As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2010
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
GENPACT LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda | 98-0533350 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Canons Court
22 Victoria Street
Hamilton HM
Bermuda
(441) 295-2244
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
Victor Guaglianone
Genpact Process Solutions, LLC
105 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10016
(646) 624-5900
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Knute J. Salhus
Erika L. Robinson
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
399 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022 USA
(212) 230-8800
(212) 230-8888
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. x
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. x
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company ¨ | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of each class of securities to be registered(1) |
Amount to be Registered(1) |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit(1) |
Maximum Aggregate |
Amount of Registration Fee(1) | ||||
Debt Securities |
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Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share |
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Preference Shares, par value $0.01 per share |
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Depositary Shares(2) |
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Share Purchase Contracts |
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Share Purchase Units |
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Warrants |
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(1) | An indeterminate amount of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered hereunder at indeterminate prices, along with an indeterminate number of securities that may be issued upon exercise, settlement, exchange or conversion of securities offered or sold hereunder or that are represented by depositary shares. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange of other securities. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), the registrant is deferring payment of all registration fees and will pay the registration fees subsequently in advance or on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
(2) | Each depositary share will be issued under a deposit agreement, will represent an interest in a fractional share or multiple preference shares and will be evidenced by a depositary receipt. |
PROSPECTUS
Genpact Limited
Debt Securities
Common Shares
Preference Shares
Depositary Shares
Share Purchase Contracts
Share Purchase Units
Warrants
We may issue securities from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this document. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement before you invest.
We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. The securities may be sold directly to you, through agents, or through underwriters and dealers. If agents, underwriters or dealers are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
In addition, selling shareholders to be named in a prospectus supplement may offer and sell from time to time our common shares in such amounts as set forth in a prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common shares by any selling shareholders.
Our common shares trade on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol G.
Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See Risk Factors included in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase these securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is March 15, 2010
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND SHARE PURCHASE UNITS |
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This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, and one or more of our shareholders may sell our common shares, in one or more offerings.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of those securities. Each time we or a selling shareholder sells securities, we will provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 2 of this prospectus.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in the accompanying prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this prospectus to we, our and us refer, collectively, to Genpact Limited, a Bermuda company, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at http://www.genpact.com. Our website is not a part of this prospectus. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SECs public reference room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. This prospectus omits some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits in the registration statement for further information on us and our consolidated subsidiaries and the securities we are offering. Statements in this prospectus concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference much of the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus. Because we are incorporating by reference future filings with the SEC, this prospectus is continually updated and those future filings may modify or supersede some of the information included or incorporated in this prospectus. This means that you must look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus or in any document previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below (File No. 001-33626) and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed) until the offering of the securities under the registration statement is terminated or completed:
| Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, including information specifically incorporated by reference into our Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for our 2010 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders; |
| Current Reports on Form 8-K filed January 26, 2010, February 18, 2010 and March 15, 2010; and |
| The description of our common shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on July 27, 2007, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
Genpact
105 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10016
Attn: Investor Relations
Phone: (646) 624-5900
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This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus include forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking terms such as expect, anticipate, intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, could, may, shall, will, would and variations of such words and similar expressions, or the negative of such words or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance, which in some cases may be based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based at the time they are made on our expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, you should consider the numerous risks outlined in the section of any accompanying prospectus supplement entitled Risk Factors and the risk factors and cautionary statements described in the other documents we file from time to time with the SEC, specifically our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to:
| our ability to retain existing clients and contracts; |
| our ability to win new clients and engagements; |
| the expected value of the statements of work under our master service agreements; |
| our beliefs about future trends in our market; |
| political or economic instability in countries where we have operations; |
| worldwide political, economic or business conditions; |
| political, economic or business conditions where our clients operate; |
| expected spending on business process services by clients; |
| foreign currency exchange rates; |
| our rate of employee attrition; |
| our effective tax rate; and |
| competition in our industry. |
Factors that may cause actual results to differ from expected results include, among others:
| our ability to grow our business and effectively manage growth and international operations while maintaining effective internal controls; |
| our relative dependence on the General Electric Company; |
| our dependence on revenues derived from clients in the United States; |
| our ability to hire and retain enough qualified employees to support our operations; |
| our dependence on favorable tax legislation and tax policies that may be amended in a manner adverse to us or be unavailable to us in the future; |
| increases in wages in locations in which we have operations; |
| restrictions on visas for our employees traveling to North America and Europe; |
| our ability to maintain pricing and asset utilization rates; |
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| fluctuations in exchange rates between U.S. dollars, euros, U.K. pounds sterling, Chinese renminbi, Hungarian forint, Japanese yen, Indian rupees, Australian dollars, Philippines peso, Guatemala quetzal, Moroccan dirham (DH), Polish zloty, Romanian leu and South African rand; |
| our ability to retain senior management; |
| the selling cycle for our client relationships; |
| our ability to attract and retain clients and our ability to develop and maintain client relationships based on attractive terms; |
| legislation in the United States or elsewhere that adversely affects the performance of business process services offshore; |
| increasing competition in our industry; |
| telecommunications or technology disruptions or breaches, or natural or other disasters; |
| our ability to protect our intellectual property and the intellectual property of others; |
| further deterioration in the global economic environment and its impact on our clients; |
| regulatory, legislative and judicial developments, including the withdrawal of governmental fiscal incentives; |
| the international nature of our business; |
| technological innovation; |
| our ability to derive revenues from new service offerings; |
| unionization of any of our employees; and |
| our ability to successfully consummate or integrate strategic acquisitions. |
Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable at the time they are made, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by law.
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We are a leader in managing business processes, offering a broad portfolio of enterprise and industry-specific services. We manage over 3,000 processes for more than 400 clients worldwide. Putting process in the forefront, we couple our deep process knowledge and insights with focused information technology capabilities, targeted analytics and pragmatic reengineering to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients. Lean and Six Sigma are an integral part of our culture and we view the management of business processes as a science. We have launched Smart Enterprise Processes (SEPSM), a groundbreaking, rigorously scientific methodology for managing business processes, which focuses on optimizing process effectiveness in addition to efficiency to deliver superior business outcomes. Services are seamlessly delivered from a global network of centers to meet a clients business objectives, cultural and language needs and cost reduction goals.
Genpact Limited is a Bermuda exempted company. Its registered and principal office is located at Canons Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM, Bermuda, and its telephone number at that address is (441) 295-2244. Its administrative office in the United States is located at 105 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10016.
CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividends for each of the periods indicated. You should read this table in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | ||||||||
Consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
2.25x | 3.88x | 6.10x | 16.28x | 35.92x | |||||||
Consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividend (1) |
| (2) | | (2) | 1.47x | 16.28x | 35.92x |
(1) | Our effective tax rate was a benefit of (59.7)% and (17.2)% for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The preference dividend for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 assumes a 0% tax rate for those years as our effective tax was a benefit in these years. |
(2) | Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 were insufficient to cover fixed charges and preference dividend by $5.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. |
For purposes of calculating these ratios, earnings consists of income before income taxes, fixed charges, amortization of capitalized interest, adjusted for interest capitalized and noncontrolling interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges. The term fixed charges consists of interest expense, the amortization of debt issuance costs and an estimate of interest as a component of rental expense.
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We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered under this prospectus for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include the acquisition of companies or businesses, repayment and refinancing of debt, working capital and capital expenditures. We may temporarily invest the net proceeds in investment-grade, interest-bearing securities until they are used for their stated purpose. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for such purposes. As a result, management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of net proceeds.
Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common shares by any selling shareholders.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may offer debt securities which may be senior or subordinated. We refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities collectively as debt securities. The following description summarizes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities. We will describe the specific terms of the debt securities and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions summarized below apply to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the series and any applicable free writing prospectus that we authorize to be delivered. When we refer to the Company, we, our, and us in this section, we mean Genpact Limited, a Bermuda company, excluding, unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, our subsidiaries.
We may issue senior debt securities from time to time, in one or more series under a senior indenture to be entered into between us and a senior trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the senior trustee. We may issue subordinated debt securities from time to time, in one or more series under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and a subordinated trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the subordinated trustee. The forms of senior indenture and subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to this registration statement. Together, the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are referred to as the indentures and, together, the senior trustee and the subordinated trustee are referred to as the trustees. This prospectus briefly outlines some of the provisions of the indentures. The following summary of the material provisions of the indentures is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the indentures, including definitions of certain terms used in the indentures. Wherever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the indentures, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. You should review the indentures that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part for additional information.
None of the indentures will limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. The applicable indenture will provide that debt securities may be issued up to an aggregate principal amount authorized from time to time by us and may be payable in any currency or currency unit designated by us or in amounts determined by reference to an index.
General
The senior debt securities will constitute our unsecured and unsubordinated general obligations and will rank pari passu with our other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The subordinated debt securities will constitute our unsecured and subordinated general obligations and will be junior in right of payment to our senior indebtedness (including senior debt securities), as described under the heading Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt SecuritiesSubordination.
The debt securities will be our unsecured obligations. Any secured debt or other secured obligations will be effectively senior to the debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt or other obligations.
The applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus will include any additional or different terms of the debt securities being offered, including the following terms:
| the title and type of the debt securities; |
| whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated debt securities, and, with respect to debt securities issued under the subordinated indenture, the terms on which they are subordinated; |
| the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; |
| the price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities; |
| the maturity date or dates of the debt securities and the right, if any, to extend such date or dates; |
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| the rate or rates, if any, per year, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of determining such rate or rates; |
| the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such interest payment dates and the related record dates; |
| the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of that extension; |
| the manner of paying principal and interest and the place or places where principal and interest will be payable; |
| provisions for a sinking fund, purchase fund or other analogous fund, if any; |
| any redemption dates, prices, obligations and restrictions on the debt securities; |
| the currency, currencies or currency units in which the debt securities will be denominated and the currency, currencies or currency units in which principal and interest, if any, on the debt securities may be payable; |
| any conversion or exchange features of the debt securities; |
| whether and upon what terms the debt securities may be defeased; |
| any events of default or covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in the indenture; |
| whether the debt securities will be issued in definitive or global form or in definitive form only upon satisfaction of certain conditions; |
| whether the series of debt securities will be guaranteed as to payment or performance; |
| any special tax implications of the debt securities; and |
| any other material terms of the debt securities. |
We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the holders of any series of debt securities, create and issue further debt securities of any such series ranking equally with the debt securities of such series in all respects (or in all respects other than (1) the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such further debt securities or (2) the first payment of interest following the issue date of such further debt securities). Such further debt securities may be consolidated and form a single series with the debt securities of such series and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the debt securities of such series.
You may present debt securities for exchange and you may present debt securities for transfer in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. We will provide you those services without charge, although you may have to pay any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any exchange or transfer, as set forth in the indenture.
Debt securities will bear interest at a fixed rate or a floating rate. Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below the prevailing market rate (original issue discount securities) may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to any such discounted debt securities or to certain debt securities issued at par which are treated as having been issued at a discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may issue debt securities with the principal amount payable on any principal payment date, or the amount of interest payable on any interest payment date, to be determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, securities or baskets of securities, commodity prices or indices. You may receive a payment of principal on any principal payment date, or a payment of interest on any interest payment date, that is greater than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending on the value on
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such dates of the applicable currency, security or basket of securities, commodity or index. Information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal or interest payable on any date, the currencies, securities or baskets of securities, commodities or indices to which the amount payable on such date is linked and certain related tax considerations will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Certain Terms of the Senior Debt Securities
Covenants. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will not contain any financial or restrictive covenants, including covenants restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from incurring, issuing, assuming or guaranteeing any indebtedness secured by a lien on any of our or our subsidiaries property or capital stock, or restricting either us or any of our subsidiaries from entering into sale and leaseback transactions.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person, in a transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, in either case, unless:
| the successor entity assumes our obligations on the senior debt securities and under the senior indenture; |
| immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing; |
| the successor entity is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes; and |
| certain other conditions are met. |
No Protection in the Event of a Change in Control. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the senior debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the senior debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control).
Events of Default. The following are events of default under the senior indenture for any series of senior debt securities:
| failure to pay principal or premium on the senior debt securities of such series when due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise; |
| failure to pay interest on any senior debt securities of such series when due and payable, if that default continues for a period of 30 days (or such other period as may be specified for such series); |
| default in the performance of or breach of any of our covenants or agreements in the senior indenture applicable to senior debt securities of such series, other than a covenant breach which is specifically dealt with elsewhere in the senior indenture, and that default or breach continues for a period of 60 days after we receive written notice from the trustee or from the holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the senior debt securities of such series; |
| certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or not; and |
| any other event of default provided for in such series of senior debt securities as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. |
The default by us under any other debt, including any other series of debt securities, is not a default under the senior indenture.
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If an event of default other than an event of default specified in the fourth bullet point above occurs with respect to a series of senior debt securities and is continuing under the senior indenture, then, and in each such case, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series then outstanding under the senior indenture (each such series voting as a separate class) by written notice to us and to the trustee, if such notice is given by the holders, may, and the trustee at the request of such holders shall, declare the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, on such series of senior debt securities to be immediately due and payable.
If an event of default specified in the fourth bullet point above occurs and is continuing, the entire principal amount of, and accrued interest, if any, on each series of senior debt securities then outstanding shall become immediately due and payable.
Upon a declaration of acceleration, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, on such senior debt securities shall be immediately due and payable. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of senior debt securities originally issued at a discount, the amount due upon acceleration shall include only the original issue price of the senior debt securities, the amount of original issue discount accrued to the date of acceleration and accrued interest, if any.
Upon certain conditions, declarations of acceleration may be rescinded and annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all the senior debt securities of such series affected by the default, each series voting as a separate class. Furthermore, subject to various provisions in the senior indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities, by notice to the trustee, may waive an existing default or event of default with respect to such senior debt securities and its consequences, except a default in the payment of principal of or interest on such senior debt securities or in respect of a covenant or provision of the senior indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each such senior debt security. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any event of default with respect to such senior debt securities shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the senior indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or event of default or impair any right consequent thereto. For information as to the waiver of defaults, see Modification and Waiver.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to such senior debt securities. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the senior indenture that may involve the trustee in personal liability or that the trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of such series of senior debt securities not joining in the giving of such direction and may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any such direction received from holders of such series of senior debt securities. A holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to the senior indenture or any series of senior debt securities unless:
| the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default; |
| the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy in respect of such event of default; |
| the requesting holder or holders offer the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any costs, liability or expense; |
| the trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and |
| during such 60-day period, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities do not give the trustee a direction that is inconsistent with the request. |
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These limitations, however, do not apply to the right of any holder of a senior debt security to receive payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on such senior debt security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment, on or after the due date for the senior debt securities, which right shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the holder.
The senior indenture requires certain of our officers to certify, on or before a fixed date in each year in which any senior debt security is outstanding, as to their knowledge of our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the senior indenture.
Satisfaction and Discharge. We can satisfy and discharge our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities if:
| we pay or cause to be paid, as and when due and payable, the principal of and any interest on all senior debt securities of such series outstanding under the senior indenture; or |
| all senior debt securities of such series have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or are to be called for redemption within one year) and we deposit in trust a combination of money and U.S. government or U.S. government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal, any premium and any other payments on the debt securities of that series on their various due dates. |
Under current U.S. federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we took back your debt securities and gave you your share of the cash and debt securities or bonds deposited in trust. In that event, you could recognize gain or loss on the debt securities you give back to us. Purchasers of the debt securities should consult their own advisers with respect to the tax consequences to them of such deposit and discharge, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other than the U.S. income tax law.
Defeasance. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, the following discussion of legal defeasance and discharge and covenant defeasance will apply to any series of debt securities issued under the indentures.
Legal Defeasance. We can legally release ourselves from any payment or other obligations on the debt securities of any series (called legal defeasance) if the following conditions are met:
| We deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct holders of the debt securities of the same series a combination of money and U.S. government or U.S. government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal, any premium and any other payments on the debt securities of that series on their various due dates. |
| There is a change in current U.S. federal tax law or an IRS ruling that lets us make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and instead repaid the debt securities ourselves when due. Under current U.S. federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we took back your debt securities and gave you your share of the cash and debt securities or bonds deposited in trust. In that event, you could recognize gain or loss on the debt securities you give back to us. |
| We deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming the tax law change or ruling described above. |
If we ever did accomplish legal defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the event of any shortfall.
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Covenant Defeasance. Without any change of current U.S. federal tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above and be released from some of the covenants in the debt securities (called covenant defeasance). In that event, you would lose the protection of those covenants but would gain the protection of having money and securities set aside in trust to repay the debt securities. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:
| We must deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct holders of the debt securities of the same series a combination of money and U.S. government or U.S. government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal, any premium and any other payments on the debt securities of that series on their various due dates. |
| We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that under current U.S. federal income tax law we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and instead repaid the debt securities ourselves when due. |
If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit. In fact, if one of the Events of Default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities become immediately due and payable, there may be such a shortfall. Depending on the events causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.
Modification and Waiver. We and the trustee may amend or supplement the senior indenture or the senior debt securities without the consent of any holder:
| to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any assets as security for the senior debt securities of one or more series; |
| to evidence the succession of another corporation, and the assumption by such successor corporation of our covenants, agreements and obligations under the senior indenture; |
| to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default; |
| to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the senior indenture or in any supplemental indenture or to conform the senior indenture or the senior debt securities to the description of senior debt securities of such series set forth in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement; |
| to provide for or add guarantors with respect to the senior debt securities of any series; |
| to establish the form or forms or terms of the senior debt securities as permitted by the senior indenture; |
| to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee, or to make such changes as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts in the senior indenture by more than one trustee; |
| to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of any series of senior debt securities; |
| to make any change to the senior debt securities of any series so long as no senior debt securities of such series are outstanding; or |
| to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder in any material respect. |
Other amendments and modifications of the senior indenture or the senior debt securities issued may be made, and our compliance with any provision of the senior indenture with respect to any series of senior debt securities may be waived, with the consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the
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outstanding senior debt securities of all series affected by the amendment or modification (voting together as a single class); provided, however, that each affected holder must consent to any modification, amendment or waiver that:
| extends the final maturity of any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the principal amount of, or premium, if any, on any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the rate or extends the time of payment of interest on any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the amount payable upon the redemption of any senior debt securities of such series; |
| changes the currency of payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the principal amount of original issue discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity or the amount provable in bankruptcy; |
| waives a default in the payment of principal of or interest on the senior debt securities; |
| changes the provisions relating to the waiver of past defaults or changes or impairs the right of holders to receive payment or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment or conversion of any senior debt securities of such series on or after the due date therefor; |
| modifies any of the provisions for these restrictions, except to increase any required percentage or to provide that certain other provisions cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each senior debt security of such series affected by the modification; or |
| reduces the above-stated percentage of outstanding senior debt securities of such series whose holders must consent to a supplemental indenture or to modify or amend or to waive certain provisions of or defaults under the senior indenture. |
It shall not be necessary for the holders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if the holders consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment, supplement or waiver of the senior indenture in accordance with the provisions described in this section becomes effective, the trustee must give to the holders affected thereby certain notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure by the trustee to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture or waiver.
No Personal Liability of Incorporators, Shareholders, Officers, Directors. The senior indenture provides that no recourse shall be had under any obligation, covenant or agreement of ours in the senior indenture or any supplemental indenture, or in any of the senior debt securities or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, against any of our incorporators, shareholders, officers or directors, past, present or future, or of any predecessor or successor entity thereof under any law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise. Each holder, by accepting the senior debt securities, waives and releases all such liability.
Concerning the Trustee. The senior indenture provides that, except during the continuance of a default, the trustee will not be liable except for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in the senior indenture. If an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the senior indenture and will use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such persons own affairs.
The senior indenture and the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 incorporated by reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of ours or any of our subsidiaries, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect
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of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions, provided that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such conflict or resign.
We may have normal banking relationships with the trustee under the senior indenture in the ordinary course of business.
Unclaimed Funds. All funds deposited with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal, interest, premium or additional amounts in respect of the senior debt securities that remain unclaimed for two years after the maturity date of such senior debt securities will be repaid to us. Thereafter, any right of any holder of senior debt securities to such funds shall be enforceable only against us, and the trustee and paying agents will have no liability therefor.
Governing Law. The senior indenture and the senior debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities
Other than the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities relating to subordination or otherwise as described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities, the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities are identical in all material respects to the terms of the senior indenture and senior debt securities.
Additional or different subordination terms may be specified in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series.
Subordination. The indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities is subordinate to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness, as defined in the subordinated indenture. 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 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:
| all of the indebtedness of that person for money borrowed; |
| all of the indebtedness of that person evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other securities sold by that person for money; |
| all of the lease obligations which are capitalized on the books of that person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| 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 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; |
unless, in the case of any particular indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding, the instrument creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee relating to it expressly provides that such indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities. Our senior debt securities constitute senior indebtedness for purposes of the subordinated debt indenture.
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General
We are an exempted company organized under the Companies Act 1981 (Bermuda) (the Companies Act). We are registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda under registration number 39838. Genpact Limited was incorporated on March 29, 2007. Our registered office is located at Canons Court, 22 Victoria Street, Hamilton HM, Bermuda. The rights of our shareholders are governed by Bermuda law and our memorandum of association and bye-laws. The Companies Act may differ in some material respects from laws generally applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. The following is a summary of the material provisions of Bermuda law and our organizational documents, including our memorandum of association and our bye-laws. This description is based upon, and is qualified by reference to, our memorandum of association, our bye-laws and applicable provisions of Bermuda company law. This summary is not complete. You should read our memorandum of association and bye-laws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for the provisions that are important to you.
Share Capital
Our authorized capital consists of 500,000,000 common shares, $0.01 par value per share and 250,000,000 preference shares, $0.01 par value per share. As of March 15, 2010, no preference shares are outstanding. All of our issued and outstanding shares are fully paid up.
Pursuant to our bye-laws, and subject to the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange on which our common shares are listed, our board of directors is authorized to issue any of our authorized but unissued shares. There are no limitations on the right of non-Bermudians or non-residents of Bermuda to hold our common shares.
Common Shares
Holders of our common shares are entitled, subject to the provisions of our bye-laws, to one vote per share on all matters submitted to or requiring a vote of holders of common shares. Unless a different majority is required by Bermuda law or by our bye-laws, resolutions to be approved by holders of common shares may be passed by a simple majority of votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. A quorum consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote representing more than 50% of the total issued common shares.
Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of our common shares are entitled to receive their ratable share of the net assets of our company available after payment of all debts and other liabilities, subject to the rights of any holders of any preferred shares in the company which may be in issue and having preferred rights on any return of capital.
Our common shares have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights.
Preference Shares
Pursuant to Bermuda law and our bye-laws, our board of directors by resolution may establish one or more series of preference shares having such par value, designations, dividend rates, relative voting rights, conversion or exchange rights, redemption rights, liquidation rights and other relative participation, optional or other rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions as may be fixed by the board of directors without any shareholder approval. Such rights, preferences, powers and limitations as may be established could also have the effect of discouraging an attempt to obtain control of our company. These preference shares are of the type commonly referred to as blank-check preferred stock.
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Dividends
Under Bermuda law, a company may declare and pay dividends from time to time unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is or would, after the payment, be unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and share premium accounts. Under our bye-laws, each common share is entitled to dividends if, as and when dividends are declared by our board of directors. There are no restrictions in Bermuda on our ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in or out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of our common shares.
Any cash dividends payable to holders of our common shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange will be paid to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., our transfer agent in the United States, for disbursement to those holders.
We have never declared or paid any dividends on our common shares, other than dividends paid in connection with our reorganization in 2004 (prior to our initial public offering).
Variation of Rights
The rights attaching to a particular class, unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the relevant class, may be varied either: (i) with the consent in writing of the holders of 75% of the issued shares of that class; or (ii) with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of the relevant class of shareholders at which a quorum consisting of at least two persons holding or representing more than 50% of the issued shares of the relevant class is present. Our bye-laws specify that the creation or issue of shares ranking equally with existing shares will not, unless expressly provided by the terms of issue of existing shares, vary the rights attached to existing shares. In addition, the creation or issue of preference shares ranking prior to common shares will not be deemed to vary the rights attached to common shares or, subject to the terms of any other series of preference shares, to vary the rights attached to any other series of preference shares.
Repurchase of Shares
At its discretion and without the sanction of a resolution, our board of directors may authorize the purchase by our company of our own shares, of any class, at any price. To the extent permitted by Bermuda law, the shares to be purchased may be selected in any manner whatsoever, upon such terms as our board of directors may determine in its discretion.
Transfer of Common Shares
Our board of directors may refuse to recognize an instrument of transfer of a common share unless (1) the instrument of transfer is duly stamped, if required by law, and lodged with us, accompanied by the relevant share certificate and such other evidence of the transferors right to make the transfer as our board of directors may reasonably require, (2) the transfer is in respect of only one class of share and (3) the permission of the Bermuda Monetary Authority has been obtained, if applicable. Subject to such restrictions, a holder of common shares may transfer the title to all or any of his common shares by completing the usual common form or any other form which our board of directors may approve. An instrument of transfer must be signed by the transferor and transferee, although in the case of a fully paid up common share, our board of directors may accept an instrument signed only by the transferor.
Certain Provisions of the Bye-laws and Bermuda Law
Certain provisions of our memorandum of association, bye-laws and the Companies Act may have an anti-takeover effect, may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that you might consider in your best interest, including an attempt that might result in your receipt of a premium over the market price for your common shares, and may make more difficult the removal of our incumbent directors.
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Election and Removal of Directors
Our bye-laws provide that our board of directors shall consist of thirteen directors or such lesser or greater number as our board of directors, by resolution, may from time to time determine, provided that, at all times, there shall be no fewer than three directors. However, we may increase the maximum number of directors by resolution of the shareholders. Our board of directors currently consists of twelve directors. Currently, each director serves in such capacity for such term as we may determine by resolution or, in the absence of such determination, until the termination of the next annual general meeting.
Our board of directors may fill any vacancy occurring as a result of the death, disability, disqualification or resignation of a director or as a result of an increase in the size of the board of directors and to appoint an alternate director to any director so appointed so long as a quorum of directors remains in office.
Our bye-laws provide that our directors may be divided into three classes to create a staggered board at any time upon the passing of a board resolution.
Meetings of Shareholders
Under Bermuda law, a company is required to convene at least one general meeting of shareholders each calendar year. Our bye-laws provide that a special general meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors of a company and must be called upon the request of shareholders holding not less than 10% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote at general meetings. Our bye-laws provide that a quorum for such a meeting shall be two shareholders holding not less than 50% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote at general meetings. Bermuda law also requires that shareholders be given at least five days advance notice of a general meeting, but the accidental omission to give notice to any person does not invalidate the proceedings at a meeting. Under our bye-laws, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days notice of an annual general meeting and at least five days notice of a special general meeting, must be given of a special general meeting. This notice requirement is subject to the ability to hold such meetings on shorter notice if such notice is agreed: (i) in the case of an annual general meeting, by all of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at such meeting; or (ii) in the case of a special general meeting, by a majority in number of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting holding not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares entitled to vote at such meeting. The quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders is at least one individual present in person or by proxy at the start of the meeting.
Shareholder Written Resolutions
Our bye-laws provide that, except in the case of the removal of auditors, anything which may be done by resolution of the shareholders in a general meeting or by resolution of any class of shareholders in a separate general meeting may be done by resolution in writing, signed by the shareholders (or the holders of such class of shares) who at the date of the notice of the resolution in writing represent such majority of votes as would be required if the resolution had been voted on at a meeting of the shareholders.
However, our bye-laws also provide that in the event that General Electric Company and Genpact Investment Co. (Lux) SICAR S.à.r.l., and any affiliate of any one of them hold, in the aggregate, less than 50% of our outstanding common shares, then we will no longer use shareholder written resolutions.
Advance Notice Requirements for Nominations
Our bye-laws contain advance notice procedures with regard to shareholder proposals related to the nomination of candidates for election as directors. These procedures provide that any shareholder entitled to vote for the election of directors may nominate persons for election as directors only if written notice of such shareholders intent to make such nomination is given to our corporate secretary not later than (i) with respect to
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an election to be held at an annual general meeting, not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting or not later than ten days after notice or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is given or made available to shareholders, whichever date is earlier, and (ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special general meeting for the election of directors, the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to shareholders.
A shareholders notice to our corporate secretary must be in proper written form and must set forth information related to the shareholder giving the notice and the owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, including:
| the name and record address of the shareholder and the owner; |
| the class and number of shares of our share capital which are owned and of record by the shareholder; |
| a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of our shares entitled to vote at that meeting and that the shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring the nomination before the meeting; and |
| a representation whether the shareholder intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of our outstanding share capital required to elect the nominee, or otherwise to solicit proxies from shareholders in support of such nomination. |
As to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director:
| all information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| the nominees written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected. |
Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals
Our bye-laws contain advance notice procedures with regard to shareholder proposals not related to director nominations.
A shareholders notice to our corporate secretary must be in proper written form and must set forth, as to each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting:
| a description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and if such business includes a proposal to amend our bye-laws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting the business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such shareholder on whose behalf the proposal is made; |
| the name and record address of the shareholder; |
| the class and number of shares of our share capital which are owned and of record by the shareholder; |
| a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of our shares entitled to vote at the meeting and that the shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business; and |
| a representation as to whether the shareholder intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of our outstanding share capital required to approve or adopt the business proposal, or otherwise to solicit proxies from shareholders in support of such proposal. |
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Access to Books and Records and Dissemination of Information
Members of the general public have the right to inspect the public documents of a company available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda. These documents include a companys memorandum of association, including its objects and powers, and any alterations to its memorandum of association. Our shareholders have the additional right to inspect the bye-laws of the company, minutes of general meetings and the companys audited financial statements, which must be presented at the annual general meeting. The register of shareholders of a company also is open to inspection by shareholders without charge and by members of the general public on the payment of a fee. We are required to maintain our share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of Bermuda law, establish a branch register outside Bermuda. We maintain our principal share register in Hamilton, Bermuda. We are required to keep at our registered office a register of directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours each day by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records.
Amendments to our Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws
Bermuda law provides that the memorandum of association of a company may be amended by a resolution passed at a general meeting of shareholders. Our bye-laws provide that no bye-law shall be rescinded, altered or amended, and no new bye-law shall be made, unless it shall have been approved by a resolution of our board of directors and by a resolution of our shareholders. However, to revoke, alter, or amend certain of our bye-laws it requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of all shareholders entitled to vote thereon.
Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of not less than in aggregate 20% in par value of the companys issued share capital or any class thereof have the right to apply to the Bermuda courts for an annulment of any amendment of the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting, other than an amendment which alters or reduces a companys share capital as provided in the Companies Act. Where such an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda court. An application for an annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within twenty-one days after the date on which the resolution altering the companys memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose. No application may be made by shareholders voting in favor of the amendment.
Board Actions
Under Bermuda law, the directors of a Bermuda company owe their fiduciary duty principally to the company, rather than the shareholders. Our bye-laws provide that some actions are required to be approved by our board of directors. Actions must be approved by a majority of the votes present and entitled to be cast at a properly convened meeting of our board of directors.
In addition, pursuant to our bye-laws and our shareholders agreement and to the extent permitted by applicable law, our directors who are affiliated with our major shareholders are not required to present to us corporate opportunities (e.g., acquisitions or new potential clients) that they become aware of unless such opportunities are presented to them expressly in their capacity as one of our directors.
Our bye-laws contain a provision by virtue of which our shareholders waive any claim or right of action that they have, both individually and on our behalf, against any director or officer in relation to any action or failure to take action by such director or officer, except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer. Our bye-laws also indemnify our directors and officers in respect of their actions and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or dishonesty. The indemnification provided in our bye-laws is not exclusive of other indemnification rights to which a director or officer may be entitled, provided these rights do not extend to his or her fraud or dishonesty.
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Our bye-laws provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors. Bermuda law requires that our directors be individuals, but there is no requirement in our bye-laws or Bermuda law that directors hold any of our shares. There is also no requirement in our bye-laws or Bermuda law that our directors must retire at a certain age.
Related Party Transactions and Loans
Provided a director discloses a direct or indirect interest in any contract or arrangement with us as required by Bermuda law, such director is entitled to be counted in the quorum and vote in respect of any such contract or arrangement in which he or she is interested unless he or she is disqualified from voting by the decision of a vote of the other directors present at the board meeting and their ruling in relation to the director concerned shall be final and conclusive except in very limited circumstances.
Under Bermuda law, a director (including the spouse or children of the director or any company of which such director, spouse or children own or control more than 20% of the capital or loan debt) cannot borrow from us, (except loans made to directors who are bona fide employees or former employees pursuant to an employees share scheme) unless shareholders holding 90% of the total voting rights have consented to the loan.
Amalgamations and Similar Arrangements
A Bermuda exempted company may acquire the business of another Bermuda exempted company or a company incorporated outside Bermuda when the business of the target company is within the acquiring companys objects as set forth in its memorandum of association.
Any amalgamation of our company with another company or corporation (other than certain affiliate companies) first requires the approval of our board of directors and then the approval of our shareholders, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding common shares, voting together as a single class, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any preference shares.
Business Combinations
Our bye-laws provide a mechanism designed to deal with business combinations including any amalgamation, merger or consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary with any interested shareholder or any other company which is or after such merger, consolidation or amalgamation would be an affiliate or associate of an interested shareholder. This provision does not apply to any shareholder who held 15% or more of the common shares as of July 23, 2007.
Our bye-laws provide that we will not engage in any business combination with any interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of any interested shareholder or any person who thereafter would be an affiliate or associate of such interested shareholder for a period of three years following the time that such shareholder became an interested shareholder. The following broad exceptions are set out:
| if a majority of the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder; or |
| at or subsequent to such time the business combination is approved by a majority of the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the shareholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all the then outstanding voting shares, voting together as a single class, excluding voting shares beneficially owned by any interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of such interested shareholders. Such affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that a lesser percentage or separate class vote may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national securities exchange or otherwise; or |
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| upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder owned at least 85% of our voting shares outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or |
| in the case of business combination with any interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of any interested shareholder or any person who thereafter would be an affiliate or associate of such interested shareholder, in which all of the capital shares not already owned by such person are converted into, exchanged for or become entitled to receive, cash and/or securities, and various specific conditions shall have been met. |
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the bye-laws (and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage or separate class vote may be specified by law or the bye-laws), any proposal to amend, repeal or adopt any provision of the bye-laws inconsistent with the bye-law dealing with business combinations, in addition to any other vote required by law, shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting shares entitled to be cast by the holders of all the then outstanding voting shares, voting together as a single class.
Takeovers
Bermuda law provides that where an offer is made for shares of a company and, within four months of the offer, the holders of not less than 90% of the shares which are the subject of the offer accept, the offeror may by notice require the non-tendering shareholders to transfer their shares on the terms of the offer. Dissenting shareholders may apply to the court within one month of the notice objecting to the transfer. The test is one of fairness to the body of the shareholders and not to individuals, and the burden is on the dissentient shareholder to prove unfairness, not merely that the scheme is open to criticism.
Appraisal Rights and Shareholder Suits
Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation of a Bermuda company with another company, a shareholder of the Bermuda company who is not satisfied that fair value has been offered for his or her shares in the Bermuda company may apply to the Bermuda Court to appraise the fair value of his or her shares. Under Bermuda law and our bye-laws, an amalgamation by us with another company would require the amalgamation agreement to be approved by our board of directors and by resolution of our shareholders.
Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. However, the Bermuda courts would ordinarily be expected to follow English case law precedent, which would permit a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong done to the company where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or is illegal or would result in violation of the companys memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore, consideration would be given by the Bermuda courts to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of the companys shareholders than that which actually approved it.
When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner oppressive or prejudicial to the interests of some part of the shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply to the Bermuda courts, which may make an order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct of the companys affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholder by other shareholders or by the company.
Discontinuance/Continuation
Under Bermuda law, an exempted company may be discontinued in Bermuda and continued in a jurisdiction outside Bermuda as if it had been incorporated under the laws of that other jurisdiction. Our bye-laws provide that our board of directors may exercise all our power to discontinue to another jurisdiction with shareholder approval.
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Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our bye-laws provide that each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of us or, while a director or officer of us, is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is the alleged action of such person in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, will be indemnified and held harmless by us to the fullest extent authorized by the Companies Act against all damage or expense, liability and loss reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith provided that any such person shall not be indemnified and held harmless if there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the person is seeking indemnification, that person engaged in fraud or acted dishonestly or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the such conduct was unlawful. Any indemnification is made out of our assets and to the extent that a person is entitled to claim indemnification in respect of amounts paid or discharged by him or her, the relevant indemnity shall take effect as our obligation to reimburse that person making such payment or effecting such discharge. Our bye-laws also provide that we will be indemnified against all liabilities incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act. These rights are not exclusive of any other right that any person may have or acquire under any statute, provision of our memorandum of association, bye-laws, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. No repeal or modification of these provisions will in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of any director, officer, employee or agent of us under our memorandum of association in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such repeal or modification.
Our bye-laws provide that our shareholders and us waive any claim or right of action against our directors and officers in relation to any action taken by them or any failure by them to take any action in the performance of their duties for us, provided that such waiver shall not apply to any claims or rights of action arising out of the fraud of any such director or officer or to matters that would render the waiver void pursuant to the Companies Act. Notwithstanding anything contained in our bye-laws, any such director of officer shall not be liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Companies Act.
Neither the amendment nor repeal of this provision will eliminate or reduce the effect of the provision in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for the provision, would accrue or arise, prior to the amendment or repeal.
In addition, prior to this offering, we will enter into an indemnity agreement with each of our directors. Pursuant to those indemnity agreements, we will agree to indemnify each of our directors for losses or expenses they may incur in their role as director.
Foreign Exchange Controls
We have been designated as a non-resident of Bermuda by the Bermuda Monetary Authority for the purposes of the Exchange Control Act, 1972. This designation allows us to engage in transactions in currencies other than the Bermuda dollar, and there are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds, other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars, in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents who are holders of our common shares.
Transfer of Common Shares to Residents of Bermuda
The Bermuda Monetary Authority has given its consent for the issue and free transferability of all of the common shares that are the subject of this offering to and between non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, provided that our common shares remain listed on an appointed stock exchange, which includes
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the New York Stock Exchange. Approvals or permissions given by the Bermuda Monetary Authority do not constitute a guarantee by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as to our performance or our creditworthiness. Accordingly, in giving such consent or permissions, the Bermuda Monetary Authority shall not be liable for the financial soundness, performance or default of our business or for the correctness of any opinions or statements expressed in this prospectus. Certain issues and transfers of common shares involving persons deemed resident in Bermuda for exchange control purposes require the specific consent of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
In accordance with Bermuda law, share certificates are only issued in the names of companies, partnerships or individuals. In the case of a shareholder acting in a special capacity (for example as a trustee), certificates may, at the request of the shareholder, record the capacity in which the shareholder is acting. Notwithstanding such recording of any special capacity, we are not bound to investigate or see to the execution of any such trust. We will take no notice of any trust applicable to any of our common shares, whether or not we have been notified of such trust.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
A register of holders of the common shares is maintained by Appleby Services (Bermuda) Ltd, and a branch register is maintained in the United States by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., who serves as branch registrar and transfer agent.
New York Stock Exchange Listing
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol G.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional preference shares, which we call depositary shares, rather than full preference shares. If we do, we will issue to the public receipts, called depositary receipts, for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction, to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, of a share of a particular series of preference shares. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in a preference share represented by the depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preference share represented by the depositary share. Those rights include dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.
The preference shares underlying the depositary shares will be deposited with a bank or trust company selected by us to act as depositary under a deposit agreement between us, the depositary and the holders of the depositary receipts. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the depositary shares.
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the depositary agreement. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges.
The summary of terms of the depositary shares contained in this prospectus is not complete. You should refer to the form of the deposit agreement, our certificate of incorporation and the certificate of designation for the applicable series of preference shares that are, or will be, filed with the SEC.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions, if any, received in respect of the preference shares underlying the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the numbers of depositary shares owned by those holders on the relevant record date. The relevant record date for depositary shares will be the same date as the record date for the underlying preference shares.
If there is a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property (including securities) received by it to the record holders of depositary shares, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, adopt another method for the distribution, including selling the property and distributing the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.
Liquidation Preference
If a series of preference shares underlying the depositary shares has a liquidation preference, in the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, holders of depositary shares will be entitled to receive the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of the applicable series of preference shares, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Withdrawal of Shares
Unless the related depositary shares have been previously called for redemption, upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the office of the depositary, the holder of the depositary shares will be entitled to delivery, at the office of the depositary to or upon his or her order, of the number of whole preference shares and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole preference shares to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. In no event will the depositary deliver
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fractional preference shares upon surrender of depositary receipts. Holders of preference shares thus withdrawn may not thereafter deposit those shares under the deposit agreement or receive depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares therefor.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever we redeem preference shares held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing preference shares so redeemed, so long as we have paid in full to the depositary the redemption price of the preference shares to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the preference shares to the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable on the preference shares multiplied by the fraction of a preference share represented by one depositary share. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata or by any other equitable method as may be determined by the depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the monies payable upon redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of the depositary shares were entitled upon redemption upon surrender to the depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.
Voting the Preference Shares
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preference shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts relating to the preference shares. The record date for the depositary receipts relating to the preference shares will be the same date as the record date for the preference shares. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of preference shares represented by that holders depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of preference shares represented by the depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and we will agree to take all action that may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will not vote any preference shares except to the extent it receives specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing that number of preference shares.
Charges of Depositary
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preference shares and any redemption of the preference shares. Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer, income and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges (including those in connection with receipt and distribution of dividends, the sale or exercise of rights, the withdrawal of the preference shares and the transferring, splitting or grouping of depositary receipts) as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts. If these charges have not been paid by the holders of depositary receipts, the depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares, withhold dividends and distributions and sell the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipt.
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may be amended by agreement between us and the depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares, other than fee changes, will not be effective unless
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the amendment has been approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding depositary shares. The deposit agreement may be terminated by the depositary or us only if:
| all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; or |
| there has been a final distribution of the preference shares in connection with our dissolution and such distribution has been made to all the holders of depositary shares. |
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may remove the depositary at any time. Any resignation or removal of the depositary will take effect upon our appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. The successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having the requisite combined capital and surplus as set forth in the applicable agreement.
Notices
The depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts all notices, reports and other communications, including proxy solicitation materials received from us, that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preference shares. In addition, the depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any reports and communications we deliver to the depositary as the holder of preference shares.
Limitation of Liability
Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if either is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations. Our obligations and those of the depositary will be limited to performance in good faith of our and their duties thereunder. We and the depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preference shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by persons presenting preference shares for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent to give such information and on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND SHARE PURCHASE UNITS
We may issue share purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from or sell to us, and obligating us to sell to or purchase from the holders, a specified number of our common shares, preference shares or depositary shares at a future date or dates, which we refer to in this prospectus as share purchase contracts. The price per share of common shares, preference shares or depositary shares and the number of shares of each may be fixed at the time the share purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the share purchase contracts. The share purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units, often known as share purchase units, consisting of one or more share purchase contracts and beneficial interests in debt securities or any other securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or any combination of the foregoing, securing the holders obligations to purchase the common shares, preference shares or depositary shares under the share purchase contracts.
The share purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the share purchase units or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The share purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under those contracts in a specified manner, including pledging their interest in another share purchase contract.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the share purchase contracts and share purchase units, including, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements.
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We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preference shares, depositary shares or common shares. We may offer warrants separately or together with one or more additional warrants, debt securities, preference shares, depositary shares or common shares, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we issue warrants as part of a unit, the accompanying prospectus supplement will specify whether those warrants may be separated from the other securities in the unit prior to the expiration date of the warrants. The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe the following terms of any warrants:
| the specific designation and aggregate number of, and the offering price at which we will issue, the warrants; |
| the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable; |
| the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which that right will expire or, if you may not continuously exercise the warrants throughout that period, the specific date or dates on which you may exercise the warrants; |
| whether the warrants are to be sold separately or with other securities as parts of units; |
| whether the warrants will be issued in definitive or global form or in any combination of these forms, although, in any case, the form of a warrant included in a unit will correspond to the form of the unit and of any security included in that unit; |
| any applicable material U.S. federal income tax consequences; |
| the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents; |
| the proposed listing, if any, of the warrants or any securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants on any securities exchange; |
| the designation and terms of any equity securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants; |
| the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency and terms of any debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants; |
| if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities, preference shares, depositary shares or common shares with which the warrants are issued and, the number of warrants issued with each security; |
| if applicable, the date from and after which any warrants issued as part of a unit and the related debt securities, preference shares, depositary shares or common shares will be separately transferable; |
| the number of preference shares, the number of depositary shares or the number of common shares purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which those shares may be purchased; |
| if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time; |
| information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
| the antidilution provisions of, and other provisions for changes to or adjustment in the exercise price of, the warrants, if any; |
| any redemption or call provisions; and |
| any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange or exercise of the warrants. |
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Each debt security, depositary share, share purchase contract, share purchase unit and warrant will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, certificated securities in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities, depositary shares, share purchase contracts, share purchase units or warrants represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investors beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.
Registered Global Securities
We may issue the registered debt securities, depositary shares, share purchase contracts, share purchase units and warrants in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.
If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture, share purchase contract, warrant agreement or share purchase unit agreement. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture, depositary share agreement, share purchase contract, share purchase unit agreement or warrant agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must
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rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, depositary share agreement, share purchase contract, share purchase unit agreement or warrant agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, depositary share agreement, share purchase contract, share purchase unit agreement or warrant agreement, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to warrants, share purchase agreements or share purchase units, represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of us, the trustees, the warrant agents, the unit agents or any other agent of ours, agent of the trustees or agent of the warrant agents or unit agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers or registered in street name, and will be the responsibility of those participants.
If the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositarys instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.
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In addition to covering the offering of the securities by us, this prospectus covers the offering for resale of common shares by selling shareholders. The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth, with respect to each selling shareholder:
| the name of the selling shareholder; |
| the nature of any position, office or other material relationship which the selling shareholder will have had during the prior three years with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates; |
| the number of common shares owned by the selling shareholder prior to the offering; |
| the number of common shares to be offered for the selling shareholders account; and |
| the number of shares and (if one percent or more) the percentage of our common shares to be owned by the selling shareholder after completion of the offering. |
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We or a selling shareholder may sell securities:
| through underwriters; |
| through dealers; |
| through agents; |
| directly to purchasers; or |
| through a combination of any of these methods of sale. |
In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders.
We or any selling shareholder may directly solicit offers to purchase securities, or agents may be designated to solicit such offers. We will, in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the Securities Act, and describe any commissions that we must pay. Any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, on a firm commitment basis. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:
| at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time; |
| at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
| at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or |
| at negotiated prices. |
Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.
The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:
| the name of the agent or any underwriters; |
| the public offering or purchase price; |
| any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to the agent or underwriters; |
| all other items constituting underwriting compensation; |
| any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers; and |
| any exchanges on which the securities will be listed. |
If any underwriters or agents are utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and we will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering the names of the underwriters or agents and the terms of the related agreement with them.
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which the prospectus is delivered, we and any selling shareholder will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.
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If we offer securities in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with dealers, acting as standby underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us.
Agents, underwriters, dealers and other persons may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
We may pay expenses incurred with respect to the registration of the common shares owned by any selling shareholders.
If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we or any selling shareholder will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:
| the purchase by an institution of the securities covered under that contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which that institution is subject; and |
| if the securities are also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the underwriters shall have purchased such securities not sold for delayed delivery. The underwriters and other persons acting as agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts. |
Certain agents, underwriters and dealers, and their associates and affiliates may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates or any selling shareholder in the ordinary course of business.
In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may overallot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than three scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the third business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required,
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by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than three scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.
In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.
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Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the validity of our common shares in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered will be passed upon by Appleby, our Bermuda counsel, and certain other matters will be passed upon by Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, our U.S. counsel.
The consolidated financial statements of Genpact Limited as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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GENPACT LIMITED
Debt Securities
Common Shares
Preference Shares
Depositary Shares
Share Purchase Contracts
Share Purchase Units
Warrants
PROSPECTUS
March 15, 2010
PART II.
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. |
Set forth below is an estimate (except in the case of the registration fee and the FINRA fee) of the amount of fees and expenses to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the offered securities, other than underwriting discounts and commissions.
SEC registration fee |
$ | ( | 1) | |
Printing and engraving |
( | 2) | ||
Accounting services |
( | 2) | ||
Legal fees of registrants counsel |
( | 2) | ||
Trustees fees and expenses |
( | 2) | ||
Rating agency fees |
( | 2) | ||
FINRA fees |
75,500 | |||
Miscellaneous |
( | 2) | ||
Total |
$ | ( | 2) |
(1) | Deferred in reliance upon Rules 456(b) and 457(r). |
(2) | These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. |
Item 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
The bye-laws of the Registrant provide for indemnification of the Registrants officers and directors against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense incurred or suffered by such party as and officer or director of the Registrant to the fullest extent authorized by the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (the Companies Act).
The Companies Act provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors and officers in respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to them as a result of any negligence, default or breach of trust of which they may be guilty in relation to the company in question. However, the Companies Act also provides that any provision, whether contained in the companys bye-laws or in a contract or arrangement between the company and the director or officer, indemnifying a director or officer against any liability which would attach to him in respect of his fraud or dishonesty will be void.
The directors and officers of the Registrant are covered by directors and officers insurance policies maintained by the Registrant.
Item 16. | Exhibits. |
The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the exhibit index, which appears elsewhere herein and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 17. | Undertakings. |
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
(i) | to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act of 1933); |
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(ii) | to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement; and |
(iii) | to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement; |
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by a Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement.
(2) | That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
(3) | To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
(4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser: |
(i) | each prospectus filed by a Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and |
(ii) | each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date. |
(5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of a Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of such undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are |
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offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, such undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
(i) | any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of such undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
(ii) | any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of such undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by such undersigned Registrant; |
(iii) | the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about such undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of such undersigned Registrant; and |
(iv) | any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by such undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
(6) | That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrants annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
(7) | That: |
(i) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
(ii) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
(8) | To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of any Registrant pursuant to the indemnification provisions described herein, or otherwise, each Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by a Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, such Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of New York, state of New York, on March 15, 2010.
GENPACT LIMITED | ||
By: | /S/ PRAMOD BHASIN | |
Name: | Pramod Bhasin | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned officers and directors of Genpact Limited hereby severally constitute and appoint Victor Guaglianone and Heather White, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to any of them, and to each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed herewith and any and all amendments to said Registration Statement and generally to do all such things in our name and behalf in our capacities as officers and directors to enable Genpact Limited to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
/S/ PRAMOD BHASIN Pramod Bhasin |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ MOHIT BHATIA Mohit Bhatia |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ RAJAT KUMAR GUPTA Rajat Kumar Gupta |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ CHARLES E. ALEXANDER Charles E. Alexander |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ JOHN BARTER John Barter |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ STEVEN A. DENNING Steven A. Denning |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ MARK F. DZIALGA Mark F. Dzialga |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ DOUGLAS M. KADEN Douglas M. Kaden |
Director |
March 15, 2010 |
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Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
/S/ JAGDISH KHATTAR Jagdish Khattar |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ JAMES C. MADDEN James C. Madden |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ DENIS J. NAYDEN Denis J. Nayden |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ ROBERT G. SCOTT Robert G. Scott |
Director |
March 15, 2010 | ||
/S/ A. MICHAEL SPENCE A. Michael Spence |
Director |
March 15, 2010 |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
1* | Form of Underwriting Agreement | |
3.1 | Memorandum of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 of the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-142875) filed with the SEC on July 16, 2007) | |
3.2 | Bye-laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Amendment No. 4 of the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-142875) filed with the SEC on August 1, 2007) | |
4.1 | Form of Senior Indenture | |
4.2 | Form of Subordinated Indenture | |
4.3* | Form of Senior Note | |
4.4* | Form of Subordinated Note | |
4.5* | Form of Depositary Agreement | |
4.6* | Form of Warrant Agreement | |
4.7* | Form of Share Purchase Contract Agreement | |
4.8* | Form of Unit Agreement | |
5.1 | Opinion of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP | |
5.2 | Opinion of Appleby | |
12 | Calculation of Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges | |
23.1 | Consent of KPMG | |
23.2 | Consent of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
23.3 | Consent of Appleby (included in Exhibit 5.2) | |
24.1 | Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to the Registration Statement) | |
25.1** | The Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Trustee under the Senior Indenture | |
25.2** | The Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture |
* | To be filed by amendment or by a Current Report on Form 8-K. |
** | To be filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. |
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