TIME WARNER CABLE INC.
This
preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, but is
not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to
sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy
these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale
is not permitted.
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Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-151671
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED
JUNE 16, 2008
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated June 16, 2008)
$
$ % Notes
due 2013
$ % Notes due 2018
$ % Debentures due
2038
The notes and the debentures will be issued by Time Warner Cable
Inc. The notes and the debentures will be guaranteed by our
subsidiaries, Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. and TW NY
Cable Holding Inc. (together, the Guarantors). We
use the term debt securities to refer to all three
series of notes and debentures and the term
securities to refer to the debt securities and
related guarantees. The debt securities and related guarantees
will be unsecured and will rank equally with all of our and the
Guarantors respective unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations from time to time outstanding.
The % Notes due 2013 will
mature
on ,
2013, the % Notes due 2018
will mature
on ,
2018 and the % Debentures due
2038 will mature
on ,
2038. Interest on the % Notes
due 2013, the % Notes due 2018
and the % Debentures due 2038
will be payable semi-annually in arrears
on
and
of each year, beginning
on ,
2008.
We may redeem any of
the % Notes due 2013,
the % Notes due 2018 or
the % Debentures due 2038, as
a whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option.
We describe the redemption prices under the heading
Description of the Notes and the DebenturesOptional
Redemption on
page S-21.
Investing in the securities involves risks. See
Risk Factors beginning on page S-7 of this
Prospectus Supplement and the Risk Factors section
in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Currently, there is no public market for the securities.
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Per Note
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Per Note
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Per Debenture
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due 2013
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Total
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due 2018
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Total
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due 2038
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Total
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Public Offering Price
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Underwriting Discount
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Proceeds to Time Warner Cable
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Interest on the securities will accrue
from ,
2008.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
or foreign securities commission has approved or disapproved of
these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or
the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Delivery of the securities in book-entry form will be made only
through The Depository Trust Company, Clearstream Banking
S.A. Luxembourg and the Euroclear System on or
about ,
2008, against payment in immediately available funds.
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Banc
of America Securities LLC |
BNP PARIBAS |
Morgan Stanley |
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RBS
Greenwich Capital |
Wachovia Securities |
The date of this Prospectus Supplement
is ,
2008.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Page
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Prospectus Supplement
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S-ii
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S-1
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S-7
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S-8
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S-9
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S-11
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S-19
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S-26
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S-31
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S-34
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S-34
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Prospectus
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S-i
ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus
supplement, which describes the terms of the securities that we
are currently offering. The second part is the accompanying
prospectus, which gives more general information, some of which
may not apply to the securities that we are currently offering.
Generally, the term prospectus refers to both parts
combined.
If the information varies between this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus
supplement supersedes the information in the accompanying
prospectus.
You should rely only on the information contained in or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectus that we
may provide to you. No person is authorized to provide you with
different information or to offer the securities in any state or
other jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should
not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by
reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the
front of this prospectus supplement or the date of the report
incorporated by reference, as the case may be.
References to Time Warner Cable, TWC,
our company, we, us and
our in this prospectus supplement and in the
accompanying prospectus are references to Time Warner Cable Inc.
Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. is referred to herein as
TWE. TW NY Cable Holding Inc. is referred to herein
as TW NY, and together with TWE, the
Guarantors. Terms used in this prospectus supplement
that are otherwise not defined will have the meanings given to
them in the accompanying prospectus.
The securities are being offered only for sale in jurisdictions
where it is lawful to make such offers. Offers and sales of the
securities in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong,
Japan and Singapore, are subject to restrictions, the details of
which are set out in the section entitled
Underwriting. The distribution of this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of
the securities in other jurisdictions may also be restricted by
law. Persons who receive this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus should inform themselves about and
observe any such restrictions. This prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be
used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in
any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not
authorized or in which the person making such offer or
solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making
such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation. See Underwriting beginning on
page S-31
of this prospectus supplement.
S-ii
SUMMARY
The
Company
We are the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with
technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located mainly
in five geographic areasNew York State (including New York
City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los
Angeles) and Texas. We principally offer three
servicesvideo, high-speed data and voiceover our
broadband cable systems. We market our services separately and
in bundled packages of multiple services and
features. Historically, we have focused primarily on residential
customers, while also selling video, high-speed data and
commercial networking and transport services to commercial
customers. Recently, we have begun selling voice services to
small- and medium-sized businesses as part of an increased
emphasis on our commercial business. In addition, we earn
revenues by selling advertising time to national, regional and
local businesses.
For a description of our business, financial condition, results
of operations and other important information regarding us, see
our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) incorporated by reference in the accompanying
prospectus. For instructions on how to find copies of these and
our other filings incorporated by reference in the accompanying
prospectus, see Where You Can Find More Information
in the accompanying prospectus.
Recent
Developments
Separation
from Time Warner
On May 20, 2008, we and our subsidiaries, TWE and TW NY,
entered into a Separation Agreement (the Separation
Agreement) with Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner)
and its subsidiaries, Warner Communications Inc.
(WCI), Historic TW Inc. (Historic TW)
and American Television and Communications Corporation
(ATC), the terms of which will govern our separation
from Time Warner.
Our separation from Time Warner will take place through a series
of related transactions, the occurrence of each of which is a
condition to the next. First, Time Warner will complete certain
internal restructuring transactions. Next, following the
satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including those
described below, Historic TW will transfer (the TW NY
Exchange) its 12.43% non-voting common stock interest in
TW NY to us in exchange for 80 million newly issued shares
of our Class A common stock. Following the TW NY Exchange,
Time Warner will complete certain additional restructuring steps
that will make Time Warner the direct owner of all shares of our
Class A common stock and Class B common stock
previously held by WCI, as well as the shares issued to Historic
TW in the TW NY Exchange (all of Time Warners
restructuring transaction steps being referred to collectively
as the TW Internal Restructuring). Upon completion
of the TW Internal Restructuring, our board of directors or a
committee thereof will declare a special cash dividend to
holders of our outstanding Class A common stock and
Class B common stock, including Time Warner, in an amount
equal to $10.27 per share (aggregating $10.855 billion)
(the Special Dividend). The Special Dividend will be
paid prior to the completion of the separation from Time Warner.
Following the payment of the Special Dividend, we will file with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware an amended and
restated certificate of incorporation (the Amended
Charter), pursuant to which, among other things, each
outstanding share of our Class A common stock (including
any shares of Class A common stock issued in the TW NY
Exchange) and Class B common stock will automatically be
converted into one share of our common stock, par value $.01 per
share (the TWC Common Stock) (the
Recapitalization). Once the TW NY Exchange, the TW
Internal Restructuring, the payment of the Special Dividend and
the Recapitalization have been completed, our separation from
Time Warner (the Separation) will proceed in the
form of either a pro rata dividend of all shares of TWC Common
Stock held by Time Warner to holders of Time Warners
common stock or through the consummation by Time Warner of an
exchange offer of shares of TWC Common Stock for shares of Time
Warners common stock. If the Separation is effected as an
exchange offer, after consummation of the exchange offer, Time
Warner will distribute to its stockholders, as a pro rata
dividend, any TWC Common Stock that it continues to hold. We
refer to the Separation, the TW NY Exchange, the TW Internal
Restructuring, the Special Dividend and the Recapitalization
collectively as the Transactions.
S-1
Time Warner has the sole discretion, after consultation with us,
to determine whether the Separation will be effected as a pro
rata dividend or through an exchange offer with its
stockholders, which decision has not yet been made.
The Separation Agreement contains customary closing conditions
including conditions related to (i) customary regulatory
reviews and local franchise approvals, (ii) the receipt by
Time Warner of a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service indicating that each of the Transactions will generally
qualify as tax-free for Time Warner and Time Warners
stockholders and (iii) the entry into the credit facilities
contemplated by the commitment letters (discussed below under
Financing Commitments) with funds being
available thereunder. We cannot assure you that the Separation
will occur.
Financing
Commitments
To finance, in part, the Special Dividend, we and certain
financial institutions have executed commitment papers with
related term sheets for a
364-day
senior unsecured bridge term loan facility in an aggregate
principal amount of up to $9.0 billion (a portion of which
may be extended at our option by an additional year) (the
Bridge Facility). Amounts outstanding under the
Bridge Facility will bear interest, at our option, at a rate
equal to LIBOR or an alternate base rate plus, in each case, an
applicable margin based on our credit rating, which, at the time
of the Separation, is expected to be 1% and 0%, respectively. In
addition, the interest rate under the Bridge Facility will
increase every six months until all amounts outstanding under
the Bridge Facility are repaid. The financial institutions
commitments under the Bridge Facility will expire upon the
earliest of (i) May 19, 2009, (ii) the date on
which the Separation Agreement is terminated in accordance with
its terms and (iii) the completion of the Transactions.
We may prepay amounts outstanding under the Bridge Facility at
any time without penalty or premium, subject to minimum amounts.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, we are required to use
the net cash proceeds from any incurrence of debt (other than an
incurrence under our existing revolving credit facility and
commercial paper program), issuances of equity securities and
asset sales to prepay amounts outstanding under the Bridge
Facility. In addition, subject to certain limited exceptions, to
the extent we incur debt (including the incurrence of debt in
this offering), issue equity securities or complete asset sales
prior to drawing on the Bridge Facility, the commitments of the
lenders under the Bridge Facility or the commitment papers, as
applicable, will be reduced by an amount equal to the net cash
proceeds from any such incurrence, issuance or sale. As a
result, the commitments of the lenders under the Bridge Facility
will be reduced by an amount equal to the net cash proceeds
received by us from this offering, or
$ billion.
The Bridge Facility will contain conditions, covenants,
representations and warranties and events of default
substantially identical to those contained in our existing
five-year term loan facility maturing on February 21, 2011.
See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operations and Financial ConditionFinancial Condition
and LiquidityOutstanding Debt and Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Equity and Available Financial Capacity in our
Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007.
We have also received a commitment from Time Warner pursuant to
which Time Warner will lend us up to $3.5 billion under a
two-year senior unsecured supplemental term loan facility (the
Supplemental Facility) to repay amounts outstanding
under the Bridge Facility upon the final maturity of the Bridge
Facility. The commitments under the Supplemental Facility will
be reduced by (i) 50% of the amount in excess of
$3.0 billion by which the commitments under the Bridge
Facility are reduced by the net cash proceeds of issuances of
debt or equity or certain asset sales by us between the signing
of the Separation Agreement and our borrowing under the Bridge
Facility and (ii) the amount by which borrowing
availability under our $6.0 billion revolving credit
facility exceeds $2.0 billion on the date of borrowing
under the Supplemental Facility.
WiMAX
Joint Venture
In May 2008, we, Intel Corporation, Google Inc., Comcast
Corporation (together with its subsidiaries,
Comcast) and Bright House Networks LLC entered into
agreements to collectively invest $3.2 billion in a
S-2
wireless communications joint venture (the WiMAX Joint
Venture), which will be formed by Sprint Nextel
Corporation (Sprint) and Clearwire Corporation
(Clearwire). Once formed, the WiMAX Joint Venture
will be focused on deploying the first nationwide WiMAX network
to provide mobile broadband services to residential, commercial
and public sector customers. In addition, we have entered into a
3G wholesale agreement with Sprint that allows us to provide
Sprints wireless voice and data services, and upon
closing, expect to enter into a 4G wholesale agreement with the
WiMAX Joint Venture to provide mobile WiMAX services. We expect
to contribute approximately $550 million at closing related
to our investment in the WiMAX Joint Venture, which we expect to
fund with borrowings under our existing credit facilities. Our
investment in the WiMAX Joint Venture will be accounted for
under the equity method of accounting. The closing of the WiMAX
Joint Venture, which is expected to occur during the first half
of 2009, is subject to customary regulatory review and
approvals. There can be no assurance that the formation of the
WiMAX Joint Venture will be completed, or, if completed, that
the WiMAX Joint Venture will successfully deploy a nationwide
mobile broadband network.
Corporate
Information and Corporate Structure
The following is a brief description of Time Warner Cable, TWE
and TW NY:
Time
Warner Cable Inc.
Time Warner Cable is the issuer of the debt securities that are
the subject of this offering. Time Warner Cable is a holding
company that derives its operating income and cash flow from its
investments in its subsidiaries, which include the Guarantors.
Its principal executive office, and that of the Guarantors, is
located at One Time Warner Center, North Tower, New York, NY
10019-8014,
Telephone
(212) 364-8200.
Time
Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.
TWE is an indirect subsidiary of ours. TWE was formed as a
Delaware limited partnership in 1992.
TW NY
Cable Holding Inc.
TW NY is an indirect subsidiary of ours. We indirectly hold 100%
of the voting common stock and 87.57% of the non-voting common
stock of TW NY. Our parent, Time Warner, indirectly holds the
remaining 12.43% of TW NYs outstanding non-voting common
stock. TW NY is a holding company with no independent assets of
its own. As discussed above, in connection with the Separation,
we have agreed to exchange 80 million newly issued shares
of our Class A common stock for Time Warners indirect
12.43% interest in TW NYs outstanding non-voting common
stock. TW NY was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in 2004.
The following charts show our corporate structure and our direct
or indirect ownership interest in our principal subsidiaries
(i) on an actual basis as of March 31, 2008 and
(ii) after giving pro forma effect to the Transactions,
including the Separation and the TW NY Exchange, this offering
and the use of proceeds from this offering. The charts are
included in order to show the size of our credit facilities
(including the Bridge Facility), the principal amount of our
outstanding debt securities and the principal amount of
TWEs debt securities as of March 31, 2008, on an
actual basis and on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the
Transactions, this offering and the use of proceeds from this
offering. See Use of Proceeds. Certain of our
intermediate entities and certain preferred interests held by us
or our subsidiaries are not reflected.
The subscriber numbers and revenue generating units
(RGUs) within each entity indicate the approximate
number of basic video subscribers and RGUs attributable to cable
systems owned by such entity as of March 31, 2008. Basic
video subscriber numbers reflect billable subscribers who
receive at least our basic video service. RGUs reflect the total
of all our basic video, digital video, high-speed data, Digital
Phone and circuit-switched telephone service customers.
Therefore, a subscriber who purchases basic video, digital
video, high-speed data and Digital Phone services will count as
four RGUs.
S-3
Structure
prior to Separation
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(1)
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The principal amount of TWEs
debt securities excludes an unamortized fair value adjustment of
$124 million.
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(2)
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TWC is also the obligor under an
intercompany loan from TWE with an aggregate principal amount of
$3.8 billion.
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(3)
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Time Warner NY Cable LLC is also
the obligor under an intercompany loan from TWC with an
aggregate principal amount of $8.7 billion.
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(4)
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The subscribers, RGUs and economic
ownership interests listed in the chart for the Time Warner
Entertainment-Advance/Newhouse Partnership (TWE-A/N)
relate only to those TWE-A/N systems in which we have an
economic interest and over which we exercise day-to-day
supervision.
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S-4
Expected
structure after the Separation and issuance of the securities in
this offering
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(1)
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The principal amount of TWEs
debt securities excludes an unamortized fair value adjustment of
$124 million.
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(2)
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TWC is also the obligor under an
intercompany loan from TWE with an aggregate principal amount of
$3.8 billion.
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(3)
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Time Warner NY Cable LLC is also
the obligor under an intercompany loan from TWC with an
aggregate principal amount of $8.7 billion.
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(4)
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The subscribers, RGUs and economic
ownership interests listed in the chart for the TWE-A/N relate
only to those TWE-A/N systems in which we have an economic
interest and over which we exercise day-to-day supervision.
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S-5
The
Offering
The summary below describes the principal terms of the debt
securities offering and is not intended to be complete. You
should carefully read the Description of the Notes and the
Debentures section of this prospectus supplement and
Description of the Debt Securities and the
Guarantees in the accompanying prospectus for a more
detailed description of the securities offered hereby.
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Issuer |
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Time Warner Cable Inc. |
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Securities Offered |
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$ aggregate principal amount
of % Notes due 2013 |
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$ aggregate principal amount
of % Notes due 2018 |
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$ aggregate principal amount
of % Debentures due 2038 |
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Maturity Dates |
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% Notes due
2013: ,
2013 |
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% Notes due
2018: ,
2018 |
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% Debentures due
2038: ,
2038 |
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Interest Payment Dates |
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Interest on the % Notes due
2013, % Notes due 2018
and % Debentures due 2038 will
be payable semi-annually in arrears
on
and of
each year, beginning
on ,
2008. |
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Guarantors |
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TWE and TW NY. |
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Guarantees |
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The securities will be fully, irrevocably and unconditionally
guaranteed by TWE and TW NY. |
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Ranking |
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The securities will be our unsecured senior obligations and will
rank equally with our other unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations from time to time outstanding. |
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The guarantees will be unsecured senior obligations of each of
TWE and TW NY, as applicable, and will rank equally with other
unsecured and unsubordinated obligations from time to time
outstanding of TWE and TW NY, respectively. |
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Please read Description of the Notes and the
DebenturesRanking in this prospectus supplement and
Description of the Debt Securities and the
GuaranteesRanking and Subordination in the
accompanying prospectus. Please also see Description of
the Debt Securities and the GuaranteesGuarantees in
the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of the structural
subordination of the securities with respect to the assets of
certain of our subsidiaries. |
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Optional Redemption |
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We may redeem any of
the % Notes due 2013,
the % Notes due 2018 or
the % Debentures due 2038, as
a whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option,
at the redemption prices described in this prospectus
supplement. See Description of the Notes and the
DebenturesOptional Redemption. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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We intend to use the proceeds from this offering to fund, in
part, the Special Dividend discussed above under
Recent Developments. See Use of
Proceeds for further details. |
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No Listing |
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We do not intend to apply for the listing of the securities on
any securities exchange. |
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Trustee |
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The Bank of New York |
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Paying and Transfer Agent |
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The Bank of New York |
S-6
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in the debt securities involves
risks. You should carefully consider the specific
risk factors set forth below related to this offering and the
Separation. Risks pertaining to our business are incorporated by
reference to the section entitled Item 1A.Risk
Factors in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007. See Where You
Can Find More Information in the accompanying prospectus.
Some factors in this section and the Risk Factors section of our
Annual Report on
Form 10-K
are forward-looking statements. For a discussion of
those statements and of other factors for investors to consider,
see Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information
in the accompanying prospectus.
As
part of the Separation, we will incur additional debt, which may
limit our flexibility or prevent us from taking advantage of
business opportunities.
In connection with the Separation, we expect to incur up to
$10.855 billion of additional indebtedness to fund the
Special Dividend, through a combination of borrowings under the
Bridge Facility, our existing bank credit facilities
and/or the
issuance of debt in the capital markets, including the debt
securities being offered by this prospectus, and through the use
of cash on hand. The increased indebtedness and the terms of
these financing arrangements and any future indebtedness will
impose various restrictions and covenants on us that could limit
our ability to respond to market conditions, provide for capital
investment needs or take advantage of business opportunities. In
addition, as a result of our increased borrowings, our interest
expense will be higher than it has been in the past, which will
affect our profitability and cash flows. If we incur
indebtedness under the Bridge Facility, we may be required to
refinance such indebtedness upon or prior to the maturity of the
Bridge Facility. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do
so on favorable terms or at all.
The
execution of the Separation Agreement is an event that requires
goodwill and other identified intangibles to be tested for
impairment during the second quarter of 2008. This testing could
result in significant asset impairments, which would be recorded
as noncash operating losses.
As a result of entering into the Separation Agreement, we are
required under Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets (FAS 142) to test our
goodwill and cable franchise rights on a reporting
unit (i.e., regional) basis for impairment prior to our
annual impairment testing date, which typically occurs during
the fourth quarter. This interim test has not yet been completed
at the time of this offering.
If we find that the carrying value of goodwill or certain cable
franchise rights exceeds their fair value, we would reduce the
carrying value of the goodwill or cable franchise rights to the
fair value, and we would recognize an impairment loss during the
second quarter. Any such impairment losses would be recorded as
noncash operating losses. Our 2007 annual impairment analysis,
which was performed during the fourth quarter of 2007, did not
result in an impairment charge. However, with respect to the
goodwill impairment test, the fair value of one of our regions
approximated its carrying value as of December 31, 2007. In
addition, the fair values of the cable franchise rights in most
of our regions approximated their carrying values as of
December 31, 2007. As a result, any additional declines in
value in one or more of such regions since the end of 2007 would
likely result in noncash goodwill
and/or cable
franchise impairment charges. To illustrate the magnitude of a
potential impairment charge related to changes in estimated fair
value, had the fair values of each of the regions and cable
franchise rights been lower by 10% as of December 31, 2007,
we would have recorded goodwill and cable franchise rights
impairment charges of approximately $1.5 billion, and had
each of the values been lower by 20%, we would have recorded
goodwill and cable franchise rights impairment charges of
approximately $5.0 billion.
On a company-wide basis, we believe our financial operating
performance during 2008 will be generally consistent with our
expectations at the time we performed our 2007 impairment
analysis; however, some of our reporting units (i.e., regions)
are performing at or above anticipated levels and some are
performing below anticipated levels. It is, therefore, possible
that significant impairment charges may be incurred specific to
our underperforming reporting units or regions, even though the
values of our company-wide goodwill and cable franchise rights
are at or above their respective carrying values. Our interim
testing is currently ongoing and we expect to complete our
analysis by July 2008. See the Critical Accounting
Policies and Risk Factors sections in our
Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007.
S-7
USE OF
PROCEEDS
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering
of approximately $ billion,
after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and our
estimated offering expenses.
In connection with the Separation, we will declare the Special
Dividend in an aggregate amount of $10.855 billion, payable
to holders of record of our Class A common stock and
Class B common stock prior to the completion of the
Separation. We intend to use all of the net proceeds to fund the
Special Dividend; however, the Special Dividend will exceed the
net proceeds from this offering by approximately
$ billion. In addition to the
proceeds from this offering, we intend to fund the Special
Dividend and expenses related to the Transactions with
borrowings under the Bridge Facility, financing in the public
debt market
and/or
borrowings under our existing revolving credit facility and
through the use of cash on hand.
We cannot assure you that the Separation will occur. To the
extent that the Separation is not consummated and, as a result,
the Special Dividend is not declared by our Board of Directors,
we will use the proceeds from this offering for general
corporate purposes, including repayment of indebtedness.
S-8
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our cash position and
capitalization as of March 31, 2008 on an actual basis and
on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Transactions,
this offering of debt securities and the application of the net
proceeds from the issuance of such debt securities. See
Use of Proceeds.
You should read this information in conjunction with Use
of Proceeds and Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Information included elsewhere in this
prospectus supplement and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
and our historical financial statements and related notes in our
Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our Quarterly
Report on
Form 10-Q
for the three months ended March 31, 2008, each of which is
incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
Cash and equivalents
|
|
$
|
226
|
|
|
$
|
226
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank credit agreements and commercial paper
program(1)
|
|
$
|
4,908
|
|
|
$
|
6,925
|
|
TWC notes and debentures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1.5 billion 5.40% senior notes due 2012
|
|
|
1,498
|
|
|
|
1,498
|
|
$2.0 billion 5.85% senior notes due 2017
|
|
|
1,996
|
|
|
|
1,996
|
|
$1.5 billion 6.55% senior debentures due 2037
|
|
|
1,490
|
|
|
|
1,490
|
|
Notes and debentures offered
hereby(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other borrowings to finance the Special
Dividend(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TWE notes and
debentures:(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$600 million 7.250% senior debentures due 2008
|
|
|
601
|
|
|
|
601
|
|
$250 million 10.150% senior notes due 2012
|
|
|
266
|
|
|
|
266
|
|
$350 million 8.875% senior notes due 2012
|
|
|
365
|
|
|
|
365
|
|
$1.0 billion 8.375% senior debentures due 2023
|
|
|
1,040
|
|
|
|
1,040
|
|
$1.0 billion 8.375% senior debentures due 2033
|
|
|
1,052
|
|
|
|
1,052
|
|
Capital leases and other
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total debt
|
|
|
13,226
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred membership units issued by a
subsidiary(4)
|
|
|
300
|
|
|
|
300
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
1,751
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share;
20 billion shares authorized, 902 million shares
issued and outstanding, actual
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share;
5 billion shares authorized, 75 million shares issued
and outstanding, actual
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; 25 billion shares
authorized, pro forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Paid-in-capital
|
|
|
19,456
|
|
|
|
15,910
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
|
|
|
(171
|
)
|
|
|
(171
|
)
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
5,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
24,997
|
|
|
|
15,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization
|
|
$
|
40,274
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
This represents amounts borrowed
under our credit facilities. For more information about the
facilities and our outstanding debt, please see
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial ConditionFinancial Condition and
LiquidityOutstanding Debt and Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Equity and Available Financial Capacity in our
Annual
|
S-9
|
|
|
|
|
Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007. Our unused committed
available funds as of March 31, 2008 were
$4.226 billion (actual) and $2.209 billion (pro
forma), reflecting $226 million of cash and equivalents
(actual and pro forma) and $4.000 billion (actual) and
$1.983 billion (pro forma) of available borrowing capacity
under our revolving credit facility.
|
|
(2)
|
|
In connection with the Separation,
we received commitments for the Bridge Facility in an aggregate
amount of up to $9.0 billion, the borrowings under which
will be used to finance, in part, the Special Dividend. Subject
to certain limited exceptions, the commitments of the lenders
under the Bridge Facility will be reduced by an amount equal to
the net cash proceeds received by us from incurrences of debt
(including the incurrence of debt in this offering), issuances
of equity securities and asset sales prior to any borrowings by
us under the Bridge Facility. Time Warner has also agreed to
lend us up to $3.5 billion under the Supplemental Facility
to repay amounts outstanding under the Bridge Facility upon the
final maturity of the Bridge Facility. See
SummaryRecent DevelopmentsFinancing
Commitments above.
|
|
(3)
|
|
The recorded value of each series
of TWEs debt securities exceeds that series face
value because it includes an unamortized fair value adjustment
recorded in connection with the 2001 merger of AOL LLC (formerly
America Online, Inc.) and Historic TW (formerly Time Warner
Inc.), which is being amortized as a reduction of the weighted
average interest expense over the term of the indebtedness. The
aggregate amount of fair value adjustments for all classes of
debt securities was $124 million as of March 31, 2008.
For more information regarding our outstanding debt, please see
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial ConditionFinancial Condition and
Liquidity in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our Quarterly
Report on
Form 10-Q
for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
|
|
(4)
|
|
The mandatorily redeemable
preferred membership units issued by a subsidiary represent
mandatorily redeemable non-voting Series A Preferred Equity
Membership Units (the TW NY Cable Series A Preferred
Membership Units) issued by Time Warner NY Cable LLC,
which pay quarterly cash distributions at an annual rate equal
to 8.21% of the sum of the liquidation preference thereof and
any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon. The TW NY Cable
Series A Preferred Membership Units mature and are
redeemable on August 1, 2013.
|
S-10
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet
as of March 31, 2008 is presented as if the Transactions
had occurred on March 31, 2008. The accompanying unaudited
pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2007 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 are presented as if the Transactions had
occurred on January 1, 2007. The unaudited pro forma
financial information is presented based on information
available, is intended for informational purposes only and is
not necessarily indicative of and does not purport to represent
what our future financial condition or operating results will be
after giving effect to the Transactions.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet and the
unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations are
presented on the following basis:
|
|
|
|
|
The pro forma financial results assume that we do not borrow
under the Bridge Facility or the Supplemental Facility. In the
aggregate, these facilities provide that we pay an upfront fee,
as well as ongoing fees of 0.2% per annum on the unused portion
of the Bridge Facility. In the event that we do not borrow under
the Bridge Facility or the Supplemental Facility, any financing
costs associated with the establishment of these facilities
would be reflected as an interest expense charge in our
consolidated statement of operations and is currently estimated
to be approximately $60 million, which does not include any
charges associated with the ongoing Bridge Facility fee. Since
these costs are non-recurring in nature, they are not included
in our unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations.
|
|
|
|
We have entered into several other agreements with Time Warner
related to the Transactions, including agreements to license the
Road Runner word mark and character and the
Time Warner Cable brand and trade name and
derivations thereof. The impact of these agreements is not
expected to materially impact the ongoing operations of our
business and therefore, the effect of these agreements has not
been included in our pro forma financial information.
|
|
|
|
We will be entering into a transition services agreement with
Time Warner under which Time Warner will continue to provide us
with certain services for a fee. We have not included these fees
in our unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations
because the majority of such costs are already reflected in our
historical results as a result of Time Warners historical
practice of allocating the cost for providing similar services
to us and any costs not reflected in our historical results are
not expected to have a material impact on our future financial
results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We have entered into an agreement under which we committed to
invest approximately $550 million in the WiMAX Joint
Venture. The investment is expected to be made during the first
half of 2009 and has not been reflected in our unaudited
pro forma consolidated balance sheet or unaudited pro forma
consolidated statements of operations. We expect to fund this
investment with borrowings under our existing credit facilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a result of the Transactions, we anticipate adjusting
outstanding employee equity awards to maintain their estimated
value. We expect to incur charges as a result of such
adjustments. The impact of any such charge is not reflected in
our unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations.
|
Our independent registered public accounting firm has not
examined, compiled or applied agreed upon procedures to the
unaudited pro forma consolidated historical financial
information presented herein and, accordingly, assumes no
responsibility for them.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information set
forth below should be read in conjunction with the notes to
these unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements and
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition and our consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto in our Annual Report
on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our Quarterly
Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, each of which is
incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus.
S-11
Unaudited
Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
TWC
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
TWC
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and equivalents
|
|
$
|
226
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
226
|
|
Receivables, less allowances of $84 million
|
|
|
627
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
627
|
|
Receivables from affiliated parties
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
127
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
127
|
|
Deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
1,064
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,064
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
729
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
729
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
12,932
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,932
|
|
Intangible assets subject to amortization, net
|
|
|
664
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
664
|
|
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
|
|
|
38,930
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,930
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
2,106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,106
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
68
|
(a)
|
|
|
166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
56,523
|
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
$
|
56,591
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
318
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
318
|
|
Deferred revenue and subscriber-related liabilities
|
|
|
180
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180
|
|
Payables to affiliated parties
|
|
|
181
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
181
|
|
Accrued programming expense
|
|
|
524
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
524
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
1,187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
2,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,390
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
13,226
|
|
|
|
11,017
|
(b)
|
|
|
24,243
|
|
Mandatorily redeemable preferred membership units issued by a
subsidiary
|
|
|
300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300
|
|
Deferred income tax liabilities, net
|
|
|
13,432
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,432
|
|
Long-term payables to affiliated parties
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
405
|
|
|
|
44
|
(c)
|
|
|
449
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
1,751
|
|
|
|
(1,746
|
)(d)
|
|
|
5
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value,
902 million shares issued and outstanding (historical),
0 shares issued and outstanding (pro forma)
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
1
|
(d)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10
|
)(e)
|
|
|
|
|
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 75 million
shares issued and outstanding (historical), 0 shares issued
and outstanding (pro forma)
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)(e)
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 0 shares issued and
outstanding (historical), 1,057 million shares issued and
outstanding (pro forma)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
(e)
|
|
|
11
|
|
Paid-in-capital
|
|
|
19,456
|
|
|
|
1,745
|
(d)
|
|
|
15,910
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,291
|
)(f)
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
|
|
|
(171
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(171
|
)
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
5,702
|
|
|
|
(5,702
|
)(f)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
24,997
|
|
|
|
(9,247
|
)
|
|
|
15,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
$
|
56,523
|
|
|
$
|
68
|
|
|
$
|
56,591
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
S-12
Unaudited
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement Of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
TWC
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
TWC
|
|
|
|
(in millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video
|
|
$
|
10,165
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
10,165
|
|
High-speed data
|
|
|
3,730
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,730
|
|
Voice
|
|
|
1,193
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,193
|
|
Advertising
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
15,955
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,955
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs of revenues
|
|
|
7,542
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,542
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
2,648
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,648
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
2,704
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,704
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
272
|
|
Merger-related and restructuring costs
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
|
13,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
2,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,766
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(894
|
)
|
|
|
(681
|
)(g)
|
|
|
(1,575
|
)
|
Income from equity investments, net
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Minority interest expense, net
|
|
|
(165
|
)
|
|
|
161
|
(h)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
1,863
|
|
|
|
(520
|
)
|
|
|
1,343
|
|
Income tax provision
|
|
|
(740
|
)
|
|
|
208
|
(i)
|
|
|
(532
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
1,123
|
|
|
$
|
(312
|
)
|
|
$
|
811
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per common share
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average basic common shares outstanding
|
|
|
976.9
|
|
|
|
80.0
|
(j)
|
|
|
1,056.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income per common share
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average diluted common shares outstanding
|
|
|
977.2
|
|
|
|
80.0
|
(j)
|
|
|
1,057.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
S-13
Unaudited
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement Of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
TWC
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
TWC
|
|
|
|
(in millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video
|
|
$
|
2,603
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,603
|
|
High-speed data
|
|
|
994
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
994
|
|
Voice
|
|
|
366
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
366
|
|
Advertising
|
|
|
197
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
197
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
4,160
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,160
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs of revenues
|
|
|
2,007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,007
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
751
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
751
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
701
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
|
3,524
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,524
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
636
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
636
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(199
|
)
|
|
|
(170
|
)(k)
|
|
|
(369
|
)
|
Income from equity investments, net
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Minority interest expense, net
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
|
40
|
(l)
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
407
|
|
|
|
(130
|
)
|
|
|
277
|
|
Income tax provision
|
|
|
(165
|
)
|
|
|
52
|
(m)
|
|
|
(113
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
242
|
|
|
$
|
(78
|
)
|
|
$
|
164
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per common share
|
|
$
|
0.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average basic common shares outstanding
|
|
|
976.9
|
|
|
|
80.0
|
(n)
|
|
|
1,056.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income per common share
|
|
$
|
0.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average diluted common shares outstanding
|
|
|
977.4
|
|
|
|
80.0
|
(n)
|
|
|
1,057.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
S-14
Notes To
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
Note 1:
|
Description
of the Transactions
|
Time Warner currently owns approximately 82.7% of our
Class A common stock and 100% of our Class B common
stock, which represents 84% of our common stock and a 90.6%
voting interest. The financial results of our operations are
consolidated by Time Warner. Time Warner also indirectly owns a
12.43% non-voting common stock interest in one of our
subsidiaries, TW NY. On May 20, 2008, we and our
subsidiaries, TWE and TW NY, entered into the Separation
Agreement with Time Warner and its subsidiaries, WCI, Historic
TW and ATC, the terms of which will govern the Separation. The
Separation will be completed through the following steps, which
are collectively referred to as the Transactions:
(1) Time Warner will effect certain internal restructuring
transactions.
(2) Following the satisfaction or waiver of certain
conditions, Historic TW, a subsidiary of Time Warner, will
transfer its 12.43% ownership in TW NY to us in exchange for
80 million newly issued shares of our Class A common
stock in the TW NY Exchange. The TW NY Exchange will increase
Time Warners ownership stake in us from 84% to 85.2%.
(3) Time Warner will complete certain additional
restructuring steps that will make Time Warner the direct owner
of all shares of our Class A common stock and Class B
common stock previously held by WCI, as well as the shares
issued to Historic TW in the TW NY Exchange.
(4) Our Board of Directors or a committee thereof will
declare the Special Dividend, a one-time dividend to holders of
our outstanding Class A common stock and Class B
common stock of $10.27 per share, totaling $10.855 billion.
Time Warner will receive approximately $9.25 billion of the
proceeds from the Special Dividend and the remaining
$1.61 billion will be distributed to our public
stockholders. The Special Dividend distribution assumed in the
pro forma presentation is calculated as follows (in millions,
except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock outstanding prior to the TW NY Exchange
|
|
|
902
|
|
Additional Class A common stock issued in the TW NY Exchange
|
|
|
80
|
|
Class B common stock outstanding
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shares outstanding
|
|
|
1,057
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special Dividend per common share
|
|
$
|
10.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Special Dividend
|
|
$
|
10,855
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a result of the Special Dividend, distributions with respect
to restricted stock units (RSUs) based on our
Class A common stock issued under the Time Warner Cable
Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan will be retained by us and paid
only upon vesting of the related RSU. Management estimates that
4.3 million RSUs will vest and, therefore, be entitled to
payment of the retained distributions related to the Special
Dividend. As a result, management expects to pay approximately
$44 million associated with the RSUs.
(5) We will file the Amended Charter, pursuant to which,
among other things, each outstanding share of our Class A
common stock (including any shares of Class A common stock
issued in the TW NY Exchange) and our Class B common stock
will automatically be converted into one share of TWC Common
Stock.
(6) The Separation will proceed in the form of either a pro
rata dividend of all shares of TWC Common Stock held by Time
Warner to holders of Time Warners common stock or through
the consummation by Time Warner of an exchange offer of shares
of TWC Common Stock for shares of Time Warners common
stock. If the Separation is effected as an exchange offer, after
consummation of the exchange offer, Time Warner will distribute
to its stockholders, as a pro rata dividend, any TWC Common
Stock that it continues to hold. Time Warner has the sole
discretion, after consultation with us, to determine whether the
Separation will be effected as a dividend or through an exchange
offer with its stockholders, which decision has not yet been
made.
To finance, in part, the Special Dividend, we and certain
financial institutions have executed commitment papers with
related term sheets for the Bridge Facility, a
364-day
senior unsecured bridge term loan facility in
S-15
an aggregate principal amount of up to $9.0 billion (a
portion of which may be extended at our option by an additional
year). Amounts outstanding under the Bridge Facility will bear
interest, at our option, at a rate equal to LIBOR or an
alternate base rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin
based on our credit rating, which, at the time of the
Separation, is expected to be 1% and 0%, respectively. In
addition, the interest rate under the Bridge Facility will
increase every six months until all amounts outstanding under
the Bridge Facility are repaid. The financial institutions
commitments under the Bridge Facility will expire upon the
earliest of (i) May 19, 2009, (ii) the date on
which the Separation Agreement is terminated in accordance with
its terms and (iii) the completion of the Transactions.
We may prepay amounts outstanding under the Bridge Facility at
any time without penalty or premium, subject to minimum amounts.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, we are required to use
the net cash proceeds from any incurrence of debt (other than an
incurrence under our existing revolving credit facility and
commercial paper program), issuances of equity securities and
asset sales to prepay amounts outstanding under the Bridge
Facility. In addition, subject to certain limited exceptions, to
the extent we incur debt (including the incurrence of debt in
this offering), issue equity securities or complete asset sales
prior to drawing on the Bridge Facility, the commitments of the
lenders under the Bridge Facility or the commitment papers, as
applicable, will be reduced by an amount equal to the net cash
proceeds from any such incurrence, issuance or sale. As a
result, the commitments of the lenders under the Bridge Facility
will be reduced by an amount equal to the net cash proceeds
received by us from this offering, or
$ billion.
We have also received a commitment for the Supplemental Facility
from Time Warner pursuant to which Time Warner will lend us up
to $3.5 billion under a two-year senior unsecured
supplemental term loan facility to repay amounts outstanding
under the Bridge Facility upon the final maturity of the Bridge
Facility. The commitments under the Supplemental Facility will
be reduced by (i) 50% of the amount in excess of
$3.0 billion by which the commitments under the Bridge
Facility are reduced by the net cash proceeds of issuances of
debt or equity or certain asset sales by us between the signing
of the Separation Agreement and our borrowing under the Bridge
Facility and (ii) the amount by which borrowing
availability under our $6.0 billion revolving credit
facility exceeds $2.0 billion on the date of borrowing
under the Supplemental Facility.
|
|
Note 2:
|
Unaudited
Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet Adjustments
|
The Adjustments column represents the adjustments to reflect the
consummation of the Transactions.
The pro forma adjustments to the consolidated balance sheet
related to the Transactions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
This adjustment reflects the capitalization of estimated debt
issuance costs incurred in connection with the Transactions. As
discussed above, the adjustment does not include fees associated
with the Bridge Facility or the Supplemental Facility, which
will be charged to interest expense upon the termination of
these financing commitments.
|
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
This adjustment reflects the debt issued by us totaling
$11.017 billion to finance the Special Dividend
($10.855 billion, which excludes retained distributions on
RSUs), the estimated debt issuance costs ($68 million) and
estimated one-time costs related to the Transactions, including
financing fees related to the Bridge Facility ($94 million).
|
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
This adjustment reflects the Special Dividend liability
associated with RSUs outstanding on March 31, 2008, which
is expected to be paid upon vesting of such RSUs.
|
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
This adjustment reflects the impact of the TW NY Exchange
including:
|
|
|
|
|
|
the elimination of the minority interest related to Time
Warners indirect 12.43% interest in TW NY of
$1.746 billion (the historical carrying value).
|
S-16
|
|
|
|
|
the issuance of 80 million shares of our Class A
common stock, which is recorded at the historical
$1.746 billion carrying value of the minority interest,
because such transaction is between entities under common
control.
|
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
This adjustment reflects the exchange of all of our issued and
outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B
common stock for shares of TWC Common Stock in the
Recapitalization.
|
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
This adjustment reflects the payment of the Special Dividend to
common stockholders of $10.855 billion, the accrual of the
estimated cash payment of $44 million to holders of
unvested RSUs as a result of the Special Dividend and
$94 million of estimated one-time expenses related to the
Transactions (including financing fees related to the Bridge
Facility), which are reflected as a reduction in retained
earnings until depleted, with the remainder of
$5.291 billion reflected as a reduction in
paid-in-capital.
|
Note 3: Unaudited
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
Adjustments Year Ended December 31,
2007
The pro forma adjustments to the consolidated statement of
operations related to the Transactions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
(g)
|
The increase in interest expense reflects the incremental
borrowings to finance the Special Dividend and expenses related
to the Transactions. The following table illustrates the
allocation of borrowings to various financing arrangements and
the computation of incremental interest expense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Rate
|
|
|
Expense
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
Borrowings to finance Special Dividend
|
|
$
|
9,000
|
|
|
|
6.75
|
%
|
|
$
|
608
|
|
Bank Credit Agreement Special Dividend
|
|
|
1,855
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
|
60
|
|
Estimated debt issuance costs, upfront Bridge Facility payment
and transaction costs
|
|
|
162
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
673
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of estimated debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
681
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The above table reflects managements estimate as to the
borrowings and interest rates to be used to finance the Special
Dividend and expenses related to the Transactions and assumes no
borrowings under the Bridge Facility or Supplemental Facility.
However, we may finance a portion of the Special Dividend
through the Bridge Facility and actual rates may differ from the
estimates used above, which would result in higher or lower
interest expense. A 0.5% change, or 50 basis points, in the
annual interest rates noted above would change the interest
expense by approximately $55 million per year.
|
|
|
|
(h)
|
This adjustment eliminates the historical minority interest
expense related to Time Warners indirect ownership
interest in TW NY to reflect the TW NY Exchange.
|
|
|
|
|
(i)
|
The adjustment to the income tax provision is required to adjust
the historical income taxes using our marginal rate of 40.0%.
|
|
|
(j)
|
The adjustment to shares outstanding reflects the impact of the
TW NY Exchange as of the beginning of the period.
|
S-17
Note 4: Unaudited
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
Adjustments Three Months Ended March 31,
2008
The pro forma adjustments to the consolidated statement of
operations related to the Transactions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
(k)
|
The increase in interest expense reflects the incremental
borrowings to finance the Special Dividend and expenses related
to the Transactions. The following table illustrates the
allocation of borrowings to various financing arrangements and
the computation of incremental interest expense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Rate
|
|
|
Expense
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
Borrowings to finance Special Dividend
|
|
$
|
9,000
|
|
|
|
6.75
|
%
|
|
$
|
152
|
|
Bank Credit Agreement Special Dividend
|
|
|
1,855
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
|
15
|
|
Estimated debt issuance costs, upfront Bridge Facility payment
and transaction costs
|
|
|
162
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
%
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of estimated debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
170
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The above table reflects managements estimate as to the
borrowings and interest rates to be used to finance the Special
Dividend and expenses related to the Transactions and assumes no
borrowings under the Bridge Facility or Supplemental Facility.
However, we may finance a portion of the Special Dividend
through the Bridge Facility and actual rates may differ from the
estimates used above, which would result in higher or lower
interest expense. A 0.5% change, or 50 basis points, in the
annual interest rates noted above would change the interest
expense by approximately $14 million per quarter.
|
|
|
|
(l)
|
The adjustment eliminates the historical minority interest
expense related to Time Warners indirect ownership
interest in TW NY to reflect the TW NY Exchange.
|
|
|
|
|
(m)
|
The adjustment to the income tax provision is required to adjust
the historical income taxes using our marginal rate of 40.0%.
|
|
|
(n)
|
The adjustment to shares outstanding reflects the impact of the
TW NY Exchange as of the beginning of the period.
|
S-18
DESCRIPTION
OF THE NOTES AND THE DEBENTURES
We will issue three separate series of debt securities and the
related Guarantees (as defined below) under the senior indenture
referred to in the accompanying prospectus. The following
description of the particular terms of the debt securities
offered hereby and the related guarantees supplements the
description of the general terms and provisions of the senior
debt securities set forth under Description of the Debt
Securities and the Guarantees beginning on page 6 in
the accompanying prospectus. This description replaces the
description of the senior debt securities in the accompanying
prospectus, to the extent of any inconsistency.
General
The % Notes due 2013 will
mature
on ,
2013, the % Notes due 2018
will mature
on ,
2018, and the % Debentures due
2038 will mature
on ,
2038.
We will pay interest on
the % Notes due 2013 at the
rate of % per year, on
the % Notes due 2018 at the
rate of % per year and on
the % Debentures due 2038 at
the rate of % per year,
semi-annually in arrears
on
and
of each year to holders of record on the
preceding
and
of each year. If interest or principal on
the % Notes due 2013,
the % Notes due 2018 and
the % Debentures due 2038 is
payable on a Saturday, Sunday or any other day when banks are
not open for business in The City of New York, we will make the
payment on the next business day, and no interest will accrue as
a result of the delay in payment. The first interest payment
date on the % Notes due 2013,
the % Notes due 2018 and
the % Debentures due 2038
is ,
2008. Interest on the % Notes
due 2013, the % Notes due 2018
and the % Debentures due 2038
will accrue
from ,
2008, and will accrue on the basis of a
360-day year
consisting of twelve
30-day
months.
The debt securities will initially be limited to
$ aggregate principal amount (in
the case of the % Notes due
2013), $ aggregate principal
amount (in the case of
the % Notes due 2018) and
$ aggregate principal amount (in the case of
the % Debentures due 2038),
which aggregate principal amounts may, without the consent of
holders of the % Notes due
2013, % Notes due 2018
and % Debentures due 2038, as
applicable, be increased in the future on the same terms and
conditions as such series of notes or debentures, except with
respect to terms such as the issue date, issue price and first
payment of interest of such series of notes or debentures.
The debt securities will be issued in minimum denominations of
$2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.
Additional
Information
See Description of the Debt Securities and the
Guarantees in the accompanying prospectus for additional
important information about the securities. That information
includes:
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additional information about the terms of the securities;
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general information about the senior indenture and the Senior
Indenture Trustee;
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a description of certain covenants under the senior
indenture; and
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a description of events of default, notice and waiver under the
senior indenture.
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Guarantees
Under the Guarantees, each of TWE and TW NY, as primary obligor
and not merely as surety, will fully, irrevocably and
unconditionally guarantee to each holder of the debt securities
and to the Senior Indenture Trustee and its successors and
assigns, (1) the full and punctual payment of principal and
interest on the debt securities when due, whether at maturity,
by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, and all other
monetary obligations of ours under the senior indenture
(including obligations to the Senior Indenture Trustee) and the
securities and (2) the full and punctual performance within
applicable grace periods of all other obligations of
S-19
ours under the senior indenture and the debt securities. Such
guarantees will constitute guarantees of payment, performance
and compliance and not merely of collection (the
Guarantees).
We describe the terms of the Guarantees in more detail under the
heading Description of the Debt Securities and the
GuaranteesGuarantees in the accompanying prospectus.
Existing
Indebtedness
The following is a summary of the existing public debt and
committed credit facilities of our company and the Guarantors.
The following summary does not include intercompany obligations.
Please see the information incorporated herein by reference for
a further description of this indebtedness as well as our and
our subsidiaries other indebtedness. In addition to the
following indebtedness, one of our non-guarantor subsidiaries,
Time Warner NY Cable LLC, has issued $300 million of its
Series A Preferred Membership Units, which are subject to
mandatory redemption on August 1, 2013.
Our
Company
As of March 31, 2008, the aggregate committed amount under
our bank credit facilities, including amounts reserved from time
to time to support commercial paper borrowings and letters of
credit, was $9.045 billion. As of March 31, 2008,
there were borrowings of $3.045 billion outstanding under
our five-year term loan facility that matures on
February 21, 2011, borrowings of $1.450 billion and
letters of credit totaling $135 million outstanding under
our revolving credit facility and $415 million of
commercial paper was supported by our revolving credit facility.
Our unused committed available funds as of March 31, 2008
were $4.226 billion, reflecting $226 million of cash
and equivalents and $4.000 billion of available borrowing
capacity under our revolving credit facility. As of
March 31, 2008, the aggregate principal amount outstanding
of our debt securities was approximately $5.0 billion. In
addition, we are a guarantor of the debt securities issued by
TWE.
In addition, in connection with the Separation, we received
commitments from certain financial institutions in an aggregate
amount of $9.0 billion for the Bridge Facility, the
borrowings under which will be used to fund, in part, the
Special Dividend. Subject to certain limited exceptions, to the
extent we incur debt (including the debt incurred in this
offering), issue equity securities or complete asset sales prior
to drawing on the Bridge Facility, the commitments of the
lenders under the Bridge Facility will be reduced by an amount
equal to the net cash proceeds from any such incurrence,
issuance or sale. As a result of this offering, the commitment
of the lenders under the Bridge Facility will be reduced by
approximately $ billion to
approximately $ billion. Any
additional borrowings under our existing revolving credit
facility to fund the remainder of the Special Dividend and
expenses related to the Transactions would reduce our unused
committed capacity by an amount equal to such borrowings.
TWE
As of March 31, 2008, the aggregate principal amount
outstanding of public debt securities of TWE was
$3.200 billion. As of March 31, 2008, TWE did not have
any outstanding bank debt. TWE is also a guarantor under our
credit facilities and commercial paper program.
TW
NY
As of March 31, 2008, TW NY did not have any outstanding
public debt or bank debt. TW NY is also a guarantor under our
credit facilities and commercial paper program.
Release
of Guarantors
The senior indenture for the securities provides that any
Guarantor may be automatically released from its obligations if
such Guarantor has no outstanding Indebtedness For Borrowed
Money (as defined in the accompanying prospectus), other than
any other guarantee of Indebtedness For Borrowed Money that will
be released concurrently with the release of such guarantee.
Also, TW NY will be released from its Guarantee
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under such circumstances only if it is a wholly owned direct or
indirect subsidiary of ours. However, there is no covenant in
the senior indenture that would prohibit any such Guarantor from
incurring Indebtedness For Borrowed Money after the date such
Guarantor is released from its guarantee. In addition, although
the senior indenture for the securities limits the overall
amount of secured Indebtedness For Borrowed Money that can be
incurred by us and our subsidiaries, it does not limit the
amount of unsecured indebtedness that can be incurred by us and
our subsidiaries. Thus, there is no limitation on the amount of
indebtedness that could be structurally senior to the
securities. See Description of the Debt Securities and the
GuaranteesGuarantees in the accompanying prospectus.
Ranking
The debt securities offered hereby will be unsecured senior
obligations of ours, and will rank equally with other unsecured
and unsubordinated obligations of ours. The Guarantees will be
unsecured senior obligations of TWE and TW NY, as applicable,
and will rank equally with all other unsecured and
unsubordinated obligations of TWE and TW NY, respectively.
The debt securities and the Guarantees will effectively rank
junior in right of payment to any of our or the Guarantors
existing and future secured obligations to the extent of the
value of the assets securing such obligations. We and the
Guarantors collectively have no more than $10 million of
secured obligations as of March 31, 2008.
The debt securities and the Guarantees will be effectively
subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including
indebtedness and trade payables, of our non-guarantor
subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2008, our non-guarantor
subsidiaries had total liabilities of approximately
$8.9 billion (excluding intercompany liabilities payable to
the Guarantors or us but including approximately
$7.1 billion in deferred income taxes). The senior
indenture does not limit the amount of unsecured indebtedness or
other liabilities that can be incurred by our non-guarantor
subsidiaries.
Furthermore, we and TW NY are holding companies with no material
business operations. The ability of each of us and TW NY to
service our respective indebtedness and other obligations is
dependent primarily upon the earnings and cash flow of our and
TW NYs respective subsidiaries and the distribution or
other payment to us or TW NY of such earnings or cash flow.
Optional
Redemption
We may redeem any of
the % Notes due 2013,
the % Notes due 2018 or
the % Debentures due 2038 as a
whole at any time or in part from time to time, at our option,
on at least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, prior
notice mailed to each holder of such securities to be redeemed,
at respective redemption prices equal to the greater of:
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100% of the principal amount of the securities to be
redeemed, and
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the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled
Payments, as defined in the accompanying prospectus, discounted
to the redemption date, on a semi-annual basis, assuming a
360-day year
consisting of twelve
30-day
months, at the Treasury Rate, as defined in the accompanying
prospectus,
plus
basis points for the % Notes
due
2013, basis
points for the % Notes due
2018
and basis
points for the % Debentures
due 2038;
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plus, in each case, accrued interest to the date of redemption
that has not been paid.
On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue
on the debt securities or any portion thereof called for
redemption, unless we default in the payment of the
Redemption Price and accrued and unpaid interest. On or
before the redemption date, we shall deposit with a paying
agent, or the Senior Indenture Trustee, money sufficient to pay
the Redemption Price of and accrued interest on the debt
securities to be redeemed on such date. If we elect to redeem
less than all of the debt securities of a series, then the
Senior Indenture Trustee will select the particular debt
securities of such series to be redeemed in a manner it deems
appropriate and fair.
S-21
For additional information, see Description of the Debt
Securities and GuaranteesOptional Redemption in the
accompanying prospectus.
Book-Entry
Delivery and Settlement
Global
Notes
We will issue the debt securities of each series in the form of
one or more global notes in definitive, fully registered,
book-entry form. The global notes will be deposited with or on
behalf of The Depository Trust Company (DTC)
and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee
of DTC, or will remain in the custody of the Senior Indenture
Trustee in accordance with the FAST Balance Certificate
Agreement between DTC and the Senior Indenture Trustee.
DTC,
Clearstream and Euroclear
Beneficial interests in the global notes will be represented
through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on
behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants
in DTC. Investors may hold interests in the global notes through
either DTC (in the United States), Clearstream Banking,
société anonyme, Luxembourg
(Clearstream), or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as
operator of the Euroclear System (Euroclear) in
Europe, either directly if they are participants of such systems
or indirectly through organizations that are participants in
such systems. Clearstream and Euroclear will hold interests on
behalf of their participants through customers securities
accounts in Clearstreams and Euroclears names on the
books of their U.S. depositaries, which in turn will hold
such interests in customers securities accounts in the
U.S. depositaries names on the books of DTC. The Bank
of New York will act as the U.S. depositary for Clearstream
and Euroclear.
DTC has advised us as follows:
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DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New
York Banking Law, a banking organization within the
meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal
Reserve System, a clearing corporation within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a
clearing agency registered under Section 17A of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC and
facilitates the settlement among participants of securities
transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited
securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in
participants accounts, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of securities certificates.
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Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other
organizations.
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DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC
and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
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Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that
clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct
participant, either directly or indirectly.
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The rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect
participants are on file with the SEC.
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Clearstream has advised us that it is incorporated under the
laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream
holds securities for its customers and facilitates the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions between its customers
through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its
customers, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates. Clearstream provides to its customers, among other
things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and
settlement of internationally traded securities and securities
lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic
markets in several countries. As a professional depositary,
Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg
Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Section.
Clearstream customers are recognized
S-22
financial institutions around the world, including underwriters,
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and other organizations and may include the
underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies
that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Clearstream customer either directly or indirectly.
Euroclear has advised us that it was created in 1968 to hold
securities for participants of Euroclear and to clear and settle
transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous
electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and
any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and
cash. Euroclear provides various other services, including
securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic
markets in several countries. Euroclear is operated by Euroclear
Bank S.A./N.V. (the Euroclear Operator) under
contract with Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian
cooperative corporation (the Cooperative). All
operations are conducted by the Euroclear Operator, and all
Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash
accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the
Cooperative. The Cooperative establishes policy for Euroclear on
behalf of Euroclear participants. Euroclear participants include
banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers
and other professional financial intermediaries and may include
the underwriters. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available
to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or
indirectly.
The Euroclear Operator has advised us that it is licensed by the
Belgian Banking and Finance Commission to carry out banking
activities on a global basis. As a Belgian bank, it is regulated
and examined by the Belgian Banking and Finance Commission.
We have provided the descriptions of the operations and
procedures of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear in this prospectus
supplement solely as a matter of convenience. These operations
and procedures are solely within the control of those
organizations and are subject to change by them from time to
time. None of our company, TWE, TW NY, the underwriters or the
Senior Indenture Trustee takes any responsibility for these
operations or procedures, and you are urged to contact DTC,
Clearstream and Euroclear or their participants directly to
discuss these matters.
We expect that under procedures established by DTC:
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upon deposit of the global notes with DTC or its custodian, DTC
will credit on its internal system the accounts of direct
participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the
principal amounts of the global notes; and
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ownership of the debt securities will be shown on, and the
transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through,
records maintained by DTC or its nominee, with respect to
interests of direct participants, and the records of direct and
indirect participants, with respect to interests of persons
other than participants.
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The laws of some jurisdictions may require that purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of those securities in
definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to transfer interests
in the debt securities represented by a global note to those
persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act only on
behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons
who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person
having an interest in debt securities represented by a global
note to pledge or transfer those interests to persons or
entities that do not participate in DTCs system, or
otherwise to take actions in respect of such interest, may be
affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in
respect of such interest.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a
global note, DTC or that nominee will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the debt securities represented by that
global note for all purposes under the senior indenture and
under the debt securities. Except as provided below, owners of
beneficial interests in a global note will not be entitled to
have debt securities represented by that global note registered
in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive
physical delivery of certificated debt securities and will not
be considered the owners or holders thereof under the senior
indenture or under the debt securities for any purpose,
including with respect to the giving of any direction,
instruction or approval to the Senior Indenture Trustee.
Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a
global note must rely on the
S-23
procedures of DTC and, if that holder is not a direct or
indirect participant, on the procedures of the participant
through which that holder owns its interest, to exercise any
rights of a holder of debt securities under the indenture or a
global note.
None of our company, TWE, TW NY or the Senior Indenture Trustee
will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of debt
securities by DTC, Clearstream or Euroclear, or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records of those organizations
relating to the debt securities.
Payments on the debt securities represented by the global notes
will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the
registered owner thereof. We expect that DTC or its nominee,
upon receipt of any payment on the debt securities represented
by a global note, will credit participants accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the global note as shown in the records of DTC or
its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in the global note held through
such participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practice as is now the case with securities held for
the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees
for such customers. The participants will be responsible for
those payments.
Distributions on the debt securities held beneficially through
Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of its customers
in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent
received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream.
Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the
Euroclear Operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions
Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures
of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian law
(collectively, the Terms and Conditions). The Terms
and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within
Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear,
and receipts of payments with respect to securities in
Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible
basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific
securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under
the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear
participants and has no record of or relationship with persons
holding through Euroclear participants.
Distributions on the debt securities held beneficially through
Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of its
participants in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, to the
extent received by the U.S. depositary for Euroclear.
Clearance
and Settlement Procedures
Initial settlement for the debt securities will be made in
immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between
DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance
with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available
funds. Secondary market trading between Clearstream customers
and/or
Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in
accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of
Clearstream and Euroclear, as applicable, and will be settled
using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in
immediately available funds.
Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or
indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or
indirectly through Clearstream customers or Euroclear
participants, on the other, will be effected through DTC in
accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European
international clearing system by the U.S. depositary;
however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of
instructions to the relevant European international clearing
system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its
rules and procedures and within its established deadlines
(European time). The relevant European international clearing
system will, if the transaction meets its settlement
requirements, deliver instructions to the U.S. depositary
to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by
delivering or receiving the debt securities in DTC, and making
or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for
same-day
funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream customers and
Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to
their U.S. depositaries.
S-24
Because of time-zone differences, credits of the debt securities
received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of a
transaction with a DTC participant will be made during
subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the
business day following the DTC settlement date. Such credits or
any transactions in the debt securities settled during such
processing will be reported to the relevant Clearstream
customers or Euroclear participants on such business day. Cash
received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of sales of the
debt securities by or through a Clearstream customer or a
Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with
value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the
relevant Clearstream or Euroclear cash account only as of the
business day following settlement in DTC.
Although DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the
foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of the debt
securities among participants of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear,
they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform
such procedures and such procedures may be changed or
discontinued at any time.
Certificated
Notes
We will issue certificated debt securities to each person that
DTC identifies as the beneficial owner of the debt securities
represented by the global notes upon surrender by DTC of the
global notes only if:
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DTC or any successor thereto notifies us that it is no longer
willing or able to act as a depositary for the global notes or
ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, and we have not appointed a successor
depositary within 90 days of that notice or becoming aware
that DTC is no longer so registered;
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an event of default has occurred and is continuing with respect
to a series of debt securities entitling the holders of debt
securities of such series to accelerate maturity of such debt
securities in accordance with the indenture; or
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we determine, in our sole discretion, not to have the debt
securities of any series represented by a global note.
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Neither we nor the Senior Indenture Trustee will be liable for
any delay by DTC, its nominee or any direct or indirect
participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the related
debt securities. We and the Senior Indenture Trustee may
conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on,
instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes, including
with respect to the registration and delivery, and the
respective principal amounts, of the certificated notes to be
issued.
S-25
CERTAIN
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a general summary of certain material
anticipated U.S. federal income tax consequences to a
U.S. Holder and to a
Non-U.S. Holder,
each as defined below, and of certain material anticipated
U.S. federal estate tax consequences to a
Non-U.S. Holder,
of the purchase of the debt securities at original issuance at
their initial issue price, as well as the ownership and
disposition of the debt securities by U.S. Holders and
Non-U.S. Holders,
each as defined below. This discussion is based on the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code), Treasury regulations promulgated under the
Code, administrative pronouncements or practices, and judicial
decisions, all as of the date hereof. Future legislative,
judicial, or administrative modifications, revocations, or
interpretations, which may or may not be retroactive, may result
in U.S. federal tax consequences significantly different
from those discussed herein. This discussion is not binding on
the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the IRS). No
ruling has been or will be sought or obtained from the IRS with
respect to the classification of the debt securities for
U.S. federal income tax purposes or any of the
U.S. federal tax consequences discussed herein. There can
be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge any of the
conclusions discussed herein or that a U.S. court will not
sustain such a challenge.
This discussion does not address any U.S. federal
alternative minimum tax; U.S. federal estate, gift, or
other non-income tax except as expressly provided below; or any
state, local, or
non-U.S. tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership, or disposition of a
debt security. In addition, this discussion does not address the
U.S. federal income tax consequences to beneficial owners
of debt securities subject to special rules, including, for
example, beneficial owners that (i) are banks, financial
institutions, or insurance companies, (ii) are regulated
investment companies or real estate investment trusts,
(iii) are brokers, dealers, or traders in securities or
currencies, (iv) are tax-exempt organizations,
(v) hold debt securities as part of hedges, straddles,
constructive sales, conversion transactions, or other integrated
investments, (vi) acquire debt securities as compensation
for services, (vii) have a functional currency other than
the U.S. dollar, (viii) use the mark-to-market method
of accounting, or (ix) are U.S. expatriates.
As used in this discussion of certain U.S. federal income
tax considerations, a Holder means a beneficial
owner of a debt security. A U.S. Holder means a
Holder that is: (i) an individual citizen or resident of
the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
(ii) a corporation or any other entity taxable as a
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes organized
under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the
District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which
is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its
source, or (iv) a trust that (a) is subject to the
primary jurisdiction of a court within the United States
and for which one or more U.S. persons have authority to
control all substantial decisions or (b) has a valid
election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury
regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. If a Holder is
a partnership or any other entity taxable as a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes
(a Partnership), the U.S. federal income
tax consequences to an owner or partner in such Partnership
generally will depend on the status of such owner or partner and
on the activities of such Partnership. A Holder that is a
Partnership and any owners or partners in such Partnership are
urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership, or disposition of a debt security. As used herein, a
Non-U.S. Holder
means a Holder that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a
Partnership.
This discussion assumes that a debt security will be a capital
asset, within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, in
the hands of a Holder at all relevant times. This discussion
also assumes that the initial debt securities were not issued
with original issue discount that exceeded a statutorily defined
de minimis amount, and that a Holder did not purchase initial
debt securities at a market discount that exceeded a statutorily
defined de minimis amount or at a premium.
A HOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE
APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS TO ITS PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES AND ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF
ANY STATE, LOCAL,
NON-U.S., OR
OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.
S-26
Tax
Considerations for a U.S. Holder
Payments
of Interest
Stated interest on a debt security generally will be taxable to
a U.S. Holder as ordinary income at the time it accrues or
is received in accordance with a U.S. Holders method
of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Payments
on Early Redemptions
In certain circumstances (see Description of the Notes and
the DebenturesOptional Redemption) we may be
entitled to redeem debt securities before their stated maturity
date. Because we believe that there is only a remote chance that
such redemption will occur, we do not intend to treat such
potential redemptions as part of or affecting the yield to
maturity of any debt security under applicable Treasury
regulations. That is, we intend to take the position that the
debt securities are not contingent payment debt
instruments. In the event that such a contingency occurs,
it would affect the amount and timing of the income that a
U.S. Holder will recognize. Our determination that this
contingency is remote is binding on a U.S. Holder unless
such U.S. Holder discloses a contrary position in the
manner required by applicable Treasury regulations. Our
determination is not binding on the IRS, and if the IRS were to
challenge this determination, a U.S. Holder might be
required to accrue income on a debt security at a higher yield
and to treat as ordinary income (rather than as capital gain)
any income realized on the taxable disposition of a debt
security before the resolution of such contingencies.
Sale,
Exchange, or Retirement of a Debt Security
A U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss on the
sale, exchange, redemption, retirement, or other taxable
disposition of a debt security in an amount equal to the
difference between (i) the amount of cash plus the fair
market value of any property received (other than any amount
received in respect of accrued but unpaid interest not
previously included in income, which will be taxable as ordinary
income), and (ii) such U.S. Holders adjusted tax
basis in the debt security. A U.S. Holders adjusted
tax basis in a debt security generally will be its cost to such
U.S. Holder. Gain or loss recognized on the sale, exchange,
retirement, or other taxable disposition of a debt security
generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term
capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holders holding
period in such debt security exceeds one year. Long-term capital
gain is subject to tax at a reduced rate to a non-corporate
U.S. Holder (which reduced rate is currently scheduled to
expire on January 1, 2011). The deductibility of capital
losses is subject to limitations.
Tax
Considerations for a
Non-U.S.
Holder
The rules governing the U.S. federal taxation of a
Non-U.S. Holder
are complex. A
Non-U.S. Holder
is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the
application of U.S. federal tax laws, including any
information reporting requirements, to its particular
circumstances and any tax consequences arising under the laws of
any state, local,
non-U.S., or
other taxing jurisdiction.
U.S. Federal
Income Tax
Payments of interest on a debt security by us or our paying
agent to a
Non-U.S. Holder
generally will not be subject to withholding of
U.S. federal income tax if such interest will qualify as
portfolio interest. Interest on a debt security paid
to a
Non-U.S. Holder
will qualify as portfolio interest if:
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for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such
Non-U.S. Holder
does not own directly or indirectly, actually or constructively,
10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
Company stock entitled to vote;
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for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such
Non-U.S. Holder
is not a controlled foreign corporation related directly or
indirectly to us through stock ownership;
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such interest is not effectively connected with such
Non-U.S. Holders
conduct of a trade or business in the United States (or, if
certain income tax treaties apply, such interest is not
attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by such
Non-U.S. Holder
within the United States);
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such
Non-U.S. Holder
is not a bank receiving interest described in
Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and
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the certification requirement, described below, has been
fulfilled with respect to such
Non-U.S. Holder
of the debt security.
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The certification requirement will be fulfilled if either
(i) the
Non-U.S. Holder
provides to us or our paying agent an IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or successor form), signed under penalty of perjury, that
includes such
Non-U.S. Holders
name, address, and a certification as to its
non-U.S. status,
or (ii) a securities clearing organization, bank, or other
financial institution that holds customers securities in
the ordinary course of its trade or business holds the debt
security on behalf of such
Non-U.S. Holder,
and provides to us or our paying agent a statement, signed under
penalty of perjury, in which such organization, bank, or other
financial institution certifies that it has received an IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or successor form) from such
Non-U.S. Holder
or from another financial institution acting on behalf of such
Non-U.S. Holder
and provides to us or our paying agent a copy thereof. Other
methods might be available to satisfy the certification
requirement depending on a
Non-U.S. Holders
particular circumstances.
The gross amount of any payment of interest on a
Non-U.S. Holders
debt security that does not qualify for the portfolio interest
exception will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal
income tax at the statutory rate of 30% unless (i) such
Non-U.S. Holder
provides a properly completed IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or successor form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in
withholding of U.S. federal income tax under an applicable
income tax treaty, or (ii) such interest is effectively
connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business
(and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment) by such
Non-U.S. Holder
and such
Non-U.S. Holder
provides a properly completed IRS
Form W-8ECI
(or successor form).
Subject to the discussion below concerning backup withholding, a
Non-U.S. Holder
generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or
to withholding of U.S. federal income tax on any gain
realized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement, or other
disposition of a debt security unless (i) such
Non-U.S. Holder
is an individual present in the United States for 183 days
or more in the taxable year of such disposition and other
applicable conditions are met, or (ii) such gain is
effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or
business by such
Non-U.S. Holder
and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained
by such
Non-U.S. Holder.
If a
Non-U.S. Holder
is engaged in a U.S. trade or business and interest on a
debt security or gain realized on the disposition of a debt
security is effectively connected with the conduct of such
U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable
income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment), such
Non-U.S. Holder
generally will be subject to regular U.S. federal income
tax on such interest and gain on a net income basis at graduated
rates in the same manner as if such
Non-U.S. Holder
were a U.S. Holder, unless an applicable income tax treaty
provides otherwise. See Tax Considerations for a
U.S. Holder above. In addition, any such
Non-U.S. Holder
that is a
non-U.S. corporation
may be subject to the branch profits tax on its effectively
connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to
certain adjustments, at the statutory rate of 30% unless such
rate is reduced or the branch profit tax is eliminated by an
applicable tax treaty. Although such effectively connected
income will be subject to U.S. federal income tax, and may
be subject to the branch profits tax, it generally will not be
subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax if a
Non-U.S. Holder
provides a properly completed IRS
Form W-8ECI
(or successor form).
In certain circumstances (see Description of the Notes and
the DebenturesOptional Redemption), we may become
obligated to make additional payments to Holders of the debt
securities. If any such additional payments are made, they may
be treated as interest subject to the rules described above, or
as other income subject to U.S. federal withholding tax.
Although the matter is not free from doubt, we may treat such
S-28
payments made to
Non-U.S. holders
as subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of
30% subject to reduction or exemption (a) by an
applicable treaty if the
Non-U.S. holder
provides an IRS From
W-8BEN (or
successor form) certifying that it is entitled to such treaty
benefits or (b) upon the receipt of an IRS
Form W-8ECI
(or successor form) from a
Non-U.S. holder
claiming that such payments are effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
Non-U.S. Holders
are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the
U.S. federal income tax consequences of any such contingent
payments.
U.S. Federal
Estate Tax
A debt security held or treated as held by an individual who is
a non-resident of the U.S. (as specially defined for
U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of his or her
death will not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax,
provided that the interest on such debt security is exempt from
withholding of U.S. federal income tax under the portfolio
interest exemption discussed above (without regard to the
certification requirement). An individual may be a
Non-U.S. Holder
but not a non-resident of the U.S. for U.S. federal
estate tax purposes. A
Non-U.S. Holder
that is an individual is urged to consult its own tax advisor
regarding the possible application of the U.S. federal
estate tax to its particular circumstances, including the effect
of any applicable treaty.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
A Holder may be subject, under certain circumstances, to
information reporting
and/or
backup withholding at the applicable rate (currently 28%) with
respect to certain payments of principal or interest on a debt
security and the proceeds of a disposition of a debt security
before maturity.
Backup withholding may apply to a non-corporate U.S. Holder
that (i) fails to furnish its taxpayer identification
number (TIN), which for an individual is his or her
social security number, (ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN,
(iii) is notified by the IRS that it failed properly to
report certain interest or dividends, or (iv) fails, under
certain circumstances, to provide a certified statement, signed
under penalty of perjury, that it is a U.S. person, that
the TIN provided is correct, and that it has not been notified
by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding. The
application for exemption is available by providing a properly
completed IRS
Form W-9
(or successor form). These requirements generally do not apply
with respect to certain U.S. Holders, including
corporations, tax-exempt organizations, qualified pension and
profit sharing trusts, certain financial institutions and
individual retirement accounts.
We generally must report to the IRS and to a
Non-U.S. Holder
the amount of interest on debt securities paid to such
Non-U.S. Holder
and the amount of any tax withheld in respect of such interest
payments. Copies of information returns that report such
interest payments and any withholding of U.S. federal
income tax may be made available to tax authorities in a country
in which a
Non-U.S. Holder
is a resident under the provisions of an applicable income tax
treaty.
If a
Non-U.S. Holder
provides the applicable IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or successor form) or other applicable form (together with all
appropriate attachments, signed under penalties of perjury, and
identifying such
Non-U.S. Holder
and stating that it is not a U.S. person), and we or our
paying agent, as the case may be, has neither actual knowledge
nor reason to know that such
Non-U.S. Holder
is a U.S. person, then such
Non-U.S. Holder
will not be subject to U.S. backup withholding with respect
to payments of principal or interest on debt securities made by
us or our paying agent. Special rules apply to pass-through
entities and this certification requirement may also apply to
beneficial owners of pass-through entities.
Payment of the proceeds of a disposition of a debt security by a
Non-U.S. Holder
made to or through a U.S. office of a broker generally will
be subject to information reporting and backup withholding
unless such
Non-U.S. Holder
(i) certifies its
non-U.S. status
on IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or successor form) signed under penalty of perjury, or
(ii) otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the
proceeds of a disposition of a debt security by a
Non-U.S. Holder
made to or through a
non-U.S. office
of a
non-U.S. broker
generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup
withholding unless such
non-U.S. broker
is a U.S. Related Person (as defined below).
Payment of the proceeds of a disposition of a debt security by a
Non-U.S. Holder
made to or through a
non-U.S. office
of a U.S. broker or a U.S. Related Person generally
will not be subject to backup withholding, but will be subject
to information reporting, unless (i) such
Non-U.S. Holder
certifies
S-29
its
non-U.S. status
on IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or successor form) signed under penalty of perjury, or
(ii) such U.S. broker or U.S. Related Person has
documentary evidence in its records as to the
non-U.S. status
of such
Non-U.S. Holder
and has neither actual knowledge nor reason to know that such
Non-U.S. Holder
is a U.S. person.
For this purpose, a U.S. Related Person is
(i) a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, (ii) a
non-U.S. person
50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for the
three-year period ending with the close of its taxable year
preceding the payment (or for such part of the period that the
broker has been in existence) is derived from activities that
are effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade
or business, or (iii) a
non-U.S. partnership
if at any time during its taxable year one or more of its
partners are U.S. persons who, in the aggregate, hold more
than 50% of the income or capital interest of the partnership or
if, at any time during its taxable year, the partnership is
engaged in the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld
from a payment to a U.S. or
Non-U.S. Holder
under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit
against such Holders U.S. federal income tax
liability and may entitle such Holder to a refund, provided that
certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A
Holder is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the
application of information reporting and backup withholding in
its particular circumstances, the availability of an exemption
from backup withholding, and the procedure for obtaining any
such available exemption.
The foregoing discussion is for general information only and
is not tax advice. Accordingly, you should consult your tax
advisor as to the particular tax consequences to you of
purchasing, holding and disposing of the debt securities,
including the applicability and effect of any state, local, or
non-U.S. tax
laws and any tax treaty and any recent or prospective changes in
any applicable tax laws or treaties.
S-30
UNDERWRITING
We are offering the securities described in this prospectus
supplement through a number of underwriters. Banc of America
Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Greenwich Capital
Markets, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and
Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC are the representatives of
the underwriters. We have entered into a firm commitment
underwriting agreement with the underwriters listed below.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting
agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each
underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, the aggregate
principal amount of the securities listed next to its name in
the following table:
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Principal Amount
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Principal Amount
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Principal Amount
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of Debentures
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Underwriter
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of Notes due 2013
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of Notes due 2018
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due 2038
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Banc of America Securities LLC
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$
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$
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$
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BNP Paribas Securities Corp.
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Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc.
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Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
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Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC
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Total
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$
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$
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$
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The underwriting agreement is subject to a number of terms and
conditions and provides that the underwriters must buy all of
the securities if they buy any of them. The underwriters will
sell the securities to the public when and if the underwriters
buy the securities from us.
The underwriters have advised us that they propose initially to
offer the securities to the public at the public offering prices
set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement, and to
certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess
of % of the principal amount of
the % Notes due
2013, % of the principal amount of
the % Notes due 2018
and % of the principal amount of
the % Debentures due 2038. The
underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of % of
the principal amount of
the % Notes due
2013, % of the principal amount of
the % Notes due 2018
and % of the principal amount of
the % Debentures due 2038 to
certain other dealers. After the initial public offering of the
securities, the offering price and other selling terms may be
changed.
We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the
offering, excluding underwriting discounts, will be
approximately $ .
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against, or
contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to
make in respect of, certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933.
The securities are new issues of securities with no established
trading market. The securities will not be listed on any
securities exchange. The underwriters may make a market in the
securities after completion of the offering, but will not be
obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making
activities at any time without notice. No assurance can be given
as to the liquidity of the trading market for the securities or
that an active public market for the securities will develop. If
an active public market for the securities does not develop, the
market price and liquidity of the securities may be adversely
affected.
In connection with the offering of the securities, the
representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities.
Specifically, the representatives may overallot in connection
with the offering, creating a short position. In addition, the
representatives may bid for, and purchase, the securities in the
open market to cover short positions or to stabilize the price
of the securities. Any of these activities may stabilize or
maintain the market price of the securities above independent
market levels, but no representation is made hereby of the
magnitude of any effect that the transactions described
S-31
above may have on the market price of the securities. The
underwriters will not be required to engage in these activities,
and may engage in these activities, and may end any of these
activities, at any time without notice.
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area
which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant
Member State), each underwriter, on behalf of itself and each of
its affiliates that participates in the initial distribution of
the securities, has represented and agreed that with effect from
and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is
implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant
Implementation Date) it and each such affiliate have not made
and will not make an offer of securities which are the subject
of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement to
the public in that Relevant Member State other than:
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(a)
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to legal entities which are authorised or regulated to operate
in the financial markets or, if not so authorised or regulated,
whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;
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(b)
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to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average
of at least 250 employees during the last financial year;
(2) a total balance sheet of more than 43,000,000;
and (3) an annual net turnover of more than
50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated
accounts;
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(c)
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to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified
investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to
obtaining the prior consent of the representatives; or
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(d)
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in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of
the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of
securities shall require us or any underwriter to publish a
prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus
Directive.
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For the purposes of this provision, the expression an
offer of securities to the public in relation to any
securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication
in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the
terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to
enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the
securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by
any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member
State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive
2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in
each Relevant Member State.
Each underwriter has also represented and agreed that it and
each such affiliate have:
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(a)
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only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only
communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or
inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning
of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection
with the issue or sale of the securities in circumstances in
which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to TWC or
the Guarantors; and
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(b)
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complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the
FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the
securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
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This document is only being distributed to and is only directed
at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or
(ii) investments professionals falling within
Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Market Act 2000
(Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the Order) or
(iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it
may lawfully be communicated, falling within
Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons
together being referred to as relevant persons). The
securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or
agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such
securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any
person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on
this document or any of its contents.
The securities may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means
of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do
not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the
Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or
(ii) to professional investors within the
meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws
of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in
other circumstances which do not result in the document being a
prospectus within the meaning of the Companies
Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) and no advertisement,
invitation or document relating to the securities may be issued
or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of
issue (in each case
S-32
whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the
contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the
public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws
of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities which are or
are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong
or only to professional investors within the meaning
of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong
Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
The securities offered in this prospectus supplement have not
been registered under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan.
The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be
offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for
the account of any resident of Japan, except (i) pursuant
to an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Law and (ii) in compliance with any
other applicable requirements of Japanese law.
This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a
prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document
or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation
for subscription or purchase, of the securities may not be
circulated or distributed, nor may the securities be offered or
sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription
or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in
Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under
Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act,
Chapter 289 of Singapore (the SFA),
(ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1),
or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in
accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of
the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance
with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the
SFA, in each case subject to compliance with conditions set
forth in the SFA.
Where the securities are subscribed or purchased under
Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
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a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined
in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to
hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned
by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited
investor; or
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a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose
sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the
trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,
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shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that
corporation or the beneficiaries rights and interest
(howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred
within six months after that corporation or that trust has
acquired the securities pursuant to an offer made under
Section 275 of the SFA except:
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to an institutional investor (for corporations, under
Section 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in
Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an
offer that is made on terms that such shares, debentures and
units of shares and debentures of that corporation or such
rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a
consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a
foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is
to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other
assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the
conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA;
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where no consideration is or will be given for the
transfer; or
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where the transfer is by operation of law.
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Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates have performed
commercial and investment banking and advisory services for us
from time to time for which they have received customary fees
and expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in
transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary
course of their business. Certain affiliates of the underwriters
participating in this offering are lenders under our bank credit
facilities and have committed financing to us in the
$9.0 billion Bridge Facility and are lenders to affiliates
of TWC.
S-33
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the offered securities
will be passed upon for us, TWE and TW NY by Paul, Weiss,
Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison LLP, New York, New York. Certain
legal matters in connection with the offered securities will be
passed upon for the underwriters by Shearman &
Sterling LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial
statements, schedule and supplementary information included in
our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2007, as set forth in their reports, which are
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in
the registration statement. Our financial statements, schedule,
supplementary information, and our managements assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2007 are incorporated by
reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLPs
reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
S-34
PROSPECTUS
Debt Securities
Debt Warrants
This prospectus contains a general description of the securities
which we may offer for sale. The specific terms of the
securities will be contained in one or more supplements to this
prospectus. Read this prospectus and any supplement carefully
before you invest.
The securities will be issued by Time Warner Cable Inc. The debt
securities will be fully, irrevocably and unconditionally
guaranteed on an unsecured basis by each of Time Warner
Entertainment Company, L.P. and TW NY Cable Holding Inc.,
subsidiaries of ours. See Description of the Debt
Securities and the GuaranteesGuarantees.
The Class A common stock of Time Warner Cable Inc. is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol
TWC.
Investing in our securities involves risks that are
referenced under the caption Risk Factors on
page 5 of this prospectus.
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities
commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy
of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is June 16, 2008.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Page
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1
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3
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4
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5
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5
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5
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6
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18
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19
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ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
To understand the terms of the securities offered by this
prospectus, you should carefully read this prospectus and any
applicable prospectus supplement. You should also read the
documents referred to under the heading Where You Can Find
More Information for information on Time Warner Cable Inc.
and its financial statements. Certain capitalized terms used in
this prospectus are defined elsewhere in this prospectus.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that Time
Warner Cable Inc., a Delaware corporation, which is also
referred to as Time Warner Cable, TWC,
the Company, our company,
we, us and our, has filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the
SEC, using a shelf registration procedure. Under
this procedure, Time Warner Cable may offer and sell from time
to time, any of the following securities, in one or more series:
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debt securities, and
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debt warrants.
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The securities may be sold for U.S. dollars,
foreign-denominated currency or currency units. Amounts payable
with respect to any securities may be payable in
U.S. dollars or foreign-denominated currency or currency
units as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the
securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will
provide you with a prospectus supplement that will describe the
specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities being
offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or
change information contained or incorporated by reference in
this prospectus.
The prospectus supplement may also contain information about any
material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to
the securities covered by the prospectus supplement.
We may sell securities to underwriters who will sell the
securities to the public on terms fixed at the time of sale. In
addition, the securities may be sold by us directly or through
dealers or agents designated from time to time, which agents may
be affiliates of ours. If we, directly or through agents,
solicit offers to purchase the securities, we reserve the sole
right to accept and, together with our agents, to reject, in
whole or in part, any offer.
The prospectus supplement will also contain, with respect to the
securities being sold, the names of any underwriters, dealers or
agents, together with the terms of the offering, the
compensation of any underwriters and the net proceeds to us.
Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the
offering may be deemed underwriters within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we
refer to in this prospectus as the
Securities Act.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Time Warner Cable files annual, quarterly and current reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may
obtain such SEC filings from the SECs website at
http://www.sec.gov.
You can also read and copy these materials at the SECs
public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You can obtain information about
the operation of the SECs public reference room by calling
the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
You can also obtain information about Time Warner Cable at the
offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street,
New York, New York 10005. Time Warner Entertainment Company,
L.P. (TWE) and TW NY Cable Holding Inc. (TW
NY and, together with TWE, the Guarantors) do
not file separate reports, proxy statements or other information
with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, which we refer to in this prospectus as the
Exchange Act.
As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all
of the information we have included in the registration
statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file
with the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement,
exhibits and schedules for more information about us and the
securities. The registration statement, exhibits and schedules
are available through the SECs website or at its public
reference room.
1
INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference
information we have filed with it, which means that we can
disclose important information to you by referring you to those
documents. The information we incorporate by reference is an
important part of this prospectus, and later information that we
file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this
information. The following documents have been filed by us with
the SEC and are incorporated by reference into this prospectus:
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Annual report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 (filed
February 22, 2008), including portions of the proxy
statement for the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders (filed
April 15, 2008) to the extent specifically
incorporated by reference therein (collectively, the 2007
Form 10-K);
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Quarterly report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (filed April 30,
2008) (the March 2008
Form 10-Q); and
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Current reports on
Form 8-K
filed on February 8, 2008, March 19, 2008,
April 10, 2008 and May 27, 2008.
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All documents and reports that we file with the SEC (other than
any portion of such filings that are furnished under applicable
SEC rules rather than filed) under Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from the date of this prospectus
until the termination of the offering under this prospectus
shall be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus by
reference. The information contained on our website
(http://www.timewarnercable.com)
is not incorporated into this prospectus.
You may request a copy of these filings, other than an exhibit
to these filings unless we have specifically included or
incorporated that exhibit by reference into the filing, from the
SEC as described under Where You Can Find More
Information or, at no cost, by writing or telephoning Time
Warner Cable at the following address:
Time Warner Cable Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
One Time Warner Center
North Tower
New York, NY
10019-8014
Telephone: 1-877-4-INFO-TWC
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the prospectus
supplement, any free writing prospectus that we authorize and
any pricing supplement. We have not authorized any person,
including any salesman or broker, to provide information other
than that provided in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus
supplement, any free writing prospectus that we authorize or any
pricing supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you
with different information. We are not making an offer of the
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.
You should assume that the information in this prospectus, any
applicable prospectus supplement, any free writing prospectus
that we authorize and any pricing supplement is accurate only as
of the date on its cover page and that any information we have
incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of
such document incorporated by reference.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed
to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any
other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or
supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or
superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
2
STATEMENTS
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act,
particularly statements anticipating future growth in revenues,
Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortization, cash
provided by operating activities and other financial measures.
These statements may be made directly in this prospectus
referring to us and they may also be made a part of this
prospectus by reference to other documents filed with the SEC,
which is known as incorporation by reference. Words such as
anticipates, estimates,
expects, projects, intends,
plans, believes and words and terms of
similar substance used in connection with any discussion of
future operating or financial performance identify
forward-looking statements. All of these forward-looking
statements are based on managements current expectations
and beliefs about future events. As with any projection or
forecast, they are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and
changes in circumstances that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. None of us, TWE or TW NY is under any obligation to,
and each expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter
any forward-looking statements whether as a result of such
changes, new information, subsequent events or otherwise.
Various factors could adversely affect our operations, business
or financial results in the future and cause our actual results
to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking
statements, including those factors discussed under Risk
Factors or otherwise discussed in the 2007
Form 10-K
and the March 2008
Form 10-Q
and in our other filings made from time to time with the SEC
after the date of the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part. In addition, we operate in a highly
competitive, consumer and technology-driven and rapidly changing
business. Our business is affected by government regulation,
economic, strategic, political and social conditions, consumer
response to new and existing products and services,
technological developments and, particularly in view of new
technologies, our continued ability to protect and secure any
necessary intellectual property rights. Our actual results could
differ materially from managements expectations because of
changes in such factors.
Further, lower than expected valuations associated with our cash
flows and revenues may result in our inability to realize the
value of recorded intangibles and goodwill. Additionally,
achieving our financial objectives could be adversely affected
by the factors discussed in detail in the Risk
Factors section of the 2007
Form 10-K,
as well as:
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economic slowdowns;
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the impact of terrorist acts and hostilities;
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changes in our plans, strategies and intentions;
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the impacts of significant acquisitions, dispositions and other
similar transactions;
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the failure to meet earnings expectations; and
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decreased liquidity in the capital markets, including any
reduction in our ability to access the capital markets for debt
securities or bank financings.
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For additional information about factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those described in the
forward-looking statements, please see the documents that we
have filed with the SEC, including quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q,
our most recent annual report on
Form 10-K,
current reports on
Form 8-K
and proxy statements.
All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us,
TWE or TW NY or any person acting on our or their behalf are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary
statements contained or referred to in this section.
3
THE
COMPANY
We are the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with
technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located mainly
in five geographic areasNew York State (including New York
City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los
Angeles) and Texas. As of March 31, 2008, we served
approximately 14.7 million customers who subscribed to one
or more of our video, high-speed data and voice services,
representing approximately 33.0 million revenue generating
units (RGUs).
We principally offer three servicesvideo, high-speed data
and voiceover our broadband cable systems. We market our
services separately and in bundled packages of
multiple services and features. As of March 31, 2008, 50%
of our customers subscribed to two or more of our primary
services, including 18% of our customers who subscribed to all
three primary services. Historically, we have focused primarily
on residential customers, while also selling video, high-speed
data and commercial networking and transport services to
commercial customers. Recently, we have begun selling voice
services to small- and medium-sized businesses as part of an
increased emphasis on our commercial business. In addition, we
earn revenues by selling advertising time to national, regional
and local businesses.
For a description of our business, financial condition, results
of operations and other important information regarding us, see
our filings with the SEC incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. For instructions on how to find copies of the
filings incorporated by reference in this prospectus, see
Where You Can Find More Information.
Our principal executive office, and that of TWE and TW NY,
is located at One Time Warner Center, North Tower, New
York, NY
10019-8014,
Telephone
(212) 364-8200.
4
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risk. You should carefully
consider the specific risks discussed or incorporated by
reference in the applicable prospectus supplement, together with
all the other information contained in the prospectus supplement
or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the
applicable prospectus supplement. You should also consider the
risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under the caption
Risk Factors included in the 2007
Form 10-K,
which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and
which may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to
time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future.
RATIO OF
EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for Time Warner Cable is
set forth below for the periods indicated.
For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed
charges, earnings were calculated by adding:
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(i)
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pretax income,
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(ii)
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interest expense,
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(iii)
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preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
companies,
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(iv)
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minority interest in the income of majority-owned subsidiaries
that have fixed charges, and
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(v)
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the amount of undistributed losses (earnings) of our less than
50%-owned companies.
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The definition of earnings also applies to any unconsolidated
50%-owned affiliated companies referred to on Exhibit 12.1
to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part
as Adjustment for partially-owned subsidiaries and
50%-owned companies.
Fixed charges primarily consist of interest expense.
Earnings as defined include significant noncash charges for
depreciation and amortization primarily relating to the
amortization of intangible assets recognized in business
combinations.
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Three Months
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Ended
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March 31,
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Year Ended December 31,
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2008
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2007
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2006
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2005
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2004
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2003
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
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3.1x
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3.1x
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3.1x
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3.3x
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3.0x
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2.5x
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USE OF
PROCEEDS
We will use the net proceeds we receive from the sale of the
securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate
purposes, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include
additions to working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of
debt, the financing of possible acquisitions and investments or
stock repurchases.
5
DESCRIPTION
OF THE DEBT SECURITIES AND THE GUARANTEES
General
The following description of the terms of our senior debt
securities and subordinated debt securities (together, the
debt securities) sets forth certain general terms
and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus
supplement may relate. Unless otherwise noted, the general terms
and provisions of our debt securities discussed below apply to
both our senior debt securities and our subordinated debt
securities. The particular terms of any debt securities and the
extent, if any, to which such general provisions will not apply
to such debt securities will be described in the prospectus
supplement relating to such debt securities. In the following
description, the term Guarantors refers to TWE and
TW NY, as the guarantors of the debt securities.
Our debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or
more series. The senior debt securities will be issued from time
to time in series under an indenture dated as of April 9,
2007, among us, TWE, TW NY and The Bank of New York, as Senior
Indenture Trustee (as amended or supplemented from time to time)
(the senior indenture). The subordinated debt
securities will be issued from time to time under a subordinated
indenture to be entered into among us, TWE, TW NY and The Bank
of New York, as Subordinated Indenture Trustee (the
subordinated indenture and, together with the senior
indenture, the indentures). The Senior Indenture
Trustee and the Subordinated Indenture Trustee are both referred
to, individually, as the Trustee. The senior debt
securities will constitute our unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations and the subordinated debt securities will constitute
our unsecured and subordinated obligations. A detailed
description of the subordination provisions is provided below
under the caption Ranking and
SubordinationSubordination. In general, however, if
we declare bankruptcy, holders of the senior debt securities
will be paid in full before the holders of subordinated debt
securities will receive anything.
The statements set forth below are brief summaries of certain
provisions contained in the indentures, which summaries do not
purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to the indentures, each of which is incorporated by
reference as an exhibit or filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Terms used herein that are otherwise not defined shall have the
meanings given to them in the indentures. Such defined terms
shall be incorporated herein by reference.
The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities which
may be issued under the applicable indenture and debt securities
may be issued under the applicable indenture up to the aggregate
principal amount which may be authorized from time to time by
us. Any such limit applicable to a particular series will be
specified in the prospectus supplement relating to that series.
The prospectus supplement related to any series of debt
securities in respect to which this prospectus is being
delivered will contain the following terms, among others, for
each such series of debt securities:
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the designation and issue date of the debt securities;
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the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities
is payable;
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the rate or rates (or manner of calculation thereof), if any,
per annum at which the debt securities will bear interest, if
any, the date or dates from which interest will accrue and the
interest payment date or dates for the debt securities;
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any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt
securities which may be authenticated and delivered under the
applicable indenture;
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the period or periods within which, the redemption price or
prices or the repayment price or prices, as the case may be, at
which and the terms and conditions upon which the debt
securities may be redeemed at the Companys option or the
option of the Holder of such debt securities;
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the obligation, if any, of the Company to purchase the debt
securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions
or at the option of a Holder of such debt securities and the
period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and
the terms and conditions upon which such debt securities will be
purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
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if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple
thereof, the denominations in which the debt securities will be
issuable;
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provisions, if any, with regard to the conversion or exchange of
the debt securities, at the option of the Holders of such debt
securities or the Company, as the case may be, for or into new
securities of a different series, the Companys
Class A common stock or other securities and, if such debt
securities are convertible into the Companys Class A
common stock, Class B common stock or other Marketable
Securities (as defined in the indentures), the conversion price;
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if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currencies or
units based on or related to currencies in which the debt
securities will be denominated and in which payments of
principal of, and any premium and interest on, such debt
securities shall or may be payable;
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if the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any,
on the debt securities are to be payable, at the election of the
Company or a Holder of such debt securities, in a currency
(including a composite currency) other than that in which such
debt securities are stated to be payable, the period or periods
within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such
election may be made;
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if the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest, if any, on the debt securities may be determined
with reference to an index based on a currency (including a
composite currency) other than that in which such debt
securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which such
amounts shall be determined;
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provisions, if any, related to the exchange of the debt
securities, at the option of the Holders of such debt
securities, for other securities of the same series of the same
aggregate principal amount or of a different authorized series
or different authorized denomination or denominations, or both;
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the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities, if
other than the principal amount thereof, which shall be payable
upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof as more
fully described under the section Events of Default,
Notice and Waiver below;
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whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of global
securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary with
respect to such global securities;
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with respect to subordinated debt securities only, the amendment
or modification of the subordination provisions in the
subordinated indenture with respect to the debt
securities; and
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any other specific terms.
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We may issue debt securities of any series at various times and
we may reopen any series for further issuances from time to time
without notice to existing Holders of securities of that series.
Some of the debt securities may be issued as original issue
discount debt securities. Original issue discount debt
securities bear no interest or bear interest at below-market
rates. These are sold at a discount below their stated principal
amount. If we issue these securities, the prospectus supplement
will describe any special tax, accounting or other information
which we think is important. We encourage you to consult with
your own competent tax and financial advisors on these important
matters.
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the covenants contained in the indentures will not
provide special protection to Holders of debt securities if we
enter into a highly leveraged transaction, recapitalization or
restructuring.
Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement,
interest on outstanding debt securities will be paid to Holders
of record on the date that is 15 days prior to the date
such interest is to be paid, or, if not a business day, the next
preceding business day. Unless otherwise specified in the
prospectus supplement, debt securities will be issued in fully
registered form only. Unless otherwise specified in the
prospectus supplement, the principal amount of the debt
securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the
Trustee in New York, New York. The debt securities may be
presented for transfer or exchange at such office unless
otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, subject to the
limitations provided in the applicable
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indenture, without any service charge, but we may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charges payable in connection therewith.
Guarantees
Under the Guarantees (as defined below), each of TWE and TW NY,
as primary obligor and not merely as surety, will fully,
irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee to each Holder of the
debt securities and to the applicable Trustee and its successors
and assigns, (1) the full and punctual payment of principal
and interest on the debt securities when due, whether at
maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, and all
other monetary obligations of ours under the indentures
(including obligations to the applicable Trustee) and the debt
securities and (2) the full and punctual performance within
applicable grace periods of all other obligations of ours under
the indentures and the debt securities (the
Guarantees). Such Guarantees will constitute
guarantees of payment, performance and compliance and not merely
of collection. The obligations of each of TWE and TW NY under
the indentures will be unconditional irrespective of the absence
or existence of any action to enforce the same, the recovery of
any judgment against us or each other or any waiver or amendment
of the provisions of the indentures or the debt securities to
the extent that any such action or similar action would
otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense
of a guarantor (except that any such waiver or amendment that
expressly purports to modify or release such obligations shall
be effective in accordance with its terms). The obligations of
TWE and TW NY to make any payments may be satisfied by causing
us to make such payments. Each of TWE and TW NY shall further
agree to waive presentment to, demand of payment from and
protest to us and shall also waive diligence, notice of
acceptance of its Guarantee, presentment, demand for payment,
notice of protest for non-payment, filing a claim if we complete
a merger or declare bankruptcy and any right to require a
proceeding first against us. These obligations shall be
unaffected by any failure or policy of the Trustee to exercise
any right under the indentures or under any series of security.
If any Holder of any debt security or the Trustee is required by
a court or otherwise to return to us, TWE or TW NY, or any
custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting
in relation to us, TWE or TW NY, any amount paid by us or any of
them to the Trustee or such Holder, the Guarantees of TWE and TW
NY, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in
full force and effect.
Further, each of the Guarantors agrees to pay any and all
reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable
attorneys fees) incurred by the Senior Indenture Trustee
or the Subordinated Indenture Trustee, as applicable, or any
Holder of debt securities in enforcing any of their respective
rights under the Guarantees. The indentures provide that each of
the Guarantees of TWE and TW NY is limited to the maximum amount
that can be guaranteed by TWE and TW NY, respectively, without
rendering the relevant Guarantee voidable under applicable law
relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or
similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
Although we believe the Guarantees of TWE and TW NY are valid
and enforceable, under certain circumstances, a court could find
a subsidiarys guarantee void or unenforceable under
fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or similar laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally.
The indentures provide that any Guarantor shall be automatically
released from its obligations under its Guarantee upon receipt
by the Trustee of a certificate of a Responsible Officer of ours
certifying that such Guarantor has no outstanding Indebtedness
For Borrowed Money, as of the date of such certificate, other
than any other Guarantee of Indebtedness For Borrowed Money that
will be released concurrently with the release of such
Guarantee. In addition, TW NY will be released from its
Guarantee under such circumstances only if it is also a wholly
owned direct or indirect subsidiary of ours. Also, if any of
these conditions are satisfied, the applicable Guarantor may not
guarantee a new issuance of debt securities. However, there is
no covenant in the indentures that would prohibit any such
Guarantor from incurring Indebtedness For Borrowed Money after
the date such Guarantor is released from its Guarantee.
The indentures further provide that we and the Trustee may enter
into a supplemental indenture without the consent of the Holders
to add additional guarantors in respect of the debt securities.
8
Ranking
and Subordination
Ranking
The senior debt securities will be our unsecured, senior
obligations, and will rank equally with our other unsecured and
unsubordinated obligations. The Guarantees of the senior debt
securities will be unsecured and senior obligations of each of
TWE and TW NY, and will rank equally with all other unsecured
and unsubordinated obligations of TWE and TW NY, respectively.
The subordinated debt securities will be our unsecured,
subordinated obligations and the Guarantees of the subordinated
debt securities will be unsecured and subordinated obligations
of each of TWE and TW NY.
The debt securities and the Guarantees will effectively rank
junior in right of payment to any of our or the Guarantors
existing and future secured obligations to the extent of the
value of the assets securing such obligations. The debt
securities and the Guarantees will be effectively subordinated
to all existing and future liabilities, including indebtedness
and trade payables, of our non-guarantor subsidiaries. The
indentures do not limit the amount of unsecured indebtedness or
other liabilities that can be incurred by our non-guarantor
subsidiaries.
Furthermore, we and TW NY are holding companies with no material
business operations. The ability of each of us and TW NY to
service our respective indebtedness and other obligations is
dependent primarily upon the earnings and cash flow of our and
TW NYs respective subsidiaries and the distribution or
other payment to us or TW NY of such earnings or cash flow.
Subordination
If issued, the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt
securities is subordinate to the prior payment in full of all
our Senior Indebtedness (as defined below). During the
continuance beyond any applicable grace period of any default in
the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment
due on any of our Senior Indebtedness, we may not make any
payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the
subordinated debt securities. In addition, upon any payment or
distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding up,
liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of,
or premium, if any, and interest on the subordinated debt
securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the
subordinated indenture in right of payment to the prior payment
in full of all our Senior Indebtedness. Because of this
subordination, if we dissolve or otherwise liquidate, Holders of
our subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than
Holders of our Senior Indebtedness. The subordination provisions
do not prevent the occurrence of an event of default under the
subordinated indenture.
The subordination provisions also apply in the same way to each
Guarantor with respect to the Senior Indebtedness of such
Guarantor.
The term Senior Indebtedness of a person means with
respect to such person the principal of, premium, if any,
interest on, and any other payment due pursuant to any of the
following, whether outstanding on the date of the subordinated
indenture or incurred by that person in the future:
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all of the indebtedness of that person for borrowed money,
including any indebtedness secured by a mortgage or other lien
which is (1) given to secure all or part of the purchase
price of property subject to the mortgage or lien, whether given
to the vendor of that property or to another lender, or
(2) existing on property at the time that person acquires
it;
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all of the indebtedness of that person evidenced by notes,
debentures, bonds or other similar instruments sold by that
person for money;
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all of the lease obligations which are capitalized on the books
of that person in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
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all indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the first
two bullet points above and all lease obligations of others of
the kind described in the third bullet point above that the
person, in any
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manner, assumes or guarantees or that the person in effect
guarantees through an agreement to purchase, whether that
agreement is contingent or otherwise; and
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all renewals, extensions or refundings of indebtedness of the
kinds described in the first, second or fourth bullet point
above and all renewals or extensions of leases of the kinds
described in the third or fourth bullet point above;
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unless, in the case of any particular indebtedness,
lease, renewal, extension or refunding, the instrument or lease
creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee
relating to it expressly provides that such indebtedness, lease,
renewal, extension or refunding is not superior in right of
payment to the subordinated debt securities. Our senior debt
securities, and any unsubordinated guarantee obligations of ours
or any Guarantor to which we and the Guarantors are a party,
including the Guarantors Guarantees of our debt securities
and other indebtedness for borrowed money, constitute Senior
Indebtedness for purposes of the subordinated indenture.
Pursuant to the subordinated indenture, the subordinated
indenture may not be amended, at any time, to alter the
subordination provisions of any outstanding subordinated debt
securities without the consent of the requisite holders of each
outstanding series or class of Senior Indebtedness (as
determined in accordance with the instrument governing such
Senior Indebtedness) that would be adversely affected.
Certain
Covenants
Limitation
on Liens
The indentures provide that neither we nor any Material
Subsidiary of ours shall incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee
or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness For Borrowed
Money that is secured by a lien on any asset now owned or
hereafter acquired by us or it unless we make or cause to be
made effective provisions whereby the debt securities will be
secured by such lien equally and ratably with (or prior to) all
other indebtedness thereby secured so long as any such
indebtedness shall be secured. The foregoing restriction does
not apply to the following:
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liens existing as of the date of the applicable indenture;
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liens issued, created or assumed by Subsidiaries of ours to
secure indebtedness of such Subsidiaries to us or to one or more
other Subsidiaries of ours;
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liens affecting property of a Person existing at the time it
becomes a Subsidiary of ours or at the time it merges into or
consolidates with us or a Subsidiary of ours or at the time of a
sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the properties of such Person to us or our Subsidiaries;
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liens on property or assets existing at the time of the
acquisition thereof or incurred to secure payment of all or a
part of the purchase price thereof or to secure indebtedness
incurred prior to, at the time of, or within 18 months
after the acquisition thereof for the purpose of financing all
or part of the purchase price thereof, in a principal amount not
exceeding 110% of the purchase price;
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liens on any property to secure all or part of the cost of
improvements or construction thereon or indebtedness incurred to
provide funds for such purpose in a principal amount not
exceeding 110% of the cost of such improvements or construction;
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liens on shares of stock, indebtedness or other securities of a
Person that is not a Subsidiary of ours;
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liens in respect of capital leases entered into after the date
of the applicable indenture provided that such liens extend only
to the property or assets that are the subject of such capital
leases;
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liens resulting from progress payments or partial payments under
United States government contracts or subcontracts;
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any extensions, renewal or replacement of any lien referred to
above or of any indebtedness secured thereby; provided, however,
that the principal amount of indebtedness secured thereby shall
not exceed the principal amount of indebtedness so secured at
the time of such extension, renewal or
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replacement, or at the time the lien was issued, created or
assumed or otherwise permitted, and that such extension, renewal
or replacement lien shall be limited to all or part of
substantially the same property which secured the lien extended,
renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such property);
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liens in favor of the Trustees;
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with respect to the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt
securities only, liens securing Senior Indebtedness and the
guarantees securing such Senior Indebtedness; and
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other liens arising in connection with our indebtedness and our
Subsidiaries indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount
for us and our Subsidiaries not exceeding at the time such lien
is issued, created or assumed the greater of (a) 15% of the
Consolidated Net Worth of our company and
(b) $500 million.
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Limitation
on Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance or Transfer on Certain
Terms
None of our company, TWE or TW NY shall consolidate with or
merge into any other Person or convey or transfer its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:
(1) (a) in the case of our company,
the Person formed by such consolidation or into which our
company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or
transfer the properties and assets of our company substantially
as an entirety shall be organized and existing under the laws of
the United States of America or any State or the District of
Columbia, and shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture,
executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the debt
securities and the performance of every covenant of the
applicable indenture (as supplemented from time to time) on the
part of our company to be performed or observed; (b) in the
case of TWE or TW NY, the Person formed by such consolidation or
into which TWE or TW NY is merged or the Person which acquires
by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of TWE or TW
NY substantially as an entirety shall be either (i) one of
us, TWE or TW NY or (ii) a Person organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America or any State or
the District of Columbia, and in the case of clause (ii), shall
expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, executed and
delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee, the performance of every covenant of the applicable
indenture (as supplemented from time to time) on the part of TWE
or TW NY to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to
such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after
notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of
Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
(3) we have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each
stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer
and such supplemental indenture comply with this covenant and
that all conditions precedent provided for relating to such
transaction have been complied with.
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any conveyance or transfer
of the properties and assets of our company, TWE or TW NY
substantially as an entirety as set forth above, the successor
Person formed by such consolidation or into which our company,
TWE or TW NY is merged or to which such conveyance or transfer
is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may
exercise every right and power of our company, TWE or TW NY, as
the case may be, under the applicable indenture with the same
effect as if such successor had been named as our company, TWE
or TW NY, as the case may be, in the applicable indenture. In
the event of any such conveyance or transfer, our company, TWE
or TW NY, as the case may be, as the predecessor shall be
discharged from all obligations and covenants under the
applicable indenture and the debt securities issued under such
indenture and may be dissolved, wound up or liquidated at any
time thereafter.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, such provisions with respect to
limitations on consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer on
certain terms shall not apply to any Guarantor if at such time
such Guarantor has been released from its obligations under its
Guarantee upon receipt by the applicable Trustee of a
certificate of
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a Responsible Officer of ours certifying that such Guarantor has
no outstanding Indebtedness For Borrowed Money and, in the case
of TW NY, certifying that TW NY is a wholly owned direct or
indirect subsidiary of our company, each as described above
under Guarantees.
Subject to the foregoing, the indentures and the debt securities
do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to
afford Holders of debt securities protection in the event of a
recapitalization or highly leveraged transaction involving our
company.
Any additional covenants of our company, TW NY or TWE pertaining
to a series of debt securities will be set forth in a prospectus
supplement relating to such series of debt securities.
Certain
Definitions
The following are certain of the terms defined in the indentures:
Consolidated Net Worth means, with respect to
any Person, at the date of any determination, the consolidated
stockholders or owners equity of the holders of
capital stock or partnership interests of such Person and its
subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting
principles as such principles are in effect in the United States
as of the date of the applicable indenture.
Holder, when used with respect to any debt
securities, means a holder of the debt securities, which means a
Person in whose name a debt security is registered in the
Security Register.
Indebtedness For Borrowed Money of any Person
means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such
Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar
instruments and (c) all guarantee obligations of such
Person with respect to Indebtedness For Borrowed Money of
others. The Indebtedness For Borrowed Money of any Person shall
include the Indebtedness For Borrowed Money of any other entity
(including any partnership in which such Person is general
partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a
result of such Persons ownership interest in or other
contractual relationship with such entity, except to the extent
the terms of such Indebtedness For Borrowed Money provide that
such Person is not liable therefor.
Material Subsidiary means any Person that is
a Subsidiary if, at the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of
our company, the aggregate amount, determined in accordance with
GAAP consistently applied, of securities of, loans and advances
to, and other investments in, such Person held by us and our
other Subsidiaries exceeded 10% of our Consolidated Net Worth.
Person means any individual, corporation,
limited liability company, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
Responsible Officer, when used with respect
to us, means any of the Chief Executive Officer, President,
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Treasurer or
Controller of our company (or any equivalent of the foregoing
officers).
Security Register means the register or
registers we shall keep or cause to be kept, in which, we shall
provide for the registration of debt securities, or of debt
securities of a particular series, and of transfers of debt
securities or of debt securities of such series.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person,
any corporation more than 50% of the voting stock of which is
owned directly or indirectly by such Person, and any
partnership, association, joint venture or other entity in which
such Person owns more than 50% of the equity interests or has
the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other
governing body.
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Optional
Redemption
Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus
supplement, we may redeem any of the debt securities as a whole
at any time or in part from time to time, at our option, on at
least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, prior notice
mailed to the registered address of each Holder of the debt
securities to be redeemed, at respective redemption prices equal
to the greater of:
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100% of the principal amount of the debt securities to be
redeemed, and
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the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled
Payments, as defined below, discounted to the redemption date,
on a semi-annual basis, assuming a 360 day year consisting
of twelve 30 day months, at the Treasury Rate, as defined
below, plus the number, if any, of basis points specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement;
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plus, in each case, accrued interest to the date of redemption
that has not been paid (such redemption price, the
Redemption Price).
Comparable Treasury Issue means, with respect
to the debt securities, the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a
maturity comparable to the remaining term (Remaining
Life) of the debt securities being 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 Life of
such debt securities.
Comparable Treasury Price means, with respect
to any redemption date for the debt securities: (1) the
average of two Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for that
redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of four
such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations; or (2) if the
Trustee obtains fewer than four Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, the average of all quotations obtained by the
Trustee.
Independent Investment Banker means one of
the Reference Treasury Dealers, to be appointed by us.
Reference Treasury Dealer means four primary
U.S. Government securities dealers to be selected by us.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations means,
with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any
redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, 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 Trustee by such Reference Treasury
Dealer at 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third
business day preceding such redemption date.
Remaining Scheduled Payments means, with
respect to each debt security to be redeemed, the remaining
scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon
that would be due after the related redemption date but for such
redemption; provided, however, that, if such redemption date is
not an interest payment date with respect to such debt security,
the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment
thereon will be deemed to be reduced by the amount of interest
accrued thereon to such redemption date.
Treasury Rate means, with respect to any
redemption date for the debt securities: (1) the yield,
under the heading which represents the average for the
immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently
published statistical release designated H.15(519)
or any successor publication which is published weekly by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which
establishes yields on actively traded United States
Treasury debt securities adjusted to constant maturity under the
caption Treasury Constant Maturities, for the
maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue;
provided that if no maturity is within three months before or
after the maturity date for the debt securities, yields for the
two published maturities most closely corresponding to the
Comparable Treasury Issue will be determined and the Treasury
Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from those yields on a
straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month; or
(2) if that release, or any successor release, is not
published during the week preceding the calculation date or does
not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the
semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable
Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal
amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for that
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redemption date. The Treasury Rate will be calculated on the
third business day preceding the redemption date.
On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue
on the debt securities or any portion thereof called for
redemption, unless we default in the payment of the
Redemption Price, and accrued interest. On or before the
redemption date, we shall deposit with a paying agent, or the
applicable Trustee, money sufficient to pay the
Redemption Price of and accrued interest on the debt
securities to be redeemed on such date. If we elect to redeem
less than all of the debt securities of a series, then the
Trustee will select the particular debt securities of such
series to be redeemed in a manner it deems appropriate and fair.
Defeasance
Each indenture provides that we (and, to the extent applicable,
TWE and TW NY), at our option,
(a) will be Discharged from any and all
obligations in respect of any series of debt securities (except
in each case for certain obligations to register the transfer or
exchange of debt securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated
senior debt securities, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys
for payment in trust), or
(b) need not comply with the covenants
described above under Certain Covenants, and
any other restrictive covenants described in a prospectus
supplement relating to such series of debt securities, the
Guarantors will be released from the Guarantees and certain
Events of Default (other than those arising out of the failure
to pay interest or principal on the debt securities of a
particular series and certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency
and reorganization) will no longer constitute Events of Default
with respect to such series of debt securities,
in each case if we deposit with the Trustee, in trust, money or
the equivalent in securities of the government which issued the
currency in which the debt securities are denominated or
government agencies backed by the full faith and credit of such
government, or a combination thereof, which through the payment
of interest thereon and principal thereof in accordance with
their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay
all the principal (including any mandatory sinking fund
payments) of, and interest on, such series on the dates such
payments are due in accordance with the terms of such series.
To exercise any such option, we are required, among other
things, to deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the
effect that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause
the Holders of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes and, in the case of a Discharge
pursuant to clause (a) above, accompanied by a ruling to
such effect received from or published by the United States
Internal Revenue Service.
In addition, we are required to deliver to the Trustee an
Officers Certificate stating that such deposit was not
made by us with the intent of preferring the Holders over other
creditors of ours or with the intent of defeating, hindering,
delaying or defrauding creditors of ours or others.
Events of
Default, Notice and Waiver
Each indenture provides that, if an Event of Default specified
therein with respect to any series of debt securities issued
thereunder shall have happened and be continuing, either the
Trustee thereunder or the Holders of 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series (or 25%
in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding debt securities
under such indenture, in the case of certain Events of Default
affecting all series of debt securities issued under such
indenture) may declare the principal of all the debt securities
of such series to be due and payable.
Events of Default in respect of any series
are defined in the indentures as being:
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default for 30 days in payment of any interest installment
with respect to such series;
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default in payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, or
any sinking or purchase fund or analogous obligation with
respect to, debt securities of such series when due at their
stated maturity, by declaration or acceleration, when called for
redemption or otherwise;
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default for 90 days after written notice to us (or TWE or
TW NY, if applicable) by the Trustee thereunder or by Holders of
25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of such series in the performance, or breach, of any
covenant or warranty pertaining to debt securities of such
series;
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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization with
respect to us or any Material Subsidiary of ours which is
organized under the laws of the United States or any political
sub-division thereof or the entry of an order ordering the
winding up or liquidation of our affairs; and
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any Guarantee ceasing to be, or asserted by any Guarantor as not
being, in full force and effect, enforceable according to its
terms, except to the extent contemplated by the applicable
indenture.
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Any additions, deletions or other changes to the Events of
Default which will be applicable to a series of debt securities
will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such
series of debt securities.
Each indenture provides that the Trustee thereunder will, within
90 days after the occurrence of a default with respect to
the debt securities of any series issued under such indenture,
give to the Holders of the debt securities of such series notice
of all uncured and unwaived defaults known to it; provided,
however, that, except in the case of default in the payment of
principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any of
the debt securities of such series, the Trustee thereunder will
be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith
determines that the withholding of such notice is in the
interests of the Holders of the debt securities of such series.
The term default for the purpose of this provision
means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or
both would become, an Event of Default with respect to debt
securities of such series.
Each indenture contains provisions entitling the Trustee under
such indenture, subject to the duty of the Trustee during an
Event of Default to act with the required standard of care, to
be indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction by the Holders of
the debt securities before proceeding to exercise any right or
power under the applicable indenture at the request of Holders
of such debt securities.
Each indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
any series issued under such indenture may direct the time,
method and place of conducting proceedings for remedies
available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee in respect of such series, subject to
certain conditions.
In certain cases, the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive, on
behalf of the Holders of all debt securities of such series, any
past default or Event of Default with respect to the debt
securities of such series except, among other things, a default
not theretofore cured in payment of the principal of, or
premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any of the senior debt
securities of such series or payment of any sinking or purchase
fund or analogous obligations with respect to such senior debt
securities.
Each indenture includes a covenant that we will file annually
with the Trustee a certificate of no default or specifying any
default that exists.
Modification
of the Indentures
We and the Trustee may, without the consent of the Holders of
the debt securities issued under the indenture governing such
debt securities, enter into indentures supplemental to the
applicable indenture for, among others, one or more of the
following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another
Person to us, TWE or TW NY and the assumption by such successor
of our companys, TWEs or TW NYs obligations
under the applicable indenture and the debt securities of any
series or the Guarantees relating thereto;
(2) to add to the covenants of our
company, TWE or TW NY, or to surrender any rights or powers of
our company, TWE or TW NY, for the benefit of the Holders of
debt securities of any or all series issued under such indenture;
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(3) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or
supplement any provision in the applicable indenture which may
be inconsistent with any other provision therein, or to make any
other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising
under such indenture;
(4) to add to the applicable indenture
any provisions that may be expressly permitted by the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the
Act, excluding the provisions referred to in
Section 316(a)(2) of the Act as in effect at the date as of
which the applicable indenture was executed or any corresponding
provision in any similar federal statute hereafter enacted;
(5) to establish the form or terms of any
series of debt securities to be issued under the applicable
indenture, to provide for the issuance of any series of debt
securities
and/or to
add to the rights of the Holders of debt securities;
(6) to evidence and provide for the
acceptance of any successor Trustee with respect to one or more
series of debt securities or to add or change any of the
provisions of the applicable indenture as shall be necessary to
facilitate the administration of the trusts thereunder by one or
more trustees in accordance with the applicable indenture;
(7) to provide any additional Events of
Default;
(8) to provide for uncertificated
securities in addition to or in place of certificated
securities; provided that the uncertificated securities are
issued in registered form for certain federal tax purposes;
(9) to provide for the terms and
conditions of converting those debt securities that are
convertible into Class A common stock, Class B common
stock or another such similar security;
(10) to secure any series of debt securities pursuant
to the applicable indentures limitation on liens;
(11) to add additional guarantors in respect of the
debt securities;
(12) to make any change necessary to comply with any
requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of
the applicable indenture or any supplemental indenture under the
Act; and
(13) to make any other change that does not adversely
affect the rights of the Holders of the debt securities.
No supplemental indenture for the purpose identified in clauses
(2), (3), (5) or (7) above may be entered into if to
do so would adversely affect the rights of the Holders of debt
securities of any series issued under the same indenture in any
material respect.
Each indenture contains provisions permitting us and the Trustee
under such indenture, with the consent of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
of all series issued under such indenture to be affected voting
as a single class, to execute supplemental indentures for the
purpose of adding any provisions to or changing or eliminating
any of the provisions of the applicable indenture or modifying
the rights of the Holders of the debt securities of such series
to be affected, except that no such supplemental indenture may,
without the consent of the Holders of affected debt securities,
among other things:
(1) change the maturity of the principal
of, or the maturity of any premium on, or any installment of
interest on, any such debt security, or reduce the principal
amount or the interest or any premium of any such debt
securities, or change the method of computing the amount of
principal or interest on any such debt securities on any date or
change any place of payment where, or the currency in which, any
debt securities or any premium or interest thereon is payable,
or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
such payment on or after the maturity of principal or premium,
as the case may be;
(2) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of any such debt securities the consent of whose Holders
is required for any supplemental indenture, waiver of compliance
with certain provisions of the applicable indenture or certain
defaults under the applicable indenture;
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(3) modify any of the provisions of the
applicable indenture related to (i) the requirement that
the Holders of debt securities issued under such indenture
consent to certain amendments of the applicable indenture,
(ii) the waiver of past defaults and (iii) the waiver
of certain covenants, except to increase the percentage of
Holders required to make such amendments or grant such waivers;
(4) impair or adversely affect the right
of any Holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on, or with respect to, such senior debt securities on
or after the maturity of such debt securities; or
(5) amend or modify the terms of any of
the Guarantees in a manner adverse to the Holders.
In addition, the subordinated indenture provides that we may not
make any change in the terms of the subordination of the
subordinated debt securities of any series in a manner adverse
in any material respect to the Holders of any series of
subordinated debt securities without the consent of each Holder
of subordinated debt securities that would be adversely affected.
Pursuant to the subordinated indenture, the subordinated
indenture may not be amended, at any time, to alter the
subordination provisions of any outstanding subordinated debt
securities without the consent of the requisite holders of each
outstanding series or class of Senior Indebtedness (as
determined in accordance with the instrument governing such
Senior Indebtedness) that would be adversely affected.
The
Trustee
The Bank of New York is the Trustee under each indenture. The
Trustee is a depository for funds and performs other services
for, and transacts other banking business with, us in the normal
course of business. The Bank of New York is also the trustee
under the senior indenture governing the senior debt securities
of TWE.
Governing
Law
The indentures will be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York.
Global
Securities
We may issue debt securities through global securities. A global
security is a security, typically held by a depositary, that
represents the beneficial interests of a number of purchasers of
the security. If we do issue global securities, the following
procedures will apply.
We will deposit global securities with the depositary identified
in the prospectus supplement. After we issue a global security,
the depositary will credit on its book-entry registration and
transfer system the respective principal amounts of the debt
securities represented by the global security to the accounts of
persons who have accounts with the depositary. These account
Holders are known as participants. The underwriters
or agents participating in the distribution of the debt
securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Only a
participant or a person who holds an interest through a
participant may be the beneficial owner of a global security.
Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be
shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected
only through, records maintained by the depositary and its
participants.
We and the Trustee will treat the depositary or its nominee as
the sole owner or Holder of the debt securities represented by a
global security. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial
interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the
debt securities represented by the global security registered in
their names. They also will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the debt securities in definitive
form and will not be considered the owners or Holders of the
debt securities.
Principal, any premium and any interest payments on debt
securities represented by a global security registered in the
name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the
depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the global
security. None of us, any of the Trustees or any paying agent
will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in the global security or the maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial
ownership interests.
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We expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payments,
will immediately credit participants accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the principal amount of the global security as
shown on the depositarys records. We also expect that
payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in
the global security will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices, as is the case with the securities held
for the accounts of customers registered in street
names, and will be the responsibility of the participants.
If the depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue
as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by us
within ninety days, we will issue registered securities in
exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any
time in our sole discretion determine not to have any of the
debt securities of a series represented by global securities. In
that event, we will issue debt securities of that series in
definitive form in exchange for the global securities.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE DEBT WARRANTS
The following description of the terms of the debt warrants sets
forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt warrants
to which any prospectus supplement may relate. We may issue debt
warrants for the purchase of senior debt securities or
subordinated debt securities. Debt warrants may be issued
independently or together with debt securities offered by any
prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from
any such offered debt securities. Each series of debt warrants
will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered
into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent.
The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection
with the debt warrants and will not assume any obligation or
relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or
beneficial owners of debt warrants. The following summary of
certain provisions of the debt warrants does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the provisions of the warrant agreement that will
be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such
debt warrants.
The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of debt
warrants will describe the terms of such debt warrants,
including the following:
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the title of such debt warrants;
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the offering price for such debt warrants, if any;
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the aggregate number of such debt warrants;
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the designation and terms of the debt securities purchasable
upon exercise of such debt warrants;
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if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities
with which such debt warrants are issued and the number of such
debt warrants issued with each such debt security;
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if applicable, the date from and after which such debt warrants
and any debt securities issued therewith will be separately
transferable;
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the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon
exercise of a debt warrant and the price at which such principal
amount of debt securities may be purchased upon exercise (which
price may be payable in cash, securities or other property);
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the date on which the right to exercise such debt warrants shall
commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
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if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such debt
warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
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whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant
certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise
of the debt warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
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the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if
any, and the exercise price are payable;
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if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal
income tax considerations;
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the antidilution or adjustment provisions of such debt warrants,
if any;
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the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to such
debt warrants; and
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any additional terms of such debt warrants, including terms,
procedures, and limitations relating to the exchange and
exercise of such debt warrants.
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PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We may offer and sell the securities in any one or more of the
following ways:
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to or through underwriters, brokers or dealers;
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directly to one or more other purchasers;
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through a block trade in which the broker or dealer engaged to
handle the block trade will attempt to sell the securities as
agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as
principal to facilitate the transaction;
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through agents on a best-efforts basis; or
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otherwise through a combination of any of the above methods of
sale.
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Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus
supplement that will name any underwriter, dealer or agent
involved in the offer and sale of the securities. The prospectus
supplement will also set forth the terms of the offering,
including:
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the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will
receive from the sale of the securities;
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any underwriting discounts and other items constituting
underwriters compensation;
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any public offering or purchase price and any discounts or
commissions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers;
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any commissions allowed or paid to agents;
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any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed;
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the method of distribution of the securities;
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the terms of any agreement, arrangement or understanding entered
into with the underwriters, brokers or dealers; and
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any other information we think is important.
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If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale, the securities
will be acquired by the underwriters or dealers for their own
account. The securities may be sold from time to time in one or
more transactions:
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at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
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at prices related to such prevailing market prices;
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at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
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at negotiated prices.
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Such sales may be effected:
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in transactions on any national securities exchange or quotation
service on which the securities may be listed or quoted at the
time of sale;
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in transactions in the over-the-counter market;
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in block transactions in which the broker or dealer so engaged
will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position
and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the
transaction, or in crosses, in which the same broker acts as an
agent on both sides of the trade;
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through the writing of options; or
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through other types of transactions.
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The securities may be offered to the public either through
underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing
underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless
otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
obligations of underwriters or dealers to purchase the
securities offered will be subject to certain conditions
precedent and the underwriters or dealers will be obligated to
purchase all the offered securities if any are purchased. Any
public offering price and any discount or concession allowed or
reallowed or paid by underwriters or dealers to other dealers
may be changed from time to time.
The securities may be sold directly by us or through agents
designated by us from time to time. Any agent involved in the
offer or sale of the securities in respect of which this
prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions
payable by us to such agent will be set forth in, the applicable
prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the
applicable prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting
on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Offers to purchase the securities offered by this prospectus may
be solicited, and sales of the securities may be made, by us
directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed
to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with
respect to any resale of the securities. The terms of any offer
made in this manner will be included in the prospectus
supplement relating to the offer.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will
authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by
certain institutional investors to purchase securities from us
pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery at a
future date. Institutional investors with which these contracts
may be made include, among others:
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commercial and savings banks;
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insurance companies;
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pension funds;
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investment companies; and
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educational and charitable institutions.
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In all cases, these purchasers must be approved by us. Unless
otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
obligations of any purchaser under any of these contracts will
not be subject to any conditions except that (a) the
purchase of the securities must not at the time of delivery be
prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction to which that
purchaser is subject, and (b) if the securities are also
being sold to underwriters, we must have sold to these
underwriters the securities not subject to delayed delivery.
Underwriters and other agents will not have any responsibility
in respect of the validity or performance of these contracts.
Some of the underwriters, dealers or agents used by us in any
offering of securities under this prospectus may be customers
of, engage in transactions with, and perform services for us,
TWE and TW NY or other affiliates of ours in the ordinary course
of business. Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may
be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us
to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and
to be reimbursed by us for certain expenses.
Subject to any restrictions relating to debt securities in
bearer form, any securities initially sold outside the United
States may be resold in the United States through underwriters,
dealers or otherwise.
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Any underwriters to which offered securities are sold by us for
public offering and sale may make a market in such securities,
but those underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time.
The anticipated date of delivery of the securities offered by
this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus
supplement relating to the offering.
If more than 10 percent of the net proceeds of any offering
of securities made under this prospectus will be received by
members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which we
refer to in this prospectus as FINRA, participating
in the offering or by affiliates or associated persons of such
FINRA members, the offering will be conducted in accordance with
NASD Conduct Rule 2710(h). The maximum compensation we will
pay to underwriters in connection with any offering of the
securities will not exceed 8% of the maximum proceeds of such
offering.
To comply with the securities laws of some states, if
applicable, the securities may be sold in these jurisdictions
only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In
addition, in some states the securities may not be sold unless
they have been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption
from registration or qualification requirements is available and
is complied with.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the offered securities
will be passed upon for us, TWE and TW NY by Paul, Weiss,
Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial
statements, schedule and supplementary information included in
our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2007, as set forth in their reports, which are
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in
the registration statement. Our financial statements, schedule,
supplementary information, and our managements assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2007 are incorporated by
reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLPs
reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
21
$
$ % Notes
due 2013
$ % Notes due 2018
$ % Debentures due 2038
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
,
2008
Banc of America Securities
LLC
BNP PARIBAS
Morgan Stanley
RBS Greenwich Capital
Wachovia Securities