the SEC. The information set forth in (A) and (B) above is referred to in this Agreement as the Quarterly Financial Statements. No later than five (5) Business Days prior to the date Venator publicly files the Quarterly Financial Statements with the SEC or otherwise makes such Quarterly Financial Statements publicly available, Venator will deliver to Huntsman the final form of the Venator Quarterly Financial Statements and certifications thereof by the principal executive and financial officers of Venator in substantially the forms required under SEC rules for periodic reports and in form and substance satisfactory to Huntsman; provided, however, that Venator may continue to revise such Quarterly Financial Statements prior to the filing thereof in order to make corrections and non-substantive changes which corrections and changes will be delivered by Venator to Huntsman as soon as practicable, and in any event within eight (8) hours of making any such corrections or changes; provided, further, that Huntsmans and Venators financial representatives will actively consult with each other regarding any changes (whether or not substantive) which Venator may consider making to its Quarterly Financial Statements and related disclosures during the five (5) Business Days immediately prior to any anticipated filing with the SEC, with particular focus on any changes which would have an effect upon Huntsmans financial statements or related disclosures. In addition to the foregoing, no Quarterly Financial Statement or any other document which refers, or contains information not previously publicly disclosed with respect to the ownership of Venator by Huntsman or the Transactions, will be filed with the SEC or otherwise made public by any Venator Group member without the prior written consent of Huntsman, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.1(d) , Venator will not file its Quarterly Financial Statements with the SEC prior to the time that Huntsman files the Huntsman quarterly financial statements with the SEC unless otherwise required by applicable Law.
(e) Annual Financial Statements . On an annual basis, in accordance with Schedule 9.1(e), Venator will deliver to Huntsman an income statement and balance sheet and supplemental data related to cash flows and other necessary disclosures for such period in such format and detail as Huntsman may request. Venator will be responsible for reviewing its results and data and for informing Huntsman immediately of any post-closing adjustments in excess of $10 million pre-tax that come to its attention and of any adjustments below $10 million within eight (8) hours of its awareness. Venator must provide final sign-off of its results, using Huntsman materiality, no later than seven (7) Business Days after the annual close period end for the income statement and no later than fourteen (14) Business Days after the annual close period end for the balance sheet and supplemental data. A certification will be provided by the Controller and Chief Financial Officer and President of Venator pertaining to the financials and
internal controls no later than seven (7) Business Days prior to Huntsmans filing of its audited annual financial statements (the Huntsman Annual Statements ) with the SEC. As soon as practicable, and in any event no later than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the date on which Huntsman has notified Venator that Huntsman intends to file its annual report on Form 10-K or other document containing annual financial statements with the SEC, Venator will deliver to Huntsman (A) any financial and other information and data with respect to the Venator Group and its business, properties, financial position, results of operations and prospects as is reasonably requested by Huntsman in connection with the preparation of Huntsmans financial statements and annual report on Form 10-K. As soon as practicable, and in any event no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the date on which Venator is required to file an annual report on Form 10-K or other document containing its Annual Financial Statements (as defined below) with the SEC, Venator will deliver to Huntsman (A) drafts of the consolidated financial statements of the Venator Group (and notes thereto) for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the consolidated figures (and notes thereto) for the previous fiscal years and all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with Regulation S-X and GAAP and (B) a discussion and analysis by management of the Venator Groups financial condition and results of operations for such year, including, without limitation, an explanation of any material period-to-period change and any off-balance sheet transactions, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with Items 303(a) and 305 of Regulation S-K. The information set forth in (A) and (B) above is referred to in this Agreement as the Annual Financial Statements. Venator will deliver to Huntsman all revisions to such drafts as soon as any such revisions are prepared or made. No later than five (5) Business Days prior to the date Venator publicly files the Annual Financial Statements with the SEC or otherwise makes such Annual Financial Statements publicly available, Venator will deliver to Huntsman the final form of its annual report on Form 10-K and certifications thereof by the principal executive and financial officers of Venator in substantially the forms required under SEC rules for periodic reports and in form and substance satisfactory to Huntsman; provided, however, that Venator may continue to revise such Annual Financial Statements prior to the filing thereof in order to make corrections and non-substantive changes which corrections and changes will be delivered by Venator to Huntsman as soon as practicable, and in any event within eight (8) hours of making any such corrections or changes; provided, further, that Huntsman and Venator financial representatives will actively consult with each other regarding any changes (whether or not substantive) which Venator may consider making to its Annual Financial Statements and related disclosures during the three (3) Business Days immediately prior to any anticipated filing with the SEC. In addition to the foregoing, no Annual Financial Statement or any other document which refers, or contains information not previously publicly disclosed with respect to the ownership of Venator by Huntsman or the Transactions will be filed with the SEC or otherwise made public by any Venator Group member without the prior written consent of Huntsman. Beginning with the 2017 fiscal year, Venator will use its reasonable best efforts to deliver to Huntsman, no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the date on which Huntsman has notified Venator that Huntsman intends to file the Huntsman Annual Statements with the SEC, the final form of the Annual Financial Statements accompanied by an opinion thereon by Venators independent certified public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.1(e) , Venator will not file its Annual Financial Statements with the SEC prior to the time that Huntsman files the Huntsman Annual Statements with the SEC unless otherwise required by applicable Law.
(f) Affiliate Financial Statements . Venator will deliver to Huntsman all quarterly financial statements and annual financial statements of each Venator Affiliate which is itself required to file financial statements with the SEC or otherwise make such financial statements publicly available, with such financial statements to be provided in the same manner and detail and on the same time schedule as Quarterly Financial Statements and Annual Financial Statements required to be delivered to Huntsman pursuant to this Section 9.1 .
(g) Conformance with Huntsman Financial Presentation . All information provided by any Venator Group member to Huntsman or filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 9.1(c) through (f) inclusive will be consistent in terms of format and detail and otherwise with Huntsmans policies with respect to the application of GAAP and practices in effect on the Effective Date with respect to the provision of such financial information by such Venator Group member to Huntsman (and, where appropriate, as presently presented in financial reports to the Huntsman Board), with such changes therein as may be requested by Huntsman from time to time consistent with changes in such accounting principles and practices.
(h) Venator Reports Generally . Venator shall, and shall cause each Venator Group member that files information with the SEC, to deliver to Huntsman: (A) substantially final drafts, as soon as the same are prepared, of (x) all reports, notices and proxy and information statements to be sent or made available by such Venator Group member to its respective security holders, (y) all regular, periodic and other reports to be filed or furnished under Sections 13, 14 and 15 of the Exchange Act (including reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and annual reports to shareholders), and (z) all registration statements and prospectuses to be filed by such Venator Group member with the SEC or any securities exchange pursuant to the listed company manual (or similar requirements) of such exchange (collectively, the documents identified in clauses (x), (y) and (z) are referred to in this Agreement as Venator Public Documents ), and (B) as soon as practicable, but in no event later than five (5) Business Days (other than with respect to Form 8-Ks) prior to the earliest of the dates the same are printed, sent or filed, current drafts of all such Venator Public Documents and, with respect to Form 8-Ks, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than three (3) Business Days prior to the earliest of the dates the same are printed, sent or filed in the case of planned Form 8-Ks and as soon as practicable, but in no event less than 2 hours in the case of unplanned Form 8-Ks; provided, however, that Venator may continue to revise such Venator Public Documents prior to the filing thereof in order to make corrections and non-substantive changes which corrections and changes will be delivered by Venator to Huntsman as soon as practicable, and in any event within eight (8) hours of making any such corrections or changes; provided, further, that Huntsman and Venator financial representatives will actively consult with each other regarding any changes (whether or not substantive) which Venator may consider making to any of its Venator Public Documents and related disclosures prior to any anticipated filing with the SEC, with particular focus on any changes which would have an effect upon Huntsmans financial statements or related disclosures. In addition to the foregoing, no Venator Public Document or any other document which refers, or contains information not previously publicly disclosed with respect to the ownership of Venator by Huntsman or the Transactions will be filed with the SEC or otherwise made public by any Venator Group member without the prior written consent of Huntsman.
(i) Budgets and Financial Projections . Venator will, as promptly as practicable, deliver to Huntsman copies of all annual budgets and financial projections (consistent in terms of format and detail mutually agreed upon by the parties) relating to Venator on a consolidated basis and will provide Huntsman an opportunity to meet with management of Venator to discuss such budgets and projections.
(j) Other Information . With reasonable promptness, Venator will deliver to Huntsman such additional financial and other information and data with respect to the Venator Group and their business, properties, financial positions, results of operations and prospects as from time to time may be reasonably requested by Huntsman.
(k) Press Releases and Similar Information . Venator and Huntsman will consult with each other as to the timing of their annual and quarterly earnings releases and any interim financial guidance for a current or future period and will give each other the opportunity to review the information therein relating to the Venator Group and to comment thereon. Huntsman and Venator will make reasonable efforts to issue their respective annual and quarterly earnings releases at approximately the same time on the same date. Huntsman and Venator shall coordinate the timing of their respective earnings release conference calls such that Venator shall be permitted to hold such calls prior to those of Huntsman. No later than eight (8) hours prior to the time and date that a party intends to publish its regular annual or quarterly earnings release or any financial guidance for a current or future period, such party will deliver to the other party copies of substantially final drafts of all related press releases and other statements to be made available by any member of that partys Group to employees of any member of that partys Group or to the public concerning any matters that could be reasonably likely to have a material financial impact on the earnings, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of any Venator Group member. In addition, prior to the issuance of any such press release or public statement that meets the criteria set forth in the preceding two sentences, the issuing party will consult with the other party regarding any changes (other than typographical or other similar minor changes) to such substantially final drafts. Immediately following the issuance thereof, the issuing party will deliver to the other party copies of final drafts of all press releases and other public statements. Prior to the Effective Date, Venator shall consult with Huntsman prior to issuing any press releases or otherwise making public statements with respect to the Transactions or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby and prior to making any filings with any Governmental Authority with respect thereto.
(l) Cooperation on Huntsman Filings . Venator will cooperate fully, and cause Venator Auditors to cooperate fully, with Huntsman to the extent requested by Huntsman in the preparation of Huntsmans public earnings or other press releases, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports to shareholders, annual reports on Form 10-K, any current reports on Form 8-K and any other proxy, information and registration statements, reports, notices, prospectuses and any other filings made by Huntsman with the SEC, any national securities exchange or otherwise made publicly available (collectively, the Huntsman Public Filings ). Venator agrees to provide to Huntsman all information that Huntsman reasonably requests in connection with any Huntsman Public Filings or that, in the judgment of Huntsmans Legal Division, is required to be disclosed or incorporated by reference therein under any Law, rule or regulation. Venator will provide such information in a timely manner on the dates requested by Huntsman (which may be earlier than the dates on which Venator otherwise would be required hereunder to
have such information available) to enable Huntsman to prepare, print and release all Huntsman Public Filings on such dates as Huntsman will determine but in no event later than as required by applicable Law. Venator will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause Venator Auditors to consent to any reference to them as experts in any Huntsman Public Filings required under any Law, rule or regulation. If and to the extent requested by Huntsman, Venator will diligently and promptly review all drafts of such Huntsman Public Filings and prepare in a diligent and timely fashion any portion of such Huntsman Public Filing pertaining to Venator. Prior to any printing or public release of any Huntsman Public Filing, an appropriate executive officer of Venator will, if requested by Huntsman, certify that the information relating to any Venator Group member or the Venator Business in such Huntsman Public Filing is accurate, true, complete and correct in all material respects. Unless required by Law, rule or regulation, Venator will not publicly release any financial or other information which conflicts with the information with respect to any Venator Group member or the Venator Business that is included in any Huntsman Public Filing without Huntsmans prior written consent. Prior to the release or filing thereof, Huntsman will provide Venator with a draft of any portion of a Huntsman Public Filing containing information relating to the Venator Group and will give Venator an opportunity to review such information and comment thereon; provided that Huntsman will determine in its sole and absolute discretion the final form and content of all Huntsman Public Filings.
9.2 Auditors and Audits; Annual Statements and Accounting . Venator agrees that for so long as Huntsman is required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Venator and any other members of the Venator Group or to account for its investment in Venator under the equity method of accounting (determined in accordance with GAAP and consistent with SEC reporting requirements) (an Applicable Period ); provided that Venators obligations pursuant to Section 9.1(e) and (f) shall continue beyond an Applicable Period to the extent any amendments to, or restatements or modifications of, Huntsman Public Filings are necessary with respect to any such Applicable Period:
(a) Selection of Venator Auditors . Unless required by Law, Venator will not select a different accounting firm than Deloitte (or its affiliate accounting firms) (unless so directed by Huntsman in accordance with a change by Huntsman in its accounting firm) to serve as its (and Venator Affiliates) independent certified public accountants ( Venator Auditors ) without Huntsmans prior written consent (which will not be unreasonably withheld); provided , however , that, to the extent any such Venator Affiliates are currently using a different accounting firm to serve as their independent certified public accountants, such Venator Affiliates may continue to use such accounting firm provided such accounting firm is reasonably satisfactory to Huntsman.
(b) Audit Timing . Beginning with the 2017 fiscal year, Venator will use its reasonable best efforts to enable Venator Auditors to complete their audit such that they will date their opinion on the Annual Financial Statements on the same date that Huntsmans independent certified public accountants ( Huntsman Auditors ) date their opinion on the Huntsman Annual Statements, and to enable Huntsman to meet its timetable for the printing, filing and public dissemination of the Huntsman Annual Statements, all in accordance with Section 9.1(a) hereof and as required by applicable Law.
(c) Quarterly Review . Beginning with the 2017 fiscal year, Venator shall use its reasonable best efforts to enable Huntsman Auditors to complete their quarterly review procedures on the Quarterly Financial Statements on the same date that Huntsman Auditors complete their quarterly review procedures on Huntsmans quarterly financial statements.
(d) Information Needed by Huntsman . Venator will provide to Huntsman on a timely basis all information that Huntsman reasonably requires to meet its schedule for the preparation, printing, filing, and public dissemination of the Huntsman Annual Statements in accordance with Section 9.1(a) hereof and as required by applicable Law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Venator will provide all required financial information with respect to the Venator Group to Venator Auditors in a sufficient and reasonable time and in sufficient detail to permit Venator Auditors to take all steps and perform all reviews necessary to provide sufficient assistance to Huntsman Auditors with respect to information to be included or contained in the Huntsman Annual Statements.
(e) Access to Venator Auditors . Venator will authorize Venator Auditors to make available to Huntsman Auditors both the personnel who performed, or are performing, the annual audit and quarterly reviews of Venator and work papers related to the annual audit and quarterly reviews of Venator, in all cases within a reasonable time prior to Venator Auditors opinion date, so that Huntsman Auditors are able to perform the procedures they consider necessary to take responsibility for the work of Venator Auditors as it relates to Huntsman Auditors report on Huntsmans statements, all within sufficient time to enable Huntsman to meet its timetable for the printing, filing and public dissemination of the Huntsman Annual Statements.
(f) Access to Records . If Huntsman determines in good faith that there may be some inaccuracy in a Venator Group members financial statements or deficiency or inadequacy in a Venator Group members internal accounting controls or operations that could materially impact Huntsmans financial statements or a breach of Section 9.3(c) at Huntsmans request, Venator will provide Huntsmans internal auditors with access to the Venator Groups books and records so that Huntsman may conduct reasonable audits relating to the financial statements provided by Venator under this Agreement as well as to the internal accounting controls and operations of the Venator Group.
(g) Notice of Changes . Subject to Section 9.1(g) , Venator will give Huntsman as much prior notice as reasonably practicable of any proposed determination of, or any significant changes in, Venators accounting estimates or accounting principles from those in effect on the Effective Date. Venator will consult with Huntsman and, if requested by Huntsman, Venator will consult with Huntsman Auditors with respect thereto. Venator will not make any such determination or changes without Huntsmans prior written consent if such a determination or a change would be sufficiently material to be required to be disclosed in Venators or Huntsmans financial statements as filed with the SEC or otherwise publicly disclosed therein.
(h) Accounting Changes Requested by Huntsman . Notwithstanding clause (g) above, Venator will make any changes in its accounting estimates or accounting principles that are requested by Huntsman in order for Venators accounting practices and principles to be consistent with those of Huntsman.
(i) Special Reports of Deficiencies or Violations . Venator will report in reasonable detail to Huntsman the following events or circumstances promptly after any executive officer of Venator or any member of the Venator Board becomes aware of such matter: (A) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Venators ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Venators internal control over financial reporting; (C) any illegal act within the meaning of Section 10A(b) and (f) of the Exchange Act; and (D) any report of a material violation of Law that an attorney representing any Venator Group member has formally made to any officers or directors of Venator pursuant to the SECs attorney conduct rules (17 C.F.R. Part 205).
9.3 Other Covenants . In addition to the other covenants contained in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, Venator hereby covenants and agrees that, for so long as Huntsman beneficially owns at least a majority of the total voting power of all classes of then outstanding Venator Voting Stock:
(a) Venator will not, without the prior written consent of Huntsman (which Huntsman may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion), take, or cause to be taken, directly or indirectly, any action, including making or failing to make any election under the Law of any state, which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of restricting or limiting the ability of Huntsman to freely sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of Ordinary Shares or would restrict or limit the rights of any transferee of Huntsman as a holder of Ordinary Shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Venator will not, without the prior written consent of Huntsman (which Huntsman may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion), (i) adopt or thereafter amend, supplement, restate, modify or alter any stockholder rights plan in any manner that would result in (A) an increase in the ownership of Ordinary Shares by Huntsman causing the rights thereunder to detach or become exercisable and/or (B) Huntsman and its transferees not being entitled to the same rights thereunder as other holders of Ordinary Shares or (ii) take any action, or take any action to recommend to its stockholders any action, which would among other things, limit the legal rights of, or deny any benefit to, Huntsman as a Venator stockholder either (A) solely as a result of the amount of Ordinary Shares owned by Huntsman or (B) in a manner not applicable to the Venator stockholders generally.
(b) To the extent that Huntsman is a party to any Contracts that provide that certain actions or inactions of Huntsman Affiliates (which for purposes of such Contract include any member of the Venator Group) may result in Huntsman being in breach of or in default under such Contracts and Huntsman has advised Venator of the existence, and has furnished Venator with copies, of such Contracts (or the relevant portions thereof), Venator will not take or fail to take, as applicable, and Venator will cause the other members of the Venator Group not to take or fail to take, as applicable, any actions that reasonably could result in Huntsman being in breach of or in default under any such Contract. The parties acknowledge and agree that from time to time Huntsman may in good faith (and not solely with the intention of imposing restrictions on Venator pursuant to this covenant) enter into additional Contracts or amendments to existing Contracts that provide that certain actions or inactions of Huntsman Subsidiaries or Affiliates (including, for purposes of this Section 9.3(b) , members of the Venator Group) may result in Huntsman being in breach of or in default under such Contracts. In such event, provided
Huntsman has notified Venator of such additional Contracts or amendments to existing Contracts, Venator will not thereafter take or fail to take, as applicable, and Venator will cause the other members of the Venator Group not to take or fail to take, as applicable, any actions that reasonably could result in Huntsman being in breach of or in default under any such additional Contracts or amendments to existing Contracts. Huntsman acknowledges and agrees that Venator will not be deemed in breach of this Section 9.3(b) to the extent that, prior to being notified by Huntsman of an additional Contract or an amendment to an existing Contract pursuant to this Section 9.3(b) , a Venator Group member already has taken or failed to take one or more actions that would otherwise constitute a breach of this Section 9.3(b) had such action(s) or inaction(s) occurred after such notification; provided that Venator does not, after notification by Huntsman, take any further action or fail to take any action that contributes further to such breach or default. Venator agrees that any Information provided to it pursuant to this Section 9.3(b) will constitute Information that is subject to Venators obligations under Article VII .
(c) For so long as the Huntsman Group beneficially owns Ordinary Shares representing a majority of the total voting power with respect to the election of directors of all of the outstanding shares of the Venator Voting Stock and, for the duration of the Transitional Services Agreement (but only to the extent that the Services provided by Huntsman under the Transitional Services Agreement relate to making payments on Venators behalf, maintenance of books and records, or otherwise present, in Huntsmans reasonable judgment, a potential risk to Huntsman under any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanction Laws):
(i) Venator will, and will cause each other member of the Venator Group to, not take any action directly or indirectly to offer or pay, or authorize the offer or payment of, any money or anything of value in order to improperly or corruptly seek to influence any Government Official or any other person in order to gain an improper advantage, and has not accepted, and will not accept in the future such payment;
(ii) Venator will, and will cause each other member of the Venator Group to, implement, maintain and enforce a compliance and ethics program in substance and form and effectiveness reasonably equivalent to Huntsmans compliance and ethics program, designed to prevent and detect violations of applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanction Laws throughout its operations (including Subsidiaries) and the operations of its contractors and sub-contractors; and
(iii) Venator will, and will cause each other member of the Venator Group to, implement, maintain and enforce, a system of adequate internal accounting controls designed to ensure the making and keeping of fair and accurate books, records and accounts in compliance with financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements under applicable Laws, including Anti-Money Laundering Laws.
9.4 Covenants Regarding the Incurrence of Indebtedness .
(a) Venator covenants and agrees that after the consummation of the IPO and through the Disposition Date, Venator will not, and Venator will not permit any other member of the Venator Group to, without Huntsmans prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), directly or indirectly, incur any Venator Debt Obligations other than
pursuant to Venator Debt Financing and such other unsecured and uncommitted lines of credit made available to members of the Venator Group as of the Effective Date.
(b) In order to implement this Section 9.4 , Venator will notify Huntsman in writing as promptly as practicable following the time it or any other member of the Venator Group determines it wishes to incur Venator Debt Obligations for which Huntsmans consent is required.
9.5 Applicability of Rights in the Event of an Acquisition of Venator . In the event Venator merges into, consolidates, sells substantially all of its assets to or otherwise becomes an Affiliate of a Person (other than Huntsman), pursuant to a transaction or series of related transactions in which Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group receives equity securities of such Person (or of any Affiliate of such Person) in exchange for Venator Ordinary Shares held by Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group, all of the rights of Huntsman set forth in this Article IX shall continue in full force and effect and shall apply to the Person the equity securities of which are received by Huntsman pursuant to such transaction or series of related transactions (it being understood that all other provisions of this Agreement will apply to Venator notwithstanding this Section 9.5 ). Venator agrees that, without the consent of Huntsman, it will not enter into any Contract which will have the effect set forth in the first clause of the preceding sentence, unless such Person agrees to be bound by the foregoing provision.
9.6 Transfer of Huntsmans Rights . Huntsman may transfer all or any portion of its rights under this Article IX to a transferee of any Venator Ordinary Shares from any member of the Huntsman Group (a Huntsman Transferee ) holding at least [10%] of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of Venator Ordinary Shares. Huntsman shall give written notice to Venator of its transfer of rights under this Section 9.6 no later than thirty (30) days after Huntsman enters into a binding agreement for such transfer of rights. Such notice shall state the name and address of the Huntsman Transferee and identify the amount of Venator Ordinary Shares transferred and the scope of rights being transferred under this Section 9.6 . In connection with any such transfer, the term Huntsman as used in this Article IX shall, where appropriate to give effect to the assignment of rights and obligations hereunder to such Huntsman Transferee, be deemed to refer to such Huntsman Transferee. Huntsman and any Huntsman Transferee may exercise the rights under this Article IX in such priority, as among themselves, as they shall agree upon among themselves, and Venator shall observe any such agreement of which it shall have notice as provided above.
9.7 Huntsman Policies and Procedures . For so long as the Huntsman Group beneficially owns Ordinary Shares representing a majority of the total voting power of all of the outstanding Venator Ordinary Shares and, as applicable, for the duration of the Transitional Services Agreement, Venator will consistently implement and maintain Huntsmans business practices and standards in accordance with the Huntsman policies and procedures listed on Schedule 9.7, each of which Huntsman may amend or supplement from time to time in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Venator may apply materiality thresholds that are lower than those contained in any such Huntsman policy and procedure.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power .
(a) This Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.
(b) This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect to such subject matter and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein.
(c) Huntsman represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Huntsman Group, and Venator represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Venator Group, as follows:
(i) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform each of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and
(ii) this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.
(d) Each Party acknowledges that it and each other Party may execute certain of the Ancillary Agreements by facsimile, stamp or mechanical signature. Each Party expressly adopts and confirms each such facsimile, stamp or mechanical signature made in its respective name as if it were a manual signature, agrees that it will not assert that any such signature is not adequate to bind such Party to the same extent as if it were signed manually and agrees that at the reasonable request of any other Party hereto at any time it will as promptly as reasonably practicable cause each such Ancillary Agreement to be manually executed (any such execution to be as of the date of the initial date thereof).
(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, neither Huntsman nor Venator shall be required to take or omit to take any act that would violate its fiduciary duties to any minority stockholders of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of Huntsman or Venator, as the case may be (it being understood that directors qualifying shares or similar interests will be disregarded for purposes of determining whether a Subsidiary is wholly owned).
10.2 Governing Law; Waiver of Trial by Jury .
(a) This Agreement and, unless expressly provided therein, each Ancillary Agreement (and any claims or disputes arising out of or related hereto or thereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or to the inducement of any party to enter herein and therein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York, irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of New York as of the date of this Agreement, including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies.
(b) THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE AND FOREGO ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
10.3 Assignability . Except as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and thereto, respectively, and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided , however , that no party hereto or thereto may assign its respective rights or delegate its respective obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement without the express prior written consent of the other parties hereto or thereto.
10.4 Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except for the indemnification rights under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement of any Huntsman Indemnitee or Venator Indemnitee in their respective capacities as such, (a) the provisions of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Parties and are not intended to confer upon any Person except the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder, and (b) there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement and neither this Agreement nor any Ancillary Agreement shall provide any Third Party with any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
10.5 Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under this Agreement and, to the extent, applicable and unless otherwise provided therein, under each of the Ancillary Agreements shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, or by facsimile or electronic transmission with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service), to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.5 ):
If to Huntsman, to: |
Huntsman Corporation |
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10003 Woodloch Forest Drive |
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The Woodlands, Texas 77380 |
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Attention: General Counsel |
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If to Venator, to: |
Venator Materials Plc |
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10001 Woodloch Forest Drive |
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The Woodlands, Texas 77380 |
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Attention: General Counsel |
Any Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address and contact person to which any such notices are to be given.
10.6 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.
10.7 Force Majeure . No Party shall be deemed in default of this Agreement to the extent that any delay or failure in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, other than a delay or failure to make a payment, results from any cause beyond its reasonable control and without its fault or negligence, such as acts of God, acts of civil or military authority, embargoes, epidemics, war, riots, insurrections, fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, unusually severe weather conditions, labor problems or unavailability of parts, or, in the case of computer systems, any failure in electrical or air conditioning equipment. In the event of any such excused delay, the time for performance shall be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of the delay.
10.8 Publicity . Prior to the IPO, Venator shall not, without the consent of Huntsman, issue any press releases or otherwise make public statements with respect to the Separation, the IPO or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby.
10.9 Expenses . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including Sections 2.12 and 8.1(b) [and Schedule 10.9]) or in any Ancillary Agreement, all fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery and implementation of this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, and with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, the IPO, the Contribution and the Disposition will be the responsibility of the Party paying or incurring such fees, costs or expenses.
10.10 Late Payments . Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (and any amounts billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that are not paid within thirty (30) days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus 2% but in no event higher than the highest rate permitted by applicable Law.
10.11 Headings . The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement and in the Ancillary Agreements are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
10.12 Survival of Covenants . Except as expressly set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, the covenants, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and each Ancillary
Agreement, and liability for the breach of any obligations contained herein or therein, shall survive the Separation and shall remain in full force and effect.
10.13 Waivers of Default . Waiver by any Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of such Party. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
10.14 Specific Performance . Subject to the provisions of Article IV , in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party or Parties who are, or are to be, thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief in respect of its or their rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the Parties.
10.15 Termination; Amendments .
(a) This Agreement may be terminated at any time after consummation of the IPO by mutual consent of Huntsman and Venator. In the event of any termination of this Agreement, no party to this Agreement (or any of its officers, directors, members or managers, shall have any Liability or further obligation to any other Party under this Agreement.
(b) No provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by any Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the Party against whom it is sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification.
10.16 Interpretation . In this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, (a) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms hereof, herein, herewith and words of similar import, and the terms Agreement and Ancillary Agreement shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement or the applicable Ancillary Agreement as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement; (c) Article, Section, Exhibit, Schedule and Appendix references are to the Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Schedules and Appendices to this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) unless otherwise specified; (d) the word including and words of similar import when used in this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) means including, without limitation;
(e) the word or shall not be exclusive; and (e) unless expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, all references to the date hereof, the date of this Agreement, hereby and hereupon and words of similar import shall all be references to the date first stated in the preamble to this Agreement, regardless of any amendment or restatement hereof. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted or construed against the drafter(s) of these agreements. Both Parties had full and fair opportunity to contribute to the drafting of this Agreement.
10.17 Limitations of Liability . NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY OTHER THAN THE FOLLOWING PROVISO, NEITHER VENATOR OR ITS AFFILIATES, ON THE ONE HAND, NOR HUNTSMAN OR ITS AFFILIATES, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHALL BE LIABLE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT TO THE OTHER FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, REMOTE, SPECULATIVE, LOSS OF PROFIT OR SIMILAR DAMAGES OF THE OTHER ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY; PROVIDED, THE AFORESAID LIMITATION ON DAMAGES SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY SUCH DAMAGES THAT ARE OWED PURSUANT TO A THIRD PARTY CLAIM FOR WHICH INDEMNIFICATION IS REQUIRED UNDER ARTICLE V OR ARTICLE VI .
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.
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HUNTSMAN CORPORATION |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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VENATOR MATERIALS PLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Signature Page to Separation Agreement
Exhibit 3.1
THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 |
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Public Company Limited by Shares |
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Articles of Association of Venator Materials PLC |
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2017 |
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CONTENTS
Clause |
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Page |
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PART 1 |
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1 |
1. |
INTERPRETATION |
1 |
2. |
LIABILITY OF MEMBERS |
3 |
PART 2 |
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3 |
3. |
DIRECTORS GENERAL AUTHORITY |
3 |
4. |
MEMBERS RESERVE POWER |
3 |
5. |
DIRECTORS MAY DELEGATE |
4 |
6. |
COMMITTEES |
4 |
7. |
DIRECTORS TO TAKE DECISIONS COLLECTIVELY |
4 |
8. |
CALLING A DIRECTORS MEETING |
4 |
9. |
PARTICIPATION IN DIRECTORS MEETINGS |
5 |
10. |
QUORUM FOR DIRECTORS MEETINGS |
5 |
11. |
MEETINGS WHERE TOTAL NUMBER OF DIRECTORS LESS THAN QUORUM |
5 |
12. |
CHAIRING DIRECTORS MEETINGS |
5 |
13. |
VOTING AT DIRECTORS MEETINGS: GENERAL RULES |
5 |
14. |
CHAIRMANS CASTING VOTE AT DIRECTORS MEETINGS |
6 |
15. |
ALTERNATES VOTING AT DIRECTORS MEETINGS |
6 |
16. |
AUTHORISATION OF DIRECTORS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST |
6 |
17. |
BOARD PERMITTED INTERESTS |
7 |
18. |
RESTRICTIONS ON VOTING AND QUORUM |
7 |
19. |
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION |
8 |
20. |
DIRECTORS INTERESTS GENERAL |
8 |
21. |
PROPOSING DIRECTORS WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS |
9 |
22. |
ADOPTION OF DIRECTORS WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS |
9 |
23. |
DIRECTORS DISCRETION TO MAKE FURTHER RULES |
9 |
24. |
NAME OF THE COMPANY |
10 |
25. |
NUMBER OF BOARD |
10 |
26. |
METHODS OF APPOINTING DIRECTORS |
10 |
27. |
TERMINATION OF DIRECTORS APPOINTMENT |
10 |
28. |
DIRECTORS REMUNERATION |
10 |
29. |
DIRECTORS EXPENSES |
11 |
30. |
APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF ALTERNATES |
11 |
31. |
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALTERNATE DIRECTORS |
11 |
32. |
TERMINATION OF ALTERNATE DIRECTORSHIP |
12 |
33. |
SECRETARY |
12 |
PART 3 |
|
12 |
34. |
MEMBERS CAN CALL GENERAL MEETING IF NOT ENOUGH DIRECTORS |
12 |
35. |
ATTENDANCE AND SPEAKING AT GENERAL MEETINGS |
12 |
36. |
QUORUM FOR GENERAL MEETINGS |
13 |
37. |
CHAIRING GENERAL MEETINGS |
13 |
38. |
ATTENDANCE AND SPEAKING BY DIRECTORS AND NON-MEMBERS |
13 |
39. |
ADJOURNMENT |
13 |
40. |
VOTING: GENERAL |
14 |
41. |
ERRORS AND DISPUTES |
14 |
42. |
DEMANDING A POLL |
14 |
43. |
PROCEDURE ON A POLL |
14 |
44. |
CONTENT OF PROXY NOTICES |
15 |
45. |
DELIVERY OF PROXY NOTICES |
15 |
46. |
AMENDMENTS TO RESOLUTIONS |
16 |
47. |
NO VOTING OF SHARES ON WHICH MONEY OWED TO COMPANY |
16 |
48. |
CLASS MEETINGS |
17 |
PART 4 |
|
17 |
49. |
POWERS TO ISSUE DIFFERENT CLASSES OF SHARE |
17 |
50. |
PAYMENT OF COMMISSIONS ON SUBSCRIPTION FOR SHARES |
17 |
51. |
COMPANY NOT BOUND BY LESS THAN ABSOLUTE INTERESTS |
17 |
52. |
CERTIFICATES TO BE ISSUED EXCEPT IN CERTAIN CASES |
17 |
53. |
CONTENTS AND EXECUTION OF SHARE CERTIFICATES |
17 |
54. |
CONSOLIDATED SHARE CERTIFICATES |
18 |
55. |
REPLACEMENT SHARE CERTIFICATES |
18 |
56. |
UNCERTIFICATED SHARES |
19 |
57. |
SHARE WARRANTS |
20 |
58. |
COMPANYS LIEN OVER PARTLY PAID SHARES |
20 |
59. |
ENFORCEMENT OF THE COMPANYS LIEN |
21 |
60. |
CALL NOTICES |
21 |
61. |
LIABILITY TO PAY CALLS |
22 |
62. |
WHEN CALL NOTICE NEED NOT BE ISSUED |
22 |
63. |
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH CALL NOTICE: AUTOMATIC CONSEQUENCES |
22 |
64. |
NOTICE OF INTENDED FORFEITURE |
23 |
65. |
DIRECTORS POWER TO FORFEIT SHARES |
23 |
66. |
EFFECT OF FORFEITURE |
23 |
67. |
PROCEDURE FOLLOWING FORFEITURE |
24 |
68. |
SURRENDER OF SHARES |
24 |
69. |
TRANSFERS OF CERTIFICATED SHARES |
25 |
70. |
TRANSFER OF UNCERTIFICATED SHARES |
25 |
71. |
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES |
25 |
72. |
TRANSMITTEES RIGHTS |
25 |
73. |
EXERCISE OF TRANSMITTEES RIGHTS |
26 |
74. |
PROCEDURE FOR DISPOSING OF FRACTIONS OF SHARES |
26 |
75. |
PROCEDURE FOR DECLARING DIVIDENDS |
26 |
76. |
CALCULATION OF DIVIDENDS |
27 |
77. |
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS |
27 |
78. |
DEDUCTIONS FROM DISTRIBUTIONS IN RESPECT OF SUMS OWED TO THE COMPANY |
28 |
79. |
NO INTEREST ON DISTRIBUTIONS |
28 |
80. |
UNCLAIMED DISTRIBUTIONS |
28 |
81. |
NON-CASH DISTRIBUTIONS |
28 |
82. |
WAIVER OF DISTRIBUTIONS |
29 |
83. |
AUTHORITY TO CAPITALISE AND APPROPRIATION OF CAPITALISED SUMS |
29 |
PART 5 |
|
30 |
84. |
MEANS OF COMMUNICATION TO BE USED |
30 |
85. |
FAILURE TO NOTIFY CONTACT DETAILS |
30 |
86. |
COMPANY SEALS |
30 |
87. |
DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS |
31 |
88. |
NO RIGHT TO INSPECT ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECORDS |
31 |
89. |
PROVISION FOR EMPLOYEES ON CESSATION OF BUSINESS |
32 |
90. |
INDEMNITY AND FUNDING OF DEFENCE COSTS |
32 |
91. |
INSURANCE |
32 |
PART 1
INTERPRETATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
1. INTERPRETATION
1.1 Any regulations containing or prescribing model or default articles of association for companies including (without limitation) the regulations contained in the Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 shall not apply to the company. The following shall be the articles of association of the company.
1.2 In these articles of association:
1.2.1 the following words have the following meanings:
Act |
|
the Companies Act 2006 including any statutory modification, re-enactment or replacement of it for the time being in force. |
|
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alternate or alternate director |
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has the meaning given in article 30. |
|
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appointor |
|
has the meaning given in article 30. |
|
|
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articles |
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the companys articles of association as from time to time amended. |
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bankruptcy |
|
includes individual insolvency proceedings in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales or Northern Ireland which have an effect similar to bankruptcy. |
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Board |
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the board of directors for the time being of the company or the directors present at a duly convened meeting of directors at which a quorum is present |
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call |
|
has the meaning given in article 60. |
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call notice |
|
has the meaning given in article 60. |
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certificate |
|
a paper certificate (other than a share warrant) evidencing a persons title to specified shares or other securities. |
|
|
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certificated |
|
in relation to a share, means that it is not an uncertificated share or a share in respect of which a share warrant has been issued and is current. |
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chairman |
|
has the meaning given in article 12. |
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chairman of the meeting |
|
has the meaning given in article 37. |
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Companies Acts |
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the Companies Acts as defined in section 2 of the Act and every other statute or regulation for the time being in force concerning companies and in each case insofar as they affect the company. |
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|
|
companys lien |
|
has the meaning given in article 58. |
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|
|
director |
|
a director for the time being of the company, and includes any person occupying the position of director, by whatever name called. |
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|
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distribution recipient |
|
has the meaning given in article 77.2. |
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|
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document |
|
includes, unless otherwise specified, any document sent or supplied in electronic form and includes references to notices and/or consents. |
secretary |
|
the secretary of the company or any other person appointed to perform the duties of the secretary of the company, including a joint, assistant or deputy secretary. |
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|
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shares |
|
shares in the company. |
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|
|
special resolution |
|
has the meaning given in section 283 of the Act. |
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|
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subsidiary |
|
has the meaning given in section 1159 of the Act. |
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|
|
transmittee |
|
means a person entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder or otherwise by operation of law. |
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|
|
uncertificated |
|
in relation to a share means that, by virtue of legislation (other than section 778 of the Act) permitting title to shares to be evidenced and transferred without a certificatee, title to that share is evidenced and may be transferred without a certificate. and |
|
|
|
writing |
|
the representation or reproduction of words, symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise. |
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|
|
United Kingdom |
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Great Britain and Northern Ireland. |
|
|
|
year |
|
calendar year. |
1.2.2 any gender includes any other gender;
1.2.3 the singular includes the plural number and vice versa;
1.2.4 words or expressions contained in these articles, if not defined in these articles, bear the same meaning as in the Act as in force on the date when these articles become binding on the company;
1.2.5 references to persons include bodies corporate, unincorporated associations, governments, states, partnerships and trusts (in each case, whether or not having separate legal personality);
1.2.6 a special resolution shall be effective for any purpose for which an ordinary resolution is expressed to be required under any provision of these articles; and
1.2.7 general words shall not be given a restrictive interpretation by reason of their being preceded or followed by words indicating a particular class of acts, matters or things.
2. LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
The liability of the members of the company is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held by them.
PART 2
DIRECTORS
3. DIRECTORS GENERAL AUTHORITY
Subject to the articles, the directors are responsible for the management of the companys business, for which purpose they may exercise all the powers of the company.
4. MEMBERS RESERVE POWER
4.1 The members may, by special resolution, direct the directors to take, or refrain from taking, specified action.
4.2 No such special resolution invalidates anything which the directors have done before the passing of the resolution.
5. DIRECTORS MAY DELEGATE
5.1 Subject to the articles, the directors may delegate any of the powers which are conferred on them under the articles:
5.1.1 to such person or committee;
5.1.2 by such means (including by power of attorney);
5.1.3 to such an extent;
5.1.4 in relation to such matters or territories; and
5.1.5 on such terms and conditions;
as they think fit.
5.2 If the directors so specify, any such delegation may authorise further delegation of the directors powers by any person to whom they are delegated.
5.3 The directors may revoke any delegation in whole or part, or alter its terms and conditions.
6. COMMITTEES
6.1 Committees to which the directors delegate any of their powers must follow procedures which are based as far as they are applicable on those provisions of the articles which govern the taking of decisions by directors.
6.2 The directors may make rules of procedure for all or any committees, which prevail over rules derived from the articles if they are not consistent with them.
7. DIRECTORS TO TAKE DECISIONS COLLECTIVELY
Decisions of the directors may be taken:
7.1 at a directors meeting, or
7.2 in the form of a directors written resolution.
8. CALLING A DIRECTORS MEETING
8.1 Any director may call a directors meeting.
8.2 The company secretary must call a directors meeting if a director so requests.
8.3 A directors meeting is called by giving notice of the meeting to the directors.
8.4 Notice of any directors meeting must indicate:
8.4.1 its proposed date and time;
8.4.2 where it is to take place; and
8.4.3 if it is anticipated that directors participating in the meeting will not be in the same place, how it is proposed that they should communicate with each other during the meeting.
8.5 Notice of a directors meeting must be given to each director, but need not be in writing.
8.6 Notice of a directors meeting need not be given to directors who waive their entitlement to notice of that meeting, by giving notice to that effect to the company not more than 7 days after the date
on which the meeting is held. Where such notice is given after the meeting has been held, that does not affect the validity of the meeting, or of any business conducted at it.
9. PARTICIPATION IN DIRECTORS MEETINGS
9.1 Subject to the articles, directors participate in a directors meeting, or part of a directors meeting, when:
9.1.1 the meeting has been called and takes place in accordance with the articles, and
9.1.2 they can each communicate to the others any information or opinions they have on any particular item of the business of the meeting.
9.2 In determining whether directors are participating in a directors meeting, it is irrelevant where any director is or how they communicate with each other.
9.3 If all the directors participating in a meeting are not in the same place, they may decide that the meeting is to be treated as taking place wherever any of them is.
10. QUORUM FOR DIRECTORS MEETINGS
10.1 At a directors meeting, unless a quorum is participating, no proposal is to be voted on, except a proposal to call another meeting.
10.2 Subject to the articles, the quorum for directors meetings may be fixed from time to time by a decision of the directors, but it must never be less than two, and unless otherwise fixed it is two.
11. MEETINGS WHERE TOTAL NUMBER OF DIRECTORS LESS THAN QUORUM
11.1 This article applies where the total number of directors for the time being is less than the quorum for directors meetings.
11.2 If there is only one director, that director may appoint sufficient directors to make up a quorum or call a general meeting to do so.
11.3 If there is more than one director but an insufficient number of directors to constitute a quorum are entitled to vote (or would be so entitled if they were participating in the meeting) in relation to any resolution, the quorum for such directors meeting in respect of such resolution shall be equal to such number of directors as are entitled to vote (or would be so entitled if they were participating in the meeting) in relation to such resolution.
12. CHAIRING DIRECTORS MEETINGS
12.1 The directors may appoint a director to chair their meetings.
12.2 The person so appointed for the time being is known as the chairman.
12.3 The directors may appoint other directors as deputy or assistant chairmen to chair directors meetings in the chairmans absence.
12.4 The directors may terminate the appointment of the chairman, deputy or assistant chairman at any time.
12.5 If neither the chairman nor any director appointed generally to chair directors meetings in the chairmans absence is participating in a meeting within ten minutes of the time at which it was to start, the participating directors must appoint one of themselves to chair it.
13. VOTING AT DIRECTORS MEETINGS: GENERAL RULES
13.1 Subject to the articles, a decision is taken at a directors meeting by a majority of the votes of the participating directors.
13.2 Subject to the articles, each director participating in a directors meeting has one vote.
13.3 Subject to the articles, if a director has an interest in an actual or proposed transaction or arrangement with the company:
13.3.1 that director and that directors alternate may not vote on any proposal relating to it, but
13.3.2 this does not preclude the alternate from voting in relation to that transaction or arrangement on behalf of another appointor who does not have such an interest.
14. CHAIRMANS CASTING VOTE AT DIRECTORS MEETINGS
14.1 If the numbers of votes for and against a proposal are equal, the chairman or other director chairing the meeting has a casting vote.
14.2 But this does not apply if, in accordance with the articles, the chairman or other director is not to be counted as participating in the decision-making process for quorum or voting purposes.
15. ALTERNATES VOTING AT DIRECTORS MEETINGS
A director who is also an alternate director has an additional vote on behalf of each appointor who is:
15.1 not participating in a directors meeting, and
15.2 would have been entitled to vote if they were participating in it.
16. AUTHORISATION OF DIRECTORS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
16.1 The Board may authorise any matter where any director (or former director if that former director is still subject to the statutory duty to avoid conflicts of interest) has or may have a direct or indirect interest and/or duty that conflicts or possibly may conflict with the interests and/or duties of the company provided that:
16.1.1 the director concerned and any other interested director are not counted towards any requirement as to quorum; and
16.1.2 the matter is agreed without such director or other director voting (or would have been agreed to if their votes had not counted).
16.2 Any authorisation of a matter under this article 16 shall extend to any actual or potential conflict of interest which may reasonably be expected to arise out of the matter so authorised. However, for the avoidance of doubt, no authorisation is required under article 16.1 in relation to a transaction or arrangement with the company.
16.3 The authorising directors may impose any limits or conditions on their authorisation under article 16.1 at the time when such authorisation is given or subsequently as they in their discretion consider appropriate including the following:
16.3.1 limiting or preventing the disclosure of information to the director who has or may have the interest that is the subject of the authorisation;
16.3.2 limiting or preventing the attendance of such director at any board meeting or discussion; and
16.3.3 limiting or preventing the availability of board or briefing papers to such director
in each case to the extent the authorising directors consider appropriate to protect that director from being in breach of his statutory duty to avoid conflicts of interest.
16.4 Provided a director complies with any limits or conditions referred to in article 16.3, he shall not, except as otherwise agreed by him, be accountable to the company for any benefit which he (or a person connected with him) derives from any matter authorised by the Board under this article 16 and any contract, transaction or arrangement relating thereto shall not be liable to be avoided on the grounds of any such benefit.
17. BOARD PERMITTED INTERESTS
17.1 Provided he has declared to the Board the nature and extent of any interest of his at a meeting of the Board or in the manner set out in section 184 or 185 of the Act, a director, notwithstanding his office:
17.1.1 may be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with a member of the Group;
17.1.2 may be a director or other officer of, or employed by or otherwise interested in any member of the Group;
17.1.3 may act (or any firm of which he is a partner, employee or member may act) in a professional capacity for any member of the Group (other than as auditor) whether or not he or it is remunerated; and
17.1.4 may have any other interest authorised by ordinary resolution of the company.
No authorisation under article 16 shall be necessary in respect of any such interest.
17.2 Such director shall not, by reason of his office, be accountable to the company for any benefit which he derives from any such office or employment or from any such transaction or arrangement or from any interest in any such member of the Group and no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit.
18. RESTRICTIONS ON VOTING AND QUORUM
18.1 Except as otherwise provided by the articles and whether or not the interest is one which is authorised pursuant to article 16 or permitted under article 17, a director shall not be entitled to vote on any resolution in respect of any contract, transaction or arrangement or any other proposal in which he or any person connected with him has an interest. Any vote of a director in respect of a matter where he is not entitled to vote shall be disregarded.
18.2 A director shall not be counted in the quorum at a meeting in relation to any resolution on which he is not entitled to vote.
18.3 Subject to the Companies Acts, a director shall (in the absence of some other interest than is set out below) be entitled to vote and be counted in the quorum in respect of any resolution concerning any of the following matters, namely:
18.3.1 proposals relating to any indemnities or provision of funds from the company in favour of the director which comply with the relevant provisions of article 90;
18.3.2 proposals in which he has an interest only by virtue of interests in shares, debentures or other securities of the company, or by reason of any other interest in or through the company;
18.3.3 the giving of any security, guarantee or indemnity in respect of money lent or obligations incurred by him or by any other person at the request of or for the benefit of the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings;
18.3.4 the giving of any security, guarantee or indemnity in respect of a debt or obligation of the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings for which he himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in part under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;
18.3.5 where the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings is offering securities in which offer he is or may be entitled to participate as a holder of securities or in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of which he is to participate;
18.3.6 any proposal concerning another company in which he and any persons connected with him do not to his knowledge hold an interest (as that term is used in sections 820
and 822-824 of the Act) representing 1% or more of either any class of the equity share capital, or the voting rights, in such company;
18.3.7 any proposal relating to an arrangement for the benefit of the employees of the company or any of its subsidiary undertakings which does not award him any privilege or benefit not generally awarded to the employees to whom such arrangement relates;
18.3.8 any proposal concerning insurance which the company proposes to purchase or maintain for the benefit of directors;
18.3.9 any proposal in which he has an interest of which he is not aware or an interest which cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest; or
18.3.10 proposals in respect of which his interest or the interest of directors generally has been authorised by an ordinary resolution of the company.
18.4 Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment or termination of appointment (including fixing or varying the terms of appointment or termination of appointment) of two or more directors to offices or employments with the company or any company in which the company is interested, such proposals may be divided and considered in relation to each director separately and in such case each of the directors concerned (if not debarred from voting under the articles) shall be entitled to vote (and be counted in the quorum) in respect of each resolution except that concerning his own appointment or termination of appointment.
18.5 If any question shall arise at any meeting as to the existence of a directors interest or as to the entitlement of any director to vote and such question is not resolved by his voluntarily agreeing to abstain from voting, such question shall (unless the director concerned is the chairman in which case he shall withdraw from the meeting and the Board shall elect (if it shall not already have done so) a deputy chairman to consider the question in place of the chairman) be referred to the chairman of the meeting and his ruling in relation to any other director shall be final and conclusive except in a case where the nature or extent of the interest of the director concerned has not been disclosed in accordance with the articles and the Companies Acts and provided that any such question shall, for the purposes of disclosure of the interest in the accounts of the company, be finally and conclusively decided by a majority of the Board (other than the director concerned).
19. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
19.1 Subject to article 19.2, if a director, otherwise than by virtue of his position as director, receives information in respect of which he owes a duty of confidentiality to a person other than the company, he shall not be required:
19.1.1 to disclose such information to the company or to the Board, or to any director, officer or employee of the company; or
19.1.2 otherwise to use or apply such confidential information for the purpose of or in connection with the performance of his duties as a director.
19.2 Where such duty of confidentiality arises out of a situation in which the director has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or may possibly conflict, with the interests of the company, article 19.1 shall apply only if the conflict arises out of a matter which has been authorised under article 16 or falls within article 17.1.
19.3 This article 19 is without prejudice to any equitable principle or rule of law which may excuse or release the director from disclosing information, in circumstances where disclosure may otherwise be required under this article 19.
20. DIRECTORS INTERESTS GENERAL
20.1 For the purposes of articles 16 to 19:
20.1.1 an interest of a person connected with a director shall be treated as an interest of the director; and
20.1.2 section 252 of the Act shall determine whether a person is connected with a director.
20.2 Where a director has an interest which can reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest, the director shall, if so requested by the Board, take such additional steps as may be necessary or desirable for the purpose of managing such conflict or interest, including compliance with any procedures laid down from time to time by the Board for the purposes of managing conflicts of interest generally and/or any specific procedures approved by the Board for the purpose of or in connection with the situation or matter in question, including:
20.2.1 absenting himself from any meetings of the Board at which the relevant situation or matter falls to be considered; and
20.2.2 not reviewing documents or information made available to the Board generally in relation to such situation or matter and/or arranging for such documents or information to be reviewed by a professional adviser to ascertain the extent to which it might be appropriate for him to have access to such documents or information.
21. PROPOSING DIRECTORS WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS
21.1 Any director may propose a directors written resolution.
21.2 The company secretary must propose a directors written resolution if a director so requests.
21.3 A directors written resolution is proposed by giving notice of the proposed resolution to the directors.
21.4 Notice of a proposed directors written resolution must indicate:
21.4.1 the proposed resolution, and
21.4.2 the time by which it is proposed that the directors should adopt it.
21.5 Notice of a proposed directors written resolution must be given in writing to each director.
21.6 Any decision which a person giving notice of a proposed directors written resolution takes regarding the process of adopting that resolution must be taken reasonably in good faith.
22. ADOPTION OF DIRECTORS WRITTEN RESOLUTIONS
22.1 A proposed directors written resolution is adopted when all the directors who would have been entitled to vote on the resolution at a directors meeting have signed one or more copies of it, provided that those directors would have formed a quorum at such a meeting.
22.2 It is immaterial whether any director signs the resolution before or after the time by which the notice proposed that it should be adopted.
22.3 Once a directors written resolution has been adopted, it must be treated as if it had been a decision taken at a directors meeting in accordance with the articles.
22.4 The company secretary must ensure that the company keeps a record, in writing, of all directors written resolutions for at least ten years from the date of their adoption.
23. DIRECTORS DISCRETION TO MAKE FURTHER RULES
Subject to the articles, the directors may make any rule which they think fit about how they take decisions, and about how such rules are to be recorded or communicated to directors.
24. NAME OF THE COMPANY
In accordance with section 77 of the Act, the Board may change the companys name by passing a resolution of the Board to that effect.
25. NUMBER OF BOARD
Unless and until otherwise determined by ordinary resolution the number of directors (other than any alternate directors) shall not be subject to any maximum but shall not be less than two.
26. METHODS OF APPOINTING DIRECTORS
26.1 Any person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, may be appointed to be a director:
26.1.1 by ordinary resolution, or
26.1.2 by a decision of the directors.
27. TERMINATION OF DIRECTORS APPOINTMENT
A person ceases to be a director as soon as:
27.1 he ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the Companies Acts or he otherwise becomes prohibited by law from being a director; or
27.2 he becomes bankrupt or has a bankruptcy order made against him or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally or becomes subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or undertaking; or
27.3 a registered medical practitioner who is treating that director gives a written opinion to the company stating that the director has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director and may remain so for more than three months; or
27.4 he shall for more than six consecutive months have been absent without permission of the Board from meetings of the Board held during that period and the Board resolves that his office be vacated;
27.5 he resigns his office by notice in writing to the company or he offers in writing to resign and the Board resolves to accept such offer; or
27.6 being a director holding an executive office, he is dismissed from such office; or
27.7 he is requested in writing by all the other directors to resign.
28. DIRECTORS REMUNERATION
28.1 Directors may undertake any services for the company that the directors decide.
28.2 Directors are entitled to such remuneration as the directors determine:
28.2.1 for their services to the company as directors, and
28.2.2 for any other service which they undertake for the company.
28.3 Subject to the articles, a directors remuneration may:
28.3.1 take any form, and
28.3.2 include any arrangements in connection with the payment of a pension, allowance or gratuity, or any death, sickness or disability benefits, to or in respect of that director.
28.4 Unless the directors decide otherwise, directors remuneration accrues from day to day.
28.5 Unless the directors decide otherwise, directors are not accountable to the company for any remuneration which they receive as directors or other officers or employees of the companys subsidiaries or of any other body corporate in which the company is interested.
29. DIRECTORS EXPENSES
29.1 The company may pay any reasonable expenses which the directors properly incur in connection with their attendance at:
29.1.1 meetings of directors or committees of directors,
29.1.2 general meetings, or
29.1.3 separate meetings of the holders of any class of shares or of debentures of the company, or otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their responsibilities in relation to the company.
30. APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF ALTERNATES
30.1 Any director (the appointor ) may appoint as an alternate any other director, or any other person approved by resolution of the directors, to:
30.1.1 exercise that directors powers, and
30.1.2 carry out that directors responsibilities,
in relation to the taking of decisions by the directors in the absence of the alternates appointor.
30.2 Any appointment or removal of an alternate must be effected by notice in writing to the company signed by the appointor, or in any other manner approved by the directors.
30.3 The notice must:
30.3.1 identify the proposed alternate, and
30.3.2 in the case of a notice of appointment, contain a statement signed by the proposed alternate that the proposed alternate is willing to act as the alternate of the director giving the notice.
31. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
31.1 An alternate director has the same rights, in relation to any directors meeting or directors written resolution, as the alternates appointor.
31.2 Except as the articles specify otherwise, alternate directors:
31.2.1 are deemed for all purposes to be directors;
31.2.2 are liable for their own acts and omissions;
31.2.3 are subject to the same restrictions as their appointors; and
31.2.4 are not deemed to be agents of or for their appointors.
31.3 A person who is an alternate director but not a director:
31.3.1 may be counted as participating for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is participating (but only if that persons appointor is not participating), and
31.3.2 may sign a written resolution (but only if it is not signed or to be signed by that persons appointor).
31.4 No alternate may be counted as more than one director for such purposes.
31.5 An alternate director is not entitled to receive any remuneration from the company for serving as an alternate director except such part of the alternates appointors remuneration as the appointor may direct by notice in writing made to the company.
32. TERMINATION OF ALTERNATE DIRECTORSHIP
An alternate directors appointment as an alternate terminates:
32.1 when the alternates appointor revokes the appointment by notice to the company in writing specifying when it is to terminate;
32.2 on the occurrence in relation to the alternate of any event which, if it occurred in relation to the alternates appointor, would result in the termination of the appointors appointment as a director;
32.3 on the death of the alternates appointor; or
32.4 when the alternates appointors appointment as a director terminates, except that an alternates appointment as an alternate does not terminate when the appointor retires by rotation at a general meeting and is then re-appointed as a director at the same general meeting.
33. SECRETARY
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts, the secretary shall be appointed by the Board for such term, at such remuneration and upon such conditions as they may think fit; and any secretary so appointed may be removed by them, but without prejudice to any claim for damages for breach of any contract of service between him and the company. If thought fit two or more persons may be appointed as joint secretaries. The Board may also appoint from time to time on such terms as they may think fit a deputy secretary or one or more assistant secretaries.
PART 3
DECISION-MAKING BY MEMBERS
34. MEMBERS CAN CALL GENERAL MEETING IF NOT ENOUGH DIRECTORS
If:
34.1 the company has fewer than two directors, and
34.2 the director (if any) is unable or unwilling to appoint sufficient directors to make up a quorum or to call a general meeting to do so, then two or more members may call a general meeting (or instruct the company secretary to do so) for the purpose of appointing one or more directors.
35. ATTENDANCE AND SPEAKING AT GENERAL MEETINGS
35.1 A person is able to exercise the right to speak at a general meeting when that person is in a position to communicate to all those attending the meeting, during the meeting, any information or opinions which that person has on the business of the meeting.
35.2 A person is able to exercise the right to vote at a general meeting when:
35.2.1 that person is able to vote, during the meeting, on resolutions put to the vote at the meeting, and
35.2.2 that persons vote can be taken into account in determining whether or not such resolutions are passed at the same time as the votes of all the other persons attending the meeting.
35.3 The directors may make whatever arrangements they consider appropriate to enable those attending a general meeting to exercise their rights to speak or vote at it.
35.4 In determining attendance at a general meeting, it is immaterial whether any two or more members attending it are in the same place as each other.
35.5 Two or more persons who are not in the same place as each other attend a general meeting if their circumstances are such that if they have (or were to have) rights to speak and vote at that meeting, they are (or would be) able to exercise them.
36. QUORUM FOR GENERAL MEETINGS
36.1 No business other than the appointment of the chairman of the meeting is to be transacted at a general meeting if the persons attending it do not constitute a quorum.
36.2 Subject to article 36.3, two qualifying persons present at the general meeting and entitled to vote upon the business to be transacted shall be a quorum, unless each is a qualifying person only because he is authorised to act as the representative of a corporation in relation to the meeting and they are representatives of the same corporation or each is a qualifying person only because he is appointed as proxy of a member in relation to the meeting and they are proxies of the same member.
36.3 Where the company is a single member company, one qualifying person present at the meeting and entitled to vote upon the business transacted shall be a quorum.
37. CHAIRING GENERAL MEETINGS
37.1 If the directors have appointed a chairman, the chairman shall chair general meetings if present and willing to do so.
37.2 If the directors have not appointed a chairman, or if the chairman is unwilling to chair the meeting or is not present within ten minutes of the time at which a meeting was due to start:
37.2.1 the directors present, or
37.2.2 (if no directors are present), the meeting, must appoint a director or member to chair the meeting, and the appointment of the chairman of the meeting must be the first business of the meeting.
37.3 The person chairing a meeting in accordance with this article is referred to as the chairman of the meeting .
38. ATTENDANCE AND SPEAKING BY DIRECTORS AND NON-MEMBERS
38.1 Directors may attend and speak at general meetings, whether or not they are members.
38.2 The chairman of the meeting may permit other persons who are not:
38.2.1 members of the company, or
38.2.2 otherwise entitled to exercise the rights of members in relation to general meetings, to attend and speak at a general meeting.
39. ADJOURNMENT
39.1 If the persons attending a general meeting within half an hour of the time at which the meeting was due to start do not constitute a quorum, or if during a meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the chairman of the meeting must adjourn it.
39.2 The chairman of the meeting may adjourn a general meeting at which a quorum is present if
39.2.1 the meeting consents to an adjournment, or
39.2.2 it appears to the chairman of the meeting that an adjournment is necessary to protect the safety of any person attending the meeting or ensure that the business of the meeting is conducted in an orderly manner.
39.3 The chairman of the meeting must adjourn a general meeting if directed to do so by the meeting.
39.4 When adjourning a general meeting, the chairman of the meeting must
39.4.1 either specify the time and place to which it is adjourned or state that it is to continue at a time and place to be fixed by the directors, and
39.4.2 have regard to any directions as to the time and place of any adjournment which have been given by the meeting.
39.5 If the continuation of an adjourned meeting is to take place more than 14 days after it was adjourned, the company must give at least 7 clear days notice of it (that is, excluding the day of the adjourned meeting and the day on which the notice is given)
39.5.1 to the same persons to whom notice of the companys general meetings is required to be given, and
39.5.2 containing the same information which such notice is required to contain.
39.6 No business may be transacted at an adjourned general meeting which could not properly have been transacted at the meeting if the adjournment had not taken place.
40. VOTING: GENERAL
A resolution put to the vote of a general meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless a poll is duly demanded in accordance with the articles.
41. ERRORS AND DISPUTES
41.1 No objection may be raised to the qualification of any person voting at a general meeting except at the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is tendered, and every vote not disallowed at the meeting is valid.
41.2 Any such objection must be referred to the chairman of the meeting whose decision is final.
42. DEMANDING A POLL
42.1 A poll on a resolution may be demanded:
42.1.1 in advance of the general meeting where it is to be put to the vote, or
42.1.2 at a general meeting, either before a show of hands on that resolution or immediately after the result of a show of hands on that resolution is declared.
42.2 A poll may be demanded by:
42.2.1 the chairman of the meeting;
42.2.2 the directors;
42.2.3 two or more persons having the right to vote on the resolution; or
42.2.4 a person or persons representing not less than one tenth of the total voting rights of all the members having the right to vote on the resolution.
42.3 A demand for a poll may be withdrawn if:
42.3.1 the poll has not yet been taken, and
42.3.2 the chairman of the meeting consents to the withdrawal.
43. PROCEDURE ON A POLL
43.1 Subject to the articles, polls at general meetings must be taken when, where and in such manner as the chairman of the meeting directs.
43.2 The chairman of the meeting may appoint scrutineers (who need not be members) and decide how and when the result of the poll is to be declared.
43.3 The result of a poll shall be the decision of the meeting in respect of the resolution on which the poll was demanded.
43.4 A poll on:
43.4.1 the election of the chairman of the meeting, or
43.4.2 a question of adjournment,
43.4.3 must be taken immediately.
43.5 Other polls must be taken within 30 days of their being demanded.
43.6 A demand for a poll does not prevent a general meeting from continuing, except as regards the question on which the poll was demanded.
43.7 No notice need be given of a poll not taken immediately if the time and place at which it is to be taken are announced at the meeting at which it is demanded.
43.8 In any other case, at least 7 days notice must be given specifying the time and place at which the poll is to be taken.
44. CONTENT OF PROXY NOTICES
44.1 Proxies may only validly be appointed by a notice in writing (a proxy notice ) which:
44.1.1 states the name and address of the member appointing the proxy;
44.1.2 identifies the person appointed to be that members proxy and the general meeting in relation to which that person is appointed;
44.1.3 is signed by or on behalf of the member appointing the proxy, or is authenticated in suchmanner as the directors may determine; and
44.1.4 is delivered to the company in accordance with the articles and any instructions contained in the notice of the general meeting to which they relate.
44.2 The company may require proxy notices to be delivered in a particular form, and may specify different forms for different purposes.
44.3 Proxy notices may specify how the proxy appointed under them is to vote (or that the proxy is to abstain from voting) on one or more resolutions.
44.4 Unless a proxy notice indicates otherwise, it must be treated as:
44.4.1 allowing the person appointed under it as a proxy discretion as to how to vote on any ancillary or procedural resolutions put to the meeting, and
44.4.2 appointing that person as a proxy in relation to any adjournment of the general meeting to which it relates as well as the meeting itself.
45. DELIVERY OF PROXY NOTICES
45.1 Any notice of a general meeting must specify the address or addresses ( proxy notification address ) at which the company or its agents will receive proxy notices relating to that meeting, or any adjournment of it, delivered in hard copy or electronic form.
45.2 A person who is entitled to attend, speak or vote (either on a show of hands or on a poll) at a general meeting remains so entitled in respect of that meeting or any adjournment of it, even though a valid proxy notice has been delivered to the company by or on behalf of that person.
45.3 Subject to articles 45.4 and 45.5, a proxy notice must be delivered to a proxy notification address not less than 48 hours before the general meeting or adjourned meeting to which it relates.
45.4 In the case of a poll taken more than 48 hours after it is demanded, the notice must be delivered to a proxy notification address not less than 24 hours before the time appointed for the taking of the poll.
45.5 In the case of a poll not taken during the meeting but taken not more than 48 hours after it was demanded, the proxy notice must be delivered:
45.5.1 in accordance with article 45.3, or
45.5.2 at the meeting at which the poll was demanded to the chairman, secretary or any director.
45.6 An appointment under a proxy notice may be revoked by delivering a notice in writing given by or on behalf of the person by whom or on whose behalf the proxy notice was given to a proxy notification address.
45.7 A notice revoking a proxy appointment only takes effect if it is delivered before:
45.7.1 the start of the meeting or adjourned meeting to which it relates, or
45.7.2 (in the case of a poll not taken on the same day as the meeting or adjourned meeting) the time appointed for taking the poll to which it relates.
45.8 If a proxy notice is not signed by the person appointing the proxy, it must be accompanied by written evidence of the authority of the person who executed it to execute it on the appointors behalf.
46. AMENDMENTS TO RESOLUTIONS
46.1 An ordinary resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution if:
46.1.1 notice of the proposed amendment is given to the company secretary in writing by a person entitled to vote at the general meeting at which it is to be proposed not less than 48 hours before the meeting is to take place (or such later time as the chairman of the meeting may determine), and
46.1.2 the proposed amendment does not, in the reasonable opinion of the chairman of the meeting, materially alter the scope of the resolution.
46.2 A special resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution, if:
46.2.1 the chairman of the meeting proposes the amendment at the general meeting at which the resolution is to be proposed, and
46.2.2 the amendment does not go beyond what is necessary to correct a grammatical or other non-substantive error in the resolution.
46.3 If the chairman of the meeting, acting in good faith, wrongly decides that an amendment to a resolution is out of order, the chairmans error does not invalidate the vote on that resolution.
47. NO VOTING OF SHARES ON WHICH MONEY OWED TO COMPANY
No voting rights attached to a share may be exercised at any general meeting, at any adjournment of it, or on any poll called at or in relation to it, unless all amounts payable to the company in respect of that share have been paid.
48. CLASS MEETINGS
The provisions of the articles relating to general meetings apply, with any necessary modifications, to meetings of the holders of any class of shares.
PART 4
SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
49. POWERS TO ISSUE DIFFERENT CLASSES OF SHARE
49.1 Subject to the articles, but without prejudice to the rights attached to any existing share, the company may issue shares with such rights or restrictions as may be determined by ordinary resolution.
49.2 The company may issue shares which are to be redeemed, or are liable to be redeemed at the option of the company or the holder, and the directors may determine the terms, conditions and manner of redemption of any such shares.
50. PAYMENT OF COMMISSIONS ON SUBSCRIPTION FOR SHARES
50.1 The company may pay any person a commission in consideration for that person:
50.1.1 subscribing, or agreeing to subscribe, for shares, or
50.1.2 procuring, or agreeing to procure, subscriptions for shares.
50.2 Any such commission may be paid
50.2.1 in cash, or in fully paid or partly paid shares or other securities, or partly in one way and partly in the other, and
50.2.2 in respect of a conditional or an absolute subscription.
51. COMPANY NOT BOUND BY LESS THAN ABSOLUTE INTERESTS
Except as required by law, no person is to be recognised by the company as holding any share upon any trust, and except as otherwise required by law or the articles, the company is not in any way to be bound by or recognise any interest in a share other than the holders absolute ownership of it and all the rights attaching to it.
52. CERTIFICATES TO BE ISSUED EXCEPT IN CERTAIN CASES
52.1 The company must issue each member with one or more certificates in respect of the shares which that member holds.
52.2 This article does not apply to:
52.2.1 uncertificated shares;
52.2.2 shares in respect of which a share warrant has been issued; or
52.2.3 shares in respect of which the Companies Acts permit the company not to issue a certificate.
52.3 Except as otherwise specified in the articles, all certificates must be issued free of charge.
52.4 No certificate may be issued in respect of shares of more than one class.
52.5 If more than one person holds a share, only one certificate may be issued in respect of it.
53. CONTENTS AND EXECUTION OF SHARE CERTIFICATES
53.1 Every certificate must specify:
53.1.1 in respect of how many shares, of what class, it is issued;
53.1.2 the nominal value of those shares;
53.1.3 the amount paid up on them; and
53.1.4 any distinguishing numbers assigned to them.
53.2 Certificates must:
53.2.1 have affixed to them the companys common seal or an official seal which is a facsimile of the companys common seal with the addition on its face of the word Securities (a securities seal ), or
53.2.2 be otherwise executed in accordance with the Companies Acts.
54. CONSOLIDATED SHARE CERTIFICATES
54.1 When a members holding of shares of a particular class increases, the company may issue that member with:
54.1.1 a single, consolidated certificate in respect of all the shares of a particular class which that member holds, or
54.1.2 a separate certificate in respect of only those shares by which that members holding has increased.
54.2 When a members holding of shares of a particular class is reduced, the company must ensure that the member is issued with one or more certificates in respect of the number of shares held by the member after that reduction. But the company need not (in the absence of a request from the member) issue any new certificate if
54.2.1 all the shares which the member no longer holds as a result of the reduction, and
54.2.2 none of the shares which the member retains following the reduction, were, immediately before the reduction, represented by the same certificate.
54.3 A member may request the company, in writing, to replace:
54.3.1 the members separate certificates with a consolidated certificate, or
54.3.2 the members consolidated certificate with two or more separate certificates representing such proportion of the shares as the member may specify.
54.4 When the company complies with such a request it may charge such reasonable fee as the directors may decide for doing so.
54.5 A consolidated certificate must not be issued unless any certificates which it is to replace have first been returned to the company for cancellation.
55. REPLACEMENT SHARE CERTIFICATES
55.1 If a certificate issued in respect of a members shares is:
55.1.1 damaged or defaced, or
55.1.2 said to be lost, stolen or destroyed, that member is entitled to be issued with a replacement certificate in respect of the same shares.
55.2 A member exercising the right to be issued with such a replacement certificate:
55.2.1 may at the same time exercise the right to be issued with a single certificate or separate certificates;
55.2.2 must return the certificate which is to be replaced to the company if it is damaged or defaced; and
55.2.3 must comply with such conditions as to evidence, indemnity and the payment of a reasonable fee as the directors decide.
56. UNCERTIFICATED SHARES
56.1 In this article, the relevant rules means:
56.1.1 any applicable provision of the Companies Acts about the holding, evidencing of title to, or transfer of shares other than in certificated form, and
56.1.2 any applicable legislation, rules or other arrangements made under or by virtue of such provision.
56.2 The provisions of this article have effect subject to the relevant rules.
56.3 Any provision of the articles which is inconsistent with the relevant rules must be disregarded, to the extent that it is inconsistent, whenever the relevant rules apply.
56.4 Any share or class of shares of the company may be issued or held on such terms, or in such a way, that:
56.4.1 title to it or them is not, or must not be, evidenced by a certificate, or
56.4.2 it or they may or must be transferred wholly or partly without a certificate.
56.4.3 The directors have power to take such steps as they think fit in relation to
56.4.4 the evidencing of and transfer of title to uncertificated shares (including in connection with the issue of such shares);
56.4.5 any records relating to the holding of uncertificated shares;
56.4.6 the conversion of certificated shares into uncertificated shares; or
56.4.7 the conversion of uncertificated shares into certificated shares.
56.5 The company may by notice to the holder of a share require that share:
56.5.1 if it is uncertificated, to be converted into certificated form, and
56.5.2 if it is certificated, to be converted into uncertificated form, to enable it to be dealt with in accordance with the articles.
56.6 If:
56.6.1 the articles give the directors power to take action, or require other persons to take action, in order to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of shares, and
56.6.2 uncertificated shares are subject to that power, but the power is expressed in terms which assume the use of a certificate or other written instrument, the directors may take such action as is necessary or expedient to achieve the same results when exercising that power in relation to uncertificated shares.
56.7 In particular, the directors may take such action as they consider appropriate to achieve the sale, transfer, disposal, forfeiture, re-allotment or surrender of an uncertificated share or otherwise to enforce a lien in respect of it.
56.8 Unless the directors otherwise determine, shares which a member holds in uncertificated form must be treated as separate holdings from any shares which that member holds in certificated form.
56.9 A class of shares must not be treated as two classes simply because some shares of that class are held in certificated form and others are held in uncertificated form.
57. SHARE WARRANTS
57.1 The directors may issue a share warrant in respect of any fully paid share.
57.2 Share warrants must be:
57.2.1 issued in such form, and
57.2.2 executed in such manner, as the directors decide.
57.3 A share represented by a share warrant may be transferred by delivery of the warrant representing it.
57.4 The directors may make provision for the payment of dividends in respect of any share represented by a share warrant.
57.5 Subject to the articles, the directors may decide the conditions on which any share warrant is issued. In particular, they may:
57.5.1 decide the conditions on which new warrants are to be issued in place of warrants which are damaged or defaced, or said to have been lost, stolen or destroyed;
57.5.2 decide the conditions on which bearers of warrants are entitled to attend and vote at general meetings;
57.5.3 decide the conditions subject to which bearers of warrants may surrender their warrant so as to hold their shares in certificated or uncertificated form instead; and
57.5.4 vary the conditions of issue of any warrant from time to time, and the bearer of a warrant is subject to the conditions and procedures in force in relation to it, whether or not they were decided or specified before the warrant was issued.
57.6 Subject to the conditions on which the warrants are issued from time to time, bearers of share warrants have the same rights and privileges as they would if their names had been included in the register as holders of the shares represented by their warrants.
57.7 The company must not in any way be bound by or recognise any interest in a share represented by a share warrant other than the absolute right of the bearer of that warrant to that warrant.
58. COMPANYS LIEN OVER PARTLY PAID SHARES
58.1 The company has a lien (the companys lien ) over every share which is partly paid for any part of:
58.1.1 that shares nominal value, and
58.1.2 any premium at which it was issued, which has not been paid to the company, and which is payable immediately or at some time in the future, whether or not a call notice has been sent in respect of it.
58.2 The companys lien over a share:
58.2.1 takes priority over any third partys interest in that share, and
58.2.2 extends to any dividend or other money payable by the company in respect of that share and (if the lien is enforced and the share is sold by the company) the proceeds of sale of that share.
58.3 The directors may at any time decide that a share which is or would otherwise be subject to the companys lien shall not be subject to it, either wholly or in part.
59. ENFORCEMENT OF THE COMPANYS LIEN
59.1 Subject to the provisions of this article, if:
59.1.1 a lien enforcement notice has been given in respect of a share, and
59.1.2 the person to whom the notice was given has failed to comply with it, the company may sell that share in such manner as the directors decide.
59.2 A lien enforcement notice:
59.2.1 may only be given in respect of a share which is subject to the companys lien, in respect of which a sum is payable and the due date for payment of that sum has passed;
59.2.2 must specify the share concerned;
59.2.3 must require payment of the sum payable within 14 days of the notice;
59.2.4 must be addressed either to the holder of the share or to a person entitled to it by reason of the holders death, bankruptcy or otherwise; and
59.2.5 must state the companys intention to sell the share if the notice is not complied with.
59.3 Where shares are sold under this article:
59.3.1 the directors may authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer of the shares to the purchaser or a person nominated by the purchaser, and
59.3.2 the transferee is not bound to see to the application of the consideration, and the transferees title is not affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the process leading to the sale.
59.4 The net proceeds of any such sale (after payment of the costs of sale and any other costs of enforcing the lien) must be applied:
59.4.1 first, in payment of so much of the sum for which the lien exists as was payable at the date of the lien enforcement notice,
59.4.2 second, to the person entitled to the shares at the date of the sale, but only after the certificate for the shares sold has been surrendered to the company for cancellation or a suitable indemnity has been given for any lost certificates, and subject to a lien equivalent to the companys lien over the shares before the sale for any money payable in respect of the shares after the date of the lien enforcement notice.
59.5 A statutory declaration by a director or the company secretary that the declarant is a director or the company secretary and that a share has been sold to satisfy the companys lien on a specified date:
59.5.1 is conclusive evidence of the facts stated in it as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share, and
59.5.2 subject to compliance with any other formalities of transfer required by the articles or by law, constitutes a good title to the share.
60. CALL NOTICES
60.1 Subject to the articles and the terms on which shares are allotted, the directors may send a notice (a call notice ) to a member requiring the member to pay the company a specified sum of money (a call ) which is payable in respect of shares which that member holds at the date when the directors decide to send the call notice.
60.2 A call notice:
60.2.1 may not require a member to pay a call which exceeds the total sum unpaid on that members shares (whether as to the shares nominal value or any amount payable to the company by way of premium);
60.2.2 must state when and how any call to which it relates it is to be paid; and
60.2.3 may permit or require the call to be paid by instalments.
60.3 A member must comply with the requirements of a call notice, but no member is obliged to pay any call before 14 days have passed since the notice was sent.
60.4 Before the company has received any call due under a call notice the directors may:
60.4.1 revoke it wholly or in part, or
60.4.2 specify a later time for payment than is specified in the notice, by a further notice in writing to the member in respect of whose shares the call is made.
61. LIABILITY TO PAY CALLS
61.1 Liability to pay a call is not extinguished or transferred by transferring the shares in respect of which it is required to be paid.
61.2 Joint holders of a share are jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of that share.
61.3 Subject to the terms on which shares are allotted, the directors may, when issuing shares, provide that call notices sent to the holders of those shares may require them:
61.3.1 to pay calls which are not the same, or
61.3.2 to pay calls at different times.
62. WHEN CALL NOTICE NEED NOT BE ISSUED
62.1 A call notice need not be issued in respect of sums which are specified, in the terms on which a share is issued, as being payable to the company in respect of that share (whether in respect of nominal value or premium):
62.1.1 on allotment;
62.1.2 on the occurrence of a particular event; or
62.1.3 on a date fixed by or in accordance with the terms of issue.
62.2 But if the due date for payment of such a sum has passed and it has not been paid, the holder of the share concerned is treated in all respects as having failed to comply with a call notice in respect of that sum, and is liable to the same consequences as regards the payment of interest and forfeiture.
63. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH CALL NOTICE: AUTOMATIC CONSEQUENCES
63.1 If a person is liable to pay a call and fails to do so by the call payment date:
63.1.1 the directors may issue a notice of intended forfeiture to that person, and
63.1.2 until the call is paid, that person must pay the company interest on the call from the call payment date at the relevant rate.
63.2 For the purposes of this article:
63.2.1 the call payment date is the time when the call notice states that a call is payable, unless the directors give a notice specifying a later date, in which case the call payment date is that later date;
63.2.2 the relevant rate is:
(a) the rate fixed by the terms on which the share in respect of which the call is due was allotted;
(b) such other rate as was fixed in the call notice which required payment of the call, or has otherwise been determined by the directors; or
(c) if no rate is fixed in either of these ways, 5 per cent per annum.
63.3 The relevant rate must not exceed by more than 5 percentage points the base lending rate most recently set by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England in connection with its responsibilities under Part 2 of the Bank of England Act 1998.
63.4 The directors may waive any obligation to pay interest on a call wholly or in part.
64. NOTICE OF INTENDED FORFEITURE
64.1 A notice of intended forfeiture:
64.1.1 may be sent in respect of any share in respect of which a call has not been paid as required by a call notice;
64.1.2 must be sent to the holder of that share or to a person entitled to it by reason of the holders death, bankruptcy or otherwise;
64.1.3 must require payment of the call and any accrued interest by a date which is not less than 14 days after the date of the notice;
64.1.4 must state how the payment is to be made; and
64.1.5 must state that if the notice is not complied with, the shares in respect of which the call is payable will be liable to be forfeited.
65. DIRECTORS POWER TO FORFEIT SHARES
If a notice of intended forfeiture is not complied with before the date by which payment of the call is required in the notice of intended forfeiture, the directors may decide that any share in respect of which it was given is forfeited, and the forfeiture is to include all dividends or other moneys payable in respect of the forfeited shares and not paid before the forfeiture.
66. EFFECT OF FORFEITURE
66.1 Subject to the articles, the forfeiture of a share extinguishes:
66.1.1 all interests in that share, and all claims and demands against the company in respect of it, and
66.1.2 all other rights and liabilities incidental to the share as between the person whose share it was prior to the forfeiture and the company.
66.2 Any share which is forfeited in accordance with the articles:
66.2.1 is deemed to have been forfeited when the directors decide that it is forfeited;
66.2.2 is deemed to be the property of the company; and
66.2.3 may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of as the directors think fit.
66.3 If a persons shares have been forfeited:
66.3.1 the company must send that person notice that forfeiture has occurred and record it in theregister of members;
66.3.2 that person ceases to be a member in respect of those shares;
66.3.3 that person must surrender the certificate for the shares forfeited to the company for cancellation;
66.3.4 that person remains liable to the company for all sums payable by that person under the articles at the date of forfeiture in respect of those shares, including any interest (whether accrued before or after the date of forfeiture); and
66.3.5 the directors may waive payment of such sums wholly or in part or enforce payment without any allowance for the value of the shares at the time of forfeiture or for any consideration received on their disposal.
66.4 At any time before the company disposes of a forfeited share, the directors may decide to cancel the forfeiture on payment of all calls and interest due in respect of it and on such other terms as they think fit.
67. PROCEDURE FOLLOWING FORFEITURE
67.1 If a forfeited share is to be disposed of by being transferred, the company may receive the consideration for the transfer and the directors may authorise any person to execute the instrument of transfer.
67.2 A statutory declaration by a director or the company secretary that the declarant is a director or the company secretary and that a share has been forfeited on a specified date:
67.2.1 is conclusive evidence of the facts stated in it as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share, and
67.2.2 subject to compliance with any other formalities of transfer required by the articles or by law, constitutes a good title to the share.
67.3 A person to whom a forfeited share is transferred is not bound to see to the application of the consideration (if any) nor is that persons title to the share affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the process leading to the forfeiture or transfer of the share.
67.4 If the company sells a forfeited share, the person who held it prior to its forfeiture is entitled to receive from the company the proceeds of such sale, net of any commission, and excluding any amount which:
67.4.1 was, or would have become, payable, and
67.4.2 had not, when that share was forfeited, been paid by that person in respect of that share, but no interest is payable to such a person in respect of such proceeds and the company is not required to account for any money earned on them.
68. SURRENDER OF SHARES
68.1 A member may surrender any share:
68.1.1 in respect of which the directors may issue a notice of intended forfeiture;
68.1.2 which the directors may forfeit; or
68.1.3 which has been forfeited.
68.2 The directors may accept the surrender of any such share.
68.3 The effect of surrender on a share is the same as the effect of forfeiture on that share.
68.4 A share which has been surrendered may be dealt with in the same way as a share which has been forfeited.
69. TRANSFERS OF CERTIFICATED SHARES
69.1 Certificated shares may be transferred by means of an instrument of transfer in any usual form or any other form approved by the directors, which is executed by or on behalf of:
69.1.1 the transferor, and
69.1.2 (if any of the shares is partly paid) the transferee.
69.2 No fee may be charged for registering any instrument of transfer or other document relating to or affecting the title to any share.
69.3 The company may retain any instrument of transfer which is registered.
69.4 The transferor remains the holder of a certificated share until the transferees name is entered in the register of members as holder of it.
69.5 The directors may refuse to register the transfer of a certificated share if:
69.5.1 the share is not fully paid;
69.5.2 the transfer is not lodged at the companys registered office or such other place as the directors have appointed;
69.5.3 the transfer is not accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which it relates, or such other evidence as the directors may reasonably require to show the transferors right to make the transfer, or evidence of the right of someone other than the transferor to make the transfer on the transferors behalf;
69.5.4 the transfer is in respect of more than one class of share; or
69.5.5 the transfer is in favour of more than four transferees.
69.6 If the directors refuse to register the transfer of a share, the instrument of transfer must be returned to the transferee with the notice of refusal unless they suspect that the proposed transfer may be fraudulent.
70. TRANSFER OF UNCERTIFICATED SHARES
A transfer of an uncertificated share must not be registered if it is in favour of more than four transferees.
71. TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
71.1 If title to a share passes to a transmittee, the company may only recognise the transmittee as having any title to that share.
71.2 Nothing in these articles releases the estate of a deceased member from any liability in respect of a share solely or jointly held by that member.
72. TRANSMITTEES RIGHTS
72.1 A transmittee who produces such evidence of entitlement to shares as the directors may properly require:
72.1.1 may, subject to the articles, choose either to become the holder of those shares or to have them transferred to another person, and
72.1.2 subject to the articles, and pending any transfer of the shares to another person, has the same rights as the holder had.
72.2 But transmittees do not have the right to attend or vote at a general meeting in respect of shares to which they are entitled, by reason of the holders death or bankruptcy or otherwise, unless they become the holders of those shares
73. EXERCISE OF TRANSMITTEES RIGHTS
73.1 Transmittees who wish to become the holders of shares to which they have become entitled must notify the company in writing of that wish.
73.2 If the share is a certificated share and a transmittee wishes to have it transferred to another person, the transmittee must execute an instrument of transfer in respect of it.
73.3 If the share is an uncertificated share and the transmittee wishes to have it transferred to another person, the transmittee must:
73.3.1 procure that all appropriate instructions are given to effect the transfer, or
73.3.2 procure that the uncertificated share is changed into certificated form and then execute an instrument of transfer in respect of it.
73.4 Any transfer made or executed under this article is to be treated as if it were made or executed by the person from whom the transmittee has derived rights in respect of the share, and as if the event which gave rise to the transmission had not occurred.
Transmittees bound by prior notices
73.5 If a notice is given to a member in respect of shares and a transmittee is entitled to those shares, the transmittee is bound by the notice if it was given to the member before the transmittees name has been entered in the register of members.
74. PROCEDURE FOR DISPOSING OF FRACTIONS OF SHARES
74.1 This article applies where:
74.1.1 there has been a consolidation or division of shares, and
74.1.2 as a result, members are entitled to fractions of shares.
74.2 The directors may:
74.2.1 sell the shares representing the fractions to any person including the company for the best price reasonably obtainable;
74.2.2 in the case of a certificated share, authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer of the shares to the purchaser or a person nominated by the purchaser; and
74.2.3 distribute the net proceeds of sale in due proportion among the holders of the shares.
74.3 Where any holders entitlement to a portion of the proceeds of sale amounts to less than a minimum figure determined by the directors, that members portion may be distributed to an organisation which is a charity for the purposes of the law of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
74.4 The person to whom the shares are transferred is not obliged to ensure that any purchase money is received by the person entitled to the relevant fractions.
74.5 The transferees title to the shares is not affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the process leading to their sale.
75. PROCEDURE FOR DECLARING DIVIDENDS
75.1 The company may by ordinary resolution declare dividends, and the directors may decide to pay interim dividends.
75.2 A dividend must not be declared unless the directors have made a recommendation as to its amount. Such a dividend must not exceed the amount recommended by the directors.
75.3 No dividend may be declared or paid unless it is in accordance with members respective rights.
75.4 Unless the members resolution to declare or directors decision to pay a dividend, or the terms on which shares are issued, specify otherwise, it must be paid by reference to each members holding of shares on the date of the resolution or decision to declare or pay it.
75.5 If the companys share capital is divided into different classes, no interim dividend may be paid on shares carrying deferred or non-preferred rights if, at the time of payment, any preferential dividend is in arrear.
75.6 The directors may pay at intervals any dividend payable at a fixed rate if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution justify the payment.
75.7 If the directors act in good faith, they do not incur any liability to the holders of shares conferring preferred rights for any loss they may suffer by the lawful payment of an interim dividend on shares with deferred or non-preferred rights.
76. CALCULATION OF DIVIDENDS
76.1 Except as otherwise provided by the articles or the rights attached to shares, all dividends must be:
76.1.1 declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares on which the dividend is paid, and
76.1.2 apportioned and paid proportionately to the amounts paid up on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid.
76.2 If any share is issued on terms providing that it ranks for dividend as from a particular date, that share ranks for dividend accordingly.
76.3 For the purposes of calculating dividends, no account is to be taken of any amount which has been paid up on a share in advance of the due date for payment of that amount.
77. PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
77.1 Where a dividend or other sum which is a distribution is payable in respect of a share, it must be paid by one or more of the following means:
77.1.1 transfer to a bank or building society account specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide;
77.1.2 sending a cheque made payable to the distribution recipient by post to the distribution recipient at the distribution recipients registered address (if the distribution recipient is a holder of the share), or (in any other case) to an address specified by the distribution recipient either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide;
77.1.3 sending a cheque made payable to such person by post to such person at such address as the distribution recipient has specified either in writing or as the directors may otherwise decide; or
77.1.4 any other means of payment as the directors agree with the distribution recipient either in writing or by such other means as the directors decide.
77.2 In the articles, the distribution recipient means, in respect of a share in respect of which a dividend or other sum is payable:
77.2.1 the holder of the share; or
77.2.2 if the share has two or more joint holders, whichever of them is named first in the register of members; or
77.2.3 if the holder is no longer entitled to the share by reason of death or bankruptcy, or otherwise by operation of law, the transmittee.
78. DEDUCTIONS FROM DISTRIBUTIONS IN RESPECT OF SUMS OWED TO THE COMPANY
78.1 If:
78.1.1 a share is subject to the companys lien, and
78.1.2 the directors are entitled to issue a lien enforcement notice in respect of it, they may, instead of issuing a lien enforcement notice, deduct from any dividend or other sum payable in respect of the share any sum of money which is payable to the company in respect of that share to the extent that they are entitled to require payment under a lien enforcement notice.
78.2 Money so deducted must be used to pay any of the sums payable in respect of that share.
78.3 The company must notify the distribution recipient in writing of:
78.3.1 the fact and amount of any such deduction;
78.3.2 any non-payment of a dividend or other sum payable in respect of a share resulting from any such deduction; and
78.3.3 how the money deducted has been applied.
79. NO INTEREST ON DISTRIBUTIONS
The company may not pay interest on any dividend or other sum payable in respect of a share unless otherwise provided by:
79.1 the terms on which the share was issued, or
79.2 the provisions of another agreement between the holder of that share and the company.
80. UNCLAIMED DISTRIBUTIONS
80.1 All dividends or other sums which are:
80.1.1 payable in respect of shares, and
80.1.2 unclaimed after having been declared or become payable, may be invested or otherwise made use of by the directors for the benefit of the company until claimed.
80.2 The payment of any such dividend or other sum into a separate account does not make the company a trustee in respect of it.
80.3 If:
80.3.1 twelve years have passed from the date on which a dividend or other sum became due for payment, and
80.3.2 the distribution recipient has not claimed it, the distribution recipient is no longer entitled to that dividend or other sum and it ceases to remain owing by the company.
81. NON-CASH DISTRIBUTIONS
81.1 Subject to the terms of issue of the share in question, the company may, by ordinary resolution on the recommendation of the directors, decide to pay all or part of a dividend or other distribution payable in respect of a share by transferring non-cash assets of equivalent value (including, without limitation, shares or other securities in any company).
81.2 If the shares in respect of which such a non-cash distribution is paid are uncertificated, any shares in the company which are issued as a non-cash distribution in respect of them must be uncertificated.
81.3 For the purposes of paying a non-cash distribution, the directors may make whatever arrangements they think fit, including, where any difficulty arises regarding the distribution:
81.3.1 fixing the value of any assets;
81.3.2 paying cash to any distribution recipient on the basis of that value in order to adjust the rights of recipients; and
81.3.3 vesting any assets in trustees.
82. WAIVER OF DISTRIBUTIONS
Distribution recipients may waive their entitlement to a dividend or other distribution payable in respect of a share by giving the company notice in writing to that effect, but if:
82.1 the share has more than one holder, or
82.2 more than one person is entitled to the share, whether by reason of the death or bankruptcy of one or more joint holders, or otherwise, the notice is not effective unless it is expressed to be given, and signed, by all the holders or persons otherwise entitled to the share.
83. AUTHORITY TO CAPITALISE AND APPROPRIATION OF CAPITALISED SUMS
83.1 Subject to the articles, the directors may, if they are so authorised by an ordinary resolution:
83.1.1 decide to capitalise any profits of the company (whether or not they are available for distribution) which are not required for paying a preferential dividend, or any sum standing to the credit of the companys share premium account or capital redemption reserve; and
83.1.2 appropriate any sum which they so decide to capitalise (a capitalised sum ) to the persons who would have been entitled to it if it were distributed by way of dividend (the persons entitled ) and in the same proportions.
83.2 Capitalised sums must be applied:
83.2.1 on behalf of the persons entitled, and
83.2.2 in the same proportions as a dividend would have been distributed to them.
83.3 Any capitalised sum may be applied in paying up new shares of a nominal amount equal to the capitalised sum which are then allotted credited as fully paid to the persons entitled or as they may direct.
83.4 A capitalised sum which was appropriated from profits available for distribution may be applied:
83.4.1 in or towards paying up any amounts unpaid on existing shares held by the persons entitled, or
83.4.2 in paying up new debentures of the company which are then allotted credited as fully paid to the persons entitled or as they may direct.
83.5 Subject to the articles the directors may:
83.5.1 apply capitalised sums in accordance with articles 83.3 and 83.4 partly in one way and partly in another;
83.5.2 make such arrangements as they think fit to deal with shares or debentures becoming distributable in fractions under this article (including the issuing of fractional certificates or the making of cash payments); and
83.5.3 authorise any person to enter into an agreement with the company on behalf of all the persons entitled which is binding on them in respect of the allotment of shares and debentures to them under this article.
PART 5
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
84. MEANS OF COMMUNICATION TO BE USED
84.1 Subject to the articles, anything sent or supplied by or to the company under the articles may be sent or supplied in any way in which the Act provides for documents or information which are authorised or required by any provision of that Act to be sent or supplied by or to the company.
84.2 Subject to the articles, any notice or document to be sent or supplied to a director in connection with the taking of decisions by directors may also be sent or supplied by the means by which that director has asked to be sent or supplied with such notices or documents for the time being.
84.3 A director may agree with the company that notices or documents sent to that director in a particular way are to be deemed to have been received within a specified time of their being sent, and for the specified time to be less than 48 hours.
85. FAILURE TO NOTIFY CONTACT DETAILS
85.1 If:
85.1.1 the company sends two consecutive documents to a member over a period of at least 12 months, and
85.1.2 each of those documents is returned undelivered, or the company receives notification that it has not been delivered, that member ceases to be entitled to receive notices from the company.
85.2 A member who has ceased to be entitled to receive notices from the company becomes entitled to receive such notices again by sending the company:
85.2.1 a new address to be recorded in the register of members, or
85.2.2 if the member has agreed that the company should use a means of communication other than sending things to such an address, the information that the company needs to use that means of communication effectively.
86. COMPANY SEALS
86.1 Any common seal may only be used by the authority of the directors.
86.2 The directors may decide by what means and in what form any common seal or securities seal is to be used.
86.3 Unless otherwise decided by the directors, if the company has a common seal and it is affixed to a document, the document must also be signed by at least one authorised person in the presence of a witness who attests the signature.
86.4 For the purposes of this article, an authorised person is:
86.4.1 any director of the company;
86.4.2 the company secretary; or
86.4.3 any person authorised by the directors for the purpose of signing documents to which the common seal is applied.
86.5 If the company has an official seal for use abroad, it may only be affixed to a document if its use on that document, or documents of a class to which it belongs, has been authorised by a decision of the directors.
86.6 If the company has a securities seal, it may only be affixed to securities by the company secretary or a person authorised to apply it to securities by the company secretary.
86.7 For the purposes of the articles, references to the securities seal being affixed to any document include the reproduction of the image of that seal on or in a document by any mechanical or electronic means which has been approved by the directors in relation to that document or documents of a class to which it belongs.
87. DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS
87.1 The company is entitled to destroy:
87.1.1 all instruments of transfer of shares which have been registered, and all other documents on the basis of which any entries are made in the register of members, from six years after the date of registration;
87.1.2 all dividend mandates, variations or cancellations of dividend mandates, and notifications of change of address, from two years after they have been recorded;
87.1.3 all share certificates which have been cancelled from one year after the date of the cancellation;
87.1.4 all paid dividend warrants and cheques from one year after the date of actual payment; and
87.1.5 all proxy notices from one year after the end of the meeting to which the proxy notice relates.
87.2 If the company destroys a document in good faith, in accordance with the articles, and without notice of any claim to which that document may be relevant, it is conclusively presumed in favour of the company that:
87.2.1 entries in the register purporting to have been made on the basis of an instrument of transfer or other document so destroyed were duly and properly made;
87.2.2 any instrument of transfer so destroyed was a valid and effective instrument duly and properly registered;
87.2.3 any share certificate so destroyed was a valid and effective certificate duly and properly cancelled; and
87.2.4 any other document so destroyed was a valid and effective document in accordance with its recorded particulars in the books or records of the company.
87.3 This article does not impose on the company any liability which it would not otherwise have if it destroys any document before the time at which this article permits it to do so.
87.4 In this article, references to the destruction of any document include a reference to its being disposed of in any manner.
88. NO RIGHT TO INSPECT ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECORDS
Except as provided by law or authorised by the directors or an ordinary resolution of the company, no person is entitled to inspect any of the companys accounting or other records or documents merely by virtue of being a member.
89. PROVISION FOR EMPLOYEES ON CESSATION OF BUSINESS
The directors may decide to make provision for the benefit of persons employed or formerly employed by the company or any of its subsidiaries (other than a director or former director or shadow director) in connection with the cessation or transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the company or that subsidiary.
90. INDEMNITY AND FUNDING OF DEFENCE COSTS
90.1 Subject to the provisions of and so far as may be consistent with the Act, the company shall provide:
90.1.1 for a director or for a director of an associated company of the company an indemnity out of the assets of the company to the extent that such indemnity is a qualifying third party indemnity provision within the meaning of section 234 of the Act;
90.1.2 a director with funds in accordance with section 205 of the Act to meet expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him in defending any criminal or civil proceedings or in connection with any application under the provisions mentioned in section 205(5) of the Act or to enable a director to avoid incurring such expenditure, but so that any provision of funds will become repayable by the director or any liability of the company under any transaction connected with any provision of funds will become repayable by the director not later than:
(a) in the event of the director being convicted in the proceedings, the date when the conviction becomes final;
(b) in the event of judgment being given against him in the proceedings, the date when the judgment becomes final; or
(c) in the event of the court refusing to grant him relief on the application, the date when the refusal of relief becomes final; and
90.1.3 a director with funds to meet expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him in defending himself in an investigation by a regulatory authority or against action proposed to be taken by a regulatory authority in connection with any alleged negligence, breach of duty or breach of trust by that director in relation to the company or an associated company of the company or to enable a director to avoid incurring such expenditure.
90.2 Subject to the provisions of the Act, where the company or an associated company of the company is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme, the company may provide for a director or for a director of such associated company an indemnity out of the assets of the company against liability incurred in connection with the activities of the company or such associated company as trustee of such a scheme provided that such indemnity complies with the provisions of section 235 of the Act.
90.3 In this article 90, companies are associated if one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of the same body corporate
91. INSURANCE
91.1 Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Board may purchase and maintain insurance at the expense of the company for the benefit of any director or former director or other officer of the company or for any director, former director or other officer of an associated company of the company against any liability which may attach to him or loss or expenditure which he may incur in relation to anything done or alleged to have been done or omitted to be done as a director or officer.
91.2 In this article 91 , companies are associated if one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of the same body corporate.
Exhibit 4.1
ZQ|CERT#|COY|CLS|RGSTRY|ACCT#|TRANSTYPE|RUN#|TRANS# . ORDINARY SHARES PAR VALUE $0.32 ORDINARY SHARES THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN CANTON, MA, JERSEY CITY, NJ AND COLLEGE STATION, TX Shares * * 000000 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 000000 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 000000 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 000000 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 000000 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Certificate Number ZQ00000000 VENATOR MATERIALS PLC INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF ENGLAND AND WALES WITH COMPANY NUMBER 10747130 ** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David THIS CERTIFIES THAT Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander MR. SAMPLE & MRS. SAMPLE & David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample Sample **** Mr. AlexandeMr DaviRd Sam.ple S**** MAr. AleMxandePr DavLid SEample *&*** Mr. AMlexanRder DaSvid S.ampSle ***A* Mr.MAlexanPder DLavidESample **** Mr. Alexander **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Sample **** Mr. Sample is the owner of **000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares*** *000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares**** 000000**Shar*es****0*000Z00**SEhareRs****00O0000**ShHares**U**0000N00**SDhares*R***000E000**DShares**T**000H000**SOhares*U***000S000**AShareNs****00D0000**Shares****0 00000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****00 0000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000 000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****0000 00**Shares****0Z0000E0**ShRares***O*000000*H*ShareUs****0N00000D**SharRes****0E0000D0**ShareAs****0N00000D**SharesZ****00E0000R**SharOes****0*000*00**Shares****00000 0**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000 **Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000* *Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000** Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**S FULLY-PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF ORDINARY SHARES OF Venator Materials PLC transferable in accordance with, and subject to, the Companys articles of association on the books of the Company 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. Witness the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. DATED DD-MMM-YYYY Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED: COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer By AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE CUSIP Holder ID Insurance Value Number of Shares DTC Certificate Numbers 1234567890/1234567890 1234567890/1234567890 1234567890/1234567890 1234567890/1234567890 1234567890/1234567890 1234567890/1234567890 Total Transaction XXXXXX XX X XXXXXXXXXX 1,000,000.00 123456 12345678 123456789012345 PO BOX 43004, Providence, RI 02940-3004 Num/No. Denom. Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 CUSIP XXXXXX XX X
. VENATOR MATERIALS PLC A FULL STATEMENT OF THE POWERS, DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE, PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL OR OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS OF EACH CLASS OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY OR SERIES THEREOF AND THE QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF SUCH PREFERENCES AND/OR RIGHTS WILL BE FURNISHED BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY SHAREHOLDER WHO SO REQUESTS UPON APPLICATION TO THE TRANSFER AGENT NAMED ON THE FACE HEREOF OR TO THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY. THE TRANSFER OF THESE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE REQUIRES THE COMPLETION OF A SPECIALIZED STOCK TRANSFER FORM AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE UNITED KINGDOMS HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS STAMP DUTY. PLEASE CONTACT THE TRANSFER AGENT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. (Cust) (Minor) (State) and not as tenants in common (Cust) (Minor) (State) PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE) Shares of the Ordinary Shares represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Incorporation with full power of substitution in the premises. Dated: 20 Signature: Signature: Notice: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate, in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever. The IRS requires that the named transfer agent (we) report the cost basis of certain shares or units acquired after January 1, 2011. If your shares or units are covered by the legislation, and you requested to sell or transfer the shares or units using a specific cost basis calculation method, then we have processed as you requested. If you did not specify a cost basis calculation method, then we have defaulted to the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Please consult your tax advisor if you need additional information about cost basis. If you do not keep in contact with the issuer or do not have any activity in your account for the time period specified by state law, your property may become subject to state unclaimed property laws and transferred to the appropriate state. Signature(s) Guaranteed: Medallion Guarantee Stamp THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (Banks, Stockbrokers, Savings and Loan Associations and Credit Unions) WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15. For US purposes 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 ................................................ TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act......................................................... JT TEN - as joint tenants with right of survivorship UNIF TRF MIN ACT - ............................................Custodian (until age ................................) .............................under Uniform Transfers to Minors Act ................... Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
Exhibit 4.2
FORM OF
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Registration Rights Agreement (this Agreement ), dated as of , 2017, is entered into by and between Venator Materials PLC, an England and Wales public limited company (the Company ), Huntsman International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Huntsman (Holdings) Netherlands B.V., a private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands (the Initial Holders and, together with the Company, the Parties ).
WHEREAS, in connection with, and in consideration of, the transactions contemplated by the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-217753), the Initial Holders have requested, and the Company has agreed to provide, registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities (as hereinafter defined) as set forth in this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by each party hereto, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
Affiliate means, with respect to any specified Person, a Person that directly or indirectly Controls or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
Automatic Shelf Registration Statement means an automatic shelf registration statement as defined under Rule 405.
Blackout Period has the meaning set forth in Section 3(o).
Board means the board of directors of the Company.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, any federal holiday or any other day on which banking institutions in the State of Texas or the State of New York are authorized or required to be closed by law or governmental action.
Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency then administering the Securities Act or Exchange Act.
Company has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
Company Securities means any equity interest of any class or series in the Company.
Control (including the terms Controls , Controlled by and under common Control with ) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to (a) direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise or (b) vote 10% or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of a Person.
Demand Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(i).
Demand Registration has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(i)
Effective Date means the time and date that a Registration Statement is first declared effective by the Commission or otherwise becomes effective.
Effectiveness Period has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(ii).
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Holder means (a) each of the Initial Holders until the Initial Holders cease to hold any Registrable Securities, (b) any Affiliate of an Initial Holder if such Affiliate holds Registrable Securities and until such Affiliate ceases to hold any Registrable Securities and (c) any holder of Registrable Securities to whom registration rights conferred by this Agreement have been transferred in compliance with Section 8(e) hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, the Company and the Initial Holders shall not be considered Affiliates of each other.
Holder Indemnified Persons has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
Initial Holders has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
Initiating Holder means the Holder delivering the Demand Notice or the Underwritten Offering Notice, as applicable.
Lock-Up Period has the meaning set forth in the underwriting agreement entered into by the Company in connection with the initial underwritten public offering of Ordinary Shares.
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
Material Adverse Change means (a) any general suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market in the United States; (b) the declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States; (c) a material outbreak or escalation of armed hostilities or other international or national calamity involving the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war or a change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions; or (d) any event, change, circumstance or effect that is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise),
operations, results of operations or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Minimum Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(i).
Ordinary Shares means the ordinary shares, par value $0.32 per share, of the Company.
Parties has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
Person means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, estate, trust, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.
Piggyback Registration has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(i).
Piggyback Registration Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(i).
Piggyback Registration Request has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(i).
Proceeding means any action, claim, suit, proceeding or investigation (including a preliminary investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition) pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, to be threatened.
Prospectus means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A, Rule 430B or Rule 430C promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
Registration Expenses has the meaning set forth in Section 5.
Registrable Securities means the Shares; provided, however, that Registrable Securities shall not include: (a) any Shares that have been registered under the Securities Act and disposed of pursuant to an effective Registration Statement or otherwise transferred to a Person who is not entitled to the registration and other rights hereunder; (b) any Shares that have been sold or transferred by the Holder thereof pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act) and the transferee thereof does not receive restricted securities as defined in Rule 144; and (c) any Shares that cease to be outstanding (whether as a result of repurchase and cancellation, conversion or otherwise).
Registration Statement means a registration statement of the Company in the form required to register under the Securities Act and other applicable law for the resale of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution of each Holder included therein, and including any Prospectus, amendments and supplements to
each such registration statement or Prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.
Requested Underwritten Offering has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).
Rule 144 means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.
Rule 405 means Rule 405 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.
Rule 415 means Rule 415 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.
Rule 424 means Rule 424 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Selling Expenses means all underwriting discounts and selling commissions applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities.
Shares means all Ordinary Shares held by the Holders (whether owned as of the date of this agreement or acquired after the date hereof) and any other equity interests of the Company or equity interests in any successor of the Company issued in respect of such shares by reason of or in connection with any share dividend, share split, combination, reorganization, recapitalization, conversion to another type of entity or similar event involving a change in the capital structure of the Company.
Shelf Registration Statement means a Registration Statement of the Company filed with the Commission on Form S-3 (or any successor form or other appropriate form under the Securities Act) for an offering to be made on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to Rule 415 (or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission) covering the Registrable Securities, as applicable.
Suspension Period has the meaning set forth in Section 8(b).
Trading Market means the principal national securities exchange on which Registrable Securities are listed.
Underwritten Offering means an underwritten offering of Ordinary Shares for cash (whether a Requested Underwritten Offering or in connection with a public offering of Ordinary Shares by the Company, shareholders or both), excluding an offering relating solely to an employee benefit plan, an offering relating to a transaction on Form S-4 or S-8 or an offering on any registration statement form that does not permit secondary sales.
Underwritten Offering Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).
Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii).
Underwritten Offering Piggyback Request has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii).
Underwritten Piggyback Offering has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii).
VWAP means, as of a specified date and in respect of Registrable Securities, the volume weighted average price for such security on the Trading Market for the five trading days immediately preceding, but excluding, such date.
WKSI means a well known seasoned issuer as defined under Rule 405.
Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms; (b) references to Sections refer to sections of this Agreement; (c) the terms include, includes, including and words of like import shall be deemed to be followed by the words without limitation; (d) the terms hereof, hereto, herein or hereunder refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (e) unless the context otherwise requires, the term or is not exclusive and shall have the inclusive meaning of and/or; (f) defined terms herein will apply equally to both the singular and plural forms and derivative forms of defined terms will have correlative meanings; (g) references to any law or statute shall include all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and references to any law or statute shall be construed as including any legal and statutory provisions consolidating, amending, succeeding or replacing the applicable law or statute; (h) references to any Person include such Persons successors and permitted assigns; and (i) references to days are to calendar days unless otherwise indicated.
2. Registration .
(a) Demand Registration .
(i) At any time after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Initial Holders (or any transferee to which an Initial Holder has transferred in accordance with Section 8(e) rights under this Section 2(a)(i)) shall have the option and right, exercisable by delivering a written notice to the Company (a Demand Notice ), to require the Company to, pursuant to the terms of and subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement registering the offering and sale of the number and type of Registrable Securities on the terms and conditions specified in the Demand Notice, which may include sales on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement (a Demand Registration ). The Demand Notice must set forth the number of Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holder intends to include in such Demand Registration and the intended methods of disposition thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall the Company be required to effectuate a Demand Registration unless the Registrable Securities of the Holders to be included therein after compliance
with Section 2(a)(ii) have an aggregate value of at least $25 million based on the VWAP (the Minimum Amount ) as of the date of the Demand Notice.
(ii) Within five Business Days (or if the Registration Statement will be a Shelf Registration Statement, within two Business Days) after the receipt of the Demand Notice, the Company shall give written notice of such Demand Notice to all Holders and, within 30 days after receipt of the Demand Notice (except if the Company is not then eligible to register for resale the Registrable Securities on Form S-3, in which case, within 90 days thereof), shall, subject to the limitations of this Section 2(a) , file a Registration Statement in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Demand Notice, which Registration Statement shall cover all of the Registrable Securities that the Holders shall in writing request to be included in the Demand Registration (such request to be given to the Company within three Business Days (or if the Registration Statement will be a Shelf Registration Statement, within one Business Day) after receipt of notice of the Demand Notice given by the Company pursuant to this Section 2(a)(ii) ). The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become and remain effective under the Securities Act until the earlier of (A) 180 days (or five years if a Shelf Registration Statement is requested) after the Effective Date or (B) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold (the Effectiveness Period ); provided, however, that such period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period the Holders refrain from selling any securities included in such Registration Statement at the request of an underwriter of the Company or the Company pursuant to this Agreement.
(iii) Subject to the other limitations contained in this Agreement, the Company is not obligated hereunder to effect (A) a Demand Registration within 90 days after the closing of any Underwritten Offering, (B) more than a total of eight Demand Registrations for which an Initial Holder (or any transferee thereof in accordance with Section 8(e) ) is the Initiating Holder and (C) a subsequent Demand Registration pursuant to a Demand Notice if a Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities held by the Initiating Holder shall have become and remains effective under the Securities Act and is sufficient to permit offers and sales of the number and type of Registrable Securities on the terms and conditions specified in the Demand Notice in accordance with the intended timing and method or methods of distribution thereof specified in the Demand Notice. No Demand Registration shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Section 2(a)(iii) if the Registration Statement relating thereto does not become effective or is not maintained effective for its entire Effectiveness Period, in which case the Initiating Holder shall be entitled to an additional Demand Registration in lieu thereof. Further, a Demand Registration shall not constitute a Demand Registration of the Initiating Holder for purposes of this Section 2(a)(iii) if, as a result of Section 2(a)(vi) , there is included in the Demand Registration less than the lesser of (x) Registrable Securities of the Initiating Holder having a VWAP measured on the effective date of the related Registration Statement of $25 million and (y) two-thirds of the number of Registrable Securities the Initiating Holder set forth in the applicable Demand Notice.
(iv) A Holder may withdraw all or any portion of its Registrable Securities included in a Demand Registration from such Demand Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Registration Statement. Upon receipt of a notice from the Initiating Holder that the Initiating Holder is withdrawing all of its Registrable Securities from the Demand Registration or a notice from a Holder to the effect that the Holder is withdrawing an amount of its Registrable Shares such that the remaining amount of Registrable Shares to be included in the Demand Registration is below the Minimum Amount, the Company shall cease all efforts to secure effectiveness of the applicable Registration Statement. Such registration nonetheless shall be deemed a Demand Registration with respect to the Initiating Holder for purposes of Section 2(a)(iii) unless (A) the Initiating Holder shall have paid or reimbursed the Company for its pro rata share of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the withdrawn registration of such Registrable Securities (based on the number of securities the Initiating Holder sought to register, as compared to the total number of securities included in such Demand Registration) or (B) the withdrawal is made following the occurrence of a Material Adverse Change or pursuant to the Companys request for suspension pursuant to Section 3(o) .
(v) The Company may include in any such Demand Registration other Company Securities for sale for its own account or for the account of any other Person, subject to Section 2(a)(vi) and Section 2(c)(iii) .
(vi) In the case of a Demand Registration not being underwritten, if the Initiating Holder advises the Company that in its reasonable opinion the aggregate number of securities requested to be included exceeds the number that can be included without being likely to have a significant adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, the Company shall include in such Demand Registration only that number of securities that in the reasonable opinion of the Initiating Holder will not have such adverse effect, with such number to be allocated as follows: (A) first, pro-rata among all Holders (including the Initiating Holder) that have requested to participate in such Demand Registration based on the relative number of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder, (B) second, if there remains availability for additional securities to be included in such Demand Registration, the Company, and (C) third, if there remains availability for additional securities to be included in such Demand Registration, any other holders entitled to participate in such Demand Registration, if applicable, based on the relative number of securities such holder is entitled to include in such Demand Registration.
(vii) Subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, the Company shall effect any Demand Registration on such appropriate registration form of the Commission (A) as shall be selected by the Company and (B) as shall permit the disposition of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition specified in the Demand Notice; provided that if the Company becomes, and is at the time of its receipt of a Demand Notice, a WKSI, the Demand Registration for any offering and selling of Registrable Securities shall be effected pursuant to an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement, which shall be on Form S-3 or any equivalent or successor form under the Securities Act (if available to the Company).
If at any time a Registration Statement on Form S-3 is effective and a Holder provides written notice to the Company that it intends to effect an offering of all or part of the Registrable Securities included on such Registration Statement, the Company will amend or supplement such Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to enable such offering to take place.
(viii) Without limiting Section 3 , in connection with any Demand Registration pursuant to and in accordance with this Section 2(a) , the Company shall (A) promptly prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed (1) such additional forms, amendments, supplements, prospectuses, certificates, letters, opinions and other documents, as may be necessary or advisable to register or qualify the securities subject to such Demand Registration, including under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Holders shall reasonably request; provided, however, that no such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where, as a result thereof, the Company would become subject to general service of process or to taxation or qualification to do business in such jurisdiction solely as a result of registration and (2) such forms, amendments, supplements, prospectuses, certificates, letters, opinions and other documents as may be necessary to apply for listing or to list the Registrable Securities subject to such Demand Registration on the Trading Market and (B) do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate or reasonably requested by the Holders to enable the Holders to consummate a public sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended timing and method or methods of distribution thereof.
(ix) In the event a Holder transfers Registrable Securities included on a Registration Statement and such Registrable Securities remain Registrable Securities following such transfer, at the request of such Holder, the Company shall amend or supplement such Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to enable such transferee to offer and sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement; provided that in no event shall the Company be required to file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement unless (A) such Registration Statement includes only Registrable Securities held by the Holder, Affiliates of the Holder or transferees of the Holder or (B) the Company has received written consent therefor from a Person for whom Registrable Securities have been registered on (but not yet sold under) such Registration Statement, other than the Holder, Affiliates of the Holder or transferees of the Holder.
(b) Requested Underwritten Offering . Any Holder then able to effectuate a Demand Registration pursuant to the terms of Section 2(a) (or who has previously effectuated a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2(a) but has not engaged in an Underwritten Offering in respect of such Demand Registration) shall have the option and right, exercisable by delivering written notice to the Company of its intention to distribute Registrable Securities by means of an Underwritten Offering (an Underwritten Offering Notice ), to require the Company, pursuant to the terms of and subject to the limitations of this Agreement, to effectuate a distribution of any or all of such Holders Registrable Securities by means of an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a new Demand Registration or pursuant to an effective Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities (a Requested Underwritten Offering ); provided, that if the Requested Underwritten Offering is pursuant to a new Demand Registration,
then the Registrable Securities of such Initiating Holder requested to be included in such Requested Underwritten Offering have an aggregate value of at least equal to the Minimum Amount as of the date of such Underwritten Offering Notice, and if the Requested Underwritten Offering is pursuant to an effective Demand Registration, then the Registrable Securities of such Initiating Holder requested to be included in such Requested Underwritten Offering have an aggregate value at least equal to 25 percent of the Minimum Amount as of the date of such Underwritten Offering Notice. The Underwritten Offering Notice must set forth the number of Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holder intends to include in such Requested Underwritten Offering. The managing underwriter or managing underwriters of a Requested Underwritten Offering shall be designated by the Company; provided, however, that such designated managing underwriter or managing underwriters shall be reasonably acceptable to the Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is not obligated to effect a Requested Underwritten Offering within 90 days after the closing of an Underwritten Offering. Any Requested Underwritten Offering (other than the first Requested Underwritten Offering made in respect of a prior Demand Registration) shall constitute a Demand Registration of the Initiating Holder for purposes of Section 2(a)(iii) (it being understood that if requested concurrently with a Demand Registration then, together, such Demand Registration and Requested Underwritten Offering shall count as one Demand Registration); provided, however, that a Requested Underwritten Offering shall not constitute a Demand Registration of the Initiating Holder for purposes of Section 2(a)(iii) if, as a result of Section 2(c)(iii)(A) , the Requested Underwritten Offering includes less than the lesser of (i) Registrable Securities of the Initiating Holder having a VWAP measured on the effective date of the related Registration Statement of $25 million and (ii) two-thirds of the number of Registrable Securities the Initiating Holder set forth in the applicable Underwritten Offering Notice.
(c) Piggyback Registration and Piggyback Underwritten Offering .
(i) If the Company shall at any time propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of Ordinary Shares (other than a registration statement on Form S-4, Form S-8 or any successor forms thereto or filed solely in connection with an exchange offer or any employee benefit or dividend reinvestment plan and other than a Demand Registration), whether or not for its own account, then the Company shall promptly notify all Holders of such proposal reasonably in advance of (and in any event at least five Business Days, except if the registration statement will be a Shelf Registration Statement, at least two Business Days, before) the anticipated filing date (the Piggyback Registration Notice ). The Piggyback Registration Notice shall offer Holders the opportunity to include for registration in such registration statement the number of Registrable Securities as they may request in writing (a Piggyback Registration ). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to include in each such Piggyback Registration such Registrable Securities for which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein ( Piggyback Registration Request ) within three Business Days or, if the Piggyback Registration will be on a Shelf Registration Statement, within one Business Day, after sending the Piggyback Registration Notice. Each Holder shall be permitted to withdraw all or part of such Holders Registrable Securities from a Piggyback Registration by giving written notice to the Company of its request to withdraw; provided that (A) such request must be made in writing prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement and (B) such withdrawal
shall be irrevocable and, after making such withdrawal, a Holder shall no longer have any right to include Registrable Securities in the Piggyback Registration as to which such withdrawal was made. Any withdrawing Holder shall continue to have the right to include any Registrable Securities in any subsequent registration statement or registration statements as may be filed by the Company with respect to offerings of Ordinary Shares, all upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.
(ii) If the Company shall at any time propose to conduct an Underwritten Offering (including a Requested Underwritten Offering), whether or not for its own account, then the Company shall promptly notify all Holders of such proposal reasonably in advance of (and in any event at least five Business Days, except if the Underwritten Offering will be made pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, at least two Business Days, before) the commencement of the offering, which notice shall set forth the principal terms and conditions of the issuance, including the proposed offering price or range of offering prices (if known), the anticipated filing date of the related registration statement (if applicable) and the number of Ordinary Shares that are proposed to be registered (the Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice ). The Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice shall offer Holders the opportunity to include in such Underwritten Offering (and any related registration, if applicable) the number of Registrable Securities as they may request in writing (an Underwritten Piggyback Offering ); provided, however, that in the event that the Company proposes to effectuate the subject Underwritten Offering pursuant to an effective Shelf Registration Statement other than an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement, only Registrable Securities of Holders which are subject to an effective Shelf Registration Statement may be included in such Underwritten Piggyback Offering. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to include in each such Underwritten Piggyback Offering such Registrable Securities for which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein ( Underwritten Offering Piggyback Request ) within three Business Days or, if such Underwritten Piggyback Offering will be made pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, within one Business Day after sending the Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice. Each Holder shall be permitted to withdraw all or part of such Holders Registrable Securities from an Underwritten Piggyback Offering at any time prior to the effectiveness of the applicable registration statement, and such Holder shall continue to have the right to include any Registrable Securities in any subsequent Underwritten Offerings, all upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.
(iii) If the managing underwriter or managing underwriters of an Underwritten Offering advise the Company and the Holders that in their reasonable opinion that the inclusion of all of the Holders Registrable Securities requested for inclusion in the subject Underwritten Offering (and any related registration, if applicable) (and any other Ordinary Shares proposed to be included in such offering) exceeds the number that can be included without being likely to have a significant adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, the Company shall include in such Underwritten Offering (and any related registration, if applicable) only that number of Ordinary Shares proposed to be included in such Underwritten Offering (and any related registration, if applicable) that, in the reasonable opinion of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters, will not have
such adverse effect, with such number to be allocated as follows: (A) in the case of a Requested Underwritten Offering, (1) first, pro-rata among all Holders (including the Initiating Holder) that have requested to include Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering based on the relative number of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder, (2) second, if there remains availability for additional Ordinary Shares to be included in such Underwritten Offering, the Company, and (3) third, if there remains availability for additional Ordinary Shares to be included in such Underwritten Offering, any other holders entitled to participate in such Underwritten Offering, if applicable, based on the relative number of Ordinary Shares then held by each such holder; and (B) in the case of any other Underwritten Offerings, (x) first, to the Company, (y) second, if there remains availability for additional Ordinary Shares to be included in such Underwritten Offering, pro-rata among all Holders desiring to include Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering based on the relative number of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder, and (z) third, if there remains availability for additional Ordinary Shares to be included in such registration, pro-rata among any other holders entitled to participate in such Underwritten Offering, if applicable, based on the relative number of Ordinary Shares then held by each such holder. If any Holder disapproves of the terms of any such Underwritten Offering, such Holder may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice to the Company and the managing underwriter(s) delivered on or prior to the time of the commencement of such offering. Any Registrable Securities withdrawn from such underwriting shall be excluded and withdrawn from the registration.
(iv) The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 2(c) at any time in its sole discretion whether or not any Holder has elected to include Registrable Securities in such Registration Statement. The Registration Expenses of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
3. Registration and Underwritten Offering Procedures . The procedures to be followed by the Company and each Holder electing to sell Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement, and the respective rights and obligations of the Company and such Holders, with respect to the preparation, filing and effectiveness of such Registration Statement and the effectuation of any Underwritten Offering, are as follows:
(a) In connection with a Demand Registration, the Company will, at least three Business Days prior to the anticipated filing of the Registration Statement and any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (other than, after effectiveness of the Registration Statement, any filing made under the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement), (i) furnish to such Holders copies of all such documents prior to filing and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to address in each such document when so filed with the Commission such comments as such Holders reasonably shall propose prior to the filing thereof.
(b) In connection with a Piggyback Registration, Underwritten Piggyback Offering or a Requested Underwritten Offering, the Company will, at least three Business Days (or in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement or an offering that will be made pursuant to a
Shelf Registration Statement, at least one Business Day) prior to the anticipated filing of any initial Registration Statement that identifies the Holders and any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (other than amendments and supplements that do not materially alter the previous disclosure or do nothing more than name Holders and provide information with respect thereto), as applicable, furnish to such Holders copies of any such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto that identify the Holders and any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (other than amendments and supplements that do not materially alter the previous disclosure or do nothing more than name Holders and provide information with respect thereto). The Company will also use commercially reasonable efforts to address in each such document when so filed with the Commission such comments as such Holders reasonably shall propose prior to the filing thereof.
(c) The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as reasonably practicable (i) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements to each Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary under applicable law to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered thereby for its Effectiveness Period and, subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, prepare and file with the Commission such additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities held by the Holders; (ii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; and (iii) respond to any comments received from the Commission with respect to each Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and, as promptly as reasonably practicable provide such Holders true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the Commission relating to such Registration Statement that pertains to such Holders as selling shareholders but not any comments that would result in the disclosure to such Holders of material and non-public information concerning the Company.
(d) The Company will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the Registration Statements and the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement.
(e) The Company will notify such Holders who are included in a Registration Statement as promptly as reasonably practicable: (i)(A) when a Prospectus or any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement in which such Holder is included has been filed; (B) when the Commission notifies the Company whether there will be a review of the applicable Registration Statement and whenever the Commission comments in writing on such Registration Statement (in which case the Company shall provide true and complete copies thereof and all written responses thereto to each of such Holders that pertain to such Holders as selling shareholders); and (C) with respect to each applicable Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has been declared effective; (ii) of any request by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information that pertains to such Holders as sellers of Registrable Securities; (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement covering any or all of the Registrable Securities or the initiation of any Proceedings
for that purpose; (iv) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any Proceeding for such purpose; and (v) of the occurrence of any event or passage of time that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires any revisions to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or other documents so that, in the case of such Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as the case may be, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (provided , however, that no notice by the Company shall be required pursuant to this clause (v) in the event that the Company either promptly files a prospectus supplement to update the Prospectus or a Form 8-K or other appropriate Exchange Act report that is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, which in either case, contains the requisite information that results in such Registration Statement no longer containing any untrue statement of material fact or omitting to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading).
(f) The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid the issuance of or, if issued, obtain the withdrawal of (i) any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or (ii) any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, as promptly as reasonably practicable, or if any such order or suspension is made effective during any Blackout Period or Suspension Period, as promptly as reasonably practicable after such Blackout Period or Suspension Period is over.
(g) During the Effectiveness Period, the Company will furnish to each such Holder, without charge, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and each amendment thereto and all exhibits to the extent requested by such Holder (including those incorporated by reference) promptly after the filing of such documents with the Commission; provided, that the Company will not have any obligation to provide any document pursuant to this clause that is available on the Commissions EDGAR system.
(h) The Company will promptly deliver to each Holder, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus or Prospectuses (including each form of prospectus) authorized by the Company for use and each amendment or supplement thereto as such Holder may reasonably request during the Effectiveness Period. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, including Section 8(b) , the Company consents to the use of such Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto.
(i) The Company will cooperate with such Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be delivered to a transferee pursuant to a Registration Statement, which certificates shall be free of all restrictive legends indicating that the Registrable Securities are unregistered or unqualified for resale under
the Securities Act, Exchange Act or other applicable securities laws, and to enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as any such Holder may request in writing. In connection therewith, if required by the Companys transfer agent, the Company will promptly, after the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, cause an opinion of counsel as to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement to be delivered to and maintained with its transfer agent, together with any other authorizations, certificates and directions required by the transfer agent which authorize and direct the transfer agent to issue such Registrable Securities without any such legend upon sale by the Holder of such Registrable Securities under the Registration Statement.
(j) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 3(e)(v) , as promptly as reasonably practicable, the Company will prepare a supplement or amendment, including a post-effective amendment, if required by applicable law, to the affected Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, and file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered, no Registration Statement nor any Prospectus will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(k) With respect to Underwritten Offerings, (i) the right of any Holder to include such Holders Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering shall be conditioned upon such Holders participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holders Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein, (ii) each Holder participating in such Underwritten Offering agrees to enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form and sell such Holders Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled to select the managing underwriter or managing underwriters hereunder and (iii) each Holder participating in such Underwritten Offering agrees to complete and execute all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents customarily and reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements. The Company hereby agrees with each Holder that, in connection with any Underwritten Offering in accordance with the terms hereof, it will negotiate in good faith and execute all indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements, including using all commercially reasonable efforts to procure customary legal opinions, auditor comfort letters.
(l) For a reasonable period prior to the filing of any Registration Statement and throughout the Effectiveness Period, the Company will make available, upon reasonable notice at the Companys principal place of business or such other reasonable place, for inspection during normal business hours by a representative or representatives of the selling Holders, the managing underwriter or managing underwriters and any attorneys or accountants retained by such selling Holders or underwriters, all such financial and other information and books and records of the Company, and cause the officers, employees, counsel and independent certified public accountants of the Company to respond to such inquiries, as shall be reasonably necessary (and in the case of counsel, not violate an attorney-client privilege in such counsels reasonable belief) to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however, that any information that is not generally publicly available at
the time of delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by such Persons unless disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative order or, in the opinion of counsel to such Person, law, in which case, such Person shall be required to give the Company written notice of the proposed disclosure prior to such disclosure and, if requested by the Company, assist the Company in seeking to prevent or limit the proposed disclosure.
(m) In connection with any Requested Underwritten Offering, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause appropriate officers and employees to be available, on a customary basis and upon reasonable notice, to meet with prospective investors in presentations, meetings and road shows.
(n) Each Holder agrees to furnish to the Company any other information regarding the Holder and the distribution of such securities as the Company reasonably determines is required to be included in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or prospectus supplement relating to an Underwritten Offering.
(o) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be required to file a Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or effect a Requested Underwritten Offering (or, if the Company has filed a Shelf Registration Statement and has included Registrable Securities therein, the Company shall be entitled to suspend the offer and sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement) for a period of up to 60 days if (i) the Board determines that a postponement is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders generally due to a pending transaction involving the Company (including a pending securities offering by the Company), (ii) the Board determines such registration would render the Company unable to comply with applicable securities laws or (iii) the Board determines such registration would require disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential (any such period, a Blackout Period ); provided , however, that in no event shall any Blackout Period together with any Suspension Period exceed an aggregate of 120 days in any 12-month period.
(p) In connection with an Underwritten Offering, the Company shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to provide to each Holder named as a selling securityholder in any Registration Statement a copy of any auditor comfort letters or customary legal opinions, in each case that have been provided to the managing underwriter or managing underwriters in connection with the Underwritten Offering, not later than the Business Day prior to the effective date of such Registration Statement.
4. No Inconsistent Agreements; Additional Rights . The Company shall not hereafter enter into, and is not currently a party to, any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent in any material respect with, or superior to, the rights granted to the Holders by this Agreement.
5. Registration Expenses . All Registration Expenses incident to the Parties performance of or compliance with their respective obligations under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with any Demand Registration, Requested Underwritten Offering, Piggyback Registration or Underwritten Piggyback Offering (in each case, excluding any Selling Expenses) shall be borne by the Company, whether or not any Registrable Securities are sold
pursuant to a Registration Statement. Registration Expenses shall include, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including fees and expenses (A) with respect to filings required to be made with the Trading Market and (B) in compliance with applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws), (ii) any stamp and other duties and share and other transfer taxes, if any, payable in connection with the offer and sale of Ordinary Shares, (iii) printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for Company Securities and of printing Prospectuses if the printing of Prospectuses is reasonably requested by a Holder of Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement), (iv) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (v) fees and disbursements of counsel, auditors and accountants for the Company, (vi) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Company so desires such insurance, (vii) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Company in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (viii) the reasonable fees and expenses of one law firm of national standing selected by the Holders owning the majority of the Registrable Securities to be included in any such registration or offering and (ix) all expenses relating to marketing the sale of the Registrable Securities, including expenses related to conducting a road show. In addition, the Company shall be responsible for all of its expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including expenses payable to third parties and including all salaries and expenses of their officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual audit and the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on the Trading Market.
6. Indemnification .
(a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, its Affiliates and each of their respective officers and directors and any agent thereof (collectively, Holder Indemnified Persons ), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, costs (including reasonable costs of preparation and reasonable attorneys fees) and expenses, judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any Holder Indemnified Person may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, under the Securities Act or otherwise (collectively, Losses ), as incurred, arising out of or relating to any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under which any Registrable Securities were registered, in any preliminary prospectus (if the Company authorized the use of such preliminary prospectus prior to the Effective Date), or in any summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus (if such free writing prospectus was authorized for use by the Company) or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Company is required to keep the Registration Statement current), or arising out of, based upon or resulting from the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading; provided , however, that the Company shall not be liable to any Holder Indemnified Person to the extent that any such claim arises out of, is based upon or results from an untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such Registration Statement, such preliminary, summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus or such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by or on behalf of such Holder Indemnified Person or any underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof. The Company shall notify the Holders promptly of the institution, threat or assertion of any Proceeding of which the Company is aware in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the Company may otherwise have and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Holder Indemnified Person or any indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such Holder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Section 6 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement indefinitely.
(b) In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder participates, such Holder shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors and any agent thereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all Losses as incurred, arising out of or relating to any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such Registration Statement, in any preliminary prospectus (if used prior to the Effective Date of such Registration Statement), or in any summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Company is required to keep the Registration Statement current), or arising out of, based upon or resulting from the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, but only to the extent that the same are made in reliance and in conformity with information relating to the Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder for use therein. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability such Holder may otherwise have and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or any indemnified party. In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation
(c) Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) unless in such indemnified partys reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim or there may be reasonable defenses available to the indemnified party that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent will not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party there may be one or more legal or equitable defenses available to such indemnified party that are in addition to or may conflict with those available to another indemnified party with respect to such claim. Failure to give prompt written notice shall not release the indemnifying party from its obligations hereunder.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 6 is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any Losses referred to herein, the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall to the extent permitted by applicable law contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and of the indemnified party, on the other, in connection with the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by a court of law by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission; provided, that in no event shall any contribution by a Holder hereunder exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder.
7. Facilitation of Sales Pursuant to Rule 144 . To the extent it shall be required to do so under the Exchange Act, the Company shall timely file the reports required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act (including the reports under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in subparagraph (c)(1) of Rule 144), and shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable the Holders to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144. Upon the request of any Holder in connection with that Holders sale pursuant to Rule 144, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.
8. Miscellaneous .
(a) Remedies . In the event of actual or potential breach by the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement, each Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law and under this Agreement, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not provide adequate compensation for any losses incurred by reason of a breach by it of any of the provisions of this Agreement and further agrees that, in the event of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach, it shall waive the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.
(b) Discontinued Disposition . Each Holder agrees that, upon receipt of a notice from the Company of the occurrence of any event of the kind described in clauses (ii) through (v) of Section 3(e) , such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities under the Registration Statement until such Holders receipt of the copies of the supplemental Prospectus or amended Registration Statement as contemplated by Section 3(j) or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and, in either case, has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus or Registration Statement (a Suspension Period ). The Company may provide appropriate stop orders to enforce the provisions of this Section 8(b) .
(c) Amendments and Waivers . No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended except in a written instrument signed by the Company and Holders that hold a majority of the Registrable Securities as of the date of such waiver or amendment; provided, that any waiver or amendment that would have a disproportionate adverse effect on a Holder relative to the other Holders shall require the consent of such Holder. The Company shall provide prior notice to all Holders of any proposed waiver or amendment. No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of any Party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right.
(d) Notices . Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of (i) the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile or electronic mail as specified in this Section 8(d) prior to 5:00 p.m. in the time zone of the receiving party on a Business Day, (ii) the Business Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile or electronic mail as specified in this Agreement later than 5:00 p.m. in the time zone of the receiving party on any date, (iii) the Business Day following the date of mailing, if sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service or (iv) upon actual receipt by the Party to whom such notice is required to be given. The address for such notices and communications shall be as follows:
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Venator Materials PLC |
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Attention: Russ R. Stolle
The Woodlands, TX 77380
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With copy to: |
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Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
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If to any Person who is then the registered Holder: |
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To the address of such Holder as indicated on the signature page of this Agreement or, if different, as it appears in the applicable register for the Registrable Securities or as may be designated in writing by such Holder in accordance with this Section 8(d) . |
(e) Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. Except as provided in this Section 8(e) , this Agreement, and any rights or obligations hereunder, may not be assigned without the prior written consent of the Company and the Holders. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to
the contrary, the rights of a Holder pursuant to this Agreement with respect to all or any portion of its Registrable Securities may be assigned without such consent (but only with all related obligations) with respect to such Registrable Securities (and any Registrable Securities issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, in exchange for or in replacement of such Registrable Securities) by such Holder to a transferee of such Registrable Securities; provided (i) the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the Registrable Securities with respect to which such registration rights are being assigned and (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Company may not assign its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Holders.
(f) No Third Party Beneficiaries . Nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, shall be construed to give any Person, other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy, claim or benefit under or in respect of this Agreement.
(g) Execution and Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile or electronic mail transmission, such signature shall create a valid binding obligation of the Party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) the same with the same force and effect as if such signature delivered by facsimile or electronic mail transmission were the original thereof.
(h) Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York. Each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York located in in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each Party anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement. Each of the Parties irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.
(i) Cumulative Remedies . The remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.
(j) Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and
the Parties shall use their reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the Parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.
(k) Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior contracts or agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof and the matters addressed or governed hereby, whether oral or written.
(l) Termination . Except for Section 6 , this Agreement shall terminate as to any Holder, when all Registrable Securities held by such Holder no longer constitute Registrable Securities.
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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VENATOR MATERIALS PLC |
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HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC |
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10003 Woodloch Forest Drive |
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The Woodlands, TX 77380 |
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Attention: |
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Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
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HUNTSMAN (HOLDINGS) NETHERLANDS B.V. |
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10003 Woodloch Forest Drive |
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The Woodlands, TX 77380 |
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Attention: |
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E-mail: |
Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit 10.3
FORM OF
EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
HUNTSMAN CORPORATION
AND
VENATOR MATERIALS PLC
DATED AS OF , 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS |
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Section 1.1 |
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Definitions |
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1 |
Section 1.2 |
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Interpretation |
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6 |
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ARTICLE II |
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GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES |
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Section 2.1 |
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General Principles |
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Section 2.2 |
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Service Credit |
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10 |
Section 2.3 |
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Plan Administration |
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Section 2.4 |
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Retention of VMC Group Plans |
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10 |
Section 2.5 |
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No Duplication or Acceleration of Benefits |
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11 |
Section 2.6 |
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No Expansion of Participation |
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11 |
Section 2.7 |
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VMC Group Decisions |
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11 |
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ARTICLE III |
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ASSIGNMENT OF EMPLOYEES |
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Section 3.1 |
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Active Employees |
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Section 3.2 |
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Employment Law Obligations |
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14 |
Section 3.3 |
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Employee Records |
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14 |
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ARTICLE IV |
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EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS |
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Section 4.1 |
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General Principles |
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Section 4.2 |
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Equity Award Treatment |
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Section 4.3 |
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Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act; Code Sections 162(m) and 409A |
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Section 4.4 |
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Liabilities for Settlement of Awards |
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20 |
Section 4.5 |
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Form S-8 |
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Section 4.6 |
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Tax Reporting and Withholding for Awards |
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Section 4.7 |
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Approval of VMC New Equity Plan |
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20 |
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ARTICLE V |
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BONUS AND SHORT-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS |
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Section 5.1 |
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Establishment of VMC Short-Term Incentive Plans |
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Section 5.2 |
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Treatment of Short-Term Incentives for Year of IPO |
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Section 5.3 |
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Plan Liabilities |
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ARTICLE VI |
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QUALIFIED DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS |
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Section 6.1 |
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Retention of VMC Group Defined Benefit Plans |
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Section 6.2 |
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Huntsman Defined Benefit Plans |
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Section 6.3 |
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Huntsman Europe BVBA Belgium |
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ARTICLE VII |
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QUALIFIED DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS |
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Section 7.1 |
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Establishment of the VMC 401(k) Plan |
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Section 7.2 |
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VMC Employee Account Balances |
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22 |
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ARTICLE VIII |
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NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS |
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Section 8.1 |
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Establishment of VMC Deferred Compensation Plans |
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Section 8.2 |
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Liability and Responsibility |
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23 |
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ARTICLE IX |
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WELFARE PLANS |
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Section 9.1 |
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Establishment of VMC Welfare Plans |
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Section 9.2 |
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Special Provisions Relating to Post-Retirement Welfare Plans |
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Section 9.3 |
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Transitional Matters Under VMC Welfare Plans |
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Section 9.4 |
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Benefit Elections and Designations and Continuity of Benefits |
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Section 9.5 |
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Insurance Contracts |
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Section 9.6 |
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Third-Party Vendors |
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ARTICLE X |
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WORKERS COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION |
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Section 10.1 |
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VMC Workers and Unemployment Compensation |
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Section 10.2 |
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Assignment of Contribution Rights |
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Section 10.3 |
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Collateral |
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Section 10.4 |
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Cooperation |
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ARTICLE XI |
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SEVERANCE |
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Section 11.1 |
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Establishment of VMC Severance Program |
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Section 11.2 |
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Liability for Severance |
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ARTICLE XII |
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BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS |
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Section 12.1 |
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Accrued Time Off |
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Section 12.2 |
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Leaves of Absence |
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Section 12.3 |
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Restrictive Covenants in Employment and Other Agreements |
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ARTICLE XIII |
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GENERAL PROVISIONS |
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Section 13.1 |
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Preservation of Rights to Amend |
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Section 13.2 |
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Confidentiality |
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Section 13.3 |
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Administrative Complaints/Litigation |
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Section 13.4 |
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Reimbursement and Indemnification |
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Section 13.5 |
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Costs of Compliance with Agreement |
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Section 13.6 |
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Fiduciary Matters |
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Section 13.7 |
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Entire Agreement |
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Section 13.8 |
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Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment |
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Section 13.9 |
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Amendment; Waivers |
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Section 13.10 |
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Remedies Cumulative |
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Section 13.11 |
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Notices |
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Section 13.12 |
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Counterparts |
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Section 13.13 |
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Severability |
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Section 13.14 |
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Governing Law |
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Section 13.15 |
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Dispute Resolution |
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Section 13.16 |
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Performance |
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Section 13.17 |
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Construction |
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Section 13.18 |
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Effect if IPO Does Not Occur |
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EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT , made and entered into effective as of , 2017, is by and between Huntsman Corporation, a Delaware corporation ( Huntsman ), and Venator Materials PLC, a public company limited by shares and incorporated under the laws of England and Wales ( VMC ). Huntsman and VMC are also referred to in this Agreement individually as a Party and collectively as the Parties . Capitalized terms used herein not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Section 1.1 .
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS , the Huntsman Board has determined that the separation (the Separation ) and eventual IPO of the VMC Business is in the best interests of Huntsman, VMC and the Huntsman shareholders;
WHEREAS , concurrently herewith, Huntsman and VMC will enter into the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the Separation Agreement ), in connection with the Separation;
WHEREAS , the Separation Agreement also provides for the execution and delivery of certain other agreements, including this Agreement, in order to facilitate and provide for the Separation and IPO of VMC; and
WHEREAS , in order to ensure an orderly transition under the Separation Agreement, it will be necessary for the Parties to allocate between them Assets, Liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation and benefit plans and programs, and certain other employment-related matters.
NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1 :
Adjusted Huntsman RSUs has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(e) .
Affiliate has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Agreement means this Employee Matters Agreement, together with all Schedules hereto and all amendments, modifications, and changes hereto entered into pursuant to Section 13.9 .
ASC 718 means Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation Stock Compensation, or any successor accounting standard.
Assets has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Benefit Management Records has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b) .
Benefit Plan means any contract, agreement, policy, practice, program, plan, trust, commitment or arrangement (whether written or unwritten) providing for benefits, perquisites or compensation of any nature to any Employee, or to any family member, dependent, or beneficiary of any Employee, including pension plans, thrift plans, supplemental pension plans and welfare plans, and contracts, agreements, policies, practices, programs, plans, trusts, commitments and arrangements providing for terms of employment, fringe benefits, severance benefits, change in control protections or benefits, travel and accident, life, disability and accident insurance, tuition reimbursement, travel reimbursement, vacation, sick, personal or bereavement days, leaves of absences and holidays.
COBRA means the U.S. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as codified at Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and at Section 4980B of the Code.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Collective Bargaining Agreements has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(i) .
Defined Benefit Transfer Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 .
Dividend Accounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(f) .
Effective Time has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Employee means any Huntsman Group Employee, Former Huntsman Group Employee or VMC Group Employee.
Employee Transfer Date means the legal Employee transfer date, which may differ among and between certain groups of Employees, but which is expected to be on or around May 1, 2017.
Equity Award Ratio means the ratio (as expressed as a quotient) determined by dividing the Huntsman VWAP by the VMC VWAP.
ERISA means the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Former Huntsman Group Employees means all former employees of the Huntsman Group.
Former VMC Group Employees means all former employees of the VMC Group.
FSA Participation Period has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(b) .
HIPAA means the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder and any similar foreign, state, provincial or local Law.
HSA Participation Period has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(c) .
Huntsman has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Huntsman Benefit Plan means any Benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by a member of the Huntsman Group immediately prior to the Plan Transfer Date or Employee Transfer Date, as applicable, other than any Benefit Plan sponsored or maintained exclusively by a member of the VMC Group.
Huntsman Common Stock means a share of Huntsmans common stock, par value $0.01.
Huntsman Deferred Compensation Plan means the Amended and Restated Huntsman Supplemental Savings Plan, as amended.
Huntsman Defined Benefit Plans means all Benefit Plans sponsored by one or more members of the Huntsman Group that are subject to Title IV of ERISA, other than the VMC Group Defined Benefit Plans.
Huntsman Defined Contribution Plans means all Benefit Plans sponsored by one or more members of the Huntsman Group that provide retirement benefits that are subject to Code Section 401(a), but not Title IV of ERISA, or applicable analogous foreign jurisdiction laws.
Huntsman Director means any individual who is a non-employee member of the Board of Directors of Huntsman immediately prior to the Effective Time.
Huntsman Entity means any member of the Huntsman Group.
Huntsman Equity Plans means the Huntsman Stock Incentive Plan, the Huntsman Corporation 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, and any other plan or agreement sponsored or maintained by Huntsman as of the Effective Time pursuant to which equity or other long-term incentive awards are or may be granted (in each case, as amended from time to time).
Huntsman Europe BVBA Belgium means the defined benefit plan maintained by a member of the Huntsman Group for the benefit of both Huntsman Group Employees and VMC Group Employees.
Huntsman Group has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Huntsman Group Employees has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b) .
Huntsman LTI Awards means the Huntsman Options, the Huntsman Phantom Shares, the Huntsman Restricted Stock and the Huntsman Restricted Stock Units.
Huntsman Option means an award granted to a VMC Group Employee pursuant to the Huntsman Equity Plans providing the holder with an option to purchase a share of Huntsman Common Stock.
Huntsman Phantom Shares means an award granted to a VMC Group Employee pursuant to the Huntsman Equity Plans providing the holder with a phantom share of Huntsman Common Stock, whether designed to be settled in cash or shares of Huntsman Common Stock.
Huntsman Restricted Stock means an award granted to a VMC Group Employee pursuant to the Huntsman Equity Plans providing the holder with a restricted share of Huntsman Common Stock.
Huntsman Restricted Stock Unit or Huntsman RSU means an award granted to a VMC Group Employee pursuant to the Huntsman Equity Plans providing the holder with a restricted stock unit based on Huntsman Common Stock, whether designed to be settled in cash or shares of Huntsman Common Stock, and whether subject to time-based or performance-based vesting conditions.
Huntsman Retiree Medical Plan means the Welfare Plan sponsored or maintained by any one or more members of the Huntsman Group as of immediately prior to the Plan Transfer Date or Employee Transfer Date, as applicable, for the benefit of retired employees of the Huntsman Group.
Huntsman Salary Deferral Plan means the defined contribution plan sponsored by the members of the Huntsman Group.
Huntsman Short-Term Incentive Plans means those short-term incentive plans sponsored by the members of the Huntsman Group.
Huntsman VWAP means the volume weighted average price of Huntsman Common Stock for a ten (10) trading day period, starting with the opening of trading on the eleventh (11 th ) trading day prior to the Effective Time to the closing of trading on the last trading day prior to the Effective Time.
Huntsman Welfare Plan means any Welfare Plan sponsored or maintained by any one or more members of the Huntsman Group as of immediately prior to the Plan Transfer Date or Employee Transfer Date, as applicable, other than the Huntsman Retiree Medical Plan.
IPO means the initial public offering of VMC Ordinary Shares pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Law has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Liabilities has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Party or Parties has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Person has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Plan Transfer Date means that date that VMC will establish and/or accept transfer of each of the VMC Benefit Plans, which date may differ among and between such VMC Benefit Plans, but which is expected to be on or around July 1, 2017.
Separation has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
Separation Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
Transfer Documents has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
U.S. means the United States of America.
VMC has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
VMC 401(k) Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 .
VMC Benefit Plan means any Benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by a member of the VMC Group immediately following the Plan Transfer Date or Employee Transfer Date, as applicable.
VMC Business has the meaning of Venator Business set forth in the Separation Agreement.
VMC Deferred Compensation Beneficiaries has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1 .
VMC Deferred Compensation Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1 .
VMC Director means any individual who is a non-employee member of the Board of Directors of VMC immediately after the Effective Time.
VMC Entity means any member of the VMC Group.
VMC Europe BVBA Belgium has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 .
VMC Europe BVBA Belgium Participants has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 .
VMC FSA has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(b) .
VMC Group has the meaning for Venator Group set forth in the Separation Agreement.
VMC Group Defined Benefit Plan means each Benefit Plan sponsored by one or more members of the VMC Group solely for the benefit of VMC Employees that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, other than the Huntsman Defined Benefit Plans.
VMC Group Employees has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a) .
VMC HSA has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(c) .
VMC LTI Awards means the VMC Options and VMC Restricted Stock Units.
VMC New Equity Plan means the plan adopted by VMC, in accordance with Section 4.7 , under which the VMC LTI Awards described in Article IV shall be issued.
VMC Options has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b) .
VMC Ordinary Shares has the meaning of Venator Ordinary Shares set forth in the Separation Agreement.
VMC Pension Assets has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 .
VMC Restricted Stock Unit or VMC RSU has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(c) .
VMC Retiree Welfare Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2 .
VMC Retiree Welfare Plan Participants has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2 .
VMC Short-Term Incentive Plans has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .
VMC VWAP means the volume weighted average price of VMC Ordinary Shares for a ten (10) trading day period, starting with the opening of trading on the first (1 st ) trading day following the Effective Time to the closing of trading on the tenth (10 th ) trading day following the Effective Time.
VMC Welfare Plan Participants has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1 .
VMC Welfare Plans has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1 .
WARN means the U.S. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and any applicable foreign, state, provincial or local Law equivalent.
Welfare Plan means, where applicable, a welfare plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) or a cafeteria plan under Section 125 of the Code, and any benefits offered thereunder, and any other plan offering health benefits (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and mental health and substance abuse), disability benefits, or life, accidental death and disability, and business travel insurance, pre-tax premium conversion benefits, dependent care assistance programs, employee assistance programs, paid time off programs, contribution funding toward a health savings account or flexible spending accounts.
Section 1.2 Interpretation . In this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural include the singular;
(b) if a word or phrase is defined in this Agreement, its other grammatical forms, as used in this Agreement, shall have a corresponding meaning;
(c) reference to any gender includes the other gender and the neuter;
(d) the words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the words without limitation;
(e) the words shall and will are used interchangeably and have the same meaning;
(f) the word or shall have the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase and/or;
(g) relative to the determination of any period of time, from means from and including, to means to but excluding and through means through and including;
(h) whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days;
(i) accounting terms used herein have the meanings historically ascribed to them by Huntsman and its Subsidiaries, including VMC for this purpose, in its and their internal accounting and financial policies and procedures in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement;
(j) reference to any Article, Section or Schedule means such Article or Section of, or such Schedule to, this Agreement, as the case may be, and references in any Section or definition to any clause means such clause of such Section or definition;
(k) the words this Agreement, herein, hereunder, hereof, hereto and words of similar import shall be deemed references to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other provision of this Agreement;
(l) the term commercially reasonable efforts means efforts which are commercially reasonable to enable a Party, directly or indirectly, to satisfy a condition to or otherwise assist in the consummation of a desired result and which do not require the performing Party to expend funds or assume Liabilities other than expenditures and Liabilities which are customary and reasonable in nature and amount in the context of a series of related transactions similar to the IPO;
(m) reference to any agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and not prohibited by this Agreement;
(n) reference to any Law (including statutes and ordinances) means such Law (including any and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect at the time of determining compliance or applicability;
(o) references to any Person include such Persons successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement; a reference to such Persons Affiliates shall be deemed to mean such Persons Affiliates following the IPO and any reference to a third party shall be deemed to mean a Person who is not a Party or an Affiliate of a Party;
(p) if there is any conflict between the provisions of the main body of this Agreement and the Schedules hereto, the provisions of the main body of this Agreement shall control unless explicitly stated otherwise in such Schedule;
(q) unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all references to dollar amounts herein shall be in respect of lawful currency of the U.S.;
(r) the titles to Articles and headings of Sections contained in this Agreement, in any Schedule and exhibit and in the table of contents to this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; and
(s) any portion of this Agreement obligating a Party to take any action or refrain from taking any action, as the case may be, shall mean that such Party shall also be obligated to cause its relevant Subsidiaries to take such action or refrain from taking such action, as the case may be.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES
Section 2.1 General Principles .
(a) Cessation of Participation in Huntsman Benefit Plans by VMC Group Employees . Each member of the Huntsman Group and each member of the VMC Group shall take any and all reasonable action as shall be necessary or appropriate so that active participation in the Huntsman Benefit Plans by all VMC Group Employees shall terminate in connection with the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date) as and when provided under this Agreement (or, if not specifically provided under this Agreement, as of the Effective Time).
(b) Certain Obligations of the Huntsman Group . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, effective as of the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date), one or more members of the VMC Group (as determined by VMC) shall assume or continue the sponsorship of, and no member of the Huntsman Group shall have any further Liability with respect to or under, the following agreements, obligations and Liabilities, and VMC shall indemnify each member of the Huntsman Group, and the officers, directors, and employees of each member of the Huntsman Group, and hold them harmless with respect to such agreements, obligations or Liabilities:
(i) any and all individual agreements entered into between any member of the Huntsman Group or VMC Group and any VMC Group Employee;
(ii) any and all agreements entered into between any member of the Huntsman Group or VMC Group and any individual who is a consultant or an independent contractor providing services primarily for the benefit of the VMC Business;
(iii) any and all collective bargaining agreements, collective agreements and trade union or works council agreements entered into between any member of the Huntsman Group or VMC Group and any labor union, trade union, works council or other representative of VMC Group Employees;
(iv) any and all wages, salaries, incentive compensation (as the same may be modified by this Agreement), commissions, bonuses, payment owed for any vacation or paid time off entitlement and any other compensation or benefits payable to or on behalf of any VMC Group Employees on or after the Employee Transfer Date, without regard to when such wages, salaries, incentive compensation, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation or benefits are or may have been earned;
(v) any and all Liabilities and other obligations relating to any Benefit Plan that is sponsored, maintained or contributed to exclusively by a member or members of the VMC Group or for the benefit of one or more VMC Group Employees (whether or not such Liabilities relate to VMC Group Employees);
(vi) any and all expenses and obligations related to relocation, repatriation, transfers or similar items incurred by or owed to any VMC Group Employees that have not been paid prior to the Employee Transfer Date;
(vii) any and all immigration-related, visa, work application or similar rights, obligations and Liabilities related to any VMC Group Employees;
(viii) any employment tax, superannuation, employment insurance, pension plan or similar Liabilities incurred or owed with respect to VMC Group Employees; and
(ix) any and all Liabilities and obligations whatsoever with respect to claims made by, on behalf of, or with respect to any VMC Group Employees or independent contractors providing services primarily for the VMC Business including any such Liability or obligation in connection with any labor or employment practice, workers compensation claims, labor or employment Laws, employee benefit plan, program or policy not otherwise expressly retained or assumed by any member of the Huntsman Group pursuant to this Agreement, including such Liabilities relating to actions or omissions of or by any member of the VMC Group or any officer, director, employee or agent thereof on or prior to the Effective Time.
(c) Certain Obligations of the Huntsman Group . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, effective as of the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date), no member of the VMC Group shall have any further Liability for, and Huntsman shall indemnify each member of the VMC Group, and the officers, directors, and employees of each member of the VMC Group, and hold them harmless with respect to any and all Liabilities and obligations whatsoever with respect to, claims made by or with respect to any
Huntsman Group Employees and Former Huntsman Group Employees in connection with any employee benefit plan, program or policy not otherwise retained or assumed by any member of the VMC Group pursuant to this Agreement, including such Liabilities relating to actions or omissions of or by any member of the Huntsman Group or any officer, director, employee or agent thereof on, prior to or after the Effective Time.
Section 2.2 Service Credit .
(a) Service for Participation, Eligibility, Vesting, and Benefit Level Purposes . Except as otherwise provided in any other provision of this Agreement, the VMC Benefit Plans shall, and VMC shall cause each member of the VMC Group to, recognize each VMC Group Employees full service credit for purposes of participation, eligibility, vesting and determination of level of benefits under any VMC Benefit Plan for such VMC Group Employees service with any member of the Huntsman Group on or prior to the Employee Transfer Date, to the same extent such service would be credited if it had been performed for a member of the VMC Group.
(b) Evidence of Prior Service . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, but subject to applicable Law, upon reasonable request by one Party to the other Party, the first Party will provide to the other Party copies of any records available to the first Party to document such service, plan participation and membership of such Employees and cooperate with the first Party to resolve any discrepancies or obtain any missing data for purposes of determining benefit eligibility, participation, vesting and determination of level of benefits with respect to any Employee.
Section 2.3 Plan Administration .
(a) Transition Services . The Parties acknowledge that the Huntsman Group or the VMC Group may provide administrative services for certain of the other Partys benefit programs for a transitional period under the terms of a transition services agreement. The Parties agree to enter into a business associate or comparable agreement (if required by HIPAA or other applicable health information or privacy Laws) in connection with such transition services agreement.
(b) Participant Elections and Beneficiary Designations . All participant elections and beneficiary designations made under any Huntsman Benefit Plan with respect to which Assets or Liabilities are transferred or allocated to plans maintained by a member of the VMC Group in accordance with this Agreement shall continue in effect under the applicable VMC Benefit Plan, including deferral, investment and payment form elections, dividend elections, coverage options and levels, beneficiary designations and the rights of alternate payees under qualified domestic relations orders, to the extent allowed by applicable Law.
Section 2.4 Retention of VMC Group Plans . In the event any Benefit Plan is sponsored, maintained or contributed to exclusively by a member or members of the VMC Group or exclusively for the benefit of one or more VMC Group Employees, from and after the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall cause a member of the VMC Group to assume or retain sponsorship of such Benefit Plan and all Liabilities relating thereto (whether or not such Liabilities relate to VMC Group Employees).
Section 2.5 No Duplication or Acceleration of Benefits . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Transfer Document, no participant in the VMC Benefit Plans shall receive benefits that duplicate benefits provided by the corresponding Huntsman Benefit Plan or arrangement. Furthermore, unless expressly provided for in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or in any Transfer Document or required by applicable Law, no provision in this Agreement shall be construed to create any right to accelerate vesting or entitlements to any compensation or Benefit Plan on the part of any Huntsman Group Employee, Former Huntsman Group Employee, Huntsman Director, VMC Director, VMC Group Employee or Former VMC Group Employee.
Section 2.6 No Expansion of Participation . Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, as otherwise determined or agreed to by Huntsman and VMC, as required by applicable Law, or as explicitly set forth in a VMC Benefit Plan, a VMC Group Employee shall be entitled to participate in the VMC Benefit Plans only to the extent that such Employee was entitled to participate in the corresponding Huntsman Benefit Plan or Benefit Plan sponsored by a member of the VMC Group as in effect as of the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date), with it being the intent of the Parties that this Agreement does not result in any expansion of the number of VMC Group Employees participating or the participation rights therein that they had prior to the Employee Transfer Date.
Section 2.7 VMC Group Decisions . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary within this Agreement, VMC shall be responsible for all liabilities associated with severance or other benefit obligations for any Employee if such liabilities arise due to VMC or a VMC Entity failing to hire, failing to accept the transfer of, or otherwise preventing the employment of any Employee that was scheduled to become a VMC Group Employee but for whom VMC determines shall not become a VMC Group Employee.
ARTICLE III
ASSIGNMENT OF EMPLOYEES
Section 3.1 Active Employees .
(a) VMC Group Employees . Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, effective as of the Employee Transfer date, the employment of each individual (i) who is employed by VMC as of immediately prior to the Employee Transfer Date or (ii) whose employment duties are to be exclusively related to the VMC Business immediately following the Employee Transfer Date (collectively, the VMC Group Employees ) shall continue with a member of the VMC Group or shall be assigned and transferred to a member of the VMC Group (in each case, with such member as determined by VMC). Each of the Parties agrees to execute, and to seek to have the applicable employees execute, such documentation, if any, as may be necessary to reflect such assignments and transfers.
(b) Huntsman Group Employees . Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the employment of each individual who is employed by a member of the Huntsman Group and is not a VMC Group Employee (collectively, the Huntsman Group Employees ) shall continue with a member of the Huntsman Group or shall be assigned and transferred to a
member of the Huntsman Group (in each case as determined by Huntsman). Each of the Parties agrees to execute, and to seek to have the applicable employees execute, such documentation, if any, as may be necessary to reflect such assignments and transfers.
(c) Delayed Transfer Employees . The Parties agree that the Employee Transfer Date for certain groups of Employees will differ and may occur subsequent to the relevant Plan Transfer Date and/or the Effective Time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Employee whose transfer to the VMC Group is delayed will be treated as a Huntsman Group Employee for all purposes of this Agreement until their actual Employee Transfer Date. Upon and following each Employees Employee Transfer Date, such Employee will be treated as a VMC Group Employee for all purposes of this Agreement.
(d) At-Will Status . Notwithstanding the above or any other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall create any obligation on the part of any member of the Huntsman Group or any member of the VMC Group to (i) continue the employment of any Employee or permit the return from a leave of absence for any period following the date of this Agreement or the Employee Transfer Date (except as required by applicable Law) or (ii) change the employment status of any Employee from at will (or any similar concept within a non-U.S. jurisdiction) to the extent such Employee is an at will employee (or similar status within a non-U.S. jurisdiction) under applicable Law.
(e) Separation from Service . Except as set forth on a schedule to be agreed upon by the Parties, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the IPO and the assignment, transfer or continuation of the employment of Employees as contemplated by this Section 3.1(e) , (i) shall not be deemed a separation from service (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) of any Employee for purposes of this Agreement or any Benefit Plan of any member of the Huntsman Group or any member of the VMC Group but (ii) shall, with respect to VMC Group Employees and for purposes of the Huntsman Defined Contribution Plans, constitute a severance from employment (as described in Section 401(k)(2)(B) of the Code).
(f) Not a Change of Control/Change in Control . The Parties acknowledge and agree that neither the consummation of the IPO nor any transaction in connection with the IPO shall be deemed a change of control, change in control, or term of similar import for purposes of any Benefit Plan of any member of the Huntsman Group or any member of the VMC Group.
(g) Payroll Issues and Related Tax Matters . Huntsman, or an appropriate Huntsman Entity, shall bear responsibility for payroll taxes, fringe benefit tax obligations, proper withholding, document distribution and reporting to the appropriate governmental authorities for each Huntsman Group Employee. With respect to the portion of the 2017 calendar year prior to the applicable Employee Transfer Date for each VMC Group Employee, Huntsman, or an appropriate Huntsman Entity, shall bear responsibility for payroll taxes, fringe benefit tax obligations, proper withholding, document distribution and reporting to the appropriate governmental authorities for each VMC Group Employee, including, without limitation, providing a Form W-2 to the applicable VMC Group Employees that are also Former Huntsman Employees following the end of the year in which the IPO occurs. With respect to the portion of the 2017 calendar year that begins on and after the applicable Employee Transfer Date for each
VMC Group Employee, VMC, or an appropriate VMC Entity, shall bear responsibility for payroll taxes, fringe benefit tax obligations, proper withholding, document distribution and reporting to the appropriate governmental authorities for each VMC Group Employee. The Parties agree that neither VMC nor an applicable VMC Entity will be treated as a successor employer of Huntsman or an applicable Huntsman Entity. Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the entity for which the relevant employee is currently employed or, if such individual is not currently employed by Huntsman or VMC, was most recently employed at the time of the vesting, exercise, disqualifying disposition, payment or other relevant taxable event, as appropriate, in respect of equity awards and other compensation shall be entitled to claim any income tax deduction in respect of such equity awards and other compensation on its respective tax return associated with such event. Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable Law, any members of the Huntsman Group and the VMC Group may enter into separate reimbursement agreements regarding income tax deductions if the Parties mutually agree that the deduction should have gone to an entity other than the entity that received the income tax deduction on its respective tax return.
(h) Employment Contracts; Expatriate Obligations . Effective as of the Employee Transfer Date, VMC will assume and honor, or will cause a member of the VMC Group to assume and honor, any agreements to which any VMC Group Employee is party with any Huntsman Entity, including any (i) employment contract, executive agreement, offer letter, indemnification or consulting agreement, (ii) retention, severance or change of control arrangement or (iii) expatriate or relocation contract or arrangement (including agreements and obligations regarding repatriation, relocation, equalization of taxes and living standards in the host country).
(i) Collective Bargaining Agreements . Schedule 3.1(i) sets forth a list of collective bargaining agreements, collective agreements, trade union or works council agreements and any other contractual or other obligation to a labor union, trade union, works council or other representative of any VMC Group Employee relating to the VMC Group Employees in effect on the date of this Agreement (collectively, the Collective Bargaining Agreements ). Prior to the Plan Transfer Date, Huntsman and VMC will take or cause to be taken all actions necessary (if any) to cause a VMC Entity to continue sponsorship of the Collective Bargaining Agreements. Huntsman and VMC shall cooperate in submitting and completing any required successor employer application, or similar application or notice, in order to effectuate any such assignment. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to alter the provisions of any Collective Bargaining Agreement or modify in any way the obligations owed to the Employees covered by any such agreement. The Huntsman Group shall have no Liability for or under any collective bargaining agreements, collective agreements, multiemployer plans, pension and welfare plans and arrangements, labor union, trade union or works council agreements that related to the VMC Business and which were entered into with any member of the Huntsman Group, any union, works council, or representative of any VMC Group Employee, and such agreements, plans, and arrangements (if any) shall, to the extent permitted under applicable Law and their respective terms, be assigned from the applicable Huntsman Entity to VMC (or a VMC Entity designated by VMC) effective as of the Plan Transfer Date and VMC shall cooperate in submitting and completing any required successor employer application, or similar application or notice, in order to effectuate any such assignment.
Section 3.2 Employment Law Obligations .
(a) WARN . (i) Huntsman shall be responsible for providing any necessary WARN notice and satisfying WARN obligations (or such other requirements under applicable Law) with respect to any termination of employment of any Huntsman Group Employee that occurs after the Effective Time, and (ii) VMC shall be responsible for providing any necessary WARN notice and satisfying WARN obligations (or such other requirements under applicable Law) with respect to any termination of employment of any VMC Group Employee that occurs after the Employee Transfer Date.
(b) Compliance With Employment Laws . With respect to the time period occurring on and after the Effective Time, each member of the Huntsman Group shall be responsible for adopting and maintaining any policies or practices, and for all other actions and inactions, necessary to comply with employment-related Laws and requirements relating to the employment of Huntsman Group Employees and the treatment of any applicable Former Huntsman Group Employees in respect of their employment. Each member of the VMC Group shall be responsible for adopting and maintaining any policies or practices, and for all other actions and inactions, necessary to comply with employment-related Laws and requirements relating to the employment of VMC Group Employees on or after the Employee Transfer Date.
Section 3.3 Employee Records .
(a) Sharing of Information . Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable Law, Huntsman and VMC (acting directly or through members of the Huntsman Group or the VMC Group, respectively) shall provide to the other and their respective agents and vendors all information reasonably necessary for the Parties to perform their respective duties under this Agreement. The Parties also hereby agree to enter into any business associate arrangements that may be required for the sharing of any information pursuant to this Agreement to comply with the requirements of HIPAA (or other applicable Law).
(b) Transfer of Personnel Records and Authorization . Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable Law, as soon as administratively feasible following the Employee Transfer Date, Huntsman shall transfer and assign to VMC all personnel records, all immigration documents, including I-9 forms and work authorizations, all payroll deduction authorizations and elections, whether voluntary or mandated by Law, including but not limited to W-4 forms and deductions for benefits under the applicable VMC Benefit Plans and all absence management records, Family and Medical Leave Act and employee leave records, insurance beneficiary designations, flexible spending account enrollment confirmations, attendance, and return to work information ( Benefit Management Records ). Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable Law, Huntsman, however, may retain originals of, copies of, or access to Benefit Management Records as long as necessary to provide services to VMC (acting pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement). VMC will use Benefit Management Records for lawful purposes only, including calculation of withholdings from wages and personnel management. It is understood that following the IPO, Huntsman records so transferred and assigned may be maintained by VMC (acting directly or through one of its Subsidiaries) pursuant to VMCs applicable records retention policy.
(c) Access to Records . To the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement and any applicable Laws, reasonable access to Employee-related records after the Employee Transfer Date will be provided to members of the Huntsman Group and members of the VMC Group pursuant to the terms and conditions of Article VII of the Separation Agreement. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, VMC shall provide Huntsman with reasonable access to those records necessary for its administration of any plans or programs on behalf of Huntsman Group Employees and Former Huntsman Group Employees after the IPO as permitted by any applicable Laws. Huntsman shall also be permitted to retain copies of all restrictive covenant agreements with any VMC Group Employee in which any member of the Huntsman Group has a valid business interest. In addition, Huntsman shall provide VMC with reasonable access to those records necessary for its administration of any plans or programs on behalf of VMC Group Employees after the applicable Employee Transfer Date or Plan Transfer Date as permitted by any applicable Laws. VMC shall also be permitted to retain copies of all restrictive covenant agreements with any Huntsman Group Employee or Former Huntsman Group Employee in which any member of the VMC Group has a valid business interest.
(d) Maintenance of Records . With respect to retaining, destroying, transferring, sharing, copying and permitting access to all Employee-related information, Huntsman and VMC shall comply with all applicable Laws and shall indemnify and hold harmless each other from and against any and all Liability, claims, actions, and damages that arise from a failure (by the indemnifying party or its Subsidiaries or their respective agents) to so comply with all applicable Laws applicable to such information.
(e) No Access to Computer Systems or Files . Except as set forth in the Separation Agreement, any Transfer Document or pursuant to any other agreement reached between the Parties, generally no provision of this Agreement shall give (i) any member of the Huntsman Group direct access to the computer systems or other files, records or databases of any member of the VMC Group or (ii) any member of the VMC Group direct access to the computer systems or other files, records or databases of any member of the Huntsman Group, unless specifically permitted by the owner of such systems, files, records or databases.
(f) Confidentiality . The provisions of this Section 3.3(f) shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, the provisions of the Separation Agreement governing confidential information, including Section 7.7 of the Separation Agreement. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, all records and data relating to Employees shall, in each case, be subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Separation Agreement and any other applicable agreement and applicable Law.
(g) Cooperation . Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate to share, retain, and maintain data and records that are necessary or appropriate to further the purposes of this Section 3.3(g) and for each Party to administer its respective Benefit Plans to the extent consistent with this Agreement and applicable Law, and each Party agrees to cooperate as long as is reasonably necessary to further the purposes of this Section 3.3(g) . Except as provided under any Transfer Document, no Party shall charge another Party a fee for such cooperation.
ARTICLE IV
EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS
Section 4.1 General Principles .
(a) Additional Actions . Huntsman and VMC shall take any and all reasonable actions as shall be necessary and appropriate to further the provisions of this Article IV , including, to the extent practicable, providing written notice or similar communication to each individual who holds one or more awards granted under any of the Huntsman Equity Plans informing such individual of (i) the actions contemplated by this Article IV with respect to such awards and (ii) whether (and during what time period) any blackout period shall be imposed upon holders of awards granted under any of the Huntsman Equity Plans during which time awards may not be exercised or settled, as the case may be.
(b) Service Recognition; Change of Control . From and after the IPO, (i) a grantee who has outstanding awards under one or more of the Huntsman Equity Plans and/or replacement awards under the VMC New Equity Plan shall be considered to have been employed by (or otherwise providing services to) the applicable plan sponsor before and after the IPO for purposes of (x) vesting and (y) determining the date of termination of employment (or any other applicable service relationship) as it applies to any such award and (ii) for purposes of determining whether any change of control has occurred with respect to any Huntsman LTI Award or VMC LTI Award, (x) a change of control shall only be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any award that is governed by the Huntsman Equity Plans upon a change of control of Huntsman and (y) a change of control shall only be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any award that is governed by the VMC New Equity Plan upon a change of control of VMC.
(c) Consistency with Applicable Laws . No award described in this Article IV , whether outstanding or to be issued, adjusted, substituted or cancelled by reason of or in connection with the IPO, shall be adjusted, settled, cancelled, or exercisable, until in the judgment of the administrator of the applicable plan or program such action is consistent with all applicable Laws, including federal securities Laws and any foreign jurisdiction rules and regulations that may be applicable to the award or to the holder thereof. Any period of exercisability will not be extended on account of a period during which such an award is not exercisable pursuant to the preceding sentence.
(d) ASC 718 . The adjustment or conversion of Huntsman LTI Awards pursuant to this Article IV is intended to be effectuated in a manner so as to result in each adjusted Huntsman LTI Award or VMC LTI Award, as applicable, having an aggregate fair value and an intrinsic value (in each case, within the meaning of ASC 718 and determined in accordance therewith), as of immediately following the IPO, that shall not be materially greater than the fair value and intrinsic value of the related Huntsman LTI Award immediately prior to the IPO.
(e) Section 409A of the Code . The adjustment or conversion of Huntsman LTI Awards shall be effectuated in a manner that is intended to avoid the imposition of any penalty or other taxes on the holders thereof pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
Section 4.2 Equity Award Treatment .
(a) Vested Huntsman Options . Each Huntsman Option that is vested but not yet exercised immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be exercisable for Huntsman Common Stock, subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the Huntsman Equity Plans and as provided in any individual award agreement governing such Huntsman Option; provided , however , that from and after the Effective Time, the vesting of each Huntsman Option shall be determined based upon continued service with the VMC Group rather than the Huntsman Group.
(b) Unvested Huntsman Options . Each holder of a Huntsman Option that is unvested immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, upon the Effective Time, have their rights to the Huntsman Option cancelled and the participants rights under each such Huntsman Option shall be converted into the right to receive a stock option award granted pursuant to the VMC New Equity Plan with respect to VMC Ordinary Shares (the VMC Options ). The number of VMC Options to be granted to each applicable participant shall be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman Common Stock subject to the Huntsman Option by the Equity Award Ratio (rounded to the nearest whole share of VMC Ordinary Shares). The exercise price of each new VMC Option shall be determined by dividing the exercise price of the original Huntsman Option by the Equity Award Ratio, rounded up to the nearest whole cent. Each VMC Option described in the preceding sentences shall be subject to the same terms and conditions after the Effective Time as the terms and conditions applicable to the corresponding Huntsman Option immediately prior to the Effective Time, including vesting restrictions and the original term of the award; provided , however , that from and after the Effective Time, the vesting and exercisability of each VMC Option shall be determined based upon continued service with the VMC Group rather than the Huntsman Group.
(c) Huntsman Phantom Shares . Each holder of a Huntsman Phantom Share that is outstanding and unvested immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, upon the Effective Time, have their rights to the Huntsman Phantom Share cancelled and the participants rights under each such Huntsman Phantom Share shall be converted into the right to receive a restricted stock unit award granted pursuant to the VMC New Equity Plan with respect to VMC Ordinary Shares (the VMC Restricted Stock Unit or VMC RSU ). The number of VMC RSUs to be granted to each applicable participant shall be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman Common Stock subject to the Huntsman Phantom Share by the Equity Award Ratio (rounded to the nearest whole share of VMC Ordinary Shares). Each VMC RSU described in the preceding sentences shall be subject to the same terms and conditions after the Effective Time as the terms and conditions applicable to the corresponding Huntsman Phantom Share immediately prior to the Effective Time, including vesting restrictions; provided , however , that from and after the Effective Time, the vesting of each VMC RSU shall be determined based upon continued service with the VMC Group rather than the Huntsman Group, and provided , further , however , that in the event that applicable laws and regulations of the United Kingdom require that an award granted pursuant to the VMC New Equity Plan must be accompanied by a nil or nominal payment for such award by the participant, or such award must be settled in cash rather than VMC Common Stock, VMC shall design the applicable VMC RSUs in a matter that complies with such a requirement.
(d) Huntsman Restricted Stock . Each holder of Huntsman Restricted Stock that is outstanding and unvested immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, upon the Effective Time, have their rights to the Huntsman Restricted Stock cancelled and the participants rights under each such Huntsman Restricted Stock shall be converted into the right to receive a VMC Restricted Stock Unit. The number of VMC RSUs to be granted to each applicable participant shall be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman Common Stock subject to the Huntsman Restricted Stock by the Equity Award Ratio (rounded to the nearest whole share of VMC Ordinary Shares). Each VMC RSU described in the preceding sentences shall be subject to the same terms and conditions after the Effective Time as the terms and conditions applicable to the corresponding Huntsman Restricted Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time, including vesting restrictions; provided , however , that from and after the Effective Time, the vesting of each VMC RSU shall be determined based upon continued service with the VMC Group rather than the Huntsman Group, and provided , further , however , that in the event that applicable laws and regulations of the United Kingdom require that an award granted pursuant to the VMC New Equity Plan must be accompanied by a nil or nominal payment for such award by the participant, or such award must be settled in cash rather than VMC Common Stock, VMC shall design the applicable VMC RSUs in a matter that complies with such a requirement.
(e) Huntsman Restricted Stock Units . Each holder of a Huntsman RSU that is outstanding and unvested immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, upon the Effective Time, have their rights to the Huntsman RSU cancelled and the participants rights under each such Huntsman RSU shall be converted into the right to receive a VMC Restricted Stock Unit. The number of VMC RSUs to be granted to each applicable participant shall be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman Common Stock subject to the Huntsman RSU by the Equity Award Ratio (rounded to the nearest whole share of VMC Ordinary Shares); provided , however , that in the event that the Huntsman RSU was subject to one or more performance conditions immediately prior to the Effective Time, the target number of Huntsman Common Stock subject to the Huntsman RSU shall first be adjusted by the performance factor actually achieved immediately prior to the Effective Time to determine the number of Huntsman RSUs that are deemed to be earned immediately prior to the Effective Time (the Adjusted Huntsman RSUs ), and the number of VMC RSUs to be granted to each applicable participant shall then be determined by multiplying the number of Huntsman Common Stock subject to the Adjusted Huntsman RSU by the Equity Award Ratio (rounded to the nearest whole share of VMC Ordinary Shares). Each VMC RSU described in the preceding sentences shall be subject to the same terms and conditions after the Effective Time as the terms and conditions applicable to the corresponding Huntsman RSU immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided , however , that in the event that the original Huntsman RSUs were subject to one or more performance conditions prior to the conversions described in this paragraph, the corresponding new VMC RSU shall not be subject to any performance conditions from and after the Effective Time, and provided , further , however , that from and after the Effective Time, the time-based vesting conditions of each VMC RSU shall be determined based upon continued service with the VMC Group rather than the Huntsman Group, and provided , further , however , that in the event that applicable laws and regulations of the United Kingdom require that an award granted pursuant to the VMC New Equity Plan must be accompanied by a nil or nominal payment for such award by the participant, or such award must be settled in cash rather than VMC Common Stock, VMC shall design the applicable VMC RSUs in a matter that complies with such a requirement.
(f) Accrued Dividends . To the extent that any Huntsman LTI Award has accrued dividends or dividend equivalent rights that had not yet been paid out or otherwise settled immediately prior to the Effective Time (the Dividend Accounts ), VMC shall keep a bookkeeping account or accounts equal to the Dividend Account amount applicable to each individual that was the holder of a cancelled Huntsman LTI Award and recipient of a related VMC LTI Award. The Dividend Accounts shall be subject to the same terms and conditions, including vesting and forfeiture provisions, that were applicable to the original Huntsman LTI Award to which such Dividend Account relates; provided , however, that from and after the Effective Time, the time-based vesting conditions that were applicable to the original Huntsman LTI Award to which the Dividend Account relates shall be determined based upon continued service with the VMC Group rather than the Huntsman Group. Huntsman shall transfer the cash amount of such Dividend Accounts to VMC or the appropriate member of the VMC Group immediately following the time or times at which the Dividend Accounts become eligible to be settled and VMC or an applicable member of the VMC Group settles such Dividend Accounts, and Huntsman and VMC shall cooperate to ensure the timely transfer and receipt of the necessary funds. For purposes of clarity, the termination of any Huntsman LTI Award that occurs solely as a result of the conversion of the holders rights into a VMC LTI Award as described in this Section 4.2 shall not result in the forfeiture of the related Dividend Account.
(g) Other Legal and Administrative Matters . Notwithstanding the conversion terms set forth in the remainder of this Section 4.2, VMC or an appropriate member of the VMC Group shall have the authority pursuant to the VMC New Equity Plan to modify the terms and conditions of any VMC LTI Award if the plan administrator of the VMC New Equity Plan determines that it is necessary or advisable in order to comply with any foreign legal, securities or administrative issues that impact the VMC LTI Awards, provided that such a modification does not result in the violation of any U.S.-based Laws or regulations.
Section 4.3 Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act; Code Sections 162(m) and 409A .
(a) Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act . By approving the adoption of this Agreement, the respective Boards of Directors of each of Huntsman and VMC intend to exempt from the short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by reason of the application of Rule 16b-3 thereunder, all acquisitions and dispositions of equity incentive awards by directors and officers of each of the Huntsman Group and the VMC Group, and the respective Boards of Directors of Huntsman and VMC also intend expressly to approve, in respect of any equity-based award, the use of any method for the payment of an exercise price and the satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding (specifically including the actual or constructive tendering of shares in payment of an exercise price and the withholding of award shares from delivery in satisfaction of applicable tax withholding requirements) to the extent such method is permitted under the applicable Huntsman Equity Plan, VMC New Equity Plan and award agreement.
(b) Code Sections 162(m) and 409A . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (including the treatment of supplemental and deferred compensation plans, outstanding long-term incentive awards and annual incentive awards as described herein), Huntsman and VMC agree to negotiate in good faith regarding the need for any treatment
different from that otherwise provided herein to ensure that (i) a federal income tax deduction for the payment of such supplemental or deferred compensation or long-term incentive award, annual incentive award or other compensation is, to the extent prescribed under the terms of the applicable plan and award agreement, not limited by reason of Section 162(m) of the Code, and (ii) the treatment of such supplemental or deferred compensation or long-term incentive award, annual incentive award or other compensation does not cause the imposition of a penalty tax under Section 409A of the Code.
Section 4.4 Liabilities for Settlement of Awards . Except as provided for pursuant to Section 4.6 , from and after the Effective Time (a) Huntsman shall be responsible for all Liabilities associated with Huntsman LTI Awards, including any exercise, share delivery, registration or other obligations related to the exercise, vesting or settlement of the Huntsman LTI Awards and (b) VMC shall be responsible for all Liabilities associated with VMC LTI Awards, including any exercise, share delivery, registration or other obligations related to the exercise, vesting or settlement of the VMC LTI Awards.
Section 4.5 Form S-8 . Prior to or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time and subject to applicable Law, VMC shall prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-8 (or another appropriate form) registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the offering of a number of shares of VMC Ordinary Shares at a minimum equal to the number of shares subject to the VMC LTI Awards. VMC shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any such registration statement to be kept effective (and the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses required thereby to be maintained) as long as any VMC LTI Awards remain outstanding.
Section 4.6 Tax Reporting and Withholding for Awards . Huntsman (or one of its Subsidiaries) will be responsible for all income, payroll, or other tax reporting related to income of Huntsman Group Employees from equity-based and other long-term incentive awards outstanding pursuant to the Huntsman Equity Plans, and VMC (or one of its Subsidiaries) will be responsible for all income, payroll, or other tax reporting related to income of VMC Group Employees from equity-based and other long-term incentive awards granted under the Huntsman Equity Plans and the VMC New Equity Plan. Further, Huntsman (or one of its Subsidiaries) shall be responsible for remitting applicable tax withholdings for Huntsman Group Employees who hold equity-based and other long-term incentive awards outstanding pursuant to the Huntsman Equity Plans to each applicable taxing authority, and VMC (or one of its Subsidiaries) shall be responsible for remitting applicable tax withholdings for VMC Group Employees who hold equity-based and other long-term incentive awards granted under the Huntsman Equity Plans and the VMC New Equity Plan to each applicable taxing authority. Huntsman and VMC acknowledge and agree that the Parties will cooperate with each other and with third-party providers to effectuate withholding and remittance of taxes, as well as required tax reporting, in a timely, efficient, and appropriate manner.
Section 4.7 Approval of VMC New Equity Plan . Not later than the Effective Time, VMC shall, or shall have caused an appropriate Huntsman Entity or VMC Entity to, have adopted the VMC New Equity Plan.
ARTICLE V
BONUS AND SHORT-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Section 5.1 Establishment of VMC Short-Term Incentive Plans . Not later than the Effective Time, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, adopt one or more plans that will provide annual bonus and short-term cash incentive compensation opportunities for VMC Group Employees (the VMC Short-Term Incentive Plans ).
Section 5.2 Treatment of Short-Term Incentives for Year of IPO . From and after the Effective Time, VMC Group Employees shall cease participation in the annual bonus and short-term cash incentive compensation opportunities under the Huntsman Short-Term Incentive Plans and shall, for the avoidance of doubt, not be entitled to any benefits thereunder for the year in which the IPO occurs. With respect to the year in which the IPO occurs, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, provide each VMC Group Employee who participated in a Huntsman Short-Term Incentive Plan and otherwise meets all service-based and other requirements to receive an award under a VMC Short-Term Incentive Plan, with an annual bonus payment under the appropriate VMC Short-Term Incentive Plan. The annual bonus payments under the VMC Short-Term Incentive Plan for the year in which the IPO occurs shall be calculated based on criteria to be determined and established by the VMC Group.
Section 5.3 Plan Liabilities . For the avoidance of doubt, (a) the VMC Group shall be solely responsible for funding, paying, and discharging all obligations relating to any annual cash incentive awards that any VMC Group Employee or Former VMC Group Employee is eligible to receive under any VMC Group annual bonus and other short-term incentive compensation plans with respect to payments made beginning at or after the Effective Time, including the VMC Short-Term Incentive Plans, even though such annual incentive awards may relate to the full calendar year in which the IPO occurs, and no member of the Huntsman Group shall have any obligations with respect thereto, and (b) the Huntsman Group shall be solely responsible for funding, paying, and discharging all obligations relating to any annual cash incentive awards that any Huntsman Group Employee or Former Huntsman Group Employee is eligible to receive under any Huntsman annual bonus and other short-term incentive compensation plans with respect to payments made beginning at or after the Effective Time, including the Huntsman Short-Term Incentive Plans, and no member of the VMC Group shall have any obligations with respect thereto.
ARTICLE VI
QUALIFIED DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS
Section 6.1 Retention of VMC Group Defined Benefit Plans . On or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall take all actions necessary (if any) to provide for the retention by the applicable VMC Entity of the sponsorship of each VMC Group Defined Benefit Plan. Except as expressly set forth in Section 6.2 , from and after the Plan Transfer Date (a) the VMC Group shall be solely responsible for (and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Huntsman Group from) all Liabilities and obligations pursuant to the VMC Group Defined Benefit Plans (regardless of whether such Liabilities relate to a VMC Group Employee, Huntsman Group Employee or Former Huntsman Group Employee) and (b) Huntsman Group Employees shall cease active participation in all VMC Group Defined Benefit Plans.
Section 6.2 Huntsman Defined Benefit Plans . On or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC Group Employees shall cease active participation in all Huntsman Defined Benefit Plans, and shall not accrue credit for any purposes under the Huntsman Defined Benefit Plans with respect to service with the VMC Group after the Plan Transfer Date. The applicable Huntsman Entities shall retain sponsorship of the Huntsman Defined Benefit Plans, and each Huntsman Defined Benefit Plan shall retain all Liabilities with respect to all benefits accrued thereunder (including with respect to VMC Group Employees).
Section 6.3 Huntsman Europe BVBA Belgium . On or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish a defined benefit pension plan to provide retirement benefits to VMC Group Employees who were participants in the Huntsman Europe BVBA Belgium (such new defined benefit pension plan at VMC to be called, the VMC Europe BVBA Belgium and such VMC Group Employees, the VMC Europe BVBA Belgium Participants ). VMC shall be responsible for taking all necessary, reasonable, and appropriate action to establish, maintain, and administer the VMC Europe BVBA Belgium so that it satisfies all requirements under applicable Law. VMC (acting directly or through members of the VMC Group) shall be responsible for any and all Liabilities (including Liability for funding) and other obligations with respect to the VMC Europe BVBA Belgium. As soon as practicable following the establishment of the VMC Europe BVBA Belgium, Huntsman shall, or shall cause the appropriate Huntsman Entity to, cause the transfer of all Assets held for purposes of providing benefits pursuant to the Huntsman Europe BVBA Belgium (the VMC Pension Assets ) for VMC Europe BVBA Belgium Participants to VMC (the Defined Benefit Transfer Date ) in accordance with applicable Law. Through and including the Defined Benefit Transfer Date, Huntsman shall remain primarily responsible for causing benefits due under the Huntsman Europe BVBA Belgium through such date to be paid, with any such benefits paid reducing the VMC Pension Assets. In connection with the transfer of VMC Pension Assets, the Parties (each acting directly or through their respective Affiliates) shall, to the extent necessary, file any necessary regulatory documentation regarding the transfer of VMC Pension Assets.
ARTICLE VII
QUALIFIED DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS
Section 7.1 Establishment of the VMC 401(k) Plan . On or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish a qualified defined contribution plan and trust for the benefit of VMC Group Employees who were eligible to participate in the Huntsman Salary Deferral Plan (the VMC 401(k) Plan ), which provides for a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Code. VMC shall be responsible for taking all necessary, reasonable, and appropriate action to establish, maintain, and administer the VMC 401(k) Plan so that such plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and that the related trust thereunder is exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code. VMC (acting directly or through its Affiliates) shall be responsible for any and all Liabilities and other obligations with respect to the VMC 401(k) Plan.
Section 7.2 VMC Employee Account Balances .
(a) VMC or the appropriate VMC Entity shall cause the VMC 401(k) Plan to accept the plan-to-plan transfer of VMC Group Employees accounts from the Huntsman Salary
Deferral Plan (including any notes representing participant loans). VMC Group Employees accounts from the Huntsman Salary Deferral Plan will be mapped over from the Huntsman Salary Deferral Plan to the same investments under the VMC 401(k) Plan.
(b) As soon as practicable following the Plan Transfer Date, any account balances for VMC Group Employees under any Huntsman Defined Contribution Plan maintained for Employees in Canada will be distributed in a lump sum cash payment in accordance with applicable law.
ARTICLE VIII
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
Section 8.1 Establishment of VMC Deferred Compensation Plans . On or prior to the Effective Time, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish and adopt one or more deferred compensation plans (the VMC Deferred Compensation Plan ) to provide each VMC Group Employee who was eligible to participate in the Huntsman Deferred Compensation Plan as of immediately prior to the Effective Time (the VMC Deferred Compensation Beneficiaries ) benefits following the Effective Time. As of the Effective Time, the VMC Group Employees shall no longer participate in the Huntsman Deferred Compensation Plan. The Parties agree that the employment of a VMC Deferred Compensation Beneficiary that becomes a participant in the VMC Deferred Compensation Plan at the Effective Time shall not be considered to have terminated (and, for the avoidance of doubt, such VMC Deferred Compensation Beneficiary shall not be deemed to have incurred a separation from service) as a result of the IPO or the transfer of employment from Huntsman (or a Huntsman Entity) to VMC (or a VMC Entity), and such employment shall only be considered to terminate for purposes of the applicable VMC Deferred Compensation Plans when the employment of such VMC Deferred Compensation Beneficiary with the VMC Group terminates in accordance with the terms of the applicable VMC Deferred Compensation Plan and applicable Laws. The Parties agree that any VMC Deferred Compensation Beneficiary that does not become a participant in the VMC Deferred Compensation Plan at the Effective Time, for purposes of the Huntsman Deferred Compensation Plan, shall be deemed to have terminated (and, for the avoidance of doubt, such individual shall be deemed to have incurred a separation from service) as a result of the IPO or the transfer of employment from Huntsman (or a Huntsman Entity) to VMC (or a VMC Entity), as applicable, and will receive a distribution(s) from the Huntsman Deferred Compensation Plan according to the terms of the plan.
Section 8.2 Liability and Responsibility . The Liabilities in respect of VMC Deferred Compensation Beneficiaries under the Huntsman Deferred Compensation Plans shall be assumed by the member of the VMC Group which sponsors the applicable VMC Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of the Effective Time. VMC shall have sole responsibility for the administration of the VMC Deferred Compensation Plans and the payment of benefits thereunder to or on behalf of VMC Group Employees, and no member of the Huntsman Group shall have any liability or responsibility therefor. Huntsman shall have sole responsibility for the administration of the Huntsman Deferred Compensation Plans and the payment of benefits thereunder to or on behalf of Huntsman Group Employees and Former VMC Group Employees, and no member of the VMC Group shall have any liability or responsibility therefor.
ARTICLE IX
WELFARE PLANS
Section 9.1 Establishment of VMC Welfare Plans . On or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish and adopt Welfare Plans (the VMC Welfare Plans ) which will provide welfare benefits to each VMC Group Employee who participate in any of the Huntsman Welfare Plans (and their eligible spouses and dependents, as the case may be) (collectively, the VMC Welfare Plan Participants ). Coverage and benefits under the VMC Welfare Plans shall then be provided to the VMC Welfare Plan Participants on an uninterrupted basis under the newly established VMC Welfare Plans. VMC Welfare Plan Participants shall cease to be eligible for coverage under the Huntsman Welfare Plans on the Plan Transfer Date or such later Employee Transfer Date. For the avoidance of doubt, VMC Welfare Plan Participants shall not participate in any Huntsman Welfare Plans once eligible under the VMC Welfare Plan, and Huntsman Group Employees and Former Huntsman Group Employees shall not participate in any VMC Welfare Plans at any time.
Section 9.2 Special Provisions Relating to Post-Retirement Welfare Plans . On or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish and adopt a Welfare Plan (the VMC Retiree Welfare Plan ), which will provide post-retirement welfare benefits to each VMC Group Employee who is eligible to participate in the Huntsman Retiree Medical Plan (and their eligible spouses and dependents, as the case may be) (collectively, the VMC Retiree Welfare Plan Participants ).
Section 9.3 Transitional Matters Under VMC Welfare Plans .
(a) Liability for Claims Incurred . Huntsman, a member of the Huntsman Group, or the applicable Huntsman Welfare Plan shall be liable for all claims for benefits (other than flexible spending accounts) by VMC Welfare Plan Participants under the Huntsman Welfare Plans arising out of claims incurred on or prior to the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date). VMC or a member of the VMC Group shall be liable for all other Welfare Plan coverages for VMC Welfare Plan Participants under any Welfare Plan for which Huntsman, a member of the Huntsman Group or the applicable Huntsman Welfare Plan is not expressly liable, as set forth above.
(b) Credit for Deductibles and Other Limits . With respect to each VMC Welfare Plan Participant, each VMC Welfare Plan will give credit for the plan year in which the IPO occurs (or in the case of an Employee Transfer Date subsequent to the IPO, for the plan year in which the applicable Employee Transfer Date occurs) for any amount paid, number of services obtained or provider visits by such VMC Welfare Plan Participant toward deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, limits on number of services or visits, or other similar limitations to the extent such amounts are taken into account under the corresponding Huntsman Welfare Plan. For purposes of any lifetime maximum benefit limit payable to a VMC Welfare Plan Participant under any VMC Welfare Plan, the VMC Welfare Plan will recognize any expenses paid or reimbursed by a Huntsman Welfare Plan with respect to such participant prior to the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date) to the same extent such expense payments or reimbursements would be recognized in respect of an active plan participant under the applicable Huntsman Welfare Plan.
(c) COBRA . On and after the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date), VMC shall assume all Liabilities and other obligations under COBRA (and shall provide any required coverage under the VMC Welfare Plans) with respect to all VMC Group Employees (and, in either case, their qualifying beneficiaries) who have a COBRA qualifying event (as defined in Section 4980B of the Code) on or after the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date).
Section 9.4 Benefit Elections and Designations and Continuity of Benefits .
(a) Benefit Elections and Designations . From and after the Plan Transfer Date, VMC or the appropriate VMC Entity shall cause each VMC Welfare Plan to recognize and give effect to all elections and designations (including all coverage and contribution elections and beneficiary designations) made by each VMC Welfare Plan Participant under, or with respect to, the corresponding Huntsman Welfare Plan for the plan year in which the IPO occurs (or in the case of an Employee Transfer Date subsequent to the IPO, for the plan year in which the applicable Employee Transfer Date occurs). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 9.4(a) will prohibit VMC from soliciting or causing the solicitation of new election forms or beneficiary designations from VMC Welfare Plan Participants to be effective under the VMC Welfare Plan as of the Plan Transfer Date or any time thereafter.
(b) Additional Details Regarding Flexible Spending Accounts . Pursuant to Section 9.1 , on or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish and adopt VMC Welfare Plans which will provide health care flexible spending account and dependent care flexible spending account benefits to VMC Welfare Plan Participants (each a VMC FSA ).
(i) It is the intention of the Parties that all activity under a VMC Welfare Plan Participants flexible spending account with Huntsman for the plan year in which the IPO occurs (or in the case of an Employee Transfer Date subsequent to the IPO, for the plan year in which the applicable Employee Transfer Date occurs) be treated instead as activity under the corresponding VMC FSA. Accordingly, (x) any period of participation by a VMC Welfare Plan Participant in a Huntsman flexible spending account during the plan year in which the IPO occurs (or in the case of an Employee Transfer Date subsequent to the IPO, for the plan year in which the applicable Employee Transfer Date occurs) (the FSA Participation Period ) will be deemed a period when the VMC Welfare Plan Participant participated in the corresponding VMC FSA; (y) all expenses incurred during the FSA Participation Period will be deemed incurred while the VMC Welfare Plan Participants coverage was in effect under the corresponding VMC FSA; and (z) all elections and reimbursements made with respect to an FSA Participation Period under a Huntsman flexible spending account will be deemed to have been made with respect to the corresponding Huntsman FSA.
(ii) If the aggregate reimbursement payouts made to VMC Welfare Plan Participants prior to the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date) from the applicable Huntsman Welfare Plan flexible spending accounts during the plan year in which the IPO occurs are less than the aggregate accumulated contributions to such accounts made by such VMC Welfare Plan Participants prior to the Plan Transfer
Date for such plan year, Huntsman shall cause an amount equal to the amount by which such contributions are in excess of such reimbursement payouts to be transferred to VMC (or a VMC Entity designated by VMC) by wire transfer of immediately available funds as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 45 days, following the Plan Transfer Date (or later Employee Transfer Date).
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.4(b) , on and after the Plan Transfer Date (or later Employee Transfer Date), the VMC Group shall assume, and cause the appropriate VMC FSA to be solely responsible for, all claims by VMC Welfare Plan Participants under the applicable Huntsman Welfare Plan flexible spending accounts that were incurred in the plan year in which the IPO occurs (or such later Employee Transfer Date occurs), whether incurred prior to, on, or after the Plan Transfer Date, that have not been paid in full as of the Plan Transfer Date (or later Employee Transfer Date).
(c) Additional Details Regarding Health Savings Accounts . Pursuant to Section 9.1 , on or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish and adopt VMC Welfare Plans which will provide health savings account benefits to VMC Welfare Plan Participants. To the extent any VMC Welfare Plan provides or constitutes a health savings account (each a VMC HSA ), such VMC Welfare Plan shall be effective as of the Plan Transfer Date. It is the intention of the Parties that all activity under a VMC Welfare Plan Participants health savings account with Huntsman for the year in which the IPO occurs (or in the case of an Employee Transfer Date subsequent to the IPO, for the plan year in which the applicable Employee Transfer Date occurs) be treated instead as activity under the corresponding VMC HSA. Accordingly, (i) any period of participation by a VMC Welfare Plan Participant in a Huntsman health savings account during the year in which the IPO occurs (or in the case of an Employee Transfer Date subsequent to the IPO, for the plan year in which the applicable Employee Transfer Date occurs) (the HSA Participation Period ) will be deemed a period when the VMC Welfare Plan Participant participated in the corresponding VMC HSA; (ii) all expenses incurred during the HSA Participation Period will be deemed incurred while the VMC Welfare Plan Participants coverage was in effect under the corresponding VMC HSA; and (iii) all elections and reimbursements made with respect to an HSA Participation Period under a Huntsman health savings account will be deemed to have been made with respect to the corresponding VMC HSA.
(d) Waiver of Conditions or Restrictions . Unless prohibited by applicable Law or a Collective Bargaining Agreement, the VMC Welfare Plans will waive all limitations as to preexisting conditions, exclusions, service conditions, waiting period limitations or evidence of insurability requirements that would otherwise be applicable to the VMC Welfare Plan Participant following the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date) to the extent that such participant had previously satisfied such limitation under the corresponding Huntsman Welfare Plan.
Section 9.5 Insurance Contracts . To the extent any Huntsman Welfare Plan is funded through the purchase of an insurance contract or is subject to any stop loss contract, Huntsman and VMC will cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to replicate such insurance contracts for VMC (except for design changes and to the extent changes are
required under applicable state insurance Laws or filings by the respective insurers) and to maintain any pricing discounts or other preferential terms for both Huntsman and VMC for a reasonable term. Neither Party shall be liable for failure to obtain such insurance contracts, pricing discounts, or other preferential terms for the other Party. Each Party shall be responsible for any additional premiums, charges, or administrative fees that such Party may incur pursuant to this Section 9.5 .
Section 9.6 Third-Party Vendors . Except as provided below, to the extent any Huntsman Welfare Plan is administered by a third-party vendor, Huntsman and VMC will cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to replicate any contract with such third-party vendor for VMC (except for changes agreed to by the Parties) and to maintain any pricing discounts or other preferential terms for both Huntsman and VMC for a reasonable term. Neither Party shall be liable for failure to obtain such pricing discounts or other preferential terms for the other Party. Each Party shall be responsible for any additional premiums, charges, or administrative fees that such Party may incur pursuant to this Section 9.6 .
ARTICLE X
WORKERS COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
Section 10.1 VMC Workers and Unemployment Compensation . Effective as of the Employee Transfer Date, the VMC Entity employing each VMC Group Employee shall have (and, to the extent it has not previously had such obligations, such VMC Entity shall assume) the obligations for all claims and Liabilities relating to workers compensation and unemployment compensation benefits for all VMC Group Employees employed by that VMC Entity. Prior to the Employee Transfer Date, VMC, acting through the VMC Entity employing each VMC Group Employee, will be responsible for (a) obtaining workers compensation insurance, including providing all collateral required by the insurance carriers and providing all notices to VMC Group Employees required by applicable workers compensation Laws and (b) establishing new or transferred unemployment insurance employer accounts, policies and claims handling contracts with the applicable government agencies. To the extent that such unemployment insurance coverage cannot be either assigned to or obtained by VMC or a VMC Entity, in respect of unemployment claims and Liabilities otherwise to be assumed by VMC or a VMC Entity pursuant to this Section 10.1 , Huntsman shall remain primarily liable for such claims and Liabilities, but VMC shall indemnify and hold harmless Huntsman for any such claims and Liabilities. If the preceding sentence applies, then at one or more mutually agreed upon dates, Huntsman shall determine in good faith the present value of such claims and Liabilities and VMC shall reimburse Huntsman for that amount.
Section 10.2 Assignment of Contribution Rights . Huntsman will transfer and assign (or cause another member of the Huntsman Group to transfer and assign) to a member of the VMC Group all rights to seek contribution or damages from any applicable third party (such as a third party who aggravates an injury to a worker who makes a workers compensation claim) with respect to any workers compensation claim for which VMC is responsible pursuant to this Article X .
Section 10.3 Collateral . From and after the Effective Time, VMC (acting directly or through a member of the VMC Group) shall be responsible for providing all collateral required
by insurance carriers in connection with workers compensation claims for which Liability is allocated to the VMC Group under this Article X .
Section 10.4 Cooperation . VMC and Huntsman shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide that workers compensation and unemployment insurance costs are not adversely affected for either of them by reason of the IPO.
ARTICLE XI
SEVERANCE
Section 11.1 Establishment of VMC Severance Program . On or prior to the Plan Transfer Date, VMC shall, or shall cause another VMC Entity to, establish and adopt one or more severance plans, policies or arrangements at such levels and subject to such terms as VMC determines in its reasonable discretion. As of the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date), the VMC Group Employees shall no longer participate in any severance plan, policy or program of the Huntsman Group.
Section 11.2 Liability for Severance . As of the Plan Transfer Date (or such later Employee Transfer Date), Huntsman shall have no Liability or obligation under any Huntsman Group severance plan or policy with respect to VMC Group Employees.
ARTICLE XII
BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS
Section 12.1 Accrued Time Off . VMC shall recognize and assume all Liability for all unused vacation, holiday, sick leave, flex days, personal days and paid-time off and other time-off benefits with respect to VMC Group Employees which accrued prior to the applicable Employee Transfer Date.
Section 12.2 Leaves of Absence . VMC will continue to apply the appropriate leave of absence policies applicable to inactive VMC Group Employees who are on an approved leave of absence as of the Employee Transfer Date. Leaves of absence taken by VMC Group Employees prior to the Employee Transfer Date shall be deemed to have been taken as employees of a member of the VMC Group.
Section 12.3 Restrictive Covenants in Employment and Other Agreements . To the fullest extent permitted by the agreements described in this Section 12.3 and applicable Law, Huntsman shall assign, or cause an applicable member of the Huntsman Group to assign (including through notification to employees, as applicable), to VMC or a member of the VMC Group, as designated by VMC, all agreements containing restrictive covenants (including confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions) between a member of the Huntsman Group and a VMC Group Employee, with such assignment to be effective as of the Plan Transfer Date (or later Employee Transfer Date). To the extent that assignment of such agreements is not permitted, effective as of the Plan Transfer Date (or later Employee Transfer Date), each member of the VMC Group shall be considered to be a successor to each member of the Huntsman Group for purposes of, and a third-party beneficiary with respect to, all agreements containing restrictive covenants (including confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions) between a member of the Huntsman Group and a VMC Group Employee,
such that each member of the VMC Group shall enjoy all the rights and benefits under such agreements (including rights and benefits as a third-party beneficiary), with respect to the business operations of the VMC Group; provided , however , that in no event shall Huntsman be permitted to enforce such restrictive covenant agreements against VMC Group Employees for action taken in their capacity as employees of a member of the VMC Group.
ARTICLE XIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 13.1 Preservation of Rights to Amend . The rights of each member of the Huntsman Group and each member of the VMC Group to amend, waive, or terminate any plan, arrangement, agreement, program, or policy referred to herein shall not be limited in any way by this Agreement.
Section 13.2 Confidentiality . Each Party agrees that any information conveyed or otherwise received by or on behalf of a Party in conjunction herewith that is not otherwise public through no fault of such Party is confidential and is subject to the terms of the confidentiality provisions set forth herein and in the Separation Agreement.
Section 13.3 Administrative Complaints/Litigation . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, from and after the Effective Time, VMC shall assume, and be solely liable for, the handling, administration, investigation, and defense of actions, including ERISA, occupational safety and health, employment standards, union grievances, wrongful dismissal, discrimination or human rights, and unemployment compensation claims asserted at any time against Huntsman or any member of the Huntsman Group by (a) any VMC Group Employee (including any dependent or beneficiary of any such Employee), (b) any consultant or independent contractor who provided or provides services primarily for the benefit of the VMC Business or (c) any other person to the extent such actions or claims otherwise arise out of or relate to employment or the provision of services (whether as an employee, contractor, consultant, or otherwise) to or with respect to the business activities of any member of the VMC Group. Clause (c) of the preceding sentence to the contrary notwithstanding, to the extent that any such legal action is brought by a Huntsman Group Employee or Former Huntsman Group Employee and relates to employment or the provision of services with respect to both the business activities of a member of the VMC Group and the business activities of a member of the Huntsman Group (excluding the VMC Group), reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in responding to such legal action shall be allocated among the Parties based upon the relative levels of service provided between the VMC Business and the businesses of the Huntsman Group other than the VMC Business. Further notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any legal action relates to a putative or certified class of plaintiffs, which includes both Huntsman Group Employees (or Former Huntsman Group Employees) and VMC Group Employees and such action involves employment or benefit plan related claims, reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Parties in responding to such legal action shall be allocated among the Parties equitably in proportion to a reasonable assessment of the relative proportion of Employees included in or represented by the putative or certified plaintiff class. The procedures contained in the indemnification and related litigation cooperation provisions of the Separation Agreement shall apply with respect to each Partys indemnification obligations under this Section 13.3 .
Section 13.4 Reimbursement and Indemnification . To the extent provided for under this Agreement, each Party agrees to reimburse the other Party, within 30 days of receipt from the other Party of reasonable verification, for all costs and expenses which the other Party may incur on its behalf as a result of any of the respective Huntsman Benefit Plans and VMC Benefit Plans and, as contemplated by Article XI , any termination or severance payments or benefits. All Liabilities retained, assumed, or indemnified against by VMC pursuant to this Agreement, and all Liabilities retained, assumed, or indemnified against by Huntsman pursuant to this Agreement, shall in each case be subject to the indemnification provisions of the Separation Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (i) no provision of this Agreement shall require any member of the VMC Group to pay or reimburse to any member of the Huntsman Group any benefit-related cost item that a member of the VMC Group has paid or reimbursed to any member of the Huntsman Group prior to the Plan Transfer Date, and (ii) no provision of this Agreement shall require any member of the Huntsman Group to pay or reimburse to any member of the VMC Group any benefit-related cost item that a member of the Huntsman Group has paid or reimbursed to any member of the VMC Group prior to the Plan Transfer Date.
Section 13.5 Costs of Compliance with Agreement . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or any other Transfer Document, each Party shall pay its own expenses in fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 13.6 Fiduciary Matters . Huntsman and VMC each acknowledge that actions required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement may be subject to fiduciary duties or standards of conduct under ERISA or other applicable Law, and no Party shall be deemed to be in violation of this Agreement if it fails to comply with any provisions hereof based upon its good-faith determination (as supported by advice from counsel experienced in such matters) that to do so would violate such a fiduciary duty or standard. Each Party shall be responsible for taking such actions as are deemed necessary and appropriate to comply with its own fiduciary responsibilities and shall fully release and indemnify the other Party for any Liabilities caused by the failure to satisfy any such responsibility.
Section 13.7 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the documents referenced herein (including the Separation Agreement, the Transfer Documents and the plans and agreements referenced herein), constitutes the entire agreement and understanding among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior written and oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any conflicts between the provisions of this Agreement and the Separation Agreement (and the agreements referenced therein) or any Transfer Document shall be addressed in the manner set forth in Section 8.6 of the Separation Agreement.
Section 13.8 Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon any third parties any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, cause of action, or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to amend any employee benefit plan or affect the applicable plan sponsors right to amend or terminate any employee benefit plan pursuant to the terms of such plan. The provisions
of this Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Parties, and no current or former Employee, officer, director, or independent contractor or any other individual associated therewith shall be regarded for any purpose as a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party, except with the prior written consent of the other Party.
Section 13.9 Amendment; Waivers . No change or amendment may be made to this Agreement except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties. Any Party may, at any time, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Party, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (iii) waive compliance by the other Party with any of the agreements, covenants, or conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party to be bound thereby. No failure or delay on the part of any Party in the exercise of any right hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement contained herein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude other or further exercises thereof or of any other right.
Section 13.10 Remedies Cumulative . All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement or the Schedules attached hereto are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.
Section 13.11 Notices . Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices, claims, certificates, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given: (i) when personally delivered, (ii) if mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, on the date the return receipt is executed or the letter is refused by the addressee or its agent, (iii) if sent by overnight courier which delivers only upon the executed receipt of the addressee, on the date the receipt acknowledgment is executed or refused by the addressee or its agent, or (iv) if sent by facsimile or electronic mail, on the date confirmation of transmission is received (provided that a copy of any notice delivered pursuant to this clause (iv) shall also be sent pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or (iii)), addressed to the attention of the addressees General Counsel at the address of its principal executive office or to such other address or facsimile number for a Party as it shall have specified by like notice.
Section 13.12 Counterparts . This Agreement, including the Schedules hereto and the other documents referred to herein, may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Section 13.13 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement or the Schedules attached hereto is determined by a non-appealable decision by a court, administrative agency, or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced, the court, administrative agency, or arbitrator shall interpret this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible. If any sentence in this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.
Section 13.14 Governing Law . This Agreement (and any claims or disputes arising out of or related hereto or thereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or to the inducement of any Party to enter herein and therein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct, or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute, or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware, including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance, and remedies.
Section 13.15 Dispute Resolution . The procedures set forth in Article IV of the Separation Agreement shall apply to any dispute, controversy or claim (whether sounding in contract, tort or otherwise) that arises out of or relates to this Agreement, any breach or alleged breach hereof, the transactions contemplated hereby (including all actions taken in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby on or prior to the date hereof), or the construction, interpretation, enforceability, or validity hereof.
Section 13.16 Performance . Each of Huntsman and VMC shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any member of the Huntsman Group and any member of the VMC Group, respectively. The Parties each agree to take such further actions and to execute, acknowledge, and deliver, or to cause to be executed, acknowledged, and delivered, all such further documents as are reasonably requested by the other for carrying out the purposes of this Agreement or of any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement. The Parties also agree that by executing this Agreement, any actions that an authorized officer of any member of the Huntsman Group or the VMC Group, as applicable, that have been taken prior to the execution of this Agreement will be deemed to be ratified and approved by the Parties as approved actions taken in furtherance of this Agreement.
Section 13.17 Construction . This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parties and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against any Party.
Section 13.18 Effect if IPO Does Not Occur . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Separation Agreement is terminated prior to the Effective Time or the IPO is not otherwise consummated, then this Agreement shall be of no further force and effect.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.
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HUNTSMAN CORPORATION |
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VENATOR MATERIALS PLC |
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SCHEDULE 3.1(i) COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
Schedule 3.1(i)
Country |
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Site |
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Name of Agreement |
Finland |
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Pori |
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Kemian Perusteollisuuden Työehtosopimus |
Finland |
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Pori |
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Kemianalan Toimihenkilösopimus |
Finland |
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Pori |
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Kemianteollisuuden ylempien toimihenkilöiden pöytäkirja |
France |
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Calais |
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The Collective agreement of the Union of Chemical Industries-France |
France |
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Comines |
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The Collective agreement of the Union of Chemical Industries-France |
Germany |
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Labour agreement for the Chemical industry |
Germany |
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Ibbenbüren (IBB) |
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Manteltarifvertrag Chemische Industrie Westfalen |
Germany |
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Schwarzheide (SCH) |
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Manteltarifvertrag Chemische Industrie Ost |
Germany |
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Duisburg |
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Manteltarifvertrag Chemische Industrie Nordrhein |
Germany |
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Duisburg (DUI) |
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Manteltarifvertrag Chemische Industrie Nordrhein |
Italy |
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Scarlino |
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Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro per gli addetti allindustria chimica, chimico-farmaceutica, delle fibre chimiche e dei settori abrasivi, lubrificanti e GPL |
Italy |
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Scarlino |
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Contratto Collettivo di Lavoro Dirigenti di Aziende produttrici di beni e servizi |
Italy |
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Scarlino |
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Contratto Integrativo Aziendale 2017-2019 Stabilimento di Scarlino |
Italy |
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Turin |
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The Italian National Contract for the Chemical business |
Italy |
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Turin |
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The Italian National Contract for Executives |
Spain |
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Huelva |
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Convenio colectivo de Huntsman P&A Spain |
United Kingdom |
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Birtley |
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Voluntary recognition agreement between Huntsman pigments (UK) limited and GMB and UNITE |
United Kingdom |
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Greatham |
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Huntsman Tioxide- Trade union recognition and collective bargaining agreement- Unite |
United Kingdom |
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Kidsgrove |
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Voluntary recognition agreement between Huntsman pigments (UK) limited and GMB |
United States |
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Beltsville |
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United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (AFL-CIO-CLC) Local 12328 |
United States |
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Los Angeles |
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General Teamsters, Airline, Aerospace and Allied Employees, Warehousemen, Drivers, Construction, Rock and Sand Local 986 |
United States |
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St Louis |
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International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 282 |
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-217753 of our report dated May 5, 2017, relating to the balance sheet of Venator Materials PLC appearing in the Prospectus, which is a part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such Prospectus.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
June 30, 2017
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-217753 of our report dated May 5, 2017 (June 12, 2017 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 25 to the combined financial statements), relating to combined financial statements and financial statement schedule of Venator (comprising the combined operations and legal entities of the Pigments & Additives division and certain other operations of Huntsman Corporation) appearing in the Prospectus, which is a part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such Prospectus.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
June 30, 2017
Exhibit 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-217753 of our report dated June 9, 2014 related to the combined financial statements of Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Other Businesses of Rockwood Holdings, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, appearing in the prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such prospectus.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
June 30, 2017
Exhibit 24.2
Venator Material PLC
Power of Attorney
Each person whose signature appears below appoints Kurt Ogden and Russ Stolle, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and any registration statement (including any amendment thereto) for this offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Power of Attorney to be executed as of this 30th day of June, 2017.
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/s/ Stephen Ibbotson |
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By: Stephen Ibbotson |
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/s/ Sir Robert J. Margetts |
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By: Sir Robert J. Margetts |
Exhibit 99.1
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
I consent to the use of my name as a director nominee in the Registration Statement, including in the section Management, filed by Venator Materials PLC on Form S-1 and each related prospectus and each further amendment or supplement thereto.
Dated: June 30, 2017
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/s/ Daniele Ferrari |
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Name: Daniele Ferrari |
Exhibit 99.2
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
I consent to the use of my name as a director nominee in the Registration Statement, including in the section Management, filed by Venator Materials PLC on Form S-1 and each related prospectus and each further amendment or supplement thereto.
Dated: June 30, 2017
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/s/ Douglas D. Anderson |
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Name: Douglas D. Anderson |