DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We and each of the PRE Finance Subsidiaries may offer debt securities. The following description of debt securities sets forth the material
terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate.
Our
senior debt securities will be issued under a senior indenture to be entered into between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. Our subordinated debt securities will be
issued under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The senior debt securities of PartnerRe Finance B LLC will be issued under an
indenture dated as of March 15, 2010, among PartnerRe Finance B LLC, PartnerRe Ltd., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The senior debt securities of
PartnerRe Finance C LLC will be issued under a senior indenture to be entered into between the PartnerRe Finance C LLC, PartnerRe Ltd., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York
Mellon, as trustee. Each PRE Finance Subsidiary's subordinated debt securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between the relevant
PRE Finance Subsidiary, PartnerRe Ltd., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. Each of these indentures is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus
forms a part.
In
this prospectus, we refer to the senior indentures and subordinated indentures collectively as the "indentures" and each individually as an "indenture." The particular terms of the
debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement, and the extent to which the general provisions described below may apply to the offered debt securities, will be described in the prospectus
supplement.
The
following description of the material terms and provisions of the indentures and the related debt securities is only a summary. You should read the indentures and the debt securities
for complete information regarding the terms and provisions of an indenture, including the definitions of some of the terms used below, and the debt securities. Wherever we refer to particular
articles, sections or defined terms of an indenture, those articles, sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference, and the statement in connection with which such reference is made
is qualified in its entirety by such reference. Whenever we refer to particular articles, sections or defined terms of an indenture, without specific reference to an indenture, those articles,
sections or defined terms are contained in the indentures. The indentures are subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Trust Indenture Act").
Each
PRE Finance Subsidiary's senior indenture and each respective entity's subordinated indenture are substantially identical to one another, except for certain covenants relating to
subordination contained in such PRE Finance Subsidiary's subordinated indenture.
General
The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities which we or any PRE Finance Subsidiary may issue. The
indentures provide that we or any PRE Finance Subsidiary, as applicable, may issue the debt securities from time to time in one or more series. (Section 3.01) While the indentures do not limit
the amount of other indebtedness or the debt securities which we, or our subsidiaries may issue, the supplemental indentures related to offerings by finance subsidiaries of PartnerRe Ltd. of
currently outstanding debt securities have imposed restrictions on the activities of the issuer, including its ability to issue other types of debt securities.
Unless
otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, senior debt securities will be unsecured obligations of the respective issuer and will rank equally with all of such
issuer's other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities will be unsecured obligations of the respective issuer, subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment
in full of all senior indebtedness of such issuer as described below under "Subordination of the Subordinated
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Debt
Securities Issued by PartnerRe Ltd.," "Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities Issued by the PRE Finance Subsidiaries" and in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The
prospectus supplement relating to the particular debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. The terms will include, among other terms, some
or all of the following, as applicable:
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the title and series of such debt securities;
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the aggregate principal amount of such debt securities and any limit upon such principal amount;
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the date or dates on which the principal of such debt securities will be payable;
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the rate or rates at which such debt securities will bear interest, if any;
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the date or dates from which such interest, if any, will accrue or the method by which such date or dates will be determined;
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the date or dates on which interest, if any, on such debt securities will be payable and any regular record dates applicable to the date or
dates on which interest will be so payable;
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any right to extend or defer the interest payment period and the duration of the extension;
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the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities that will be payable if the maturity is accelerated, if other than the entire
principal amount;
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the place or places where the principal of, any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to such debt securities will be
payable;
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any optional or mandatory redemption terms or prepayment, conversion, sinking fund or remarketing provisions;
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if other than denominations of $2,000 or multiples of $1,000, the denominations in which any debt securities to be issued in registered form
(as defined below) will be issuable;
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if other than a denomination of $5,000, the denominations in which any debt securities to be issued in bearer form (as defined below) will be
issuable;
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any convertibility or exchangeability provisions;
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any index, formula or other method used to determine the amount of payments of principal of, or any premium or interest with respect to such
debt securities;
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whether such debt securities will be issued in the form of one or more temporary or permanent global securities and, if so, the identity of the
depositary for such global security or securities;
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whether such debt securities are senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and, if subordinated debt securities, the specific
subordination provisions applicable thereto;
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in the case of debt securities issued by either PRE Finance Subsidiary, the agreement relating to our guarantee of such debt securities;
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United States federal income tax considerations, if any;
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the currency or currencies, if other than the U.S. dollar, in which payments of the principal of and interest on the debt securities will be
payable;
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any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the issuer with respect to such debt securities;
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in the case of subordinated debt securities, any modifications, including additions to or exclusions from, the definition of Senior
Indebtedness (defined under "Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities Issued by PartnerRe Ltd." and "Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities Issued
by the PRE Finance Subsidiaries"); and
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any other terms of such debt securities and any other deletions from or modifications or additions to the applicable indenture in respect of
such debt securities. (Section 3.01)
The
issuer will have the ability under the indentures to "reopen" a previously issued series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series or establish
additional terms of that series. The issuer is also permitted to issue debt securities with the same terms as previously issued debt securities. (Section 3.01)
Unless
otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, principal, premium and interest, if any, with respect to any debt securities will be payable at the office or agency
maintained by us or the relevant PRE Finance Subsidiary for such purposes. The payment office will initially be the corporate trust office of the trustee. In the case of debt securities issued in
registered form, interest may be paid by check mailed to the persons entitled to the payment at their addresses appearing on the security register or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the
payee with a bank located in the United States. A security issued in "registered form" is a security for which the issuer or the paying agent keeps a record of all the current holders. Interest on
debt securities issued in registered form will be payable on any interest payment date to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered at the close of business on the regular record
date with respect to such interest payment date. Interest on such debt securities which have a redemption date after a regular record date, and on or before the following interest payment date, will
also be payable to the persons in whose names the debt securities are registered. All paying agents initially designated by the issuer for the debt securities will be named in the related prospectus
supplement. The issuer may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts, except
that such issuer will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place where the principal of or any premium or interest on the debt securities are payable. (Sections 3.07, 10.02 and 11.06)
Unless
otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the debt securities may be presented for transfer or exchanged for other debt securities of the same series at the office
or agency maintained by the issuer for such purposes. This office will initially be the corporate trust office of the trustee. If so required by the issuer or the security registrar, any debt security
presented for transfer must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. Debt securities received upon exchange will contain identical terms and provisions, in any authorized
denominations, and of a like aggregate principal amount. Such transfer or exchange will be made without service charge, but the issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge and any other expenses then payable. The issuer will not be required to:
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issue, register the transfer of, or exchange, the debt securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before
the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any such debt securities and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing,
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register the transfer or exchange of any debt security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any
debt security being redeemed in part, or
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register the transfer of or exchange any debt security which, in accordance with its terms, has been surrendered for repayment at the option of
the holder, except the portion, if any, of such debt security not to be so repaid. (Section 3.05)
We
and the PRE Finance Subsidiaries, as applicable, have appointed the trustee as security registrar. Any transfer agent (in addition to the security registrar) initially designated by
the issuer for
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any
debt securities will be named in the related prospectus supplement. The issuer may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a
change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that the issuer will be required to
maintain a transfer agent in each place where the principal of, any premium or interest on the debt securities are payable. (Section 10.02)
Unless
otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any
integral multiple of $1,000. The debt securities may be represented in whole or in part by one or more global debt securities (as defined below) registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee
and, if so represented, interests in such global debt security will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the designated depositary and its
participants as described below. Where the debt securities of any series are issued in bearer form, the special restrictions and considerations, including special offering restrictions and special
United States federal income tax considerations, applicable to such debt securities and to payment on and transfer and exchange of such debt securities will be described in the related prospectus
supplement. A security issued in "bearer form" is a security for which the issuer does not keep a record of the holder. The owner is deemed to be the person holding the security.
If
the purchase price of any debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if any debt securities are denominated in one or more foreign currencies or
currency units or if the principal of, or any premium or interest on any debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, the restrictions, elections, certain United
States federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to such debt securities and such foreign currency or currency units will be set forth in the related
prospectus supplement.
The
issuer will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act, and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable, in connection with any
obligation of the issuer to purchase debt securities at the option of the holders. Any such obligation applicable to a series of debt securities will be described in the related prospectus supplement.
You
should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities for information regarding any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events
of Defaults described below or covenants contained in the applicable indenture, including any addition of a covenant or other provisions providing event risk or similar protection.
Conversion and Exchange
The terms, if any, on which debt securities of any series are convertible into or exchangeable for common shares, preferred shares or other
securities, whether or not issued by PartnerRe Ltd. or either PRE Finance Subsidiary, property or cash, or a combination of any of the foregoing, will be set forth in the related prospectus
supplement. Such terms may include provisions for
conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our or the relevant PRE Finance Subsidiary's option, as applicable, in which the securities, property or cash to be
received by the holders of the debt securities would be calculated according to the factors and at such time as described in the related prospectus supplement. Any such conversion or exchange will
comply with applicable law, including securities laws, and our and the relevant PRE Finance Subsidiary's organizational documents, as applicable.
Consolidation, Amalgamation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Each indenture provides that the issuer may not (1) consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into any person or convey, transfer or lease
the properties and assets of such issuer as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any person, or (2) permit any person to consolidate or amalgamate with
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or
merge into such issuer, or convey, transfer or lease such person's properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to such issuer,
unless:
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such person is a corporation, limited liability company, incorporated association, company or business trust, as the case may be, organized and
existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, Bermuda or any country which is, on the date of the applicable indenture, a member of the
Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development;
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such person will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, or any premium and interest on,
all of the debt securities issued under the applicable indenture, and the performance of the issuer's obligations under such indenture and the debt securities issued under such indenture, and provides
for conversion or exchange rights in accordance with the provisions of the debt securities of any series that are convertible or exchangeable into common shares or other securities;
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immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the issuer as a result of such
transaction as having been incurred by such issuer or such subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which after notice or lapse of time or both would become an
Event of Default, will have happened and be continuing; and
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certain other conditions are met. (Section 8.01)
Each
PRE Finance Subsidiary's indenture includes a like restriction on consolidation, amalgamation and merger involving PartnerRe Ltd., as guarantor of the relevant PRE Finance
Subsidiary's obligations under its debt securities. (Section 8.03 of each PRE Finance Subsidiary's indenture)
Events of Default
Unless the issuer provides other or substitute Events of Default in a prospectus supplement, the following events will constitute an Event of
Default under the applicable indenture with respect to any debt securities:
(1) default
in paying interest on any debt security, when it becomes due and payable, and the default continues for a period of 30 days;
(2) default
in paying principal or any premium on any debt security, when such principal or premium becomes due and payable;
(3) default
in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty in the applicable indenture for the benefit of such debt securities, and the continuance of such
default or breach for a period of 60 days after written notice of default is given under the applicable indenture;
(4) if
any event of default as defined in any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced, any
indebtedness of the issuer for borrowed money (other than indebtedness which is non-recourse to such issuer) happens and consists of default in the payment of more than $100,000,000 in principal
amount of such indebtedness when due (after giving effect to any applicable grace period) or shall result in such indebtedness in principal amount in excess of $100,000,000 becoming or being declared
due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise become due and payable, and such default is not cured or waived or such acceleration is not rescinded or annulled within a period of
30 days after there has been given written notice as provided in the applicable indenture;
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(5) the
issuer fails within 60 days to pay, bond or otherwise discharge any uninsured judgment or court order for the payment of money in excess of $100,000,000,
which is not stayed on appeal or is not otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith; and
(6) certain
events relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the issuer.
In
each PRE Finance Subsidiary's indenture, the Events of Default described in clauses (3) through (6) above also include references to PartnerRe Ltd., as guarantor
under such indenture.
If
an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in (6) of the preceding paragraph) occurs with respect to the debt securities of any series and continues, either
the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series may, by written notice as provided in the applicable indenture, declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the debt securities of such series) of all outstanding debt securities of such series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after a
declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by the trustee, and subject to applicable law and certain other provisions of the
applicable indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration and its
consequences. An Event of Default described in (6) of the preceding paragraph will cause the principal amount and accrued interest (or such lesser amount as provided for in the debt securities
of such series) to become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any holder. (Section 5.02)
Each
indenture provides that, within 90 days after the occurrence of any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to
the debt securities of any series (a "default"), the trustee will transmit, in the manner set forth in such indenture, notice of such default to the holders of the debt securities of such series
unless such default has been cured or
waived. However, except in the case of a default in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any sinking fund or purchase fund installment with respect to, any debt security of such series, the
trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as the issuer's board of directors, its executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or responsible officers of the trustee in good faith
determine that the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of the holders of the debt securities of such series. In addition, in the case of any default of the character described in
(4) of the second preceding paragraph, no such notice to holders will be given until at least 30 days after the default occurs. (Section 6.02)
If
an Event of Default occurs and continues with respect to the debt securities of any series, the trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights
of the holders of the debt securities of such series by all appropriate judicial proceedings. (Section 5.03) Each indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the trustee during any default
to act with the required standard of care, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture or the related Series Authorization at the request or
direction of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it in its reasonable judgment. (Section 6.01) Subject to
the provisions for the indemnification of the trustee, and applicable law and certain other provisions of the applicable indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the trustee, with respect to debt securities of such series. (Section 5.12)
Modification and Waiver
The issuer and the trustee may modify or amend the applicable indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
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each
series affected by the modification of amendments. However, each affected holder must consent to certain modifications or amendments, including:
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changes to the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium or installment of interest with respect to, any debt security; or
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reductions of the principal amount of, or the rate (or modify the calculation of such principal amount or rate) of interest with respect to, or
any premium payable upon the redemption of, any debt security.
In
addition, no supplemental indenture may directly or indirectly modify or eliminate the subordination provisions of the subordinated indentures in any manner which might terminate or
impair the subordination of the subordinated debt securities, as the case may be, to Senior Indebtedness (as defined under "Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities Issued by
PartnerRe Ltd." and "Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities Issued by the PRE Finance Subsidiaries") without the prior written consent of the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness. (Section 9.07 of the subordinated indentures)
The
issuer and the trustee may modify or amend the applicable indenture and debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder in order to, among other
things:
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provide for the issuer's successor pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation, merger or sale of assets;
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provide for a successor trustee with respect to debt securities of all or any series;
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cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
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make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under any indenture which will not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of debt securities of any series; or
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make any other change that does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of any debt securities then outstanding under the
applicable indenture. (Section 9.01)
The
holders of at least a majority in principal amount of debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive compliance by the
issuer with certain restrictive provisions of the applicable indenture. (Section 10.06) The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, waive any past default and its consequences under the applicable indenture with respect to debt securities of that
series, except a default:
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in paying principal, premium or interest with respect to debt securities of that series; or
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in respect of a covenant or provision of the applicable indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each
debt security of any series. (Section 5.13)
Under
each indenture, the issuer is required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to its performance of certain of its obligations under that indenture and as to any default
in such performance. The issuer is also required to deliver to the trustee, within five days after its occurrence, written notice of any Event of Default or any event which after notice or lapse of
time or both would constitute an Event of Default. (Section 10.07)
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The issuer may discharge certain obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for
cancellation and that either have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or scheduled for redemption within one year) by depositing with the trustee, in trust, funds in
U.S. dollars or in the Foreign Currency (defined below) in
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which
such debt securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such debt securities with respect to principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit
(if such debt securities have become due and payable) or to the maturity thereof, as the case may be. (Section 4.01)
Each
indenture provides that, unless the provisions of Section 4.02 thereof are made inapplicable to debt securities of or within any series pursuant to Section 3.01
thereof, the issuer may elect either:
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to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such debt securities (except for, among other things, obligations to
register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency with respect to such debt
securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) ("defeasance"); or
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to be released from its obligations with respect to such debt securities under certain covenants as described in the related prospectus
supplement, and any omission to comply with such obligations will not constitute a default or an Event of Default with respect to such debt securities ("covenant defeasance").
Defeasance
or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, will be conditioned upon the irrevocable deposit by the issuer with the trustee, in trust, of an amount in U.S. dollars or in the
Foreign Currency in which such debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or Government Obligations (as defined below), or both, applicable to such debt securities which through the scheduled
payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, and any premium and interest on, such debt securities on the
scheduled due dates. (Section 4.02)
Such
a trust may only be established if, among other things:
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the applicable defeasance or covenant defeasance does not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under or any material
agreement or instrument to which the issuer is a party or by which it is bound;
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no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities to
be defeased will have occurred and be continuing on the date of establishment of such a trust after giving effect to such establishment and, with respect to defeasance only, no bankruptcy proceeding
will have occurred and be continuing at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;
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with respect to registered securities and any bearer securities for which the place of payment is within the United States, the issuer has
delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in each indenture) to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal
income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would
have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred, and such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, must refer to and be based upon a letter ruling of the Internal
Revenue Service received by the issuer, a Revenue Ruling published by the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable United States federal income tax law occurring after the date of the
applicable indenture; and
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with respect to defeasance, the issuer has delivered to the trustee an officers' certificate as to solvency and the absence of intent of
preferring holders over other creditors. (Section 4.02)
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"Foreign
Currency" means any currency, currency unit or composite currency, including, without limitation, the euro, issued by the government of one or more countries other than the
United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association of such governments. (Section 1.01)
"Government
Obligations" means debt securities which are (1) direct obligations of the United States of America or the other government or governments or confederation or
association of governments which issued the Foreign Currency in which the debt securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or
(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or such other government or governments or confederation or
association of governments which issued the Foreign Currency in which the debt securities of such series are payable, the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and
credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government or governments or confederation or association of governments, which, in the case of clauses (1) and (2), are not
callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer or issuers thereof, and will also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Government
Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of or any other amount with respect to any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such
depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount
received by the custodian with respect to the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of or any other amount with respect to the Government Obligation evidenced by
such depository receipt. (Section 1.01)
If
after the issuer has deposited funds and/or Government Obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series, (1) the holder of
a debt security of that series is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 3.01 of the applicable indenture or the terms of such debt security to receive payment in a currency other
than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such debt security, or (2) a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of the Foreign Currency in which such deposit has
been made, the indebtedness represented by such debt security will be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of, any premium and interest
on, such debt security as such debt security becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount or other properties so deposited in respect of such debt security into the currency in
which such debt security becomes payable as a result of such election or such Conversion Event based on (a) in the case of payments made pursuant to clause (1) above, the applicable
market exchange rate for such currency in effect on the second business day prior to such payment date, or (b) with respect to a Conversion Event, the applicable market exchange rate for such
Foreign Currency in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event. (Section 4.02)
"Conversion
Event" means the cessation of use of (1) a Foreign Currency both by the government of the country or countries which issued such Foreign Currency and for the
settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community or (2) any currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for
which it was established. (Section 1.01)
If
the issuer effects covenant defeasance with respect to any of its debt securities and such debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of
Default other than an Event of Default with respect to any covenant as to which there has been covenant defeasance, the amount in such Foreign Currency in which such debt securities are payable, and
Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on
such debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. However, the issuer, and in the case
of debt securities issued by a PRE Finance Subsidiary, PartnerRe Ltd., as guarantor, would remain liable to make payment of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.
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Global Securities
The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part under a book entry system in the form of one or more global debt securities.
Each global security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.
The
depositary will be a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York banking law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of
Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The depositary was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its
participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The depositary's participants include
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations, some of which (and/or their representatives) own the depositary. Access to the depositary's book-entry system is also available to
others, such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.
The
specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of the debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such series. We and the PRE
Finance Subsidiaries anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.
Upon
the issuance of a global security in registered form, the depositary for such global security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by such global security to the participants' accounts. Such accounts will be designated by the underwriters or agents with respect to
such debt securities or by the applicable issuer if such debt securities are offered and sold directly by such issuer. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to
participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests by participants in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will
be effected only through the participants' records. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These
laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
So
long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the owner of record of a global security, PartnerRe Ltd. or the relevant PRE Finance Subsidiary, as applicable, will consider such
depositary or its nominee, as applicable, the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by a global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as described below,
owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by a global security registered in their names, and will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the debt securities of that series in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the applicable indenture under which these debt
securities are issued. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary. Persons who are not participants must rely on the
procedures of the participant through which they own their interest. We and the PRE Finance Subsidiaries understand that under existing industry practices, if we or any PRE Finance Subsidiary requests
any action of holders or if any owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to give or take any action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, the
depositary would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such
participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instruction of beneficial owners holding through them.
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Payments
of principal of, any premium and interest on, the debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be paid to the
depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner. None of the trustee, any paying agent, the security registrar, us or the applicable PRE Finance Subsidiaries will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of the global security for such debt securities or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
We
and the PRE Finance Subsidiaries expect that the depositary for a series of the debt securities or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment with respect to such debt securities, will
immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the principal amount of the global security for such debt securities as
shown on the records of such depositary or its nominee. We and the PRE Finance Subsidiaries also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held
through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street name," and will
be the responsibility of such participants.
The
indentures provide that global securities will be exchanged for the debt securities of such series in definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in
authorized denominations, if:
-
-
the depositary for a series of the debt securities notifies the issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if such
depositary ceases to be eligible under the applicable indenture and a successor depositary is not appointed by the issuer within 90 days of written notice;
-
-
the issuer determines that the debt securities of a particular series will no longer be represented by global securities and executes and
delivers to the trustee a company order to such effect; or
-
-
an Event of Default with respect to a series of the debt securities has occurred and is continuing.
With
respect to the second bullet point above, we and the PRE Finance Subsidiaries understand, however, that under current industry practices, the depositary would notify its
participants of our request, but will only withdraw beneficial interests from a global security at the request of each participant. The issuer would issue definitive certificates in exchange for any
such interests withdrawn. Such definitive debt securities will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. (Section 3.05) We and the PRE Finance
Subsidiaries expect that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in global securities.
Payment of Additional Amounts
If the debt securities of a series provide for the payment of additional amounts on account of taxes, fees, assessments or governmental charges
as will be described in the related prospectus supplement, the issuer will pay to the holder of the debt securities of such series the additional amounts as described therein and, except as otherwise
provided therein, the following provisions with respect to the payment of additional amounts shall apply.
The
issuer will make all payments of principal of and premium, if any, interest and any other amounts on, or in respect of, the debt securities of any series without withholding or
deduction at source for, or on account of, any present or future taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of any jurisdiction in
which it is organized (a "taxing jurisdiction") or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein,
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unless
such taxes, fees, duties, assessments or governmental charges are required to be withheld or deducted by (x) the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a taxing
jurisdiction or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (y) an official position regarding the application, administration, interpretation or enforcement of any such
laws, regulations or rulings (including, without limitation, a holding by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a taxing authority in a taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof). If
a withholding or deduction at source is required, the issuer will, subject to certain limitations and exceptions described below, pay to the holder of any such debt security such additional amounts as
may be necessary so that every net payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or any other amount made to such holder, after the withholding or deduction, will not be less than the amount
provided for in such debt security and the applicable indenture to be then due and payable.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the issuer will not be required to pay any additional amounts for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge of whatever nature which would not have been imposed but for the fact that such holder (a) was a resident,
domiciliary or national of, or engaged in business or maintained a permanent establishment or was physically present in, the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or
otherwise had some connection with the relevant taxing jurisdiction other than by reason of the mere ownership of, or receipt of payment under, such debt security, (b) presented such debt
security for payment in the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof, unless such debt security could not have been presented for payment elsewhere, or (c) presented
such debt security for payment more than 30 days after the date on which the payment in respect of such debt security became due and payable or provided for, whichever is later, except to the
extent that the holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts if it had presented such debt security for payment on any day within that 30-day period;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure by the holder or the beneficial owner of such debt security to
comply with any reasonable request by the issuer addressed to the holder within 90 days of such request (a) to provide information concerning the nationality, residence or identity of
the holder or such beneficial owner or (b) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any information or reporting requirement, which is required or imposed by statute, treaty,
regulation or administrative practice of the relevant taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(4) any
combination of items (1), (2) and (3).
In
addition, the issuer will not pay additional amounts with respect to any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, interest or any other amounts on, any such debt security to any
holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such debt security to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the relevant taxing jurisdiction (or
any political subdivision or relevant taxing authority thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary, partner or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member
of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the holder of the debt security.
In
certain cases where debt securities of a series or the guarantee of such debt securities provides for the payment of additional amounts, the issuer or the guarantor may redeem such
debt securities at its option, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount,
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together
with accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, if any, to the date fixed for redemption.
Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities Issued by PartnerRe Ltd.
Our subordinated debt securities will, to the extent set forth in our subordinated indenture, be subordinate in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below in this section) of ours, whether outstanding at the date of our subordinated indenture or thereafter incurred. (Section 16.01 of
our subordinated indenture) Holders of our Senior Indebtedness will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on our Senior Indebtedness before the holders of our subordinated
debt securities are entitled to receive payment on account of principal, premium, interest on our subordinated debt securities, if certain events occur. These events
include:
-
-
any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in
connection therewith, relative to us or to our creditors, as such, or to our assets; or
-
-
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of ours, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy; or
-
-
any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of ours.
(Section 16.03
of our subordinated indenture)
If
we are liquidated or become insolvent, holders of our Senior Indebtedness and holders of other obligations of ours that are not subordinated to our Senior Indebtedness may recover
more, ratably, than the holders of our subordinated debt securities.
Subject
to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of ours, the rights of the holders of our subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of our
Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of ours applicable to such Senior Indebtedness until the principal of, and any premium and interest on, our
subordinated debt securities have been paid in full. (Section 16.04 of our subordinated indenture)
No
payment of principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of or any premium or interest with respect to our subordinated debt securities, or payments to acquire such
securities (other than pursuant to their conversion), may be made if:
-
-
any payment of principal, interest or any other amount on our Senior Indebtedness is not paid when due and any applicable grace period with
respect to such default has ended and such default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or
-
-
if the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of ours has been accelerated because of a default.
(Section 16.02
of our subordinated indenture)
Our
subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit us from incurring additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness that is senior to our subordinated debt securities,
but subordinate to our other obligations. The senior debt securities issued by us will constitute Senior Indebtedness under our subordinated indenture.
For
purposes of this section, the term "Senior Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of ours outstanding at any time, except:
-
-
our subordinated debt securities;
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-
-
Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that such Indebtedness is subordinated
to or ranks equally with our subordinated debt securities or any other Indebtedness ranking
pari passu
with our subordinated debt securities;
-
-
interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding unless such interest is an
allowed claim enforceable against us in a proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws;
-
-
trade accounts payable;
-
-
liability for income, franchise, real estate or other taxes owed or owing; and
-
-
our guarantees of any junior subordinated debt securities of the PRE Finance Subsidiaries, including those issued to a financing vehicle of
PartnerRe.
Such
Senior Indebtedness will continue to be Senior Indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of
any term of such Senior Indebtedness. (Sections 1.01 and 16.08 of our subordinated indenture)
For
the purposes of this section, the term "Indebtedness" means:
-
-
principal of and any premium and interest on (a) our indebtedness for money borrowed and (b) indebtedness evidenced by notes,
debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which we are responsible or liable;
-
-
capitalized lease obligations;
-
-
obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all obligations under any title
retention agreement (except trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
-
-
reimbursement obligations on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to
letters of credit securing obligations entered into in the ordinary course of business to the extent such letters of credit are undrawn or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed
no later than the third business day following receipt by us of a demand for reimbursement);
-
-
obligations of the type referred to above of other persons and all dividends of other persons, the payment of which we are responsible or
liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise;
-
-
obligations of the type referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any of our property or assets; and
-
-
any amendments, modifications, refundings, renewals or extensions of any indebtedness or obligation described above.
Our
subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination provisions, including the definition of "Senior Indebtedness", insofar as they relate to any particular issue of our
subordinated debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such change would be described in the related prospectus supplement.
Subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities Issued by the PRE Finance Subsidiaries
The subordinated debt securities issued by the PRE Finance Subsidiaries will, to the extent set forth in the applicable subordinated indenture,
be subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below in this section) of the relevant issuer, whether outstanding at the date of such
subordinated indenture or thereafter incurred. (Section 16.01 of the subordinated indentures) Holders of Senior Indebtedness of either PRE Finance Subsidiary will first be
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entitled
to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all such Senior Indebtedness, or provision will be made for such payment in cash, before the holders of the
subordinated debt securities of the relevant issuer are entitled to receive or retain any payment on account of principal, premium or interest with respect to such subordinated debt securities, if
certain events occur. These events include:
-
-
any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in
connection therewith, relative to the relevant issuer or to its creditors, as such, or to its assets; or
-
-
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the relevant issuer, whether or not involving insolvency or
bankruptcy; or
-
-
any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of the relevant issuer.
(Section 16.03
of the subordinated indentures)
If
either PRE Finance Subsidiary is liquidated or becomes insolvent, holders of Senior Indebtedness of the relevant issuer and holders of other obligations of such issuer that are not
subordinated to such Senior Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the holders of subordinated debt securities of such issuer.
Subject
to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the relevant PRE Finance Subsidiary, the rights of the holders of subordinated debt securities of such issuer will be
subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of the relevant issuer applicable to such Senior Indebtedness
until the principal of, any premium and interest on such subordinated debt securities have been paid in full. (Section 16.04 of the subordinated indentures)
No
payment of principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of or any premium or interest on the subordinated debt securities of the relevant PRE Finance Subsidiary, or
payments to acquire such securities (other than pursuant to their conversion), may be made if:
-
-
any payment of principal, interest or any other amount on Senior Indebtedness of such issuer is not paid when due and any applicable grace
period with respect to such default has ended and such default has not been cured or waived or ceased to exist; or
-
-
if the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of such issuer has been accelerated because of a default.
(Section 16.02
of the subordinated indentures)
The
subordinated indentures of the PRE Finance Subsidiaries do not limit or prohibit the relevant issuer from incurring additional Senior Indebtedness, which may include Indebtedness
that is senior to its subordinated debt securities, but subordinate to the relevant issuer's other obligations. The senior debt securities issued by a PRE Finance Subsidiary will constitute Senior
Indebtedness under such PRE Finance Subsidiary's subordinated indenture.
For
purposes of this section, the term "Senior Indebtedness" means all Indebtedness of the relevant PRE Finance Subsidiary outstanding at any time,
except:
-
-
the subordinated debt securities issued by such PRE Finance Subsidiary;
-
-
Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that such Indebtedness is subordinated
to or ranks equally with such subordinated debt securities or any other Indebtedness ranking
pari passu
with such subordinated debt securities;
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-
-
interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar proceeding unless such interest is an
allowed claim enforceable against such PRE Finance Subsidiary in a proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws;
-
-
trade accounts payable;
-
-
liability for income, franchise, real estate or other taxes owed or owing; and
-
-
any junior subordinated debt securities, including those issued to a financing vehicle of PartnerRe.
Such
Senior Indebtedness will continue to be Senior Indebtedness of the relevant issuer and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment,
modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness. (Sections 1.01 and 16.08 of the subordinated indentures)
For
the purposes of this section, the term "Indebtedness" means:
-
-
principal of and any premium and interest on (a) indebtedness of such PRE Finance Subsidiary for money borrowed and
(b) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such PRE Finance Subsidiary is responsible or liable;
-
-
capitalized lease obligations;
-
-
obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all obligations under any title
retention agreement (except trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
-
-
reimbursement obligations on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to
letters of credit securing obligations entered into in the ordinary course of business to the extent such letters of credit are undrawn or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed
no later than the third business day following receipt by such PRE Finance Subsidiary of a demand for reimbursement);
-
-
obligations of the type referred to above of other persons and all dividends of other persons, the payment of which such PRE Finance Subsidiary
is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise;
-
-
obligations of the type referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of such PRE Finance Subsidiary; and
-
-
any amendments, modifications, refundings, renewals or extensions of any indebtedness or obligation described above.
The
PRE Finance Subsidiaries' subordinated indentures provide that the foregoing subordination provisions, including the definition of "Senior Indebtedness", insofar as they relate to
any particular issue of subordinated debt securities by the relevant issuer, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such change would be described in the related prospectus supplement.
New York Law to Govern
The indentures are, and the debt securities will be, governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable
to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed in that state. (Section 1.13).
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