UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): June 6, 2012

 

 

Tyson Foods, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-14704   71-0225165

(State of incorporation

or organization)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

2200 Don Tyson Parkway, Springdale, AR 72762-6999

(479) 290-4000

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

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if applicable)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see  General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (the “Company”) expects to close the previously announced public offering and sale of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Notes”) on June 13, 2012, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering and sale of the Notes to fund the repurchase of any and all of its outstanding 10.50% Senior Notes due 2014 through the previously announced cash tender offer and any related redemption, including, in each case, the payment of accrued interest thereon and any applicable premiums related thereto, and certain related fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes.

The Notes will be jointly and severally and fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the “Guarantees” and, together with the Notes, the “Securities”) by each of the Company’s existing wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that is a guarantor (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) under the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2009, as amended and restated as of February 23, 2011 and as further amended June 4, 2012 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Company, the lending institutions party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, as of the settlement date with respect to the Notes. The Securities have been offered pursuant to the Prospectus Supplement, dated June 6, 2012, to the Prospectus dated June 6, 2012, filed as part of the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-181918) that became effective when filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2012.

The Notes will be issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1995 (the “Base Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.)), as successor trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture, to be dated as of June 13, 2012 (the “Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee. The Notes accrue interest at a fixed rate per annum equal to 4.500%. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on December 15, 2012, to the persons in whose names such Notes are registered at the close of business on the preceding June 1 or December 1, as the case may be (whether or not a business day). Interest that the Company pays on the maturity date will be paid to the person to whom the principal will be payable. The amount of interest payable on the Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The Notes mature on June 15, 2022.

A Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from its obligations under its respective Guarantee upon the release or discharge of all guarantees and indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor outstanding as of the settlement date for the Notes (i) under the Credit Agreement and (ii) in relation to any indebtedness of the Company, or upon the earlier occurrence of certain other customary circumstances as described in the Prospectus Supplement pursuant to which the Securities have been offered. The Notes and the Guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors are the general senior unsecured obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. They rank equally in right of payment with the existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

The Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time prior to March 15, 2022 (three months prior to the maturity date) at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of redemption, or (ii) the sum of the remaining scheduled payments of principal of and interest on the Notes being redeemed (not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of the date of redemption), discounted to its present value as of the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate (as defined in the Supplemental Indenture), as determined by the Quotation Agent (as defined in the Supplemental Indenture), plus 45 basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the date of redemption. At any time on or after March 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of redemption.

If the Company experiences a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Supplemental Indenture), holders of the Notes may require the Company to purchase the Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

 

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The Indenture includes certain restrictive covenants, including covenants that limit the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur secured debt, enter into sale and lease-back transactions and consolidate, merge or transfer substantially all of the Company’s assets to another entity. The covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications set forth in the Indenture.

The Indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the Indenture and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable.

The foregoing descriptions of the Supplemental Indenture and the Notes are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete terms and conditions of the Supplemental Indenture and the form of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, respectively, and incorporated by reference herein. In connection with the issuance of the Notes, Sidley Austin LLP, Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC, McAfee & Taft, Husch Blackwell LLP and Bryan Cave LLP provided the Company with the legal opinions attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibits 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5, respectively.

 

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The description contained under Item 1.01 above is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On June 6, 2012, the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), with respect to the offering and sale by the Company of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements by the Company, and customary closing conditions, indemnification rights and termination provisions. The foregoing description of the Underwriting Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits .

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

1.1   Underwriting Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2012, among Tyson Foods, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors signatory thereto, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein
4.1   Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2012, among Tyson Foods, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors signatory thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
4.2   Form of 4.500% Senior Note due 2022 (included in Exhibit 4.1)
5.1   Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP
5.2   Opinion of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC
5.3   Opinion of McAfee & Taft
5.4   Opinion of Husch Blackwell LLP

 

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5.5   Opinion of Bryan Cave LLP
12.1   Computation of Pro Forma Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
23.1   Consent of Sidley Austin LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2   Consent of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.2)
23.3   Consent of McAfee & Taft (included in Exhibit 5.3)
23.4   Consent of Husch Blackwell LLP (included in Exhibit 5.4)
23.5   Consent of Bryan Cave LLP (included in Exhibit 5.5)

 

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SIGNATURE

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

 

        Date: June 13, 2012

    By:   /s/ Dennis Leatherby
      Name: Dennis Leatherby
     

Title:   Executive Vice President and

  Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

1.1    Underwriting Agreement, dated as of June 6, 2012, among Tyson Foods, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors signatory thereto, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein
4.1    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 13, 2012, among Tyson Foods, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors signatory thereto, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
4.2    Form of 4.500% Senior Note due 2022 (included in Exhibit 4.1)
5.1    Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP
5.2    Opinion of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC
5.3    Opinion of McAfee & Taft
5.4    Opinion of Husch Blackwell LLP
5.5    Opinion of Bryan Cave LLP
12.1    Computation of Pro Forma Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
23.1    Consent of Sidley Austin LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2    Consent of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.2)
23.3    Consent of McAfee & Taft (included in Exhibit 5.3)
23.4    Consent of Husch Blackwell LLP (included in Exhibit 5.4)
23.5    Consent of Bryan Cave LLP (included in Exhibit 5.5)

 

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Exhibit 1.1

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

TYSON FOODS, INC.

(a Delaware corporation)

4.500% Senior Notes due 2022

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

Dated: June 6, 2012

 

 

 


TYSON FOODS, INC.

(a Delaware corporation)

$1,000,000,000

4.500% Senior Notes due 2022

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

June 6, 2012

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

383 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10179

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

One Bryant Park

New York, New York 10036

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC

1585 Broadway

New York, New York 10036

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

Three World Financial Center 200 Vesey Street

New York, New York 10281

As Representatives of the several Underwriters

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), confirms its agreement (this “Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”), Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“Merrill Lynch”), Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBC”) and each of the other Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto (collectively, the “Underwriters,” which term shall also include any underwriter substituted as hereinafter provided in Section 10 hereof), for whom J.P. Morgan, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and RBC are acting as representatives (in such capacity, the “Representatives”), with respect to the issue and sale by the Company and the purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the respective principal amounts set forth in Schedule A hereto of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Securities”). The Securities are to be issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of June 1, 1995 (the “Base Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented by a supplemental indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of the Closing Time (as defined below), among the Company, the subsidiaries of the Company set forth in Schedule B hereto (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and the Trustee, relating to the Securities. The Base Indenture as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture is hereinafter referred to as the “Indenture.” The Securities will be guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by each of the Guarantors in the manner described in the Supplemental Indenture (the “Guarantees”).

 

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The Company understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Securities as soon as the Representatives deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered.

The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-181918), including the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses, which registration statement became effective upon filing under Rule 462(e) of the rules and regulations of the Commission (the “1933 Act Regulations”) under the 1933 Act. Such registration statement covers the registration of the Securities under the 1933 Act. Promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will prepare and file a prospectus in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430B (“Rule 430B”) of the 1933 Act Regulations and paragraph (b) of Rule 424 (“Rule 424(b)”) of the 1933 Act Regulations. Any information included in such prospectus that was omitted from such registration statement at the time it became effective but that is deemed to be part of and included in such registration statement pursuant to Rule 430B is referred to as “Rule 430B Information.” Each prospectus used in connection with the offering of the Securities that omitted Rule 430B Information is herein called a “preliminary prospectus.” Such registration statement, at any given time, including any amendments thereto to such time, the exhibits and any schedules thereto at such time, the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act at such time and the documents otherwise deemed to be a part thereof or included therein by 1933 Act Regulations, is herein called the “Registration Statement.” The final prospectus in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities, including the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act at the time of the execution of this Agreement and any preliminary prospectuses that form a part thereof, is herein called the “Prospectus.” For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”).

All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information which is “contained,” “included” or “stated” in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or other references of like import) shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information which is incorporated by reference in or otherwise deemed by 1933 Act Regulations to be a part of or included in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be; and all references in this Agreement to amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include the filing of any document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) which is incorporated by reference in or otherwise deemed by 1933 Act Regulations to be a part of or included in the Registration Statement, such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be.

 

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SECTION 1. Representations and Warranties .

(a) Representations and Warranties by the Company and the Guarantors . The Company and each of the Guarantors jointly and severally represent and warrant to each Underwriter as of the date hereof, the Applicable Time referred to in Section 1(a)(ii) hereof and as of the Closing Time referred to in Section 2(b) hereof, and agrees with each Underwriter, as follows:

(i) Status as a Well-Known Seasoned Issuer . (A) At the time of filing the Registration Statement, (B) at the time of the most recent amendment thereto for the purposes of complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the 1933 Act (whether such amendment was by post-effective amendment, incorporated report filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act or form of prospectus), (C) at the time the Company or any person acting on its behalf (within the meaning, for this clause only, of Rule 163(c) of the 1933 Act Regulations) made any offer relating to the Securities in reliance on the exemption of Rule 163 of the 1933 Act Regulations and (D) at the date hereof, the Company was and is a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 of the 1933 Act Regulations (“Rule 405”), including not having been and not being an “ineligible issuer” as defined in Rule 405. The Registration Statement is an “automatic shelf registration statement,” as defined in Rule 405, and the Securities, since their registration on the Registration Statement, have been and remain eligible for registration by the Company on a Rule 405 “automatic shelf registration statement”. The Company has not received from the Commission any notice pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations objecting to the use of the automatic shelf registration statement form.

At the time of filing the Registration Statement, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations) of the Securities and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405.

(ii) Registration Statement, Prospectus and Disclosure at Time of Sale . The Registration Statement became effective upon filing under Rule 462(e) of the 1933 Act Regulations (“Rule 462(e)”), and any post-effective amendments thereto have also become effective upon filing under Rule 462(e). No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued under the 1933 Act and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, are threatened by the Commission, and any request on the part of the Commission for additional information has been complied with.

Any offer that is a written communication relating to the Securities made prior to the filing of the Registration Statement by the Company or any person acting on its behalf (within the meaning, for this paragraph only, of Rule 163(c) of the 1933 Act Regulations) has been filed with the Commission in accordance with the exemption provided by Rule 163 of the 1933 Act Regulations (“Rule 163”) and otherwise complied with the requirements of Rule 163, including without limitation the legending requirement, to qualify such offer for the exemption from Section 5(c) of the 1933 Act provided by Rule 163.

At the respective times the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto became effective, at each deemed effective date with respect to the Underwriters pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations and at the Closing Time, the Registration Statement complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “1939 Act”), and the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1939 Act (the “1939 Act Regulations”), and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

Neither the Prospectus nor any amendments or supplements thereto, at the time the Prospectus or any such amendment or supplement was issued and at the Closing Time, included or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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Each preliminary prospectus (including the prospectus or prospectuses filed as part of the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto) complied when so filed in all material respects with the 1933 Act Regulations and each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this offering was identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T and except for filing fees information.

As of the Applicable Time, neither (x) the Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus(es) (as defined below) issued at or prior to the Applicable Time (as defined below), the Statutory Prospectus (as defined below), the Final Term Sheet (as defined in Section 3(b)), all considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”), nor (y) any individual Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

As of the time of the filing of the Final Term Sheet, the General Disclosure Package, when considered together with the Final Term Sheet, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

As used in this subsection and elsewhere in this Agreement:

“Applicable Time” means 5:30 P.M. (Eastern time) on June 6, 2012 or such other time as agreed by the Company and the Representatives.

“Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 of the 1933 Act Regulations (“Rule 433”), relating to the Securities that (i) is required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, including the Final Term Sheet (ii) is a “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission or (iii) is exempt from filing pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Securities or of the offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g).

“Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors, as evidenced by its being specified in Schedule D hereto.

“Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus.

“Statutory Prospectus” as of any time means the prospectus relating to the Securities that is included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to that time, including any document incorporated by reference therein and any preliminary or other prospectus deemed to be a part thereof.

 

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Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Securities or until any earlier date that the issuer notified or notifies the Representatives as described in Section 3(e), did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, including any document incorporated by reference therein and any preliminary or other prospectus deemed to be a part thereof that has not been superseded or modified.

The representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.

(iii) Incorporated Documents . The documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, at the time they were or hereafter are filed with the Commission, complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations or the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (the “1934 Act Regulations”), as applicable, and, when read together with the other information in the Prospectus, (a) at the time the Registration Statement became effective, (b) at the earlier of the time the Prospectus was first used and the Applicable Time and (c) at the Closing Time, did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

(iv) Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, are an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the 1933 Act.

(v) Financial Statements . The financial statements, and the related notes thereto, included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and the changes in their consolidated cash flows for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, except as described in the notes to such financial statements, and the supporting schedules included or incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly the information required to be stated therein.

(vi) No Material Adverse Change in Business . Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, there has not been any material adverse change, or any development known by the Company (after diligent inquiry) that would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change in or affecting the business, financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (any such change being referred to hereafter as a “Material Adverse Change”), otherwise than as set forth, incorporated by reference or contemplated in the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus; and except as set forth, incorporated by reference or contemplated in the Prospectus neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 

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(vii) Good Standing of the Company . The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so as to require such qualification, other than where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

(viii) Good Standing of Subsidiaries . Each of the Guarantors that constitutes a “significant subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the Commission (the “Material Subsidiaries”) has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, with corporate or limited liability company (as the case may be) power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties or conducts any business so as to require such qualification, other than where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; and all the outstanding shares of capital stock or equity interests, as the case may be, of each Material Subsidiary of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully-paid and non-assessable, and (except in the case of foreign subsidiaries, for directors’ qualifying shares) are owned by the Company, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests and claims.

(ix) Authorization of Agreement . This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and each of the Guarantors.

(x) Authorization of the Securities, the Indenture and the Guarantees . The Securities have been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture (assuming due authentication of the Securities by the Trustee) and paid for as provided herein, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers), reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture; the Indenture has been duly authorized, is duly qualified under the 1939 Act, has been executed and delivered by the Company, each of the Guarantors and the Trustee, and (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee) constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable against the Company and each of the Guarantors in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers), reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); the Guarantees have been duly authorized by each of the Guarantors and, when the Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture and paid for as provided herein, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Guarantors, enforceable against each of the Guarantors in

 

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accordance with their terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers), reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture; and the Securities will conform, and the Indenture conforms, in all material respects, to the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus.

(xi) Absence of Defaults and Conflicts . Neither the Company nor any of its Material Subsidiaries is, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would be, in violation of or in default under, its certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws, certificate or articles of formation, limited liability company operating agreement or other comparable constituent documents, as the case may be, or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them or any of their respective properties is bound, except for violations and defaults which individually or in the aggregate are not material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or to the holders of the Securities; the issue and sale of the Securities (and the Guarantees) and the performance by the Company and each of the Guarantors of all of their obligations under the Securities (and the Guarantees), the Indenture and this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein and therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries is subject, except for conflicts, breaches or defaults that, singly or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, nor will any such action result in any violation of the provisions of (A) the certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws, certificate or articles of formation, limited liability company operating agreement or other comparable constituent documents, as the case may be, of the Company or (B) any applicable law or statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company, its Material Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties, except, in the case of (B) above, for violations that, singly or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale of the Securities (and the Guarantees) or the consummation by the Company and the Guarantors of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Indenture, except such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as have been obtained under the 1933 Act, the 1939 Act and as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky Laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters.

(xii) Absence of Labor Dispute . Except as described or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no labor disputes exist with employees of the Company or of its Material Subsidiaries that would, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(xiii) Absence of Proceedings . Except as described or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors, threatened to which the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries is or may be a party or to which any property of the

 

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Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries is or may be the subject which would, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole and, to the best of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened by governmental authorities or threatened by others; and there are no contracts or other documents of a character required to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or required to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus which are not filed or described as required.

(xiv) Possession of Intellectual Property . Each of the Company and its Material Subsidiaries owns or possesses the right to use the patents, patent licenses, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures) (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”) reasonably necessary to carry on the business conducted by each as conducted on the date hereof, except to the extent that the failure to own or possess the right to use such Intellectual Property would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and, except as set forth or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Material Subsidiary has received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property, except for notices the content of which if accurate would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(xv) Absence of Further Requirements . No material filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or governmental authority or agency is necessary or required for the performance by the Company and the Guarantors of their obligations hereunder, in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of the Securities (and the Guarantees) hereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or for the due execution, delivery or performance of the Indenture by the Company and the Guarantors, except such as have been already obtained or as may be required under the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations or state securities laws and except for the qualification of the Indenture under the 1939 Act.

(xvi) Possession of Licenses and Permits . The Company and each of its Material Subsidiaries have all licenses, franchises, permits, authorizations, approvals and orders of and from all governmental and regulatory officials and bodies that are necessary to own or lease and operate their properties and conduct their businesses as described in the Prospectus and that are material in relation to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except where the failure to possess such licenses or authorizations would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

(xvii) Investment Company Act . The Company is not an “investment company” or an entity “controlled” by an “investment company”, as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(xviii) Environmental Laws . Except as described or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, each of the Company and its Material Subsidiaries is in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health or the environment or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning any Hazardous Material (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), except where such non-compliance with Environmental Laws would not, singly or in the

 

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aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The term “Hazardous Material” means (i) any “hazardous substance” as defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, (ii) any “hazardous waste” as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, (iii) any petroleum or petroleum product, (iv) any polychlorinated biphenyl, and (v) any pollutant or contaminant or hazardous, dangerous, or toxic chemical, material, waste or substance regulated under or within the meaning of any other Environmental Law.

(xix) Accounting Controls and Disclosure Controls . Except as described or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (1) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (2) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets; (3) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (4) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as described or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, since the end of the Company’s most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (I) no material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (II) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Company and its subsidiaries maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the 1934 Act); such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(xx) Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act . There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply in all material respects with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), including Section 402 related to loans and Sections 302 and 906 related to certifications.

(xxi) Pending Proceedings and Examinations . The Registration Statement is not the subject of a pending proceeding or examination under Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the 1933 Act, and the Company is not the subject of a pending proceeding under Section 8A of the 1933 Act in connection with the offering of the Securities.

(xxii) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act . Except as described or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or as described in any other periodic reports of the Company filed with the Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the last three years, within the past three years, none of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors, any director, officer, agent, employee, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a material violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “FCPA”), including without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in the furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or

 

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authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA, and except as described or incorporated by reference in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or as described in any other periodic reports of the Company filed with the Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the last three years, the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors, its affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance in all material respects with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

(xxiii) Money Laundering Laws . The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no material action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors, threatened.

(xxiv) OFAC . None of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors, any director, officer, agent, employee, affiliate or person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is currently the subject or target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the United States Government, including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council (“UNSC”), the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury (“HMT”), or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Company located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions; and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, to fund any activities of or business with any person or entity, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions or in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person or entity (including any person or entity participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions.

(xxv) No Stabilization . Neither the Company nor any of the Guarantors has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Securities.

(b) Officer’s Certificates. Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.

SECTION 2. Sale and Delivery to Underwriters; Closing .

(a) Securities . On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company, the aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Schedule A hereto at a price equal to 98.808% of the principal amount thereof, plus any additional principal amount of Securities which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 hereof.

 

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(b) Payment . Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of, the Securities shall be made at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the third (fourth, if the pricing occurs after 4:30 P.M. (Eastern time) on any given day) business day after the date hereof (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10), or such other time not later than ten business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called the “Closing Time”).

Payment shall be made to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by the Company, against delivery to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of the Securities to be purchased by them. It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the Representatives, for its account, to accept delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Securities which it has agreed to purchase. The Representatives, each individually and not as representatives of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Securities to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing Time, but such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.

(c) Denominations; Registration . The Securities shall be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Representatives may request in writing at least one full business day before the Closing Time. The Securities will be made available for examination and packaging by the Representatives in The City of New York not later than 10:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the business day prior to the Closing Time.

SECTION 3. Covenants of the Company and the Guarantors . The Company and each of the Guarantors jointly and severally covenant with each Underwriter as follows:

(a) Compliance with Securities Regulations and Commission Requests; Payment of Filing Fees . The Company, subject to Section 3(b), will comply with the requirements of Rule 430B and will notify the Representatives immediately, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or new registration statement relating to the Securities shall become effective, or any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus shall have been filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission, (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or the filing of a new registration statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any document incorporated by reference therein or otherwise deemed to be a part thereof or for additional information relating to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or such new registration statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(e) of the 1933 Act concerning the Registration Statement and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the 1933 Act in connection with the offering of the Securities. The Company will effect the filings required under Rule 424(b), in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)), and will take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file such prospectus. The Company will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment. The Company shall pay the required Commission filing fees relating to the Securities

 

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within the time required by Rule 456(b)(1) (i) of the 1933 Act Regulations without regard to the proviso therein and otherwise in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the 1933 Act Regulations (including, if applicable, by updating the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in accordance with Rule 456(b)(1)(ii) either in a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or on the cover page of a prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)).

(b) Filing of Amendments and Exchange Act Documents; Preparation of Final Term Sheet . The Company will give the Representatives notice of its intention to file or prepare any amendment to the Registration Statement or new registration statement relating to the Securities or any amendment, supplement or revision to either any preliminary prospectus (including any prospectus included in the Registration Statement or amendment thereto at the time it became effective) or to the Prospectus, whether pursuant to the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or otherwise, and the Company will furnish the Representatives with copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file or use any such document to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object. The Company has given the Representatives notice of any filings made pursuant to the 1934 Act or 1934 Act Regulations within 48 hours prior to the execution of this Agreement; the Company will give the Representatives notice of its intention to make any such filing from the execution of this Agreement to the Closing Time and will furnish the Representatives with copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing and will not file or use any such document to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object; provided, however , that with respect to any proposed amendment or supplement resulting solely from the incorporation by reference of any report to be filed under the Exchange Act, the Representatives shall be deemed to have consented to the filing or use of such report if the Company receives no acknowledgment of receipt or other response from the Representatives within 24 hours of being provided such report. The Company will prepare a final term sheet (the “Final Term Sheet”), attached hereto as Schedule C, reflecting the final pricing and other terms of the Securities, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, and shall file such Final Term Sheet as an “issuer free writing prospectus” pursuant to Rule 433 prior to the close of business two business days after the date hereof; provided that the Company shall furnish the Representatives with copies of any such Final Term Sheet a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing and will not use or file any such document to which the Representatives or counsel to the Underwriters shall reasonably object.

(c) Delivery of Registration Statement . Upon request, the Company will deliver to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, without charge, conformed copies of the Registration Statement and of each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein and documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein or otherwise deemed to be a part thereof) and conformed copies of all consents and certificates of experts, and will also deliver to the Representatives, without charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement and of each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters. The copies of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

(d) Delivery of Prospectuses . The Company has delivered to each Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each preliminary prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the 1933 Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

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(e) Continued Compliance with Securities Laws . The Company will comply with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations, the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations and the 1939 Act and the 1939 Act Regulations so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and in the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus is required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or for the Company, to amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the Prospectus in order that the Prospectus will not include any untrue statements of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, or if it shall be necessary, in the opinion of such counsel, at any such time to amend the Registration Statement or to file a new registration statement or amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations, the Company will promptly prepare and file with the Commission, subject to Section 3(b), such amendment, supplement or new registration statement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to comply with such requirements, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to have such amendment or new registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable (if it is not an automatic shelf registration statement with respect to the Securities) and the Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment, supplement or new registration statement as the Underwriters may reasonably request. If at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement (or any other registration statement relating to the Securities) or the Statutory Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representatives and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.

(f) Blue Sky Qualifications . The Company will use its reasonable best efforts, in cooperation with the Underwriters, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect for so long as reasonably required for the distribution of the Securities; provided, however, that neither the Company nor any of the Guarantors shall be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or foreign limited liability company, as the case may be, or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject. The Company will also supply the Underwriters with such information as is reasonably necessary for the determination of the legality of the Securities for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Underwriters may request.

(g) Rule 158 . The Company will timely file such reports pursuant to the 1934 Act as are necessary in order to make generally available to its securityholders as soon as practicable an earnings statement for the purposes of, and to provide to the Underwriters the benefits contemplated by, the last paragraph of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act.

(h) Use of Proceeds . The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Prospectus under “Use of Proceeds.”

(i) Restriction on Sale of Securities . During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing to and including the Closing Time, the Company and the Guarantors will not, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, directly or indirectly, issue, sell, offer or contract to sell or grant any option for the sale of, any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any of the Guarantors.

 

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(j) Reporting Requirements . The Company, during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the time periods required by the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations.

(k) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Representatives, and each Underwriter represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Company and the Representatives, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405, required to be filed with the Commission; provided, however, that prior to the preparation of the Final Term Sheet in accordance with Section 3(b), each Underwriter is authorized to use the information with respect to the final terms of the Securities in communications conveying information related to the offering to investors. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Representatives or by the Company and the Representatives, as the case may be, is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.” The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping.

SECTION 4. Payment of Expenses .

(a) Expenses . The Company and each of the Guarantors jointly and severally agree to pay all expenses incident to the performance of their respective obligations under this Agreement, including (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits) as originally filed and of each amendment thereto, (ii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of this Agreement, any Agreement among Underwriters, the Indenture and such other documents as may reasonably be required in connection with the offering, purchase, sale, issuance or delivery of the Securities, (iii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters, (iv) the fees and disbursements of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ counsel, accountants and other advisors, (v) the qualification of the Securities under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(f) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection therewith and in connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky survey and any supplement thereto, (vi) the printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of each preliminary prospectus, any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus and of the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto and any costs associated with electronic delivery of any of the foregoing by the Underwriters to investors, (vii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of the Blue Sky survey and any supplement thereto, (viii) the fees and expenses of the Trustee, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Trustee in connection with the Indenture and the Securities, (ix) the costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Company relating to investor presentations on any “road show” undertaken in connection with the marketing of the Securities, and (x) any fees payable in connection with the rating of the Securities.

(b) Termination of Agreement . If this Agreement is terminated by the Representatives in accordance with the provisions of Section 5(j) or Section 9(a)(i) hereof, the Company and each of the Guarantors jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Underwriters for all of their out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters; provided, however , if the Underwriters fail to purchase the Securities because of the termination of this Agreement

 

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pursuant to Section 10 or the occurrence of any event specified in clauses (ii), (iii)(B), (iv) and (v) of Section 9(a), the Company shall not be responsible for the expenses of any of the Underwriters as described above. Except as provided in this Section 4 and Sections 6, 7 and 8 hereof, the Underwriters shall pay their own expenses, including the fees and disbursements of their counsel.

SECTION 5. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations . The obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company and the Guarantors contained in Section 1 hereof as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Time or in certificates of any officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof as of the respective dates of such certificates, to the performance by the Company and the Guarantors in all material respects of their covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to the following further conditions:

(a) Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Filing of Prospectus; Payment of Filing Fee . The Registration Statement has become effective and at the Closing Time no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued under the 1933 Act or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors, threatened by the Commission, and any request on the part of the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of counsel to the Underwriters. A prospectus containing the Rule 430B Information shall have been filed with the Commission in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8) (or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed and become effective in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430B). The Final Term Sheet and any other material required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the 1933 Act Regulations shall have been timely filed. The Company shall have paid the required Commission filing fees relating to the Securities within the time period required by Rule 456(1)(i) of the 1933 Act Regulations without regard to the proviso therein and otherwise in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the 1933 Act Regulations and, if applicable, shall have updated the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in accordance with Rule 456(b)(1)(ii) either in a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or on the cover page of a prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b).

(b) Opinions of Counsel for the Company . At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received the opinions, dated as of the Closing Time, of (i) Sidley Austin LLP, counsel for the Company, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters, to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto, (ii) R. Read Hudson, Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters, to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, and (iii) one or more local counsels for certain of the Guarantors, each in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Representatives, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters.

(c) Opinion of Counsel for Underwriters . At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Time, of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives. In giving such opinion such counsel may rely, as to all matters governed by the laws of jurisdictions other than the law of the State of New York, the federal law of the United States and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, upon the opinions of counsel satisfactory to the Representatives. Such counsel may also state that, insofar as such opinion involves factual matters, they have relied, to the extent they deem proper, upon certificates of officers of the Company and its subsidiaries and certificates of public officials.

 

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(d) Officers’ Certificate . At the Closing Time, there shall not have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package, any Material Adverse Change, and the Representatives shall have received (A) a certificate of the President or a Vice President of the Company and of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Time, to the effect that (i) there has been no Material Adverse Change since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package, (ii) the representations and warranties in Section 1(a) hereof are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the Closing Time, (iii) the Company has complied in all material respects with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time, and (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to their knowledge, threatened by the Commission, and (B) a certificate of an executive officer of each of the Guarantors, dated as of the Closing Time, to the effect that (i) the representations and warranties in Section 1(a) hereof are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the Closing Time, (ii) such Guarantor has complied in all material respects with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time, and (iii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to such officer’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission.

(e) CFO Certificate. The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Company, dated the Closing Time, in the form of Exhibit C hereto.

(f) Accountant’s Comfort Letter . At the time of the execution of this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

(g) Bring-down Comfort Letter . At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP a letter, dated as of the Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (f) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three business days prior to the Closing Time.

(h) Maintenance of Rating . At the Closing Time, the Securities shall be rated at least Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and the Company shall have delivered to the Representatives a letter dated the Closing Time, from each such rating agency, or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that the Securities have at least such ratings; and since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred a downgrading in the rating assigned to the Securities or any of the Company’s other debt securities by any “nationally recognized statistical organization,” as that term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the 1933 Act, below the levels described in this Section 5(h).

(i) Additional Documents . At the Closing Time, counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities (and the Guarantees) as herein contemplated, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company and the Guarantors in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities (and the Guarantees) as herein contemplated shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters.

 

16


(j) Termination of Agreement . If any condition specified in this Section shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives by written notice to the Company at any time at or prior to the Closing Time, and such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 and except that Sections 1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive any such termination and remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 6. Indemnification .

(a) Indemnification of Underwriters . The Company and each of the Guarantors jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates, as such term is defined in Rule 501(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations (each, an “Affiliate”), its selling agents and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act as follows:

(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430B Information, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to Section 6(d) below) any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company; and

(iii) against any and all expenses whatsoever, as incurred (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by the Representatives), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;

provided , however , that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430B Information or any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto).

(b) Indemnification of the Company, the Guarantors and Directors and Officers of the Company and the Guarantors . Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the

 

17


Company, each of the Guarantors, each of their respective directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company or any of the Guarantors within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430B Information or any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.

(c) Actions against Parties; Notification . Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(a) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Representatives, and, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(b) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Company. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 6 or Section 7 hereof (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. Subject to Section 6(d) hereof, no indemnified party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnifying party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which such indemnification or contribution would be sought hereunder.

(d) Settlement without Consent if Failure to Reimburse . If at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by Section 6(a) (ii) effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.

SECTION 7. Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by such

 

18


indemnified party, as incurred, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and of the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

The relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the Securities as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus.

The relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or any Guarantor or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

Each of the Company, the Guarantors and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 7. The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 7 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

For purposes of this Section 7, each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act and each Underwriter’s Affiliates and selling agents shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each director or officer of the Company or a Guarantor and each person, if any, who controls the Company or any Guarantor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company or such Guarantor, as appropriate. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the respective principal amount of Securities set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule A hereto and not joint.

 

19


SECTION 8. Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive . All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or its Affiliates or selling agents, any person controlling any Underwriter, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company, and (ii) delivery of and payment for the Securities.

SECTION 9. Termination of Agreement .

(a) Termination; General . The Representatives may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Closing Time (i) if there has been, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto) or the General Disclosure Package, a Material Adverse Change, or (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or the international financial markets, any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representatives, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Securities or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Securities, or (iii) (A) if trading in any securities of the Company has been suspended or materially limited by the Commission or the New York Stock Exchange, or (B) if trading generally on the NYSE Amex, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market has been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices have been required, by any of said exchanges or by such system or by order of the Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or any other governmental authority, or a material disruption has occurred in commercial banking or securities settlement, or (iv) a material disruption has occurred in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States or (v) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal or New York authorities.

(b) Liabilities . If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 hereof, and provided further that Sections 1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive such termination and remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10. Default by One or More of the Underwriters . If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail at the Closing Time to purchase the Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement (the “Defaulted Securities”), the Representatives shall have the right, within 24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representatives shall not have completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:

(a) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be purchased on such date, each of the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or

 

20


(b) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.

No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.

In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination of this Agreement, either the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Time for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements. As used herein, the term “Underwriter” includes any person substituted for an Underwriter under this Section 10.

SECTION 11. Tax Disclosure . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, immediately upon commencement of discussions with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company (and each employee, representative or other agent of the Company) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the Company relating to such tax treatment and tax structure. For purposes of the foregoing, the term “tax treatment” is the purported or claimed federal income tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby, and the term “tax structure” includes any fact that may be relevant to understanding the purported or claimed federal income tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 12. Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be directed to J.P. Morgan at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179, attention of High Grade Syndicate Desk – 3rd floor, to Merrill Lynch at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, NY1-050-12-01, New York, New York 10020, attention of High Grade Debt Capital Markets Transaction Management/Legal, to Morgan Stanley at Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 1585 Broadway, 29th Floor, New York, New York 10036, attention of Investment Banking Division, and to RBC at RBC Capital Markets, LLC, 3 World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281, attention of Debt Capital Markets; and notices to the Company and the Guarantors shall be directed to them c/o Tyson Foods, Inc., 2200 Don Tyson Parkway, Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999, attention of Chief Financial Officer.

In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.

SECTION 13. No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship . The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the public offering price of the Securities and any related discounts and commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other hand, (b) in connection with the offering contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction each Underwriter is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, the Guarantors, or their stockholders, creditors, employees or any other party, (c) no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in

 

21


favor of the Company or the Guarantors with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company or the Guarantors on other matters) and no Underwriter has any obligation to the Company or the Guarantors with respect to the offering contemplated hereby except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (d) the Underwriters and their respective affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company or the Guarantors, and (e) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the offering contemplated hereby and the Company and the Guarantors have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate.

SECTION 14. Integration . This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company, the Guarantors and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

SECTION 15. Parties . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each of the Underwriters, the Company, the Guarantors and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Underwriters, the Company, the Guarantors and their respective successors and the controlling persons and officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Underwriters, the Company, the Guarantors and their respective successors, and said controlling persons and officers and directors and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.

SECTION 16. GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

SECTION 17. TIME . TIME SHALL BE OF THE ESSENCE OF THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH HEREIN, SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.

SECTION 18. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement.

SECTION 19. Effect of Headings . The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

22


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Company and each of the Guarantors a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement between the Underwriters, the Company and each of the Guarantors in accordance with its terms.

 

Very truly yours,
TYSON FOODS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

CAROLINA BRAND FOODS, LLC, by its member, Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats, Inc.

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
CBFA MANAGEMENT CORP.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
COBB-VANTRESS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
DFG FOODS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
DFG FOODS, L.L.C.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
FOODBRANDS AMERICA, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

23


FOODBRANDS SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES, INC.

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
GLOBAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
HUDSON MIDWEST FOODS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

IBP FOODSERVICE, L.L.C., by its members, Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. and IBP Caribbean, Inc.

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
IBP REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
MADISON FOODS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
NATIONAL COMP CARE INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
NEW CANADA HOLDINGS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

24


OAKLAWN CAPITAL CORPORATION

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
PBX, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
RURAL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TEXAS TRANSFER, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
THE BRUSS COMPANY
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
THE IBP FOODS CO.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
THE PORK GROUP, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYNET CORPORATION
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

25


TYSON BREEDERS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON CHICKEN, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON DELI, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON FARMS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON FRESH MEATS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON HOG MARKETS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON INTERNATIONAL HOLDING COMPANY

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CENTER INC. ASIA

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

26


TYSON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CENTER INC. EUROPE

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CENTER, INC.

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON MEXICAN ORIGINAL, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON OF WISCONSIN, LLC
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON PET PRODUCTS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON POULTRY, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON PREPARED FOODS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON PROCESSING SERVICES, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

27


TYSON RECEIVABLES CORPORATION
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON REFRIGERATED PROCESSED MEATS, INC.

By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON SALES AND DISTRIBUTION, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON SERVICE CENTER CORP.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
TYSON SHARED SERVICES, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
WBA ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
WILTON FOODS, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer
ZEMCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

28


CENTRAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
By  

/s/ Rodney Tademy

  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

29


CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
    as of the date first above written:
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
By  

/s/ Maria Sramek

  Authorized Signatory

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

By  

/s/ Brendan Hanley

  Authorized Signatory
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC
By  

/s/ Yurij Slyz

  Authorized Signatory
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
By  

/s/ Jigme Shingsar

  Authorized Signatory
For themselves and as Representatives of the other Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto.

 

30


SCHEDULE A

 

Name of Underwriter

   Principal Amount
of the Securities
 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

   $ 225,000,000   

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

     225,000,000   

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

     184,150,000   

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     225,000,000   

Barclays Capital Inc.

     35,000,000   

Rabo Securities USA, Inc.

     35,000,000   

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

     14,170,000   

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

     14,170,000   

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.

     14,170,000   

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

     14,170,000   

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

     14,170,000   

Total

   $ 1,000,000,000   

 

Sch A-1


SCHEDULE B

Guarantors

 

1. Carolina Brand Foods, LLC

 

2. CBFA Management Corp.

 

3. Central Industries, Inc.

 

4. Cobb-Vantress, Inc.

 

5. DFG Foods, Inc.

 

6. DFG Foods, L.L.C.

 

7. Foodbrands America, Inc.

 

8. Foodbrands Supply Chain Services, Inc.

 

9. Global Employment Services, Inc.

 

10. Hudson Midwest Foods, Inc.

 

11. IBP Foodservice, L.L.C.

 

12. IBP Redevelopment Corporation

 

13. Madison Foods, Inc.

 

14. National Comp Care Inc.

 

15. New Canada Holdings, Inc.

 

16. Oaklawn Capital Corporation

 

17. PBX, inc.

 

18. Rural Energy Systems, Inc.

 

19. Texas Transfer, Inc.

 

20. The Bruss Company

 

21. The IBP Foods Co.

 

22. The Pork Group, Inc.

 

23. TyNet Corporation

 

24. Tyson Breeders, Inc.

 

25. Tyson Chicken, Inc.

 

26. Tyson Deli, Inc.

 

27. Tyson Farms, Inc.

 

28. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.

 

29. Tyson Hog Markets, Inc.

 

30. Tyson International Holding Company

 

31. Tyson International Service Center, Inc.

 

32. Tyson International Service Center, Inc. Asia

 

33. Tyson International Service Center, Inc. Europe

 

34. Tyson Mexican Original, Inc.

 

35. Tyson of Wisconsin, LLC

 

36. Tyson Pet Products, Inc.

 

37. Tyson Poultry, Inc.

 

38. Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc.

 

39. Tyson Processing Services, Inc.

 

40. Tyson Receivables Corporation

 

41. Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats, Inc.

 

42. Tyson Sales and Distribution, Inc.

 

43. Tyson Service Center Corp.

 

44. Tyson Shared Services, Inc.

 

45. WBA Analytical Laboratories, Inc.

 

46. Wilton Foods, Inc.

 

47. Zemco Industries, Inc.

 

Sch B-1


SCHEDULE C

Final Term Sheet

 

LOGO

Tyson Foods, Inc.

$1,000,000,000 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022

Final Term Sheet

 

Issuer:    Tyson Foods, Inc.
Guarantors:    Each of the Issuer’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that is a guarantor under the Issuer’s revolving credit facility
Ratings:    (P)Baa3 / BBB- / BBB (stable)*
Format:    SEC Registered
Ranking:    Senior Unsecured
Size:    $1,000,000,000
Trade Date:    June 6, 2012
Settlement Date:    June 13, 2012
Final Maturity:    June 15, 2022
Interest Payment Dates:    Semi-annually on June 15 and December 15
First Pay Date:    December 15, 2012
Pricing Benchmark:    1.750% due May 15, 2022
UST Spot (Price/Yield):    100-24 / 1.668%
Spread to Benchmark:    T+290 bps
Yield to Maturity:    4.568%
Coupon:    4.500%
Public Offering Price:    99.458%
Underwriting Spread:    0.650%
Net Proceeds (before expenses):    $988,080,000
Day Count:    30/360
Make Whole Call:    T + 45 bps
Par call:    On or after 3 months prior to the maturity date
Minimum Denominations/Multiples:    Denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof
Joint Bookrunning Managers:   

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Barclays Capital Inc.

Rabo Securities USA, Inc.

Co-managers:   

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

Cusip:    902494 AT0
ISIN:    US902494AT07
Exchange Listing:    None


This communication is intended for the sole use of the person to whom it is provided by us.

 

(*) An explanation of the significance of ratings may be obtained from the rating agencies. Generally, rating agencies base their ratings on such material and information, and such of their own investigations, studies and assumptions, as they deem appropriate. The rating of the notes should be evaluated independently from similar ratings of other securities. A credit rating of a security is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to review, revision, suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges:

 

    

Six Months Ended

March 31,

2012

(pro forma)(a)

  

Fiscal Year Ended

October 2, 2011

(pro forma)(a)

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(b)

   5.72x    5.47x

 

(a) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and fiscal year ended October 1, 2011 have been adjusted on a pro forma basis to give effect to the offer and sale of the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the notes offered hereby and the use of the net proceeds to repurchase $810 million of outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 10.50% Senior Notes due 2014, which we refer to as our “2014 notes,” and pay any accrued interest thereon and any applicable premiums related thereto, as if such events occurred on October 2, 2011 and October 3, 2010, respectively.
(b) For purposes of calculating our ratio of earnings to fixed charges, “earnings” consist of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes plus fixed charges and amortization of capitalized interest, and less capitalized interest. “Fixed charges” consist of (i) interest expense, (ii) capitalized interest, (iii) amortization of debt discount expense and (iv) the portion of rental expense representative of interest costs (which we estimate to be one-third of rental expense).

 

Sch C-2


Capitalization:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Actual     As Adjusted  
     ($ in millions, except par value)  

Cash & cash equivalents (1)

   $ 723      $ 741  

Long-term debt:

    

Revolving credit facility

   $ —        $ —     

Senior notes:

    

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due October 2013 (2013 Notes)

     458        458   

10.50% Senior Notes due March 2014 (2014 Notes)

     810        —     

6.85% Senior Notes due April 2016 (2016 Notes)

     638        638   

7.00% Notes due May 2018

     120        120   

7.00% Notes due January 2028

     18        18   

Discount on senior notes (2)

     (60 )     (37

4.500% Senior Notes due 2022

     —          1,000   

GO Zone tax-exempt bonds (0.19% at 3/31/12)

     100        100   

Other

     136        136   

Less current debt

     (84 )     (84 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 2,136      $ 2,349  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock ($0.10 par value):

    

Class A—authorized 900 million shares; issued 322 million shares

   $ 32      $ 32   

Convertible Class B—authorized 900 million shares; issued 70 million shares

     7        7   

Capital in excess of par value

     2,266        2,266   

Retained earnings (3)

     4,094        3,990   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (40 )     (40 )

Treasury stock, at cost—26 million shares

     (453 )     (453 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Tyson shareholders’ equity

   $ 5,906      $ 5,802  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

     29        29   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 5,935      $ 5,831  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 8,071      $ 8,180  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Sch C-3


 

(1) “As adjusted” cash and cash equivalents include net proceeds from this offering, after underwriters’ discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, of $987 million reduced by $810 million to fund the repurchase of the 2014 notes and $159 million in estimated accrued interest and premium payments to the holders of the 2014 notes.
(2) “As adjusted” discount on senior notes includes a non-cash write-off of $28 million related to the repurchase of the 2014 notes and an increase of $5 million related to the difference between the public offering price and the par value of the notes offered hereby.
(3) “As adjusted” retained earnings includes $135 million of estimated premium payments and non-cash write-offs of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7 million and an unamortized debt discount of $28 million related to the repurchase of the 2014 notes, assuming a 39% tax rate.

The issuer has filed a registration statement (including prospectuses) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectuses in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling J.P. Morgan Securities LLC collect at 1-212-834-4533, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated toll-free at 1-800-294-1322, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC toll-free at 1-866-718-1649 or RBC Capital Markets, LLC toll-free at 1-866-375-6829.

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR BELOW ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

 

Sch C-4


SCHEDULE D

GENERAL USE FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS

 

1. Free Writing Prospectus dated June 6, 2012.

 

2. Final Term Sheet, a copy of which is attached in Schedule C.

 

Sch D-1


ANNEX A

GENERAL DISCLOSURE PACKAGE

 

1. The Preliminary Prospectus;

 

2. Free Writing Prospectus dated June 6, 2012; and

 

3. The Final Term Sheet.

For purposes of determining the “General Disclosure Package,” the information contained in the foregoing shall be considered together.


Exhibit A

FORM OF OPINION OF SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP

TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 5(b)(i)

 

A-1


Exhibit B

FORM OF OPINION OF COMPANY COUNSEL

TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 5(b)(ii)

 

B-1


Exhibit C

FORM OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATE

TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 5(e)

 

C-1

Exhibit 4.1

 

 

 

TYSON FOODS, INC.

as Issuer,

the Subsidiary Guarantors party hereto

AND

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

(as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.))

as Trustee

 

 

Supplemental Indenture

Dated as of June 13, 2012

Supplemental to Indenture

Dated as of June 1, 1995

 

 

4.500% Senior Notes due 2022

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     P AGE  

ARTICLE 1

  

D EFINITIONS AND O THER P ROVISIONS OF G ENERAL A PPLICATION

  

SECTION 1.01. Scope of Supplemental Indenture

     2   

SECTION 1.02. Definitions

     2   

ARTICLE 2

  

T HE S ECURITIES

  

SECTION 2.01. Title and Terms; Payments

     14   

SECTION 2.02. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes

     14   

SECTION 2.03. CUSIP Numbers

     15   

ARTICLE 3

  

R EDEMPTION

  

SECTION 3.01. Optional Redemption

     15   

SECTION 3.02. Selection and Notice of Redemption

     15   

SECTION 3.03. Mandatory Redemption or Purchase

     16   

ARTICLE 4

  

A DDITIONAL C OVENANTS

  

SECTION 4.01. Offer to Purchase Upon Change of Control Triggering Event

     16   

SECTION 4.02. Restrictions on Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets

     17   

SECTION 4.03. SEC Reports

     18   

SECTION 4.04. Compliance Certificates

     19   

ARTICLE 5

  

R EMEDIES

  

SECTION 5.01. Events of Default

     19   

SECTION 5.02. Acceleration

     20   

SECTION 5.03. Remaining Provisions

     20   

ARTICLE 6

  

S ATISFACTION AND D ISCHARGE

  

SECTION 6.01. Satisfaction and Discharge

     21   

SECTION 6.02. Legal Defeasance

     21   

SECTION 6.03. Covenant Defeasance

     21   

SECTION 6.04. Release of Subsidiary Guarantees

     21   

SECTION 6.05. Reinstatement

     21   

 

i


ARTICLE 7

  

S UPPLEMENTAL I NDENTURES

  

SECTION 7.01. Amendments or Supplements Without Consent of Holders

     21   

SECTION 7.02. Amendments, Supplements or Waivers With Consent of Holders

     22   

SECTION 7.03. Payment for Consent

     23   

ARTICLE 8

  

S UBSIDIARY G UARANTEES

  

SECTION 8.01. Guarantees

     23   

SECTION 8.02. Limitation on Liability

     25   

SECTION 8.03. Successors and Assigns

     25   

SECTION 8.04. No Waiver

     25   

SECTION 8.05. Modification

     25   

SECTION 8.06. Release of Subsidiary Guarantor

     25   

SECTION 8.07. Contribution

     26   

ARTICLE 9

  

M ISCELLANEOUS

  

SECTION 9.01. Governing Law

     26   

SECTION 9.02. Payments on Business Days

     26   

SECTION 9.03. No Security Interest Created

     26   

SECTION 9.04. Trust Indenture Act

     26   

SECTION 9.05. Notices

     27   

SECTION 9.06. Benefits of Indenture

     27   

SECTION 9.07. Successors

     27   

SECTION 9.08. Table of Contents, Headings, Etc .

     27   

SECTION 9.09. Execution in Counterparts

     27   

SECTION 9.10. Severability

     27   

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    Form of Note      A-1   

 

ii


SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of June 13, 2012, among Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), the Subsidiary Guarantors party hereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.)), as trustee (the “ Trustee ”) under the indenture dated as of June 1, 1995, between the Company and the Trustee (as amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “ Original Indenture ”).

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

WHEREAS, the Company executed and delivered the Original Indenture to the Trustee to provide, among other things, for the future issuance of the Company’s unsecured Securities from time to time in one or more series as might be determined by the Company under the Original Indenture, in an unlimited aggregate principal amount which may be authenticated and delivered as provided in the Original Indenture;

WHEREAS, Section 9.1 of the Original Indenture provides for various matters with respect to any series of Securities issued under the Original Indenture to be established in an indenture supplemental to the Original Indenture;

WHEREAS, Section 9.1(5) of the Original Indenture provides for the Company and the Trustee to enter into an indenture supplemental to the Original Indenture to establish the form or forms or terms of Securities of any series or of the coupons appertaining to such series as permitted by Section 2.3 of the Original Indenture;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has duly adopted resolutions authorizing the Company to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture;

WHEREAS, the boards of directors, managers or members, as applicable, of the Subsidiary Guarantors have duly adopted resolutions authorizing the Subsidiary Guarantors to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Original Indenture, the Company desires to provide for the establishment of a new series of its Securities to be known as its “4.500% Senior Notes due 2022” (the “ Notes ”), the form and substance of such Notes and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof to be set forth as provided in the Original Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture;

WHEREAS, the Subsidiary Guarantors are willing to provide guarantees in respect of the Notes;

WHEREAS, the Form of Note is to be substantially in the form hereinafter provided for; and


WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Trustee execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture, and all requirements necessary to make (i) this Supplemental Indenture a valid instrument in accordance with its terms, (ii) the Notes, when executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, the valid obligations of the Company, and (iii) the Guarantees, when this Supplemental Indenture is executed by the Subsidiary Guarantors, the valid obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors, have been performed, and the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized in all respects.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITNESSETH, for and in consideration of the premises and the purchases of the Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the benefit of the parties hereto and the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Notes, as follows:

ARTICLE 1

D EFINITIONS AND O THER P ROVISIONS OF G ENERAL A PPLICATION

SECTION 1.01 . Scope of Supplemental Indenture. The changes, modifications and supplements to the Original Indenture effected by this Supplemental Indenture shall be applicable only with respect to, and shall only govern the terms of, the Notes, which may be issued from time to time, and shall not apply to any other Securities that may be issued under the Original Indenture unless a supplemental indenture with respect to such other Securities specifically incorporates such changes, modifications and supplements. The provisions of this Supplemental Indenture shall supersede any corresponding provisions in the Original Indenture.

SECTION 1.02 . Definitions. For all purposes of the Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

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

(ii) all words, terms and phrases defined in the Original Indenture (but not otherwise defined herein) shall have the same meaning herein as in the Original Indenture;

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

(iv) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP; and

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

Adjusted Treasury Rate ” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.

 

2


Additional Notes ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01 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. For the purposes of this definition, “control”, when used with respect to any 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.

Agent Members ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.02 hereof.

Attributable Debt ” means, as to any particular lease under which any Person is at the time liable, other than a capital lease, and at any date as of which the amount of such lease is to be determined, the total net amount of rent required to be paid by such Person under such lease during the initial term of such lease as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, discounted from the last date of such initial term to the date of determination at a rate per annum equal to the discount rate which would be applicable to a capital lease with like term in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The net amount of rent required to be paid under any such lease for any such period shall be the aggregate amount of rent payable by the lessee with respect to such period after excluding amounts required to be paid on account of insurance, taxes, assessments, utility, operating and labor costs and similar charges. In the case of any lease which is terminable by the lessee upon the payment of a penalty, such net amount shall also include the amount of such penalty, but no rent shall be considered as required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first date upon which it may be so terminated. “Attributable Debt” means, as to a capital lease under which any Person is at the time liable and at any date as of which the amount of such lease is to be determined, the capitalized amount of such lease that would appear on the face of a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Board of Directors ” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board.

Business Day ” means each day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York or Texas.

Capital Lease Obligation ” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.

 

3


Capital Stock ” of any Person means any and all shares, interests (including partnership interests), rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

  (1) the Permitted Holders cease to be the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of a majority in the aggregate of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company, whether as a result of issuance of securities of the Company, any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or any direct or indirect transfer of securities of the Company by the Permitted Holders or otherwise (for purposes of this clause (1) and clause (2) below, the Permitted Holders shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a Person (the “specified person”) held by any other Person (the “parent entity”) so long as the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as so defined), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a majority of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the parent entity);

 

  (2) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than one or more Permitted Holders, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in clause (1) above), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company;

 

  (3) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any Person (including any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act)) other than to the Company or one of its subsidiaries;

 

  (4) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company or such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property;

 

  (5) the first day on which the majority of the members of the Board of Directors cease to be Continuing Directors; or

 

  (6) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

4


Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be considered to be a Change of Control if (i) the survivor or transferee is a Person that is controlled by the Permitted Holders or (ii) a transaction following which (A) in the case of a merger or consolidation transaction, holders of securities that represented 100% of the Voting Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction (or other securities into which such securities are converted as part of such merger or consolidation transaction) own directly or indirectly at least a majority of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person in such merger or consolidation transaction immediately after such transaction and (B) in the case of a sale of assets transaction, each transferee becomes an obligor in respect of the Notes and a Subsidiary of the transferor of such assets.

Change of Control Offer ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(b) hereof.

Change of Control Triggering Event ” means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Rating Event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Change of Control Triggering Event will be deemed to have occurred in connection with any particular Change of Control unless and until such Change of Control has actually been consummated.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Commodity Price Protection Agreement ” means, with respect to any Person, any forward contract, commodity swap, commodity option or other similar agreement or arrangement entered into with respect to fluctuations in commodity prices.

Comparable Treasury Issue ” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having an actual or interpolated maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Notes.

Comparable Treasury Price ” means, with respect to any redemption date, (i) the average of the Reference Treasury Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (ii) if the Company obtains fewer than three such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Quotations.

Continuing Director ” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors who:

 

  (1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of the Indenture; or

 

  (2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.

Credit Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 9, 2009, as amended and restated as of February 23, 2011, by and among the Company, certain of its Subsidiaries, the lenders referred to therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and Barclays Capital, as Syndication Agents, J.P.

 

5


Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Capital, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch, and CoBank, ACB, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch, and CoBank, ACB, as documentation agents, together with the related documents thereto (including any guarantees and security documents), as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time, and any agreement (and related document) governing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance, in whole or in part, the borrowings and commitments then outstanding or permitted to be outstanding thereunder or under successor Credit Agreements, whether by the same or any other lender or group of lenders.

Currency Agreement ” means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement with respect to currency values.

Default ” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

Depositary ” means The Depository Trust Company until a successor Depositary shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Indenture, and thereafter “ Depositary ” shall mean such successor Depositary.

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder) or upon the happening of any event:

 

  (1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than redeemable only for Capital Stock of such Person which is not itself Disqualified Stock) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise;

 

  (2) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock; or

 

  (3) is mandatorily redeemable or must be purchased upon the occurrence of certain events or otherwise, in whole or in part;

in each case on or prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Notes; provided, however , that any Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to purchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or “change of control” occurring prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Notes shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if:

 

  (4) the “asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are not more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the terms applicable to the Notes and described under “—Change of Control”; and

 

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  (5) any such requirement only becomes operative after compliance with such terms applicable to the Notes, including the purchase of any Notes tendered pursuant thereto.

The amount of any Disqualified Stock that does not have a fixed redemption, repayment or repurchase price will be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock as if such Disqualified Stock were redeemed, repaid or repurchased on any date on which the amount of such Disqualified Stock is to be determined pursuant to the Indenture; provided, however , that if such Disqualified Stock could not be required to be redeemed, repaid or repurchased at the time of such determination, the redemption, repayment or repurchase price will be the book value of such Disqualified Stock as reflected in the most recent financial statements of such Person.

Exchange Act ” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Excluded Transfer ” means any disposition by either New Canada Holdings, Inc. or Tyson International Holding Company of Capital Stock of any Person held by it as of the Issue Date to any “controlled foreign corporation” (as defined in the Code).

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.01 hereof.

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose determination will be conclusive and evidenced by a resolution of such Board of Directors.

Fitch ” means Fitch Ratings and its successors.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in:

 

  (1) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

 

  (2) statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board;

 

  (3) such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession; and

 

  (4) the rules and regulations of the SEC governing the inclusion of financial statements (including pro forma financial statements) in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, including opinions and pronouncements in staff accounting bulletins and similar written statements from the accounting staff of the SEC.

 

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Global Note ” means any Note that is a Registered Global Security.

Guarantee ” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such other Person:

 

  (1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or

 

  (2) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);

provided, however , that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Guarantee Agreement ” means a supplemental indenture, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, pursuant to which a Subsidiary Guarantor Guarantees the Company’s obligations with respect to the Notes on the terms provided for in the Indenture.

Guaranteed Obligations ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01 hereof.

Hedging Obligations ” of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Agreement or Commodity Price Protection Agreement.

Holder ” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

Incur ” means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):

 

  (1) the principal in respect of (A) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable, including, in each case, any premium on such indebtedness to the extent such premium has become due and payable;

 

  (2) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person and all Attributable Debt in respect of all sale and lease-back transactions entered into by such Person;

 

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  (3) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but excluding any trade accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business);

 

  (4) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, bankers’ acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations of other Persons described in clauses (1) through (3) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day following payment on the letter of credit);

 

  (5) the amount of all obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock of such Person or, with respect to any Preferred Stock of any Subsidiary of such Person that is not 100% owned by such Person, the principal amount of such Preferred Stock to be determined in accordance with the Indenture (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends);

 

  (6) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guarantee, other than endorsements of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business;

 

  (7) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) of other Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the Fair Market Value of such property or assets and the amount of the obligation so secured; and

 

  (8) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, the net obligations pursuant to any Hedging Obligations of such Person.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with the purchase by the Company or any Subsidiary of any business, the term “Indebtedness” will exclude post-closing payment adjustments to which the seller may become entitled to the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance sheet or such payment depends on the performance of such business after the closing; provided, however , that, at the time of closing, the amount of any such payment is not determinable and, to the extent such payment thereafter becomes fixed and determined, the amount is paid within 60 days thereafter.

 

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The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above; provided, however , that, in the case of Indebtedness sold at a discount, the amount of such Indebtedness at any time shall be the accreted value thereof at such time. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the term “Indebtedness” shall not include cash interest thereon.

Indenture ” means the Original Indenture, as supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this Supplemental Indenture and any such supplemental indenture, respectively.

Initial Notes ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01 hereof.

Interest Payment Date ” means, with respect to the payment of interest on the Notes, each June 15 and December 15 of each year.

Interest Rate Agreement ” means any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement or other financial agreement or arrangement with respect to exposure to interest rates.

Investment Grade ” means a rating of Baa3 or better by Moody’s (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of Moody’s), a rating of BBB- or better by S&P (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of S&P) and a rating of BBB- or better by Fitch (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of Fitch) and the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any replacement rating agency or rating agencies selected by the Company under the circumstances permitting it to select a replacement rating agency and in the manner for selecting a replacement rating agency, in each case as set forth in the definition of “Rating Agencies.”

Issue Date ” means June 13, 2012.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof).

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., a subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation, and its successors.

Note ” or “ Notes ” has the meaning specified in the sixth paragraph of the recitals of this Supplemental Indenture, and shall include any Additional Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.

Officer ” means the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company.

 

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Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by two Officers.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee.

Original Indenture ” has the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this Supplemental Indenture.

Paying Agent ” means any Person (including the Company) authorized by the Company to pay the principal amount of or interest on any Notes on behalf of the Company. The Paying Agent shall initially be the Trustee.

Permitted Holders ” means (1) Mr. Don Tyson, (2) “members of the same family” of Mr. Don Tyson as defined in Section 447(e) of the Code and (3) any entity (including, but not limited to, any partnership, corporation, trust or limited liability company) in which one or more individuals described in clauses (1) and (2) hereof possess over 50% of the voting power or beneficial interests.

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

Preferred Stock ”, as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

principal ” of a note means the principal of the note plus the premium, if any, payable on the note which is due or overdue or is to become due at the relevant time.

Prospectus Supplement ” means the final prospectus supplement related to the offering and sale of the Notes dated June 6, 2012 and filed by the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors with the SEC on June 8, 2012.

Quotation Agent ” means the Reference Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.

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

Rating Event ” means, with respect to the Notes, (i) the rating of such Notes is lowered by two of the three Rating Agencies on any day during the period (the “Trigger Period”) commencing on the earlier of (a) the occurrence of a Change of Control and (b) the first public

 

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

Reference Treasury Dealer ” means any of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC and their respective successors. However, if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”), the Company shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.

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

Refinance ” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness. “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

Record Date ” means, with respect to the payment of interest on the Notes, the June 1 (whether or not a Business Day) immediately preceding an Interest Payment Date on June 15 and the December 1 (whether or not a Business Day) immediately preceding an Interest Payment Date on December 15.

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and its successors.

SEC ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

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Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

Stated Maturity ” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency unless such contingency has occurred).

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by:

 

  (1) such Person;

 

  (2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person; or

 

  (3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

Subsidiary Guarantee ” means a Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Company’s obligations with respect to the Notes.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” means each Subsidiary of the Company that executes this Supplemental Indenture as a guarantor on the Issue Date and each other Subsidiary of the Company that thereafter Guarantees the Notes pursuant to the terms of this Supplemental Indenture.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as in effect on the Issue Date.

U.S. ” means the United States of America.

U.S. Government Obligations ” means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable at the issuer’s option.

Voting Stock ” of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof.

 

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ARTICLE 2

T HE S ECURITIES

SECTION 2.01 . Title and Terms; Payments. There is hereby authorized a series of Securities designated the “4.500% Senior Notes due 2022” initially limited in aggregate principal amount to $1,000,000,000, which amount shall be as set forth in any written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of Notes pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Original Indenture.

The principal amount of Notes then outstanding shall be payable at Stated Maturity.

The Company may, without the consent of the Holders of the Notes, hereafter issue additional Notes (“ Additional Notes ”) under the Indenture with the same terms and with the same CUSIP numbers as the Notes issued on the date of this Supplemental Indenture (the “ Initial Notes ”) in an unlimited aggregate principal amount; provided that such Additional Notes must be part of the same issue as the Initial Notes for federal income tax purposes. Any such Additional Notes shall constitute a single series together with the Initial Notes for all purposes hereunder, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments and offers to purchase, provided that if any such Additional Notes are not fungible with the Initial Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such Additional Notes shall have a separate CUSIP number.

The Form of Note shall be substantially as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, which is incorporated into and shall be deemed a part of this Supplemental Indenture, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by the Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers of the Company executing such Notes, as evidenced by their execution of the Notes.

The Company shall pay principal of and interest on any Global Note in immediately available funds to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered Holder of such Global Note. The Company shall pay principal of any Notes (other than Notes that are Global Notes) at the office or agency designated by the Company for that purpose. The Company has initially designated the Trustee as its Paying Agent and Registrar in respect of the Notes and its agency in New York, New York as a place where Notes may be presented for payment or for registration of transfer. The Company may, however, change the Paying Agent or Registrar for the Notes without prior notice to the Holders thereof, and the Company may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

SECTION 2.02 . Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes. The Notes initially shall be issued in the form of one or more Global Notes (i) registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depositary, and (ii) delivered to the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary.

 

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Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“ Agent Members ”) shall have no rights under this Supplemental Indenture or the Original Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Trustee as its custodian, or under the Global Note, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of any Holder.

SECTION 2.03 . CUSIP Numbers. In issuing the Notes, the Company may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders of the Notes; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers as printed on the Notes and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.

ARTICLE 3

R EDEMPTION

SECTION 3.01 . Optional Redemption. The Company may redeem the Notes in accordance with Article 3 of the Base Indenture, in whole or in part, at any time

 

  (a) prior to March 15, 2022 at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

(i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption, or

(ii) the sum of the remaining scheduled payments of principal of and interest on the Notes being redeemed (not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of the date fixed for redemption), discounted to its present value as of the date fixed for redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, as determined by the Quotation Agent, plus 45 basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, or

(b) on or after March 15, 2022, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption.

SECTION 3.02. Selection and Notice of Redemption . If the Company redeems less than all the Notes at any time, the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed as follows:

(a) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of such national securities exchange; or

(b) if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee will deem fair and appropriate.

 

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The Company shall redeem Notes of $2,000 or less in whole and not in part. The Company shall cause notices of redemption to be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address.

SECTION 3.03. Mandatory Redemption or Purchase . The Company shall not be obligated to redeem or purchase the Notes pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision, or at the option of any Holder thereof, except as provided in Section 4.01 hereof.

ARTICLE 4

A DDITIONAL C OVENANTS

SECTION 4.01 . Offer to Purchase Upon Change of Control Triggering Event. (a): Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event, each Holder shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

(b) Within 30 days following the date upon which any Change of Control Triggering Event shall have occurred, the Company shall mail a notice by first-class mail to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) or, at the Company’s option, prior to any Change of Control but after the public announcement of the pending Change of Control, stating:

(i) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date);

(ii) the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed); and

(iii) the instructions, as determined by the Company, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.

(c) The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements herein applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and the third party purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

 

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(d) A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement has been entered into with respect to such Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

(e) The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Offer provisions contained in this Article 4, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Change of Control Offer provisions contained in this Article 4 by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

SECTION 4.02 . Restrictions on Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets. (a): The Company will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless:

(i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Company (if not the Company) shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture;

(ii) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(iii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the Indenture.

For purposes of this Section 4.02, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Company, which properties and assets, if held by the Company instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.

The Successor Company will be the successor to the Company and shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture, and the predecessor Company, except in the case of a lease, shall be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes.

 

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(b) The Company will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of its assets to any Person (other than any Excluded Transfer) unless:

(i) except in the case of a Subsidiary Guarantor (x) that has been disposed of in its entirety to another Person (other than to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company), whether through a merger, consolidation or sale of Capital Stock or sale of all or substantially all assets or (y) that, as a result of the disposition of all or a portion of its Capital Stock, ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if not such Subsidiary) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction under which such Subsidiary was organized or under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and such Person (unless such Person is a Subsidiary Guarantor) shall expressly assume, by a Guarantee Agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of such Subsidiary, if any, under its Subsidiary Guarantee;

(ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or transactions on a pro forma basis, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(iii) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such Guarantee Agreement, if any, complies with the Indenture.

SECTION 4.03. SEC Reports . Notwithstanding Section 4.6(d) of the Original Indenture, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 15 days after the same is required to be filed with the SEC, copies of the quarterly and annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports, if any, that the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (giving effect to any grace period provided by Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act), and the Company shall otherwise comply with the requirements of Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a). Any quarterly or annual report or other information, document or other report that the Company files with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on the SEC’s EDGAR system (or any successor thereto) or any other publicly available database maintained by the SEC shall be deemed to constitute delivery of such filing to the Trustee.

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 or any Subsidiary Guarantor’s compliance with any of their covenants under the Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

 

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SECTION 4.04. Compliance Certificates . The Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an Officers’ Certificate stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signers know of any Default that occurred during such period. If they do, the certificate shall describe the Default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

ARTICLE 5

R EMEDIES

SECTION 5.01 . Events of Default. In addition to the Events of Default specified in Sections 6.1(a) and 6.1(b) of the Original Indenture, with respect to the Notes each of the following events shall be an “ Event of Default ” wherever used herein:

(a) the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor fails to comply with Section 4.02 hereof;

(b) the Company fails to comply with Section 4.3 and 4.4 of the Original Indenture, Section 4.01 hereof (other than a failure to purchase Notes when required) and such failure continues for 30 days after the notice specified below;

(c) the Company fails to comply with Section 4.03 hereof or any of its other agreements contained in the Indenture (other than those referred to in clause (a) or (b) above) and such failure continues for 60 days after the notice specified below;

(d) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Company, a Guarantor or a Significant Subsidiary of the Company with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 60 days; or an order for relief shall be entered against the Company, a Guarantor or a Significant Subsidiary of the Company under the federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect;

(e) the Company, a Guarantor or a Significant Subsidiary of the Company (A) commences a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consents to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, (B) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company, a Guarantor or a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or for all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company, a Guarantor or a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or (C) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors; and

 

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(f) a Subsidiary Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary (or the Subsidiary Guarantees of any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Subsidiary Guarantee) or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee other than by reason of the termination of the Indenture or the release of any such Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture.

The foregoing will constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is 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 Default under clauses (b) or (c) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Company of the Default and the Company does not cure such Default within the time specified after receipt of such notice. Such notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a “Notice of Default”.

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an Officers’ Certificate of any event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time would become an Event of Default under clauses (b), (c) or (d), its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 5.02. Acceleration . If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 5.01(d) or Section 5.01(e) hereof with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in Section 5.01(d) or Section 5.01(e) hereof with respect to the Company occurs, the principal of and interest on all the Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes by notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree, if all amounts owed to the Trustee in connection with such Event of Default have been paid and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of acceleration. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

SECTION 5.03 . Remaining Provisions. Other than as provided in Section 5.01 and Section 5.02 hereof, the provisions of Article 6 of the Original Indenture shall govern with respect to Defaults and related remedies.

 

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ARTICLE 6

S ATISFACTION AND D ISCHARGE

SECTION 6.01 . Satisfaction and Discharge. Other than as provided in Section 6.02 and Section 6.03 hereof, the provisions of Article 8 of the Original Indenture shall govern satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture.

SECTION 6.02. Legal Defeasance . Notwithstanding Section 8.2(D)(1) of the Original Indenture, the requirement under such Section shall be that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (B) since the date of this Supplemental Indenture there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred.

SECTION 6.03. Covenant Defeasance . In addition to the certain covenants specified in Section 8.3 of the Original Indenture (being Sections 4.3 and 4.4 of the Original Indenture), the Company may also omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 4.01 and Section 4.03 hereof and the operation of clauses (d) and (e) of Section 5.01 hereof with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries and Subsidiary Guarantors, and in each case such omission shall not be deemed to be an Event of Default under clauses (b), (c), (d) or (e) of Section 5.01 hereof with respect to the Notes if the conditions of Section 8.3 of the Original Indenture are complied with.

SECTION 6.04. Release of Subsidiary Guarantees . If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option pursuant to this Article 6 and Article 8 of the Original Indenture, each Subsidiary Guarantor, if any, shall be released from all its obligations with respect to its Subsidiary Guarantee.

SECTION 6.05. Reinstatement . Section 8.6 of the Original Indenture shall apply to the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations under the Indenture and the Subsidiary Guarantees, in addition to the Company’s obligations under the Indenture and the Notes.

ARTICLE 7

S UPPLEMENTAL I NDENTURES

SECTION 7.01 . Amendments or Supplements Without Consent of Holders . In addition to any permitted amendment or supplement to the Indenture pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Original Indenture, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes without notice to or the consent of any Holder of the Notes:

 

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(a) to comply with Section 4.02 hereof;

(b) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; provided that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code;

(c) to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes, including any Subsidiary Guarantees, or to secure the Notes;

(d) to add to the covenants of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(e) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture as of the Issue Date;

(f) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee to the section entitled “Description of the Notes” as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, to the extent that such provision was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantee; or

(g) to make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of the Notes; provided, however, that (a) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in the Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (b) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer the Notes.

SECTION 7.02. Amendments, Supplements or Waivers With Consent of Holders. Subject to Section 6.4, Section 6.7 and Section 9.2 of the Original Indenture and to the second sentence of this Section 7.02, but notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.2 of the Original Indenture to the contrary, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may only amend the Indenture, with respect to the Notes, and the Notes with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), and only the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by written notice to the Trustee may waive future compliance by the Company with any provision of the Indenture, with respect to the Notes, or the Notes (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes). Notwithstanding the foregoing provision and in addition to the provisions of the second paragraph of Section 9.2 of the Original Indenture, without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected thereby, an amendment or waiver, including a waiver in relation to a past Event of Default, may not:

 

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(a) change the provisions applicable to the redemption of any Note contained in Article 3 hereto or in the Notes; or

(b) make any change in, or release other than in accordance with the Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee that would adversely affect the Holders.

SECTION 7.03. Payment for Consent . Neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to all Holders and is paid to all Holders that so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

ARTICLE 8

S UBSIDIARY G UARANTEES

SECTION 8.01 . Guarantees. Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, jointly and severally, to each Holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns (a) the full and punctual payment of principal of and interest on the Notes when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, and all other monetary obligations of the Company under the Indenture and the Notes and (b) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Company under the Indenture and the Notes (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from such Subsidiary Guarantor and that such Subsidiary Guarantor will remain bound under this Article 8 notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.

Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Company of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives notice of any default under the Notes or the Guaranteed Obligations. The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (1) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Company or any other Person (including any Subsidiary Guarantor) under the Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (2) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (3) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (4) the release of any security held by any Holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; (5) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (6) except as set forth in Section 8.06 hereof, any change in the ownership of such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

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Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Subsidiary Guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment, performance and compliance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.

Except as expressly set forth in Section 6.04, Section 8.02 and Section 8.06 hereof, the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under the Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the obligations, or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Subsidiary Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Subsidiary Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.

Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or otherwise.

In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder or the Trustee has at law or in equity against any Subsidiary Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Company to pay the principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Guaranteed Obligation, each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holders or the Trustee an amount equal to the sum of (A) the unpaid amount of such Guaranteed Obligations, (B) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) and (C) all other monetary Guaranteed Obligations of the Company to the Holders and the Trustee.

Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations may be accelerated as provided in Article 5 hereof for the purposes of such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Subsidiary Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Article 5 hereof, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Subsidiary Guarantor for the purposes of this Section.

 

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Each Subsidiary Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) Incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section.

SECTION 8.02. Limitation on Liability . Any term or provision of the Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereunder by any Subsidiary Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby Guaranteed without rendering the Indenture, as it relates to such Subsidiary Guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

SECTION 8.03. Successors and Assigns . This Article 8 shall be binding upon each Subsidiary Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in the Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture.

SECTION 8.04. No Waiver . Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article 8 shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article 8 at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

SECTION 8.05. Modification . No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article 8, nor the consent to any departure by any Subsidiary Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any Subsidiary Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Subsidiary Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

SECTION 8.06. Release of Subsidiary Guarantor . A Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from its obligations under this Article 8 (other than any obligation that may have arisen under Section 8.07 hereof):

(a) upon the sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of such Subsidiary Guarantor, including the sale or disposition of Capital Stock of such Subsidiary Guarantor following which such Subsidiary Guarantor is no longer a Subsidiary of the Company,

(b) upon the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor,

 

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(c) upon the release or discharge of all Guarantees and Indebtedness, as applicable, of such Subsidiary Guarantor outstanding as of the Issue Date (i) under the Credit Agreement and (ii) in relation to any Indebtedness of the Company,

(d) upon defeasance of the Notes pursuant to Article 6 hereof and Article 8 of the Original Indenture, or

(e) upon the full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under the Indenture;

provided, however, that in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above, (i) such sale or other disposition is made to a Person other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company and (ii) such sale or disposition is otherwise permitted by the Indenture.

At the request of the Company, the Trustee shall execute and deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing such release.

SECTION 8.07. Contribution . Each Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a payment under its Subsidiary Guarantee shall be entitled upon payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations under the Indenture to a contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Subsidiary Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Subsidiary Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

ARTICLE 9

M ISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01 . Governing Law. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE AND EACH OF THE NOTES AND SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES.

SECTION 9.02 . Payments on Business Days. If any Interest Payment Date or the Stated Maturity of the Notes or any earlier required repurchase date would fall on a day that is not a Business Day, the required payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and no interest on such payment shall accrue in respect of the delay.

SECTION 9.03 . No Security Interest Created. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes, expressed or implied, shall be construed to constitute a security interest under the Uniform Commercial Code or similar legislation, as now or hereafter enacted and in effect, in any jurisdiction.

SECTION 9.04 . Trust Indenture Act. This Supplemental Indenture is hereby made subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof or the Original Indenture that is required to be included in an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control.

 

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SECTION 9.05 . Notices. The addresses for notice in Section 10.2 of the Original Indenture shall be deemed to be as follows:

if to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor:

Tyson Foods, Inc.

2200 Don Tyson Parkway

Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

if to the Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

601 Travis Street, 16th Floor

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: Corporate Trust Services, re: Tyson Foods, Inc.

The Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

SECTION 9.06 . Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes, expressed or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Paying Agent, any authenticating agent, any Registrar and their successors hereunder or the Holders of the Notes, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Supplemental Indenture.

SECTION 9.07 . Successors. All agreements of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor in the Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in the Indenture shall bind its successors.

SECTION 9.08 . Table of Contents, Headings, Etc . The table of contents and the titles and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Supplemental Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof, and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

SECTION 9.09 . Execution in Counterparts. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

SECTION 9.10 . Severability. In the event any provision of this Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, then (to the extent permitted by law) the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

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SECTION 9.11. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which are made solely by the Company.

[Remainder of the page intentionally left blank]

 

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

 

TYSON FOODS, INC.
By    /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

CAROLINA BRAND FOODS, LLC, by its member, Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats, Inc.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

CBFA MANAGEMENT CORP.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

COBB-VANTRESS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

DFG FOODS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

DFG FOODS, L.L.C.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

FOODBRANDS AMERICA, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

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FOODBRANDS SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

GLOBAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

HUDSON MIDWEST FOODS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

IBP FOODSERVICE, L.L.C., by its members, Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. and IBP Caribbean, Inc.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

IBP REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

MADISON FOODS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

NATIONAL COMP CARE INC.

By    /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

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NEW CANADA HOLDINGS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

OAKLAWN CAPITAL CORPORATION

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

PBX, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

RURAL ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TEXAS TRANSFER, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

THE BRUSS COMPANY

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

THE IBP FOODS CO.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

THE PORK GROUP, INC.

By    /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

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TYNET CORPORATION

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON BREEDERS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON CHICKEN, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON DELI, INC.

By    /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON FARMS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON FRESH MEATS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON HOG MARKETS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON INTERNATIONAL HOLDING COMPANY

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

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TYSON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CENTER INC. ASIA

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CENTER INC. EUROPE

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CENTER, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON MEXICAN ORIGINAL, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON OF WISCONSIN, LLC

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON PET PRODUCTS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON POULTRY, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

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TYSON PREPARED FOODS, INC.

By    /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON PROCESSING SERVICES, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON RECEIVABLES CORPORATION

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON REFRIGERATED PROCESSED MEATS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON SALES AND DISTRIBUTION, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON SERVICE CENTER CORP.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

TYSON SHARED SERVICES, INC.

By    /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

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WBA ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

WILTON FOODS, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

ZEMCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

By   /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

CENTRAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

By    /s/ Rodney Tademy
  Name: Rodney Tademy
  Title: Assistant Treasurer

[ Trustee Signature Follows ]

 

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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee

By:    /s/ Julie Hoffman-Ramos
  Name: Julie Hoffman-Ramos
  Title: Vice President

 

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EXHIBIT A

[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]

THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE 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 NOTE IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE 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) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

 

A-1


TYSON FOODS, INC.

4.500% Senior Note due 2022

 

No. [            ]

   Initially $[                    ]

CUSIP No. 902494 AT0

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (herein called the “ Company ”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay CEDE & CO., or registered assigns,                     Dollars ($                    ) (or such lesser principal amount as shall be specified in the “Schedule of Exchanges of Securities” attached hereto) on June 15, 2022, and to pay interest thereon as set forth in the manner, at the rates and to the Persons set forth in the Indenture.

This Note shall bear interest at a rate of 4.500% per annum from June 13, 2012 or from the most recent date to which interest had been paid or provided to, but excluding, the next scheduled Interest Payment Date, until the principal hereof shall be repaid. Interest on this Note will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15, commencing on December 15, 2012, to the Person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor securities) is registered at the close of business on the Record Date for such interest.

The Company shall pay principal of and interest on this Note, so long as such Note is a Global Note, in immediately available funds to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered Holder of such Note. The Company shall pay principal of any Notes (other than Notes that are Global Notes) at the office or agency designated by the Company for that purpose. The Company has initially designated the Trustee as its Paying Agent and Registrar in respect of the Notes and its agency in New York, New York as a place where Notes may be presented for payment or for registration of transfer. The Company may, however, change the Paying Agent or Registrar for the Notes without prior notice to the Holders thereof, and the Company may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

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

In the case of any conflict between this Note and the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall control. This Note, for all purposes, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

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

 

A-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, TYSON FOODS, INC. has caused this instrument to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officers.

Dated: June 13, 2012

 

TYSON FOODS, INC.

By:

   
 

Name:

 

Title:

By:

   
 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Attest:
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

A-3


CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

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

Dated: June 13, 2012

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee

By:

   
 

Name:

 

Title:

 

A-4


[FORM OF REVERSE OF NOTE]

TYSON FOODS, INC.

4.500% Senior Note due 2022

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities of the Company (herein called the “ Notes ”), issued under an Indenture dated as of June 1, 1995 (herein called the “ Original Indenture ”) by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.)), herein called the “ Trustee ”, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 13, 2012 (herein called the “ Supplemental Indenture ” and the Original Indenture, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture, the “ Indenture ”) by and between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and the Trustee, and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes and of the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. Additional Notes may be issued in an unlimited aggregate principal amount, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture.

The payment by the Company of the principal of, and premium and interest on, the Notes is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior basis by each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to the extent set forth in the Indenture.

The Company may redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at any time (a) prior to March 15, 2022 at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption, or (ii) the sum of the remaining scheduled payments of principal of and interest on the Notes being redeemed (not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of the date fixed for redemption), discounted to its present value as of the date fixed for redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate (as defined in the Supplemental Indenture), as determined by the Quotation Agent (as defined in the Supplemental Indenture), plus 45 basis points, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, or (b) on or after March 15, 2022, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption.

If a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Supplemental Indenture) occurs, unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Securities, Holders of the Securities will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their Securities pursuant to the offer described in the Supplemental Indenture at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Securities on the relevant Interest Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

 

A-5


Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time shall be entitled to terminate certain of its obligations under the Notes and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (a) the Indenture and the Securities may be amended with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount outstanding of the Notes and (b) any default or noncompliance with any provision may be waived with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount outstanding of the Notes. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any Holder, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee shall be entitled to amend the Indenture or the Notes to: cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; comply with Section 4.02 of the Supplemental Indenture; provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; add guarantees with respect to the Notes, including Subsidiary Guarantees, or secure the Notes; add additional covenants or surrender rights and powers conferred on the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors; comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with qualifying the Indenture under the Act; make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder; provide for the issuance of Additional Notes; evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor Trustee; conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee to any provision under the heading “Description of the Notes” in the Prospectus Supplement; or make amendments to provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of the Notes.

Under the Indenture, Events of Default include (a) default for 30 days in payment of interest on the Notes; (b) default in payment of principal on the Notes at maturity, upon optional redemption of the Notes, upon acceleration or otherwise, or failure by the Company to redeem or purchase Notes when required; (c) failure by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply with other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes, in certain cases subject to notice and lapse of time; (d) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Significant Subsidiaries; and (e) certain defaults with respect to Subsidiary Guarantees. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency are Events of Default which will result in the Notes being due and payable immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.

Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may refuse to enforce the Indenture or the Notes unless it receives indemnity or security satisfactory to it. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default (except a Default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) if it determines in good faith that withholding notice is not opposed to the interests of the Holders.

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

 

A-6


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

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

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

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

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

 

A-7


ABBREVIATIONS

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

 

TEN COM—as tenants in common

   UNIF GIFT MIN ACT   
      Custodian
  

 

  
   (Cust)   

TEN ENT—as tenants by the entireties

     
  

 

  
   (Minor)   

JT TEN—as joint tenants with right of

survivorship and not as tenants in common                         Uniform Gifts to Minors Act                     (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used

though not in the above list.

 

A-8


SCHEDULE A

SCHEDULES OF EXCHANGES OF SECURITIES

TYSON FOODS, INC.

4.500% Senior Notes due 2022

The initial principal amount of this Registered Global Security is                     ($                    ). The following, exchanges, purchases or conversions of a part of this Registered Global Security have been made:

 

Date of

Exchange

   Amount of decrease in
principal amount of this
Registered Global Security
   Amount of increase in
principal amount of this
Registered Global Security
   Principal amount of this
Registered Global Security
following such decrease or
increase
  

Signature of

authorized signatory

of Trustee or

Custodian

 

A-9

Exhibit 5.1

 

LOGO

 

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP

ONE SOUTH DEARBORN STREET      

CHICAGO, IL 60603

(312) 853 7000

(312) 853 7036 FAX

  BEIJING

BRUSSELS

CHICAGO

DALLAS

FRANKFURT

GENEVA

HONG KONG

HOUSTON

LONDON

   LOS ANGELES

NEW YORK

PALO ALTO

SAN FRANCISCO

SHANGHAI

SINGAPORE

SYDNEY

TOKYO

WASHINGTON, D.C.

 
    FOUNDED 1866

June 13, 2012

Tyson Foods, Inc.

2200 Don Tyson Parkway

Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999

Re:

Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-181918 (the “ Registration Statement ”) filed by Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and certain subsidiaries of the Company set forth in the Registration Statement (collectively, the “ Subsidiary Guarantors ” and, together with the Company, the “ Obligors ”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), which Registration Statement became effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Statement, (i) the Company is issuing $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “ Notes ”); and (ii) the Subsidiary Guarantors are providing guarantees of the Notes (the “ Guarantees ” and, together with the Notes, the “ Securities ”). The Securities are being issued under an Indenture dated as of June 1, 1995 (the “ Base Indenture ”) between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as successor trustee (the “ Trustee ”) to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.), the original trustee, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture dated June 13, 2012 (the “ Supplemental Indenture ”) among the Obligors and the Trustee. The Base Indenture as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture is hereinafter referred to as the “ Indenture .” The Securities are to be sold by the Obligors pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated June 6, 2012 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) among the Obligors and the Underwriters named therein. We refer herein to the Subsidiary Guarantors listed on Annex 1 hereto, each of which is formed or organized under the laws of the States of Delaware, Illinois, New York or Texas, as the “ Specified Subsidiary Guarantors .”

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

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


LOGO

June 13, 2012

Page 2

 

We have examined the Registration Statement, the Indenture, the Underwriting Agreement, the resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) relating to the Registration Statement, the Indenture, the Underwriting Agreement and the issuance of the Notes by the Company and resolutions of the board of directors or managers or sole member, as applicable, of each of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantors relating to the Registration Statement, the Supplemental Indenture, the Underwriting Agreement and the creation and issuance of the Guarantee by such Specified Subsidiary Guarantor. We have also examined originals, or copies of originals certified to our satisfaction, of such agreements, documents, certificates and statements of the Company and the Specified Subsidiary Guarantors and other corporate or limited liability company documents and instruments, and have examined such questions of law, as we have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion letter. We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all persons and the conformity with the original documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for examination. As to facts relevant to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied without independent investigation or verification upon, and assumed the accuracy and completeness of, certificates, letters and oral and written statements and representations of public officials and officers and other representatives of the Company and the Specified Subsidiary Guarantors.

Based on and subject to the foregoing and the other limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

  1. The Notes will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company when the Notes are duly executed by duly authorized officers of the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee, all in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and delivered to the purchasers thereof against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement.

 

  2. The Guarantee by each Subsidiary Guarantor will constitute the valid and binding obligation of such Subsidiary Guarantor when the Notes are duly executed by duly authorized officers of the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee, all in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and delivered to the purchasers thereof against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement.

With respect to each instrument or agreement referred to in or otherwise relevant to the opinions set forth herein (each, an “ Instrument ”), we have assumed, to the extent relevant to the opinions set forth herein, that (i) each party to such Instrument (if not a natural person) was duly organized or formed, as the case may be, and was at all relevant times and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may


LOGO

June 13, 2012

Page 3

 

be, and had at all relevant times and has full right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under such Instrument; (ii) such Instrument has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each party thereto; and (iii) such Instrument was at all relevant times and is a valid, binding and enforceable agreement or obligation, as the case may be, of, each party thereto; provided that (x) we make no such assumption in clause (i) and (ii) insofar as it relates to the Company or any Specified Subsidiary Guarantor (except as otherwise set forth herein) and (y) we make no such assumption in clause (iii) insofar as it relates to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor and is expressly covered by our opinions set forth herein.

Our opinion is subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including concepts of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief. Our opinion is also subject to (i) provisions of law which may require that a judgment for money damages rendered by a court in the United States of America be expressed only in United States dollars, (ii) requirements that a claim with respect to any Notes or other obligations that are denominated or payable other than in United States dollars (or a judgment denominated or payable other than in United States dollars in respect of such claim) be converted into United States dollars at a rate of exchange prevailing on a date determined pursuant to applicable law and (iii) governmental authority to limit, delay or prohibit the making of payments outside of the United States of America or in a foreign currency.

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

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act .

Very truly yours,

/s/ Sidley Austin LLP


Annex 1

Specified Subsidiary Guarantors

 

1. Texas Transfer, Inc.
2. The Bruss Company
3. Wilton Foods, Inc.
4. CBFA Management Corp.
5. Cobb-Vantress, Inc.
6. DFG Foods, Inc.
7. Foodbrands America, Inc.
8. Foodbrands Supply Chain Services, Inc.
9. Global Employment Services, Inc.
10. IBP Foodservice, L.L.C.
11. Madison Foods, Inc.
12. National Comp Care Inc.
13. New Canada Holdings, Inc.
14. Oaklawn Capital Corporation
15. PBX, inc.
16. Rural Energy Systems, Inc.
17. The IBP Foods Co.
18. The Pork Group, Inc.
19. TyNet Corporation
20. Tyson Breeders, Inc.
21. Tyson Chicken, Inc.
22. Tyson Deli, Inc.
23. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.
24. Tyson Hog Markets, Inc.
25. Tyson International Holding Company
26. Tyson International Service Center, Inc.
27. Tyson International Service Center, Inc. Asia
28. Tyson International Service Center, Inc. Europe
29. Tyson Mexican Original, Inc.
30. Tyson of Wisconsin, LLC
31. Tyson Pet Products, Inc.
32. Tyson Poultry, Inc.
33. Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc.
34. Tyson Processing Services, Inc.
35. Tyson Receivables Corporation
36. Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats, Inc.
37. Tyson Sales and Distribution, Inc.
38. Tyson Service Center Corp.
39. Tyson Shared Services, Inc.
40. WBA Analytical Laboratories, Inc.
41. Zemco Industries, Inc.

Annex 1-1

Exhibit 5.2

 

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

   Walter S. Weems    The Pinnacle Building, Suite 100    Post Office Drawer 119
      190 East Capitol Street    Jackson, Mississippi 39205
   E-mail: wweems@brunini.com    Jackson, Mississippi 39201   
   Direct: 601.960.6863    Telephone: 601.948.3101    Facsimile: 601.960.6902

June 13, 2012

Tyson Foods, Inc.

2200 Don Tyson Parkway

Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999

 

  Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as Mississippi counsel to Central Industries, Inc., a Mississippi corporation (the “Guarantor”), in connection with the filing by Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantor and other subsidiaries of the Company of a registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to (i) the registration of certain notes to be issued by the Company (the “Notes”) and (ii) guarantees that may be issued by the Company’s subsidiaries, including the Guarantor (the guarantee to be issued by the Guarantor, the “Guarantee,” and together with the Notes, the “Securities”). The Securities are to be issued under the Indenture dated as of June 1, 1995 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (the “Trustee”) to JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.), the original trustee, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture dated June 13, 2012 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantor, others of the Company’s subsidiaries, and the Trustee.

In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied upon (i) a copy of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Guarantor filed February 24, 2009, in the office of the Mississippi Secretary of State obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of Sate’s website; (ii) a copy of the Bylaws of the Guarantor delivered to us by the Company; (iii) a Certificate of Existence of the Guarantor dated June 5, 2012, issued by the Mississippi Secretary of State (the “Certificate of Existence”); and (iv) a copy of Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor relating to, among other things, the Registration Statement and the Supplemental Indenture, delivered to us by the Company. In such review, we have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, and the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies.

Based on the foregoing and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

  1. The Guarantor is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of Mississippi.


Tyson Foods, Inc.

June 13, 2012

Page 2

 

  2. The Guarantor has the corporate power and authority to authorize the issuance of the Guarantee and performance by the Guarantor of the Supplemental Indenture.

 

  3. The execution, delivery, and performance by the Guarantor of the Supplemental Indenture and the creation and issuance of the Guarantee have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Guarantor.

The opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the state of Mississippi in effect on the date hereof, and we express no opinion herein as to the laws of any other jurisdiction. Our opinion set forth in paragraph 1 above is based solely upon the Certificate of Existence.

This opinion is limited to the matters set forth herein, and no opinion may be inferred or implied beyond the matters expressly contained herein. This opinion is being provided solely for the benefit of the addressee hereof in connection with the Registration Statement relating to the registration of the Debt Securities and the Guarantee. This opinion may not be used or relied upon for any other purpose, relied upon by any other party, or filed with or disclosed to any governmental authority without our prior written consent.

We hereby consent to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement and to the filing of a copy of this opinion as an exhibit thereto. In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

Sincerely,

/s/ Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC

WSW/vw

Exhibit 5.3

 

LOGO

June 13, 2012

Tyson Foods, Inc.

2200 Don Tyson Parkway

Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999

 

  Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 File No. 333-181918 (the “ Registration Statement ”) being filed by Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and certain subsidiaries of the Company set forth in the Registration Statement (collectively, the “ Subsidiary Guarantors ” and, together with the Company, the “ Obligors ”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), which Registration Statement became effective upon filing pursuant to Section 462(e) and the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Statement: (i) the Company is issuing $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “ Notes ”) and (ii) the Subsidiary Guarantors are providing guarantees of the Notes (the “ Guarantees ” and, together with the Debt Securities, the “ Securities ”). The Securities are to be issued under the Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1995 (the “ Base Indenture ”), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (the “ Trustee ”), to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.), the original trustee, to be supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture to be dated June 13, 2012 (the “ Supplemental Indenture ”) among the Obligors and the Trustee. We have acted solely as Oklahoma counsel for DFG Foods, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company (the “ Oklahoma Guarantor ”), one of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

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

We have reviewed the following documents:

(i) the Registration Statement,


(ii) Certified transcript of the documents on file with the Oklahoma Secretary of State for the Oklahoma Guarantor, including the Articles of Organization of the Oklahoma Guarantor, dated June 4, 2012;

(iii) Certificate of Good Standing for the Oklahoma Guarantor issued by the Oklahoma Secretary of State dated June 4, 2012;

(iv) Operating Agreement of the Oklahoma Guarantor dated October 13, 1998;

(v) Action by Written Consent of the members of the Oklahoma Guarantor adopting resolutions relating to the Registration Statement, a supplemental indenture to the Indenture relating to the Guarantee of the Oklahoma Guarantor and the creation and issuance of the Guarantee by the Oklahoma Guarantor of any series of Debt Securities dated June 5, 2012; and

(vi) Assistant Secretary’s Certificate of the Oklahoma Guarantor dated June 5, 2012.

We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all persons and the conformity with the original documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for examination. As to facts relevant to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied without independent investigation or verification upon, and assumed the accuracy and completeness of, certificates, letters and oral and written statements and representations of public officials and officers and other representatives of the Company and the Oklahoma Guarantor.

Based on and subject to the foregoing and the other limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

  1. Oklahoma Guarantor is a limited liability company validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.

 

  2. The Oklahoma Guarantor has the requisite limited liability company power and authority to authorize the issuance of the Guarantee by the Oklahoma Guarantor and performance by the Oklahoma Guarantor of the Supplemental Indenture.

 

  3. The execution, delivery and performance of the Supplemental Indenture and the creation and issuance of the Guarantee by the Oklahoma Guarantor have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action by the Oklahoma Guarantor.

For the purposes of this opinion letter, the following assumptions, qualifications and limitations are applicable:

 

  a) The opinions in paragraph 1 above are based solely on our review of the documents described in paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above;

 

  b) the authorization by the Oklahoma Guarantor of the transactions described above and the instruments, agreements and other documents entered into or to be entered into by the Oklahoma Guarantor as described above have not have been modified or rescinded;

 

2


  c) We have assumed that the Oklahoma Guarantor is indirectly a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the execution, delivery and performance of the Indenture are necessary or incident to the conduct, promotion, or attainment of the business of the Oklahoma Guarantor;

 

  d) This opinion is based only on the laws of the State of Oklahoma. We express no opinion about the laws of any other state or jurisdiction; and

 

  e) We have not been involved in the preparation of any registration statement or in the negotiation, preparation, or execution of the Indenture or any of the related agreements executed or delivered in connection therewith. We have been retained solely for the purpose of rendering certain opinions under Oklahoma law. This opinion letter is provided as a legal opinion only, effective as of the date of this letter, and not as representations or warranties of fact.

The qualifications, limitations, and assumptions in this letter are material to the opinions expressed in this letter, and the inaccuracy of any assumptions could render these opinions inaccurate.

We consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on or about the date hereof, to the incorporation by reference of this opinion letter into the Registration Statement, and to the reference to our firm in the Prospectus under the caption “Legal Matters.” In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Sidley Austin LLP, legal counsel to the Company and each of the Guarantors, may rely upon this opinion letter with respect to matters set forth herein that are governed by Oklahoma law for purposes of its opinion being delivered and filed as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ McAfee & Taft

 

3

Exhibit 5.4

June 13, 2012

Tyson Foods, Inc.

2200 Don Tyson Parkway

Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999

 

  Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special Nebraska counsel to Hudson Midwest Foods, Inc., a Nebraska corporation (the “ Specified Subsidiary Guarantor ”). We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “ Registration Statement ”) filed by Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and certain subsidiaries of the Company set forth in the Registration Statement (collectively, the “ Subsidiary Guarantors ” and together with the Company, the “ Obligors ”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), which Registration Statement became effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Statement, (i) Company is issuing $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “ Notes ”) and (ii) the Subsidiary Guarantors are providing guarantees of the Notes (the “ Guarantees ” and together with the Notes, the “ Securities ”). The Securities are to be issued under the Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1995 (the “ Base Indenture ”), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (the “ Trustee ”) to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.), the original trustee, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture dated June 13, 2012 (the “ Supplemental Indenture ”). The Base Indenture as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture is hereinafter referred to as the “ Indenture .”

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

In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied upon (i) a copy of the Registration Statement and the Indenture delivered to us by the Company; (ii) a copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor, as certified by the Secretary of the State of Nebraska on June 5, 2012 (the “ Articles of Incorporation ”); (iii) a Certificate of Existence for the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor, as issued by the Secretary of State of Nebraska on June 5, 2012 (the “ Certificate of Existence ”); (iv) a copy of the by-laws of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor (the “ Bylaws ”), as certified by the Secretary of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor, and (v) a copy of all proceedings, actions and resolutions of the board of directors of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor relating to the Registration Statement, the Supplemental Indenture and the issuance of the Guarantee by the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor. In such review, we have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the


June 13, 2012

Page 2

 

genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. Without independent investigation, we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of (i) certificates and statements of officers of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor as to factual matters, (ii) corporate records provided to us by such officers, (iii) certificates, copies and other documents obtained from public officials, and (iv) the representations and warranties contained in the Registration Statement as to factual matters.

We also have assumed without investigation that (i) the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by all parties to the Indenture other than the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor and (ii) the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor’s execution, delivery or performance of the Supplemental Indenture will not breach, violate, conflict with or constitute a default under any agreement (other than the Indenture), contract or obligation of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor. We have further assumed, without investigation, the receipt or making of any consent, approval, order or authorization of, and the effectiveness of any registration or filing with, any third party or governmental body that is required to be received or made by any party in connection with the execution and delivery of the Indenture or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby.

This Opinion is limited to the laws of Nebraska, and we express no opinion concerning the laws of any other jurisdiction or whether such laws may apply, under a conflict of laws analysis or otherwise. We express no opinion as to matters relating to securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction or any rules or regulations thereunder. We express no opinion as to the enforceability of the Registration Statement or the Indenture.

Based on and subject to the foregoing and the other limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

  1. The Specified Subsidiary Guarantor is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the State of Nebraska.

 

  2. The Specified Subsidiary Guarantor has the corporate power and authority to authorize the issuance of the Guarantee and the performance by the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor of the Supplemental Indenture.

 

  3. The execution, delivery and performance by the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor of the Supplemental Indenture and the creation and issuance of the Guarantee have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action or the part of the Specified Subsidiary Guarantor.


June 13, 2012

Page 3

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable law.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Husch Blackwell LLP

 

LOGO

June 13, 2012

 

IBP Redevelopment Corporation

Tyson Farms, Inc.

Carolina Brand Foods, LLC

c/o Tyson Foods, Inc.

2200 Don Tyson Parkway

Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999

Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are acting as special counsel to IBP Redevelopment Corporation, a Missouri corporation, Tyson Farms, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, and Carolina Brand Foods, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-181918 (the “Registration Statement”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Tyson Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the parent corporation of the Subsidiary Guarantors (the “Parent”), and by certain subsidiaries of the Parent (including the Subsidiary Guarantors) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which Registration Statement became effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Registration Statement, (i) the Parent is issuing $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Notes”) and (ii) the Subsidiary Guarantors, and certain other subsidiaries of the Parent, are providing guarantees of the Notes (the “Guarantees” and, together with the Notes, the “Securities”). The Securities are to be issued under an Indenture dated as of June 1, 1995 (the “Base Indenture”) between the Parent and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as successor trustee (the “Trustee”) to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.), the original trustee, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture dated June 13, 2012 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) relating to the Notes. The Base Indenture as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture is hereinafter referred to as the “Indenture.” The Securities are to be sold pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated June 6, 2012 (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among the Parent, the guarantor subsidiaries and the Underwriters named therein.

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

In connection herewith, we have reviewed:

 

  (1) the Registration Statement;

 

  (2) the Indenture;

 

Exhibit 5.5

 

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IBP Redevelopment Corporation

Tyson Farms, Inc.

Carolina Brand Foods, LLC

 

June 13, 2012

Page 2

  LOGO

 

 

  (3) the form of the Supplemental Indenture;

 

  (4) the articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation or certificate of formation and bylaws of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, as in effect on the date hereof and as provided to us by representatives of such company.

The documents referenced as items (1) through (4) above are collectively referred to herein as the “Transaction Documents.”

We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other corporate or analogous records, agreements and instruments of the Subsidiary Guarantors, certificates of public officials and officers of the Subsidiary Guarantors, and such other documents, records and instruments, and we have made such legal and factual inquiries, as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for us to render the opinions hereinafter expressed. In our examination of the Transaction Documents and the foregoing, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal competence and capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity with authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. When relevant facts were not independently established, we have relied without independent investigation as to matters of fact upon statements of governmental officials and upon representations made in or pursuant to the Transaction Documents and certificates and statements of appropriate representatives of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

In connection herewith, we have assumed that, other than with respect to the Subsidiary Guarantors, all of the Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by, have been duly executed and delivered by, and constitute the valid, binding and enforceable obligations of, all of the parties to such Transaction Documents, all of the signatories to such Transaction Documents have been duly authorized and all such parties are duly organized and validly existing and have the power and authority (corporate or other) to execute, deliver and perform such Transaction Documents.

Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, and subject to the assumptions, comments, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Guarantee by any Subsidiary Guarantor will constitute the valid and binding obligation of such Subsidiary Guarantor when the Notes are duly executed by duly authorized officers of the Parent and duly authenticated by the Trustee, all in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and delivered to the purchasers thereof against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement.

In addition to the assumptions, comments, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth above, the opinions set forth herein are further limited by, subject to and based upon the following assumptions, comments, qualifications, limitations and exceptions:

(a) Our opinions herein reflect only the application of applicable Missouri and North Carolina law (excluding the securities and blue sky laws of such States, as to which we express no opinion). The opinions set forth herein are made as of the date hereof and are subject to, and may be limited by, future changes in the factual matters set forth herein, and we undertake no duty to advise you of the same. The opinions expressed herein are based upon the law in effect (and published or otherwise generally available) on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to revise or supplement these opinions should such law be changed by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise. In rendering our opinions, we have not considered, and hereby disclaim any opinion as to, the application or impact of any laws, cases, decisions, rules or regulations of any other jurisdiction, court or administrative agency.


IBP Redevelopment Corporation

Tyson Farms, Inc.

Carolina Brand Foods, LLC

 

June 13, 2012

Page 3

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(b) Our opinions contained herein may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or similar laws affecting or relating to the rights and remedies of creditors generally including, without limitation, laws relating to fraudulent transfers or conveyances, preferences and equitable subordination, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

(c) Our opinions are further subject to the effect of generally applicable rules of law arising from statutes, judicial and administrative decisions, and the rules and regulations of governmental authorities that: (i) limit or affect the enforcement of provisions of a contract that purport to require waiver of the obligations of good faith, fair dealing, diligence and reasonableness; (ii) limit the availability of a remedy under certain circumstances where another remedy has been elected; (iii) limit the enforceability of provisions releasing, exculpating, or exempting a party from, or requiring indemnification of a party for, liability for its own action or inaction, to the extent the action or inaction involves negligence, recklessness, willful misconduct or unlawful conduct; (iv) may, where less than all of the contract may be unenforceable, limit the enforceability of the balance of the contract to circumstances in which the unenforceable portion is not an essential part of the agreed exchange; and (v) govern and afford judicial discretion regarding the determination of damages and entitlement to attorneys’ fees.

(d) We express no opinion as to:

(i) the enforceability of any provision in the Indenture or the Guarantees purporting or attempting to (A) confer exclusive jurisdiction and/or venue upon certain courts or otherwise waive the defenses of forum non conveniens or improper venue, (B) waive the right of the Subsidiary Guarantors or any other person to a trial by jury, (C) provide that remedies are cumulative or that decisions by a party are conclusive (D) modify or waive the rights to notice, legal defenses, statutes of limitations or other benefits that cannot be waived under applicable law, or (E) govern choice of law or conflicts of laws; or

(ii) the enforceability of any rights to indemnification or contribution provided for in the Transaction Documents which are violative of public policy underlying any law, rule or regulation (including any Federal or state securities law, rule or regulation) or the legality of such rights.

(e) We express no opinion as to whether the Subsidiary Guarantor organized under the laws of Missouri may guarantee or otherwise be liable for indebtedness incurred by the Parent except to the extent that such Guarantor may be determined to have benefited from the incurrence of the indebtedness by the Parent or whether such benefit may be measured other than by the extent to which the proceeds of the indebtedness incurred by the Parent are, directly or indirectly, made available to such Guarantor for its corporate purposes.

(f) We call to your attention that enforcement of a guaranty by a Guarantor Subsidiary organized under the laws of North Carolina may be limited by the provisions of Chapter 26 of the North Carolina General Statutes and we express no opinion as to the effectiveness of any waiver by any such guarantor of his, her or its rights under such Chapter.


IBP Redevelopment Corporation

Tyson Farms, Inc.

Carolina Brand Foods, LLC

 

June 13, 2012

Page 4

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We do not render any opinions except as set forth above. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus filed as a part thereof. We also consent to your filing copies of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement with agencies of such states as you deem necessary in the course of complying with the laws of such states regarding the offer and sale of the Debt Securities. In giving such consent, we do not thereby concede that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

Very truly yours,

/s/ B RYAN C AVE LLP

EXHIBIT 12.1

Computation of Pro Forma Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

     Six Months Ended March 31, 2012     Fiscal Year Ended October 1, 2011  
(dollars in millions)    Actual     Pro Forma
Adjustments (2)
    Pro Forma     Actual     Pro  Forma
Adjustments (2)
    Pro Forma  

Earnings:

            

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

   $ 500      $ 28      $ 528      $ 1,074      $ 54      $ 1,128   

Add: Fixed charges

     139        (28     111        305        (54     251   

Add: Amortization of capitalized interest

     2        —          2        4        —          4   

Less: Capitalized interest

     (6     —          (6     (9     —          (9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjusted earnings

     635        —          635        1,374        —          1,374   

Fixed Charges:

            

Interest

     80        (20     60        191        (41     150   

Capitalized interest

     6        —          6        9        —          9   

Amortization of debt discount expense

     21        (8     13        44        (13     31   

Rentals at computed interest factor (1)

     32        —          32        61        —          61   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed charges

   $ 139      $ (28   $ 111      $ 305      $ (54   $ 251   

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     4.57          5.72        4.50          5.47   

 

(1) Amounts represent those portions of rent expense (one-third) that are reasonable approximations of interest costs.
(2) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the six months ended March 31, 2012 and fiscal year ended October 1, 2011 have been adjusted on a pro forma basis to give effect to the offer and sale of the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of Tyson Foods, Inc.’s 4.500% Senior Notes due 2022 and the use of the net proceeds to repurchase $810.0 million of outstanding aggregate principal amount of Tyson Foods, Inc.’s 10.50% Senior Notes due 2014, as if such events occurred on October 2, 2011 and October 3, 2010, respectively. The pro forma ratio excludes the estimated anticipated pre-tax loss on the repayment of the 2014 notes of $170 million.