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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2004

Registration No. 333-          


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION   BFC CAPITAL TRUST II
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)   (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its trust agreement)
Oklahoma   Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
6022   6719
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)   (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
73-1221379   20-6115619
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

101 North Broadway

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102

(405) 270-1086

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants’ principal executive offices)

 

David E. Rainbolt

President and Chief Executive Officer

BancFirst Corporation

101 North Broadway

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102

(405) 270-1086

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)


COPIES TO:

 

Jeanette C. Timmons, Esq.

Day, Edwards, Propester & Christensen, P.C.

210 Park Ave., Suite 2900

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

(405) 239-2121

 

David E. Morrison, Esq.

William P. Bowers, Esq.

Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2800

Dallas, TX 75201

(214) 855-8000

 

Steven R. Finley, Esq.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

200 Park Avenue, 47th Floor

New York, NY 10166

(212) 351-4000

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:     As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

 

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

 

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

 

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.   ¨

 

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

 

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

 


 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 


Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
 

Amount to be

Registered(1)

 

Proposed Maximum Offering

Price per Unit(2)

  Proposed Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price(2)
 

Amount of

Registration Fee(3)


% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities of BFC Capital Trust II

  $26,000,000   100%   $26,000,000   $3,295.00

% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures of BancFirst Corporation (3)

  —     —     —     —  

BancFirst Corporation guarantee with respect to the     % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities (4)

  —     —     —     —  

Total

  $26,000,000(5)   100%   $26,000,000   $3,295.00

(1) Includes $1,000,000 of preferred securities that may be sold by BFC Capital Trust II to cover over-allotments.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee.
(3) The Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures will be purchased by BFC Capital Trust II with the proceeds from the sale of the     % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities. Such securities may later be distributed for no additional consideration to the holders of the    % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities of BFC Capital Trust II upon its dissolution and the distribution of its assets.
(4) No separate consideration will be received for the BancFirst Corporation guarantee.
(5) This registration statement is deemed to cover the Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures of BancFirst Corporation, the rights of holders of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures of BancFirst Corporation under the indenture, the rights of holders of     % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities of BFC Capital Trust II under the trust agreement, the rights of holders of the     % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities under the guarantee agreement and the expense agreement entered into by BancFirst Corporation and certain backup undertakings as described herein, which taken together, fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee all of the obligations of BFC Capital Trust II under the     % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities.

The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.



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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until our registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

(Subject to Completion dated February 4, 2004)

 

$25,000,000

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

 

% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities

 

fully and unconditionally guaranteed by

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

 


 

BFC Capital Trust II is offering preferred securities that BancFirst Corporation will fully and unconditionally guarantee, based on its combined obligations under a guarantee agreement, a trust agreement, an expense agreement and a junior subordinated indenture and the debentures issued under the junior subordinated indenture.

 

The preferred securities represent interests in the assets of the trust. For each preferred security that you own, you will be entitled to receive cumulative cash distributions at an annual interest rate of [    ]% on the liquidation amount of $25 per preferred security, payable quarterly with interest accruing from [    ], 2004.

 

We may defer payment of distributions at any time for periods of up to five years. The preferred securities mature on [    ], 2034. The trust may redeem the preferred securities at any time on or after [    ], 2009, or earlier if a change in the regulatory treatment of the trust and/or the preferred securities occurs, or becomes likely to occur. The trust will redeem the preferred securities on                     , 2034, and may redeem them earlier, subject to prior approval by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, if then required by the capital rules of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

The preferred securities are expected to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market, subject to official notice of issuance, under the trading symbol “BANFP.” We expect trading in the preferred securities to begin within 30 days after the original issue date.

 


 

Investing in the preferred securities involves risks. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 9.

 


 

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

 


PRICE $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY

 


    

Price to

Public(1)

  

Underwriting

Discounts and

Commissions(1)

  

Proceeds

to BFC Capital
Trust II(1)


Per Preferred Security

   $25    $               $25

Total

   $25,000,000    $                 $25,000,000

(1) Because the trust will use all of the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities and its common securities to purchase junior subordinated debentures of BancFirst Corporation, BancFirst Corporation will pay all underwriting discounts and commissions, in an amount of up to $            per preferred security, or a total of up to $              ($              if the over-allotment option is exercised in full).

 


 

The underwriters have been granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 40,000 preferred securities to cover over-allotments, if any. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total public offering price and the proceeds to the trust will be $26,000,000.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not 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 underwriters expect to deliver the preferred securities to the purchasers on [date of final prospectus].

 


 

Advest, Inc.   Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.

 

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2004


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

Because this is a summary, it may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before you invest in the preferred securities of the trust. For purposes of this prospectus, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our” and “us” refer to BancFirst Corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively, and the term “BancFirst Corporation” refers to BancFirst Corporation only. As used in this prospectus, “trust” refers to BFC Capital Trust II.

 

BancFirst Corporation

 

BancFirst Corporation is an Oklahoma corporation that is registered as a bank holding company and a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. We offer a broad range of commercial and consumer banking, trust and investment services, and other financial products and services primarily through BancFirst, an Oklahoma state-chartered bank headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Through our other subsidiaries, including subsidiaries of BancFirst, we also are engaged in insurance and investment activities. At September 30, 2003, we had consolidated total assets of $2.8 billion, total deposits of $2.5 billion and stockholders’ equity of $251 million. Based on total deposits at September 30, 2003, we are the largest state-chartered bank in Oklahoma.

 

Our strategy focuses on providing a full range of commercial banking services to retail customers and small to medium-sized businesses. We operate 86 banking locations in 44 communities across Oklahoma. These communities include the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, Muskogee, Norman and Shawnee, as well as other non-metropolitan trade centers. Our market share of total deposits in these principal markets and our total market share for the state of Oklahoma are as follows:

 

Oklahoma City (which includes Norman and Shawnee)

   7.12 %

Tulsa

   2.49 %

Lawton

   22.17 %

Muskogee

   9.94 %

State of Oklahoma

   5.88 %

 

We operate as a super community bank, managing our community banking offices on a decentralized basis, which permits us to be responsive to local customer needs. Underwriting, funding, customer service and pricing decisions are made by presidents in each market within our operating parameters. We generally have a larger lending capacity, broader product line and greater operational efficiencies than our principal competitors in the non-metropolitan market areas (which typically are independently-owned community banks). In the metropolitan markets we serve, our strategy is to focus on the needs of local businesses that are not served effectively by larger institutions.

 

We maintain a strong community orientation by, among other things, appointing selected members of the communities in which our branches are located to a local consulting board that assists in introducing prospective customers to us and in developing or modifying products and services to meet customer needs. As a result of the development of broad banking relationships with customers and the convenience and service of our multiple offices, our lending and investing activities are funded almost entirely by core deposits.

 

In general, each location competes with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, brokerage firms, personal loan finance companies and credit unions within its respective market areas. The major areas of competition include interest rates charged on loans, interest rates paid on deposits, levels of service charges on deposits, completeness of product line and quality of service.

 

 

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We also offer trust services and act as executor, administrator, trustee, transfer agent and in various other fiduciary capacities. Our trust services consist primarily of investment management and administration of trusts for individuals, corporations and employee benefit plans. Investment options include collective equity and fixed-income funds managed by our BancTrust division and advised by nationally recognized investment management firms.

 

Our primary lending activity is the financing of business and industry in our market areas. Our commercial loan customers are generally small to medium-sized businesses engaged in light manufacturing, local wholesale and retail trade, services, agriculture, and the energy industry. Most forms of commercial lending are offered, including commercial mortgages, other forms of asset-based financing and working capital lines of credit. In addition, we offer Small Business Administration-guaranteed loans through BancFirst Commercial Capital, a division established in 1991.

 

BancFirst Corporation was incorporated in Oklahoma in 1984 as United Community Corporation and changed its name to BancFirst Corporation in 1988. Our corporate headquarters is located at 101 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, and our telephone number is (405) 270-1086.

 

BFC Capital Trust II

 

The trust is a statutory trust formed under Delaware law. The trust is governed by a trust agreement among BancFirst Corporation, The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee, The Bank of New York, as property trustee (in the case of the amended and restated trust agreement) and the administrative trustees named in the trust agreement. In this prospectus, we refer to such agreement, as amended and restated from time to time, as the “trust agreement.” The trust’s business and affairs are conducted by the property trustee, the Delaware trustee and three individual administrative trustees who are officers of BancFirst Corporation.

 

The trust exists for the exclusive purposes of:

 

  issuing and selling the preferred securities and the common securities,

 

  using the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities and the common securities to acquire junior subordinated debentures issued by BancFirst Corporation, and

 

  engaging in only those other activities necessary, advisable or incidental to the above purposes.

 

The sole assets of the trust will be junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued by us, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “junior subordinated debentures,” and the sole revenues of the trust will be payments by us under the junior subordinated debentures and an agreement as to expenses and liabilities between us and the trust, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “expense agreement.”

 

We will own all of the common securities of the trust. The common securities will rank on parity with, and payments will be made on the common securities pro rata with, the preferred securities, except that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the trust agreement resulting from an event of default under the indenture under which the junior subordinated debentures will be issued, our rights as holder of the common securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the preferred securities. See “Description of the Preferred Securities—Subordination of Common Securities to the Preferred Securities.” We will acquire common securities in an aggregate liquidation amount equal to 3% of the total capital of the trust. The trust has a term of 30 years, but may terminate earlier as described under “Description of the Preferred Securities—Redemption.”

 

The trust’s principal offices are located at 101 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102 and its telephone number is (405) 270-1086.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Preferred Securities Issuer

   BFC Capital Trust II

Securities Offered

   1,000,000 preferred securities having a liquidation amount of $25 per preferred security. The preferred securities represent preferred undivided beneficial interests in the trust’s assets, which will consist solely of the junior subordinated debentures and payments on the junior subordinated debentures. We have granted the underwriters an option, exercisable within 30 days after the date of the offering, to purchase up to an additional 40,000 preferred securities at the initial offering price, solely to cover over-allotments.

Offering Price

   $25 per preferred security (liquidation amount $25).

The Junior Subordinated Debentures

   The trust will use the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities to purchase $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our [    ]% junior subordinated debentures due [                    ], 2034.

Distributions

   The distributions payable on each preferred security:
        will be fixed at a rate per annum of [    ]% of the liquidation amount of $25 per preferred security,
        will be cumulative,
        will accrue from [    ], 2004, the date of issuance of the preferred securities,
        will be payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year, subject to possible deferral as described below, and
        the first distribution date will be April 15, 2004.
     The amount of each distribution due on the preferred securities will include amounts accrued through the date the distribution payment is due. We intend to take the position that, for federal income tax purposes, before the occurrence of a distribution extension period a holder will include distributions in income in accordance with its method of accounting for such purposes.

Distribution Extension Periods

   If no event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, then we will have the right, at any time, to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters for any deferral period. No extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of the junior subordinated debentures. If interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures are deferred, distributions on the preferred securities will also be deferred and you will not receive any cash payments on the scheduled distribution dates. In that event, we will not be permitted, subject to exceptions described in this prospectus, to

 

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declare or pay any cash distributions on our capital stock or debt securities that rank on parity with or junior to the junior subordinated debentures.

 

Currently, we have no debt securities that rank on parity with or junior to the junior subordinated debentures except for $25,000,000 principal amount of our 9.65% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2027, which rank on parity with the junior subordinated debentures. During an extension period, distributions on the junior subordinated debentures will continue to accumulate and interest on the accumulated distributions will also accumulate and be compounded quarterly at a rate of [    ]%. You will be required to accrue income for United States federal income tax purposes during any extension period and thereafter even though you receive no corresponding distribution.

Maturity

   The junior subordinated debentures will mature and the preferred securities must be redeemed on [                    ], 2034.

Redemption

  

The trust must redeem the preferred securities when the junior subordinated debentures are paid at maturity, or upon any earlier redemption of the debentures to the extent the debentures are redeemed.

 

We may redeem the debentures at 100% of their principal amount plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of redemption:

        in whole or in part at any time after [5 years from date of issuance], 2009;
        in whole at any time, if:
          there is a change in existing laws or regulations, or a new official administrative interpretation or application of these laws and regulations, that causes the interest we pay on the debentures to no longer be deductible by us for federal income tax purposes; or the trust becomes subject to federal income tax; or the trust becomes or will become subject to certain other taxes or governmental charges;
          there is a change in existing laws or regulations that requires the trust to register as an investment company; or
          there is a change in the capital adequacy guidelines adopted by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board, which we refer to as the Federal Reserve, which results in the preferred securities not being counted as Tier 1 regulatory capital.
     Redemption of the debentures prior to maturity will be subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if approval is then required. If your preferred securities are redeemed by the trust, you will receive the liquidation amount of $25.00 per preferred security, plus any accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption.

 

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Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures

       

We have the right at any time to dissolve the trust, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the trust as required by applicable law, and cause the junior subordinated debentures to be distributed to the holders of preferred securities in liquidation of the trust. Prior to dissolving the trust, we must receive approval of the Federal Reserve if the approval is required under applicable capital guidelines or policies of the Federal Reserve.

Guarantee

        Taken together, our obligations under the junior subordinated debentures, the indenture, the trust agreement, the expense agreement and the guarantee agreement described below, provide a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payments by the trust of the distributions and other amounts due on the preferred securities.
          Under the guarantee agreement, we guarantee the payment of distributions by the trust and payments on liquidation of or redemption of the preferred securities, but only to the extent that the trust has sufficient funds to make payments on the preferred securities. Our payment obligations under the guarantee agreement are subordinate to the right to payment of our senior debt, as such term is defined in this prospectus. If we do not make payments on the junior subordinated debentures, the trust will not have sufficient funds to make payments on the preferred securities, in which case you will be unable to rely on the guarantee agreement for payment. However, if the trust has insufficient funds to pay distributions on the preferred securities because we have failed to make required payments under the junior subordinated debentures, you would have the right to institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce payment of such distributions to you.

Ranking

        The preferred securities will rank on parity with, and payments on such securities will be made pro rata with, the common securities of the trust held by us, except as described in this prospectus. Our obligations under the guarantee agreement, the junior subordinated debentures and other documents described in this prospectus are unsecured and rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our current and future senior debt, the amount of which is unlimited. In addition, because we are a holding company, substantially all of our assets consist of the capital stock of our subsidiaries. All of our obligations relating to the securities described in this prospectus will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries.
          We may cause additional preferred securities to be issued by new trusts similar to the trust, and there is no limit on the amount of additional securities that may be issued. In this event, the junior subordinated debentures and our guarantee of

 

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the payments by the trust will rank on parity with any junior subordinated debentures and guarantee agreement, respectively, issued to any new trusts.

 

We have previously issued $25 million of preferred securities through BFC Capital Trust I, which used the proceeds of the sale of its preferred securities to purchase subordinated debentures from us. The junior subordinated debentures we sell to BFC Capital Trust II will rank equally with the subordinated debentures sold to BFC Capital Trust I.

Voting Rights

        You will generally have limited voting rights relating only to the modification of the preferred securities, the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the trust and certain other matters described in this prospectus.

ERISA Considerations

        You should carefully consider the information set forth under “Certain ERISA Considerations.”

Nasdaq National Market Symbol

        We have applied to have the preferred securities approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “BANFP.”

Use of Proceeds

        The trust will invest all of the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities offered by this prospectus in our junior subordinated debentures. We intend to use the net proceeds from the issuance of the junior subordinated debentures for general corporate purposes, which may include investments in our bank subsidiaries and their subsidiaries to fund their operations and their continued expansion, and to maintain the subsidiary banks’ status as “well capitalized” banks under the guidelines of their regulators. We may also use portions of the net proceeds for other purposes, including, but not limited to, retirement of indebtedness, the possible repurchase of shares of our common stock and acquisitions of, or investments in, bank or permissible non-bank entities by either us or our subsidiary banks.
          We expect the preferred securities to qualify as Tier 1 Capital under the capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve as in effect as of the date of this prospectus. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to an Investment in the Preferred Securities— Recent accounting changes may lead to a regulatory action that would entitle the trust to redeem the preferred securities and may also reduce our consolidated capital ratios ” and “Accounting and Regulatory Treatment.”

No Certificates

        The preferred securities will be represented by a global certificate that will be deposited with and registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, “DTC,” or its nominee. This means that you will not receive a certificate for your preferred securities. We expect that the preferred securities will be ready for delivery through DTC on or about [    ], 2004.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Prospective investors should carefully consider the matters set forth under the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 9.

 

SUMMARY OF SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table contains certain selected historical consolidated financial information for BancFirst Corporation on the dates and for the periods indicated. This selected financial information has been derived from, and you should read it in conjunction with, BancFirst Corporation’s audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, together with related financial statement footnotes, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus from BancFirst Corporation’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and its Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003. Results for the nine-month periods are unaudited but in the opinion of management reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of results as of the dates and for the periods presented. Results for past periods do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for future periods, and results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for the entire year ended December 31, 2003.

 

   

At and for the Nine

Months Ended

September 30,


  At and for the Year Ended December 31,

    2003

  2002

  2002

  2001

  2000

  1999

  1998

    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Income Statement Data

                                         

Net interest income

  $ 80,782   $ 81,917   $ 109,330   $ 104,932   $ 102,335   $ 93,235   $ 92,752

Provision for loan losses

    2,369     3,623     5,276     1,780     4,045     2,521     2,211

Noninterest income

    37,220     33,396     45,212     36,908     29,902     28,707     24,019

Noninterest expense

    78,980     73,783     98,380     96,620     87,724     81,453     80,482

Net income

    24,061     25,168     33,562     27,961     26,217     23,949     21,550

Balance Sheet Data

                                         

Total assets

  $ 2,820,045   $ 2,808,503   $ 2,796,862   $ 2,757,045   $ 2,570,255   $ 2,335,807   $ 2,335,883

Securities

    525,520     565,085     565,225     544,291     560,551     596,715     582,649

Total loans (net of unearned interest)

    1,801,010     1,785,927     1,814,862     1,717,433     1,666,338     1,455,481     1,338,879

Allowance for loan losses

    24,890     23,707     24,367     24,531     25,380     22,548     19,659

Deposits

    2,485,459     2,445,620     2,428,648     2,401,328     2,267,397     2,082,696     2,024,800

Long-term borrowings

    12,151     31,099     34,087     24,090     26,613     26,392     12,966

Junior Subordinated Debentures

    25,000     25,000     25,000     25,000     25,000     25,000     25,000

Stockholders’ equity

    250,932     244,286     251,508     223,168     196,958     164,714     201,917

Per Common Share Data

                                         

Net income – basic

  $ 3.07   $ 3.09   $ 4.12   $ 3.38   $ 3.22   $ 2.79   $ 2.32

Net income – diluted

    3.02     3.05     4.06     3.34     3.19     2.75     2.27

Cash dividends

    0.69     0.58     0.80     0.72     0.66     0.58     0.50

Book value

    32.11     30.11     30.91     27.02     23.65     20.30     21.73

Tangible book value

    29.38     27.42     28.25     24.34     20.63     17.34     19.14

 

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At and for the Nine

Months Ended

September 30,


    At and for the Year Ended December 31,

 
    2003

    2002

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

    1998

 
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  

Selected Financial Ratios

                                         

Performance ratios (1):

                                         

Return on average assets

  1.14 %   1.23 %   1.22 %   1.05 %   1.10 %   1.06 %   1.00 %

Return on average stockholders’ equity

  12.92     14.63     14.33     13.32     14.89     12.96     10.95  

Cash dividend payout ratio

  22.48     18.77     19.42     21.30     20.50     20.79     21.55  

Net interest spread

  3.82     3.89     3.87     3.57     3.94     3.87     3.94  

Net interest margin

  4.25     4.48     4.45     4.44     4.84     4.67     4.83  

Efficiency ratio (excluding restructuring charges in 1998)

  66.93     63.98     63.66     68.12     66.34     66.80     67.29  

Balance Sheet Ratios:

                                         

Average loans to deposits

  73.32 %   73.75 %   73.89 %   72.12 %   73.07 %   68.61 %   68.83 %

Average earning assets to total assets

  91.26     90.72     90.82     90.11     90.11     90.11     90.17  

Average stockholders’ equity to average assets

  8.82     8.41     8.53     7.86     7.38     8.20     9.09  

Asset Quality Ratios (1):

                                         

Nonperforming and restructured loans to total loans

  0.89 %   0.74 %   0.77 %   0.78 %   0.73 %   0.85 %   0.93 %

Nonperforming and restructured assets to total assets

  0.67     0.59     0.60     0.58     0.56     0.61     0.60  

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

  1.38     1.33     1.34     1.43     1.52     1.55     1.47  

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming and restructured loans

  154.43     179.54     175.16     184.24     207.85     183.47     158.69  

Net chargeoffs to average loans

  0.10     0.25     0.31     0.16     0.17     0.16     0.14  

(1) Ratios for the nine-month periods have been annualized.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Our business faces significant risks. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer, and the trading price of the preferred securities offered by this prospectus could decline.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Adverse changes in economic conditions, especially in the State of Oklahoma, could have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, and profitability.

 

Our bank subsidiaries operate exclusively within the State of Oklahoma, and as a result, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to changes in the economic conditions in such state. Our continued success is largely dependent upon the continued growth of the communities we serve. A decline in the growth of these communities could negatively impact our net income and profitability. Additionally, declines in the economies of these communities and of the State of Oklahoma in general could affect our ability to generate new loans or to receive repayments of existing loans, adversely affecting our financial condition.

 

Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce our profitability.

 

We realize income primarily from the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. We expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-earning assets will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-bearing liabilities, or vice versa. Changes in market interest rates could either positively or negatively affect our net interest income and our profitability, depending on the magnitude, direction and duration of the change.

 

We are unable to predict fluctuations of market interest rates, which are affected by, among other factors, changes in the following:

 

  inflation rates;

 

  economic growth;

 

  money supply;

 

  government debt;

 

  domestic and foreign financial markets; and

 

  political developments, including terrorist acts and acts of war.

 

Our asset-liability management strategy, which is designed to mitigate our risk from changes in market interest rates, may not be able to mitigate changes in interest rates from having a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

If a significant number of customers fail to perform under their loans, our business, profitability, and financial condition would be adversely affected.

 

As a lender, we face the risk that a significant number of our borrowers will fail to pay their loans when due. If borrower defaults cause losses in excess of our allowance for loan losses, it could have an adverse effect on our business, profitability, and financial condition. We have established an evaluation process designed to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. While this evaluation process uses historical and other objective

 

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information, the classification of loans and the establishment of loan losses are dependent to a great extent on our experience and judgment. We cannot assure you, however, that our allowance for loan losses will be sufficient to absorb future loan losses or prevent a material adverse effect on our business, profitability or financial condition.

 

Competition with other financial institutions could adversely affect our profitability.

 

We face vigorous competition from banks and other financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, finance companies and credit unions. A number of these banks and other financial institutions have substantially greater resources and lending limits, larger branch systems and a wider array of banking services. To a limited extent, we also compete with other providers of financial services, such as money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, consumer finance companies and insurance companies. When new competitors seek to enter one of our markets, or when existing market participants seek to increase their market share, they sometimes undercut the pricing and/or credit terms prevalent in that market. This competition may reduce or limit our margins on banking and trust services, reduce our market share and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, which we call the “GLB Act,” has expanded the permissible activities of a bank holding company. The GLB Act allows qualifying bank holding companies to elect to be treated as financial holding companies. A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature or are incidental or complementary to financial activities. The GLB Act also eliminated restrictions imposed by the Glass-Steagall Financial Services Law, adopted in the 1930s, which prevented banking, insurance and securities firms from fully entering each other’s business. While it is uncertain what the full impact of this legislation will be, it is likely to result in further consolidation in the financial services industry. In addition, removal of these restrictions will likely increase the number of entities providing banking services and thereby create additional competition.

 

We rely heavily on our management team, and the unexpected loss of key managers may adversely affect our operations.

 

Our success to date has been strongly influenced by our ability to attract and to retain senior management experienced in banking and financial services. Our ability to retain executive officers and the current management teams of each of our lines of business will continue to be important to successful implementation of our strategies. We do not have employment or non-compete agreements with these key employees. The unexpected loss of services of any key management personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

 

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in federal and state laws and regulations.

 

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking authorities. Any change in applicable regulations or federal or state legislation could have a substantial impact on us and our results of operations. Additional legislation and regulations may be enacted or adopted in the future that could significantly affect our powers, authority and operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, regulators have significant discretion and power to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of laws by banks and bank holding companies in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties. The exercise of regulatory power may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

There can be no assurance that the integration of our acquisitions will be successful or will not result in unforeseen difficulties that may absorb significant management attention.

 

Our completed acquisitions, or any future acquisition, may not produce the revenue, earnings or synergies that we anticipated. The process of integrating acquired companies into our business may also result in

 

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unforeseen difficulties. Unforeseen operating difficulties may absorb significant management attention, which we might otherwise devote to our existing business. Also, the process may require significant financial resources that we might otherwise allocate to other activities, including the ongoing development or expansion of our existing operations.

 

If we pursue a future acquisition, our management could spend a significant amount of time and effort identifying and completing the acquisition. If we make a future acquisition, we could issue equity securities which would dilute current stockholders’ percentage ownership, incur substantial debt, assume contingent liabilities, incur a one-time charge or be required to record an impairment of goodwill, or any combination of the foregoing.

 

Breakdowns in our internal controls and procedures could have an adverse effect on us.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, we identified a significant deficiency in our internal controls. The deficiency related to our internal controls on segregation of duties as well as our procedures for reconciling “due from banks” accounts. This deficiency resulted in certain account outages not being fully researched and investigated, and certain receivables from the processing of cash letters and other transactions not being collected on a timely basis. Management has corrected this deficiency by reassigning the preparation, review and approval of the reconciliations, and the posting of general ledger entries, to persons independent of the processing and recording of the transactions to the “due from banks” accounts. Our independent accountants reviewed this deficiency and agreed that it constituted a significant deficiency that rose to the level of a reportable condition. Reportable conditions are defined under generally accepted auditing standards as involving significant deficiencies in the design or operation of a company’s internal controls that could adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data. Other instances of breakdowns in our internal controls and procedures could occur in the future, and any such breakdowns could have an adverse effect on us.

 

Maintaining or increasing our market share depends on market acceptance and regulatory approval of new products and services.

 

Our success depends, in part, upon our ability to adapt our products and services to evolving industry standards and consumer demand. There is increasing pressure on financial services companies to provide products and services at lower prices. In addition, the widespread adoption of new technologies, including Internet-based services, could require us to make substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our existing products or services. A failure to achieve market acceptance of any new products we introduce, or a failure to introduce products that the market may demand, could have an adverse effect on our business, profitability, or growth prospects.

 

We have businesses other than banking.

 

In addition to commercial banking services, we provide life and other insurance products, as well as other business and financial services. We may in the future develop or acquire other non-banking businesses. As a result of other such businesses, our earnings could be subject to risks and uncertainties that are different from those to which our commercial banking services are subject.

 

We have a continuing need for technological change.

 

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our market area. Many of our larger competitors have

 

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substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products to those that we will be able to offer, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, we cannot provide you with assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such products and services to our customers.

 

Recent changes in laws and regulations may cause us to incur additional costs.

 

Recently enacted and proposed changes in the laws and regulations affecting public companies, including the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules recently adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., could cause us to incur increased costs as we evaluate the implications of new rules and respond to new requirements. We continue to evaluate and monitor developments with respect to these new and proposed rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of the additional costs, if any, we may incur or the timing of such costs.

 

Risks Related to an Investment in the Preferred Securities

 

If we do not make interest payments under the junior subordinated debentures, the trust will be unable to pay distributions and liquidation amounts on the preferred securities. The guarantee would not apply because the guarantee covers payments only if the trust has funds available.

 

The trust will depend solely on our payments on the junior subordinated debentures to pay amounts due to you on the preferred securities. Without these payments, the trust will not have sufficient funds to pay distributions or the liquidation amount on the preferred securities. In that case, you will not be able to rely on the guarantee for payment of these amounts because the guarantee only applies if the trust has sufficient funds to make distributions or to pay the liquidation amount. Instead, you or the property trustee will have to institute a direct action against us to enforce the property trustee’s rights under the indenture relating to the junior subordinated debentures.

 

Payment obligations for our outstanding existing preferred securities will rank equally with our payment obligations on the preferred securities.

 

In 1997, BFC Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust created by us, issued $25 million in preferred securities. Our obligation to make payments on the debentures for those securities will rank equally with our obligation to make payments on the junior subordinated debentures for the preferred securities issued in this offering. If we have insufficient funds to make payments on the debentures for either class of preferred securities, the trust will not have sufficient funds to fully pay distributions or the liquidation amount on the preferred securities. If we elect to defer payments on the debentures for our existing preferred securities, we must also defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures for the preferred securities in this offering and vice versa.

 

We must rely primarily on dividends from our bank subsidiaries to make interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures to the trust.

 

Because we are a holding company, our ability to make payments on the junior subordinated debentures when due will depend primarily on dividends from our bank subsidiaries, including our primary bank subsidiary, BancFirst. The ability of our bank subsidiaries to pay dividends is subject to legal restrictions and the bank’s profitability, financial condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements. We may also borrow additional funds, issue debt instruments, issue and sell shares of preferred stock, or engage in other types of financing activities, in order to increase our capital. Covenants contained in the related loan or financing agreements or other debt instruments could restrict or condition our payment of cash dividends based on various financial considerations or factors.

 

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Regulatory authorities may limit dividends paid to us and thereby our ability to make interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures to the trust.

 

We cannot assure you that our bank subsidiaries will be able to pay dividends in the future due to regulatory restrictions or that our regulators will not attempt to preclude us from making interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures. Oklahoma banking law requires that cash dividends be paid by a bank only out of retained earnings. We may also be precluded from making interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures by our regulators in order to address any perceived deficiencies in liquidity or regulatory capital levels at the holding company level. Such regulatory action would require us to obtain consent from our regulators prior to paying dividends on our common stock or interest on the junior subordinated debentures. In the event our regulators withheld their consent to our payment of interest on the junior subordinated debentures, we would exercise our right to defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures, and the trust would not have funds available to make distributions on the preferred securities during such period.

 

Our obligation to make interest payments to the trust on the junior subordinated debentures is subordinated to existing liabilities or additional debt we may incur.

 

Our obligations under the guarantee agreement and the junior subordinated debentures are unsecured and rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our current and future “senior debt,” as that term is defined in the indenture for the junior subordinated debentures. None of the indenture, the guarantee agreement or the trust agreement places any limitation on the amount of secured or unsecured debt, including senior debt, that we or our subsidiaries may incur. Further, those agreements do not limit our ability to issue additional junior subordinated debentures in connection with any future offerings of preferred securities, and such additional debentures would rank on parity with the junior subordinated debentures.

 

In addition, because we are a holding company, all of our obligations relating to the securities described in this prospectus will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including BancFirst, regardless of the ranking or seniority of those liabilities. As separate and distinct legal entities, our subsidiaries have no obligation to pay any amounts due on the junior subordinated debentures or to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay or make dividends, distributions, loans or advances depends upon their respective earnings and could be subject to contractual restrictions. In addition, various federal and state statutes and regulations limit the amount of dividends that our banking and other subsidiaries may pay to us without regulatory approval. As a holding company, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon such subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise, and thus your ability to benefit indirectly from such distribution, is subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that we may ourselves be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Accordingly, the junior subordinated debentures and all of our obligations relating to the preferred securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, and you should look only to our assets, and not those of our subsidiaries, for principal and interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures.

 

As of September 30, 2003, we had approximately $4 million of senior debt outstanding and our subsidiaries had approximately $30 million of outstanding debt and other liabilities (excluding intercompany liabilities and liabilities of the type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) to which the junior subordinated debentures would have been effectively subordinated.

 

See “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures—Subordination” and “Description of Guarantee Agreement—Status of the Guarantee Agreement.”

 

The trust has no operations and its ability to pay distributions on the preferred securities is dependent upon our payment of the junior subordinated debentures.

 

The trust exists for the exclusive purposes of issuing and selling the common securities and the preferred securities, using the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities and the common securities to acquire the

 

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junior subordinated debentures, and engaging in only those other activities necessary, advisable or incidental to the above purposes. As a result, the ability of the trust to pay amounts due on the preferred securities depends solely upon our making payments on the junior subordinated debentures as and when required. As a holding company without significant assets other than its equity interest in its subsidiaries, our ability to pay interest on the junior subordinated debentures to the trust, and consequently, the trust’s ability to pay distributions on the preferred securities and our ability to pay our obligations under the guarantee agreement, depends primarily upon the dividends, distributions, loans or advances we receive from our subsidiaries. As described above, our subsidiaries are not obligated to make dividends, distributions, advances or loans to us and their ability to do so may be subject to contractual and regulatory restrictions.

 

We have the option to defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures for substantial periods.

 

As long as we are not in default under the indenture relating to the junior subordinated debentures, we may, at one or more times, defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters. If we defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures, the trust will defer distributions on the preferred securities during any deferral, or extension, period. If we elect to defer payments on the debentures for our existing preferred securities, we must also defer payments on the junior subordinated debentures for the preferred securities in this offering and vice versa.

 

Prior to the termination of any extension period, we may further extend such extension period so long as that extension does not cause such extension period to exceed 20 consecutive quarters or to extend beyond the stated maturity. Upon the termination of any extension period and the payment of all interest then accrued and unpaid, together with interest thereon at the annual rate of [        ]%, compounded quarterly, to the extent permitted by applicable law, we may elect to begin a new extension period subject to the above requirements. If we comply with the requirements for an extension period, we may elect to begin an extension period an unlimited number of times. See “Description of the Preferred Securities—Distribution Extension Periods” and “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures—Option to Defer Interest Payment Period.”

 

If we defer interest payments, you will still be required to recognize the deferred interest amounts as income and will be required to include future interest amounts on an accrual basis.

 

During an extension period, you will be required to recognize as income for federal income tax purposes the amount approximately equal to the interest that accrues on your proportionate share of the junior subordinated debentures held by the trust in the tax year in which that interest accrues, even though you will not receive these amounts until a later date if you hold the preferred securities until the deferred interest is paid. In addition, if we defer interest payments, you will be required to include future interest amounts on an accrual basis as original issue discount for federal income tax purposes, possibly in advance of the receipt of cash payments of such income.

 

If you sell your preferred securities during an extension period, you will forfeit the deferred interest amount and only have a capital loss.

 

You will not receive the cash related to any accrued and unpaid interest from the trust if you sell the preferred securities before the end of any extension period. During an extension period, accrued but unpaid distributions will increase your tax basis in the preferred securities. If you sell the preferred securities during a deferral period, your increased tax basis will decrease the amount of any capital gain or increase the amount of any capital loss that you may have otherwise realized on the sale. A capital loss, except in certain limited circumstances, cannot be applied to offset ordinary income. As a result, deferral of distributions could result in ordinary income, and a related tax liability for the holder, and a capital loss that may only be used to offset a capital gain.

 

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Deferrals of interest payments may increase the volatility of the market price of the preferred securities.

 

If we defer interest payments, the market price of the preferred securities would likely be adversely affected. The preferred securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest on the junior subordinated debentures. If you sell the preferred securities during an extension period, you may not receive the same return on investment as someone who continues to hold the preferred securities. Because of our right to defer interest payments, the market price of the preferred securities may be more volatile than the market prices of other securities without a deferral feature.

 

There are no financial covenants in the indenture and the trust agreement.

 

The indenture governing the junior subordinated debentures and the trust agreement governing the trust do not require us to maintain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity. The instruments do not protect holders of the junior subordinated debentures or the preferred securities in the event we experience significant adverse changes in our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, neither the indenture nor the trust agreement limits our ability or the ability of any subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness. Therefore, you should not consider the provisions of these governing instruments as a significant factor in evaluating whether we will be able to comply with our financial obligations under the junior subordinated debentures or the guarantee.

 

We may redeem some or all of the junior subordinated debentures at any time [on or after five years from date of issuance], 2009, and reduce the period during which you will receive distributions.

 

We have the option to redeem any or all of the outstanding junior subordinated debentures after [five years from date of issuance], 2009 at 100% of their principal amount plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of redemption. Upon early redemption, you may be required to reinvest your principal at a time when you may not be able to earn a return that is as high as you were earning on the preferred securities.

 

We may redeem all of the junior subordinated debentures at any time upon the occurrence of certain events.

 

We may redeem all of the junior subordinated debentures before their stated maturity, at 100% of their principal amount plus unpaid interest accrued to the date of redemption, within 90 days after certain occurrences at any time during the life of the trust. These occurrences include adverse tax, investment company or bank regulatory developments. See “Description of the Preferred Securities—Redemption.” Upon early redemption, you may be required to reinvest your principal at a time when you may not be able to earn a return that is as high as you were earning on the preferred securities.

 

Recent accounting changes may lead to a regulatory action that would entitle the trust to redeem the preferred securities and may also reduce our consolidated capital ratios.

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which addresses the consolidation rules to be applied to “variable interest entities.” As a result of FIN 46, variable interest entities, such as BFC Capital Trust I and the trust, can no longer be treated as consolidated subsidiaries of the companies that use them to issue preferred securities. Consequently, effective September 30, 2003, we no longer included BFC Capital Trust I as a consolidated subsidiary, and, in accordance with FIN 46, we will not consolidate the trust’s assets and liabilities on our balance sheet.

 

For regulatory reporting and capital adequacy purposes, the Federal Reserve has indicated that preferred securities issued by variable interest entities such as the trust will continue to constitute Tier 1 capital until further notice. However, given the issues raised by FIN 46, there could be a change to the regulatory capital treatment of preferred securities issued by U.S. bank holding companies. Specifically, it is possible that the Federal Reserve

 

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Board may conclude that preferred securities should no longer be treated as Tier 1 regulatory capital. The Federal Reserve, in reacting to the issuance of the FASB interpretation, has indicated that qualifying preferred securities will continue to be treated as Tier 1 regulatory capital until notice to the contrary is given. If Tier 1 regulatory capital treatment were to be disallowed in the future, we would be able to redeem the junior subordinated debentures, thereby causing a mandatory redemption of the preferred securities pursuant to the special “capital treatment event” redemption described under “Description of the Preferred Securities—Redemption.” Under such circumstances, no additional cash distributions would be paid on the preferred securities after they were redeemed and you would lose whatever future potential income you may have expected to receive as a holder of the preferred securities. Additionally, there would be a reduction in our consolidated capital ratios, as discussed more fully in the section entitled “Accounting and Regulatory Treatment.”

 

If Tier 1 regulatory capital treatment for our preferred securities were disallowed, there would be a reduction in our consolidated capital ratios. We believe, however, that we would remain “well capitalized” under Federal Reserve Board guidelines.

 

We can distribute the junior subordinated debentures to you, which may have adverse tax consequences for you and could also adversely affect the liquidity of your investment and the market price of the preferred securities.

 

We have the right at any time to terminate the trust, subject to prior regulatory approval, and, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the trust as required by applicable law, cause the junior subordinated debentures to be distributed to you in liquidation of the trust. Because you may receive junior subordinated debentures in liquidation of the trust and because distributions on the preferred securities depend upon payments on the junior subordinated debentures, you are also making an investment decision with regard to the junior subordinated debentures and should carefully review all the information regarding the junior subordinated debentures contained in this prospectus.

 

Under current interpretations of United States federal income tax laws supporting classification of the trust as a grantor trust for tax purposes, a distribution of the junior subordinated debentures to you upon the dissolution of the trust would not be a taxable event to you. Nevertheless, if the trust is classified for United States income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at the time it is dissolved, the distribution of the junior subordinated debentures would be a taxable event to you. In addition, if there is a change in law, a distribution of the junior subordinated debentures upon the dissolution of the trust could be a taxable event to you. Also, the junior subordinated debentures that you may receive if the trust is liquidated may trade at a discount to the price that you paid to purchase the preferred securities.

 

We expect that the preferred securities will be listed on the Nasdaq National Market. The junior subordinated debentures will not be listed on the Nasdaq National Market or any other exchange or interdealer quotation system. If the trust is terminated and the junior subordinated debentures are distributed to you, we have agreed in the trust agreement to use our best efforts to have the junior subordinated debentures approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market or on such other exchange, interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization as the preferred securities are then listed. However, since the Nasdaq National Market does not currently list debt securities and the NYSE generally only lists debt securities of currently listed companies, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully obtain a listing on either of those two trading systems or at all, which may adversely affect the liquidity of your investment and the market price of the preferred securities.

 

There is no current public market for the preferred securities and their market prices may be subject to significant fluctuations.

 

There is currently no public market for the preferred securities. There is no guarantee that the preferred securities will be accepted for listing on the Nasdaq National Market, that an active or liquid trading market will develop for the preferred securities, or that the quotation of the preferred securities will continue on the Nasdaq

 

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National Market. If an active trading market does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the preferred securities will be adversely affected. Even if an active public market does develop, there is no guarantee that the market price for the preferred securities will equal or exceed the price you pay for them. The market price for the preferred securities, and the junior subordinated debentures that you may receive in a distribution, is also likely to decline during any period that we are deferring interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures or during a period of rising interest rates.

 

You must rely on the property trustee to enforce your rights if there is an event of default under the indenture.

 

The trust will depend solely upon our making timely payments on the junior subordinated debentures to pay amounts due to you on the preferred securities. If we fail to make payments on the junior subordinated debentures, the trust will be unable to make the related distribution or liquidation payments on the preferred securities to you. If this happens, you will not be able to rely on the guarantee agreement for payment of amounts owed to you.

 

Additionally, you may not be able to directly enforce your rights against us under the indenture if an event of default occurs. If an event of default occurs under the indenture, you must rely on the enforcement by the property trustee of its rights as holder of the junior subordinated debentures against us. The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities will have the right to direct the property trustee to enforce its rights. If the property trustee does not enforce its rights following an event of default and there is no request by the record holders of the junior subordinated debentures to do so, any record holder may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, take action directly against us to enforce the property trustee’s rights. If an event of default occurs that is attributable to our failure to pay interest or principal on the junior subordinated debentures, or if we default under the guarantee, you may proceed directly against us. You will not be able to exercise directly any other remedies available to the holders of the junior subordinated debentures, unless the property trustee fails to do so.

 

Our ability to pay interest on the junior subordinated debentures may be adversely impacted if we cannot deduct such interest payments.

 

Our ability to deduct the interest paid on the junior subordinated debentures depends upon whether the junior subordinated debentures are characterized as debt instruments for federal income tax purposes, taking all the relevant facts and circumstances into account. Our counsel has rendered an opinion to us that the junior subordinated debentures will be treated as debt instruments for federal income tax purposes. In accordance with that opinion of counsel, we will deduct the interest on the junior subordinated debentures for federal income tax purposes. However, the legal opinion is not binding on the tax authorities or the courts. If the interest on the junior subordinated debentures is finally determined not to be deductible by us, we would have significant additional income tax liabilities. Any such tax liability could adversely affect our ability to pay interest on the junior subordinated debentures to the trust, and, consequently, the trust’s ability to pay distributions on the preferred securities and our ability to pay our obligations under the guarantee agreement.

 

As a holder of preferred securities you have limited voting rights to replace the property trustee and the Delaware trustee.

 

You will generally have limited voting rights relating only to the modification of the preferred securities, the dissolution, winding-up, termination or liquidation of the trust, and the exercise of the trust’s rights as holder of junior subordinated debentures. You will not be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace the property trustee or the Delaware trustee, and such voting rights are vested exclusively in the holder of the common securities except upon the occurrence of certain events described in this prospectus. In no event will you have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the administrative trustees as these voting rights are vested exclusively in the holder of the common securities. The property trustee, the administrative trustees and we may amend the trust

 

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agreement without your consent to ensure that the trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust or to ensure that the trust will not be required to register as an “investment company,” even if such action adversely affects your interests.

 

The junior subordinated debentures and the preferred securities do not represent deposit accounts and are not insured.

 

The junior subordinated debentures and the preferred securities do not represent bank deposit accounts and they are not obligations issued or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other governmental agency.

 

We have been unable to obtain the consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to be named in the prospectus as having audited our financial statements and, as a result, you may be unable to recover damages from them.

 

In June 2002, Arthur Andersen LLP, who we refer to as Arthur Andersen, was convicted of federal obstruction of justice charges in connection with its destruction of documents related to Enron Corp. In order to include audited financial statements in a registration statement, we are required to obtain a consent from the independent public accountants who reported on the financial statements. As a result of Arthur Andersen’s conviction, the accounting firm is no longer in a position to provide consents to include financial statements reported on by them in our registration statement. The reports covering our financial statements for 2001 and 2000 were previously issued by Arthur Andersen and have not been reissued by them. Pursuant to Rule 437(a) under the Securities Act, the SEC has provided temporary relief for companies that are unable to obtain consents from Arthur Andersen, by permitting filings to be made without the written consent of such firm. We filed our registration statement in reliance on this temporary relief provided by the SEC. Because we are unable to obtain a consent from Arthur Andersen, you will be unable to sue such firm under Section 11 of the Securities Act for material misstatements or omissions, if any, in the registration statement and prospectus, including the financial statements covered by their previously issued reports. Moreover, Arthur Andersen ceased operations during 2002. As a result, it is unlikely you would be able to recover damages from Arthur Andersen for any claim against them.

 

We might not be able to continue to rely on the temporary relief granted by the SEC indefinitely. If the SEC no longer accepts financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen, this may affect our ability to access the public capital markets in the future unless Ernst & Young LLP, our current independent accounting firm, or another independent accounting firm, is able to audit the financial statements originally audited by Arthur Andersen. Any delay or inability to access the capital markets may make it difficult for us to obtain additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions or general corporate or other purposes, which could have an adverse impact on our business.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the “Exchange Act.” We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. You can identify these statements from our use of the words “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may include, among other things:

 

  statements relating to projected growth; leverage strategy; anticipated improvements in earnings, earnings per share, and other financial performance measures; and management’s long term performance goals;

 

  statements relating to the anticipated effects on results of operations or financial condition from expected developments or events;

 

  statements relating to our business and growth strategies, including potential acquisitions and branch openings; and

 

  any other statements which are not historical facts.

 

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from our expectations of future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. We discuss these and other uncertainties in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. We urge investors to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to our company or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are made only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The trust will invest all of the proceeds from the sale of preferred securities and common securities in the junior subordinated debentures. The net proceeds to us from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures relating to the preferred securities are estimated to be $24 million (or $24.9 million, if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), net of estimated underwriting commissions and other estimated offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including investments in or advances to our bank subsidiaries and their subsidiaries to fund their operations and their continued expansion, and to maintain the subsidiary banks’ status as “well capitalized” banks under the guidelines of their regulators. We may also use portions of the net proceeds for other purposes, including, but not limited to, retirement of indebtedness, the possible repurchase of shares of our common stock and acquisitions of, or investments in, bank or permissible non-bank entities or assets by either us or our subsidiary banks (although no agreements or understandings presently exist with respect to any material acquisitions). The precise amounts and timing of the application of proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements, the funding and capital requirements of our bank subsidiaries, and whether we have funds available from other sources that we can use for any of those purposes.

 

Pending such uses, we intend to invest the net proceeds in investment-grade obligations and interest-bearing money market instruments.

 

CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2002, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002. For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, we divided consolidated income, before income taxes, plus fixed charges by fixed charges. Fixed charges consists of:

 

  consolidated interest expense, including interest on our indebtedness and including or excluding interest on deposits, as the case may be; and

 

  that portion of rental expense which we deem representative of the interest factor.

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,


    Years Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

    1998

 

Earnings/Fixed Charges:

      

Excluding interest on deposits

   11.85 x   10.53 x   10.67 x   8.27 x   7.38 x   7.69 x   6.98 x

Including interest on deposits

   2.44 x   2.01 x   2.06 x   1.56 x   1.50 x   1.57 x   1.50 x

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated long-term debt and capitalization as of September 30, 2003 and as adjusted to give effect to the issuance by the trust of approximately $773,196 aggregate liquidation amount of common securities and $25 million aggregate liquidation amount of preferred securities and receipt by us of the proceeds from the corresponding sale of the junior subordinated debentures to the trust. You should read this table in conjunction with our summary of consolidated financial data and audited consolidated financial statements, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

     September 30, 2003

 
     Actual

    As Adjusted

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

INDEBTEDNESS:

                

Short-term borrowings

   $ 17,338     $ 17,338  

Long-term borrowings

     12,151       12,151  

Junior Subordinated Debentures

9.65% of BancFirst Corporation due January 15, 2027

     25,000       25,000  

Junior Subordinated Debentures

    % of BancFirst Corporation due                     , 2034 (1)

     —         25,773  
    


 


Total indebtedness

     54,489       80,262  
    


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

                

Common stock, $1.00 par value,

15,000,000 shares authorized

7,815,364 outstanding

     7,815       7,815  

Capital surplus

     60,406       60,406  

Retained earnings

     171,088       171,088  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     11,623       11,623  
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     250,932       250,932  
    


 


Total capitalization

   $ 305,421     $ 331,194  
    


 


     September 30, 2003

 
     Actual

    As Adjusted

 

CAPITAL RATIOS:

                

Leverage ratio

     8.77 %     9.66 %

Tier 1 capital ratio

     12.20 %     13.44 %

Total capital ratio

     13.44 %     14.68 %

(1) Excludes the $1,030,928 aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures to be purchased by the trust in the event the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option.

 

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ACCOUNTING AND REGULATORY TREATMENT

 

Accounting Treatment

 

Historically, issuer trusts that issued preferred securities have been consolidated by their parent companies and the accounts of such issuer trusts have been included in the consolidated financial statements of such parent companies. However, in January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “ Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ,” or FIN 46, which provides guidance for determining when an entity should consolidate another entity that meets the definition of a variable interest entity. FIN 46 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated if the company will absorb a majority of the expected losses, will receive a majority of the expected residual returns, or both. Under this new guidance, BFC Capital I and the trust in this offering are considered to be variable interest entities that do not satisfy the conditions for consolidation. FIN 46 was effective immediately for interests in variable interest entities acquired after January 31, 2003, and, as originally issued, was effective in the first interim period after June 15, 2003 to interests in variable interest entities acquired before February 1, 2003, such as BFC Capital Trust I. As of October 9, 2003, the FASB deferred compliance with FIN 46 from July 1, 2003 to the first period ending after December 15, 2003 for variable interest entities created prior to February 1, 2003, such as BFC Capital Trust I. However, we adopted FIN 46 on July 1, 2003, as originally issued, and de-consolidated BFC Capital Trust I. The effect of this de-consolidation was to remove the $25,000,000 of 9.65% preferred securities and the related interest expense from our consolidated financial statements, and instead to report the $25,000,000 of 9.65% subordinated debentures we issued to BFC Capital Trust I, and the related interest expense thereon. Similarly, for financial reporting purposes, we will treat the trust as an unconsolidated subsidiary and, instead, report the aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures we issue to the trust as liabilities, record offsetting assets for the cash and common securities received from the trust in our consolidated balance sheet, and report interest payable on the junior subordinated debentures as an interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

Our future reports filed under the Exchange Act will include a note to the financial statements stating that:

 

  the trust is an unconsolidated subsidiary;

 

  the sole assets of the trust are our junior subordinated debentures (specifying the principal amount, interest rate and maturity date of such junior subordinated debentures); and

 

  the back-up obligations, in the aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by us of the obligations of the trust under the preferred securities.

 

The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has informally indicated that it will not require the trust to provide separate financial statements and reports under the Exchange Act, by reference to Exchange Act Rule 12h-5, notwithstanding the fact that the trust is not consolidated in our financial statements. Consequently, the trust does not intend to file separate reports under the Exchange Act.

 

Regulatory Treatment of Preferred Securities

 

We are required by the Federal Reserve to maintain certain levels of capital for bank regulatory purposes. Since 1996, it has been the position of the Federal Reserve that certain qualifying amounts of cumulative preferred securities having the characteristics of the preferred securities could be included as Tier 1 regulatory capital for bank holding companies; however, capital received from the sale of such cumulative preferred securities, including the preferred securities, cannot constitute, as a whole, more than 25% of total Tier 1 regulatory capital. We call this the “25% capital limitation.” Amounts in excess of the 25% capital limitation would constitute Tier 2 or supplementary capital. The percentage of our Tier 1 regulatory capital represented by our existing trust preferred securities was 10.19% at September 30, 2003. As adjusted for the issuance of the preferred securities in this offering, the percentage of our Tier 1 regulatory capital represented by the aggregate of our existing trust preferred securities and the preferred securities to be issued in this offering would be 18.5% (18.8% if the over-allotment option is exercised is full). Under these guidelines, we expect that 100% of the preferred securities will be treated as Tier 1 regulatory capital of BancFirst Corporation.

 

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However, the de-consolidation required by FIN 46 could result in a change to the regulatory capital treatment of preferred securities issued by us and other U.S. bank holding companies. Specifically, it is possible that since the issuer trusts will not be consolidated by us pursuant to FIN 46, the preferred securities issued by such issuer trusts would not be considered a minority interest in equity accounts of a consolidated subsidiary and therefore not be accorded Tier 1 regulatory capital treatment by the Federal Reserve. Although the Federal Reserve has indicated in Supervision and Regulation Letter No. 03-13 (July 2, 2003) that preferred securities will be treated as Tier 1 regulatory capital until notice is given to the contrary, the supervisory letter also indicates that the Federal Reserve will review the regulatory implications of any accounting treatment changes and will provide further guidance if necessary or warranted. If Tier 1 regulatory capital treatment were disallowed, there would be a reduction in our consolidated capital ratios. As of September 30, 2003, approximately $25 million in aggregate liquidation amount of preferred securities were outstanding that we treated as Tier 1 regulatory capital for regulatory capital purposes. If all of our outstanding preferred securities at September 30, 2003 were not treated as Tier 1 regulatory capital at that date, our Tier 1 leverage capital ratio would have declined from 8.77% to 7.87%, our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio would have declined from 12.20% to 10.96%, and our total risk-based capital ratio would have declined from 13.44% to 12.20%. These reduced capital ratios would continue to meet the applicable Federal Reserve capital requirements for a well-capitalized institution. Pending a change in regulatory treatment, the outstanding preferred securities of BFC Capital I and the trust in this offering will be treated as Tier 1 regulatory capital by us.

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

 

The trust is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law pursuant to:

 

  the initial trust agreement, dated as of January 27, 2004, executed by us, as depositor, and by the Delaware trustee; and

 

  the Certificate of Trust filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 27, 2004.

 

The initial trust agreement will be amended and restated in its entirety substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The trust agreement will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The trust will issue all of the preferred securities to purchasers in the offering as described in this prospectus. We will acquire all of the common securities issued by the trust, which will represent an aggregate liquidation amount equal to at least 3% of the total capital of the trust. The common securities will be equal in right to payments with the preferred securities, except that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the trust agreement resulting from a debenture event of default, our rights as holder of the common securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise will be subordinated to your right to payments as a holder of the preferred securities. See “Description of the Preferred Securities—Subordination of Common Securities to the Preferred Securities.”

 

The trust exists for the purposes of:

 

  issuing the preferred securities and common securities representing undivided beneficial interests in its assets,

 

  investing the gross proceeds of the preferred securities and the common securities in the junior subordinated debentures issued by us, and

 

  engaging in activities that are incidental to the activities described above.

 

The junior subordinated debentures will be the only assets of the trust and payments under the junior subordinated debentures will be the only revenue of the trust. The trust has a term of 30 years, but may dissolve earlier as provided in the trust agreement. The trust’s principal offices are located at 101 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102 and its telephone number is (405) 270-1086.

 

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The trustees and the administrators will conduct the affairs of the trust. We will select three individuals who are our employees, officers or affiliates to be the administrators of the trust. The property trustee will be a financial institution that is not our affiliate and will serve as institutional trustee under the trust agreement and as indenture trustee for purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act. Initially, The Bank of New York, a banking corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York, will be the property trustee. The property trustee is the independent trustee whose sole responsibility is to fulfill the obligations specified in the Trust Indenture Act. For purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, The Bank of New York will also act as guarantee trustee under the guarantee and as trustee under the indenture. The Delaware trustee will be an entity that maintains its principal place of business in the State of Delaware. The Bank of New York (Delaware), a Delaware banking corporation, will act as Delaware trustee.

 

The property trustee will hold the junior subordinated debentures for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities and the common securities and in such capacity will have the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges under the indenture. The property trustee will also maintain exclusive control of a segregated non-interest-bearing bank account, the property account, to hold all payments made under the junior subordinated debentures for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities and the common securities. The property trustee will make payments of distributions and payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the holders of the preferred securities and the common securities out of funds from the property account. The guarantee trustee will hold the guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities. We, as the holder of all the common securities, will have the right to appoint, remove or replace any trustee and to increase or decrease the number of trustees. We will pay all fees and expenses related to the trust and the offering of the preferred securities and the common securities.

 

Your rights as a holder of the preferred securities, including economic rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the trust agreement and the Trust Indenture Act. See “Description of the Preferred Securities.”

 

The address of the Delaware trustee is The Bank of New York (Delaware), 700 White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark, Delaware 19711, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, and the telephone number is (302) 283-8079.

 

The address of the property trustee, the guarantee trustee and the indenture trustee is The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West, New York, New York 10286, and the telephone number is (212) 845-5498.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

 

Because this is a summary of the terms and provisions of the preferred securities and the trust agreement, it may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire trust agreement, including the definitions in that agreement, and the Trust Indenture Act. The form of the trust agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

General

 

Pursuant to the terms of the trust agreement, the administrative trustees on behalf of the trust will issue the preferred securities and the common securities. In this prospectus, we refer to the preferred securities and the common securities collectively as “trust securities.” The preferred securities will represent preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trust. The preferred securities will be entitled to a preference over the common securities in certain circumstances with respect to distributions and amounts payable on redemption or liquidation, as well as other benefits as described in the trust agreement. We will hold all of the common securities of the trust. The only assets of the trust will be the junior subordinated debentures issued by us, and the sole revenues of the trust will be payments by us under the junior subordinated debentures and the expense agreement.

 

The preferred securities will rank on parity with, and payments will be made on the preferred securities pro rata with, the common securities of the trust except as described under “—Subordination of Common Securities to the Preferred Securities” below. The property trustee will hold legal title to the junior subordinated debentures in trust for the benefit of the holders of the trust securities. The guarantee agreement executed by us for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities will be a guarantee only on a subordinated basis. The guarantee agreement will not guarantee payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the preferred securities or on liquidation of the preferred securities if the trust does not have funds on hand available to make such payments. See “Description of Guarantee Agreement.”

 

Distributions

 

Distributions on the preferred securities will be payable at the annual rate of [        ]% of the stated liquidation amount of $25, payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year, commencing on April 15, 2004, to the holders of preferred securities on the relevant record dates. We refer to each date on which distributions are payable in accordance with the preceding sentence as a distribution date. The amount of each distribution on the preferred securities will include amounts accrued through the date the distribution payment is due. Distributions on the preferred securities will be payable to the holders of the preferred securities as they appear on the register of the trust on the relevant record date, which will be the date 15 days prior to the relevant distribution date. Distributions will accumulate from the date of original issuance of the preferred securities.

 

The amount of distributions payable for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If any date on which distributions are payable on the preferred securities is not a business day, payment of the distribution payable on such date will be made on the next business day without any interest or other payment in respect to any such delay, with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was originally payable. As used in this prospectus, a “business day” means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or a day on which the corporate trust office of the property trustee or the indenture trustee is closed for business.

 

The funds of the trust available for distribution to you will be limited to payments by us under the junior subordinated debentures in which the trust will invest the proceeds from the issuance and sale of its preferred securities. See “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures.” If we do not make interest payments on the

 

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junior subordinated debentures, the property trustee will not have funds available to pay distributions on the preferred securities. The payment of distributions, if and to the extent the trust has funds legally available for the payment of such distributions and cash sufficient to make such payments, is guaranteed by us. See “Description of Guarantee Agreement.”

 

Distribution Extension Periods

 

So long as no event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, the indenture permits us to defer the payment of interest on the junior subordinated debentures at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters with respect to each such period. No extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of the junior subordinated debentures. As a consequence of any such election, the trust will defer quarterly distributions, and distributions will not be payable, on the preferred securities during any such extension period. Distributions to which you are entitled will accumulate additional amounts thereon at the rate per annum of [        ]% thereof, compounded quarterly from the relevant distribution date, to the extent permitted under applicable law. The term “distributions” as used in this prospectus includes any such additional accumulated amounts. During any extension period, we may not and shall not allow any of our subsidiaries to:

 

  declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital stock, which includes common and preferred stock;

 

  make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any of our debt securities, including other junior subordinated debentures issued under the indenture, that rank on parity with or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debentures;

 

  make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by us of the debt securities of any subsidiary if such guarantee ranks on parity with or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debentures; or

 

  redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the junior subordinated debentures or any of the preferred securities.

 

The prohibitions in the first three bullet points above do not apply to:

 

  dividends or distributions in our capital stock, which includes common and preferred stock;

 

  any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant to such plan;

 

  payments under the guarantee agreement; and

 

  purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights under any of our benefit plans for our directors, officers, employees or consultants.

 

Prior to the termination of any extension period, we may further extend the extension period, so long as the extension does not cause such extension period to exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the stated maturity. If any extension period terminates and we pay all amounts then due, subject to the foregoing limitations, we may elect to begin a new extension period. Except as described in this paragraph, there is no limitation on the number of times that we may elect to begin an extension period.

 

We have no current intention of exercising our right to defer payments of interest by extending the interest payment period on the junior subordinated debentures.

 

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Redemption

 

Upon the repayment or redemption at any time, in whole or in part, of any junior subordinated debentures, the property trustee is required to use the proceeds from the repayment or redemption to redeem a like amount of the trust securities, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice of a date of redemption, at the redemption price defined below. See “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures—Redemption.” If less than all of the junior subordinated debentures are to be repaid or redeemed on a redemption date, then the property trustee will allocate the proceeds from the repayment or redemption to the trust securities on a pro rata basis, by such method as the property trustee deems fair and appropriate, and based on liquidation amounts among the trust securities.

 

The “liquidation amount” is equal to the stated amount of $25 per trust security. The “redemption price” with respect to any trust security is an amount equal to the liquidation amount of such trust security, plus accumulated and unpaid distributions on the trust security to the redemption date.

 

Subject to Federal Reserve approval, if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policy of the Federal Reserve, we may redeem the junior subordinated debentures:

 

  at any time on or after [five years from date of issuance], 2009, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the junior subordinated debentures being redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, plus 100% of the principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures; or

 

  at any time, whether occurring before, on or after [five years from date of issuance], 2009, in whole, but not in part, within 90 days following the occurrence of a tax event, an investment company event or a capital treatment event, each as defined below, at a redemption price equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the junior subordinated debentures so redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, plus 100% of the principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures.

 

See “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures—Redemption.”

 

If a tax event occurs and we do not elect to redeem the junior subordinated debentures and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the trust securities or to liquidate the trust and cause the junior subordinated debentures to be distributed to you in liquidation of the trust, the trust securities will remain outstanding and additional sums, as described below, may be payable on the junior subordinated debentures.

 

For purposes of this prospectus, the term “additional sums” means the additional amounts required to be paid by us on the junior subordinated debentures in order that the amount of distributions then due and payable by the trust on the outstanding trust securities of the trust are not reduced as a result of any additional taxes, duties and other governmental charges to which the trust has become subject as a result of a tax event.

 

For purposes of this prospectus, a “tax event” means the receipt by us and the trust of an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change, including any announced prospective change, in, the laws or any regulations under such laws of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or such prospective change, pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the original issuance of the preferred securities, there is more than an insubstantial risk that:

 

  the trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the junior subordinated debentures;

 

  interest payable by us on the junior subordinated debentures is not, or within 90 days of such opinion will not be, deductible by us, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes; or

 

  the trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of the opinion, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

 

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For purposes of this prospectus, an “investment company event” means the receipt by us and the trust of an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of any change in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the trust is or will be considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which change becomes effective on or after the original issuance of the preferred securities.

 

For purposes of this prospectus, a “capital treatment event” means the reasonable determination by us that, as a result of any amendment to, or change, including any prospective change, in, the laws or any regulations thereunder of the United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein, or as a result of any official or administrative pronouncement or action or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or such prospective change, pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the date of original issuance of the preferred securities, there is more than an insubstantial risk that we will not be entitled to treat the preferred securities, or any substantial portion thereof, as “Tier 1 regulatory capital” or the then equivalent thereof for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve, as then in effect and applicable to us. For a discussion of recent accounting changes that may impact our ability to treat the preferred securities as “Tier 1 regulatory capital,” see the section entitled “Accounting and Regulatory Treatment” above.

 

Redemption Procedures

 

The trust will redeem the preferred securities on each redemption date at the redemption price and will use the applicable proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of the junior subordinated debentures for such redemption. The trust will redeem the preferred securities and the redemption price will be payable on each redemption date only to the extent that the trust has funds on hand available for the payment of the redemption price. See “—Subordination of Common Securities to the Preferred Securities” and “Description of Guarantee Agreement.”

 

If the property trustee gives a notice of redemption of the preferred securities, then, by 12:00 noon, Eastern time on the redemption date, to the extent funds are available, with respect to preferred securities held in book-entry form, the property trustee will irrevocably deposit with the depositary funds sufficient to pay the aggregate redemption price and will give the depositary irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to you. See “Book-Entry Issuance.” If the preferred securities are no longer in book-entry form, the property trustee, to the extent funds are available, will irrevocably deposit with the paying agent for the preferred securities funds sufficient to pay the aggregate redemption price and will give such paying agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to you upon surrender of your certificates evidencing your preferred securities. Notwithstanding the above, distributions payable on or prior to the redemption date for any preferred securities called for redemption will be payable to the holders of the preferred securities on the relevant record dates on the applicable distribution dates.

 

If the trust gives a notice of redemption and the property trustee deposits its funds as required, then upon the date of such deposit, all your rights as a holder of preferred securities called for redemption will cease, except your right to receive the applicable redemption price and any distribution payable on or prior to the redemption date, but without interest, on such redemption date, and such preferred securities will cease to be outstanding. If any date fixed for redemption of such preferred securities is not a business day, then payment of the redemption price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding business day, without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay. If preferred securities are called for redemption and payment of the redemption price is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the trust or by us under the guarantee agreement, distributions on the preferred securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable rate, from the redemption date originally established by the trust for such preferred securities to the date such redemption price is actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the redemption price. See “Description of Guarantee Agreement.”

 

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If less than all of the trust securities issued by the trust are to be redeemed on a redemption date, then the aggregate redemption price for the trust securities being redeemed will be allocated pro rata to the preferred securities and common securities based upon the relative liquidation amounts of each class. The property trustee will select the particular preferred securities to be redeemed on a pro rata basis, based upon liquidation amounts, not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date from the outstanding preferred securities not previously called for redemption, by the method that the property trustee deems fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to $25 or an integral multiple thereof) of the liquidation amount of preferred securities. The property trustee will promptly notify the security registrar in writing of the preferred securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any preferred securities selected for partial redemption, the liquidation amount of preferred securities to be redeemed. For all purposes of the trust agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of preferred securities will relate to the portion of the aggregate liquidation amount of preferred securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

 

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of trust securities at such holder’s registered address.

 

Subject to applicable law, including, without limitation, United States federal securities law, and provided we are not then deferring interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures, we may at any time and from time to time purchase outstanding preferred securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.

 

Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures upon Dissolution of the Trust

 

We will have the right at any time to dissolve the trust and cause the junior subordinated debentures to be distributed to you in liquidation of the trust. This right is subject to our having received prior approval of the Federal Reserve if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies of the Federal Reserve. After the liquidation date fixed for any such distribution of junior subordinated debentures for preferred securities:

 

  the preferred securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding;

 

  certificates representing a like amount of junior subordinated debentures will be issued to holders of trust securities certificates upon surrender of such certificates to the administrative trustees or their agent for exchange;

 

  we will use our best efforts to have the junior subordinated debentures approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market or on such other exchange, interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization as the preferred securities are then listed;

 

  any preferred securities certificates not so surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a like amount of junior subordinated debentures, accruing interest at the rate provided for in the junior subordinated debentures from the last distribution date on which a distribution was made on the trust securities certificates until the preferred securities certificates are surrendered, and until the preferred securities certificates are surrendered, no payments of interest or principal will be made to holders of junior subordinated debentures represented by the preferred securities certificates; and

 

  all rights of securityholders holding trust securities will cease, except the right of those securityholders to receive a like amount of junior subordinated debentures upon surrender of trust securities certificates.

 

We may exercise our right to dissolve the trust under circumstances where a tax event, a capital treatment event, an investment company event or other undesirable event could be avoided simply by dissolving the trust and causing the junior subordinated debentures to be distributed to you. Under the trust agreement, the trust will automatically dissolve upon expiration of its term and will earlier dissolve on the first to occur of:

 

  our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation;

 

  our written direction, as depositor, to the property trustee to terminate the trust, which direction is optional and, except as described above, wholly within our discretion, as depositor;

 

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  the redemption of all of the preferred securities as described under “—Redemption;” and

 

  the entry of an order for the dissolution of the trust by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

If an early dissolution occurs as described in the first, second or fourth bullet point above or upon the expiration of the trust, the trustees will liquidate the trust as quickly as they determine possible by distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the trust as provided by applicable law, to the holders of such trust securities a like amount of the junior subordinated debentures. For purposes of this prospectus, the term “like amount” means:

 

  with respect to a redemption of trust securities, trust securities having a liquidation amount equal to that portion of the principal amount of junior subordinated debentures to be contemporaneously redeemed in accordance with the indenture, allocated to the common securities and to the preferred securities based upon the relative liquidation amounts of the classes, and the proceeds of which will be used to pay the redemption price on the trust securities; and

 

  with respect to a distribution of junior subordinated debentures to holders of trust securities in connection with a dissolution or liquidation of the trust, junior subordinated debentures having a principal amount equal to the liquidation amount of the trust securities of the holder to whom such junior subordinated debentures are distributed.

 

If the property trustee determines that so distributing a like amount of junior subordinated debentures is not practical, the trust will be liquidated, wound-up and terminated by the property trustee in the manner it determines. In that case, such holders will then be entitled to receive out of the assets of the trust available for distribution to holders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to the aggregate of the liquidation amount plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment. In this prospectus, we refer to such amount as the liquidation distribution.

 

If the liquidation distribution can be paid only in part because the trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate liquidation distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the trust on the preferred securities will be paid on a pro rata basis, based upon liquidation amounts. The holder(s) of the common securities will be entitled to receive liquidation distributions upon any such liquidation pro rata with the holders of the preferred securities, except that if an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, the preferred securities will have a priority over the common securities.

 

Under current United States federal income tax law and interpretations and assuming, as set forth in an opinion of counsel to us, that the trust is treated as a grantor trust, a distribution of the junior subordinated debentures should not be a taxable event to you. If there were a change in law, a change in legal interpretation, a tax event or other circumstances, however, the distribution could be a taxable event to the trust and to you. See “Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

 

If we elect to dissolve the trust and thereby cause the junior subordinated debentures to be distributed to holders of the preferred securities in liquidation of the trust, we will continue to have the right to shorten the maturity of such junior subordinated debentures, subject to certain conditions. See “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures—General.”

 

Subordination of Common Securities to the Preferred Securities

 

Except as described below, payment of distributions on, and the redemption price of, the preferred securities and common securities, as applicable, will be made pro rata based on the liquidation amounts of the preferred securities and common securities.

 

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If on any distribution date or redemption date an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing:

 

  the trust may not make any payment of any distribution, including additional amounts, if applicable, on, or applicable redemption price on, any of the common securities; and

 

  the trust may not make any other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of the common securities;

 

unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid distributions, including additional amounts, if applicable, on all of the outstanding preferred securities for all distribution periods terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the applicable redemption price, the full amount of such redemption price on all of the outstanding preferred securities then called for redemption, has been made or provided for. All funds available to the property trustee will first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all distributions on, or redemption price of, the preferred securities then due and payable, including additional amounts, if applicable.

 

If any event of default occurs under the trust agreement resulting from an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, we as holder of the common securities will be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to any such event of default under the trust agreement until the effect of all such events of default with respect to the preferred securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such event of default has been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the property trustee will act solely on behalf of the holders of the preferred securities and not on our behalf as holder of the common securities, and only the holders of the preferred securities will have the right to direct the property trustee to act on their behalf.

 

Events of Default; Notice

 

Any one of the following events that has occurred and is continuing constitutes an event of default under the trust agreement with respect to the preferred securities, whatever the reason for such event of default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or arises by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body:

 

  the occurrence of an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures; or

 

  default by the trust in the payment of any distribution when it becomes due and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 30 days, unless the failure to make such payment is the result of an extension period; or

 

  default by the trust in the payment of any redemption price of any trust security when it becomes due and payable; or

 

  default in the performance or breach, in any material respect, of any covenant or warranty of the property trustee in the trust agreement, other than a default or breach in the performance of a covenant or warranty which is addressed in the second or third bullet points above, and continuation of the default or breach for a period of 60 days after notice is given in accordance with the trust agreement; or

 

  the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the property trustee and the failure by us to appoint a successor property trustee within 60 days of the occurrence of the event.

 

Within five business days after the occurrence of any event of default under the trust agreement actually known to the property trustee, the property trustee is required to transmit notice of the event of default to the holders of the trust securities, the administrative trustees and us, as depositor, unless such event of default has been cured or waived. The existence of an event of default under the trust agreement does not entitle the holders of the preferred securities to accelerate the maturity of those securities. However, in the case of an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, the property trustee and the holders of the preferred securities will have the right to accelerate the maturity of the junior subordinated debentures as described below.

 

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We, as depositor, and the administrative trustees are required to file annually with the property trustee a certificate as to whether or not they are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to them under the trust agreement.

 

If an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, the preferred securities will have a preference over the common securities upon termination of the trust as described above. See “—Subordination of Common Securities to the Preferred Securities.” Upon an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, other than with respect to certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, unless the principal of all the junior subordinated debentures has already become due and payable, either the indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures then outstanding may declare all of the junior subordinated debentures to be due and payable immediately by giving notice in writing to us, and to the indenture trustee if notice is given by holders of the junior subordinated debentures. If the indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding junior subordinated debentures fail to declare the principal of all of the junior subordinated debentures due and payable upon an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, the holders of at least 25% in liquidation amount of the preferred securities then outstanding will have the right to declare the junior subordinated debentures immediately due and payable. In either event, payment of principal and interest on the junior subordinated debentures remains subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture. In addition, you have the right in certain circumstances to bring a direct action against us. See “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures—Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of Preferred Securities.”

 

If an event of default as a result of certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, the junior subordinated debentures will automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the indenture trustee or the holders of the junior subordinated debentures, become immediately due and payable. In such event, payment of principal and interest on the junior subordinated debentures will also remain subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture.

 

Removal of Trustees

 

Unless an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, any of the property trustee, the Delaware trustee or the administrative trustees may be removed at any time by the holder of the common securities. For example, the holder of the common securities may seek to remove such trustees upon a substandard performance or non-performance of their duties or upon a significant increase in a trustee’s fee. If an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, the property trustee or the Delaware trustee or both of them may be removed by the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred securities. In no event will the holders of the preferred securities have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the administrative trustees, which voting rights are vested exclusively in us as the holder of the common securities. No resignation or removal of a trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee in accordance with the provisions of the trust agreement.

 

Co-Trustees and Separate Property Trustee

 

Unless an event of default under the trust agreement has occurred and is continuing, at any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of trust property may at the time be located, we, as the holder of the common securities, and the administrative trustees by agreed action of the majority of such trustees may appoint one or more persons either to act as a co-trustee, jointly with the property trustee, of all or any part of such trust property, or to act as separate trustee of any such property, in either case with such powers as may be provided in the instrument of appointment, and to vest in such person or persons in such capacity any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the

 

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provisions of the trust agreement. If we do not join in such appointment with the majority of the administrative trustees within 15 days of the receipt by us of a request from such trustees to do so, or in case an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, the property trustee alone will have power to make such appointment.

 

Merger or Consolidation of Trustees

 

Any person into which the property trustee, the Delaware trustee or any administrative trustee that is not a natural person may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such trustee is a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of such trustee, will be the successor of such trustee under the trust agreement, so long as such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible.

 

Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust

 

The trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other person, except as described below. The trust may, at our request, with the consent of the administrative trustees and without the consent of the holders of the preferred securities, the property trustee or the Delaware trustee, merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized as such under the laws of any state if:

 

  such successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the trust with respect to the preferred securities or (b) substitutes for the preferred securities other securities having substantially the same terms as the preferred securities so long as such successor securities rank the same as the preferred securities rank in priority with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise;

 

  we expressly appoint a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the property trustee as the holder of the junior subordinated debentures;

 

  the successor securities are listed or traded, or any successor securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the preferred securities are then listed or traded, if any;

 

  such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not cause the preferred securities, including any successor securities, to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization that gives ratings to the preferred securities;

 

  such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the preferred securities, including any successor securities, in any material respect;

 

  such successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the trust;

 

  prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, we have received an opinion from counsel to the trust to the effect that (a) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the preferred securities, including any successor securities, in any material respect, and (b) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither the trust nor such successor entity will be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act; and

 

  we own all of the common securities of such successor entity and guarantee the obligations of such successor entity under the successor securities at least to the extent provided by the guarantee agreement.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the trust shall not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the preferred securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease would cause the trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Voting Rights; Amendment of the Trust Agreement

 

Except as provided below and under “Description of Guarantee Agreement—Amendments and Assignment” and as otherwise required by law and the trust agreement, you will have no voting rights.

 

The trust agreement may be amended from time to time by us, the property trustee and the administrative trustees, without the consent of the holders of the trust securities,

 

  to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision in the trust agreement that may be inconsistent with any other provision, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the trust agreement, which shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of the trust agreement, provided, however, any such amendment may not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holder of trust securities; or

 

  to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the trust agreement to such extent as is necessary to ensure that the trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any trust securities are outstanding or to ensure that the trust will not be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

 

Any amendments of the trust agreement will become effective when notice is given to you of the amendment.

 

Except as described below, the trust agreement may be amended by the administrative trustees and the property trustee with:

 

  the consent of holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding trust securities; and

 

  receipt by the trustees of an opinion of counsel to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the trustees in accordance with such amendment will not affect the trust’s status as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes or the trust’s exemption from status as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

 

The consent of each affected holder of trust securities is required to amend the trust agreement to:

 

  change the amount or timing of any distribution on the trust securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any distribution required to be made in respect of the trust securities as of a specified date; or

 

  restrict the right of a holder of trust securities to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date.

 

So long as any junior subordinated debentures are held by the property trustee, the trustees may not:

 

  direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the indenture trustee, or execute any trust or power conferred on the property trustee with respect to the junior subordinated debentures;

 

  waive any past default that is waivable under the indenture;

 

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  exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the junior subordinated debentures shall be due and payable; or

 

  consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the indenture or the junior subordinated debentures, where such consent is required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of all outstanding preferred securities.

 

However, where a consent under the indenture would require the consent of each holder of junior subordinated debentures affected thereby, the property trustee may not give such consent without the prior consent of each holder of the preferred securities. The trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the holders of the preferred securities except by subsequent vote of the required holders of the preferred securities. The property trustee shall notify each holder of the preferred securities of any notice of default received from the indenture trustee with respect to the junior subordinated debentures. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of such holders of the preferred securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the trustees will obtain an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Holders of the preferred securities may give any required approval at a meeting of holders of preferred securities convened for such purpose or pursuant to written consent. The property trustee will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of the preferred securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon which action by written consent of such holders is to be taken, to be given to each holder of record of the preferred securities in the manner set forth in the trust agreement.

 

The trust may redeem and cancel the preferred securities in accordance with the trust agreement without the vote or consent of the holders of the preferred securities.

 

Even though holders of the preferred securities are entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the preferred securities owned by us, the trustees or any affiliate of BancFirst Corporation or any trustees, will, for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

 

Global Preferred Securities

 

The preferred securities will be represented by one or more global certificates registered in the name of the depositary, which is initially The Depository Trust Company, or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the preferred securities will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by participants in the depositary. Except as described below, preferred securities in certificated form will not be issued in exchange for the global certificates. See “Book-Entry Issuance.”

 

A global preferred security will be exchangeable for preferred securities registered in the names of persons other than the depositary or its nominee only if:

 

  we notify the trustees that the depositary is unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for such global security and no successor depositary has been appointed, or if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, at a time when the depositary is required to be so registered to act as such depositary; or

 

  in our sole discretion, we elect to terminate the book-entry system through the depositary.

 

Any global security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for definitive certificates registered in such names as the depositary directs. We expect that such instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such global security. If preferred securities are issued in definitive form, they will be in denominations of $25 and integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at the offices of the securities registrar described below.

 

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Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual preferred securities represented thereby, a global preferred 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 such depositary or another nominee of such depositary, or by the depositary or any nominee to a successor depositary or any nominee of the successor depositary.

 

Payments on preferred securities represented by a global preferred security will be made to the depositary for the preferred securities. If preferred securities are issued in definitive form, distributions will be payable, the transfer of the preferred securities will be registrable, and preferred securities will be exchangeable for preferred securities of other denominations of a like aggregate liquidation amount, at the corporate office of the property trustee, or at the offices of any paying agent or co-paying agent appointed by the administrative trustees. However, payment of any distribution may be made at the option of the administrative trustees by check mailed to the address of the persons entitled thereto or by wire transfer. For a description of the terms of the depositary arrangements relating to payments, transfers, voting rights, redemptions and other notices and other matters, see “Book-Entry Issuance.”

 

Upon the issuance of a global preferred security, and the deposit of such global preferred security with or on behalf of the depositary, the depositary for such global preferred security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective aggregate liquidation amounts of the individual preferred securities represented by such global preferred securities to the accounts of participants. Such accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents with respect to such preferred securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global preferred security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global preferred security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depositary or its nominee, with respect to interests of participants, and the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons who hold through participants. The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. The limits and laws described above may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global preferred security.

 

So long as the depositary for a global preferred security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of such global preferred security, such depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the preferred securities represented by such global preferred security for all purposes under the trust agreement governing such preferred securities. Except as provided above, owners of beneficial interests in a global preferred security will not be entitled to have any of the individual preferred securities represented by such global preferred security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any such preferred securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the trust agreement.

 

Neither we, the property trustee, any paying agent, nor the securities registrar for such preferred securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of the global preferred security representing such preferred securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

We expect that the depositary for preferred securities or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of the liquidation amount or distributions in respect of a permanent global preferred security, immediately will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the aggregate liquidation amount of such global preferred security as shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global preferred security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” Participants will be responsible for making these payments to beneficial owners.

 

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Paying Agent

 

The paying agent for the preferred securities will initially be the property trustee and any co-paying agent chosen by the property trustee and acceptable to the administrative trustees and us. The paying agent will be permitted to resign as paying agent upon 30 days’ written notice to us and the administrative trustees and property trustee. If the property trustee is no longer the paying agent, the administrative trustees will appoint a successor, which must be a bank or trust company acceptable to the property trustee and us, to act as paying agent.

 

Registrar and Transfer Agent

 

The property trustee will act as registrar and transfer agent for the preferred securities. Registration of transfers of the preferred securities will be effected without charge by or on behalf of the trust, but upon payment of any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange. The trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of the preferred securities after such preferred securities have been called for redemption.

 

Information Concerning the Property Trustee

 

The property trustee, other than upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the trust agreement, undertakes to perform only the duties as are specifically set forth in the trust agreement. After an event of default, the property trustee must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to the preceding sentence, the property trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the trust agreement at the request of any holder of preferred securities unless it is offered indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby. If no event of default under the trust agreement has occurred and is continuing and the property trustee must decide between alternative causes of action, construe ambiguous provisions in the trust agreement or is unsure of the application of any provision of the trust agreement, and the matter is not one on which holders of the preferred securities are entitled under the trust agreement to vote, then the property trustee will take such action as is directed by us and if not so directed, will take such action as it deems advisable and in the best interests of the holders of the trust securities. In taking any such action, the property trustee will have no liability except for its own bad faith or negligence.

 

Miscellaneous

 

The administrative trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of and to operate the trust in such a way that:

 

  the trust will not be deemed to be an “investment company” required to be registered under the Investment Company Act;

 

  the trust will not fail to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes; and

 

  the junior subordinated debentures will be treated as indebtedness of ours for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

In this regard, we and the administrative trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust of the trust or the trust agreement, that we and the administrative trustees determine in their discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such action does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the preferred securities. Holders of the preferred securities have no preemptive or similar rights.

 

The trust may not borrow money or issue debt or mortgage or pledge any of its assets.

 

Governing Law

 

The trust agreement and the trust securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

 

Concurrently with the issuance of the preferred securities, the trust will invest the proceeds of the issuance, together with the consideration paid by us for the common securities, in junior subordinated debentures issued by us with an aggregate principal amount of $25,773,196. The junior subordinated debentures will be issued as unsecured debt under the Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of                          , 2004, between us and the indenture trustee, which we refer to as the indenture. The indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. Unless and until they are distributed to you in liquidation of the trust, all of the junior subordinated debentures issued and outstanding under the indenture will be owned by the trust.

 

Because this is a summary of the terms and provisions of the junior subordinated debentures and the indenture, it may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should read the entire indenture and form of junior subordinated debenture, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the Trust Indenture Act.

 

General

 

The junior subordinated debentures will bear interest at the annual rate of [        ]% of the principal amount thereof, payable quarterly in arrears on the interest payment dates, which are each 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year, commencing April 15, 2004, to the person in whose name each junior subordinated debenture is registered on the date 15 days prior to the relevant interest payment date whether or not a business day. The amount of each interest payment due on the junior subordinated debentures will include amounts accrued through the date the interest payment is due. We anticipate that, until the liquidation, if any, of the trust, each junior subordinated debenture will be held in the name of the property trustee in trust for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities. The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

If any date on which interest is payable on the junior subordinated debentures is not a business day, then payment of the interest payable on that date will be made on the next business day, without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was originally payable. Accrued interest that is not paid on the applicable interest payment date will bear additional interest on the amount thereof, to the extent permitted by law, at [        ]% per annum, compounded quarterly. The term “interest” as used in this description includes quarterly interest payments, interest on quarterly interest payments not paid on the applicable interest payment date and additional sums, as applicable.

 

The junior subordinated debentures will mature on [            ], 2034. At any time, we may shorten the maturity date to any date not earlier than [five years from date of issuance], 2009. We refer to the date of maturity on the junior subordinated debentures, as it may be shortened, as the stated maturity. Subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, we may exercise our right to shorten the maturity of the junior subordinated debentures under any circumstance, including to refinance the junior subordinate debentures to obtain a lower interest rate, and under circumstances where a tax event, capital treatment event, investment company event or other undesirable event could be avoided simply by shortening the maturity of the junior subordinated debentures.

 

If we elect to shorten the stated maturity of the junior subordinated debentures, we must give notice to the indenture trustee, and the indenture trustee must give notice of such shortening to the holders of the junior subordinated debentures no less than 60 days prior to the effectiveness of the shortened stated maturity.

 

The junior subordinated debentures will be unsecured and will rank junior and be subordinate in right of payment to all of our senior debt. Because we are a holding company, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiaries upon any such subsidiaries’ liquidation or reorganization or otherwise, and thus the

 

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ability of holders of the preferred securities to benefit indirectly from such distribution, is subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that we may ourself be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Accordingly, the junior subordinated debentures will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, and holders of junior subordinated debentures should look only to our assets for payments on the junior subordinated debentures. The indenture does not limit the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of ours, including senior debt, whether under the indenture or any existing or other indenture that we may enter into in the future or otherwise. See “—Subordination” below.

 

Option to Defer Interest Payment Period

 

So long as no event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing, we have the right, at any time during the term of the junior subordinated debentures, to defer the payment of interest at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters. No such extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity. During any extension period, we may make partial payments of interest on any interest payment date. No extension period may end other than on an interest payment date. At the end of an extension period, we must pay all interest then accrued and unpaid, together with interest on the accrued and unpaid interest at the annual rate of [        ]%, compounded quarterly, to the extent permitted by applicable law. During an extension period, interest will continue to accrue and holders of junior subordinated debentures will be required to accrue interest income for United States federal income tax purposes. See “Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Interest Income and Original Issue Discount.” Neither our default on any senior debt, nor a default with respect to senior debt resulting in acceleration of the maturity of that debt, constitutes an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures. See “—Debenture Events of Default” below.

 

During any such extension period, we may not and will not permit any of our subsidiaries to:

 

  declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital stock, which includes common and preferred stock;

 

  make any payment of principal of, or, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any of our debt securities, including other junior subordinated debentures issued under the indenture, that rank on parity with or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debentures;

 

  make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by us of the debt securities of any subsidiary if such guarantee ranks on parity with or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debentures; or

 

  redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the junior subordinated debentures or any of the preferred securities.

 

The prohibitions in the first three bullet points above do not apply to:

 

  dividends or distributions in our capital stock, which includes common and preferred stock;

 

  any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant to such plan;

 

  payments under the guarantee agreement; and

 

  purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights under any of our benefit plans for our directors, officers, employees or consultants.

 

Prior to the termination of any extension period, we may further extend the extension period, so long as the extension does not cause the extension period to exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the stated maturity. Upon the termination of any extension period and the payment of all amounts then due on any interest

 

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payment date, we may elect to begin a new extension period subject to the above requirements. No interest will be due and payable during an extension period, except at the end of the period. We must give the property trustee, the administrative trustees and the indenture trustee notice of our election of any extension period, or an extension of such period, at least one business day prior to the earliest of:

 

  the date the distributions on the preferred securities would have been payable but for the election to begin or extend such extension period;

 

  the date the administrative trustees are required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or any applicable stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the preferred securities are then listed or quoted or to the holders of the preferred securities of the record date; or

 

  the date the distributions are payable;

 

but, in any event, not less than one business day prior to the record date. The indenture trustee will give notice of our election to begin or extend a new extension period to the holders of the preferred securities. Subject to the restrictions described above, the indenture does not limit the number of times that we may elect to begin an extension period.

 

Distributions on the preferred securities will be deferred by the trust during any extension period. See “Description of the Preferred Securities—Distribution Extension Periods.” For a description of certain federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to the junior subordinated debentures during the extension period, see “Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

 

Additional Sums

 

If the trust is required to pay any additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges as a result of a tax event, we will pay as additional amounts on the junior subordinated debentures such amounts as may be required so that the distributions payable by the trust will not be reduced as a result of any such additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges. For purposes of this prospectus, these amounts are called “additional sums.”

 

Redemption

 

Subject to our having received prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required under applicable capital guidelines or policies of the Federal Reserve, we may, at our option, redeem the junior subordinated debentures prior to maturity:

 

  on or after [five years from date of issuance], 2009, in whole or in part; or

 

  at any time, whether occurring before, on or after [five years from date of issuance], 2009, in whole, but not in part, within 90 days following a tax event, a capital treatment event or an investment company event;

 

in each case at a redemption price equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the junior subordinated debentures so redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, plus 100% of the principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures so redeemed.

 

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of junior subordinated debentures to be redeemed at such holder’s registered address. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest ceases to accrue on such junior subordinated debentures or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

The junior subordinated debentures will not be subject to any sinking fund.

 

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Restrictions on Certain Payments

 

If at any time:

 

  there has occurred any event of default; or

 

  we have given notice of election of an extension period as provided in the indenture with respect to the junior subordinated debentures and have not rescinded such notice, or such extension period, or any extension thereof, is continuing; or

 

  while the junior subordinated debentures are held by the trust, we are in default with respect to our payment of any obligation under the guarantee agreement;

 

then we will not:

 

  declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital stock, which includes common and preferred stock;

 

  make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any of our debt securities, including other junior subordinated debentures issued under the indenture, that rank on parity with or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debentures;

 

  make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by us of the debt securities of any subsidiary if such guarantee ranks on parity with or junior in interest to the junior subordinated debentures; or

 

  redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the junior subordinated debentures or preferred securities.

 

The prohibitions in the first three bullet points above do not apply to:

 

  dividends or distributions in our capital stock, which includes common and preferred stock;

 

  any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant to such plan;

 

  payments under the guarantee agreement; and

 

  purchases of common stock related to the issuance of common stock or rights under any of our benefit plans for our directors, officers, employees or consultants.

 

Debenture Events of Default

 

The indenture provides that any one or more of the following events constitutes an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures:

 

  failure for 30 days to pay when due any interest on the junior subordinated debentures when due, including any additional interest in respect of the junior subordinated debentures, subject to the deferral of any due date in the case of an extension period;

 

  failure to pay any principal of or premium, if any, on the junior subordinated debentures when due whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise;

 

  default in the performance or breach, in any material respect, of any covenant contained in the indenture, other than a default or breach of a covenant or warranty which is addressed in the first and second bullet points above, for 90 days after written notice to us from the indenture trustee or to us and the indenture trustee by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures; or

 

  certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of BancFirst Corporation.

 

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The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the indenture trustee. The indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures may declare the principal due and payable immediately if an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, other than an event of default with respect to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization for which acceleration is automatic. If the indenture trustee or such holders of such junior subordinated debentures fail to make such declaration, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities will have that right. The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures may annul that declaration and waive the default if the default, other than the non-payment of the principal of the junior subordinated debentures which has become due solely by such acceleration, has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the indenture trustee. If the holders of the junior subordinated debentures fail to annul that declaration and waive such default, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities will have that right.

 

If an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures with respect to certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the junior subordinated debentures will automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the indenture trustee or the holders of the junior subordinated debentures, become immediately due and payable. In such event, payment of principal and interest on the junior subordinated debentures will also remain subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture.

 

The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of junior subordinated debentures affected thereby may, on behalf of the holders of all the junior subordinated debentures, waive any past default, except:

 

  a default in the payment of principal or interest, unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the indenture trustee; or

 

  a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each affected holder of each outstanding junior subordinated debenture.

 

We are required to file annually with the indenture trustee a certificate as to whether or not we are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to us under the indenture.

 

Subordination

 

In the indenture, we have covenanted and agreed that any junior subordinated debentures issued under the indenture will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior debt to the extent provided in the indenture. Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceedings in connection with our insolvency or bankruptcy, the holders of senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash, or other payment satisfactory to the holders of senior debt, of all amounts due and owing or to become due, on such senior debt before the holders of junior subordinated debentures will be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of the junior subordinated debentures.

 

If the maturity of any junior subordinated debentures is accelerated, the holders of all senior debt outstanding at the time of such acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on the senior debt, including any amounts due upon acceleration, before the holders of junior subordinated debentures will be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of the junior subordinated debentures.

 

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No payments on account of principal or interest or premium, if any, in respect of the junior subordinated debentures may be made if a default, beyond any applicable grace period, has occurred and is continuing in any payment with respect to senior debt or an event of default with respect to any senior debt occurs and is continuing that permits the holders of the senior debt to accelerate the maturity thereof.

 

As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of our bankruptcy or reorganization, holders of senior debt may receive more, ratably, and holders of the junior subordinated debentures may receive less, ratably, than our other creditors.

 

For purposes of this prospectus “debt” means with respect to any person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such person and whether or not contingent:

 

  every obligation of that person for money borrowed;

 

  every obligation of that person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses;

 

  every reimbursement obligation of that person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of that person;

 

  every obligation of that person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

  every capital lease obligation of that person;

 

  all indebtedness of that person whether incurred on or prior to the date of the indenture or thereafter incurred, for claims in respect of derivative products including interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity forward contracts, options and swaps and similar arrangements; and

 

  every obligation of the type referred to in the bullet points above of another person and all dividends of another person the payment of which, in either case, such person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise.

 

“Senior debt” means the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to us whether or not such claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding, on any of our debt, whether incurred on or prior to the date of the indenture or thereafter incurred, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not superior in right of payment to the junior subordinated debentures or to other debt which is on parity with, or subordinated to, the junior subordinated debentures. Senior debt does not include:

 

  any of our debt which, when incurred and without respect to any election under section 1111(b) of the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, was without recourse to us;

 

  any debt of ours to any of our subsidiaries;

 

  debt to any employee of ours;

 

  any other debt securities issued pursuant to the indenture; and

 

  any debt outstanding under our 9.65% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures.

 

As of September 30, 2003, we had approximately $4 million of senior debt outstanding and our subsidiaries had approximately $30 million of outstanding debt and other liabilities (excluding intercompany liabilities and liabilities of the type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) to which the junior subordinated debentures would have been effectively subordinated.

 

The indenture places no limitation on the amount of additional senior debt that may be incurred by us. We expect from time to time to incur additional indebtedness constituting senior debt.

 

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Denominations, Registration and Transfer

 

The junior subordinated debentures will be represented by global certificates registered in the name of the depositary, which will initially be The Depository Trust Company, or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the junior subordinated debentures will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary. Except as described below, junior subordinated debentures in certificated form will not be issued in exchange for the global certificates. See “Book-Entry Issuance.”

 

Unless and until a global subordinated debenture is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual junior subordinated debentures it represents, it may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global subordinated debenture to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by the depositary or any nominee to a successor depositary or any nominee of such successor.

 

A global security will be exchangeable for junior subordinated debentures registered in the names of persons other than the depositary or its nominee only if:

 

  the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for such global security, or if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, at a time when the depositary is required to be so registered to act as such depositary, and in each case no successor depositary has been appointed within 90 days;

 

  there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures; or

 

  in our sole discretion, we determine that such global security is so exchangeable.

 

Any global security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for definitive certificates registered in such names as the depositary directs. We expect that such instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such global security. If junior subordinated debentures are issued in definitive form, they will be in denominations of $25 and integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at the offices described below.

 

If junior subordinated debentures are issued in certificated form, principal and interest will be payable, the transfer of the junior subordinated debentures will be registrable, and junior subordinated debentures will be exchangeable for junior subordinated debentures of other denominations of a like aggregate principal amount, at the corporate office of the indenture trustee, or at the offices of any paying agent or transfer agent appointed by us.

 

We will appoint the indenture trustee as securities registrar under the indenture. Junior subordinated debentures may be presented for exchange as provided above, and may be presented for registration of transfer, with the form of transfer endorsed thereon, or a satisfactory written instrument of transfer, duly executed, at the office of the securities registrar. We may at any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any such transfer agent acts, provided that we maintain a transfer agent in the place of payment. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to the junior subordinated debentures.

 

In the event of any redemption, neither we nor the indenture trustee will be required to:

 

  issue, register the transfer of or exchange junior subordinated debentures during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of selection for redemption of junior subordinated debentures and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption; or

 

  transfer or exchange any junior subordinated debentures so selected for redemption, except, in the case of any junior subordinated debentures being redeemed in part, any portion thereof not to be redeemed.

 

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Global Subordinated Debentures

 

Upon the issuance of the global subordinated debenture, and the deposit of such global subordinated debenture with or on behalf of the depositary, the depositary for such global subordinated debenture or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the individual junior subordinated debentures represented by such global subordinated debenture to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such depositary, which are called participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global subordinated debenture will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such global subordinated debenture will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depositary or its nominee, with respect to interests of participants, and the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons who hold through participants. The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. The limits and laws described above may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global subordinated debenture.

 

So long as the depositary for a global subordinated debenture, or its nominee, is the registered owner of such global subordinated debenture, such depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the junior subordinated debentures represented by such global subordinated debenture for all purposes under the indenture governing such junior subordinated debentures. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global subordinated debenture will not be entitled to have any of the individual junior subordinated debentures represented by such global subordinated debenture registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any such junior subordinated debentures in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture.

 

Payments of principal of and interest on individual junior subordinated debentures represented by a global subordinated debenture registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global subordinated debenture representing such junior subordinated debentures. Neither we, the indenture trustee, any paying agent, nor the securities registrar for such junior subordinated debentures will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of the global subordinated debenture representing such junior subordinated debentures or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

We expect that the depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of a permanent global subordinated debenture representing the junior subordinated debentures, immediately will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the principal amount of the global subordinated debenture as shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global subordinated debenture held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.

 

Payment and Paying Agents

 

Payment of principal of and any interest on the junior subordinated debentures will be made at the office of the indenture trustee, except that at our option payment of any interest may be made:

 

  except in the case of global junior subordinated debentures, by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the securities register; or

 

  by transfer to an account maintained by the person entitled thereto as specified in the securities register, provided that proper transfer instructions have been received by the regular record date.

 

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Payment of any interest on junior subordinated debentures will be made to the person in whose name such junior subordinated debenture is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent. However, we will at all times be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the junior subordinated debentures. Any moneys deposited with the indenture trustee or any paying agent, or then held by us in trust, for the payment of the principal of or interest on the junior subordinated debentures and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal or interest has become due and payable will, at our request, be repaid to us and the holder of such junior subordinated debenture may thereafter look, as a general unsecured creditor, only to us for payment thereof.

 

Modification of Indenture

 

From time to time we and the indenture trustee may, without the consent of the holders of the junior subordinated debentures, amend, waive or supplement the indenture for specified purposes, including, among other things:

 

  curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies, if any such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the outstanding junior subordinated debentures or the outstanding preferred securities in any material respect;

 

  qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of, the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

 

  entering into any supplemental indenture for the purpose of creating any new series of junior subordinated debentures.

 

The indenture permits us and the indenture trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding junior subordinated debentures, to modify the indenture in a manner affecting the rights of the holders of the junior subordinated debentures. However, no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding junior subordinated debenture affected thereby, except to the extent permitted in connection with the deferral of interest payment dates during an extension period, or the shortening of the stated maturity to a date not earlier than the first date we have a right to redeem the junior subordinated debentures:

 

  change the stated maturity of the junior subordinated debentures, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon;

 

  reduce the percentage of principal amount of junior subordinated debentures, the holders of which are required to consent to any such modification of the indenture; or

 

  modify the provisions of the indenture with respect to the subordination of the junior subordinated debentures in a manner adverse to the holders thereof.

 

Further, so long as any of the preferred securities remain outstanding:

 

  no modification of the indenture may be made that adversely affects the holders of such preferred securities in any material respect;

 

  no termination of the indenture may occur; and

 

  no waiver of any event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures or compliance with any covenant under the indenture may be effective;

 

without the prior consent of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred securities unless and until the principal of the junior subordinated debentures and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon have been paid in full and certain other conditions are satisfied. Where a consent under the indenture would require the consent of each holder of junior subordinated debentures, the property trustee may not give its consent without the prior consent of each holder of preferred securities.

 

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Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of Preferred Securities

 

If an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures has occurred and is continuing and arises from our failure to pay interest or principal on the junior subordinated debentures on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable, you may institute a legal proceeding directly against us for enforcement of payment to you of the principal of or interest on such junior subordinated debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of your preferred securities. We refer to this proceeding in this prospectus as a “direct action.” We may not amend the indenture to remove the right to bring a direct action without the prior written consent of the holders of all of the preferred securities outstanding. If the right to bring a direct action is removed, the trust may become subject to the reporting obligations under the Exchange Act. We will have the right under the indenture to set-off any payment made by us to a holder of preferred securities in connection with a direct action.

 

You will not be able to exercise directly any remedies other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph available to the holders of the junior subordinated debentures unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing under the trust agreement. See “Description of the Preferred Securities—Events of Default; Notice.”

 

Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and Other Transactions

 

The indenture provides that we shall not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

 

  the successor person is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust or other business entity organized under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia, and the successor person expressly assumes our obligations on the junior subordinated debentures issued under the indenture;

 

  immediately after giving effect thereto, no event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default with respect to the junior subordinated debentures, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

  certain other conditions set forth in the indenture are met.

 

The general provisions of the indenture do not afford holders of the junior subordinated debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving us that may adversely affect holders of the junior subordinated debentures.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge

 

The indenture provides that when, among other things, all junior subordinated debentures not previously delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year, or are called for redemption within one year and we deposit or cause to be deposited with the indenture trustee trust funds, in trust, for the purpose and in an amount in the currency or currencies in which the junior subordinated debentures are payable sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the junior subordinated debentures not previously delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation, for the principal and interest to the date of the deposit or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, then the indenture will cease to be of further effect, except as to our obligations to pay all other sums due pursuant to the indenture and to provide the officers’ certificates and opinions of counsel described therein, and we will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the indenture.

 

Covenants of BancFirst Corporation

 

We will covenant in the indenture, as to the junior subordinated debentures, that so long as no event of default with respect to the junior consolidated debenture has occurred and is continuing, if and so long as:

 

  the trust is the holder of all such junior subordinated debentures;

 

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  a tax event in respect of the trust has occurred and is continuing; and

 

  we have not redeemed the junior subordinated debentures or dissolved the trust;

 

then we will pay to the trust any applicable additional sums on the trust securities.

 

We will also covenant in the indenture:

 

  to maintain, directly or indirectly, 100% ownership of the common securities of the trust, provided that certain successors which are permitted pursuant to the indenture may succeed to our ownership of the common securities;

 

  not to voluntarily terminate, wind-up or liquidate the trust, except upon prior approval of the federal regulators of BancFirst Corporation if then so required under applicable capital guidelines or policies of such regulators, and except (a) in connection with a distribution of junior subordinated debentures to the holders of the preferred securities in liquidation of the trust or (b) in connection with certain mergers, consolidations, or amalgamations permitted by the trust agreement; and

 

  to use reasonable efforts, consistent with the terms and provisions of the trust agreement, to cause the trust to remain classified as a grantor trust and not as an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the junior subordinated debentures will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Information Concerning the Indenture Trustee

 

The indenture trustee will have and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to such provisions, the indenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the indenture at the request of any holder of junior subordinated debentures, unless offered indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby. The indenture trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of its duties if the indenture trustee reasonably believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.

 

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BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE

 

General

 

The Depository Trust Company, which we refer to as DTC, will act as securities depositary for all of the preferred securities and the junior subordinated debentures. The preferred securities and the junior subordinated debentures will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC’s nominee. One or more fully-registered global certificates will be issued for the preferred securities and the junior subordinated debentures and will be deposited with DTC.

 

Each actual purchaser of the preferred securities, to whom we refer as a beneficial owner, must rely on the procedures of DTC and the participant through which such person owns its interest to exercise its rights as a holder of the preferred securities or the junior subordinated debentures.

 

DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under New York banking law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York banking law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to indirect participants, such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain custodial relationships with direct participants, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Purchases of preferred securities within the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the preferred securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each preferred security (“beneficial owner”) is in turn to be recorded on the direct and indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which the beneficial owners purchased preferred securities. Transfers of ownership interests in the preferred securities are accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interest in preferred securities, except if use of the book-entry-only system for the preferred securities is discontinued.

 

DTC will have no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the preferred securities. DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts the preferred securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

 

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be accurate, but we and the trust assume no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Neither we nor the trust have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants of their respective obligations as described in this prospectus or under the rules and procedures governing their respective operations.

 

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Notices and Voting

 

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners and the voting rights of direct participants, indirect participants and beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

 

Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of the preferred securities or junior subordinated debentures. If less than all of the preferred securities or the junior subordinated debentures are being redeemed, DTC will determine by lot or pro rata the amount of the preferred securities of each direct participant to be redeemed.

 

Although voting with respect to the preferred securities or the junior subordinated debentures is limited to the holders of record of the preferred securities or junior subordinated debentures, as applicable, in those instances in which a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with respect to preferred securities or junior subordinated debentures. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an omnibus proxy to the relevant trustee as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts such preferred securities or junior subordinated debentures are credited on the record date, identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.

 

Distribution of Funds

 

Distribution payments on the preferred securities or the junior subordinated debentures will be made by the relevant trustee to DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records unless the depositary has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC, the relevant trustee, the trust or BancFirst Corporation, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the relevant trustee, disbursement of such payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursements of such payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.

 

Successor Depositaries and Termination of Book-Entry System

 

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with respect to any of the preferred securities or the junior subordinated debentures at any time by giving reasonable notice to the relevant trustee and BancFirst Corporation. If a successor securities depositary is not obtained, definitive preferred securities or junior subordinated debenture certificates representing such preferred securities or junior subordinated debentures are required to be printed and delivered. We, at our option, may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC, or a successor depositary. In either event, definitive certificates for such preferred securities or junior subordinated debentures will be printed and delivered.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

 

We will enter into the guarantee agreement concurrently with the issuance of the preferred securities for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities. The Bank of New York will act as guarantee trustee under the guarantee agreement for the purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act, and the guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The guarantee trustee will hold the guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities.

 

Because this is a summary of some provisions of the guarantee agreement, it may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire guarantee agreement, including the definitions in that agreement, and the Trust Indenture Act. The form of guarantee agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

General

 

We will irrevocably and unconditionally agree to pay in full on a subordinated basis, to the extent set forth in this prospectus, the guarantee payments, as such term is defined below, to the holders of the preferred securities, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the trust may have or assert other than the defense of payment. The following payments, which we refer to as the “guarantee payments,” with respect to the preferred securities, to the extent not paid or made by on behalf of the trust, will be subject to the guarantee agreement:

 

  any accrued and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the preferred securities, to the extent that the trust has funds on hand available therefor at such time;

 

  the redemption price with respect to any preferred securities called for redemption, to the extent that the trust has funds on hand available therefor at such time; and

 

  upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the trust, unless the junior subordinated debentures are distributed to holders of the preferred securities, the lesser of (a) the liquidation distribution as defined in the trust agreement and (b) the amount of assets of the trust remaining available for distribution to holders of preferred securities after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the trust as required by applicable law.

 

We may satisfy our obligation to make a guarantee payment by making direct payment of the required amounts to you or by causing the trust to pay those amounts to you.

 

If we do not make interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures held by the trust, the trust will not be able to pay distributions on the preferred securities and will not have funds legally available for that purpose. The guarantee agreement will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our senior debt. See “—Status of the Guarantee Agreement” below. The guarantee agreement does not limit the incurrence or issuance by us of other secured or unsecured debt, including senior debt, whether under the indenture, any other indenture that we may enter into in the future, or otherwise. We expect to incur additional indebtedness in the future, including indebtedness constituting senior debt, although we have no specific plans in this regard presently, and neither the indenture nor the trust agreement limits the amounts of the obligations that we may incur.

 

Because we are a bank holding company, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is subject to the prior claims of the creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent we may be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Our obligations under the guarantee, therefore, will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, and claimants should look only to our assets for payments under the guarantee.

 

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Status of the Guarantee Agreement

 

The guarantee agreement will constitute an unsecured obligation of BancFirst Corporation and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior debt in the same manner as the junior subordinated debentures.

 

The guarantee agreement will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection. For example, the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce its rights under the guarantee agreement without first instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity. The guarantee trustee will hold the guarantee agreement for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities. The guarantee agreement will not be discharged except by payment of the guarantee payments in full to the extent not paid by the trust or upon distribution to the holders of the preferred securities of the junior subordinated debentures.

 

Amendments and Assignment

 

Except with respect to any changes which do not adversely affect the rights of holders of the preferred securities in any material respect, in which case no vote will be required, the guarantee agreement may not be amended without the prior approval of the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of such outstanding preferred securities. All guarantees and agreements contained in the guarantee agreement shall bind our successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities then outstanding.

 

Events of Default

 

An event of default under the guarantee agreement will occur upon our default on any of our payment or other obligations under that agreement if, except with respect to a default in payment of any guarantee payments, we received notice of default and have not cured such default within 90 days of the receipt of such notice. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the guarantee trustee in respect of the guarantee agreement or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the guarantee trustee under the guarantee agreement. You may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce your rights under the guarantee agreement without first instituting a legal proceeding against the trust, the guarantee trustee or any other person or entity.

 

As guarantor, we are required to file annually with the guarantee trustee a certificate as to whether or not we are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to it under the guarantee agreement.

 

Information Concerning the Guarantee Trustee

 

The guarantee trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a default by us in performance of the guarantee agreement, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the guarantee agreement. While an event of default with respect to the guarantee agreement exists, the guarantee trustee must exercise the rights and powers vested in it by the guarantee agreement and use the same degree of care and skill in exercising those rights and powers as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the guarantee trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the guarantee agreement at the request of any holder of the preferred securities unless it is offered indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.

 

Termination of the Guarantee Agreement

 

The guarantee agreement will terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the earliest of:

 

  full payment of the redemption price of all of the preferred securities;

 

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  full payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of the trust; or

 

  distribution of junior subordinated debentures to the holders of the preferred securities.

 

The guarantee agreement will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of the preferred securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the preferred securities or the guarantee agreement.

 

Governing Law

 

The guarantee agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

EXPENSE AGREEMENT

 

Pursuant to the expense agreement entered into by us under the trust agreement, we will irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee to each person or entity to whom the trust becomes indebted or liable, the full payment of any costs, expenses or liabilities of the trust, including, without limitation, expenses relating to the offering of the trust securities and any expenses the property trustee may incur relating to the enforcement of the rights of the holders of the preferred securities or the junior subordinated debentures pursuant to the trust agreement and the indenture, respectively, other than obligations of the trust to pay to the holders of the preferred securities or other similar interests in the trust of the amounts due such holders pursuant to the terms of the preferred securities or such other similar interests, as the case may be. The expense agreement may be enforced against us by any person or entity to whom the trust is or becomes indebted or liable.

 

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RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,

THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

 

Full and Unconditional Guarantee

 

We will guarantee payments of distributions and other amounts due on the preferred securities, to the extent the trust has funds available for the payment of such distributions as and to the extent set forth under “Description of Guarantee Agreement.” Taken together, our obligations under the junior subordinated debentures, the indenture, the trust agreement, the expense agreement and the guarantee agreement provide, in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payments of distributions and other amounts due on the preferred securities. No single document standing alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents constitutes such guarantee. It is only the combined operation of those documents that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of the trust’s obligations under the preferred securities. If and to the extent that we do not make payments on the junior subordinated debentures, the trust will not pay distributions or other amounts due on the preferred securities. The guarantee agreement does not cover payment of distributions when the trust does not have sufficient funds to pay those distributions. In that event, your remedy is to institute a legal proceeding directly against us for enforcement of payment of your distributions. Our obligations under the guarantee agreement are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all senior debt.

 

Sufficiency of Payments

 

As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the junior subordinated debentures, those payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and other payments due on the preferred securities, primarily because:

 

  the aggregate principal amount of the junior subordinated debentures will be equal to the sum of the aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities and common securities;

 

  the interest rate and interest and other payment dates on the junior subordinated debentures will match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates for the preferred securities;

 

  we will pay for all and any costs, expenses and liabilities of the trust except the trust’s obligations to holders of preferred securities; and

 

  the trust agreement provides that the trust will not engage in any activity that is not consistent with its limited purposes.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the indenture, we have the right to set-off any payment we are otherwise required to make under the indenture to the extent we have previously made, or are concurrently on the date of such payment making, a payment under the guarantee agreement.

 

Enforcement Rights of Holders of the Preferred Securities Under the Guarantee Agreement

 

You may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce your rights under the guarantee agreement without first instituting a legal proceeding against the guarantee trustee, the trust or any other person or entity.

 

A default or event of default under any senior debt would not constitute a default or event of default under the trust agreement. However, in the event of payment defaults under, or defaults that permit the acceleration of, senior debt, the subordination provisions of the indenture provide that no payments may be made in respect of the junior subordinated debentures until such senior debt has been paid in full or any payment default under the senior debt has been cured or waived. Failure to make required payments on the junior subordinated debentures constitutes an event of default under the trust agreement.

 

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Limited Purpose of the Trust

 

The preferred securities evidence a beneficial interest in the trust, and the trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing and selling the trust securities, using the proceeds from the sale of the trust securities to acquire the junior subordinated debentures, and engaging in only those activities necessary, advisable or incidental to the above purposes. A principal difference between the rights of a holder of the preferred securities and a holder of a junior subordinated debenture is that a holder of a junior subordinated debenture is entitled to receive from us the principal amount of and interest accrued on junior subordinated debentures held, while a holder of the preferred securities is entitled to receive distributions from the trust, or from us under the guarantee agreement, if and to the extent the trust has funds available for the payment of such distributions.

 

Rights Upon Dissolution

 

Upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the trust involving the liquidation of the junior subordinated debentures, the holders of preferred securities will be entitled to receive, out of assets held by the trust, the liquidation distribution in cash. See “Description of the Preferred Securities—Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures upon Dissolution of the Trust.” Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy, the property trustee, as holder of the junior subordinated debentures, would be a subordinated creditor of ours, subordinated in right of payment to all senior debt as set forth in the indenture, but entitled to receive payment in full of principal and interest, before any of our stockholders receive payments or distributions. Since we are the guarantor under the guarantee agreement and have agreed to pay for all costs, expenses and liabilities of the trust, other than the trust’s obligations to the holders of its preferred securities, the positions of a holder of the preferred securities and a holder of junior subordinated debentures relative to the positions of our other creditors and to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation or bankruptcy are expected to be substantially the same.

 

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CERTAIN MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

In the opinion of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., our special tax counsel, to whom we refer in this prospectus as tax counsel, the following summary accurately describes the material United States federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the preferred securities. Unless otherwise stated, this summary does not address tax consequences to subsequent purchasers of preferred securities and deals only with preferred securities held as capital assets by United States persons, as defined below, who purchase the preferred securities upon original issuance at their original offering prices, and references to “you” in this summary refer to such persons. As used in this prospectus, a “United States person” means a person that is:

 

  a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

  a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state or the District of Columbia;

 

  an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

  a trust, if a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more United States fiduciaries have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust or if the trust has made a valid election to be treated as a United States person.

 

If a partnership holds preferred securities, the tax treatment of a partner of such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, partnerships that hold preferred securities and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisor as to the specific United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the preferred securities.

 

The tax treatment of holders may vary depending on their particular situation. This summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular holder or to holders of preferred securities who may be subject to special tax treatment, such as banks, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, United States expatriates, former long-term residents of the United States, tax-exempt investors or investors that hold preferred securities as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion or other risk reduction transaction. In addition, this summary does not include any description of alternative minimum tax consequences or the tax laws of any state, local or foreign government that may be applicable to a holder of preferred securities. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to in this prospectus as the Internal Revenue Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations, as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

The following discussion does not address the tax consequences that may be relevant to persons that are not United States persons, which we refer to as “non-United States persons.” Non-United States persons should consult their own tax advisors as to the specific United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of preferred securities.

 

The authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, and the opinions of counsel are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts, either of which could take a contrary position. Moreover, no rulings have been or will be sought from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the transactions described herein. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge the opinions expressed in this prospectus or that a court would not sustain such a challenge.

 

You should consult your own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to you of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the preferred securities, including the tax consequences under state, local, foreign, and other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in United States federal or other tax laws.

 

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Classification of the Trust

 

In connection with the issuance of the preferred securities, tax counsel is of the opinion that the trust will be classified as a grantor trust and not as an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, for federal income tax purposes you will be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the junior subordinated debentures. Accordingly, you will be required to include in your gross income your pro rata share of the interest income, including original issue discount, that is paid or accrued on the junior subordinated debentures. See “Interest Income and Original Issue Discount” below.

 

Classification of the Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

Tax counsel is of the opinion that the junior subordinated debentures will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as our indebtedness under current law. By accepting a preferred security, you agree to treat the junior subordinated debentures as indebtedness and the preferred securities as evidence of an indirect beneficial ownership interest in the junior subordinated debentures. We cannot assure you that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge this position, or, if challenged, that such a challenge will not be successful. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the junior subordinated debentures will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as our indebtedness.

 

Interest Income and Original Issue Discount

 

Tax counsel is of the opinion that, except in the case of the occurrence of an extension period, stated interest on the junior subordinated debentures will be included in income by a holder of preferred securities at the time such interest is paid or accrued in accordance with the holder’s regular method of tax accounting. If we exercise our right to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures during an extension period, tax counsel is of the opinion that a holder will commence reporting interest income with respect to the junior subordinated debentures under the original issue discount rules of the Internal Revenue Code. Such opinion is based, in part, on our determination that we do not presently intend to exercise the deferral right, and accordingly, that the possibility of our deferring the payment of interest on the junior subordinated debentures is remote. This determination also is based, in part, on the consequences that would result from our exercise of the deferral right, as described further under the heading “Description of the Preferred Securities—Distribution Extension Periods.”

 

We intend to take the position for tax reporting purposes that, under the applicable Treasury regulations, the junior subordinated debentures will not be considered to have been issued with “original issue discount,” which we refer to as OID, within the meaning of Section 1273(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. If, however, we exercise our right to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures, the junior subordinated debentures will become OID instruments at such time, and you will be required to accrue the stated interest on the junior subordinated debentures on a daily basis during the extension period, even though we will not pay such interest until the end of the extension period, and even though you may be using the cash method of tax accounting. Moreover, the junior subordinated debentures will thereafter be taxed as OID instruments for as long as they remain outstanding. Thus, even after the end of the extension period, you would be required to include the stated interest on the junior subordinated debentures in income on a daily economic accrual basis, regardless of your method of tax accounting and possibly in advance of receipt of the cash attributable to such interest income.

 

Applicable Treasury regulations relating to the treatment of interest on the junior subordinated debentures have not been interpreted by any court decisions or addressed in any rulings or other pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service in the context of debt instruments with terms similar to those of the junior subordinated debentures, and it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could take a position contrary to the conclusions set forth in this prospectus. If the Internal Revenue Service asserted successfully that the stated interest on the

 

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junior subordinated debentures was OID regardless of whether we exercise our right to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debentures, you would be required to include such stated interest in income on a daily economic accrual basis possibly in advance of the receipt of cash payments with respect to that OID.

 

Since income on the preferred securities will constitute interest for United States federal income tax purposes, corporate holders of preferred securities will not be entitled to a dividends-received deduction with respect to any interest income required to be included in income. Further, non-corporate holders will not be entitled to preferential rates applicable to certain corporate dividends.

 

Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures to Holders of Preferred Securities

 

Under current law, assuming that the trust is treated as a grantor trust for tax purposes, a distribution by the trust of the junior subordinated debentures as described under the caption “Description of the Preferred Securities—Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures upon Dissolution of the Trust” will be non-taxable and will result in you receiving directly your pro rata share of the junior subordinated debentures previously held indirectly through the trust, with a holding period and aggregate tax basis equal to the holding period and aggregate tax basis you had in your preferred securities before such distribution. If, however, the liquidation of the trust were to occur because the trust is subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the junior subordinated debentures as a result of a tax event or otherwise, the distribution of junior subordinated debentures to you by the trust would be a taxable event to the trust and to you, and you would recognize gain or loss as if you had exchanged your preferred securities for the junior subordinated debentures you received upon the liquidation of the trust. In either case, you would recognize interest income with respect to junior subordinated debentures received from the trust in the manner described above under “Interest Income and Original Issue Discount,” possibly, in the latter case, subject to adjustment to reflect acquisition premium.

 

Sales or Redemption of Preferred Securities

 

Gain or loss will be recognized by you on a sale of preferred securities (including a redemption for cash) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and your adjusted tax basis in the preferred securities sold or so redeemed. If we do not exercise our right to defer payment of interest on the junior subordinated debentures, your “adjusted tax basis” in the preferred securities will generally equal your initial purchase price. If we defer payment of interest, your adjusted tax basis will equal your initial purchase price increased by any OID previously included in your gross income to the date of disposition and decreased by payments received on the preferred securities after we exercise our right to defer payment of interest and prior to the date of disposition. Gain or loss recognized by you on preferred securities will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the preferred securities for more than one year on the date of disposition. Long-term capital gains of individuals generally are subject to tax at a lower tax rate than the tax rate applicable to ordinary income. The deduction of capital losses is subject to certain limitations. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the treatment of capital gains and losses.

 

Amounts attributable to accrued interest with respect to your pro rata share of the junior subordinated debentures not previously included in income will be taxable as ordinary income, and, therefore, will not be includible in the amount realized upon the sale or redemption of the preferred securities.

 

Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting

 

Interest paid or, if applicable, any OID accrued on the preferred securities held by United States persons, other than corporations and other holders of preferred securities who are exempt from “backup withholding,” will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. Backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) will apply to payments of interest to non-exempt United States persons unless the holder of preferred securities furnishes its taxpayer identification number in the manner prescribed in applicable Treasury regulations, certifies that such

 

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number is correct, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and meets certain other conditions. Any amounts withheld from a holder under the backup withholding rules should generally be allowed as a credit against such holder’s United States federal income tax liability if the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010, the backup withholding rate is scheduled to be increased to 31%.

 

Possible Tax Law Changes Affecting the Preferred Securities

 

Certain administrative and legislative proposals have contained proposed tax law changes that would, among other things, generally deny certain issuers a deduction for interest with respect to certain long-term debt obligations that are not shown as indebtedness on the issuer’s applicable consolidated balance sheet. Although these proposed tax law changes have not been enacted into law, there can be no assurance that such tax law changes will not be implemented by future legislation, which may adversely affect the federal income tax deductibility of interest payable on the junior subordinated debentures and trigger a tax event and possibly a redemption of the preferred securities.

 

The Internal Revenue Service may also challenge the deductibility of interest paid on the junior subordinated debentures, which, if such challenge were sustained, would trigger a tax event and possibly a redemption of the preferred securities. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a tax event will not occur.

 

The summary provided above is included as general information only. You should consult your own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to you of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the preferred securities, including the tax consequences under state, local, foreign, and other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in United States federal or other tax laws.

 

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CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

 

General

 

A fiduciary of an employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, which we refer to as ERISA, should consider the fiduciary standards under ERISA in the context of the particular circumstances of such plan before authorizing an investment in the preferred securities. Such fiduciary should consider whether the investment satisfies ERISA’s diversification and prudence requirements, whether the investment constitutes an unauthorized delegation of fiduciary authority and whether the investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the plan. In addition, ERISA and the code prohibit a wide range of transactions, which we refer to as prohibited transactions, involving the assets of a plan subject to ERISA, the assets of an individual retirement account or plan subject to Section 4975 of the code, or any entity in which such a plan invests whose assets are deemed “plan assets.” We refer to such plans or entities as an “ERISA plan,” and persons who have certain specified relationships to the ERISA plan, as “parties in interest,” within the meaning of ERISA, and “disqualified persons,” within the meaning of the code. Prohibited transactions may require “correction” and may cause the ERISA plan fiduciary to incur certain liabilities and the parties in interest or disqualified persons to be subject to excise taxes.

 

Governmental plans and certain church plans, each as defined under ERISA, are not subject to the prohibited transactions rules. Such plans may, however, be subject to federal, state or local laws or regulations which may affect their investment in the preferred securities. Any fiduciary of such a governmental or church plan considering an investment in the preferred securities should determine the need for, and the availability, if necessary, of any exemptive relief under such laws or regulations.

 

Trust Assets as “Plan Assets”

 

The Department of Labor has issued final regulations, which we refer to as plan asset regulations, as to what constitutes assets of an employee benefit plan, which we refer to as plan assets under ERISA. The plan asset regulations provide that, as a general rule, when an ERISA plan acquires an equity interest in an entity and such interest does not represent a “publicly offered security” nor a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the ERISA plan asset includes both the equity interest and an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets of the entity, unless it is established that the equity interest is a “publicly offered security.”

 

For purposes of the plan asset regulations, a “publicly offered security” is a security that is:

 

  “freely transferable;”

 

  part of a class of securities that is “widely held;” and

 

  sold to an ERISA plan as part of an offering of securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and part of a class of securities that is registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days, or such later time as may be allowed by the Commission, after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the offering of such securities to the public occurred. The preferred securities will be registered under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act within the time periods specified in the plan asset regulations.

 

The plan asset regulations provide that a security is “widely held” only if it is a part of the class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of one another. A security will not fail to be “widely held” because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial offering as a result of events beyond the control of the issuer. We expect the preferred securities to be “widely held” upon the completion of the offering.

 

The plan asset regulations provide that whether a security is “freely transferable” is a factual question to be determined on the basis of all the relevant facts and circumstances. The plan asset regulations further provide that

 

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when a security is part of an offering in which the minimum investment is $10,000 or less, as is the case with the offering of the preferred securities, certain restrictions ordinarily will not, alone or in combination, affect the finding that such securities are “freely transferable.” We believe that any restrictions imposed on the transfer of the preferred securities are limited to the restrictions on transfer generally permitted under the plan asset regulations and are not likely to result in the failure of the preferred securities to be “freely transferable.”

 

An ERISA plan should not acquire or hold the preferred securities if our underlying assets will be treated as the assets of such ERISA plan. However, we believe that under the plan asset regulations, the preferred securities should be treated as “publicly offered securities” and, accordingly, our underlying assets should not be considered to be assets of any ERISA plan investing in the preferred securities.

 

Effect of Plan Asset Status

 

ERISA generally requires that the assets of an ERISA plan be held in trust and that the trustee, or an investment manager (within the meaning of Section 3(38) of ERISA), have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the ERISA plan. As discussed above, our assets under current law do not appear likely to be assets of the ERISA plans receiving preferred securities as a result of the offering. However, if our assets were deemed to be assets of the ERISA plans under ERISA, certain of our directors and officers might be deemed fiduciaries with respect to the ERISA plans that invest in us and the prudence and other fiduciary standards set forth in ERISA would apply to them and to all investments.

 

If our assets were deemed to be plan assets, transactions between us and parties in interest or disqualified persons with respect to the investing ERISA plan could be prohibited transactions unless a statutory or administrative exemption is available. In addition, investment authority would also have been improperly delegated to such fiduciaries, and, under certain circumstances, ERISA plan fiduciaries who make the decision to invest in the preferred securities could be liable as co-fiduciaries for actions taken by us that do not conform to the ERISA standards for investments under Part 4 of Title I of ERISA.

 

Prohibited Transactions

 

We and/or any of our affiliates may be a party in interest or a disqualified person with respect to an ERISA plan investing in the preferred securities, and therefore, such investment by an ERISA plan may give rise to a prohibited transaction such as a direct or indirect extension of credit by the investing ERISA plan to us and/or any of our affiliates. Consequently, before investing in the preferred securities, any person who is, or who is acquiring such securities for, or on behalf of, an ERISA plan should determine that either a statutory or an administrative exemption from the prohibited transaction rules discussed below or otherwise available is applicable to such investment in the preferred securities, or that such investment in, or acquisition of, such securities will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction.

 

The statutory or administrative exemptions from the prohibited transaction rules under ERISA and the code which may be available to an ERISA Plan which is investing in the preferred securities include:

 

  Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (“PTCE”) 90-1, regarding investments by insurance company pooled separate accounts;

 

  PTCE 91-38, regarding investments by bank collective investment funds;

 

  PTCE 84-14, regarding transactions effected by qualified professional asset managers;

 

  PTCE 96-23, regarding transactions effected by in-house asset managers; and

 

  PTCE 95-60, regarding investments by insurance company general accounts.

 

We refer to the exemptions described in the bullet points above as ERISA investor exemptions.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, preferred securities may not be acquired by any person who is, or who in acquiring such preferred securities is using the assets of, an ERISA plan unless one of the ERISA investor exemptions or another applicable exemption is available to the ERISA plan. The acquisition of the preferred securities by any person who is, or who in acquiring such preferred securities is using the assets of, an ERISA plan will be deemed to constitute a representation by such person to us that such person is eligible for exemptive relief available pursuant to one or more of the ERISA investor exemptions or another applicable exemption with respect to the acquisition and holding of such preferred securities and will not result in an non-exempt prohibited transaction.

 

The discussion in this prospectus of ERISA is general in nature and is not intended to be all inclusive. Any fiduciary of an ERISA plan, governmental plan or church plan considering an investment in the preferred securities should consult with its legal advisors regarding the consequences of such investment and consider whether the ERISA plan can make the representations noted above.

 

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UNDERWRITERS

 

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement, dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below (the “underwriters”) have severally agreed to purchase, and the trust has agreed to sell to them, severally, the respective number of preferred securities set forth opposite their respective names below:

 

Name


   Number of
Preferred Securities


Advest, Inc.

    

Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.

    
    

Total

   1,000,000

 

The underwriters are offering the preferred securities subject to their acceptance of the securities from the trust and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the preferred securities is conditioned upon the delivery of legal opinions by their counsel. The several underwriters are obligated to purchase all the preferred securities if any preferred securities are purchased.

 

The underwriters initially propose to offer the preferred securities directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may also offer the preferred securities to securities dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $[            ] per preferred security, except with respect to sales of up to 28% of the preferred securities if such sales are directed by us, in which case the commission will be $            per preferred security. The underwriters may allow, and dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $[            ] per preferred security to certain other dealers. After the initial offering of the preferred securities, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be changed by the underwriters.

 

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable not later than 30 days after the date of the underwriting agreement, to purchase up to an additional 40,000 preferred securities at the public offering price. To the extent that the underwriters exercise such option, we will be obligated, pursuant to the option, to sell such preferred securities to the underwriters. The underwriters may exercise such option only to cover over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the preferred securities offered in this prospectus. If purchased, the underwriters will offer these additional preferred securities on the same terms as those on which the $25,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities is being offered.

 

Because the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities will be used to purchase the junior subordinated debentures issued by us, the underwriting agreement provides that we will pay to the underwriters as compensation for their services $           per preferred security, or $              in the aggregate ($              if the over-allotment option is exercised in full).

 

We and the trust have agreed that, without the prior written consent of Advest, Inc., we and they will not, for a 30-day period beginning on the date of the underwriting agreement, directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, any preferred securities, or securities existing into, or exchangeable into, or exercisable for preferred securities, any junior subordinated debentures, or any debt securities substantially similar to the junior subordinated debentures, or any equity securities substantially similar to the preferred securities (except for junior subordinated debentures and the preferred securities offered pursuant to this prospectus).

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the preferred securities. The trust has applied to list the preferred securities on the Nasdaq National Market. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing

 

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the preferred securities on the Nasdaq National Market, the underwriters intend to sell preferred securities to a minimum of 400 beneficial holders in lots of 100 preferred securities or more. If the listing is approved, trading of the preferred securities on the Nasdaq National Market is expected to commence within 30 days after they are first issued. The underwriters have advised the trust that they presently intend to make a market in the preferred securities prior to the commencement of trading on the Nasdaq National Market. The underwriters are not obligated to make a market in the preferred securities, however, and may discontinue market making activities at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of any trading market for the preferred securities.

 

We and the trust have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and certain other persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make under the Securities Act.

 

In order to facilitate the offering of the preferred securities, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the preferred securities. Specifically, the underwriters may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a naked short position in the preferred securities for their own accounts. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing preferred securities 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 the preferred securities in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase preferred securities in the offering. As an additional means of facilitating the offering of preferred securities, the underwriters may bid for and purchase these preferred securities in the open market to stabilize the price of these preferred securities. Finally, the underwriters may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the preferred securities in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed preferred securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the preferred securities above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the preferred securities. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

 

It is expected that delivery of the preferred securities will be made against payment therefor on or about the date specified in the last paragraph of the cover page of this prospectus, which will be the fifth business day following the date of the pricing of the preferred securities. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade preferred securities on the date of pricing or the next succeeding business day will be required, by virtue of the fact that the preferred securities initially will settle in T+5, to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

 

We will pay all expenses associated with the offer and sale of the preferred securities. We estimate that such expenses, excluding underwriters’ discounts and commissions, will be $232,000.

 

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VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

 

Certain legal matters will be passed upon by Day, Edwards, Propester & Christensen, P.C., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, counsel to BancFirst Corporation and the trust. Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the preferred securities, the enforceability of the trust agreement and the formation of the trust will be passed upon by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware, special counsel to BancFirst Corporation and the trust. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New York, New York. Day, Edwards, Propester & Christensen, P.C. and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP will rely on the opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., as to certain matters of Delaware law. Matters relating to United States federal income tax considerations specifically discussed in this prospectus will be passed upon for us and the trust by Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., Dallas, Texas, special counsel to BancFirst Corporation and the trust.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of BancFirst Corporation appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in its report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

Our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, which are included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent accountants, who have ceased operations. Arthur Andersen expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements in their report dated March 25, 2002. The report of Arthur Andersen is a copy of a report previously issued by such firm. Arthur Andersen has not reissued its report, nor has it furnished an updated consent with respect to the incorporation by reference of those financial statements into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Arthur Andersen has ceased practice before the Securities and Exchange Commission. This lack of consent may limit your ability to recover damages from Arthur Andersen under Section 11 of the Securities Act for any omissions to state a material fact required to be stated in such financial statements or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

 

We changed certifying accountants from Arthur Andersen to Ernst & Young LLP effective June 14, 2002. On June 14, 2002, Arthur Andersen was dismissed as our principal accountant. Arthur Andersen’s report on the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. The decision to change accountants was approved by our board of directors. During the two years ended December 31, 2001 and subsequent interim periods prior to such change in accountants, there were no disagreements with Arthur Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures. During the two years ended December 31, 2001 and subsequent interim periods prior to such change in accountants, there have occurred none of the “reportable events” listed in Item 304(a)(1)(v)(A-D) of Regulation S-K. We have requested and received from Arthur Andersen the letter required by Item 304(a)(3) of Regulation S-K (and filed the same as Exhibit 16 to our report on Form 8-K filed on June 21, 2002), and we state that Arthur Andersen agrees with the statements made by us in this prospectus in response to Item 304(a)(1) of Regulation S-K.

 

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We and the trust have jointly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the “Commission,” a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the “Securities Act,” with respect to the offering of the securities offered in this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information with respect to us and the securities offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits and the financial statements, notes and schedules filed as a part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, which may be inspected at the public reference facilities of the Commission, at the address set forth below. Statements made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any documents referred to herein are not necessarily complete, and in each instance are qualified in all respects by reference to a copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by BancFirst Corporation can be inspected and copies of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission also maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) at which reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding the Company may be accessed.

 

No separate financial statements of the trust have been included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We do not consider that such financial statements would be material to you because the trust is a newly formed special purpose entity, has no operating history or independent operations and is not engaged in and does not propose to engage in any activity other than holding as trust assets our junior subordinated debentures and issuing the trust securities. See “Prospectus Summary—BFC Capital Trust II,” “Description of the Preferred Securities,” “Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures” and “Description of Guarantee Agreement.” In addition, we do not expect that the trust will be filing reports under the Exchange Act with the Commission.

 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

We and the trust incorporate information into this prospectus by reference, which means that we disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the Commission. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any such information superseded by information contained in later-filed documents or directly in this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we and the trust have previously filed with the Commission.

 

These documents contain important information about us and our financial condition.

 

BancFirst Corporation SEC Filings

(File No. 0-14384 )


  

Period


Annual Report on Form 10-K (including the portions of the Proxy Statement for BancFirst Corporation’s 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders incorporated by reference therein)   

Year ended December 31, 2002, as filed on March 31, 2003

Current Report on Form 8-K

   Filed on August 19, 2003

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q

  

For the quarter ended March 31, 2003 as filed on May 15, 2003;

for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 as filed on August 14, 2003;

for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, as filed on November 14, 2003

Description of preferred securities on Form 8-A/A

   Filed on February     , 2004

 

All documents that we file with the Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this prospectus to the end of the offering under this document shall also be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus by reference, except that we are not incorporating any information from any future filed documents furnished under either Item 9 or Item 12 of any Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

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

 

BancFirst Corporation

101 N. Broadway

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Attn: Randy Foraker, Executive Vice-President

(405) 270-1086

 

Exhibits to the filings will not be sent, however, unless those exhibits have specifically been incorporated by reference in this document.

 

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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The trust and BancFirst Corporation have not authorized anyone to provide you with information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The trust and BancFirst Corporation are offering to sell the preferred securities, and are seeking offers to buy the preferred securities, only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus may be accurate only on the date of this prospectus.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

Page


Prospectus Summary

  1

Risk Factors

  9

Forward-Looking Statements

  19

Use of Proceeds

  20

Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

  20

Capitalization

  21

Accounting and Regulatory Treatment

  22

BFC Capital Trust II

  23

Description of the Preferred Securities

  25

Description of Junior Subordinated Debentures

  38

Book-Entry Issuance

  49

Description of Guarantee Agreement

  51

Expense Agreement

  53

Relationship Among the Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee Agreement

  54

Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

  56

Certain ERISA Considerations

  60

Underwriters

  63

Validity of Securities

  65

Experts

  65

Available Information

  66

Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference

  67

 

 


 


 

$25,000,000

 

BFC Capital Trust II

 

        % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities

 

(Liquidation Amount $25.00 per Preferred Security)

 

fully and unconditionally guaranteed

on a subordinated basis, as described herein, by

 

BancFirst Corporation

 


 

PROSPECTUS

 


 

Advest, Inc.

 

Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.

 

                    , 2004

 



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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

   $ 3,295

NASD fee

     3,100

Nasdaq fees

     10,000

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     12,000

Legal fees and expenses

     125,000

Blue Sky fees and expenses

     5,000

Accounting fees and expenses

     30,000

Printing and mailing expenses

     40,000

Miscellaneous expenses

     3,000
    

Total

   $ 231,395
    

 

All of the above items except the registration fee and NASD fee are estimated.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Oklahoma General Corporation Act

 

Section 1006(B)(7) of the General Corporation Act of the State of Oklahoma (the “OGCA”) authorizes a corporation in its certificate of incorporation to eliminate or limit the personal liability of members of its board of directors to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for violations of a director’s fiduciary duty of care, including acts constituting gross negligence. Such a provision would have no effect on the availability of equitable remedies, such as an injunction or rescission, for breach of fiduciary duty. In addition, no such provision may eliminate or limit the liability of a director for breaching his duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, failing to act in good faith, engaging in intentional misconduct or knowingly violating a law, paying an unlawful dividend or approving an illegal stock repurchase, or executing any transaction from which the director obtained an improper personal benefit.

 

Section 1031 of the OGCA empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party to or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney’s fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. With respect to actions or suits by or in the right of the corporation, such indemnification is limited to expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit. Further, no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper. Additionally, a corporation is required to indemnify its directors and officers against expenses to the extent that such directors or officers have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to above or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein.

 

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An indemnification can be made by the corporation only upon a determination made in the manner prescribed by the statute that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because the party seeking indemnification has met the applicable standard of conduct as set forth in the OGCA. The indemnification provided by the OGCA shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. A corporation also has the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person covering any liability incurred by such person in his capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability. The indemnification provided by the OGCA shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

BancFirst Corporation’s Charter And Bylaw Provisions

 

BancFirst Corporation’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (i) limits its directors’ liability for monetary damages to the Registrant and its shareholders for breach of fiduciary duty except under the circumstances outlined in Section 1006(B)(7) of the OGCA as described above, (ii) provides for elimination or limitation of liability to the fullest extent permitted should the OGCA be amended to authorize corporation action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors and (iii) provides for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by Section 1031 of the OGCA.

 

Other Arrangements

 

BancFirst Corporation maintains a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy insuring its directors and officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by them in their capacities as such and insuring BancFirst Corporation, under certain circumstances, in the event that indemnification payments are made by BancFirst Corporation to such directors and officers.

 

The Amended and Restated Trust Agreement will provide for indemnification of the Delaware Trustee and each of the administrative trustees by BancFirst Corporation against any loss, damage, claims, liability, penalty or expense of any kind incurred by the trustees in connection with the performance of their duties or powers under the agreement in a manner reasonably believed by the trustee to be within the scope of its authority under the agreement, except that none of these trustees will be so indemnified for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such trustee’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. Similarly, the agreement provides for indemnification of the Property Trustee, except that the Property Trustee is not indemnified from liability for its own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct. Under the agreement, BancFirst Corporation agrees to advance those expenses incurred by any trustee in defending any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding.

 

Item 16. Exhibits.

 

(a)    Exhibits

    
       1.1 *    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
       4.1    Form of Junior Subordinated Indenture.
       4.2    Form of Junior Subordinated Debenture.
       4.3    Certificate of Trust of BFC Capital Trust II.
       4.4    Trust Agreement of BFC Capital Trust II dated as of January 27, 2004.
       4.5    Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of BFC Capital Trust II.

 

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     Exhibits

    
       4.6    Form of Trust Preferred Certificate of BFC Capital Trust II (included as Exhibit D to Exhibit 4.5 of this Registration Statement).
       4.7    Form of Guarantee Agreement.
       4.8    Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities (included as Exhibit C to Exhibit 4.5 of this Registration Statement).
       4.9    Form of Common Securities Certificate of BFC Capital Trust II (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit 4.5 of this Registration Statement).
       5.1*    Opinion and Consent of Day, Edwards, Propester and Christensen, Professional Corporation.
       5.2*    Opinion and Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
       8.1*    Opinion and Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., special tax counsel to the Registrant, as to certain federal income tax matters.
     12.1    Statements regarding Computation of Ratios.
     23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
     23.2*    Consent of Day, Edwards, Propester & Christensen, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1 above).
     23.3*    Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.2 above).
     23.4*    Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8.1 above).
     24.1    A power of attorney is set forth on the signature page of the Registration Statement.
     25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York to act as trustee under the Subordinated Indenture.
     25.2    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York to act as trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement.
     25.3    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York to act as trustee under the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement.

* To be filed by amendment.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes:

 

(a) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of BancFirst Corporation’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants 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 registrants will, unless in the opinion of their 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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(c) Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes that:

 

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, 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.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, BancFirst Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Oklahoma City, State of Oklahoma, on January 30, 2004.

 

B ANC F IRST C ORPORATION

By:

 

/s/    D AVID E. R AINBOLT         


   

Name: David E. Rainbolt

   

Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Joe T. Shockley, Jr. and Randy P. Foraker, and each of them individually, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the Registration Statement filed herewith and any or all amendments to said Registration Statement (including post-effective amendments and registration statements filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and otherwise), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents the full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the foregoing, as full to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on January 30, 2004 in the capacities indicated:

 

Name


  

Title


/s/    H. E. R AINBOLT         


H. E. Rainbolt

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

/s/    D AVID E. R AINBOLT         


David E. Rainbolt

  

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    J OE T. S HOCKLEY , J R .         


Joe T. Shockley, Jr.

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/    R ANDY P. F ORAKER         


Randy P. Foraker

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/    M ARION C. B AUMAN         


Marion C. Bauman

  

Director

/s/    D ENNIS L. B RAND         


Dennis L. Brand

  

Director

 

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Name


  

Title


 


C. L. Craig, Jr.

   Director

 


William H. Crawford

   Director

/s/    J AMES R. D ANIEL         


James R. Daniel

   Director

/s/    K. G ORDON G REER         


K. Gordon Greer

   Director

/s/    R OBERT A. G REGORY         


Robert A. Gregory

   Director

/s/    J OHN C. H UGON         


John C. Hugon

   Director

/s/    W ILLIAM O. J OHNSTONE         


William O. Johnstone

   Director

 


J. Ralph McCalmont

   Director

/s/    T. H. M C C ASLAND , J R .         


T. H. McCasland, Jr.

   Director

/s/    M ELVIN M ORAN         


Melvin Moran

   Director

/s/    R ONALD J. N ORICK         


Ronald J. Norick

   Director

 


Paul B. Odom, Jr.

   Director

/s/    D AVID E. R AGLAND         


David E. Ragland

   Director

 


G. Rainey Williams, Jr.

   Director

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, BFC Capital Trust II certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Oklahoma City, State of Oklahoma, on January 30, 2004.

 

BFC C APITAL T RUST II
(Co-Registrant)
By:   B ANC F IRST C ORPORATION
    As Depositor
   

/s/    D AVID E. R AINBOLT         


   

Name: David E. Rainbolt

   

Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

No.


  

Description


  1.1 *    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  4.1    Form of Junior Subordinated Indenture.
  4.2    Form of Junior Subordinated Debenture.
  4.3    Certificate of Trust of BFC Capital Trust II.
  4.4    Trust Agreement of BFC Capital Trust II dated as of January 27, 2004.
  4.5    Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of BFC Capital Trust II.
  4.6    Form of Trust Preferred Certificate of BFC Capital Trust II (included as Exhibit D to Exhibit 4.5 of this Registration Statement).
  4.7    Form of Guarantee Agreement.
  4.8    Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities (included as Exhibit C to Exhibit 4.5 of this Registration Statement).
  4.9    Form of Common Securities Certificate of BFC Capital Trust II (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit 4.5 of this Registration Statement).
  5.1*    Opinion and Consent of Day, Edwards, Propester and Christensen, Professional Corporation
  5.2*    Opinion and Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
  8.1*    Opinion and Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., special tax counsel to the Registrant, as to certain federal income tax matters.
12.1    Statements regarding Computation of Ratios.
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2*    Consent of Day, Edwards, Propester & Christensen, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1 above).
23.3*    Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.2 above).
23.4*    Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8.1 above).
24.1    A power of attorney is set forth on the signature page of the Registration Statement.
25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York to act as trustee under the Subordinated Indenture.
25.2    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York to act as trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement.
25.3    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York to act as trustee under the Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement.

* To be filed by amendment.

 

II-8

Exhibit 4.1

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

 

to

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,

 

Trustee

 


 

JUNIOR SUBORDINATED INDENTURE

 

Dated as of                  , 2004

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

               Page

ARTICLE I      DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

   1
     Section 1.1    Definitions    1
     Section 1.2    Compliance Certificate and Opinions    7
     Section 1.3    Forms of Documents Delivered to Trustee    8
     Section 1.4    Acts of Holders    8
     Section 1.5    Notices, Etc to Trustee and Company    10
     Section 1.6    Notice to Holders; Waiver    10
     Section 1.7    Conflict with Trust Indenture Act    10
     Section 1.8    Effect of Headings and Table of Contents    10
     Section 1.9    Successors and Assigns    10
     Section 1.10    Separability Clause    11
     Section 1.11    Benefits of Indenture    11
     Section 1.12    Governing Law    11
     Section 1.13    Non-Business Days    11

ARTICLE II    SECURITY FORMS

   11
     Section 2.1    Forms Generally    11
     Section 2.2    Form of Face of Security    12
     Section 2.3    Form of Reverse of Security    14
     Section 2.4    Additional Provisions Required in Global Security    16
     Section 2.5    Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication    16

ARTICLE III    THE SECURITIES

   17
     Section 3.1    Title and Terms    17
     Section 3.2    Denominations    19
     Section 3.3    Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating    19
     Section 3.4    Temporary Securities    20
     Section 3.5    Registration, Transfer and Exchange    20
     Section 3.6    Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities    21
     Section 3.7    Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved    22
     Section 3.8    Persons Deemed Owners    23
     Section 3.9    Cancellation    23
     Section 3.10    Computation of Interest    23
     Section 3.11    Deferrals of Interest Payment Dates    24
     Section 3.12    Right of Set-Off    25
     Section 3.13    Agreed Tax Treatment    25
     Section 3.14    Shortening of Stated Maturity    25
     Section 3.15    CUSIP Numbers    25

ARTICLE IV    SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

   25
     Section 4.1    Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture    25
     Section 4.2    Application of Trust Money    26

 

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(continued)

 

               Page

ARTICLE V    DEFAULT AND REMEDIES    26
     Section 5.1    Events of Default    26
     Section 5.2    Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment    27
     Section 5.3    Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee    28
     Section 5.4    Trustee May File Proofs of Claim    28
     Section 5.5    Trustee May Enforce Claim Without Possession of Securities    29
     Section 5.6    Application of Money Collected    29
     Section 5.7    Limitation on Suits    30
     Section 5.8    Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal Premium and Interest; Direct Action by Holders of Preferred Securities    30
     Section 5.9    Restoration of Rights and Remedies    30
     Section 5.10    Rights and Remedies Cumulative    31
     Section 5.11    Delay or Omission Not Waiver    31
     Section 5.12    Control by Holders    31
     Section 5.13    Waiver of Past Defaults    31
     Section 5.14    Undertaking for Costs    32
     Section 5.15    Waiver of Usury Stay or Extension Laws    32

ARTICLE VI    THE TRUSTEE

   32
     Section 6.1    Certain Duties and Responsibilities    32
     Section 6.2    Notice of Defaults    33
     Section 6.3    Certain Rights of Trustee    33
     Section 6.4    Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities    34
     Section 6.5    Other Dealings in Securities    34
     Section 6.6    Money Held in Trust    34
     Section 6.7    Compensation and Reimbursement    34
     Section 6.8    Disqualification; Conflicting Interests    35
     Section 6.9    Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility    35
     Section 6.10    Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor    36
     Section 6.11    Acceptance of Appointment by Successor    37
     Section 6.12    Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business    37
     Section 6.13    Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company    38
     Section 6.14    Appointment of Authenticating Agent    38

ARTICLE VII    HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

   39
     Section 7.1    Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders    39
     Section 7.2    Preservation of Information, Communications to Holders    39
     Section 7.3    Reports by Trustee    40
     Section 7.4    Reports by Company    40

ARTICLE VIII    CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

   40
     Section 8.1    Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms    40
     Section 8.2    Successor Corporation Substituted    41

ARTICLE IX    SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

   41
     Section 9.1    Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders    41
     Section 9.2    Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders    42
     Section 9.3    Execution of Supplemental Indentures    43
     Section 9.4    Effect of Consents; Effect of Supplemental Indentures    43
     Section 9.5    Conformity with Trust Indenture Act    44
     Section 9.6    Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures    44

 

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(continued)

 

               Page

ARTICLE X    COVENANTS

   44
     Section 10.1    Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest    44
     Section 10.2    Maintenance of Office or Agency    44
     Section 10.3    Money for Security Payments to be Held in Trust    45
     Section 10.4    Statement as to Compliance    46
     Section 10.5    Waiver of Certain Covenants    46
     Section 10.6    Additional Sums    46
     Section 10.7    Additional Covenants    46

ARTICLE XI    REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

   47
     Section 11.1    Applicability of This Article    47
     Section 11.2    Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee    48
     Section 11.3    Selection of Securities to be Redeemed    48
     Section 11.4    Notice of Redemption    48
     Section 11.5    Deposit of Redemption Price    49
     Section 11.6    Payment of Securities Called for Redemption    49
     Section 11.7    Right of Redemption of Securities Initially Issued to a Capital Trust    49

ARTICLE XII    SINKING FUNDS

   50
     Section 12.1    Applicability of Article    50
     Section 12.2    Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities    50
     Section 12.3    Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund    50

ARTICLE XIII    SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

   51
     Section 13.1    Securities Subordinate to Senior Debt    51
     Section 13.2    Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc    52
     Section 13.3    Prior Payment to Senior Debt Upon Acceleration of Securities    52
     Section 13.4    No Payment When Senior Debt in Default    53
     Section 13.5    Payment Permitted If No Default    53
     Section 13.6    Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Debt    54
     Section 13.7    Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights    54
     Section 13.8    Trustee to Effectuate Subordination    54
     Section 13.9    No Waiver of Subordination Provisions    55
     Section 13.10    Notice to Trustee    55
     Section 13.11    Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent    55
     Section 13.12    Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt    56
     Section 13.13    Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Debt; Preservation of Trustee’s Rights    56
     Section 13.14    Article Applicable to Paying Agents    56
     Section 13.15    Certain Conversions or Exchanges Deemed Payment    56

 

iii


BANCFIRST CORPORATION

 

Reconciliation and tie between the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (including cross-references to provisions of Sections 310 to and including 317 which, pursuant to Section 318(c) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended by the Trust Reform Act of 1990, are a part of and govern the Indenture whether or not physically contained therein) and the Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of                  , 2004.

 

Trust Indenture Act Section

  

Indenture Section


§ 310   (a) (1), (2) and (5)    6.9
      (a) (3)    Not Applicable
      (a) (4)    Not Applicable
      (b)    6.8, 6.10
      (c)    Not Applicable
§ 311   (a)    6.13
      (b)    6.13
      (c)    Not Applicable
§ 312   (a)    7.1, 7.2(a)
      (b)    7.2(b)
      (c)    7.2(c)
§ 313   (a)    7.3(a)
      (b)    7.3(b)
      (c)    1.6, 7.3(a), 7.3(b)
      (d)    7.3(c)
§ 314   (a) (1), (2) and (3)    7.4
      (a) (4)    7.4, 10.4
      (b)    Not Applicable
      (c) (1)    1.2
      (c) (2)    1.2
      (c) (3)    Not Applicable
      (d)    Not Applicable
      (e)    1.2
      (f)    Not Applicable
§ 315   (a)    6.1 (a)
      (b)    1.6, 6.2
      (c)    6.1 (b)
      (d)    6.1 (c)
      (d) (1)    6.1 (c) (i)
      (d) (2)    6.1 (c) (ii)
      (d) (3)    6.1 (c) (iii)
      (e)    5.14
§ 316   (a)    5.12, 5.13
      (a)(1)(A)    5.12
      (a)(1)(B)    5.13
      (a) (2)    Not Applicable
      (b)    5.8
      (c)    1.4(f)
§ 317   (a) (1)    5.3
      (a) (2)    5.4
      (b)    10.3
§   318   (a)    1.7

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

 

iv


JUNIOR SUBORDINATED INDENTURE , dated as of                      , 2004, between BANCFIRST CORPORATION, an Oklahoma corporation (hereinafter called the “ Company ”), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee (hereinafter called the “ Trustee ”).

 

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

 

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured junior subordinated debt securities in series (hereinafter, the “ Securities ”) of substantially the tenor hereinafter provided, including, without limitation, Securities issued to evidence loans made to the Company of the proceeds from the issuance from time to time by one or more statutory business trusts (each a “ BFC Capital Trust ,” and, collectively, the Capital Trusts ”) of preferred beneficial interests in the assets of such Capital Trusts (the “Preferred Securities ”) and common beneficial interests in the assets of such Capital Trusts (the “ Common Securities ” and, collectively with the Preferred Securities, the “ Trust Securities ”), and to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be authenticated, issued and delivered.

 

All things necessary to make the Securities, when executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered hereunder and duly issued by the Company, the valid obligations of the Company, and to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with their and its terms, have been done.

 

NOW THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH : For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of any series thereof, as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

 

Section 1.1 . Definitions .

 

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise provided expressly or by context:

 

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

 

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

 

(c) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles which are generally accepted at the date or time of such computation; provided, that when two or more principles are so generally accepted, it shall mean that set of principles consistent with those in use by the Company; and

 

(d) The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

 

1940 Act ” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

Act when used with respect to any Holder has the meaning specified in Section 1.4.

 

Additional Interest ” means the interest, if any, that shall accrue on any interest on the Securities of any series the payment of which has not been made on the applicable Interest Payment Date and which shall accrue at the rate per annum specified or determined as specified in such Security.

 

1


Additional Sums has the meaning specified in Section 10.6.

 

Additional Taxes ” means the sum of any additional taxes, duties and other governmental charges to which a Capital Trust has become subject from time to time as a result of a Tax Event.

 

Administrative Trustee ” means, in respect of any Capital Trust, each Person identified as an “Administrative Trustee” or an “Administrative Agent” in the related Trust Agreement, solely in such Person’s capacity as Administrative Trustee or an Administrative Agent, as the case may be, of such Capital Trust under such Trust Agreement and not in such Person’s individual capacity, or any successor administrative trustee or successor administrative agent, as the case may be, appointed as therein provided.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person; provided, however , no Capital Trust to which Securities have been issued shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

Allocable Amounts ,” when used with respect to any Senior Debt, means all amounts due or to become due on such Senior Debt.

 

Amended and Restated Trust Agreement ” means the amended and restated trust agreement substantially in the form attached here to as Annex B, or substantially in such form as may be contemplated by Section 3.1 with respect to the Securities at any series, as amended from time to time.

 

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

 

Board of Directors ” means either the board of directors of the Company or any committee of that board duly authorized to act hereunder.

 

Board Resolution ” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors, or such committee of the Board of Directors or officers of the Company to which authority to act on behalf of the Board of Directors has been delegated, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Business Day ” means any day other than (i) a Saturday or Sunday, (ii) a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or, with respect to the Securities of a series initially issued to a Capital Trust, the principal office of the Property Trustee under the related Trust Agreement, is closed for business.

 

Capital Treatment Event ” means the reasonable determination by the Company that, as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein, or as a result of any official or administrative pronouncement or action or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or such prospective change, pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the original issuance of the Preferred Securities of such Capital Trust, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company will not be entitled to treat the Preferred Securities (or any substantial portion thereof) as “Tier I Capital” (or the then equivalent thereof) for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of the primary federal regulator of the Company, as then in effect and applicable to the Company.

 

2


Capital Trust ” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.

 

Capital Trust Guarantee ” means the guarantee by the Company of distributions on the Preferred Securities of a Capital Trust to the extent provided in the related Guarantee Agreement.

 

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties on such date.

 

Common Securities ” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.

 

Common Stock ” means the common stock, $1.00 par value per share, of the Company.

 

Company ” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor corporation.

 

Company Request ” and “ Company Order ” mean, respectively, the written request or order signed in the name of the Company by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, its Chief Executive Officer, its President or a Vice President, and by its Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

“Corporate Trust Office ” means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office on the date of execution of this Indenture is located at [insert address], Attention: Corporate Trust Department.

 

Corporation ” includes a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust.

 

Debt ” means, with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person and whether or not contingent: (a) every obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (b) every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; (c) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person; (d) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); (e) every capital lease obligation of such Person; (f) all indebtedness of such Person whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, for claims in respect of derivative products, including interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity forward contracts, options and swaps and similar arrangements; and (g) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (a) through (f) of another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable for, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise.

 

Defaulted Interest ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.7.

 

Definitive Securities ” shall mean those securities issued in fully registered certificated form not otherwise in global form.

 

Depositary ” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the Person designated as Depositary by the Company pursuant to Section 3.1 with respect to such series (or any successor thereto).

 

3


Discount Security ” means any security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.2.

 

Distributions ,” with respect to the Trust Securities issued by a Capital Trust, means amounts payable in respect of such Trust Securities as provided in the related Trust Agreement and referred to therein as “Distributions.”

 

Dollar ” or “ U.S. $ ” means the currency of the United States of America that, as at the time of payment, is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Article V unless otherwise specified in the supplemental indenture or the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof creating a series of Securities.

 

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

 

Extension Period ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.11.

 

Global Security ” means a Security in the form prescribed in Section 2.4 evidencing all or part of a series of Securities, issued to the Depositary or its nominee for such series, and registered in the name of such Depositary or its nominee.

 

Guarantee Agreement ” means the Guarantee Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex C, or substantially in such form as may be specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 with respect to the Securities of any series, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

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

 

Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be amended or supplemented by one or more supplemental indentures entered into pursuant to applicable provisions hereof or one or more Officers’ Certificates delivered pursuant to Section 3.1 and shall include the terms of each particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 3.1.

 

Interest Payment Date ” means as to each series of Securities the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Securities.

 

Investment Company Event ” means, in respect of a Capital Trust, the receipt by the Company and a Capital Trust of an Opinion of Counsel, rendered by a law firm experienced in such matters, to the effect that, as a result of change in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that such Capital Trust is or will be considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the 1940 Act, which change becomes effective on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred Securities of such Capital Trust.

 

Junior Subordinated Payment ” has the meaning specified in Section 13.2.

 

Liquidation Amount ” has the meaning given to it in the Trust Agreement under which the applicable Capital Trust is formed.

 

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

 

Notice of Default ” means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 5.1(c).

 

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Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and by the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, but not an employee thereof, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

Original Issue Date ” means the date of issuance specified as such in each Security.

 

Outstanding ” means, in reference to any Securities, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except (a) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; (b) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust for the Holders of such Securities; provided that , if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture; and (c) Securities in substitution for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered or which have been paid pursuant to Section 3.6, unless proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that any such Securities are held by Holders in whose hands such Securities are valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company; provided , however , that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or, unless all the Securities of a series shall then be held by an Affiliate of the Company, any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor. Upon the written request of the Trustee, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers’ Certificate listing and identifying all Securities, if any, known by the Company to be owned or held by or for the account of the Company, or any other obligor on the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such obligor, and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Securities not listed therein are Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.

 

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

 

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or corporation, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Place of Payment ” means, with respect to the Securities of any series, the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities of such series are payable pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.11.

 

Predecessor Security ” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.6 in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost; destroyed or stolen Security.

 

“Preferred Securities” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.

 

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Proceeding ” has the meaning specified in Section 13.2.

 

Property Trustee ” means, as to any Capital Trust, the commercial bank or trust company identified as the “Property Trustee” in the related Trust Agreement, solely in its capacity as Property Trustee of such Capital Trust under such Trust Agreement and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor property trustee appointed as therein provided.

 

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

 

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

 

Regular Record Date ” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date with respect to the Securities of a series means, the date that is fifteen days next preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day).

 

Representative ” means the (a) indenture trustee or other trustee, agent or representative for any Senior Debt or (b) with respect to any Senior Debt that does not have any such trustee, agent or other representative, (i) in the case of such Senior Debt issued pursuant to our agreement providing for voting arrangements as among the holders or owners of such Senior Debt, any holder or owner of such Senior Debt acting with the consent of the required persons necessary to bind such holders or owners of such Senior Debt and (ii) in the case of all other such Senior Debt, the holder or owner of such Senior Debt.

 

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

 

Securities ” or “ Security ” means any debt securities or debt security, as the case may be, authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

 

Securities Register ” and “ Securities Registrar ” have the respective meanings specified in Section 3.5.

 

Senior Debt ” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company whether or not such claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding), on Debt of the Company, whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not superior in right of payment to the Securities, or to other Debt which is pari passu with, or subordinated to the Securities, provided , however , that Senior Debt shall not be deemed to include (a) any Debt of the Company which, when incurred and without respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended, was without recourse to the Company, (b) any Debt of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries, (c) Debt to any employee of the Company, (d) any Securities and (e) the Company’s 9.65% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures.

 

Special Record Date ” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.7.

 

Stated Maturity ” when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon means the date specified pursuant to the terms of such Security as the date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of interest is due and payable, in the case of such principal, as such date may be shortened or extended as provided pursuant to the terms of such Security and this Indenture.

 

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

 

Tax Event ” means the receipt by the Company and any Capital Trust of an Opinion of Counsel (as defined in the relevant Trust Agreement) experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or such prospective change, pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the original issuance of the Preferred Securities of such Capital Trust, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (a) such Capital Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such Opinion of Counsel, subject to United States Federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the corresponding series of Securities, (b) interest payable by the Company on such corresponding series of Securities is not, or within 90 days of the date of such Opinion of Counsel will not be, deductible by the Company, in whole or in part, for United States Federal income tax purposes or (c) such Capital Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such Opinion of Counsel, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

 

Trust Agreement ” means the Trust Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A, as amended by the form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex B, or substantially in such form as may be specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 with respect to the Securities of any series, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

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

 

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbb), as amended and as in effect on the date as of this Indenture, except as provided in Section 9.5.

 

Trust Securities ” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.

 

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

 

Section 1.2 . Compliance Certificate and Opinions .

 

Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent (including covenants, compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent), if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent (including covenants; compliance with which constitute a condition precedent), if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

 

 

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Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificates provided pursuant to Section 10.4) shall include:

 

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

 

(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with, and

 

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

 

Section 1.3 . Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee .

 

Where several matters are required to be certified or covered by an opinion, such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters. Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions, or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

 

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

 

Section 1.4 . Acts of Holders .

 

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given to or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent or proxy duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments is or are delivered to the Trustee, and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “ Act ” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 6.1) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

 

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

 

(c) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee deems sufficient and in accordance with such reasonable rules as the Trustee may determine.

 

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

 

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

 

(f) The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series; provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph (f) shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date, provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date (as defined below) by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.6.

 

The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of any (i) Notice of Default, (ii) declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 5.2, (iii) request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 5.7(b), or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 5.12, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to, join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date, provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.6.

 

With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which sets such record dates may designate any day as the “ Expiration Date ” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day, provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 1.6, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 180th day after the applicable record date.

 

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

 

Section 1.5 . Notices, Etc to Trustee and Company .

 

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

 

(i) the Trustee, by any Holder or any holder of Preferred Securities or the Company, shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, or

 

(ii) with the Company, by the Trustee or any Holder or any holder of Preferred Securities, shall be sufficient for every purpose (except as otherwise provided in Section 5.1) hereunder if in writing and mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to the Company, addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

 

Section 1.6 . Notice to Holders; Waiver .

 

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

 

Section 1.7 . Conflict with Trust Indenture Act .

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by any of Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act through operation of Section 318(c) thereof, such imposed duties shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or excluded, as the case may be.

 

Section 1.8 . Effect of Headings and Table of Contents .

 

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

 

Section 1.9 . Successors and Assigns .

 

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

 

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Section 1.10 . Separability Clause .

 

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

 

Section 1.11 . Benefits of Indenture .

 

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors and assigns, the Holders of Senior Debt, the Holders of the Securities and, to the extent expressly provided in Sections 5.2, 5.8, 5.9, 5.11, 5.13, 9.1 and 9.2, the holders of Preferred Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

 

Section 1.12 . Governing Law .

 

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

Section 1.13 . Non-Business Days .

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or the Securities, whenever an Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, or Stated Maturity of any Security occurs on a day that is not a Business Day: (i) the affected payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) will be deemed timely if made on the first Business Day after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, or Stated Maturity; and (ii) no interest accrue for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, until such first Business Day thereafter.

 

ARTICLE II

 

SECURITY FORMS

 

Section 2.1 . Forms Generally .

 

The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the forms set forth in this Article, or in such other form or forms as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with applicable tax laws or the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 3.3 with respect to the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

 

The Trustee’s certificates of authentication shall be substantially in the form set forth in this Article.

 

The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods, if required by any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, on a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such securities.

 

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Section 2.2 . Form of Face of Security .

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

     % Junior Subordinated Debenture due              ,         

 

Registered

   Principal Amount:

No.

   CUSIP No.:

 

BancFirst Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Oklahoma (hereinafter called the “ Company ”, which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [Name of BFC Capital Trust] , or registered assigns, the principal sum of $              Dollars on                  ; provided that the Company may shorten the Stated Maturity of the principal of this Security to a date not earlier than                  . The Company further promises to pay interest on said principal sum from                  or from the most recent interest payment date (each such date, an “ Interest Payment Date ”) on which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly (subject to deferral as set forth herein) in arrears on the      day of              ,              ,              and              of each year commencing              ,          at the rate of          % per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, plus Additional Interest, if any, until the principal hereof is paid or duly provided for or made available for payment and on any overdue principal and (without duplication and to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at the rate of          % per annum, compounded quarterly. The amount of interest payable for any period shall be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months and a 360-day year. The amount of interest payable for any partial period shall be computed on the basis of the number of days elapsed in a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on this Security is not a Business Day, then a payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable. A “ Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or on a day on which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or the principal office of the Property Trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (hereinafter referred to) for [Name of BFC Capital Trust] is closed for business. The interest installment 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 in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest installment, which shall be 15 days next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest installment not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than ten days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

 

[If applicable, insert So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Company shall have the right at any time during the term of this Security to defer payment of interest on this Security, at any time or from time to time, for up to 20 consecutive quarterly interest payment periods with respect to each deferral period (each an “ Extension Period ”), (during which Extension Periods the Company shall have the right to make partial payments of interest on any interest Payment Date, and at the end of which the Company shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with Additional Interest thereon to the extent permitted by applicable law)); provided , however , that no Extension Period shall extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the principal of this Security; provided , further , that during any such Extension Period, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation

 

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payment with respect to, any of the Company’s capital stock (which includes common and preferred stock), (ii) make any payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt security of the Company (including Securities issued by the Company pursuant to the Indenture other than the Securities represented by this certificate) that ranks pari passu with or junior in interest to this Security, (iii) make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any Subsidiaries of the Company (if such guarantee ranks pari passu in all respects with or junior in interest to this Security) (other than, with respect to the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), (a) dividends or distributions in capital stock of the Company (which includes common and preferred stock), (b) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, (c) payments under the BFC Guarantee related to the Preferred Securities issued by [Name of BFC Capital Trust] , and (d) purchases of Common Stock related to the issuance of Common Stock or rights under any of the Company’s benefit plans for its directors, officers or employees) or (iv) redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the Securities of this series or any of the Preferred Securities. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period, the Company may further extend such Extension Period, provided that such extension does not cause such Extension Period to exceed 20 consecutive interest payment periods or to extend beyond the Stated Maturity. Upon the termination of any such Extension Period and upon the payment of all amounts then due on any Interest Payment Date, and subject to the foregoing limitation, the Company may elect to begin a new Extension Period. No interest shall be due and payable during an Extension Period except at the end thereof. The Company shall give the Trustee, the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees of [Name of BFC Capital Trust] notice of its election to begin any Extension Period at least one Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which Distributions on the Preferred Securities would be payable except for the election to begin such Extension Period, or (ii) the date the Administrative Trustees are required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or other applicable stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted or to holders of such Preferred Securities of the record date or (iii) the date such Distributions are payable, but in any event not less than one Business Day prior to such record date. The Trustee shall give notice of the Company’s election to begin a new Extension Period to the holders of the Preferred Securities. There is no limitation on the number of times that the Company may elect to begin an Extension Period.]

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Trustee or at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as the Company may designate from time to time, maintained for that purpose in the United States, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided , however , that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Securities Register or (ii) by transfer to an account maintained by the person entitled thereto, in immediately available funds, at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Person entitled thereto as specified in the Securities Register.

 

The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent provided in the Indenture, unsecured and will rank junior and subordinate and subject in right of payments to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, and this Security is issued subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each Holder of this Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each Holder hereof, by his acceptance hereof, waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of Senior Debt, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.

 

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

 

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

 

This Security is not a savings account or deposit or other obligation of a bank and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, by any other governmental agency, or otherwise.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.

 

        

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

         By:  

 


            

[President or Vice President]

Attest:

            

 


            

[Secretary or Assistant Secretary]

            

 

Section 2.3 . Form of Reverse of Security .

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “ Securities ”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under a Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of                  ,          (herein called the “ Indenture ”), between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (herein called the “ Trustee ”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the Company and the Holders of the Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount to $                  .

 

All terms used in this Security that are defined in the Indenture and in the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of                  ,          , as amended (the “ Amended and Restated Trust Agreement ”), for [Name of BFC Capital Trust] among BancFirst Corporation, as Depositor, and the Trustees named therein, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture or the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, as the case may be.

 

[If applicable, insert— The Company may at any time, at its option, on or after                  , and subject to the terms and conditions of Article XI of the Indenture, and subject to the Company having received any necessary regulatory approval to do so if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies, redeem this Security [in whole at any time] [or in part from time to time], at a redemption price equal to [ insert redemption price ] to the Redemption Date.]

 

[If applicable, insert —Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event in respect of a Capital Trust, the Company may, at its option, and subject to the Company having received any necessary regulatory approval to do so if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies, at any time within 90 days of the occurrence of such Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event redeem this Security, [if applicable, insert in whole but not in part], subject to the provisions of Section 11.7 and the other provisions of Article XI of the Indenture, at a redemption price equal to [ insert redemption price ] to the Redemption Date.]

 

[If applicable, insert —In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series for the portion hereof not redeemed will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]

 

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The Indenture contains provisions for satisfaction and discharge of the entire indebtedness of this Security upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the Company and the Trustee at any time to enter into a supplemental indenture or indentures for the purpose of modifying in any manner the rights and obligations of the Company and of the Holders of the Securities, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series to be affected by such supplemental indenture. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

[If the Security is not a Discount Security, —As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, if an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of this series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), provided that , in the case of the Securities of this series issued to a BFC Capital Trust, if upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series fails to declare the principal of all the Securities of this series to be immediately due and payable, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee; and upon any such declaration the principal amount of and the accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) on all the Securities of this series shall become immediately due and payable, provided that the payment of principal and interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Securities shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in Article XIII of the Indenture.]

 

[If the Security is a Discount Security, — As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, if an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of this series may declare an amount of principal of the Securities of this series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), provided that , in the case of the Securities of this series issued to a BFC Capital Trust, if upon an Event of Default, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series fails to declare the principal of all the Securities of this series to be immediately due and payable, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee. Such amount shall be equal to [ insert formula for determining the amount ]. Upon any such declaration, such amount of the principal of and the accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) on all the Securities of this series shall become immediately due and payable, provided that the payment of principal and interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Securities shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in Article XIII of the Indenture. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal and overdue interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company’s obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on this Security shall terminate.]

 

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

 

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As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Securities Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company maintained under Section 10.2 of the Indenture duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Securities Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees. No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

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

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of minimum denominations of $25 and any integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of such series of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

The Company and, by its acceptance of this Security or a beneficial interest therein, the Holder of, and any Person that acquires a beneficial interest in, this Security agree that for United States Federal, state and local tax purposes each of the aforementioned persons shall treat this Security as indebtedness.

 

THE INDENTURE AND THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

 

Section 2.4 . Additional Provisions Required in Global Security .

 

Any Global Security issued hereunder shall, in addition to the provisions contained in Sections 2.2 and 2.3, bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF A DEPOSITARY. THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE AND 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.”

 

Section 2.5 . Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication .

 

This is one of the Securities referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated:

 

The Bank Of New York

as Trustee

By:

 

 


   

Authorized Signatory

 

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ARTICLE III

 

THE SECURITIES

 

Section 3.1 . Title and Terms .

 

The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate (such Officers’ Certificate shall have the effect of a supplemental indenture for all purposes hereunder), or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of a series:

 

(a) title of the securities of such series, which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities;

 

(b) the limit, if any, upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 9.6 or 11.6 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 3.3, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder): provided , however , that the authorized aggregate principal amount of such series may be increased above such amount by a Board Resolution to such effect;

 

(c) the Stated Maturity or Maturities on which the principal of the Securities of such series is payable or the method of determination thereof;

 

(d) the rate or rates, if any, at which the Securities of such series shall bear interest, if any, the rate or rates and extent to which Additional Interest, if any, shall be payable in respect of any Securities of such series, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable, the right, pursuant to Section 3.11 or as otherwise set forth therein, of the Company to defer or extend an Interest Payment Date, and the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date or the method by which any of the foregoing shall be determined;

 

(e) place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities of such series shall be payable, the place or places where the Securities of such series may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange, and the place or places where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such series may be made;

 

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

 

(g) the obligation or the right, if any, of the Company to prepay, repay or purchase the Securities of such series pursuant to any sinking fund, amortization or analogous provisions, or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currencies (including currency unit or units) in which and the other terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

 

(h) the denominations in which any Securities of such series shall be issuable, if other than denominations of $25 and any integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof;

 

(i) if other than Dollars, the currency or currencies (including currency unit or units) in which the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of the series shall be payable, or in which the Securities of the series shall be denominated;

 

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(j) additions, modifications or deletions, if any, in the Events of Default or covenants of the Company set forth herein with respect to the Securities of such series;

 

(k) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of such series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof,

 

(l) the additions or changes, if any, to this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of the Securities of such series in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons;

 

(m) any index or indices used to determine the amount of payments of principal of and premium, if any, on the Securities of such series or the manner in which such amounts will be determined;

 

(n) whether the Securities of the series, or any portion thereof, shall initially be issuable in the form of a temporary Global Security representing all or such portion of the Securities of such series and provisions for the exchange of such temporary, Global Security for definitive Securities of such series;

 

(o) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 2.4 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Section 3.5 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;

 

(p) the appointment of any Paying Agent or Agents for the Securities of such series;

 

(q) the terms of any right to convert or exchange Securities of such series into any other securities or property of the Company, and the additions or changes, if any, to this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series to permit or facilitate such conversion or exchange;

 

(r) the form or forms of the Trust Agreement, Amended and Restated Trust Agreement and Guarantee Agreement, if different from the forms attached hereto as Annexes A, B and C, respectively;

 

(s) the relative degree, if any, to which the Securities of the series shall be senior to or be subordinated to other series of Securities in right of payment, whether such other series of Securities are Outstanding or not; and

 

(t) any other terms of the Securities of such series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture).

 

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided herein or in or pursuant to such Board Resolution and set forth in such Officers’ Certificate or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.

 

If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.

 

The Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to Senior Debt as provided in Article XIII.

 

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Section 3.2 . Denominations .

 

The Securities of each series shall be in registered form without coupons and shall be issuable in minimum denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1.

 

Section 3.3 . Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating .

 

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

 

Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 2.1 and 3.1, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 6.1) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,

 

(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 2.1, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 3.1, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

 

(3) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable, in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.

 

If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.1 and this Section 3.3, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 3.1 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to this section at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.

 

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form

 

19


provided for herein executed by the Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized officers, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 3.9, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

 

Section 3.4 . Temporary Securities .

 

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

 

If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities, the temporary Securities shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities upon surrender of the temporary Securities at the office or agency of the Company designated for that purpose without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations having the same Original Issue Date and Stated Maturity and having the same terms as such temporary Securities. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.

 

Section 3.5 . Registration, Transfer and Exchange .

 

The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. Such register is herein sometimes referred to as the “ Securities Register .” The Trustee is hereby appointed “ Securities Registrar ” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

 

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security at the office or agency of the Company designated for that purpose, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series of any authorized denominations, of a like aggregate principal amount, of the same Original Issue Date and Stated Maturity and having the same terms.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Securities.

 

The provisions of Clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) below shall apply only to Global Securities:

 

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

 

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof unless (i) such Depositary (A) has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or (B) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as depositary, in each case unless the Company has approved a successor Depositary within 90 days, (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to such Global Security, (iii) the Company in its sole discretion determines that such Global Security will be so, exchangeable or transferable or (iv) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for this purpose as contemplated by Section 3.1.

 

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

 

(d) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 3.4, 3.6, 9.6 or 11.6 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.

 

Neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be required, pursuant to the provisions of this Section, (i) to issue, transfer or exchange any Security of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of selection for redemption of Securities pursuant to Article XI and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of notice of redemption or (ii) to transfer or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except, in the case of any Security to be redeemed in part, any portion thereof not to be redeemed.

 

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security (including any transfers between or among Depositary participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, the Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

Section 3.6 . Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities .

 

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee together with such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company or the Trustee to hold each of them harmless, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same issue and series of like tenor and principal amount; having the same Original Issue Date and Stated Maturity, and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

If there shall be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to hold each of them harmless, then; in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that

 

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such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same issue and series of like tenor and principal amount, having the same Original Issue Date and Stated Maturity as such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

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

 

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

 

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

 

The provisions of this Section 3.6 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

 

Section 3.7 . Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved .

 

Interest on any Security of any series which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date, shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest in respect of Securities of such series, except that, unless otherwise provided in the Securities of such series, interest payable on the Stated Maturity of the principal of a Security shall be paid to the Person to whom principal is paid. The initial payment of interest on any Security of any series which is issued between a Regular Record Date and the related Interest Payment Date shall be payable as provided in such Security or in the Board Resolution pursuant to Section 3.1 with respect to the related series of Securities.

 

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

 

(a) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series in respect of which interest is in default (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon, the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by

 

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the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to each Holder of a Security of such series at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Securities Register not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. The Trustee may, in its discretion, in the name and at the expense of the Company, cause a similar notice to be published at least once in a newspaper, customarily published in the English language on each Business Day and of general circulation in the State of New York, but such publication shall not be a condition precedent to the establishment of such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (b).

 

(b) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of the series in respect of which interest is in default may be listed and, upon such notice as may be required by such exchange (or by the Trustee if the Securities are not listed), if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

 

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.7, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

 

Section 3.8 . Persons Deemed Owners .

 

The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name any Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and (subject to Section 3.7) any interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

Section 3.9 . Cancellation .

 

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Securities and Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Securities shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures.

 

Section 3.10 . Computation of Interest .

 

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series for any period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and interest on the Securities of each series for any partial period shall be computed on the basis of the number of days elapsed in a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

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Section 3.11 . Deferrals of Interest Payment Dates .

 

If specified as contemplated by Section 2.1 or Section 3.1 with respect to the Securities of a particular series, and so long as no Event of Default persists, the Company shall have the right, at any time during the term of such series, from time to time to defer the payment of interest on such Securities for such period or periods as may be specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 (each, an “ Extension Period ”). No Extension Period shall end on any date other than an Interest Payment Date, nor shall any Extension Period shall extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the principal of the Securities of such series.

 

During any Extension Period, the Company shall not do or permit a Subsidiary to do any of the following:

 

(1) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company’s capital stock (whether common or preferred),

 

(2) pay any principal of or interest or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem, any debt securities of the Company (including Securities other than the Securities of such series) that ranks pari passu in all respects with, or junior in interest to the Securities of such series, or

 

(3) make payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any Subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu with or junior in interest to the Securities of such series.

 

Provided, however , that the foregoing Clauses (1) – (3) do not proscribe: (i) making dividends or distributions in the Company’s capital stock (whether common or preferred), (ii) any dividends declared in connection with implementing a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, (iii) making payments under the BFC Capital Guarantee related to the Preferred Securities issued by the Capital Trust holding Securities of such series, (iv) purchasing Common Stock related to the issuance of Common Stock or rights under any of the Company’s benefit plans for its directors, officers, employees or consultants) or (iv) redeeming, repurchasing or acquiring less than all of the Securities of such series or any of the Preferred Securities

 

During Extension Periods the Company shall have the right to make partial payments of interest on any Interest Payment Date. At the end of any such Extension Period, the Company shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid on the Securities (together with Additional Interest thereon, if any, at the rate specified for the Securities of such series to the extent permitted by applicable law).

 

At the expiration of any Extension Period and upon the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest and any Additional Interest then due on any Interest Payment Date, the Company may elect to begin a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. No interest shall be due and payable during an Extension Period, except at the end thereof. The Company shall give the Trustee, the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees of the Capital Trust holding Securities of such series, notice of its election of any Extension Period (or an extension thereof) at least one Business Day prior to the earliest of (i) the next succeeding date that Distributions on the Preferred Securities of such Capital Trust would be payable but for the election to begin or extend such Extension Period, (ii) the date the Administrative Trustees are required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or other applicable stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted or to holders of such Preferred Securities of the record date, or (iii) the date such Distributions are payable, but in any event not less than one Business Day prior to such record date. The Trustee shall promptly give notice of the Company’s election to begin a new Extension Period to the holders of the Securities of such series. There is no limitation on the number of times that the Company may elect to begin an Extension Period.

 

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Section 3.12 . Right of Set-Off .

 

With respect to the Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Indenture, the Company shall have the right to set-off any payment it is otherwise required to make thereunder in respect of any such Security to the extent the Company has theretofore made, or is concurrently on the date of such payment making, a payment under the Guarantee Agreement relating to such Security or under Section 5.8 of the Indenture.

 

Section 3.13 . Agreed Tax Treatment .

 

Each Security issued hereunder shall provide that the Company and, by its acceptance of a Security or a beneficial interest therein, the Holder of, and any Person that acquires a beneficial interest in, such Security agree that for United States Federal, state and local tax purposes, each of the aforementioned parties shall treat such Security as indebtedness.

 

Section 3.14 . Shortening of Stated Maturity .

 

If specified as contemplated by Section 2.1 or Section 3.1 with respect to the Securities of a particular series, the Company shall have the right to shorten the Stated Maturity of the principal of the Securities of such series at any time to any date not earlier than the first date on which the Company has the right to redeem the Securities of such series. In the event that the Company elects to shorten the Stated Maturity of the Securities, it shall give notice to the Indenture Trustee, and the Indenture Trustee shall give notice of such shortening to the holders of the Securities no less than 60 days prior to the effectiveness thereof.

 

Section 3.15 . CUSIP Numbers .

 

The Company may use “CUSIP” numbers (if such are then in general use) in the issuance of the Securities, in which case the Trustee shall also use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. However, any such notice shall state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such “CUSIP” numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption, and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.

 

The Company shall inform the Trustee of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.

 

Section 3.16 . Discount Securities .

 

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

 

ARTICLE IV

 

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

Section 4.1 . Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture .

 

(a) Except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided, this Indenture shall be discharged upon satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(1) all Securities theretofore authenticated and issued (other than Securities that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.6, and Securities for which payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust as provided by Section 10.3) either:

 

(i) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or

 

(ii) (A) have become due and payable, or will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year of the date of deposit, or will be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company; and (B) the

 

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Company has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee, in trust for such purpose, an amount of funds in the currency or currencies by which the Securities of such series are payable that is sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness of principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest) to the date of such deposit (as to Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be, on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; and

 

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

 

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

 

(b) When the conditions set out in paragraph (a) of this Section have been satisfied, the Trustee shall execute, upon Company Request, appropriate instruments prepared at the Company’s expense to acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

(c) Notwithstanding satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 6.7, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 6.14 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to paragraph (a) (ii)(B) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 4.2 and the last paragraph of Section 10.3, shall survive.

 

Section 4.2 . Application of Trust Money .

 

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.3, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest for the payment of which such money or obligations have been deposited with or received by the Trustee.

 

ARTICLE V

 

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

Section 5.1 . Events of Default .

 

Wherever used herein with respect to the Securities of any series, “ Event of Default ” means the occurrence (for any reason or cause, whether voluntary, involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) of any of the following:

 

(a) failure to timely and fully pay when due any interest upon any Security of that series, including any Additional Interest in respect thereof, which failure continues for a period of 30 days (subject to the deferral of any due date in the case of an Extension Period); or

 

(b) failure to fully pay the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security of that series at its Stated Maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise; or

 

(c) any material non-performance or breach by the Company of any covenant in this Indenture (other than a covenant as to which such non-performance or breach is specifically addressed elsewhere in this Section 5.1) continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied; or

 

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(d) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the premises adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Company or of any substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

 

(e) the institution by the Company of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or the consent by it to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit for creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due and its willingness to be adjudicated a bankrupt, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or

 

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

 

Section 5.2 . Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment .

 

(a) If an Event of Default (other than as specified in Section 5.1(d) or 5.1(e)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the Securities of that series are Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), provided that , in the case of the Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, if, upon an Event of Default, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series fail to declare the principal of all the Securities of that series to be immediately due and payable, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the corresponding series of Preferred Securities then outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee; and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified portion thereof) of and the accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) on all the Securities of such series shall become immediately due and payable. Payment of principal and interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Securities shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in Article XIII notwithstanding that such amount shall become immediately due and payable as herein provided.

 

(b) If an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(d) or 5.1(e) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if the Securities of that series are Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms of that series) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.

 

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

 

(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee an amount sufficient to pay:

 

(i) all overdue installments of interest (including any Additional Interest) on all Securities of that series, and

 

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(ii) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which had become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Securities, and

 

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

 

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

 

(d) In the case of Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, the holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the related series of Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust shall also have the right to rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences by written notice to the Company and the Trustee subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Clauses (1) and (2) of paragraph (c) of this Section 5.2.

 

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

 

Section 5.3 . Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee .

 

(a) The Company covenants that, upon the Trustee’s demand by reason of any Event of Default specified in Section 5.2(a) or Section 5.2(b), the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal, including any sinking fund payment or analogous obligations (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest); and, in addition thereto, all amounts owing the Trustee under Section 6.7.

 

(b) If the Company fails to pay such amounts in full promptly after such demand, the Trustee may, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, bring judicial proceedings to collect any such amounts due and unpaid, prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and enforce same against the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities, wherever situated.

 

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

 

Section 5.4 . Trustee May File Proofs of Claim .

 

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors,

 

(a) the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of any series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal (and premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest)) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,

 

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(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest) owing and unpaid in respect to the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable and to take any and all actions as are authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have the claims of the Holders and any predecessor to the Trustee under Section 6.7 allowed in any such judicial proceedings; and

 

(ii) in particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same in accordance with Section 5.6; and

 

(b) any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee for distribution in accordance with Section 5.6, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it and any predecessor Trustee under Section 6.7.

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided , however , that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors’ or other similar committee.

 

Section 5.5 . Trustee May Enforce Claim Without Possession of Securities .

 

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of all the amounts owing the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 6.7, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

 

Section 5.6 . Application of Money Collected .

 

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

 

  FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 6.7;

 

  SECOND: Subject to Article XIII, to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon such series of Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest), in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such series of Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest), respectively; and

 

  THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.

 

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Section 5.7 . Limitation on Suits .

 

No Holder of any Securities of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Section 5.8 . Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal Premium and Interest; Direct Action by Holders of Preferred Securities .

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right which is absolute and unconditional to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 3.7) interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder. In the case of Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, if upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series fails to declare the principal of all the Securities of such series to be immediately due and payable, any holder of the corresponding series of Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust, shall have the right, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default described in Section 5.1(a) or 5.1(b), to institute a suit directly against the Company for enforcement of payment to such holder of principal of (premium, if any) and (subject to Section 3.7) interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities having a principal amount equal to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of such Preferred Securities of the corresponding series held by such holder.

 

Section 5.9 . Restoration of Rights and Remedies .

 

If the Trustee, any Holder or any holder of Preferred Securities, has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee, such Holder or such holder of Preferred Securities, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee, the Holders and such holder of Preferred Securities shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored

 

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severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee, the Holders and the holders of Preferred Securities shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

Section 5.10 . Rights and Remedies Cumulative .

 

Except as otherwise provided in the last paragraph of Section 3.6, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

Section 5.11 . Delay or Omission Not Waiver .

 

No delay or omission of the Trustee, any Holder of any Security or any holder of any Capital Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein.

 

Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders and the right and remedy given to the holders of Preferred Securities by Section 5.8 may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee, the Holders or the holders of Preferred Securities, as the case may be.

 

Section 5.12 . Control by Holders .

 

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that :

 

(i) direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture;

 

(ii) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction, and

 

(iii) subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow such direction if a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee shall, in good faith, determine that the proceeding so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders not joining in any such direction or would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

 

Section 5.13 . Waiver of Past Defaults .

 

(a) The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series and, in the case of any Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, the holders of Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust (as set forth in Section 9.2) may waive any past default hereunder and its consequences with respect to such series except a default:

 

(i) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security of such series, unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by such acceleration has been deposited by the Trustee; or

 

(ii) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article IX cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

 

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(b) Any such waiver shall be deemed to be on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series or, in the case of a waiver by holders of Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust, by all holders of Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust.

 

(c) Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 5.14 . Undertaking for Costs .

 

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 16% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security on or after the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security.

 

Section 5.15 . Waiver of Usury Stay or Extension Laws .

 

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

 

ARTICLE VI

 

THE TRUSTEE

 

Section 6.1 . Certain Duties and Responsibilities .

 

(a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default;

 

(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this indenture against the Trustee; and

 

(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; provided , however that in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

 

(b) In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

 

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(c) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct except that:

 

(i) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (a) of this Section;

 

(ii) Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of Holders pursuant to Section 5.12 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

(d) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(e) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 6.1.

 

Section 6.2 . Notice of Defaults .

 

Within 90 days after actual knowledge by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities of such series, as their names and addresses appear in the Securities Register, notice of such default, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided , however , that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series; and provided , further , that, in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 5.13, no such notice to Holders of Securities of such series shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.

 

Section 6.3 . Certain Rights of Trustee .

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 6.1:

 

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

 

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

 

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(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;

 

(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

 

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

 

(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, indenture, Security or other paper or document, but the Trustee in its discretion may make such inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;

 

(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

 

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

 

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

 

(j) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; and

 

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

 

Section 6.4 . Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities .

 

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

 

Section 6.5 . Other Dealings in Securities .

 

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Securities Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 6.8 and 6.13, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Securities Registrar or such other agent.

 

Section 6.6 . Money Held in Trust .

 

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

 

Section 6.7 . Compensation and Reimbursement .

 

The Company agrees

 

(a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder in such amounts as the Company and the Trustee shall agree in writing from time to time (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

 

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

 

(c) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any and all loss, liability or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon the income of the Trustee) and including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel, incurred without negligence or bad faith, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section 6.7, the Company and the Holders agree that the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee. Such lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(d) or (e) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 or any successor statute.

 

Section 6.8 . Disqualification; Conflicting Interests .

 

The Trustee for the Securities of any series issued hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. Nothing herein shall prevent the Trustee from filing with the Commission the application referred to in the second to last paragraph of said Section 310(b).

 

Section 6.9 . Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility .

 

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be:

 

(i) a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia authority, or

 

(ii) a corporation or other Person organized and doing business under the laws of a foreign government that is permitted to act as Trustee pursuant to a rule, regulation or order of the Commission, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, and subject to supervision or examination by authority of such foreign government or a political subdivision thereof substantially equivalent to supervision or examination applicable to United States institutional trustees,

 

in either case having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this Section 6.9, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.9, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article VI. Neither the Company nor any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company shall serve as Trustee for the Securities of any series issued hereunder.

 

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Section 6.10 . Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor .

 

(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee under Section 6.11.

 

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

 

(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

 

If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of a notice of removal, the Trustee being removed may, at the expense of the Company, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

(d) If the Trustee shall at any time (i) fail to comply with Section 6.8 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or (ii) cease to be eligible under Section 6.9 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or (iii) become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation:

 

(1) the Company, acting pursuant to the authority of a Board Resolution, may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities; or

 

(2) subject to Section 5.14, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

 

(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy; a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, subject to Section 5.14, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series by mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holders of Securities of such series as their names and addresses appear in the Securities Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

 

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Section 6.11 . Acceptance of Appointment by Successor .

 

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

 

(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (i) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (ii) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (iii) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts, and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

 

(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 6.11, as the case may be.

 

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

 

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

 

Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to alI or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, provided that such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article VI. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated, and in case any Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor Trustee or in the name of such successor Trustee, and in all cases the certificate of authentication shall have the full force which it is provided anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

 

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Section 6.13 . Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company .

 

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor).

 

Section 6.14 . Appointment of Authenticating Agent .

 

(a) The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.5, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, or of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 6.14 the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.14, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section 6.14.

 

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

 

(c) An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.14, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 1.6 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provision of this Section 6.14.

 

(d) The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 6.14.

 

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(e) If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section 6.14, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:

 

This is one of the Securities referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated:

 

The Bank of New York As Trustee

By:

 

 


    As Authenticating Agent

By:

 

 


    Authorized Signatory

 

ARTICLE VII

 

HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

 

Section 7.1 . Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders .

 

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

 

(a) semi-annually, not more than 15 days after January 15 and July 15 in each year, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of January 1 and July 1 of such year, and

 

(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar.

 

Section 7.2 . Preservation of Information, Communications to Holders .

 

(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 7.1 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 7.1 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

 

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

 

(c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of information as to the names and addresses of the Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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Section 7.3 . Reports by Trustee .

 

(a) The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act, at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

 

(b) Reports so required to be transmitted at stated intervals of not more than 12 months shall be transmitted no later than May 31 in each calendar year, commencing with the first May 31 after the first issuance of Securities under this Indenture.

 

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

 

Section 7.4 . Reports by Company .

 

The Company shall file with the Trustee and with the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is required to be filed with the Commission. Notwithstanding that the Company may not be required to remain subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall continue to file with the Commission and provide the Trustee with the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports which are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company also shall comply with the other provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a).

 

Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to conclusively rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

 

Section 8.1 . Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms .

 

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person (in a transaction in which the Company is not the surviving corporation) or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:

 

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

 

(ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(iii) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and any

 

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such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with; and the Trustee, subject to Section 6.1, may rely upon such Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that such transaction complies with this Section 8.1.

 

Section 8.2 . Successor Corporation Substituted .

 

Upon any consolidation or merger by the Company with or into any other Person, or any conveyance, transfer or lease by the Company of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person in accordance with Section 8.1, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; and in the event of any such conveyance, transfer or lease the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under the Indenture and the Securities and may be dissolved and liquidated.

 

Such successor Person may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company, any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such successor Person instead of the Company and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities which previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company to the Trustee for authentication pursuant to such provisions and any Securities which such successor Person thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee on its behalf for the purpose pursuant to such provisions. All the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

 

In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance or lease, such changes in phraseology and form may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

 

Section 9.1 . Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders .

 

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

 

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

 

(b) to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

 

(c) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.1 or 3.1; provided, however , that the form and terms of Securities of any series may be established by a Board Resolution, as set forth in the Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1, without entering into a supplemental indenture for all purposes hereunder; or

 

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

 

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

 

(f) to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture, provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no Security Outstanding of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is entitled to the benefit of such provision; or

 

(g) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this paragraph (g) shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect or, in the case of the Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust and for so long as any of the corresponding series of Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust shall remain outstanding, the holders of such Preferred Securities; or

 

(h) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.11(b); or

 

(i) to comply with the requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

 

Section 9.2 . Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders .

 

(a) With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided , however , that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby:

 

(i) except to the extent permitted by Sections 3.11 or 3.14 or as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.1 or Section 3.1 with respect to the deferral of the payment of interest on the Securities of any series or the shortening of the Stated Maturity of the Securities of any series, change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest (including any Additional Interest) on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of principal of a Discount Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 5.2, or change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or

 

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

 

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(iii) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 5.13 or Section 10.5, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Security affected thereby; or

 

(iv) modify the provisions in Article XIII of this Indenture with respect to the subordination of Outstanding Securities of any series in a manner adverse to the Holders thereof;

 

provided further , that, in the case of the Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, so long as any of the corresponding series of Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust remains outstanding, (1) no such amendment shall be made that adversely affects the holders of such Preferred Securities in any material respect, and no termination of this Indenture shall occur, and no waiver of any Event of Default or compliance with any covenant under this Indenture shall be effective, without the prior consent of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of such Preferred Securities then outstanding unless and until the principal (and premium, if any) of the Securities of such series and all accrued and, subject to Section 3.7, unpaid interest (including any Additional Interest) thereon have been paid in full, and (2) no amendment shall be made to Section 5.8 of this Indenture that would impair the rights of the holders of Preferred Securities provided therein without the prior consent of the holders of each Capital Security then outstanding unless and until the principal (and premium, if any) of the Securities of such series and all accrued and (subject to Section 3.7) unpaid interest (including any Additional Interest) thereon have been paid in full.

 

(b) A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture that has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities or Preferred Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities or holders of Preferred Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities or holders of Preferred Securities of any other series.

 

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

 

Section 9.3 . Execution of Supplemental Indentures .

 

In executing or accepting the additional series of Securities created by any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of any series of Securities previously created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 6.1) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, and that all conditions precedent have been complied with. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Section 9.4 . Effect of Consents; Effect of Supplemental Indentures .

 

(a) Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Security or portion of a Security if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective.

 

(b) Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article IX or delivery to the Trustee of the Officers’ Certificate pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof (which Officers’ Certificate shall have the effect of a supplemental indenture for all purposes hereunder), this Indenture shall be modified in

 

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accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

 

Section 9.5 . Conformity with Trust Indenture Act .

 

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article IX: and every Officers’ Certificate delivered to the trustee pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

 

Section 9.6 . Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures .

 

Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article IX or delivery to the Trustee of the Officers’ Certificate pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof (which Officers’ Certificate shall have the effect of a supplemental indenture for all purposes hereunder) may, and shall if required by the Company, bear a notation in form approved by the Company as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture or such Officers’ Certificate. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Company, to any such supplemental indenture or such Officers’ Certificate may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

 

ARTICLE X

 

COVENANTS

 

Section 10.1 . Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest .

 

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

 

Section 10.2 . Maintenance of Office or Agency .

 

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

 

(b) The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities may be presented or surrendered for any or all of such purposes, and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided , however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation and any change in the location of any such office or agency.

 

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Section 10.3 . Money for Security Payments to be Held in Trust .

 

(a) If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any of the Securities of such series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.

 

(b) Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents, it will, prior to 10:00 a.m. New York time on each due date of the principal of or interest on any Securities, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal and premium (if any) or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.

 

(c) The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 10.3, that such Paying Agent will:

 

(i) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on Securities in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;

 

(ii) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any otter obligor upon the Securities) in the making of any payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest:

 

(iii) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent; and

 

(iv) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent.

 

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

 

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

 

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Section 10.4 . Statement as to Compliance .

 

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each calendar year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate covering the preceding calendar year, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of or compliance with any of the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Indenture, and if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge. For the purpose of this Section 10.4, compliance shall be determined without regard to any grace period or requirement of notice provided pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

 

Section 10.5 . Waiver of Certain Covenants .

 

The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant or condition provided pursuant to Sections 3.1, 9.1(c), or 9.1(d) with respect to the Securities of any series, if before or after the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series have, by Act of such Holders, either waived such compliance in such instance or generally waived compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company in respect of any such covenant or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Section 10.6 . Additional Sums .

 

In the case of the Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.1 or Section 3.1, in the event that (i) such Capital Trust is the Holder of all of the Outstanding Securities of such series, (ii) a Tax Event in respect of such Capital Trust shall have occurred and be continuing and (iii) the Company shall not have (A) redeemed the Securities of such series pursuant to Section 11.7 or (B) terminated such Capital Trust pursuant to Section 9.2(b) of the related Trust Agreement, the Company shall pay to such Capital Trust (and its permitted successors or assigns under the related Trust Agreement) for so long as such Capital Trust (or its permitted successor or assignee) is the registered holder of any Securities of such series, such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the amount of Distributions (including any Additional Amounts (as defined in such Trust Agreement)) then due and payable by such Capital Trust on the related Preferred Securities and Common Securities that at any time remain outstanding in accordance with the terms thereof shall not be reduced as a result of any Additional Taxes (the “ Additional Sums ”). Whenever in this Indenture or the Securities there is a reference in any context to the payment of principal of or interest on the Securities, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payments of the Additional Sums provided for in this paragraph to the extent that, in such context, Additional Sums are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph and express mention of the payment of Additional Sums (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Sums in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made; provided , however , that the deferral of the payment of interest pursuant to Section 3.11 or the Securities shall not defer the payment of any Additional Sums that may be due and payable.

 

Section 10.7 . Additional Covenants .

 

(a) The Company covenants and agrees with each Holder of Securities of any series that, if and so long as any of the following conditions shall exist:

 

(i) there shall have occurred an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series,

 

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(ii) if the Securities of such series are held by a Capital Trust, the Company shall be in default with respect to its payment of any obligations under the Capital Guarantee relating to the Preferred Securities issued by such Capital Trust, or

 

(iii) the Company shall have given notice of its election to begin an Extension Period with respect to the Securities of such series as provided herein and shall not have rescinded such notice, or such Extension Period, or any extension thereof, shall be continuing,

 

then the Company shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, do any of the following things:

 

(1) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company’s capital stock (whether common or preferred),

 

(2) pay any principal of or interest or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem, any debt securities of the Company (including Securities other than the Securities of such series) that ranks pari passu in all respects with, or junior in interest to the Securities of such series, or

 

(3) make payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any Subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu with or junior in interest to the Securities of such series.

 

Provided, however , that the foregoing Clauses (1) – (3) do not proscribe: (i) making dividends or distributions in the Company’s capital stock (whether common or preferred), (ii) any dividends declared in connection with implementing a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, (iii) making payments under the Capital Guarantee related to the Preferred Securities issued by the Capital Trust holding Securities of such series, (iv) purchasing Common Stock related to the issuance of Common Stock or rights under any of the Company’s benefit plans for its directors, officers, employees or consultants) or (iv) redeeming, repurchasing or acquiring less than all of the Securities of such series or any of the Preferred Securities

 

(b) The Company also covenants with each Holder of Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, that the Company (i) shall maintain, directly or indirectly, 100% ownership of the Common Securities of such Capital Trust; provided , however , that any permitted successor of the Company hereunder may succeed to the Company’s ownership of such Common Securities, (ii) shall not voluntarily terminate, wind-up or liquidate such Capital Trust, except upon prior approval of the federal regulators of the Company, if then so required under applicable guidelines or policies of such regulators, and in connection with (1) a distribution of the Securities of such series to the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of such Capital Trust or (2) certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations permitted by the related Trust Agreement, and (iii) shall use its reasonable efforts, consistent with the terms and provisions of such Trust Agreement, to cause such Capital Trust to remain classified as a grantor trust and not an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

 

Section 11.1 . Applicability of This Article .

 

Redemption of Securities of any series (whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise) as permitted or required by any form of Security issued pursuant to this Indenture shall be made in accordance with such form of Security and this Article; provided , however , that if any provision of any such form of Security shall conflict with any provision of this Article, the provision of such form of Security shall govern. Except as otherwise set forth in the form of Security for such series, each Security of such series shall be subject to partial redemption only in the amount of $25 or, in the case of the Securities of a series issued to a Capital Trust, $25, or integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

 

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Section 11.2 . Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee .

 

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company the Company shall, not less than 50 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such date and of the principal amount of Securities of that series to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel evidencing compliance with such restriction.

 

Section 11.3 . Selection of Securities to be Redeemed .

 

If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that the portion of the principal amount of any Security not redeemed shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed (unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.

 

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for partial redemption and the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security which has been or is to be redeemed. If the Company shall so direct, Securities registered in the name of the Company, any Affiliate or any Subsidiary thereof shall not be included in the Securities selected for redemption.

 

Section 11.4 . Notice of Redemption .

 

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not later than the 30 th day, and not earlier than the 60 th day, prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Securities Register. With respect to Securities of each series to be redeemed, each notice of redemption shall include the CUSIP number and shall state:

 

(a) Redemption Date;

 

(b) the Redemption Price;

 

(c) less than all Outstanding Securities of such particular series and having the same terms are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the respective principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed;

 

(d) that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security or portion thereof, and that interest thereon, if any, shall cease to accrue on and after said date;

 

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(e) the place(s) where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and

 

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

 

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall not be irrevocable. The notice if mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, a failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Security.

 

Section 11.5 . Deposit of Redemption Price .

 

Prior to 10:00 a.m. New York time on the Redemption Date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in Section 11.4, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with one or more Paying Agents (or if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, the Company will segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 10.3) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and any accrued interest (including Additional Interest) on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date.

 

Section 11.6 . Payment of Securities Called for Redemption .

 

If any notice of redemption has been given as provided in Section 11.4, the Securities or portion of Securities with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on the date and at the place or places stated in such notice at the applicable Redemption Price. On presentation and surrender of such Securities at a Place of Payment in said notice specified, the said securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Company at the applicable Redemption Price, together with accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) to the Redemption Date; provided , however , that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 3.7.

 

Upon presentation of any Security redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or Securities of the same series, of authorized denominations, in aggregate principal amount equal to the portion of the Security not redeemed so presented and having the same Original Issue Date, Stated Maturity and terms. If a Global Security is so surrendered, such new Security will also be a new Global Security.

 

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

 

Section 11.7 . Right of Redemption of Securities Initially Issued to a Capital Trust .

 

In the case of the Securities of a series initially issued to a Capital Trust, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1, the Company, at its option, may redeem such Securities (i) on or after the date five years after the Original Issue Date of such Securities, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, or (ii) upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Tax Event, Investment Company Event, or Capital Treatment Event, at any time within 90 days following the occurrence of such Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event in respect of such Capital Trust, in whole (but not in part), in each case at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof.

 

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ARTICLE XII

 

SINKING FUNDS

 

Section 12.1 . Applicability of Article .

 

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 for such Securities.

 

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of any Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment”, and any sinking fund payment in excess of such minimum amount which is permitted to be made by the terms of such Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of any Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 12.2. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of such Securities.

 

Section 12.2 . Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities .

 

In lieu of making all or any part of a mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of a series in cash, the Company may at its option, at any time no more than 16 months and no less than 30 days prior to the date on which such sinking fund payment is due, deliver to the Trustee Securities of such series (together with the unmatured coupons, if any, appertaining thereto) theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company, except Securities of such series that have been redeemed through the application of mandatory or optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of the Securities of such series, accompanied by a Company Order instructing the Trustee to credit such obligations and stating that the Securities of such series were originally issued by the Company by way of bona fide sale or other negotiation for value; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price for such Securities, as specified in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

Section 12.3 . Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund .

 

(a) Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash in the currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as provided pursuant to Section 3.1) and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to Section 12.2 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Such Officers’ Certificate shall be irrevocable and upon its delivery the Company shall be obligated to make the cash payment or payments therein referred to, if any, on or before the succeeding sinking fund payment date. In the case of the failure of the Company to deliver such Officers’ Certificate (or, as required by this Indenture, the Securities and coupons, if any, specified in such Officers’ Certificate), the sinking fund payment due on the succeeding sinking fund payment date for such series shall be paid entirely in cash and shall be sufficient to redeem the principal amount of the Securities of such series subject to a mandatory sinking fund payment without the right to deliver or credit securities as provided in Section 12.2 and without the right to make the optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series at such time.

 

(b) Any sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional) made in cash plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made with respect to the Securities of any particular series shall be applied by the Trustee (or by the Company if the Company is acting as its own

 

50


Paying Agent) on the sinking fund payment date on which such payment is made (or, if such payment is made before a sinking fund payment date, on the sinking fund payment date immediately following the date of such payment) to the redemption of Securities of such series at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities with respect to the sinking fund. Any sinking fund moneys not so applied or allocated by the Trustee (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying, Agent, segregated and held in trust by the Company as provided in Section 10.3) for such series and together with such payment (or such amount so segregated) shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section 12.3. Any and all sinking fund moneys with respect to the Securities of any particular series held by the Trustee (or if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregated and held in trust as provided in Section 10.3) on the last sinking fund payment date with respect to Securities of such series and not held for the payment or redemption of particular Securities of such series shall be applied by the Trustee (or by the Company if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent), together with other moneys, if necessary, to be deposited (or segregated) sufficient for the purpose, to the payment of the principal of the Securities of such series at Maturity. The Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 11.3 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 11.4. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 11.6. Prior to 10:00 a.m. New York time on each sinking fund payment date, the Company shall pay to the Trustee (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, the Company shall segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 10.3) in cash a sum in the currency in which Securities of such series are “ payable (except as provided pursuant to Section 3.1) equal to the principal and anyinterest accrued to the Redemption Date for Securities or portions thereof to be redeemed on such sinking fund payment date pursuant to this Section 12.3.

 

(c) Neither the Trustee nor the Company shall redeem any Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys or mail any notice of redemption of Securities of such series by operation of the sinking fund for such series during the continuance of a default in payment of interest, if any, on any Securities of such series or of any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default occurring as a consequence of this paragraph) with respect to the Securities of such series, except that if the notice of redemption shall have been provided in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Trustee (or the Company, if the Company is then acting as its own Paying Agent) shall redeem such Securities if cash sufficient for that purpose shall be deposited with the Trustee (or segregated by the Company) for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Article XII. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time when any such default or Event of Default shall occur and any moneys thereafter paid into such sinking fund shall, during the continuance of such default or Event of Default, be held as security for the payment of the Securities and coupons, if any, of such series; provided, however, that in case such default or Event of Default shall have been cured or waived herein, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next sinking fund payment date for the Securities of such series on which such moneys may be applied pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12.3.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

 

Section 13.1 . Securities Subordinate to Senior Debt .

 

The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by its acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article XIII, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest) on each and all of the Securities are hereby expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all amounts then due and payable in respect of all Senior Debt.

 

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Section 13.2 . Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc .

 

(a) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, winding up, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets, or other similar proceedings relative to the Company (each such event, if any, herein sometimes referred to as a “ Proceeding ”), or upon any payment by the Company, or any distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any given Proceeding, then the holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of Allocable Amounts of such Senior Debt, or provision shall be made for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of Senior Debt, before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive or retain any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities (including any payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other Debt of the Company subordinated to the payment of the Securities, such payment or distribution being hereinafter referred to as a “ Junior Subordinated Payment ”), on account of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities by the Company or any Subsidiary and to that end the holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any Junior Subordinated Payment, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the Securities in any such Proceeding.

 

(b) In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 13.2, the Trustee or the Holder of any Security shall have received any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any Junior Subordinated Payment, before all Allocable Amounts of all Senior Debt are paid in full or payment thereof is provided for in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of Senior Debt, then and in such event such payment or distribution shall be paid over or delivered forthwith to the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee, agent or other Person making payment or distribution of assets of the Company for application to the payment of all Allocable Amounts of all Senior Debt remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all Allocable Amounts of all Senior Debt in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior Debt.

 

(c) For purposes of this Article XIII only, the words “any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities” shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Company as reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment which securities are subordinated in right of payment to all then outstanding Senior Debt to at least the same extent as the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article XIII; provided that (1) the Senior Debt is assumed by the new corporation, if any, resulting from any reorganization or readjustment and (2) the rights of the holders of Senior Debt are not, without the consent of such holders, altered by such reorganization or readjustment. The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the Company into, another Person or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company following the conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of its properties and assets as an entirety to another Person upon the terms and conditions set forth in Article VIII shall not be deemed a Proceeding for the purposes of this Section 13.2 if the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by sale such properties and assets as an entirety, as the case may be, shall, as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease comply with the conditions set forth in Article VIII.

 

Section 13.3 . Prior Payment to Senior Debt Upon Acceleration of Securities .

 

(a) In the event that any Securities are declared due and payable before their Stated Maturity, then and in such event the holders of the Senior Debt outstanding at the time such Securities so become due and payable shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all Allocable Amounts due on or in respect of such Senior Debt (including any amounts due upon acceleration), or provision shall be made for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of Senior Debt, before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, properties or securities (including any Junior Subordinated Payment)

 

52


by the Company on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities by the Company or any Subsidiary; provided however , that nothing in this Section 13.3 shall prevent the satisfaction of any sinking fund payment in accordance with this Indenture or as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 for the Securities of any series by delivering and crediting pursuant to Section 12.2 or as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 for the Securities of any series Securities which have been acquired (upon redemption or otherwise) prior to such declaration of acceleration.

 

(b) In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section 13.3, then and in such event such payment shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to the Company.

 

(c) The provisions of this Section 13.3 shall not apply to any payment with respect to which Section 13.2 would be applicable.

 

Section 13.4 . No Payment When Senior Debt in Default .

 

(a) In the event and during the continuation of any default (beyond any applicable grace periods specified in the instrument evidencing such Senior Debt) in the payment of principal of, (or premium, if any) or interest on any Senior Debt, or (b) in the event that any event of default with respect to any Senior Debt shall have occurred and be continuing that permits the holders of such Senior Debt to cause such Senior Debt to be declared or become due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable and the Trustee receives a notice of the default from a Representative or holder of Senior Debt or the Company, in the case of (a) and (b), unless and until such event of default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist and such acceleration shall have been rescinded or annulled, then no payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, properties or securities (including any Junior Subordinated Payment) shall be made by the Company on account of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest), if any, on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities by the Company or any Subsidiary, in each case unless and until all Allocable Amounts of such Senior Debt are paid in full; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 13.4 shall prevent the satisfaction of any sinking fund payment in accordance with this Indenture or as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 for the Securities of any series by delivering and crediting pursuant to Section 12.2 or as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.1 for the Securities of any series Securities which have been acquired (upon redemption or otherwise) prior to such default in payment or event of default.

 

(b) In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section 13.4, then and in such event such payment shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to the Company.

 

(c) The provisions of this Section 13.4 shall not apply to any payment with respect to which Section 13.2 would be applicable.

 

Section 13.5 . Payment Permitted If No Default .

 

Nothing contained in this Article XIII or elsewhere in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall prevent

 

(a) the Company, at any time except during the pendency of any Proceeding referred to in Section 13.2 or under the conditions described in Sections 13.3 and 13.4, from making payments at any time of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest) on the Securities, or

 

53


(b) the application by the Trustee of any money deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities or the retention of such payment by the Holders,

 

if, at the time of such application by the Trustee, it did not have knowledge that such payment would have been prohibited by the provisions of this Article XIII.

 

Section 13.6 . Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Debt .

 

Subject to the payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on all Senior Debt, or the provision for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of Senior Debt, the Holders of the Securities shall be subrogated to the extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders of such Senior Debt pursuant to the provisions of this Article XIII (equally and ratably with the holders of all indebtedness of the Company which by its express terms is subordinated to Senior Debt of the Company to substantially the same extent as the Securities are subordinated to the Senior Debt and is entitled to like rights of subrogation by reason of any payments or distributions made to holders of such Senior Debt) to the rights of the holders of such Senior Debt to receive payments and distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the Senior Debt until the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities shall be paid in full. For purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Debt of any cash, property or securities to which the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article, and no payments pursuant to the provisions of this Article XIII to the holders of Senior Debt by Holders of the Securities or the Trustee shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Debt, and the Holders of the Securities, be deemed to be a payment or distribution by the Company to or on account of the Senior Debt.

 

Section 13.7 . Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights .

 

The provisions of this Article XIII are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities on the one hand and the holders of Senior Debt on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Article XIII or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall

 

(a) impair, as between the Company and the Holders of the Securities, the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay to the Holders of the Securities the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terns; or

 

(b) affect the relative rights against the Company of the Holders of the Securities and creditors of the Company other than their rights in relation to the holders of Senior Debt; or (c) prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture including, without limitation, filing and voting claims in any Proceeding, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article XIII of the holders of Senior Debt to receive cash, property and securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder.

 

Section 13.8 . Trustee to Effectuate Subordination .

 

Each Holder of a Security by his or her acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination provided in this Article XIII and appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

 

54


Section 13.9 . No Waiver of Subordination Provisions .

 

(a) No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Debt to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof with which any such holder may have or otherwise be charged.

 

(b) Without in any way limiting the generality of the immediately preceding paragraph, the holders of Senior Debt may, at any time and from to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of the Securities and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article or the obligations hereunder of the Holders of the Securities to the holders of Senior Debt, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Debt, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Debt or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Debt is outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Debt; (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection of Senior Debt; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any other Person.

 

Section 13.10 . Notice to Trustee .

 

(a) The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article XIII or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities, unless and until the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or a holder of Senior Debt or from any trustee, agent or representative therefor, provided , however , that if the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in this Section 13.10 at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any monies may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such monies and to apply the same to the purpose for which they were received and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary which may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date.

 

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Debt (or a trustee therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Debt (or a trustee therefor). In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Debt to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Debt held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.

 

Section 13.11 . Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent .

 

Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article XIII, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such Proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the

 

55


Trustee or to the Holders of Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article XIII.

 

Section 13.12 . Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt .

 

The Trustee, in its capacity as trustee under this Indenture, shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise.

 

With respect to the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants or obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to holders of Senior Debt shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee.

 

Section 13.13 . Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Debt; Preservation of Trustee’s Rights .

 

The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article XIII with respect to any Senior Debt which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Debt, and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.

 

Section 13.14 . Article Applicable to Paying Agents .

 

In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term “Trustee” as used in this Article XIII shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article XIII in addition to or in place of the Trustee.

 

Section 13.15 . Certain Conversions or Exchanges Deemed Payment .

 

(a) For the purposes of this Article XIII only: (i) the issuance and delivery of junior securities upon conversion or exchange of Securities shall not be deemed to constitute a payment or distribution on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including any Additional Interest) on Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities, and (ii) the payment, issuance or delivery of cash, property or securities (other than junior securities) upon conversion or exchange of a Security shall be deemed to constitute payment on account of the principal of such security.

 

(b) For the purposes of this Section 13.15, the term “junior securities” means (i) shares of any stock of any class of the Company and (ii) securities of the Company which are subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Debt which may be outstanding at the time of issuance or delivery of such securities to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article XIII.

 

* * * *

 

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

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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

 

            BANCFIRST CORPORATION
           

By:

 

 


       

Name:

           

Title:

                 
                 
           

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee

           

By:

 

 


       

Its:

 

 


                 
                 

 

57

EXHIBIT 4.2

 

[FACE OF SECURITY]

 

This Junior Subordinated Debenture is a Global Security within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (the “Depositary”) or a nominee of the Depositary. This Junior Subordinated Debenture is exchangeable for Junior Subordinated Debentures registered in the name of a person other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture and 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.

 

Unless this Junior Subordinated Debenture is presented by an authorized representative of the Depositary (55 Water Street, New York) to BancFirst Corporation or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any Junior Subordinated Debenture issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as requested by an authorized representative of the Depositary and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

     % Junior Subordinated Debenture due              , 2034

 

Registered

      

Principal Amount:

No.

      

CUSIP No.:

 

BancFirst Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Oklahoma (hereinafter called the “ Company ”, which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to The Bank of New York, not in its individual capacity, but solely in its capacity as Property Trustee of BFC Capital Trust II , a Delaware statutory trust, for the benefit of Cede & Co., as the nominee of The Depository Trust Company and the registered owner of this Debenture, the principal sum of $              Dollars on                      ; provided that the Company may shorten the Stated Maturity of the principal of this Security to a date not earlier than              . The Company further promises to pay interest on said principal sum from              or from the most recent interest payment date (each such date, an “ Interest Payment Date ”) on which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly (subject to deferral as set forth herein) in arrears on the      day of              ,              ,              and              of each year commencing              ,              at the rate of          % per annum, until the principal hereof shall have become due and payable, plus Additional Interest, if any, until the principal hereof is paid or duly provided for or made available for payment and on any overdue principal and (without duplication and to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at the rate of          % per annum, compounded quarterly. The amount of interest payable for any period shall be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months and a 360-day year. The amount of interest payable for any partial period shall be computed on the basis of the number of days elapsed in a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on this Security is not a Business Day, then a payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable. A “ Business Day ” shall mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or on a day on which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or the principal office of the Property Trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (hereinafter referred to) for BFC Capital Trust II is closed for business. The interest installment 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 in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest installment, which shall be 15 days next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest installment not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not


less than ten days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

 

So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Company shall have the right at any time during the term of this Security to defer payment of interest on this Security, at any time or from time to time, for up to 20 consecutive quarterly interest payment periods with respect to each deferral period (each an “ Extension Period ”), (during which Extension Periods the Company shall have the right to make partial payments of interest on any interest Payment Date, and at the end of which the Company shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with Additional Interest thereon to the extent permitted by applicable law)); provided , however , that no Extension Period shall extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the principal of this Security; provided , further , that during any such Extension Period, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company’s capital stock (which includes common and preferred stock), (ii) make any payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt security of the Company (including Securities issued by the Company pursuant to the Indenture other than the Securities represented by this certificate) that ranks pari passu with or junior in interest to this Security, (iii) make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities of any Subsidiaries of the Company (if such guarantee ranks pari passu in all respects with or junior in interest to this Security) (other than, with respect to the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii), (a) dividends or distributions in capital stock of the Company (which includes common and preferred stock), (b) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation of a stockholders’ rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any such plan in the future or the redemption or repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, (c) payments under the BFC Guarantee related to the Preferred Securities issued by BFC Capital Trust II , and (d) purchases of Common Stock related to the issuance of Common Stock or rights under any of the Company’s benefit plans for its directors, officers or employees) or (iv) redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the Securities of this series or any of the Preferred Securities. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period, the Company may further extend such Extension Period, provided that such extension does not cause such Extension Period to exceed 20 consecutive interest payment periods or to extend beyond the Stated Maturity. Upon the termination of any such Extension Period and upon the payment of all amounts then due on any Interest Payment Date, and subject to the foregoing limitation, the Company may elect to begin a new Extension Period. No interest shall be due and payable during an Extension Period except at the end thereof. The Company shall give the Trustee, the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees of BFC Capital Trust II notice of its election to begin any Extension Period at least one Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which Distributions on the Preferred Securities would be payable except for the election to begin such Extension Period, or (ii) the date the Administrative Trustees are required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or other applicable stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted or to holders of such Preferred Securities of the record date or (iii) the date such Distributions are payable, but in any event not less than one Business Day prior to such record date. The Trustee shall give notice of the Company’s election to begin a new Extension Period to the holders of the Preferred Securities. There is no limitation on the number of times that the Company may elect to begin an Extension Period.

 

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Trustee or at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as the Company may designate from time to time, maintained for that purpose in the United States, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided , however , that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Securities Register or (ii) by transfer to an account maintained by the person entitled thereto, in immediately available funds, at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Person entitled thereto as specified in the Securities Register.

 

The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent provided in the Indenture, unsecured and will rank junior and subordinate and subject in right of payments to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, and this Security is issued subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each Holder of this Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each Holder hereof, by his acceptance


hereof, waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of Senior Debt, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.

 

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

 

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

 

This Security is not a savings account or deposit or other obligation of a bank and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, by any other governmental agency, or otherwise.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

By:

 

 


   

[President or Vice President]

Attest:

 


[Secretary or Assistant Secretary]

 

 


This is one of the Securities referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated:

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

as Trustee

By:

 

 


   

Authorized Officer

 

 


 


[REVERSE OF SECURITY]

 

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “ Securities ”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under a Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of                      ,              (herein called the “ Indenture ”), between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (herein called the “ Trustee ”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the Company and the Holders of the Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount to $              .

 

All terms used in this Security that are defined in the Indenture and in the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of                      ,              , as amended (the “ Amended and Restated Trust Agreement ”), for BFC Capital Trust II among BancFirst Corporation, as Depositor, and the Trustees named therein, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture or the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, as the case may be.

 

The Company may at any time, at its option, on or after              , and subject to the terms and conditions of Article XI of the Indenture, and subject to the Company having received any necessary regulatory approval to do so if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies, redeem this Security in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the Security so redeemed to the Redemption Date, plus 100% of the principal amount thereof.

 

Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event in respect of a Capital Trust, the Company may, at its option, and subject to the Company having received any necessary regulatory approval to do so if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies, at any time within 90 days of the occurrence of such Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event redeem this Security, in whole but not in part, subject to the provisions of Section 11.7 and the other provisions of Article XI of the Indenture, at a redemption price equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the Security so redeemed to the Redemption Date, plus 100% of the principal amount thereof.

 

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series for the portion hereof not redeemed will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for satisfaction and discharge of the entire indebtedness of this Security upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

 

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the Company and the Trustee at any time to enter into a supplemental indenture or indentures for the purpose of modifying in any manner the rights and obligations of the Company and of the Holders of the Securities, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series to be affected by such supplemental indenture. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, if an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of this series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), provided that , in the case of the Securities of this series issued to BFC Capital Trust II , if upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee or the


Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series fails to declare the principal of all the Securities of this series to be immediately due and payable, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee; and upon any such declaration the principal amount of and the accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) on all the Securities of this series shall become immediately due and payable, provided that the payment of principal and interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Securities shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in Article XIII of the Indenture.]

 

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

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Securities Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company maintained under Section 10.2 of the Indenture duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Securities Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees. No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

 

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

 

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of minimum denominations of $25 and any integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of such series of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

The Company and, by its acceptance of this Security or a beneficial interest therein, the Holder of, and any Person that acquires a beneficial interest in, this Security agree that for United States Federal, state and local tax purposes each of the aforementioned persons shall treat this Security as indebtedness.

 

THE INDENTURE AND THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

Exhibit 4.3

 

State of Delaware

Secretary of State

Division of Corporations

Delivered 12:44 PM 01/27/2004

FILED 12:44 PM 01/27/2004

SRV 040055152 – 3757273 FILE

 

CERTIFICATE OF TRUST

 

OF

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

 

This Certificate of Trust of BFC CAPITAL TRUST II (the “Trust”) is being duly executed and filed on behalf of the Trust by the undersigned, as trustees, to form a statutory trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (12 Del. C. § 3801 et seq. ) (the “Act”) as follows:

 

  (a) The name of the statutory trust being formed hereby (the “Trust”) is “BFC Capital Trust II”.

 

  (b) The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust which has its principal place of business in the State of Delaware is as follows:

 

The Bank of New York (Delaware)

23 White Clay Center

Route 273

Newark, Delaware 19711

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

  (c) This Certificate of Trust shall be effective as of the date of the filing.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Certificate of Trust in accordance with Section 3811 of the Act.

 

/s/ David E. Rainbolt


Name:

 

David E. Rainbolt

Title:

 

Administrative Trustee

/s/ Joe T. Shockley, Jr.


Name:

 

Joe T. Shockley, Jr.

Title:

 

Administrative Trustee

/s/ Randy P. Foraker


Name:

 

Randy P. Foraker

Title:

 

Administrative Trustee

The Bank of New York (Delaware)

By:

 

/s/ William T. Lewis


   

Name:    William T. Lewis

   

               Sr. Vice President

Exhibit 4.4

 

TRUST AGREEMENT

 

This TRUST AGREEMENT, dated as of January 27, 2004 (this “Trust Agreement”), among (i) BancFirst Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (the “Depositor”), (ii) The Bank of New York (Delaware), as trustee (the “Delaware Trustee”), and (iii) David E. Rainbolt, Joe T. Shockley and Randy P. Foraker, each an individual, as trustees (the “Administrative Trustees” and, together with the Delaware Trustee, the “Trustees”). The Depositor and the Trustees hereby agree as follows:

 

1. The trust created hereby (the “Trust”) shall be known as “BFC Capital Trust II” in which name the Trustees, or the Depositor to the extent provided herein, may engage in the transactions contemplated hereby, make and execute contracts, and sue and be sued.

 

2. The Depositor hereby assigns, transfers, conveys and sets over to the Trustees the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00). The Trustees hereby acknowledge receipt of such amount in trust from the Depositor, which amount shall constitute the initial trust estate. The Trustees hereby declare that they will hold the trust estate in trust for the Depositor. It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Trust created hereby constitute a statutory trust under Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C. Section 3801, et seq . (the “Statutory Trust Act”), and that this document constitutes the governing instrument of the Trust. The parties hereto hereby ratify the Trustees’ filing of a Certificate of Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State under the name “BFC Capital Trust II.”

 

3. The Depositor and the Trustees will enter into an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, satisfactory to each such party and substantially in the form included as an exhibit to the 1933 Act Registration Statement (as defined below), to provide for the contemplated operation of the Trust created hereby and the issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities and Common Securities referred to therein. Prior to the execution and delivery of such Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, the Trustees shall not have any duty or obligation hereunder or with respect to the trust estate, except as otherwise required by applicable law or as may be necessary to obtain prior to such execution and delivery any licenses, consents or approvals required by applicable law or otherwise.

 

4. The Depositor and the Trustees hereby authorize and direct the Depositor, as the sponsor of the Trust, (a) to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and execute, in each case on behalf of the Trust, (i) the Registration Statement on Form S-3, including any pre-effective or post-effective amendments to the 1933 Act Registration Statement, relating to the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Trust Preferred Securities of the Trust and possibly certain other securities, and any registration statement for the same offering covered by such Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act (collectively, the “1933 Act Registration Statement”) and (ii) if required, a Registration Statement on Form 8-A (the “1934 Act Registration Statement”) (including all pre-effective and post-effective amendments thereto) relating to the registration of the Trust Preferred Securities of the Trust under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (b) to file with the Nasdaq National Market or a national stock exchange (each, an “Exchange”) and execute on behalf of the Trust one or more listing applications and all other applications, statements, certificates, agreements and other instruments as shall be necessary or desirable to cause the Trust Preferred Securities to be listed on any of the Exchanges; (c) to file and execute on behalf of the Trust such applications, reports, surety bonds, irrevocable consents, appointments of attorney for service of process and other papers and documents as shall be necessary or desirable to register the Trust Preferred Securities under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Depositor, on behalf of the Trust, may deem necessary or desirable; and (d) to execute on behalf of the Trust that certain Underwriting Agreement relating to the Trust Preferred Securities, among the Trust, the Depositor and the Underwriters named therein, substantially in the form included as an exhibit to the 1933 Act Registration Statement. In the event that any filing referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above is required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, an Exchange or state securities or blue sky laws to be executed on behalf of the Trust by one or more of the Trustees, each of the Trustees, in such Trustee’s capacity as a trustee of the Trust, is hereby authorized and, to the extent so required, directed to join in any such filing and to execute on behalf of the Trust any and all of the foregoing, it being understood that the Delaware Trustee in its capacity as a trustee of the Trust shall not be required to join in any such filing or execute on behalf of the Trust any such document unless required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Exchange or state securities or blue sky laws. In connection with the filings referred to above, the Depositor and David E. Rainbolt, Joe T. Shockley and Randy P. Foraker, each as Trustees and not in their


individual capacities, hereby constitutes and appoints David E. Rainbolt, Joe T. Shockley and Randy P. Foraker, and each of them, as the Depositor’s or such Trustee’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the Depositor or such Trustee or in the Depositor’s or such Trustee’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the 1933 Act Registration Statement and the 1934 Act Registration Statement (if required) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission, the Exchange and administrators of the state securities or blue sky laws, 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 in connection therewith, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the Depositor or such Trustee might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their respective substitute or substitutes, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

5. This Trust Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts.

 

6. The number of Trustees initially shall be four (4) and thereafter the number of Trustees shall be such number as shall be fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by the Depositor which may increase or decrease the number of Trustees; provided, however, that to the extent required by the Statutory Trust Act, one Trustee shall either be a natural person who is a resident of the State of Delaware or, if not a natural person, an entity which has its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable Delaware law. Subject to the foregoing, the Depositor is entitled to appoint or remove without cause any Trustee at any time. The Trustees may resign upon thirty (30) days’ prior notice to the Depositor.

 

7. This Trust Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to conflict of laws of principles).

 

8. The Trust may be dissolved and terminated before the issuance of the Trust’s Trust Preferred Securities at the election of the Depositor.

 

9. The Depositor hereby agrees to indemnify the Delaware Trustee and any of the officers, directors, employees and agents of the Delaware Trustee (the “Indemnified Persons”) for, and to hold each Indemnified Person harmless against, any liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on his or her of its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) of defending itself against or investigating any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The obligation to indemnify as set forth in this paragraph 9 shall survive the termination of this Trust Agreement.

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]

 

2


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

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

as Depositor

By:

 

/s/ Joe T. Shockley, Jr.


   

Name:  Joe T. Shockley

   

Title:    Chief Financial Officer

THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE)

as Trustee

By:

 

/s/ William T. Lewis


   

Name:  William T. Lewis

   

Title:    Senior Vice President

By:

 

/s/ David E. Rainbolt


   

David E. Rainbolt, as Administrative Trustee

By:

 

/s/ Joe T. Shockley, Jr.


   

Joe T. Shockley, as Administrative Trustee

By:

 

/s/ Randy P. Foraker


   

Randy P. Foraker, as Administrative Trustee

 

3

Exhibit 4.5

 


 

AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST AGREEMENT

 

among

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION, as Depositor,

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,

as Property Trustee,

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK (Delaware),

as Delaware Trustee,

 

and

 

The Administrative Trustees Named Herein

 

Dated as of                      , 2004

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

ARTICLE I.     DEFINED TERMS

   1

Section 1.1.

  

Definitions

   1

ARTICLE II.    ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST SECTION

   9

Section 2.1.

  

Name

   9

Section 2.2.

  

Office of the Delaware Trustee; Principal Place of Business

   9

Section 2.3.

  

Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses

   9

Section 2.4.

  

Issuance of the Preferred Securities

   10

Section 2.5.

  

Issuance of the Common Securities; Subscription and Purchase of Debentures

   10

Section 2.6.

  

Declaration of Trust

   10

Section 2.7.

  

Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions

   11

Section 2.8.

  

Assets of Trust

   13

Section 2.9.

  

Title to Trust Property

   13

ARTICLE III.    PAYMENT ACCOUNT

   13

Section 3.1.

  

Payment Account

   13

ARTICLE IV.    DISTRIBUTIONS; REDEMPTION

   14

Section 4.1.

  

Distributions

   14

Section 4.2.

  

Redemption

   15

Section 4.3.

  

Subordination of Common Securities

   16

Section 4.4.

  

Payment Procedures

   17

Section 4.5.

  

Tax Returns and Reports

   17

Section 4.6.

  

Payment of Taxes, Duties, Etc. of the Trust

   17

Section 4.7.

  

Payments under Indenture or Pursuant to Direct Actions

   17

ARTICLE V.    TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES

   17

Section 5.1.

  

Initial Ownership

   17

Section 5.2.

  

The Trust Securities Certificates

   17

Section 5.3.

  

Execution and Delivery of Trust Securities Certificates

   18

Section 5.4.

  

Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates

   18

Section 5.5.

  

Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates

   19

Section 5.6.

  

Persons Deemed Securityholders

   19

Section 5.7.

  

Access to List of Securityholders’ Names and Addresses

   19

Section 5.8.

  

Maintenance of Office or Agency

   20

Section 5.9.

  

Appointment of Paying Agent

   20

Section 5.10.

  

Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor

   20

Section 5.11.

  

Book Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate

   21

Section 5.12.

  

Notices to Clearing Agency

   21

Section 5.13.

  

Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates

   21

Section 5.14.

  

Rights of Securityholders

   22


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page

ARTICLE VI. ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS, VOTING

   24

Section 6.1.

  

Limitations on Voting Rights

   24

Section 6.2.

  

Notice of Meetings

   24

Section 6.3.

  

Meetings of Preferred Securityholders

   25

Section 6.4.

  

Voting Rights

   25

Section 6.5.

  

Proxies, etc.

   25

Section 6.6.

  

Securityholder Action by Written Consent

   25

Section 6.7.

  

Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes

   25

Section 6.8.

  

Acts of Securityholders

   26

Section 6.9.

  

Inspection of Records

   27

ARTICLE VII. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   27

Section 7.1.

  

Representations and Warranties of the Bank

   27

Section 7.2.

  

Representations and Warranties of Depositor

   28

ARTICLE VIII. THE TRUSTEES

   28

Section 8.1.

  

Certain Duties and Responsibilities

   28

Section 8.2.

  

Certain Notices

   29

Section 8.3.

  

Certain Rights of Property Trustee

   29

Section 8.4.

  

Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities

   31

Section 8.5.

  

May Hold Securities

   31

Section 8.6.

  

Compensation; Indemnity; Fees

   31

Section 8.7.

  

Corporate Property Trustee Required; Eligibility of Trustees

   32

Section 8.8.

  

Conflicting Interests

   32

Section 8.9.

  

Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee

   33

Section 8.10.

  

Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor

   34

Section 8.11.

  

Acceptance of Appointment by Successor

   35

Section 8.12.

  

Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business

   35

Section 8.13.

  

Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust

   36

Section 8.14.

  

Reports by Property Trustee

   36

Section 8.15.

  

Reports to the Property Trustee

   37

Section 8.16.

  

Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent

   37

Section 8.17.

  

Number of Trustees

   37

Section 8.18.

  

Delegation of Power

   37

Section 8.19.

  

Voting

   38

ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER

   38

Section 9.1.

  

Dissolution Upon Expiration Date

   38

Section 9.2.

  

Early Dissolution

   38

Section 9.3.

  

Dissolution

   38

Section 9.4.

  

Liquidation

   39

Section 9.5.

  

Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust

   40

 

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page

ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

   41

Section 10.1.

  

Limitation of Rights of Securityholders

   41

Section 10.2.

  

Amendment

   41

Section 10.3.

  

Counterparts

   42

Section 10.4.

  

Separability

   42

Section 10.5.

  

Governing Law

   42

Section 10.6.

  

Payments Due on Non-Business Day

   42

Section 10.7.

  

Successors

   42

Section 10.8.

  

Headings

   43

Section 10.9.

  

Reports, Notices and Demands

   43

Section 10.10.

  

Agreement Not to Petition

   44

Section 10.11.

  

Trust Indenture Act; Conflict with Trust Indenture Act

   44

Section 10.12.

  

Acceptance of Terms of Trust Agreement, Guarantee and Indenture

   44

Exhibit A

  

Certificate of Trust

    

Exhibit B

  

Form of Common Securities Certificate

    

Exhibit C

  

Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities

    

Exhibit D

  

Form of Preferred Securities Certificate

    

 

 

iii


BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

 

Certain Sections of this Trust Agreement relating to

Sections 310 through 318 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939:

 

Trust Indenture Act Section

  

Trust Agreement Section


§ 310   (a) (1)    8.7
      (a) (2)    8.7
      (a) (3)    8.7, 8.9
      (a) (4)    2.7 (a) (ii)
      (b)    8.8
§ 311   (a)    8.13
      (b)    8.13
      (c)    Not Applicable
§ 312   (a)    5.7
      (b)    5.7
      (c)    5.7
§ 313   (a)    8.14 (a); 8.14 (b)
      (b)    8.14 (b)
      (c)    10.9
      (d)    8.14 (c)
§ 314   (a)    8.15
      (b)    Not Applicable
      (c) (1)    8.16
      (c) (2)    8.16
      (c) (3)    Not Applicable
      (d)    Not Applicable
      (e)    1.1, 8.16
§ 315   (a)    8.1 (a), 8.3 (a)
      (b)    8.2. 10.9
      (c)    8.1 (a)
      (d)    8.1, 8.3
      (e)    Not Applicable
§ 316   (a)    1.1, 6.1(b)
      (a) (1) (A)    6.1(b)
      (a) (1) (B)    6.1(b), 5.14
      (a) (2)    Not Applicable
      (b)    5.14
      (c)    6.7
§ 317   (a) (1)    Not Applicable
      (a) (2)    8.13
      (b)    5.9, 8.2
§   318   (a)    10.11

 


Note: This reconciliation and tie sheet shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Trust Agreement.

 

iv


AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST AGREEMENT (this “ Trust Agreement ”), dated as of                      , 2004, among (i) BancFirst Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (including any successors or assigns, the “ Depositor ”); (ii) The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as property trustee, (in such capacity, the “ Property Trustee ” and, in its separate corporate capacity and not in its capacity as Property Trustee, the “ Bank ”); (iii) The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee (the “ Delaware Trustee ”); (iv) David E. Rainbolt, an individual; Joe T. Shockley, an individual; and Randy P. Foraker, an individual; each of whose address is c/o BancFirst Corporation, 101 North Broadway, Suite 800, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102 (each an “ Administrative Trustee ” and collectively the “ Administrative Trustees ”) (the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees are referred to collectively herein as the “ Trustees ”) and (v) the several Holders, as hereinafter defined.

 

WITNESSETH

 

WHEREAS , the Depositor, the Delaware Trustee and each of the Administrative Trustees, have heretofore duly declared and established a statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act by the entering into that certain Trust Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2004 (the “ Original Trust Agreement ”), and by the execution and filing by the Administrative Trustees and the Delaware Trustee with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of the Certificate of Trust, filed on January 27, 2004, attached as Exhibit A ; and

 

WHEREAS , the parties desire to amend and restate the Original Trust Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein to provide for, among other things, (a) the issuance of the Common Securities by the Trust to the Depositor, (b) the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities by the Trust pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, (c) the acquisition by the Trust from the Depositor of all of the right, title and interest in the Debentures and (d) the appointment of the Property Trustee;

 

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each party, for the benefit of the other parties and for the benefit of the Securityholders, hereby agrees as follows:

 

ARTICLE I.

 

DEFINED TERMS

 

Section 1.1 . Definitions .

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Trust Agreement;

 

(d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Trust Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and

 

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(e) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles which are generally accepted at the date or time of such computation: provided, that when two or more principles are so generally accepted, it shall mean that set of principles consistent with those in use by the Company.

 

1940 Act ” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

Act ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.8.

 

Additional Amount ” means, with respect to Trust Securities of a given Liquidation Amount and/or a given period, the amount of Additional Interest (as defined in the Indenture) paid by the Depositor on a Like Amount of Debentures for such period.

 

Additional Sums ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.6 of the Indenture.

 

Administrative Trustee ” means each of the Persons identified as an “Administrative Trustee” in the preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in such Person’s capacity as Administrative Trustee of the Trust created and continued hereunder and not in such Person’s individual capacity, or such Administrative Trustee’s successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor trustee appointed as herein provided.

 

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

 

Bank ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Trust Agreement.

 

Bankruptcy Event ” means, with respect to any Person:

 

(a) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the premises judging such Person a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjudication or composition of or in respect of such Person under any applicable Bankruptcy Law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of such Person or of any substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

 

(b) institution by such Person of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Bankruptcy Law, or the consent by it to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of such Person or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due and its willingness to be adjudicated a bankrupt, or the taking of corporate action by such Person in furtherance of any such action.

 

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Bankruptcy Law ” means any Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar law.

 

Board Resolution ” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Depositor to have been duly adopted by the Depositor’s Board of Directors, or such committee of the Board of Directors or officers of the Depositor to which authority to act on behalf of the Board of Directors has been delegated, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the appropriate Trustees.

 

Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates ” means a beneficial interest in the Preferred Securities Certificates, ownership and transfers of which shall be made through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 5.11.

 

Business Day ” means a day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday, (b) a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed, or (c) a day on which the Property Trustee’s Corporate Trust Office or the Corporate Trust Office of the Debenture Trustee is closed for business.

 

Capital Treatment Event ” means the reasonable determination by the Depositor that, as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein, or as a result of any official or administrative pronouncement or action or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or such prospective change, pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the original issuance of the Preferred Securities, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Depositor will not be entitled to treat the Preferred Securities (or any substantial portion thereof) as “Tier I Capital” (or the then equivalent thereof) for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of the primary federal regulator of the Depositor, as then in effect and applicable to the Depositor.

 

Certificate Depository Agreement ” means the agreement among the Trust, the Depositor and The Depository Trust Company, as the initial Clearing Agency, dated as of the Closing Date, relating to the Preferred Securities Certificates, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time.

 

Certificate of Trust ” means the certificate of trust filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware with respect to the Trust, as amended or restated from time to time.

 

Clearing Agency ” means an organization registered as a “clearing agency” pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The Depository Trust Company will act as the initial Clearing Agency hereunder.

 

Clearing Agency Participant ” means a broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Clearing Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Clearing Agency.

 

Closing Date ” means the date of execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

 

Common Securities Certificate ” means a certificate evidencing ownership of Common Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B .

 

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Common Security ” means an undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust, having a Liquidation Amount of $25 and having the rights provided therefor in this Trust Agreement, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein.

 

Common Securityholder ” means the Securityholder holding the Common Security.

 

“Corporate Trust Office” means (i) when used with respect to the Property Trustee, the office of the Property Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Property Trustee shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which office at the date of execution of this Trust Agreement is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West, New York, New York 10286; and (ii) when used with respect to the Debenture Trustee, the office of the Debenture Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Debenture Trustee shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which office at the date of execution of this Trust Agreement is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West, New York, New York 10286;

 

Debenture Event of Default ” means an “Event of Default” as defined in the Indenture.

 

Debenture Redemption Date ” means, with respect to any Debentures to be redeemed under the Indenture, the date fixed for redemption under the Indenture.

 

Debenture Tax Event ” means a “Tax Event” as defined in the Indenture.

 

Debenture Trustee means The Bank of New York, and any successor thereto, as trustee under the Indenture.

 

Debentures ” means the aggregate principal amount of the Depositor’s         % Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, issued pursuant to the Indenture.

 

Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates ” means either or both (as the context requires) of (a) Preferred Securities Certificates issued as Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate as provided in Section 5.11(a) and (b) Preferred Securities Certificates issued in certificated, fully registered form as provided in Section 5.13.

 

Delaware Statutory Trust Act ” means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C. (§) 3801, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Delaware Trustee ” means the Person identified as the “Delaware Trustee” in the preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in its capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Trust created and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or .any successor trustee appointed as herein provided.

 

Depositor ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Trust Agreement.

 

Distribution Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.1(a).

 

Distributions ” means amounts payable in respect of the Trust Securities as provided in Section 4.1.

 

Early Dissolution Event ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.2.

 

4


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

 

(a) occurrence of a Debenture Event of Default; or

 

(b) default by the Trust in the payment of any Distribution when it becomes due and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 30 days (subject to the Depositor exercising its right to defer the payment of interest on the Debentures pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Indenture); or

 

(c) default by the Trust in the payment of any Redemption Price of any Trust Security when it becomes due and payable; or

 

(d) default in the performance or breach, in any material respect, of any covenant or warranty of the Property Trustee in this Trust Agreement (other than a covenant or warranty a default in the performance or breach of which is dealt with in clause (b) or (c) above) and continuation of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the defaulting Property Trustee and the Trust by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the Outstanding Preferred Securities a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or

 

(e) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Property Trustee and the failure by the Depositor to appoint a successor Property Trustee within 60 days thereof.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Expense Agreement ” means the Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities between the Depositor and the Trust, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C , as amended from time to time.

 

Expiration Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.1.

 

Guarantee ” means the Guarantee Agreement, dated as of                      , 2004, executed and delivered by the Depositor and The Bank of New York, as trustee, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement, for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities, as amended from time to time.

 

Holder ” means a Securityholder.

 

Indenture ” means the Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of                      , 2004, between the Depositor and the Debenture Trustee, as trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Investment Company Event ” means the receipt by the Depositor and the Trust of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of a change in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the 1940 Act, which change becomes effective on or after the date or original issuance of the Preferred Securities under this Trust Agreement.

 

Lien means any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, adverse, ownership interest, adverse claim, hypothecation, assignment, security interest or preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever.

 

5


Like Amount ” means (a) with respect to a redemption of Trust Securities, Trust Securities having a Liquidation Amount equal to the principal amount of Debentures to be contemporaneously redeemed in accordance with the Indenture, allocated to the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities based upon the relative Liquidation Amounts of such classes and the proceeds of which will be used to pay the Redemption Price of such Trust Securities, and (b) with respect to a distribution of Debentures to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a dissolution or liquidation of the Trust, Debentures having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities of the Holder to whom such Debentures are distributed.

 

Liquidation Amount ” means the stated amount of $25 per Trust Security.

 

Liquidation Date ” means the date on which Debentures are to be distributed to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 9.4(a).

 

Liquidation Distribution ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.4(d).

 

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and by the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Depositor, and delivered to the appropriate Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers’ Certificate given pursuant to Section 8.16 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Depositor. Any Officers’ Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Trust Agreement shall include:

 

(a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers’ Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;

 

(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers’ Certificate;

 

(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer’s opinion, is necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

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

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Trust, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or the Depositor, but not including an employee of any thereof, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Property Trustee.

 

Original Trust Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Trust Agreement.

 

Outstanding ,” when used with respect to Trust Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Trust Securities theretofore executed and delivered under this Trust Agreement, except:

 

(a) Trust Securities theretofore canceled by the Property Trustee or delivered to the Property Trustee for cancellation;

 

(b) Trust Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Property Trustee or any Paying Agent for the Holders of such Trust Securities; provided that , if such Trust Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Trust Agreement; and

 

6


(c) Trust Securities which have been paid or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Trust Securities have been executed and delivered pursuant to Sections 5.4, 5.5, 5.11 and 5.13; provided however , that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Preferred Securities owned by the Depositor, any Trustee or any Affiliate of the Depositor or any Trustee shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that (i) in determining whether any Trustee shall be protected in relying upon, any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Preferred Securities that such Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded and (ii) the foregoing shall not apply at any time when all of the outstanding Preferred Securities are owned by the Depositor, one or more of the Trustees and/or any such Affiliate. Preferred Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Administrative Trustees the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Preferred Securities and that the pledgee is not the Depositor or any Affiliate of the Depositor. Upon the written request of any Trustee, the Depositor shall furnish to such Trustee promptly an Officers’ Certificate listing and identifying all Trust Securities, if any, known by the Depositor to be owned or held by or for the account of the Depositor, any Trustee or any Affiliate of the Depositor or any Trustee, and, subject to the provisions of Section 8.1, such Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Trust Securities not listed therein are Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.

 

Owner means each Person who is the beneficial owner of a Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate as reflected in the records of the Clearing Agency or, if a Clearing Agency Participant is not the Owner, then as reflected in the records of a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly or indirectly, in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency).

 

Paying Agent ” means any paying agent or co-paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 5.9 and shall initially be the Bank.

 

Payment Account ” means a segregated non-interest-bearing corporate trust account maintained by the Property Trustee with the Bank in its trust department for the benefit of the Securityholders in which all amounts paid in respect of the Debentures will be held and from which the Property Trustee, through the Paying Agent, shall make payments to the Securityholders in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 4.2.

 

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or corporation, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Preferred Securities Certificate ” means a certificate evidencing ownership of Preferred Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D .

 

Preferred Security ” means an undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust designated as “          % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities,” having a Liquidation Amount of $25 per security and having the rights provided therefor in this Trust Agreement, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein.

 

Preferred Securityholder ” means a Holder of Preferred Securities.

 

7


Property Trustee ” means the Person identified as the “Property Trustee” in the preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in its capacity as Property Trustee of the Trust heretofore created and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor property trustee appointed as herein provided.

 

Redemption Date ” means, with respect to any Trust Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Trust Agreement; provided that each Debenture Redemption Date and the stated maturity of the Debentures shall be a Redemption Date for a Like Amount of Preferred Securities.

 

Redemption Price ” means, with respect to any Trust Security, the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security, plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions to the Redemption Date, allocated on a pro rata basis (based on Liquidation Amounts) among the Preferred Securities.

 

Relevant Trustee ” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.10.

 

Securities Register ” and “ Securities Registrar ” have the respective meanings specified in Section 5.4.

 

Securityholder ” means a Person in whose name a Trust Security is registered in the Securities Register, any such Person shall be deemed to be a beneficial owner within the meaning of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.

 

Tax Event ” means the receipt by the Depositor and the Trust of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which prospective change, pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the original issuance of the Preferred Securities under this Trust Agreement, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (a) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days after the date of such Opinion of Counsel, subject to United States Federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the Debentures, (b) interest payable by the Depositor on the Debentures is not, or within 90 days after the date of such Opinion of Counsel will not be, deductible by the Depositor, in whole or in part, for United States Federal income tax purposes or (c) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days after the date of such Opinion of Counsel subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

 

Trust means the Delaware statutory trust created and continued hereby and identified on the cover page to this Trust Agreement.

 

Trust Agreement ” means this Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, as the same may be modified, amended or supplemented in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, including (a) all exhibits hereto and (b) for all purposes of this Amended and Restated Trust Agreement and any such modification, amendment or supplement, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this Trust Agreement and any such modification, amendment or supplement, respectively.

 

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

 

Trust Property ” means (a) the Debentures, (b) any cash on deposit in, or owing to, the Payment Account and (c) all proceeds and rights in respect of the foregoing and any other property and assets for the time being held or deemed to be held by the Property Trustee pursuant to the trusts of this Trust Agreement.

 

8


Trust Security ” means any one of the Common Securities or the Preferred Securities.

 

Trust Securities Certificate ” means any one of the Common Securities Certificates or the Preferred Securities Certificates.

 

Trustees ” means, collectively, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees.

 

Underwriters ” means the Underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

Underwriting Agreement ” means that certain Underwriting Agreement dated as of                      , 2004, among the Trust, the Depositor, and Advest, Inc., and Howe Barnes Investments, Inc., as the Underwriters.

 

ARTICLE II.

 

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRUST SECTION

 

Section 2.1 . Name .

 

The Trust continued hereby shall be known as “BFC Capital Trust II,” as such name may be modified from time to time by the Administrative Trustees following written notice to the Holders of Trust Securities and the other Trustees, in which name the Trustees may engage in the transactions contemplated hereby, make and execute contracts and other instruments on behalf of the Trust and sue and be sued.

 

Section 2.2 . Office of the Delaware Trustee; Principal Place of Business .

 

The address of the Delaware Trustee in the State of Delaware is:

 

The Bank of New York (Delaware)

23 White Clay Center

Route 273

Newark, Delaware 19711

Attention: Corporate Trust Department

 

or such other address in the State of Delaware as the Delaware Trustee may designate by written notice to the Securityholders and the Depositor. The principal executive office of the Trust is c/o BancFirst Corporation, 101 North Broadway, Suite 800, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102.

 

Section 2.3 . Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses .

 

The Trustees acknowledges receipt in trust from the Depositor in connection with the Trust Agreement of the sum of $10, which constituted the initial Trust Property. The Depositor shall pay organizational expenses of the Trust as they arise or shall, upon request of any Trustee, promptly reimburse such Trustee for any such expenses paid by such Trustee. The Depositor shall make no claim upon the Trust Property for the payment of such expenses.

 

9


Section 2.4 . Issuance of the Preferred Securities .

 

The Depositor and an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust and pursuant to the Trust Agreement, have executed and delivered the Underwriting Agreement. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute in accordance with Section 5.2 and deliver to the Underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement, Preferred Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, as instructed by Advest, Inc., as an Underwriter, in an aggregate amount of              Preferred Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $              , against receipt of such aggregate purchase price of such Preferred Securities of $              which amount the Administrative Trustee shall promptly deliver to the Property Trustee.

 

Section 2.5 . Issuance of the Common Securities; Subscription and Purchase of Debentures .

 

Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement, an Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute in accordance with Section 5.2 and deliver to the Depositor Common Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the Depositor, in an aggregate amount of              Common Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $              , against payment by the Depositor of such amount, which amount such Administrative Trustee shall promptly deliver to the Property Trustee. An Administrative Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall subscribe to and purchase from the Depositor Debentures, registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company, and having an aggregate principal amount equal to $              and, in satisfaction of the purchase price for such Debentures, the Property Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall deliver to the Depositor the sum of $              , such amount being the sum of the amounts delivered to the Property Trustee pursuant to (a) the second sentence of Section 2.4 and (b) the first sentence of this Section 2.5.

 

Section 2.6 . Declaration of Trust .

 

The exclusive purposes and functions of the Trust are (a) to issue and sell Trust Securities and use the proceeds from such sale to acquire the Debentures, and (b) to engage in those activities necessary, advisable or incidental thereto. The Depositor hereby appoints the Trustees as trustees of the Trust, to have all the rights, powers and duties to the extent set forth herein, and the Trustees hereby accept such appointment. The Property Trustee hereby declares that it will hold the Trust Property in trust upon and subject to the conditions set forth herein for the benefit of the Trust and the Securityholders. The Administrative Trustees shall have all rights, powers and duties set forth herein and in accordance with applicable law with respect to accomplishing the purposes of the Trust. The Delaware Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the duties and responsibilities, of the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustees set forth herein. The Delaware Trustee shall be one of the Trustees of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807 of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act. This Trust Agreement shall constitute the governing instrument of the Trust.

 

10


Section 2.7 . Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions .

 

(a) The Trustees shall conduct the affairs of the Trust in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement. Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section and Section 2.6, and in accordance with the following provisions (i) and (ii), the Trustees shall have the authority to enter into all transactions and agreements determined by the Trustees to be appropriate in exercising the authority, express or implied, otherwise granted to the Trustees under this Trust Agreement, and to perform all acts in furtherance thereof, including without limitation, the following:

 

(i) As among the Trustees, each Administrative Trustee shall have the power and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters:

 

  (A) the issuance and sale of the Trust Securities;

 

  (B) cause the Trust to enter into, and to execute, deliver and perform on behalf of the Trust, the Expense Agreement and the Certificate Depository Agreement and such other agreements as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the purposes and function of the Trust;

 

  (C) assisting in the registration (including the execution of a registration statement on the appropriate form) of the Preferred Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under state securities or blue sky laws, and the qualification of this Trust Agreement as a trust indenture under the Trust Indenture Act,

 

  (D) assisting in the listing of the Preferred Securities upon such securities exchange or exchanges as shall be determined by the Depositor and the registration of the Preferred Securities under the Exchange Act, and the preparation and filing of all periodic and other reports and other documents pursuant to the foregoing;

 

  (E) the sending of notices (other than notices of default) and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures to the Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Agreement;

 

  (F) the appointment of a Paying Agent, authenticating agent and Securities Registrar in accordance with this Trust Agreement,

 

  (G) registering transfer of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Trust Agreement;

 

  (H) to the extent provided in this Trust Agreement, the winding up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

 

  (I) unless otherwise determined by the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustees, or as otherwise required by the Delaware Business Trust Act or the Trust Indenture Act, to execute on behalf of the Trust (either acting alone or together with any or all of the Administrative Trustees) any documents that the Administrative Trustees have the power to execute pursuant to this Trust Agreement; and

 

  (J) the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the Trustees may from time to time determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms of this Trust Agreement for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder).

 

(ii) As among the Trustees, the Property Trustee shall have the power, duty and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters:

 

(A) the establishment of the Payment Account;

 

(B) the receipt of the Debentures;

 

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  (C) the collection of interest, principal and any other payments made in respect of the Debentures in the Payment Account;

 

  (D) the distribution through the Paying Agent of amounts owed to the Securityholders in respect of the Trust Securities;

 

  (E) the exercise of all of the rights, powers and privileges of a holder of the Debentures;

 

  (F) the sending of notices of default and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures to the Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Agreement;

 

  (G) the distribution of the Trust Property in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement;

 

  (H) to the extent provided in this Trust Agreement, the winding up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware,

 

  (I) after an Event of Default (other than under paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) of the definition of such term if such Event of Default is by or with respect to the Property Trustee) the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the Property Trustee may from time to time determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the terms of this Trust Agreement and protect and conserve the Trust Property for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder);

 

  (J) so long as the Property Trustee is the Securities Registrar, registering transfers of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Trust Agreement; and

 

  (K) except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.7(a)(ii), the Property Trustee shall have none of the duties, liabilities, powers or the authority of the Administrative Trustees set forth in Section 2.7(a)(i).

 

(b) So long as this Trust Agreement remains in effect, the Trust (or the Trustees acting on behalf of the Trust) shall not undertake any business, activities or transaction except as expressly provided herein or contemplated hereby. In particular, the Trustees shall not (i) acquire any investments or engage in any activities not authorized by this Trust Agreement, (ii) sell, assign, transfer, exchange, mortgage, pledge, set-off or otherwise dispose of any of the Trust Property or interests therein, including to Securityholders, except as expressly provided herein, (iii) take any action that would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify as a “grantor trust” for United States federal income tax purposes, (iv) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any other debt or (v) take or consent to any action that would result in the placement of a Lien on any of the Trust Property. The Administrative Trustees shall defend all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming any Lien on any of the Trust Property adverse to the interest of the Trust or the Securityholders in their capacity as Securityholders.

 

(c) In connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities, the Depositor shall have the right and responsibility to assist the Trust with respect to, or effect on behalf of the Trust, the following (and any actions taken by the Depositor in furtherance of the following prior to the date of this Trust Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects):

 

(i) the preparation and filing by the Trust with the Commission and the execution by the Trust of a registration statement on the appropriate form in relation to the Preferred Securities, including any amendments thereto;

 

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(ii) the determination of the States in which to take appropriate action to qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities and the determination of any and all such acts, other than actions which must be taken by or on behalf of the Trust, and the advice to the Trustees of actions they must take on behalf of the Trust, and the preparation for execution and filing of any documents to be executed and filed by the Trust or on behalf of the Trust, as the Depositor deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the applicable laws of any such States;

 

(iii) the preparation for filing by the Trust and execution on behalf of the Trust of an application to the New York Stock Exchange or any other national stock exchange or the Nasdaq National Market for listing upon notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities;

 

(iv) the preparation for filing by the Trust with the Commission and the execution on behalf of the Trust of a registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the Preferred Securities under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto;

 

(v) the negotiation of the terms of, and the execution and delivery of, the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities; and

 

  (vi) the taking of any other actions necessary or desirable to carry out any of the foregoing activities.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of the Trust and to operate the Trust so that the Trust will not be deemed to be an “investment company” required to be registered under the 1940 Act, or fail to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes and so that the Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the Depositor for United States federal income tax purposes. In this connection, the Depositor and the Administrative Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Trust or this Trust Agreement, that each of the Depositor and any Administrative Trustee determines in its discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such action does not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of the holders of the Preferred Securities.

 

Section 2.8 . Assets of Trust .

 

The assets of the Trust shall consist of the Trust Property.

 

Section 2.9 . Title to Trust Property .

 

Legal title to all Trust Property shall be vested at all times in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) and shall be held and administered by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Trust and the Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III.

 

PAYMENT ACCOUNT

 

Section 3.1 . Payment Account .

 

(a) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Property Trustee shall establish the Payment Account. The Property Trustee and any agent of the Property Trustee shall have exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the Payment Account for the purpose of making deposits in and withdrawals from the Payment Account in accordance with this Trust

 

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Agreement. All monies and other property deposited or held from time to time in the Payment Account shall be held by the Property Trustee in the Payment Account for the exclusive benefit of the Securityholders and for distribution as herein provided, including (and subject to) any priority of payments provided for herein.

 

(b) The Property Trustee shall deposit in the Payment Account, promptly upon receipt, all payments of principal of or interest on, and any other payments or proceeds with respect to, the Debentures. Amounts held in the Payment Account shall not be invested by the Property Trustee pending distribution thereof.

 

ARTICLE IV.

 

DISTRIBUTIONS; REDEMPTION

 

Section 4.1 . Distributions .

 

(a) The Trust Securities represent undivided beneficial interests in the Trust Property, and Distributions (including of Additional Amounts) will be made on the Trust Securities at the rate and on the dates that payments of interest (including of Additional Interest, as defined in the Indenture) are made on the Debentures. Accordingly:

 

(i) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be cumulative, and will accumulate whether or not there are funds of the Trust available for the payment of Distributions. Distributions shall accrue from the date of original issuance of the Trust Securities, and, except in the event (and to the extent) that the Depositor exercises its right to defer the payment of interest on the Debentures pursuant to the Indenture, shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year, commencing on April 15, 2004. If any date on which a Distribution is otherwise payable on the Trust Securities is not a Business Day, then the payment of such Distribution shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) with the same force and effect as if made on such date (each date on which distributions are payable in accordance with this Section 4.1(a), a “ Distribution Date ”).

 

(ii) Assuming payments of interest on the Debentures are made when due (and before giving effect to Additional Amounts, if applicable), Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be payable at a rate of          % per annum of the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities. The amount of Distributions payable for any full period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of Distributions for any partial period shall be computed on the basis of the number of days elapsed in a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of Distributions payable for any period shall include the Additional Amounts, if any.

 

(iii) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be made by the Property Trustee from the Payment Account and shall be payable on each Distribution Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds then on hand and available in the Payment Account for the payment of such Distributions.

 

(b) Distributions on the Trust Securities with respect to a Distribution Date shall be payable to the Holders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be the date 15 days prior to the relevant Distribution Date (or if such date is not a Business Day, the next Business Day following such date).

 

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Section 4.2 . Redemption .

 

(a) On each Debenture Redemption Date and on the stated maturity of the Debentures, the Trust will be required to redeem, subject to Section 4.3, a Like Amount of Trust Securities at the Redemption Price.

 

(b) Notice of redemption shall be given by the Property Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of Trust Securities to be redeemed, at such Holder’s address appearing in the Security Register. All notices of redemption shall state:

 

(i) the Redemption Date;

 

(ii) the Redemption Price;

 

(iii) the CUSIP number;

 

(iv) if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed, the identification and the total Liquidation Amount of the particular Trust Securities to be redeemed; and

 

(v) on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Trust Security to be redeemed and that Distributions thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date.

 

(c) The Trust Securities redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed at the Redemption Price with the proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of Debentures. Redemptions of the Trust Securities shall be made and the Redemption Price shall be payable on each Redemption Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds then on hand and available in the Payment Account for the payment of such Redemption Price.

 

(d) If the Property Trustee gives a notice of redemption in respect of any Preferred Securities, then, by 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on the Redemption Date, subject to Section 4.2(c), with respect to Preferred Securities held in book-entry form, the Property Trustee will irrevocably deposit with the Clearing Agency for the Preferred Securities, to the extent funds are available, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give such Clearing Agency irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the holders thereof. With respect to Preferred Securities held in certificated form, the Property Trustee, subject to Section 4.2(c), will irrevocably deposit with the Paying Agent, to the extent funds are available, funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption Price to the Holders thereof upon surrender of their Preferred Securities Certificates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior to the Redemption Date for any Trust Securities called for redemption shall be payable to the Holders of such Trust Securities as they appear on the Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record dates for the related Distribution Dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as required, then upon the date of such deposit, all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive the Redemption Price and any Distribution payable on or prior to the Redemption Date, but without interest, on such Redemption Date and such Securities will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any date on which any Redemption Price is payable is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), with the same force and effect as if made on such date. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of any Trust Securities called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust or by the Depositor pursuant to the Guarantee, Distributions on such Trust Securities will continue to accrue, at the then applicable

 

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rate, from the Redemption Date originally established by the Trust for such Trust Securities to the date such Redemption Price is actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.

 

(e) Payment of the Redemption Price on the Trust Securities shall be made to the recordholders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities.

 

(f) Subject to Section 4.3(a), if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed on a Redemption Date, then the aggregate Redemption Price of Trust Securities to be redeemed shall be allocated on a pro rata basis (based on Liquidation Amounts) among the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities. The particular Preferred Securities to be redeemed shall be selected on a pro rata basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts) not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Property Trustee from the Outstanding Preferred Securities not previously called for redemption, by such method (including, without limitation, by lot) as the Property Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to $25 or an integral multiple of $25 in excess thereof) of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities of a denomination larger than $25. The Property Trustee shall promptly notify the Security Registrar in writing of the Preferred Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Preferred Securities selected for partial redemption, the Liquidation Amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Trust Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Preferred Securities shall relate, in the case of any Preferred Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities that has been or is to be redeemed.

 

Section 4.3 . Subordination of Common Securities .

 

(a) Payment of Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on, and the Redemption Price of the Trust-Securities, as applicable, shall be made, subject to Section 4.2(f), pro rata among the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities based on the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities; provided , however , that if on any Distribution Date or Redemption Date any Event of Default resulting from a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, no payment of any distribution (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on, or Redemption Price of, any Common Security, and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of Common Securities, shall be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on all Outstanding Preferred Securities for all Distribution periods terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the Redemption Price, the full amount of such Redemption Price on all Outstanding Preferred Securities then called for redemption, shall have been made or provided for, and all funds immediately available to the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on, or the Redemption Price of, Preferred Securities then due and payable.

 

(b) In the case of the occurrence of any Event of Default resulting from any Debenture Event of Default, the Holder of Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to any such Event of Default under this Trust Agreement until the effect of all such Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such Event of Default under this Trust Agreement with respect to the Preferred Securities has been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee shall act solely on behalf of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and not the Holder of the Common Securities, and only the Holders of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the Property Trustee to act on their behalf.

 

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Section 4.4 . Payment Procedures .

 

Payments of Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) in respect of the Preferred Securities shall be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the Securities Register or, if the Preferred Securities are held by a Clearing Agency, such Distributions shall be made to the Clearing Agency in immediately available funds, which shall credit the relevant Persons’ accounts at such Clearing Agency on the applicable Distribution Dates. Payments in respect of the Common Securities shall be made in such manner as shall be mutually agreed between the Property Trustee and the Common Securityholder.

 

Section 4.5 . Tax Returns and Reports .

 

The Administrative Trustees shall prepare (or cause to be prepared), at the Depositor’s expense, and file all United States federal, state and local tax and information returns and reports required to be filed by or in respect of the Trust. In this regard, the Administrative Trustees shall (a) prepare and file (or cause to be prepared and filed) the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form required to be filed in respect of the Trust in each taxable year of the Trust and (b) prepare and furnish (or cause to be prepared and furnished) to each Securityholder the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form required to be provided on such form. The Administrative Trustees shall provide the Depositor and the Property Trustee with a copy of all such returns and reports promptly after such filing or furnishing. The Trustees shall comply with United States federal withholding and backup withholding tax laws and information reporting requirements with respect to any payments to Securityholders under the Trust Securities.

 

Section 4.6 . Payment of Taxes, Duties, Etc. of the Trust .

 

Upon receipt under the Debentures of Additional Sums, the Property Trustee shall promptly pay any taxes, duties or governmental charges of whatsoever nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed on the Trust by the United States or any other taxing authority.

 

Section 4.7 . Payments under Indenture or Pursuant to Direct Actions .

 

Any amount payable hereunder to any Holder of Preferred Securities shall be reduced by the amount of any corresponding payment that such Holder (and any Owner with respect thereto) has directly received pursuant to Section 5.8 of the Indenture or Section 5.14 of this Trust Agreement.

 

ARTICLE V.

 

TRUST SECURITIES CERTIFICATES

 

Section 5.1 . Initial Ownership .

 

Upon the formation of the Trust and the contribution by the Depositor pursuant to Section 2.3 and until the issuance of the Trust Securities, and at any time during which no Trust Securities are outstanding, the Depositor shall be the sole beneficial owner of the Trust.

 

Section 5.2 . The Trust Securities Certificates .

 

The Preferred Securities Certificates shall be issued in minimum denominations of $25 Liquidation Amount and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof, and the Common Securities Certificates shall be issued in denominations of $25 Liquidation Amount and integral multiples thereof. The Trust Securities Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Trust by manual signature of at least one Administrative Trustee. Trust Securities Certificates bearing the manual

 

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signatures of individuals who were, at the time when such signatures shall have been affixed, authorized to sign on behalf of the Trust, shall be validly issued and entitled to the benefits of this Trust Agreement, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them shall have ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates or did not hold such offices at the date of delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates. A transferee of a Trust Securities Certificate shall become a Securityholder, and shall be entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a Securityholder hereunder, upon due registration of such Trust Securities Certificate in such transferee’s name pursuant to Sections 5.4, 5.11 and 5.13.

 

Section 5.3 . Execution and Delivery of Trust Securities Certificates .

 

On the Closing Date, the Administrative Trustees shall cause Trust Securities Certificates, in an aggregate Liquidation Amount as provided in Section 2.4 and Section 2.5, to be executed on behalf of the Trust and delivered to or upon the written order of the Depositor, signed by its chief executive officer, its president, any executive vice president or any vice president, treasurer or assistant treasurer or controller without further corporate action by the Depositor, in authorized denominations.

 

Section 5.4 . Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates .

 

(a) The Depositor shall keep or cause to be kept, at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8, a register or registers for the purpose of registering Trust Securities Certificates and transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates (the “ Securities Register ”) in which, the registrar designated by the Depositor (the “ Securities Registrar ”), subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, shall provide for the registration of Preferred Securities Certificates and Common Securities Certificates (subject to Section 5.10 in the case of the Common Securities Certificates) and registration of transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates as herein provided. The Property Trustee shall be the initial Securities Registrar.

 

(b) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Preferred Securities Certificate at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8, the Administrative Trustees or any one of them shall execute and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Preferred Securities Certificates in authorized denominations of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount dated the date of execution by such Administrative Trustee or Trustees.

 

(c) The Securities Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of any Preferred Securities that have been called for redemption. At the option of a Holder, Preferred Securities Certificates may be exchanged for other Preferred Securities Certificates in authorized denominations of the same class and of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount upon surrender of the Preferred Securities Certificates to be exchanged at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.8.

 

(d) Every Preferred Securities Certificate presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to an Administrative Trustee and the Securities Registrar duly executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Preferred Securities Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be canceled and subsequently disposed of by an Administrative Trustee in accordance with such Person’s customary practice. The Trust shall not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any Preferred Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 calendar days before the date of mailing of a notice of redemption of any Preferred Securities called for redemption and ending at the close business on the day of such mailing or (ii) register the transfer of or exchange any Preferred Securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any such Preferred Securities being redeemed in part.

 

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(e) No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates, but the Securities Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates.

 

Section 5.5 . Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates .

 

In the event that:

 

(i) any mutilated Trust Securities Certificate shall be surrendered to the Securities Registrar, or if the Securities Registrar shall receive evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Trust Securities Certificate and

 

(ii) there shall be delivered to the Securities Registrar and the Administrative Trustees such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless,

 

then in the absence of notice that such Trust Securities Certificate shall have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Administrative Trustees, or any one of them, on behalf of the Trust shall execute and make available for delivery, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Trust Securities Certificate, a new Trust Securities Certificate of like class, tenor and denomination. In connection with the issuance of any new Trust Securities Certificate under this Section, the Administrative Trustees or the Securities Registrar may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. Any duplicate Trust Securities Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute conclusive evidence of an undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust, as if originally issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Trust Securities Certificate shall be found at any time.

 

Section 5.6 . Persons Deemed Securityholders .

 

The Trustees or the Securities Registrar shall treat the Person in whose name any Trust Securities Certificate shall be registered in the Securities Register as the owner of such Trust Securities Certificate for the purpose of receiving Distributions and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Trustees nor the Securities Registrar shall be bound by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 5.7 . Access to List of Securityholders’ Names and Addresses .

 

At any time when the Property Trustee is not also acting as the Securities Registrar, the Administrative Trustees or the Depositor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Property Trustee:

 

(i) semi-annually on or before January 1 and July 1 in each year, a list, in such form as the Property Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Securityholders as of the most recent Record Date, and

 

(ii) promptly after receipt by any Administrative Trustee or the Depositor of a request therefor from the Property Trustee, such other information as the Property Trustee may reasonably require in order to enable the Property Trustee to discharge its obligations under this Trust Agreement,

 

in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Administrative Trustees or the Depositor and is not identical to a previously supplied list or has not otherwise been received by the Property Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar. The rights of

 

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Securityholders to communicate with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Trust Agreement or under the Trust Securities, and the corresponding rights of the Trustee shall be as provided in the Trust Indenture Act. Each Securityholder, by receiving and holding a Trust Securities Certificate, and each Owner shall be deemed to have agreed not to hold the Depositor, the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustees accountable by reason of the disclosure of its name and address, regardless of the source from which such information was derived.

 

Section 5.8 . Maintenance of Office or Agency .

 

The Administrative Trustees shall maintain an office or offices or agency or agencies where Preferred Securities Certificates may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Trustees in respect of the Trust Securities Certificates may be served. The Administrative Trustees initially designate the principal corporate trust office of the Property Trustee, { insert desired address }, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, as the principal corporate trust office for such purposes. The Administrative Trustees shall give prompt written notice to the Depositor and to the Securityholders of any change in the location of the Securities Register or any such office or agency.

 

Section 5.9 . Appointment of Paying Agent .

 

The Paying Agent shall make Distributions to Securityholders from the Payment Account and shall report the amounts of such Distributions to the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees. Any Paying Agent shall have the revocable power to withdraw funds from the Payment Account for the purpose of making the Distributions referred to above. The Administrative Trustees may revoke such power and remove the Paying Agent if such Trustees determine in their sole discretion that the Paying Agent shall have failed to perform its obligations under this Trust Agreement in any material respect. The Paying Agent shall initially be the Property Trustee, and any co-paying agent chosen by the Property Trustee, and acceptable to the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor. Any Person acting as Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days’ written notice to the Administrative Trustees, the Property Trustee and the Depositor. In the event that the Property Trustee shall no longer be the Paying Agent or a successor Paying Agent shall resign or its authority to act be revoked, the Administrative Trustees shall appoint a successor that is acceptable to the Property Trustee and the Depositor to act as Paying Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company). The Administrative Trustees shall cause such successor Paying Agent or any additional Paying Agent appointed by the Administrative Trustees to execute and deliver to the Trustees an instrument in which such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustees that as Paying Agent, such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent will hold all sums, if any, held by it for payment to the Securityholders in trust for the benefit of the Securityholders entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Securityholders. The Paying Agent shall return all unclaimed funds to the Property Trustee and upon removal of a Paying Agent, such Paying Agent shall also return all funds in its possession to the Property Trustee. The provisions of Sections 8.1, 8.3 and 8.6 herein shall apply to the Property Trustee also in its role as Paying Agent, for so long as the Property Trustee shall act as Paying Agent and, to the extent applicable, to any other paying agent appointed hereunder. Any reference in this Trust Agreement to the Paying Agent shall include any co-paying agent unless the context requires otherwise.

 

Section 5.10 . Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor .

 

At the Closing Date, the Depositor shall acquire and retain beneficial and record ownership of the Common Securities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, other than a transfer in connection with a consolidation or merger of the Depositor into another Person, or any conveyance, transfer or lease by the Depositor of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, pursuant to Section 8.l of the Indenture, any attempted transfer of the Common Securities shall be void. The Administrative Trustees shall cause each Common Securities Certificate issued to the Depositor to contain a legend stating “THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE”.

 

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Section 5.11 . Book Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate .

 

(a) The Preferred Securities Certificates, upon original issuance, will be issued in the form of a typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates, to be delivered to The Depository Trust Company, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Trust. Such Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates shall initially be registered on the Securities Register in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, and no Owner will receive a Definitive Preferred Securities Certificate representing such Owner’s interest in such Preferred Securities, except as provided in Section 5.13. Unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates have been issued to Owners pursuant to Section 5.13:

 

(i) the provisions of this Section 5.11(a) shall be in full force and effect;

 

(ii) the Securities Registrar, the Paying Agent and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Trust Agreement relating to the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates (including the payment of the Liquidation Amount of and Distributions on the Preferred Securities evidenced by Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates) and shall have no obligations to the Owners thereof;

 

(iii) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 5.11 conflict with any other provisions of this Trust Agreement, the provisions of this Section 5.11 shall control; and

 

(iv) the rights of the Owners of the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants. Pursuant to the Certificate Depository Agreement, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates are issued pursuant to Section 5.13, the initial Clearing Agency will make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit payments on the Preferred Securities to such Clearing Agency Participants. Any Clearing Agency designated pursuant hereto will not be deemed an agent of the Trustee for any purpose.

 

(b) A single Common Securities Certificate representing the Common Securities shall be issued to the Depositor in the form of a definitive Common Securities Certificate.

 

Section 5.12 . Notices to Clearing Agency .

 

To the extent that a notice or other communication to the Owners is required under this Trust Agreement, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall have been issued to Owners pursuant to Section 5.13, the Trustees shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to Owners to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no obligations to the Owners.

 

Section 5.13 . Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates .

 

In the event that:

 

(i) the Depositor advises the Trustees in writing that the Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Preferred Securities Certificates, and the Depositor is unable to locate a qualified successor, or if at any time the Person then acting as Clearing Agency ceases to be registered under the Exchange Act at a time when such Person is required to be so registered, or

 

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(ii) the Depositor at its option advises the Trustees in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Clearing Agency,

 

then the Property Trustee shall notify the Clearing Agency and the Clearing Agency shall notify all Owners of Preferred Securities Certificates and the other Trustees of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates to Owners of such class or classes, as applicable, requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Property Trustee of the typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing the Book Entry Preferred Securities Certificates by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Administrative Trustees, or any one of them, shall execute the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. Neither the Securities Registrar nor the Trustees shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates, the Trustees shall recognize the Holders of the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates as Securityholders. The Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall be engraved and executed in accordance with the applicable rules of the Nasdaq National Market or such other national exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Preferred Securities are then listed for trading.

 

Section 5.14 . Rights of Securityholders .

 

(a) The legal title to the Trust Property is vested exclusively in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) in accordance with Section 2.9, and the Securityholders shall not have any right or title therein other than the undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust conferred by their Trust Securities and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of property, profits or rights of the Trust except as described below. The Trust Securities shall be personal property giving only the rights specifically set forth therein and in this Trust Agreement. The Trust Securities shall have no preemptive or similar rights and when issued and delivered to Securityholders against payment of the purchase price therefor will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust. The Holders of the Trust Securities, in their capacities as such, shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

(b) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain Outstanding, if, upon a Debenture Event of Default, the Debenture Trustee fails or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Debentures fail to declare the principal of all of the Debentures to be immediately due and payable, the Holders of at least 25% in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then Outstanding shall have such right by a notice in writing to the Depositor and the Debenture Trustee; and upon any such declaration such principal amount of and the accrued interest on all of the Debentures shall become immediately due and payable, provided that the payment of principal and interest on such Debentures shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in the Indenture. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Debentures has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Debenture Trustee as in the Indenture provided, the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, by written notice to the Property Trustee, the Depositor and the Debenture Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

 

(i) the Depositor has paid or deposited with the Debenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay

 

  (A) all overdue installments of interest (including any Additional Interest (as defined in the Indenture)) on all of the Debentures,

 

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  (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Debentures which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Debentures, and

 

  (C) all sums paid or advanced by the Debenture Trustee under the Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Debenture Trustee and the Property Trustee, their agents and counsel, and

 

(ii) all Events of Default with respect to the Debentures, other than the non-payment of the principal of the Debentures which has become due solely by such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.13 of the Indenture.

 

The Holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Preferred Securities, waive any past default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal or interest (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the Debenture Trustee) or a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debenture. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon. Upon receipt by the Property Trustee of written notice declaring such an acceleration, or rescission and annulment thereof, by Holders of the Preferred Securities, all or part of which is represented by Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates, a record date shall be established for determining Holders of Outstanding Preferred Securities entitled to join in such notice, which record date shall be at the close of business on the day the Property Trustee receives such notice. The Holders on such record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to join in such notice, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided , that , unless such declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having joined in such notice prior to the day which is 90 days after such record date, such notice of declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Holder, or a proxy of a Holder, from giving, after expiration of such 90-day period, a new written notice of declaration of acceleration, or rescission and annulment thereof, as the case may be, that is identical to a written notice which has been canceled pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence, in which event a new record date shall be established pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.14(b).

 

(c) For so long as any Preferred Securities remain Outstanding, to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the terms of this Trust Agreement and the Indenture, upon a Debenture Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(a) or 5.1(b) of the Indenture, any Holder of Preferred Securities shall have the right to institute a proceeding directly against the Depositor, pursuant to Section 5.8 of the Indenture, for enforcement of payment to such Holder of the principal amount of (premium, if any) and (subject to Section 3.7 of the Indenture) interest (including any Additional Interest (as defined on the Indenture)) on Debentures having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities of such Holder (a “ Direct Action ”). Except as set forth in Section 5.14(b) and this Section 5.14(c), the Holders of Preferred Securities shall have no right to exercise directly any right or remedy available to the holders of, or in respect of, the Debentures.

 

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ARTICLE VI.

 

ACTS OF SECURITYHOLDERS; MEETINGS, VOTING

 

Section 6.1 . Limitations on Voting Rights .

 

(a) Except as provided in this Section, in Sections 5.14, 8.10 and 10.2 and in the Indenture and as otherwise required by law, no Holder of Preferred Securities shall have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise control the administration, operation and management of the Trust or the obligations of the parties hereto, nor shall anything herein set forth, or contained in the terms of the Trust Securities Certificates, be construed so as to constitute the Securityholders from time to time as partners or members of an association.

 

(b) So long as any Debentures are held by the Property Trustee, the Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debenture Trustee, or execute any trust or power conferred on the Property Trustee with respect to such Debentures, (ii) waive any past default which is waivable under Section 5.13 of the Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable or (iv) consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Debentures, where such consent shall be required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the Holders of at least a majority in Liquidation Amount of all Outstanding Preferred Securities, provided, however , that where a consent under the Indenture would require the consent of each Holder of Debentures affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Property Trustee without the prior written consent of each Holder of Preferred Securities. The Trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities, except by a subsequent vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities. The Property Trustee shall notify all Holders of the Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the Debenture Trustee with respect to the Debentures. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall, at the expense of the Depositor, obtain an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that such action shall not cause the Trust to fail to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

(c) If any proposed amendment to the Trust Agreement provides for, or the Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely affect in any material respect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Preferred Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Trust Agreement or otherwise, or (ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than pursuant to the terms of this Trust Agreement, then the Holders of Outstanding Preferred Securities as a class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the Holders of at least a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Agreement, no amendment to this Trust Agreement may be made if, as a result of such amendment, it would cause the Trust to fail to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Section 6.2 . Notice of Meetings .

 

Notice of all meetings of the Preferred Securityholders, stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, shall be given by the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 10.9 to each Preferred Securityholder of record, at his, her or its registered address, at least 15 days and not more than 90 days before the meeting. At any such meeting, any business properly before the meeting may be so considered whether or not stated in the notice of the meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice.

 

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Section 6.3 . Meetings of Preferred Securityholders .

 

(a) No annual meeting of Securityholders is required to be held. The Administrative Trustees, however, shall call a meeting of Preferred Securityholders to vote on any matter upon the written request of Holders of record of 25% of the Outstanding Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) and the Administrative Trustees or the Property Trustee may, at any time in their discretion, call a meeting of Preferred Securityholders to vote on any matters as to which Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote.

 

(b) Holders of record of 50% of the Outstanding Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount), present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of Securityholders. If a quorum is present at a meeting, an affirmative vote by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, in person or by proxy, holding more than a majority of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) held by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, either in person or by proxy, at such meeting shall constitute the action of the Preferred Securityholders, unless this Trust Agreement requires a greater number of affirmative votes.

 

Section 6.4 . Voting Rights .

 

Securityholders shall be entitled to one vote for each $25 of Liquidation Amount represented by their Trust Securities in respect of any matter as to which such Securityholders are entitled to vote.

 

Section 6.5 . Proxies, etc .

 

At any meeting of Securityholders, any Securityholder entitled to vote thereat may vote by proxy, provided that no proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the Administrative Trustees, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Administrative Trustees may direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. Pursuant to a resolution of the Property Trustee, proxies may be solicited in the name of the Property Trustee or one or more officers of the Property Trustee. Only Securityholders of record shall be entitled to vote. When Trust Securities are held jointly by several Persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Trust Securities, but if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Trust Securities. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Securityholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. No proxy shall be valid more than three years after its date of execution.

 

Section 6.6 . Securityholder Action by Written Consent .

 

Any action which may be taken by Securityholders at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if Securityholders holding a majority of all Outstanding Trust Securities (based upon their aggregate Liquidation Amount) entitled to vote in respect of such action (or such larger proportion thereof as shall be required by any express provision of this Trust Agreement) shall consent to the action in writing (based upon their aggregate Liquidation Amount).

 

Section 6.7 . Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes .

 

For the purposes of determining the Securityholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting or by written consent, or to participate in any Distribution on the Trust Securities in respect of which a record date is not otherwise provided for in this Trust Agreement, or for the purpose of any other action, the Administrative Trustees may from time to time fix a date, not more than 90 days prior to the date of any meeting of Securityholders or the payment of a Distribution or other action, as the case may be, as a record date for the determination of the identity of the Securityholders of record for such purposes.

 

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Section 6.8 . Acts of Securityholders .

 

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Trust Agreement to be given, made or taken by Securityholders or Owners may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Securityholders or Owners in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to an Administrative Trustee. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “ Act ” of the Securityholders or Owners signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Trust Agreement and (subject to Section 8.1) conclusive in favor of the Trustees, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(f) If any dispute shall arise between the Securityholders and the Administrative Trustees or among such Securityholders or Trustees with respect to the authenticity, validity or binding nature of any request, demand, authorization, direction, consent, waiver or other Act of such Securityholder or Trustee under this Article VI, then the determination of such matter by the Property Trustee shall be conclusive with respect to such matter.

 

(g) A Securityholder may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Depositor under the Guarantee to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee (as defined in the Guarantee), the Trust or any Person.

 

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Section 6.9 . Inspection of Records .

 

Upon reasonable notice to the Administrative Trustees and the Property Trustee, the records of the Trust shall be open to inspection by Securityholders during normal business hours for any purpose reasonably related to such Securityholder’s interest as a Securityholder.

 

ARTICLE VII.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 7.1 . Representations and Warranties of the Bank .

 

The Bank hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Depositor and the Securityholders as follows:

 

(a) the Bank is a New York state chartered banking corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York;

 

(b) the Bank has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Trust Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Trust Agreement;

 

(c) this Trust Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Bank and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of the Bank enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;

 

(d) the execution, delivery and performance of this Trust Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action on the part of the Bank and does not require any approval of stockholders of the Bank and such execution, delivery and performance will not (i) violate the charter or bylaws of the Bank, (ii) violate any provision of, or constitute, with or without notice or lapse of time (or both), a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of, any Lien on any properties included in the Trust Property pursuant to the provisions of, any indenture, mortgage, credit agreement, license or other agreement or instrument to which the Bank is a party or by which it is bound, or (iii) violate any law, governmental rule or regulation of the United States governing the banking or trust powers of the Bank or of the State of New York or any order, judgment or decree applicable to the Bank;

 

(e) neither the authorization, execution or delivery by the Bank of this Trust Agreement nor the consummation of any of the transactions by it, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee (as appropriate in context) contemplated herein or therein requires the consent or approval of, the giving of notice to, the registration with or the taking of any other action with respect to any governmental authority or agency under any existing federal law governing the banking, or trust powers of the Bank, as the case may be, under the laws of the United States or the State of New York; and

 

(f) there are no proceedings pending or, to the best the Bank’s knowledge, threatened against or affecting it, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee in any court or before any governmental authority, agency or arbitration board or tribunal which, individually or in the aggregate, would materially and adversely affect the Trust or would question the right, power and authority of the Bank to enter into or perform its obligations as one of the Trustees under this Trust Agreement.

 

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Section 7.2 . Representations and Warranties of Depositor .

 

The Depositor hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Securityholders as follows:

 

(a) the Trust Securities Certificates issued at the Closing Date on behalf of the Trust have been duly authorized and will have been, duly and validly executed, issued and delivered by the Trustees pursuant to the terms and provisions of, and in accordance with the requirements of, this Trust Agreement and the Securityholders will be, as of each such date, entitled to the benefits of this Trust Agreement; and

 

(b) there are no taxes, fees or other governmental charges payable by the Trust (or the Trustees on behalf of the Trust) under the laws of the State of Delaware or any political subdivision thereof in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Bank, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, of Bank, this Trust Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VIII.

 

THE TRUSTEES

 

Section 8.1 . Certain Duties and Responsibilities .

 

(a) The duties and responsibilities of the Trustees shall be as provided by this Trust Agreement and, in the case of the Property Trustee, by the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Trust Agreement shall require the Trustees to expend or risk their own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of their duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of their rights or powers, unless they are afforded reasonable indemnity against such risk or liability. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Trust Agreement relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustees shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. No Administrative Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall be subject to any liability under this Trust Agreement except for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Trustee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to the Securityholders, such Trustee shall not be liable to the Trust or to any Securityholder for such Trustee’s good faith reliance on the provisions of this Trust Agreement. The provisions of this Trust Agreement, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of the Trustees otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Depositor and the Securityholders to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Trustees.

 

(b) All payments made by the Property Trustee or a Paying Agent in respect of the Trust Securities shall be made only from the revenue and proceeds from the Trust Property and only to the extent that there shall be sufficient revenue or proceeds from the Trust Property to enable the Property Trustee or a Paying Agent to make payments in accordance with the terms hereof. Each Securityholder, by its acceptance of a Trust Security, agrees that it will look solely to the revenue and proceeds from the Trust Property to the extent legally available for distribution to it as herein provided and that the Trustees are not personally liable to it for any amount distributable in respect of any Trust Security or for any other liability in respect of any Trust Security. This Section 8.1(b) does not limit the liability of the Trustees expressly set forth elsewhere in this Trust Agreement or, in the case of the Property Trustee, in the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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(c) No provision of this Trust Agreement shall be construed to relieve the Property Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(i) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by an authorized officer of the Property Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Property Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts,

 

(ii) the Property Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of the Trust Securities given in accordance with this Trust Agreement relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Property Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee under this Trust Agreement;

 

(iii) the Property Trustee’s sole duty with respect to the custody, safe keeping and physical preservation of the Debentures and the Payment Account shall be to deal with such Property in a similar manner as the Property Trustee deals with similar property for its own account, subject to the protections and limitations on liability afforded to the Property Trustee under this Trust Agreement and the Trust Indenture Act;

 

(iv) the Property Trustee shall not be liable for any interest on any money received by it except as it may otherwise agree with the Depositor; and money held by the Property Trustee need not be segregated from other funds held by it except in relation to the Payment Account maintained by the Property Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1 and except to the extent otherwise required by law; and

 

(v) the Property Trustee shall not be responsible for monitoring the compliance by the Administrative Trustees or the Depositor with their respective duties under this Trust Agreement, nor shall the Property Trustee be liable for the default or misconduct of the Administrative Trustees or the Depositor.

 

Section 8.2 . Certain Notices .

 

(a) Within five Business Days after the occurrence of any Event of Default actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall transmit, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.9, notice of such Event of Default to the Securityholders, the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor, unless the Event of Default shall have been cured or waived. For purposes of this Section the term “ Event of Default ” means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, and Event of Default.

 

(b) The Administrative Trustees shall transmit, to the Securityholders in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.9, notice of the Depositor’s election to begin or further extend an Extension Period on the Debentures (unless such election shall have been revoked) within the time specified for transmitting such notice to the holders of the Debentures pursuant to the Indenture as originally executed.

 

Section 8.3 . Certain Rights of Property Trustee .

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 8.1:

 

(a) the Property Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith upon any resolution, Opinion of Counsel, certificate, written representation of a Holder or transferee, certificate of auditors or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

 

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(b) in the event that, (i) in performing its duties under this Trust Agreement the Property Trustee is required to decide between alternative courses of action or (ii) in construing any of the provisions of this Trust Agreement the Property Trustee finds the same ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions contained herein or (iii) the Property Trustee is unsure of the application of any provision of this Trust Agreement, then, except as to any matter as to which the Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote under the terms of this Trust Agreement, the Property Trustee shall deliver a notice to the Depositor requesting written instructions of the Depositor as to the course of action to be taken and the Property Trustee shall take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Property Trustee shall be instructed in writing to take, or to refrain from taking, by the Depositor; provided , however , that if the Property Trustee does not receive such instructions of the Depositor within ten Business Days after it has delivered such notice, or such reasonably shorter period of time set forth in such notice (which to the extent practicable shall not be less than two Business Days), it may, but shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from taking such action not inconsistent with this Trust Agreement as it shall deem advisable and in the best interests of the Securityholders, in which event the Property Trustee shall have no liability except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct;

 

(c) any direction or act of the Depositor or the Administrative Trustees contemplated by this Trust Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate;

 

(d) whenever in the administration of this Trust Agreement, the Property Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be established before undertaking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Property Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers’ Certificate which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Depositor or the Administrative Trustees;

 

(e) the Property Trustee shall have no duty to see to any recording, filing or registration of any instrument (including any financing or continuation statement or any filing under tax or securities laws) or any rerecording, refiling or registration thereof,

 

(f) the Property Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon and in accordance with such advice, such counsel may be counsel to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates, but not an employee thereof; the Property Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Trust Agreement from any court of competent jurisdiction;

 

(g) the Property Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Trust Agreement at the request or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to this Trust Agreement, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Property Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

 

(h) the Property Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, unless requested in writing to do so by one or more Securityholders, but the Property Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit;

 

(i) the Property Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, provided that the Property Trustee shall be responsible for its own negligence or recklessness with respect to selection of any agent or attorney appointed by it hereunder;

 

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(j) whenever in the administration of this Trust Agreement the Property Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder the Property Trustee (i) may request instructions from the Holders of the Trust Securities which instructions may only be given by the Holders of the same proportion in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities as would be entitled to direct the Property Trustee under the terms of the Trust Securities in respect of such remedy, right or action, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and (iii) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions; and

 

(k) except as otherwise expressly provided by this Trust Agreement, the Property Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action that is discretionary under the provisions of this Trust Agreement.

 

No provision of this Trust Agreement shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Property Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it, in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Property Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts, or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Property Trustee shall be construed to be a duty.

 

Section 8.4 . Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities .

 

The recitals contained herein and in the Trust Securities Certificates shall be taken as the statements of the Trust, and the Trustees do not assume any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Depositor of the proceeds of the Debentures.

 

Section 8.5 . May Hold Securities .

 

Any Trustee or any other agent of any Trustee or the Trust, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Trust Securities and, except as provided in the definition of the term “Outstanding” in Article I and subject to Sections 8.8 and 8.13, may otherwise deal with the Trust with the same rights it would have if it were not a Trustee or such other agent.

 

Section 8.6 . Compensation; Indemnity; Fees .

 

The Depositor agrees:

 

(a) to pay to the Trustees from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by them hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) as specified in a separate agreement between any of the Trustees and the Depositor;

 

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

 

(c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Trustee, (ii) any Affiliate of any Trustee, (iii) any officer, director, shareholder, employee, representative or agent of any Trustee, and (iv) any employee or agent of the Trust or its Affiliates, (referred to herein as an “ Indemnified Person ”) from and against any loss, damage, liability, tax, penalty, expense or claim of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred by such

 

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Indemnified Person by reason of the creation, operation or dissolution of the Trust or any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Trust Agreement, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence (or ordinary negligence in the case of the Property Trustee) or bad faith with respect to such acts or omissions.

 

The provisions of this Section 8.6 shall survive the termination of this Trust Agreement.

 

No Trustee may claim any lien or charge on any Trust Property as a result of any amount due pursuant to this Section 8.6.

 

The Depositor and any Trustee may (subject to Section 8.8) engage in or possess an interest in other business ventures of any nature or description, independently or with others, similar or dissimilar to the business of the Trust, and the Trust and the Holders of Trust Securities shall have no rights by virtue of this Trust Agreement in and to such independent ventures or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the pursuit of any such venture, even if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall not be deemed wrongful or improper. Neither the Depositor, nor any Trustee, shall be obligated to present any particular investment or other opportunity to the Trust even if such opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the Trust, could be taken by the Trust, and the Depositor or any Trustee shall have the right to take for its own account (individually or as a partner or fiduciary) or to recommend to others any such particular investment or other opportunity. Any Trustee may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the Depositor or any Affiliate of the Depositor, or may act as depository for, trustee or agent for, or act on any committee or body of holders of, securities or other obligations of the Depositor or its Affiliates.

 

Section 8.7 . Corporate Property Trustee Required; Eligibility of Trustees .

 

(a) There shall at all times be a Property Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. The Property Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Property Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

 

(b) There shall at all times be one or more Administrative Trustees hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. Each Administrative Trustee shall be either a natural person who is at least 21 years of age or a legal entity that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind that entity.

 

(c) There shall at all times be a Delaware Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities. The Delaware Trustee shall either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the State of Delaware or (ii) a legal entity with its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and that otherwise meets the requirements of applicable Delaware law that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity.

 

Section 8.8 . Conflicting Interests .

 

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

 

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Section 8.9 . Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee .

 

Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Trust Property may at the time be located, the Depositor and the Administrative Trustees, by agreed action of the majority of such Trustees, shall have power to appoint, and upon the written request of the Administrative Trustees, the Depositor shall for such purpose join with the Administrative Trustees in the execution, delivery, and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to appoint, one or more Persons approved by the Property Trustee either to act as co-trustee, jointly with the Property Trustee, of all or any part of such Trust Property, or to the extent required by law to act as separate trustee of any such property, in either case with such powers as may be provided in the instrument of appointment, and to vest in such Person or Persons in the capacity aforesaid, any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the other provisions of this Section. If the Depositor does not join in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request so to do, or in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee alone shall have power to make such appointment. Any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed pursuant to this Section shall either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the United States or (ii) a legal entity with its principal place of business in the United States that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity.

 

Should any written instrument from the Depositor be required by any co-trustee or separate trustee so appointed for more fully confirming to such co-trustee or separate trustee such property, title, right, or power, any and all such instruments shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged and delivered by the Depositor.

 

Every co-trustee or separate trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, but to such extent only, be appointed subject to the following terms, namely

 

(a) The Trust Securities shall be executed and delivered and all rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereunder in respect of the custody of securities, cash and other personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the Trustees specified hereunder shall be exercised solely by such Trustees and not by such co-trustee or separate trustee.

 

(b) The rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereby conferred or imposed upon the Property Trustee in respect of any property covered by such appointment shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Property Trustee or by the Property Trustee and such co-trustee or separate trustee jointly, as shall be provided in the instrument appointing such co-trustee or separate trustee, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act is to be performed, the Property Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations shall be exercised and performed by such co-trustee or separate trustee.

 

(c) The Property Trustee at any time, by an instrument in writing executed by it, with the written concurrence of the Depositor, may accept the resignation of or remove any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed under this Section, and, in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee shall have power to accept the resignation of, or remove, any such co-trustee or separate trustee without the concurrence of the Depositor. Upon the written request of the Property Trustee, the Depositor shall join with the Property Trustee in the execution, delivery and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to effectuate such resignation or removal. A successor to any co-trustee or separate trustee so resigned or removed may be appointed in the manner provided in this Section.

 

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(d) No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of the Property Trustee or any other trustee hereunder.

 

(e) The Property Trustee shall not be liable by reason of any act of a co-trustee or separate trustee.

 

(f) Any Act of Holders delivered to the Property Trustee shall be deemed to have been delivered to each such co-trustee and separate trustee.

 

Section 8.10 . Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor .

 

(a) No resignation or removal of any Trustee (the “ Relevant Trustee ”) and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11.

 

(b) Subject to the immediately preceding paragraph, the Relevant Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Common Securityholder. If the instrument of acceptance by the successor Trustee required by Section 8.11 shall not have been delivered to the Relevant Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the Relevant Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Trust, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee.

 

(c) Unless a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any Trustee may be removed at any time by Act of the Common Securityholder. If a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, or both of them, may be removed at such time by Act of the Holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, delivered to the Relevant Trustee (in its individual capacity and on behalf of the Trust). In no event will the Holders of the Preferred Securities have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the Administrative Trustee. An Administrative Trustee may be removed by the Common Securityholder at any time.

 

(d) If any Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting as Trustee, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of any Trustee for any cause, at a time when no Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Common Securityholder, by Act of the Common Securityholder delivered to the retiring Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees, and the retiring Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of continuing to act as the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, at a time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Preferred Securityholders, by Act of the Securityholders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then Outstanding delivered to the retiring Relevant Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Relevant Trustee or Trustees, and such successor Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If an Administrative Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting as Administrative Trustee, at a time when a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Common Securityholder by Act of the Common Securityholder delivered to the Administrative Trustee shall promptly appoint a successor Administrative Trustee or Administrative Trustees and such successor Administrative Trustee or Trustees shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11. If no successor Relevant Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Common Securityholder or the Preferred Securityholders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 8.11, any Securityholder who has been a Securityholder of Trust Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee.

 

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(e) The Property Trustee shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of a Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee to all Securityholders in the manner provided in Section 10.9 and shall give notice to the Depositor. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Relevant Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office if it is tire Property Trustee.

 

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Trust Agreement, in the event any Administrative Trustee or a Delaware Trustee who is a natural person dies or becomes, in the opinion of the Depositor, incompetent or incapacitated, the vacancy created by such death, incompetence or incapacity may be filled by (i) the unanimous act of the remaining Administrative Trustees if there are at least two of them or (ii) otherwise by the Depositor (with the successor in each case being a Person who satisfies the eligibility requirement for Administrative Trustees or Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, set forth in Section 8.7).

 

Section 8.11 . Acceptance of Appointment by Successor .

 

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Relevant Trustee, the retiring Relevant Trustee and each successor Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall execute and deliver an amendment hereto wherein each successor Relevant Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (a) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Relevant Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust and (b) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Trust Agreement as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the Trust by more than one Relevant Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such amendment shall constitute such Relevant Trustees co-trustees and upon the execution and delivery of such amendment the resignation or removal of the retiring Relevant Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Relevant Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee; but, on request of the Trust or any successor Relevant Trustee such retiring Relevant Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Relevant Trustee all Trust Property, all proceeds thereof and money held by such retiring Relevant Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities and the Trust.

 

Upon request of any such successor Relevant Trustee, the Trust shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Relevant Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.

 

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

 

Section 8.12 . Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business .

 

Any Person into which the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or any Administrative Trustee that is not a natural person may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Relevant Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of such Relevant Trustee, shall be the successor of such Relevant Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.

 

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Section 8.13 . Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust .

 

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other similar judicial proceeding relative to the Trust or any other obligor upon the Trust Securities or the property of the Trust or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Property Trustee (irrespective of whether any Distributions on the Trust Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Property Trustee shall have made any demand on the Trust for the payment of any past due Distributions) shall be entitled and empowered, to the fullest extent permitted by law, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of any Distributions owing and unpaid in respect of the Trust Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Property Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Property Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

 

(b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Property Trustee and, in the event the Property Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Property Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Property Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Property Trustee.

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Property Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement adjustment or compensation affecting the Trust Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Property Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding. If and when the Property Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Trust (or any other obligor upon the Trust Securities), the Property Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Trust (or any such other obligor).

 

Section 8.14 . Reports by Property Trustee .

 

(a) Not later than March 31 of each year commencing with the year commencing January 1, 2004, the Property Trustee shall transmit to all Securityholders in accordance with Section 10.9, and to the Depositor, a brief report dated as of the immediately preceding December 31 with respect to:

 

(i) its eligibility under Section 8.7 or, in lieu thereof, if to the best of its knowledge it has continued to be eligible under said Section, a written statement to such effect;

 

(ii) a statement that the Property Trustee has complied with all of its obligations under this Trust Agreement during the twelve-month period (or, in the case of the initial report, the period since the Closing Date) ending with such December 31 or, if the Property Trustee has not complied in any material respect with such obligations, a description of such noncompliance; and

 

(iii) any change in the property and funds in its possession as Property Trustee since the date of its last report and any action taken by the Property Trustee in the performance of its duties hereunder which it has not previously reported and which in its opinion materially affects the Trust Securities.

 

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(b) In addition the Property Trustee shall transmit to Securityholders such reports concerning the Property Trustee and its actions under this Trust Agreement as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

 

(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Property Trustee with each national stock exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or such other interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization upon which the Trust Securities are listed or traded, with the Commission and with the Depositor.

 

Section 8.15 . Reports to the Property Trustee .

 

The Depositor and the Administrative Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such documents, reports and information as required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act (if any) and the compliance certificate required by Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

Section 8.16 . Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent .

 

Each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such evidence of compliance with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Trust Agreement that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act shall be given in the form of an Officers’ Certificate.

 

Section 8.17 . Number of Trustees .

 

(a) The number of Trustees shall be five (5) provided that the Holder of all of the Common Securities by written instrument may increase or decrease the number of Administrative Trustees. The Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee may be the same Person.

 

(b) If a Trustee ceases to hold office for any reason and the number of Administrative Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 8.17(a), or if the number of Trustees is increased pursuant to Section 8.17(a), a vacancy shall occur. The vacancy shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in accordance with Section 8.10.

 

(c) The death, resignation, retirement, removal, bankruptcy, incompetence or incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee shall not operate to dissolve, terminate or annul the Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Administrative Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled by the appointment of an Administrative Trustee in accordance with Section 8.10, the Administrative Trustees in office, regardless of their number (and notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Agreement), shall have all the powers granted to the Administrative Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Administrative Trustees by this Trust Agreement.

 

Section 8.18 . Delegation of Power .

 

(a) Any Administrative Trustee may, by power of attorney consistent with applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or her power for the purpose of executing any documents contemplated in Section 2.7(a), including any registration statement or amendment thereto filed with the Commission, or making any other governmental filing; and

 

(b) The Administrative Trustees shall have power to delegate from time to time to such of their number or to the Depositor the doing of such things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Administrative Trustees or otherwise as the Administrative Trustees may deem expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or contrary to the provisions of this Trust Agreement, as set forth herein.

 

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Section 8.19 . Voting .

 

Except as otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement, the consent or approval of the Administrative Trustees shall require consent or approval by not less than a majority of the Administrative Trustees, unless there are only two, in which case both must consent.

 

ARTICLE IX.

 

DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND MERGER

 

Section 9.1 . Dissolution Upon Expiration Date .

 

Unless dissolved earlier, the Trust shall automatically dissolve on              , 2034 {maturity date in registration statement?} (the “ Expiration Date ”), following the distribution of the Trust Property in accordance with Section 9.4.

 

Section 9.2 . Early Dissolution .

 

The first to occur of any of the following events is an “ Early Dissolution Event ,” upon the occurrence of which the Trust shall dissolve:

 

(a) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event in respect of, or the dissolution or liquidation of, the Depositor;

 

(b) the written direction to the Property Trustee from the Depositor at any time to dissolve the Trust and distribute Debentures to Securityholders in exchange for a Like Amount of the Preferred Securities (which direction is optional and wholly within the discretion of the Depositor);

 

(c) the redemption of all of the Preferred Securities in connection with the redemption of all the Debentures; and

 

(d) the entry of an order for dissolution of the Trust by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

Section 9.3 . Dissolution .

 

The respective obligations and responsibilities of the Trustees and the Trust created and continued hereby shall dissolve upon the latest to occur of the following:

 

(i) the distribution by the Property Trustee to Securityholders upon the liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 9.4; or upon the redemption of all of the Trust Securities pursuant to Section 4.2, of all amounts required to be distributed hereunder upon the final payment of the Trust Securities;

 

(ii) the payment of any expenses owed by the Trust; and

 

(iii) the discharge of all administrative duties of the Administrative Trustees, including the performance of any tax reporting obligations with respect to the Trust or the Securityholders, and

 

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(iv) the filing of a Certificate of Cancellation by the Administrative Trustee under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.

 

Section 9.4 . Liquidation .

 

(a) If an Early Dissolution Event specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of Section 9.2 occurs or upon the Expiration Date, the Trust shall be liquidated by the Trustees as expeditiously as the Trustees determine to be possible by distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, to each Securityholder a Like Amount of Debentures, subject to Section 9.4(d). Notice of liquidation shall be given by the Property Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid mailed not later than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Liquidation Date to each Holder of Trust Securities at such Holder’s address appearing in the Securities Register. All notices of liquidation shall:

 

(i) state the Liquidation Date;

 

(ii) state that from and after the Liquidation Date, the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding and any Trust Securities Certificates not surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Debentures; and

 

(iii) provide such information with respect to the mechanics by which Holders may exchange Trust Securities Certificates for certificates representing the Like Amount of the Debentures, or if Section 9.4(d) applies receive a Liquidation Distribution, as the Administrative Trustees or the Property Trustee shall deem appropriate.

 

(b) Except where Section 9.2(c) or 9.4(d) applies, in order to effect the liquidation of the Trust and distribution of the Debentures to Securityholders, the Administrative Trustees shall establish a record date for such distribution (which shall be not more than 45 days prior to the Liquidation Date) and, either itself acting as exchange agent or through the appointment of a separate exchange agent, shall establish such procedures as it shall deem appropriate to effect the distribution of Debentures in exchange for the Outstanding Trust Securities Certificates.

 

(c) Except where Section 9.2(c) or 9.4(d) applies, after the Liquidation Date, (i) the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding, (ii) certificates representing a Like Amount of Debentures will be issued to holders of Trust Securities Certificates, upon surrender of such certificates to the Administrative Trustees or their agent for exchange, (iii) the Depositor shall use its best efforts to have the Debentures listed on the Nasdaq National Market or on such other exchange, interdealer quotation system or self-regulatory organization as the Preferred Securities are then listed, (iv) any Trust Securities Certificates not so surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Debentures, accruing interest at the rate provided for in the Debentures from the last Distribution Date on which a Distribution was made on such Trust Securities Certificates until such certificates are so surrendered (and until such certificates are so surrendered, no payments of interest or principal will be made to Holders of Debentures represented by such certificates) and (v) all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive a Like Amount of Debentures upon surrender of Trust Securities Certificates.

 

(d) In the event that, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 9.4, whether because of an order for dissolution entered by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, distribution of the Debentures in the manner provided herein is determined by the Property Trustee not to be practical, the Trust Property shall be liquidated, and the Trust shall be wound-up or terminated, by the Property Trustee in such manner as the Property Trustee determines. In such event, on the date of the dissolution of the Trust, Securityholders will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to Securityholders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to the Liquidation Amount per Trust Security plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to

 

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the date of payment (such amount being the “ Liquidation Distribution ”). If, upon any such winding up or termination, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then, subject to the next succeeding sentence, the amounts payable by the Trust on, the Trust Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts). The Holder of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive Liquidation Distributions upon any such winding-up or termination pro rata (determined as aforesaid) with Holders of Preferred Securities, except that, if a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Holders of the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the Holders of Common Securities.

 

Section 9.5 . Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust .

 

The Trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other body, except pursuant to this Section 9.5 or Section 9.4. At the request of the Depositor, with the consent of the Administrative Trustees and without the consent of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, the Trust may merge with or into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized as such under the laws of any State, provided , that :

 

(a) such successor entity either (i) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities, or (ii) substitutes for the Preferred Securities other securities having substantially the same terms as the Preferred Securities (the “ Successor Securities ”) so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the Preferred Securities rank in priority with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise,

 

(b) the Depositor expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the Debentures,

 

(c) the Successor Securities are listed or traded, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed or traded, if any,

 

(d) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization,

 

(e) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect,

 

(f) such successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the Trust,

 

(g) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, the Depositor has received an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (i) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, and (ii) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act, and

 

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(h) the Depositor owns all of the Common Securities of such successor entity and guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by the Guarantee.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease would cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

ARTICLE X.

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 10.1 . Limitation of Rights of Securityholders .

 

The death or incapacity of any person having an interest, beneficial or otherwise, in Trust Securities shall not operate to terminate this Trust Agreement, nor entitle the legal representatives or heirs of such person or any Securityholder for such person, to claim an accounting, take any action or bring any proceeding in any court for a partition or winding up of the arrangements contemplated hereby, nor otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto or any of them.

 

Section 10.2 . Amendment .

 

(a) This Trust Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Property Trustee, the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor, without the consent of any Securityholders, (i) to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Trust Agreement, which shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of this Trust Agreement, or (ii) to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of this Trust Agreement to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any Trust Securities are outstanding or to ensure that the Trust will not be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act; provided , however , that in the case of clause (i), such action shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Securityholder, and any such amendments of this Trust Agreement shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the Securityholders.

 

(b) Except as provided in Section 10.2(c) hereof, any provision of this Trust Agreement may be amended by the Administrative Trustees and the Property Trustee with (i) the consent of Trust Securityholders representing not less than a majority (based upon Liquidation Amounts) of the Trust Securities then Outstanding and (ii) receipt by the Trustees of an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Trustees in accordance with such amendment will not affect the Trust’s status as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes or the Trust’s exemption from status of an investment company under the 1940 Act.

 

(c) In addition to and notwithstanding any other provision in this Trust Agreement, without the consent of each affected Securityholder (such consent being obtained in accordance with Section 6.3 or 6.6 hereof), this Trust Agreement may not be amended to (i) change the amount or timing of any Distribution on the Trust Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any Distribution required to be made in respect of the Trust Securities as of a specified

 

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date or (ii) restrict the right of a Securityholder to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date; notwithstanding any other provision herein, without the unanimous consent of the Securityholders (such consent being obtained in accordance with Section 6.3 or 6.6 hereof), this paragraph (c) of this Section 10.2 may not be amended.

 

(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Trust Agreement, no Administrative Trustee shall enter into or consent to any amendment to this Trust Agreement which would (i) cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify for the exemption from status of an investment company under the 1940 Act, (ii) cause the Trust to fail or cease to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes, or (iii) cause the Preferred Securities to be delisted by the Nasdaq National Market or such other national exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Preferred Securities are then listed for trading.

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Trust Agreement to the contrary, without the consent of the Delaware Trustee or the Depositor, as the case may be, this Trust Agreement may not be amended in a manner which imposes any additional obligation on the Depositor or the Delaware Trustee.

 

(f) In the event that any amendment to this Trust Agreement is made, the Administrative Trustees shall promptly provide to the Depositor a copy of such amendment.

 

(g) Neither the Property Trustee nor the Delaware Trustee shall be required to enter into any amendment to this Trust Agreement which affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Trust Agreement. The Property Trustee shall be entitled to receive an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate stating that any amendment to this Trust Agreement is in compliance with this Trust Agreement.

 

Section 10.3 . Counterparts .

 

This Trust Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 10.4 . Separability .

 

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

 

Section 10.5 . Governing Law .

 

THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF EACH OF THE SECURITYHOLDERS, THE TRUST AND THE TRUSTEES WITH RESPECT TO THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND THE TRUST SECURITIES SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES).

 

Section 10.6 . Payments Due on Non-Business Day .

 

If the date fixed for any payment on any Trust Security shall be a day that is not a Business Day, then such payment need not be made on such date but may be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, with the same force and effect as though made on the date fixed for such payment, and no interest shall accrue thereon for the period after such date.

 

Section 10.7 . Successors .

 

This Trust Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor to the Depositor, the Trust or the Relevant Trustee, including any successor by

 

42


operation of law. Except in connection with a consolidation, merger or sale involving the Depositor that is permitted under Article Eight of the Indenture and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in writing to perform the Depositor’s obligations hereunder, the Depositor shall not assign its obligations hereunder.

 

Section 10.8 . Headings .

 

The Article and Section headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Trust Agreement.

 

Section 10.9 . Reports, Notices and Demands .

 

Any report, notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of this Trust Agreement is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon any Securityholder or the Depositor may be given or served in writing by deposit thereof, first-class postage prepaid, in the United States mail, hand delivery or facsimile transmission, in each case, addressed, (a) in the case of a Preferred Securityholder, to such Preferred Securityholder as such Securityholder’s name and address may appear on the Securities Register; and (b) in the case of the Common Securityholder or the Depositor, to BancFirst Corporation, 101 North Broadway, Suite 800, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, facsimile number: (405) 270-1089. Such notice, demand or other communication to or upon a Securityholder shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, upon hand delivery, mailing or transmission.

 

Any notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of this Trust Agreement is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon the Trust, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or the Administrative Trustees shall be given in writing addressed (until another address is published by the Trust) as follows:

 

  (a) with respect to the Property Trustee to:

 

The Bank of New York

5 Penn Plaza

13th Floor

New York, New York 10001

Attention: Corporate Trust Trustee Administration

Telecopy: (212)              -             

 

  (b) with respect to the Delaware Trustee, to:

 

The Bank of New York

The Bank of New York (Delaware)

700 White Clay Center

Route 273

Newark, Delaware 19711

Attention: Corporate Trust Department

Telecopy: (          )              -             

 

(c) with respect to the Administrative Trustees, to them at the address above for notices to the Depositor, marked “Attention Administrative Trustees of BFC Capital Trust II.” Such notice, demand or other communication to or upon the Trust or the Property Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made only upon actual receipt of the writing by the Trust or the Property Trustee.

 

43


Section 10.10 . Agreement Not to Petition .

 

Each of the Trustees and the Depositor agree for the benefit of the Securityholders that, until at least one year and one day after the Trust has been terminated in accordance with Article IX, they shall not file, or join in the filing of, a petition against the Trust under any Bankruptcy Laws or otherwise join in the commencement of any proceeding against the Trust under any Bankruptcy Law. In the event the Depositor takes action in violation of this Section 10.10, the Property Trustee agrees, for the benefit of Securityholders, that at the expense of the Depositor, it shall file an answer with the bankruptcy court or otherwise properly contest the filing of such petition by the Depositor against the Trust or the commencement of such action and raise the defense that the Depositor has agreed in writing not to take such action and should be stopped and precluded therefrom, and such other defenses, if any, as counsel for the Trustee or the Trust may assert. The provisions of this Section 10.10 shall survive the termination of this Trust Agreement.

 

Section 10.11 . Trust Indenture Act; Conflict with Trust Indenture Act .

 

(a) This Trust Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Trust Agreement and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

 

(b) The Property Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

(c) If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is required to be included in this Trust Agreement by any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control. If any provision of this Trust Agreement modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Trust Agreement as so modified or excluded, as the case may be.

 

(d) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Trust Agreement shall not affect the nature of the Securities as equity securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.

 

Section 10.12 . Acceptance of Terms of Trust Agreement, Guarantee and Indenture .

 

THE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE OF A TRUST SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN BY OR ON BEHALF OF A SECURITYHOLDER OR ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, WITHOUT ANY SIGNATURE OR FURTHER MANIFESTATION OF ASSENT, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE BY THE SECURITYHOLDER AND ALL OTHERS HAVING A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SUCH TRUST SECURITY OF ALL THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT TO THE SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS AND OTHER TERMS OF THE GUARANTEE AND THE INDENTURE, AND SHALL CONSTITUTE THE AGREEMENT OF THE TRUST, SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS THAT THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT SHALL BE BINDING, OPERATIVE AND EFFECTIVE AS BETWEEN THE TRUST AND SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS.

 

44


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed this Amended and Restated Trust Agreement this as of the day and year first above written.

 

BancFirst Corporation

       
By:  

 


     

 


   

Name:

  [                                                                 ]                            Name: David E. Rainbolt,
   

Title:

  [                                                                 ]                           

            as Administrative Trustee

 

The Bank of New York,

     

 


as Property Trustee

      Name: Joe T. Shockley,
       

            as Administrative Trustee

By:  

 


     

 


   

Name:

  [                                                                 ]                            Name: Randy P. Foraker,
   

Title:

  [                                                                 ]                           

            as Administrative Trustee

 

The Bank of New York (Delaware),

as Delaware Trustee

       
By:  

 


       
   

Name:

  [                                                                 ]                             
   

Title:

  [                                                                 ]                                 

 

45


EXHIBIT A

 

Certificate of Trust

 

1


EXHIBIT B

 

Form of Common Securities Certificate

 

THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE

 

Certificate Number C-1   Number of Common Securities

 

Certificate Evidencing Common Securities

 

of

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

 

             % Common Securities

(liquidation amount $25 per Common Security)

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II, a statutory trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Trust ”), -hereby certifies that BANCFIRST CORPORATION (the “ Holder ”) is the registered owner of              common securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests of the Trust and designated the          % Common Securities (liquidation amount $25 per Common Security) (the “Common Securities”). In accordance with Section 5.10 of the Trust Agreement (as defined below) the Common Securities are not transferable and any attempted transfer hereof shall be void. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Common Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Common Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of              , 2004, (as the same may be amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented from time to time, the “ Trust Agreement ”) including the designation of the terns of the Common Securities as set forth therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Trust Agreement to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office.

 

Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Trust Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, an Administrative Trustee of the Trust has executed this certificate this              day of                      , 2004.

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

By:

 

 


Name:

   

Title:

   

 

 

1


EXHIBIT C

 

Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities

 

AGREEMENT AS TO EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES

 

THIS AGREEMENT AS TO EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of              , 2004, between BANCFIRST CORPORATION, an Oklahoma corporation (the “ Company ”) and BFC CAPITAL TRUST II, a Delaware statutory trust (the “ Trust ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Trust intends to issue its Common Securities (the “ Common Securities ”) to, and receive Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (the “Debentures”) from, the Company and to issue and sell      % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities (the “ Trust Preferred Securities ”) with such powers, preferences and special rights and restrictions as are set forth in the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of              , 2004 (as the same may be amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented from time to time the “ Trust Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company will directly or indirectly own all of the Common Securities of the Trust and will issue the Debentures;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each holder of the Trust Preferred Securities, which purchase the Company hereby agrees shall benefit the Company and which purchase the Company acknowledges will be made in reliance upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company and the Trust hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Section 1.1 Guarantee by the Company .

 

Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to each person or entity to whom the Trust is now or hereafter becomes indebted or liable (the “ Beneficiaries ”) the full payment, when and as due, of any and all Obligations (as hereinafter defined) to such Beneficiaries. As used herein, “ Obligations ” means any costs, expenses or liabilities of the Trust, other than obligations of the Trust to pay to holders of any Trust Preferred Securities or other similar interests in the Trust the amounts due such holders pursuant to the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities or such other similar interests, as the case maybe. This Agreement is intended to be for the benefit of, and to be enforceable by, all such Beneficiaries, whether or not such Beneficiaries have received notice hereof.

 

Section 1.2 Term of Agreement .

 

This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect on the date on which full payment has been made of all amounts payable to all holders of all the Trust Preferred Securities (whether upon redemption, liquidation, exchange or otherwise); provided , however , that this Agreement shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of Trust Preferred Securities or any Beneficiary must restore payment of any sums paid under the Trust Preferred Securities, under any Obligation, under the Guarantee Agreement dated the date hereof by the Company and The Bank of New York, as guarantee trustee, or under this Agreement for any reason whatsoever. This Agreement is continuing, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute and the Company fully, knowingly and unconditionally waives any right to revoke the guarantee under Title 15 of Oklahoma Statutes or otherwise.

 

1


Section 1.3 Waiver of Notice .

 

The Company hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Agreement and of any Obligation to which it applies or may apply, and the Company hereby waives presentment, demand for payment, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.

 

Section 1.4 No Impairment .

 

The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Company under this Agreement shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:

 

(a) the extension of time for the payment by the Trust of all or any portion of the Obligations or for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, the Obligations;

 

(b) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Beneficiaries to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Beneficiaries with respect to the Obligations or any action on the part of any Beneficiary granting indulgence or extension of any kind; or

 

(c) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Trust or any of the assets of the Trust.

 

There shall be no obligation of the Beneficiaries to give notice to, or obtain the consent of, the Company with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.

 

Section 1.5 Enforcement .

 

A Beneficiary may enforce this Agreement directly against the Company and the Company waives any right or remedy to require that any action be brought against the Trust or any other person or entity before proceeding against the Company.

 

Section 1.6 Subrogation .

 

The Company shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Trust in respect of any amounts paid to the Beneficiaries by the Company under this Agreement; provided , however , that the Company shall not (except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any rights which it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Agreement, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due and, unpaid under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Section 2.1 Binding Effect .

 

All guarantees and agreements contained in this Agreement shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the Beneficiaries.

 

2


Section 2.2 Amendment .

 

So long as there remains any Beneficiary or any Trust Preferred Securities are outstanding, this Agreement shall not be modified or amended in any manner adverse to such Beneficiary or to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.

 

Section 2.3 Notices .

 

Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be given in writing by delivering the same against receipt therefor by facsimile transmission (confirmed by mail), telex or by registered or certified mail, addressed as follows (and if so given, shall be deemed given when mailed or upon receipt of an answer-back, if sent by telex):

 

BFC Capital Trust II

c/o BancFirst Corporation

101 North Broadway, Suite 800

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Facsimile No.: (405) 270-1089

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

BancFirst Corporation

101 North Broadway, Suite 800

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Facsimile No.: (405) 270-1089

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

Section 2.4 Choice of Law .

 

THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES).

 

THIS AGREEMENT is executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

By:

 

 


   

Name:

   

Title:

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

By:

 

 


   

Name:

   

Title:

 

 

3


EXHIBIT D

 

Form of Preferred Securities Certificate

 

This Preferred Security is a Global Certificate within the meaning of the Trust Agreement hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (the “ Depository ”) or a nominee of the Depository. This Preferred Security is exchangeable for Trust Preferred Securities registered in the name of a person other than the Depository or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Trust Agreement and no transfer of this Preferred Security (other than a transfer of this Preferred Security as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the Depository) may be registered except in limited circumstances.

 

Unless this Preferred Security is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York) to BFC CAPITAL TRUST II or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any Preferred Security issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

 

Certificate Number P-1   Number of Trust Preferred Securities             

 

CUSIP NO.

 

Certificate Evidencing Trust Preferred Securities

 

of

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

 

         % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities,

(liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security)

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II, a statutory trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Trust ”), hereby certifies that              (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of              (            ) Trust Preferred Securities of the Trust representing an undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust and designated the BFC CAPITAL TRUST II          % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities, (liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security) (the “ Trust Preferred Securities ”). The Trust Preferred Securities are transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer as provided in Section 5.4 of the Trust Agreement (as defined below). The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Trust Preferred Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of              , 2004, (as the same may be amended, restated, modified or other wise supplemented from time to time, the “ Trust Agreement ”) including the designation of the terms of Trust Preferred Securities as set forth therein. The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee Agreement entered into by BancFirst Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation, and The Bank of New York, as guarantee trustee, dated as of              , 2004, (the “ Guarantee ”), to the extent provided therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Trust Agreement and the Guarantee to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office.

 

1


Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Trust Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

 

This Preferred Security is not a savings account or deposit or other obligation of a bank and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, by any other governmental agency, or otherwise.

 

In Witness Whereof, an Administrative Trustee of the Trust has executed this certificate this              day of                      , 2004.

 

 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

By:

 

 


Name:

   

Administrative Trustee

 

ASSIGNMENT

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers this Preferred Security to:

 

 

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax identification number)

 

 

(Insert address and zip code of assignee)

 

 

and irrevocably appoints

 

agent to transfer this Preferred Security Certificate on the books of the Trust. The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.

 

Date:             

 

Signature:                                     

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Security Certificate)

 

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 SEC Rule 17Ad–15.

 

2

EXHIBIT 4.7

 


 

GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

 

Between

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

(as Guarantor)

 

and

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

(as Trustee)

 

dated as of

 

             , 2004

 

 

 


 


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

Section of Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as amended


  

Section of Guarantee Agreement


310(a)

   4.1(a)

310(b)

   4.1(c), 2.8

310(c)

   Inapplicable

311(a)

   2.2(b)

311(b)

   2.2(b)

311(c)

   Inapplicable

312(a)

   2.2(a)

312(b)

   2.2(b)

313

   2.3

314(a)

   2.4

314(b)

   Inapplicable

314(c)

   2.5

314(d)

   Inapplicable

314(e)

   1.1, 2.5, 3.2

314(f)

   2.1, 3.2

315(a)

   3.1(d)

315(b)

   2.7

315(c)

   3.1(c)

315(d)

   3.1 (d)

316(a)

   1.1, 2.6, 5.4

316(b)

   5.3

316(c)

   9.2

317(a)

   Inapplicable

317(b)

   Inapplicable

318(a)

   2.1(b)

318(b)

   2.1

318(c)

   2.1(a)

* This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Guarantee Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms of provisions.

 

 

i


GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

 

This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, dated as of              , 2004, is executed and delivered by BANCFIRST CORPORATION, an Oklahoma corporation (the “ Guarantor ”) having its principal office at 101 North Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as trustee (the “ Guarantee Trustee ”), for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Preferred Securities (as defined herein) of BFC Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust (the “ Trust ”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of              , 2004 (the “ Trust Agreement ”), among the Guarantor as Depositor, BancFirst as Property Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee as Delaware Trustee, the Administrative Trustees named therein and the Holders from time to time of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, the Trust issued $              aggregate Liquidation Amount (as defined in the Trust Agreement) of its          % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities, Liquidation Amount $10 per Trust Preferred Security (the “ Preferred Securities ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Preferred Securities will be issued by the Trust and the proceeds thereof, together with the proceeds from the issuance of the Trust’s Common Securities (as defined below), will be used to purchase the Debentures (as defined in the Trust Agreement) of the Guarantor which were deposited with the Property Trustee under the Trust Agreement, as trust assets;

 

WHEREAS, as an incentive for the Holders to purchase the Preferred Securities, the Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to the extent set forth herein, to pay to the Holders of the Preferred Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of Preferred Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Guarantee Agreement and pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof extends the Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Preferred Securities.

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

SECTION 1.1 . Definitions.

 

As used in this Guarantee Agreement, the terms set forth below shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings. Capitalized or otherwise defined terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Trust Agreement and the Indenture (as defined herein), each as in effect on the date hereof.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person; provided , however , that an Affiliate of the Guarantor shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Trust. For the purposes of this definition, “ control, ” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “ controlling ” and “ controlled ” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

1


Board of Directors ” means either the board of directors of the Guarantor or any committee of that board duly authorized to act hereunder.

 

Common Securities ” means the securities representing common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.

 

Event of Default ” means a default by the Guarantor on any of its payment or other obligations under this Guarantee Agreement; provided , however , that, except with respect to a default in payment of any Guarantee Payments, the Guarantor shall have received notice of default and shall not have cured such default within 90 days after receipt of such notice.

 

Guarantee “has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Guarantee Payments ” means the following payments or distributions, without duplication, with respect to the Preferred Securities, to the extent not paid or made by or on behalf of the Trust: (a) any accrued and unpaid Distributions (as defined in the Trust Agreement) required to be paid on the Preferred Securities, to the extent the Trust shall have funds on hand available therefor at such time, (b) the applicable Redemption Price (as defined in the Trust Agreement), to the extent the Trust shall have funds on hand available therefor at such time, and (c) upon a voluntary or involuntary termination, winding up or liquidation of the Trust, unless Debentures are distributed to the Holders, the lesser of (i) the aggregate of the Liquidation Distribution (as defined in the Trust Agreement) and (ii) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to Holders of Preferred Securities after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as required by applicable law.

 

Guarantee Trustee ” means The Bank of New York, until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee Agreement, and thereafter means each such Successor Guarantee Trustee.

 

Holder ” means any holder, as registered on the books and records of the Trust, of any Preferred Securities; provided , however , that in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred Securities have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, “Holder” shall not include the Guarantor, the Guarantee Trustee, or any Affiliate of the Guarantor or the Guarantee Trustee.

 

Indenture ” means the Junior Subordinated Indenture dated as of                      , 2004, as supplemented and amended between the Guarantor and The Bank of New York, as trustee.

 

List of Holders ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.2(a).

 

Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities ” means, subject to Section 316(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, a vote by the Holder(s), voting separately as a class, of more than 50% of the Liquidation Amount of all then outstanding Preferred Securities issued by the Trust.

 

Officers’ Certificate ” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed by the Chairman or a Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of such Person or the President, Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President of such Person, and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Person, and delivered to the Guarantee Trustee. Any Officers’ Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Guarantee Agreement shall include:

 

  (a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers’ Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;

 

2


  (b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers’ Certificate;

 

  (c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer’s opinion, is necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

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

 

Other Guarantees ” means any guarantees similar to the Guarantee issued, from time to time, by the Guarantor on behalf of holders of one or more series of Preferred Securities issued by any Capital Trust (as defined in the Indenture) other than the Trust.

 

Person ” means a legal person, including any individual, corporation, estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.

 

Responsible Officer ” means, with respect to the Guarantee Trustee, any officer of the Corporate Trust Department of the Guarantee Trustee and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of that officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as in effect from time to time.

 

Successor Guarantee Trustee ” means a successor Guarantee Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section 4.1.

 

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

 

ARTICLE II

 

TRUST INDENTURE ACT

 

SECTION 2.1 . Trust Indenture Act; Application.

 

(a) This Guarantee Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Guarantee Agreement and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

 

(b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Guarantee Agreement limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.

 

SECTION 2.2 . List of Holders.

 

(a) The Guarantor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee (i) semiannually, on or before January 15 and July 15 of each year, a list, in such form as the Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders (“ List of Holders ”) as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the delivery thereof, and (ii) at such other times as the Guarantee Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Guarantor of any such request, a List of Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the

 

3


time such list is furnished, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Guarantor and is not identical to a previously supplied list of Holders or has not otherwise been received by the Guarantee Trustee in its capacity as such. The Guarantee Trustee shall preserve, in as current form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of the Holders contained in the most recent List of Holders furnished to the Guarantee Trustee. The Guarantee Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders.

 

(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations under Section 311(a), Section 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

SECTION 2.3 . Reports by the Guarantee Trustee.

 

Not later than March 31 of each year, commencing on the year beginning January l, 2004, the Guarantee Trustee shall provide to the Holders such reports as are required by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form and in the manner provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section 313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

SECTION 2.4 . Periodic Reports to the Guarantee Trustee.

 

The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee, the Commission and the Holders such documents, reports and information, if any, as required by Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act and the compliance certificate required by Section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act, in the form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

SECTION 2.5. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.

 

The Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee, on an annual basis, such evidence of compliance with such conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee Agreement that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers’ Certificate.

 

SECTION 2.6 . Events of Default; Waiver.

 

The Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities may, by vote, on behalf of the Holders, waive any past Event of Default and its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Guarantee Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent therefrom.

 

SECTION 2.7 . Event of Default; Notice.

 

(a) The Guarantee Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default which with notice or the passage of time, or both, could become an Event of Default, transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders, notices of all such defaults known to the Guarantee Trustee, unless such defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice, provided , that , except in the case of a default in the payment of a Guarantee Payment, the Guarantee Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the Board of Directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Guarantee Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders.

 

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(b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any such default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received written notice, or a Responsible Officer charged with the administration of this Guarantee Agreement shall have obtained written notice, of such default.

 

SECTION 2.8 . Conflicting Interests.

 

The Trust Agreement shall be deemed to be specifically described in this Guarantee Agreement for the purposes of clause (i) of the first proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

ARTICLE III

 

POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 3.1 . Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee.

 

(a) This Guarantee shall be held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this Guarantee to any Person except to a Holder exercising his or her rights pursuant to Section 5.4(d) or to a Successor Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Guarantee Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee shall automatically vest in any Successor Guarantee Trustee, upon acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment hereunder, and such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor Guarantee Trustee.

 

(b) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantee Trustee shall enforce this Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders.

 

(c) The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Guarantee Agreement against the Guarantee Trustee. In case an Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6), the Guarantee Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

 

(d) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be construed to relieve the Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(i) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have occurred:

 

(A) the duties and obligations of the Guarantee Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Guarantee Agreement, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement; and

 

(B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Guarantee Agreement; but in the

 

5


case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof or of the Trust Indenture Act are specifically required to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Guarantee Agreement;

 

(ii) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Guarantee Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which such judgment was made;

 

(iii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement; and

 

(iv) no provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall require the Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if the Guarantee Trustee shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Guarantee Agreement or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

SECTION 3.2 . Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1:

 

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

 

(ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this Guarantee Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate unless otherwise prescribed herein.

 

(iii) Whenever, in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement, the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers’ Certificate which, upon receipt of such request from the Guarantee Trustee; shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor.

 

(iv) The Guarantee Trustee may consult with legal counsel, and the written advice or opinion of such legal counsel with respect to legal matters shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion. Such legal counsel may be legal counsel to the Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and may be one of its employees. The Guarantee Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Guarantee Agreement from any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(v) The Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder shall have provided to the Guarantee Trustee such adequate security

 

6


and indemnity as would satisfy a reasonable person in the position of the Guarantee Trustee, against the costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Guarantee Trustee; provided that, nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(v) shall be taken to relieve the Guarantee Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement.

 

(vi) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Guarantee Trustee, in its discretion, may, make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit.

 

(vii) The Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

 

(viii) Whenever in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (A) may request instructions from the Holders, (B) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and (C) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions.

 

(b) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Guarantee Trustee shall be construed to be a duty to act in accordance with such power and authority.

 

SECTION 3.3 . Indemnity.

 

The Guarantor agrees to indemnify the Guarantee Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Guarantee Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Guarantee Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 4.1 . Guarantee Trustee: Eligibility.

 

(a) There shall at all times be a Guarantee Trustee which shall:

 

(i) be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and

 

(ii) a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, and shall be a corporation meeting the requirements of Section 310(a) of the Trust Indenture Act. If such corporation

 

7


publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the or for the of this Section and to supervising examining authority, then, purposes 4.1(a)(ii) the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.

 

(b) At any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible to so act under Section 4.1(a), the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c).

 

(c) If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

SECTION 4.2 . Appointment, Removal and Resignation of the Guarantee Trustee.

 

(a) Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor.

 

(b) Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.

 

(c) The Guarantee Trustee appointed hereunder shall hold office until a Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or resignation. The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall not take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee Trustee.

 

(d) If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60 days after delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning Guarantee Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Guarantor, any court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor Guarantee Trustee.

 

ARTICLE V

 

GUARANTEE

 

SECTION 5.1 . Guarantee.

 

The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full on a subordinated basis to the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by or on behalf of the Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which the Trust may have or assert other than the defense of payment (the “ Guarantee ”). The Guarantee is a continuing guarantee, and the Guarantor fully, knowingly and unconditionally waives any right the Guarantor may have to revoke the Guarantee as to any future transactions. The Guarantor’s obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Trust to pay such amounts to the Holders.

 

8


SECTION 5.2 . Waiver of Notice and Demand.

 

The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of the Guarantee and of any liability to which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against the Guarantee Trustee, Trust or any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.

 

SECTION 5.3 . Obligations Not Affected.

 

The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:

 

(a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the performance or observance by the Trust of any express or implied agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to the Preferred Securities to be performed or observed by the Trust;

 

(b) the extension of time for the payment by the Trust of all or any portion of the Distributions (other than an extension of time for payment of Distributions that results from the extension of any interest payment period on the Debentures as provided in the Indenture), Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any other sums payable under the terms of the Preferred Securities or the extension of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, the Preferred Securities;

 

(c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities, or any action on the part of the Trust granting indulgence or extension of any kind;

 

(d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Trust or any of the assets of the Trust;

 

(e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Preferred Securities;

 

(f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or hereby incurred;

 

(g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.

 

SECTION 5.4 . Rights of Holders.

 

The Guarantor expressly acknowledges that: (a) this Guarantee will be deposited with the Guarantee Trustee to be held for the benefit of the Holders; (b) the Guarantee Trustee has the right to enforce this Guarantee on behalf of the Holders; (c) the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of this Guarantee Agreement or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement; and (d) any Holder may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor to enforce its rights under this Guarantee Agreement, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee, the Trust or any other Person.

 

9


SECTION 5.5 . Guarantee of Payment.

 

This Guarantee creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection. This Guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the Guarantee Payments in full (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the Trust) or upon distribution of Debentures to Holders as provided in the Trust Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.6 . Subrogation.

 

The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Holders against the Trust in respect of any amounts paid to the Holders by the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement and shall have the right to waive payment by the Trust pursuant to Section 5.1; provided , however , that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any rights which it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Guarantee, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due and unpaid under this Guarantee. If any amount shall be paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the Holders.

 

SECTION 5.7 . Independent Obligations.

 

The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities and that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee Agreement notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.3 hereof.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

COVENANTS AND SUBORDINATION

 

SECTION 6.1. Subordination.

 

The obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee will constitute unsecured obligations of the Guarantor and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Debt in the same manner as Debentures.

 

SECTION 6.2 . Pari Passu Guarantees.

 

The obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee shall rank pari passu with the obligations of the Guarantor under all Other Guarantees.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

 

SECTION 7.1 . Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

 

The Guarantor shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person (in a transaction in which the Guarantor is not the surviving corporation) or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:

 

(a) in case the Guarantor shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Guarantor is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Guarantor substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust or other business entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any State or the District of Columbia, and shall expressly assume the Guarantor’s obligations under this Guarantee;

 

10


(b) immediately after giving effect thereto, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing;

 

(c) such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease is permitted under the Trust Agreement and the Indenture and does not give rise to any breach or violation of the Trust Agreement or the Indenture; and

 

(d) the Guarantor has delivered to the Guarantee Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and assumption of the Guarantor’s obligations under this Guarantee Agreement comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with; and the Guarantee Trustee, subject to Section 3.1 hereof, may rely upon such Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that such transaction complies with this Section 7.1.

 

SECTION 7.2 . Successor Guarantor Substituted.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger by the Guarantor with or into any other Person, or any conveyance, transfer or lease by the Guarantor of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person in accordance with Section 7.1, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Guarantor is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Guarantor herein; and in the event of any such conveyance, transfer or lease the Guarantor shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Guarantee Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

 

TERMINATION

 

SECTION 8.1 . Termination.

 

This Guarantee Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the earliest of (a) full payment of the applicable Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities, (b) the distribution of Debentures to the Holders in exchange for all of the Preferred Securities or (c) full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Trust Agreement upon liquidation of the Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (a) through (c), this Guarantee Agreement will continue to be effective or will be reinstated if it has been terminated pursuant to one of such clauses (a) through (c), as the case may be, if at any time any Holder must restore payment of any sums paid with respect to Preferred Securities or this Guarantee Agreement.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 9.1 . Successors and Assigns.

 

All guarantees and agreements contained in this Guarantee Agreement shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities then outstanding. Except in connection with a consolidation, merger or sale involving the Guarantor that is permitted under Article VII hereof and Article VIII of the Indenture, the Guarantor shall not assign its obligations hereunder.

 

SECTION 9.2 . Amendments.

 

Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the rights of the Holders in any material respect (in which case no vote will be required), this Guarantee Agreement may not be amended without the prior approval of the Holders of not less than a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities. The provisions of Article VI of the Trust Agreement concerning meetings of the Holders shall apply to the giving of such approval.

 

SECTION 9.3 . Notices.

 

(a) Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail as follows:

 

(i) if given to the Guarantor, to the address set forth below or such other address, facsimile number or to the attention of such other Person as the Guarantor may give notice to the Holders:

 

BancFirst Corporation

101 North Broadway

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Facsimile No.: (405) 270-1089

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

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(ii) if given to the Trust, in care of the Guarantee Trustee, at the Trust’s (and the Guarantee Trustee’s) address set forth below or such other address as the Guarantee Trustee on behalf of the Trust may give notice to the Holders:

 

BFC Capital Trust II

c/o BancFirst Corporation

101 North Broadway

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Facsimile No.: (405) 270-1089

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

with a copy to:

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West,

New York, New York 10286

 

(iii) if given to any Holder, at the address set forth on the books and records of the Trust.

 

(b) All notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given when received in person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given, such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of such refusal or inability to deliver.

 

SECTION 9.4 . Benefit.

 

This Guarantee is solely for the benefit of the Holders and is not separately transferable from the Preferred Securities.

 

SECTION 9.5 . Interpretation.

 

In this Guarantee Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) capitalized terms used in this Guarantee Agreement but not defined in the preamble hereto have the respective meanings assigned to them, in Section 1.1;

 

(b) a term defined anywhere in this Guarantee Agreement has the same meaning throughout;

 

(c) all references to “the Guarantee Agreement” or “this Guarantee Agreement” are to this Guarantee Agreement as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;

 

(d) all references in this Guarantee Agreement to Articles and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise specified;

 

(e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when used in this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise defined in this Guarantee Agreement or unless the context otherwise requires;

 

(f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and

 

(g) the masculine, feminine or neuter genders used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.

 

THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

 

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THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT is executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

By:

 

 


Name:

   

Title:

   

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Guarantee Trustee

By:

 

 


Name:

   

Title:

   

 

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EXHIBIT 12.1

 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF

EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,


   Years Ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2002

   2001

   2000

   1999

   1998

Income before taxes

   $ 36,653    $ 37,907    $ 50,886    $ 43,440    $ 40,468    $ 37,968    $ 34,078

Fixed charges:

                                                

Interest expense, excluding interest on deposits

     3,139      3,730      4,930      5,702      6,080      5,309      5,344

Appropriate portion (1/3) of rentals

     240      248      331      273      264      367      355
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits

     3,379      3,978      5,261      5,975      6,344      5,676      5,699
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Earnings before taxes and fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits

     40,032      41,885      56,147      49,415      46,812      43,644      39,777

Interest on deposits

     22,083      33,458      42,879      72,009      73,974      60,840      62,946
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Earnings before taxes and fixed charges, including interest on deposits

   $ 62,115    $ 75,343    $ 99,026    $ 121,424    $ 120,786    $ 104,484    $ 102,723
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits

   $ 3,379    $ 3,978    $ 5,261    $ 5,975    $ 6,344    $ 5,676    $ 5,699

Interest on deposits

     22,083      33,458      42,879      72,009      73,974      60,840      62,946
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total fixed charges, including interest on deposits

   $ 25,462    $ 37,436    $ 48,140    $ 77,984    $ 80,318    $ 66,516    $ 68,645
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits

     11.85      10.53      10.67      8.27      7.38      7.69      6.98
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, including interest on deposits

     2.44      2.01      2.06      1.56      1.50      1.57      1.50
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Exhibit 23.1

 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement Form S-3 and related Prospectus of BancFirst Corporation and BFC Capital Trust II for the registration of 1,000,000 shares of Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 25,2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of BancFirst Corporation included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

February 3, 2004

EXHIBIT 25.1


FORM T-1

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE

ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO

SECTION 305(b)(2) ¨

 


 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 


 

New York   13-5160382
(State of incorporation if not a U.S. national bank)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.   10286
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 


 

Oklahoma   73-1221379
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 


 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware    
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

101 North Broadway, Suite 800

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  73102
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


 

% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures

(Title of the indenture securities)

 



1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name


  

Address


Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York

  

2 Rector Street, New York, N.Y.

10006, and Albany, N.Y. 12203

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

  

33 Liberty Plaza, New York, N.Y.

10045

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

  

Washington, D.C. 20429

New York Clearing House Association

  

New York, New York 10005

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

 

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

 

None.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

 

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

 

  4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)

 

  6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act. (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-44051.)

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

 

- 2 -


SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 26th day of January, 2004.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

By:

 

/S/    VAN K. BROWN


   

Name:  VAN K. BROWN

   

Title:    VICE PRESIDENT

 

- 3 -


EXHIBIT 7

 


Consolidated Report of Condition of

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

 

of One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286

And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business September 30, 2003, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

     Dollar Amounts
In Thousands


ASSETS

      

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

      

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

   $ 3,688,426

Interest-bearing balances

     4,380,259

Securities:

      

Held-to-maturity securities

     270,396

Available-for-sale securities

     21,509,356

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

     1,269,945

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     5,320,737

Loans and lease financing receivables:

      

Loans and leases held for sale

     629,178

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     38,241,326

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

     813,502

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

     37,427,824

Trading Assets

     6,323,529

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

     938,488

Other real estate owned

     431

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

     256,230

Customers’ liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding

     191,307

Intangible assets

      

Goodwill

     2,562,478

Other intangible assets

     798,536

Other assets

     6,636,012
    

Total assets

   $ 92,203,132
    


LIABILITIES

      

Deposits:

      

In domestic offices

   $ 35,637,801

Noninterest-bearing

     15,795,823

Interest-bearing

     19,841,978

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

     23,759,599

Noninterest-bearing

     599,397

Interest-bearing

     23,160,202

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

     464,907

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     693,638

Trading liabilities

     2,634,445

Other borrowed money:
(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

     11,168,402

Bank’s liability on acceptances executed and outstanding

     193,690

Subordinated notes and debentures

     2,390,000

Other liabilities

     6,573,955
    

Total liabilities

   $ 83,516,437
    

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     519,418

EQUITY CAPITAL

      

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

     0

Common stock

     1,135,284

Surplus

     2,057,234

Retained earnings

     4,892,597

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     82,162

Other equity capital components

     0
    

Total equity capital

     8,167,277
    

Total liabilities minority interest and equity capital

   $ 92,203,132
    


I, Thomas J. Mastro, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

Thomas J. Mastro,            

Senior Vice President and Comptroller            

 

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.

 

Thomas A. Renyi

Gerald L. Hassell

Alan R. Griffith

  Directors    

EXHIBIT 25.2


FORM T-1

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE

ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO

SECTION 305(b)(2) ¨

 


 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 


 

New York   13-5160382
(State of incorporation if not a U.S. national bank)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.   10286
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware    
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 


 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 


 

Oklahoma   73-1221379
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

101 North Broadway, Suite 800

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  73102
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


 

% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities

(Title of the indenture securities)

 


 


1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name


  

Address


Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York

  

2 Rector Street, New York, N.Y.

10006, and Albany, N.Y. 12203

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

  

33 Liberty Plaza, New York, N.Y.

10045

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

  

Washington, D.C. 20429

New York Clearing House Association

  

New York, New York 10005

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

 

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

 

None.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

 

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

 

  4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)

 

  6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act. (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-44051.)

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

 

- 2 -


SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 26th day of January, 2004.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

By:

 

/S/    VAN K. BROWN


   

Name:  VAN K. BROWN

   

Title:    VICE PRESIDENT

 

- 3 -


EXHIBIT 7

 


Consolidated Report of Condition of

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

 

of One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286

And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business September 30, 2003, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

     Dollar Amounts
In Thousands


ASSETS

      

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

      

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

   $ 3,688,426

Interest-bearing balances

     4,380,259

Securities:

      

Held-to-maturity securities

     270,396

Available-for-sale securities

     21,509,356

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

     1,269,945

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     5,320,737

Loans and lease financing receivables:

      

Loans and leases held for sale

     629,178

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     38,241,326

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

     813,502

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

     37,427,824

Trading Assets

     6,323,529

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

     938,488

Other real estate owned

     431

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

     256,230

Customers’ liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding

     191,307

Intangible assets

      

Goodwill

     2,562,478

Other intangible assets

     798,536

Other assets

     6,636,012
    

Total assets

   $ 92,203,132
    


LIABILITIES

      

Deposits:

      

In domestic offices

   $ 35,637,801

Noninterest-bearing

     15,795,823

Interest-bearing

     19,841,978

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

     23,759,599

Noninterest-bearing

     599,397

Interest-bearing

     23,160,202

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

     464,907

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     693,638

Trading liabilities

     2,634,445

Other borrowed money:

    (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

     11,168,402

Bank’s liability on acceptances executed and outstanding

     193,690

Subordinated notes and debentures

     2,390,000

Other liabilities

     6,573,955
    

Total liabilities

   $ 83,516,437
    

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     519,418

EQUITY CAPITAL

      

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

     0

Common stock

     1,135,284

Surplus

     2,057,234

Retained earnings

     4,892,597

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     82,162

Other equity capital components

     0
    

Total equity capital

     8,167,277
    

Total liabilities minority interest and equity capital

   $ 92,203,132
    


I, Thomas J. Mastro, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

Thomas J. Mastro,            

Senior Vice President and Comptroller            

 

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.

 

Thomas A. Renyi

Gerald L. Hassell

Alan R. Griffith

  Directors    

EXHIBIT 25.3


FORM T-1

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE

ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO

SECTION 305(b)(2) ¨

 


 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 


 

New York   13-5160382
(State of incorporation if not a U.S. national bank)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.   10286
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


 

BANCFIRST CORPORATION

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 


 

Oklahoma   73-1221379
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 


 

BFC CAPITAL TRUST II

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware    
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

101 North Broadway, Suite 800

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  73102
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 


 

Guarantee of         % Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities of BFC Capital Trust II

(Title of the indenture securities)

 


 


1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name


  

Address


Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York

  

2 Rector Street, New York, N.Y.

10006, and Albany, N.Y. 12203

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

  

33 Liberty Plaza, New York, N.Y.

10045

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

  

Washington, D.C. 20429

New York Clearing House Association

  

New York, New York 10005

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 

Yes.

 

2. Affiliations with Obligor.

 

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

 

None.

 

16. List of Exhibits.

 

Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”) and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).

 

  1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

 

  4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)

 

  6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act. (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-44051.)

 

  7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

 

- 2 -


SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 26th day of January, 2004.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

By:

 

/S/    VAN K. BROWN


   

Name:  VAN K. BROWN

   

Title:    VICE PRESIDENT

 

- 3 -


EXHIBIT 7

 


Consolidated Report of Condition of

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

 

of One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286

And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business September 30, 2003, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

     Dollar Amounts
In Thousands


ASSETS

      

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

      

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

   $ 3,688,426

Interest-bearing balances

     4,380,259

Securities:

      

Held-to-maturity securities

     270,396

Available-for-sale securities

     21,509,356

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

     1,269,945

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     5,320,737

Loans and lease financing receivables:

      

Loans and leases held for sale

     629,178

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

     38,241,326

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

     813,502

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

     37,427,824

Trading Assets

     6,323,529

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

     938,488

Other real estate owned

     431

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

     256,230

Customers’ liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding

     191,307

Intangible assets

      

Goodwill

     2,562,478

Other intangible assets

     798,536

Other assets

     6,636,012
    

Total assets

   $ 92,203,132
    


LIABILITIES

      

Deposits:

      

In domestic offices

   $ 35,637,801

Noninterest-bearing

     15,795,823

Interest-bearing

     19,841,978

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

     23,759,599

Noninterest-bearing

     599,397

Interest-bearing

     23,160,202

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

     464,907

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     693,638

Trading liabilities

     2,634,445

Other borrowed money:

    (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

     11,168,402

Bank’s liability on acceptances executed and outstanding

     193,690

Subordinated notes and debentures

     2,390,000

Other liabilities

     6,573,955
    

Total liabilities

   $ 83,516,437
    

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     519,418

EQUITY CAPITAL

      

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

     0

Common stock

     1,135,284

Surplus

     2,057,234

Retained earnings

     4,892,597

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     82,162

Other equity capital components

     0
    

Total equity capital

     8,167,277
    

Total liabilities minority interest and equity capital

   $ 92,203,132
    


I, Thomas J. Mastro, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

Thomas J. Mastro,            

Senior Vice President and Comptroller            

 

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.

 

Thomas A. Renyi

Gerald L. Hassell

Alan R. Griffith

  Directors