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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

Form 8-K

 

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 15, 2020

 

 

 

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

001-34774   20-5446972
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

400 South LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60605

(Address and Zip Code of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 786-5600

 

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange 
on which registered
Common Stock, par value of $0.01 per share   CBOE   CboeBZX

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company 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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.01.  ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT.

 

On December 15, 2020, Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (the “Company”) issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”). The form and term of the Notes were established pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, dated as of December 15, 2020 (the “Officer’s Certificate”), supplementing the Indenture, dated as of January 12, 2017 (the “Indenture”), by and between the Company (f/k/a CBOE Holdings, Inc.) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to finance the previously announced acquisition of BIDS Trading, repay a portion of amounts outstanding under its term loan facility and all outstanding indebtedness under its revolving credit facility and the remainder for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of future acquisitions or the repayment of other outstanding indebtedness.

 

The Notes mature on December 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased or redeemed, and bear interest at the rate of 1.625% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2021. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, but are effectively junior to the Company’s secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and are structurally subordinated to the secured and unsecured debt of the Company’s subsidiaries.

 

The Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to September 15, 2030 (the date that is three months prior to their maturity date) at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (2) a make-whole redemption price determined by using a discount rate equal to the applicable treasury rate plus 12.5 basis points, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption. On or after September 15, 2030, the Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption. The Company may also be required to offer to repurchase the Notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event (as such term is defined in the form of the Notes) at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.

 

The Indenture governing the Notes contains customary restrictions, including a limitation that restricts the Company’s ability and the ability of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to create or incur secured debt, and a limitation on certain sale and leaseback transactions. The Indenture also contains customary events of default, including the failure to pay interest, principal or premium when due, covenant breaches, cross-payment and cross-acceleration defaults for debt in excess of a specified threshold, judgements in excess of a specified threshold, and specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Company. If an event of default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holder of the Notes. If any other event of default with respect to the Notes occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare the Notes to be due and payable immediately, under the terms specified in the Indenture.

 

   The foregoing description of the Notes is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete terms and conditions of the Indenture, Officer’s Certificate and the form of the Notes, which are filed as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Notes were issued in a public offering pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-235649) and a related prospectus supplement dated December 8, 2020. The Company is filing Exhibit 5.1 with this Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with such Registration Statement.

 

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ITEM 2.03.  CREATION OF A DIRECT FINANCIAL OBLIGATION OR AN OBLIGATION UNDER AN OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENT OF A REGISTRANT.

 

The information in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

ITEM 9.01.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

4.1   Indenture, dated as of January 12, 2017, between Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (f/k/a CBOE Holdings, Inc.) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 12, 2017)
     
4.2   Officer’s Certificate, dated as of December 15, 2020, establishing the 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
     
4.3   Form of 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 (included in Exhibit 4.2 hereto)
     
5.1   Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP relating to the Notes
     
23.1   Consent of Sidley Austin LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
     
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded in the Inline XBRL document)

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS, INC.
       
    By: /s/ Brian N. Schell
  Name: Brian N. Schell
    Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
       
      Dated: December 15, 2020

 

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EXHIBIT 4.2

 

CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS, INC.

 

Officer’s Certificate
Pursuant to Section 301 of the Indenture

 

December 15, 2020

 

The undersigned, Edward T. Tilly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian N. Schell, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of Cboe Global Markets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), pursuant to Section 301 of the Indenture dated as of January 12, 2017 (the “Indenture”) between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), providing for the issuance of an unlimited amount of the Company’s unsecured senior or subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (the “Debt Securities”), do hereby certify that:

 

1. The terms and conditions of a series of the Debt Securities designated as 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) to be issued under the Indenture as global securities (the “Global Securities”), and to be sold by the Company pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement dated December 8, 2020 (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among the Company and the several Underwriters (as defined therein), were duly approved and authorized by the Designated Officers (as defined in the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on November 20, 2020 (the “Resolutions”)) of the Company, in accordance with the Resolutions, and such terms and conditions of the Notes are set forth in the form of the global security relating to the Notes in accordance with the Indenture, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

2. In connection with the foregoing, (i) we have read Article One of the Indenture, captioned “Definitions and Other Provisions of General Application,” Article Two of the Indenture, captioned “Security Forms,” Article Three of the Indenture, captioned “The Securities,” and the other applicable provisions of the Indenture; (ii) we have consulted and made inquiries of certain officials of the Company and examined certain records relating to the Company and the above-mentioned actions taken by it; (iii) we have made such investigation and examination as we deemed appropriate and as in our opinion is necessary to enable us to express an informed opinion as to the foregoing matters; and (iv) in our opinion the foregoing matters are true and all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the execution and delivery of the Notes have been complied with.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Officer’s Certificate as of the date first set forth above.

 

      CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS, INC.
       
       
    By: /s/ Edward T. Tilly
      Name: Edward T. Tilly
    Title: Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

    By: /s/ Brian N. Schell
      Name: Brian N. Schell
    Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

[Signature Page to Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to Section 301 of the Indenture]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Form of Global Security

 

 

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (THE “DEPOSITARY”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.

 

CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS, INC.

1.625% SENIOR NOTES

DUE 2030

 

No. R-1 $500,000,000
  (Principal Amount)

 

REGISTERED ISIN: US12503MAC29
GLOBAL SECURITY CUSIP: 12503M AC2

 

CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”, which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture referred to herein), for value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or registered assigns, the principal sum indicated on Schedule A hereto on December 15, 2030 (the “Stated Maturity Date”), unless redeemed on a Redemption Date (as defined herein) prior to the Stated Maturity Date (the Stated Maturity Date or any Redemption Date is also referred to herein as the “Maturity Date” with respect to the principal repayable on such date), in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, and to pay interest thereon, in like coin or currency, at a rate of 1.625% per year, computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, until the principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment, semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”) in each year commencing on June 15, 2021, to the registered holder of this Note (the “Holder”) as of the close of business on the “Regular Record Date” for such interest payment, which shall be the June 1 and December 1 preceding the respective Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day (as defined herein)). Interest on this Note will accrue from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid, from December 15, 2020, until the principal hereof has been paid or duly made available for payment. If the Maturity Date or an Interest Payment Date falls on a day which is not a Business Day, principal, premium, if any, and interest payable with respect to such Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date, as the case may be, will be paid on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date, as the case may be, and no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date. The interest so payable and punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person (as defined in the Indenture) in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest payment. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and shall be paid to the Persons, and on the notice, as is provided in the Indenture. As used herein, “Business Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment (as defined in the Indenture) are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

 

 

 

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities (hereinafter called the “Securities”) of the Company issued and to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of January 12, 2017 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto and the Officer’s Certificate setting forth the form and the terms of the series of Securities reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitation of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders and the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Note is one of the series of Securities designated as “1.625% Senior Notes due 2030” (the “Notes”). The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Securities or Notes that may be issued thereunder.

 

Optional Redemption

 

The Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to September 15, 2030 (the date that is three months prior to their Stated Maturity Date) (the “Par Call Date”) on not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice transmitted to the Holders of the Notes to be redeemed. The Notes will be so redeemable at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (2) the sum of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed that would be due after the related date fixed for the redemption therefor (the “Redemption Date”) to, but excluding, the Par Call Date (except that, if such Redemption Date is not an Interest Payment Date with respect to the Notes, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued and unpaid thereon to the Redemption Date), discounted to the Redemption Date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 12.5 basis points, plus, in the case of both clauses (1) and (2) above, accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, such Redemption Date. The Company will be required to notify the Trustee of the redemption price with respect to any redemption promptly after the calculation and the Trustee will not be responsible for such calculation.

 

On and after the Par Call Date, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice transmitted to the Holders of Notes to be redeemed. The Notes will be so redeemable at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes being redeemed, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments of interest on the Notes that are due and payable on any Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to a date fixed for redemption of any Notes will be payable to the Holders of those Notes registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Regular Record Date according to their terms and the terms and provisions of the Indenture.

 

Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the Par Call Date.

 

Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, (1) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

 

Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Company.

 

Reference Treasury Dealer” means each of (i) BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and their respective successors and (ii) two other nationally recognized investment banking firms that are primary U.S. Government securities dealers in New York City (each, a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) specified from time to time by the Company, except that if any of the foregoing ceases to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Company is required to designate as a substitute another nationally recognized investment banking firm that is a Primary Treasury Dealer.

 

Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer as of 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such Redemption Date.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity (computed as of the second business day immediately preceding such Redemption Date) of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

 

On and after any Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes called for redemption. On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with a paying agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on the Notes to be redeemed on such date. If less than all the Notes are to be redeemed, (a) if such Notes are represented by global notes, interests in such global notes will be selected for redemption in accordance with the customary procedures of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), or (b) if such Notes are represented by notes in certificated form, the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed by such method as the Trustee deems fair and appropriate in accordance with methods generally used at the time of selection by indenture trustees in similar circumstances.

 

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To the extent that (i) the foregoing Optional Redemption provision of this Note modifies in any respect Article Eleven of the Indenture or (ii) there is any inconsistency between the foregoing Optional Redemption provision of this Note and the provisions of Article Eleven of the Indenture, in each case the provisions of the foregoing Optional Redemption provision shall govern and control.

 

Change of Control

 

If a Change of Control Triggering Event occurs, unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Notes in whole (as described under “Optional Redemption”), Holders of Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of their Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”). In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will be required to offer payment in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes repurchased, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase (the “Change of Control Payment”); provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, payments of interest on Notes that are due and payable on any Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to such date of repurchase will be payable to the Holders of the Notes registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Regular Record Date according to their terms and the terms and provisions of the Indenture.

 

Within 30 days following any Change of Control Triggering Event or, at the Company’s option, prior to any Change of Control, but after public announcement of the transaction or transactions that constitute or may constitute the Change of Control, the Company will (unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Notes in whole) be required to transmit a notice to Holders of Notes and the Trustee describing the transaction or transactions that constitute or may constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event and offering to repurchase the Notes on the date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent (the “Change of Control Payment Date”), which offer will constitute the Change of Control Offer. The notice will, if sent prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, state that the Change of Control Offer is conditioned on the Change of Control Triggering Event occurring on or prior to the applicable Change of Control Payment Date.

 

Holders of Notes electing to have a Note or portion thereof repurchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Note (which, in the case of global notes, must be made in accordance with the procedures of DTC, as depositary for such Notes) to the Trustee under the Indenture (or to such other person as may be designated by the Company for such purpose) as provided in the applicable Change of Control notice prior to the close of business on the third business day immediately preceding the applicable Change of Control Payment Date and to comply with other procedures and requirements set forth in such Change of Control notice.

 

On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will be required, to the extent lawful, to:

 

· accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer and not withdrawn;

· deposit with the paying agent for the Notes an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes accepted by the Company for payment; and

 

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· deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an officer’s certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of Notes being repurchased.

 

Interest on Notes and portions of Notes properly tendered for repurchase pursuant to a Change of Control Offer and not withdrawn will cease to accrue on and after the applicable Change of Control Payment Date, unless the Company shall have failed to accept such Notes and such portions of Notes for payment or failed to deposit the Change of Control Payment in respect thereof in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph. The Company will promptly pay, or cause the Trustee or a paying agent for the Notes to promptly pay (by application of funds deposited by the Company as aforesaid), to each Holder of Notes (or portions thereof) properly tendered and not withdrawn and accepted for payment by the Company pursuant to such Change of Control Offer, the Change of Control Payment for such Notes. In the case of any Note repurchased in part, the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be delivered by book-entry transfer) to the Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unrepurchased portion of the Note repurchased in part.

 

The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by the Company and the third party repurchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.

 

The Company will be required to comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control Triggering Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with these Change of Control provisions, the Company will be required to comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under these Change of Control provisions by virtue of such compliance. The Trustee shall not be responsible for monitoring the Company’s rating status, making any request upon any Rating Agency, or determining whether any Rating Event has occurred.

 

For purposes of a repurchase at the option of Holders pursuant to this Change of Control provision, the following definitions are applicable:

 

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (1) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any Person other than the Company or one of its Subsidiaries; (2) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any Person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the then outstanding number of shares of its Voting Stock or other Voting Stock into which the Company Voting Stock is reclassified, consolidated, exchanged or changed, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; (3) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into the Company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Voting Stock or the Voting Stock of such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of the Company’s Voting Stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting Stock of the resulting or surviving Person or any direct or indirect parent company of the resulting or surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; or (4) the adoption of a plan providing for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed to involve a Change of Control under clause (2) or (3) above if (i) the Company becomes a direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of a holding company and (ii)(A) the direct or indirect holders of the Voting Stock of such holding company immediately following that transaction are substantially the same (in the Company’s good faith judgment) as the Holders of the Company’s Voting Stock immediately prior to that transaction or (B) immediately following that transaction no Person (other than a holding company satisfying the requirements of this sentence) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such holding company. The term “Person,” as used in this definition, has the meaning given thereto in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

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Change of Control Triggering Event” means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Rating Event.

 

Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB– (or the equivalent) by S&P, and a rating equal to or higher than the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any replacement rating agency or rating agencies selected by the Company pursuant to clause (2) of the definition of “Rating Agencies.”

 

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or its successor.

 

Rating Agencies” means (1) each of Moody’s and S&P; and (2) if either Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the Notes or fails to make a rating of the Notes publicly available for reasons outside of its control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, selected by the Company (as certified by a resolution of its Board of Directors) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or both of them, as the case may be.

 

Rating Event” means the rating on the Notes is lowered to below an Investment Grade Rating by each of the Rating Agencies, on any day during the period (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for a possible downgrade by any of the Rating Agencies) commencing 60 days prior to the earlier of the first public notice of (i) the occurrence of a Change of Control or (ii) the Company’s intention to effect a Change of Control and ending 60 days following consummation of such Change of Control; provided that a Rating Event will not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus will not be deemed a Rating Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Triggering Event) if each Rating Agency making the reduction in rating does not publicly announce or confirm or inform the Trustee in writing at the Company’s request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control has occurred at the time of the Rating Event).

 

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s, a division of S&P Global Inc., or its successor.

 

Voting Stock” means, with respect to any specified “Person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) as of any date, the capital stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote generally in the election of the board of directors of such Person.

 

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The foregoing Change of Control provision of this Note shall be the only provisions in respect of the Notes relating to the subject matter set forth in this Change of Control provision and the provisions of Article Thirteen of the Indenture shall not be applicable to the Notes.

 

Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Note will be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account maintained by the Depositary for such purpose.

 

The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption.

 

The Notes will be initially issued in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000,000. The Company may, without notice to or consent of the Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes, issue as a separate offering additional notes having the same ranking, interest rate, maturity and other terms as the Notes. The Notes and any such additional notes will constitute a single series.

 

The Notes will constitute part of the Company’s unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and will rank equal in right of payment to all of the Company’s other existing and future unsecured senior obligations.

 

The Notes are subject to the satisfaction and discharge and defeasance provisions of the Indenture in accordance with Article Four and Article Fourteen of the Indenture, respectively.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal amount hereof may be declared, and upon such declaration shall be due and payable, in the manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities under the Indenture to be effected at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding (as defined in the Indenture) Securities under the Indenture affected by such amendment and modification. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series under the Indenture, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture or such Securities and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

 

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

 

As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note may be registered on the Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in the Place of Payment duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or by his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes of this series having the same terms as this Note, of authorized denominations, having the same terms and conditions and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

 

7

 

 

The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes having the same terms as this Note of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

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

 

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

 

THE INDENTURE AND THE NOTES, INCLUDING THIS NOTE, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

All terms used but not defined in this Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture and all references in the Indenture to “Security” or “Securities” shall be deemed to include the Notes.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, or its successor thereunder, by the manual signature of one of its authorized officers, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

8

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed, manually or in facsimile.

 

 

      Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
           
      By:  
        Name: Brian N. Schell
        Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
           
Attest:          
           
By:        
Name: Jill Griebenow        
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer        

 

[Signature Page to Note]

 

 

 

Date:      December 15, 2020

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

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

 

      WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
       
By:      
  Name:    
  Title:   Authorized Signatory  

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

I or we assign and transfer this Note to

 

 

 

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

 

 

 

 

 

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 

And irrevocably appoint  

Agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

 

 

 

Dated:      
       

 

NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as it appears on the first page of the within Note in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever and must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor

 

Signature Guarantee*:__________________________________

 

*Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES OF INTEREST IN THE GLOBAL NOTE

 

The initial principal amount of this Global Note is $500,000,000. The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:

 

Date of
Exchange
Amount of
Decrease in
Principal
Amount at
Maturity
of this Global
Note
Amount of
Increase in
Principal
Amount at
Maturity
of this Global
Note
Principal
Amount at
Maturity
of this Global
Note
Following such
decrease (or
increase)
Signature of
Authorized
Signatory
of Trustee or
Custodian
         
         

 

 

EXHIBIT 5.1

 

 

 

Sidley Austin LLP

One South Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60603

+1 312 853 7000

+1 312 853 7036 Fax

 

AMERICA · ASIA PACIFIC · EUROPE

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 15, 2020

 

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
400 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60605

 

Re: $500,000,000 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-235649 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by Cboe Global Markets, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which Registration Statement became effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Statement, the Company is issuing $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Securities”). The Securities are being issued under an Indenture, dated as of January 12, 2017 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Securities are to be sold by the Company pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated December 8, 2020 (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among the Company and BofA Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule A to the Underwriting Agreement.

 

This opinion letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.

 

We have examined the Registration Statement, the Indenture, the Underwriting Agreement, the Securities in global form and the resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the Company relating to the Registration Statement, the Indenture, the Underwriting Agreement and the issuance of the Securities by the Company. We have also examined originals, or copies of originals certified to our satisfaction, of such agreements, documents, certificates and statements of the Company and other corporate documents and instruments, and have examined such questions of law, as we have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion letter. We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all persons and the conformity with the original documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for examination. As to facts relevant to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied without independent investigation or verification upon, and assumed the accuracy and completeness of, certificates, letters and oral and written statements and representations of public officials and officers and other representatives of the Company.

 

Sidley Austin LLP is a limited liability partnership practicing in affiliation with other Sidley Austin partnerships.

 

 

 

Based on and subject to the foregoing and the other limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company when the Securities are duly executed by duly authorized officers of the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee, all in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and delivered to the purchasers thereof against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement.

 

Our opinion is subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including concepts of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief.

 

This opinion letter is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the laws of the State of New York (excluding the securities laws of the State of New York). We express no opinion as to the laws, rules or regulations of any other jurisdiction, including, without limitation, the federal laws of the United States of America or any state securities or blue sky laws.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on the date hereof, which Form 8-K will be incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  /s/ Sidley Austin LLP