Edgar Filing: CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORP

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)



Michigan				38-2022454
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)				(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

235 E. Main Street

Midland, Michigan 48640

(989) 839-5350

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

David B. Ramaker

Chief Executive Officer and President

Chemical Financial Corporation

235 E. Main Street

Midland, Michigan 48640

(989) 839-5350

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

Jeffrey A. Ott

Charlie Goode

Warner Norcross & Judd LLP

900 Fifth Third Center

111 Lyon Street NW

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

(616) 752-2000

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.



Large accelerated filer	[x]	Accelerated filer	[_]
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	[_]	Smaller reporting company	[_]
		Emerging Growth Company	[_]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.

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)	Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)	Amount of Registration Fee(2)
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Depositary Shares(3)
Warrants(4)
Purchase Contracts
Units(5)
Total



(1)	An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price, principal amount or number of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices or upon conversion, exchange or exercise of securities registered hereunder to the extent any such securities are, by their terms, convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, such securities. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on conversion, exchange or exercise of other securities or that are issued in units or represented by depositary shares.
(2)	In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, Chemical Financial Corporation is deferring payment of the entire registration fee.
(3)	In the event that we elect to offer to the public fractional interests in shares of preferred stock registered hereunder, depositary shares, evidenced by depositary receipts issued under a deposit agreement, will be distributed to those persons purchasing such fractional interests, and the shares of preferred stock will be issued to the depositary under any such agreement.
(4)	Warrants may consist of rights to purchase debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, depositary shares, purchase contracts or units.
(5)	Units may consist of one or more debt securities, shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock, warrants or purchase contracts in any combination.

PROSPECTUS

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Purchase Contracts

Units

We may offer and sell, at any time and from time to time, through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to purchasers, the securities described in this prospectus, together or separately, in one or more offerings, and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at or before the time of offering.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in a prospectus supplement. You should carefully read this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and any information incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement before you invest.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol "CHFC" and is one of the issues comprising the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Each prospectus supplement, will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.

Investing in our securities involves risks. Please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" on page 3 of this prospectus and, if applicable, any risk factors that are described in any accompanying prospectus supplement or in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, any state or other securities commission or any other federal or state bank regulatory agency 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.

These securities are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank, thrift or other depository institution and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instrumentality.

Our principal executive office is located at 235 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640. Our telephone number is (989) 839-5350.

The date of this prospectus is May 10, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS



	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	2
CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION	2
RISK FACTORS	2
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES	3
USE OF PROCEEDS	3
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES	3
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK	3
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES	6
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES	17
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS	19
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS	21
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS	22
FORM OF SECURITIES	22
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	22
LEGAL MATTERS	23
EXPERTS	24
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	24
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE	24

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or the "Commission") using a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer our securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. Each prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described under the headings "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."

The registration statement containing this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities to be offered. The registration statement, including the exhibits, can be read at the SEC website or at the SEC offices mentioned under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." General information about us, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments and exhibits to those reports, are available free of charge through our website at www.chemicalbankmi.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Information on our website is not incorporated into this prospectus or our other securities filings and is not a part of these filings.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and the information to which we have referred you. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with information that is different. This prospectus may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. The information in this prospectus may only be accurate on the date of this document.

Throughout this prospectus, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references to "Chemical," "Company," "Registrant," "we," "our," "ours" and "us" refer to Chemical Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy and Chemical Financial Corporation. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "is likely," "judgment," "opinion," "plans," "predicts," "probable," "projects," "should," "trend," "will," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements include, among others, statements related to future levels of loan charge-offs, future levels of provisions for loan losses, real estate valuation, future levels of nonperforming assets, the rate of asset dispositions, future capital levels, future changes in regulatory requirements, future dividends, future growth and funding sources, future liquidity levels, future profitability levels, future deposit insurance premiums, the effects on earnings of future changes in interest rates, the future level of other revenue sources, future economic trends and conditions, future initiatives to expand the Company's market share, expected performance and cash flows from acquired loans, future effects of new or changed accounting standards, future opportunities for acquisitions, the impact of acquisition transactions on the Company’s business, opportunities to increase top line revenues, Chemical Financial Corporation's ability to grow its core franchise, future cost savings and the Company's ability to maintain adequate liquidity and capital based on the requirements adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and U.S. regulators. All statements referencing future time periods are forward-looking.

Management's determination of the provision and allowance for loan losses; the carrying value of acquired loans, goodwill and mortgage servicing rights; and the fair value of investment securities (including whether any impairment on any investment security is temporary or other-than-temporary and the amount of any impairment) involve judgments that are inherently forward-looking. There can be no assurance that future loan losses will be limited to the amounts estimated. All of the information concerning interest rate sensitivity is forward-looking. The future effect of changes in the financial and credit markets and the national and regional economies on the banking industry, generally, and on Chemical Financial Corporation, specifically, are also inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("risk factors") that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Chemical Financial Corporation undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Risk factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 3 of this prospectus. These and other factors are representative of the risk factors that may emerge and could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a preceding forward-looking statement.

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Chemical Financial Corporation is a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and incorporated in the State of Michigan. Our business is concentrated in a single industry segment - commercial banking. We operate through a single subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank, with 249 banking offices located in Michigan, Northeast Ohio and Northern Indiana. Chemical Bank offers a full range of traditional banking and fiduciary products and services to residents and business customers in Chemical Bank’s geographical market areas. These include business and personal checking accounts, savings and individual retirement accounts, time deposit instruments, electronically accessed banking products, residential and commercial real estate financing, commercial lending, consumer financing, debit cards, safe deposit box services, money transfer services, automated teller machines, access to insurance and investment products, corporate and personal wealth management services, mortgage banking and other banking services. The principal markets for our products and services are the communities in Michigan, Northeast Ohio and Northern Indiana where Chemical Bank's branches are located and the areas surrounding these communities. At March 31, 2017, Chemical Financial Corporation had total consolidated assets of $17.64 billion.

Our principal executive office is located at 235 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640. Our telephone number is (989) 839-5350.

Additional information about us, including our audited financial statements and a description of our business, is contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risk. Please see the risk factors described in our periodic reports filed with the SEC (including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our most recent fiscal year and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as applicable), in any prospectus supplement relating to a specific offering of securities and in any other documents we file with the SEC. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations. Additional risk factors may be included in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series or offering of securities. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition and cause the value of our securities to decline. You could lose all or part of your investment.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table shows our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended March 31,	Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (1):
Excluding Interest on Deposits	15.09	21.33	43.19	105.82	100.64	42.20
Including Interest on Deposits	5.55	5.94	7.75	6.93	5.58	4.05



(1)	For purposes of computing the ratios, earnings consist of income before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest on borrowings and long-term debt, including/excluding interest on deposits, and one-third of rental expense, which the Company considers representative of the interest factor.

We did not have any preferred stock outstanding and we did not pay or accrue any preferred stock dividends during the periods presented above. Therefore, the ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are not separately stated from the ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods listed above.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds of any offering of securities sold by us for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, acquisitions, repayment or refinancing of debt or other corporate obligations, capital expenditures, working capital and repurchases and redemption of securities. When a particular series of securities is offered, the prospectus supplement relating to that offering will set forth our intended use of the net proceeds received from the sale of those securities. The net proceeds may be invested temporarily in short-term marketable securities or applied to repay short-term debt until they are used for their stated purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

This prospectus contains summary descriptions of the common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units that we may offer and sell from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The applicable prospectus supplement or other offering materials will describe the specific terms of the securities offered through that prospectus supplement or other offering materials as well as any general terms described in this prospectus that will not apply to those securities. To the extent the applicable prospectus supplement or other offering materials relating to an offering of securities are inconsistent with this prospectus, the terms of that prospectus supplement or other offering materials will supersede the information in this prospectus.

As used in this "Description of Securities," the terms "Chemical," "Company," "Registrant," "we," "our," "ours" and "us" refer to Chemical Financial Corporation, and do not, unless otherwise specified, include our subsidiaries.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a description of the material terms and provisions relating to our capital stock. Because it is a summary, the following description is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our restated articles of incorporation ("articles") and bylaws, and the provisions of the Michigan Business Corporation Act ("MBCA"), which define the rights of our shareholders. Our articles and bylaws are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See "Where You Can Find More Information" for information on how to obtain copies of these documents.

Authorized Capital

Our authorized capital stock consists of (i) 135,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share; and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value. As of March 31, 2017, there were 71,117,908 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

Common Stock

Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote for each share held by it of record on each matter submitted to a vote. Other than the election of directors, if an action is to be taken by vote of the shareholders, it will be authorized by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote on the action, unless a greater vote is required in our articles or by the MBCA. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at an election. We elect all directors annually and do not have a classified board of directors.

Subject to any superior rights of any holders of preferred shares, each outstanding common share will be entitled to such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for them. Holders of our common stock have no conversion, preemptive or other rights to subscribe for any securities of ours, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to such shares. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs and after satisfaction of the preferential requirements of any preferred shares, if any, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the distribution of the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to applicable law and the rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock and any additional classes of stock that we may issue in the future.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors is authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock without further shareholder approval. The board of directors would be able to determine the designations and relative voting, distribution, dividend, liquidation and other rights, preferences and limitations of the preferred stock, including, among other things: (a) the designation of each series and the number of shares in the series; (b) the stated value of the shares; (c) the dividend rate on the shares in the series, the relation which dividends will bear to dividends payable on any other class or series of stock, the payment terms and conditions of dividends, and whether and upon what conditions dividends will be cumulative; (d) the redemption provisions, if any, applicable to shares of the series; (e) the preference, if any, to which any class or series would be entitled in the event of the liquidation or distribution of our assets; (f) the provisions of a purchase, retirement or sinking fund, if any, provided with respect to shares of the series; (g) the rights, if any, to convert or exchange the shares into or for other securities; (h) the voting rights, if any (in addition to any prescribed by law) of the holders of shares of the series; (i) the restrictions, if any, on our issuance of additional shares of the series, of any other series, or on any other actions with respect to the powers, preferences or rights of any other series; and (j) any other preferences, privileges, powers, and relative rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions as board of directors determines are not inconsistent with our articles.

The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock and could adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.

Certain Provisions of our Organizational Documents and Applicable Law

Certain provisions of our articles and bylaws and Michigan and federal law may have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Chemical. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging a future transaction that individual shareholders may believe is in their best interests or in which shareholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over the then current market price. As a result, if you want to participate in such a transaction, you may not have an opportunity to do so.

Limitation of Liability

Our articles provide that a director will not be liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for a breach of a director's fiduciary duty, except for liability:


•	for a breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders;


•	for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;


•	for a violation of Section 551(1) of the MBCA; or


•	for a transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Indemnification

Our articles require that we provide indemnification to each of our current and former directors, officers, employees and agents, and each person who is or has served as a director, officer, employee, partner or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at our request to the fullest extent permitted by the MBCA.

Shareholder Proposals and Nominations of Directors

Shareholder proposals and shareholder nominations of directors must be submitted by a shareholder of record who must give timely, written notice of the proposal or nomination to the Company. The notice must include certain information. The timing and content requirements of the required notice for shareholder proposals are detailed in Section 4.11(b) of our bylaws. The timing and content requirements of the required notice for shareholder nominations of directors are detailed in Section 5.03(c) of our bylaws. A failure to comply with the timing and content requirements of the required notice will result in a shareholder's proposal or nomination for director not being considered at the relevant meeting of shareholders.

Authorized But Unissued Shares

The authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without shareholder approval. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including but not limited to future public or private offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult, or discourage, an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Michigan Law

We are subject to the provisions of Chapter 7A of the MBCA. Chapter 7A contains provisions that generally require that business combinations between a corporation that is subject to Chapter 7A and a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation be approved by a very high percentage of the shareholders. The vote required is the affirmative vote of at least 90% of the votes of each class of stock entitled to be cast and not less than two-thirds of the votes of each class of stock entitled to be cast other than the 10% beneficial owner who is a party to the business combination. The high vote requirements will not apply if (i) our board of directors approves the transaction prior to the time the 10% beneficial owner becomes such or (ii) the transaction satisfies the specified fairness standards, various other conditions are met and the 10% beneficial owner has been such for at least five years.

Federal Law

The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"), requires any "bank holding company," as defined in the BHCA, to obtain the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve ("Federal Reserve Board") before acquiring 5% or more of our common stock. Any entity that is a holder of 25% or more of our common stock, or a holder of 5% or more of our common stock if such holder otherwise exercises a "controlling influence" over us, is subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the BHCA. Any person, other than a bank holding company, is required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring 10% or more of our common stock under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Investor Services, LLC.

Listing

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "CHFC."

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This prospectus describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the securities in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will also indicate whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities.

We may offer senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, dated as of a date prior to such issuance, between us and a trustee to be named in the related prospectus supplement. We refer to any such indenture throughout this prospectus as the "senior indenture." Any subordinated debt securities will be issued under a separate indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, dated as of a date prior to such issuance, between us and the trustee. We refer to any such indenture throughout this prospectus as the "subordinated indenture" and to a trustee under any senior or subordinated indenture as the "trustee." The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are sometimes collectively referred to in this prospectus as the "indentures." The indentures will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. We have included copies of forms of the indentures as exhibits to our registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part. The following summarizes the material provisions of the indentures, but may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should read the summary below, the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering materials and the provisions of the indenture, the applicable indenture supplement, if any, and any related security documents in their entirety before investing in our debt securities. Except as otherwise indicated, the terms of the forms of indentures are identical. As used under this caption, the term "debt securities" includes the debt securities being offered by this prospectus and all other debt securities we issue under the indentures.

Because we are a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of the debt securities offered in this prospectus, to participate in the assets of any subsidiary during its liquidation or reorganization, will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors, unless we are ourselves a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. Any capital loans that we make to any of our bank subsidiaries would be subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to other indebtedness of the subsidiary. Claims from creditors of the subsidiaries (other than us) may include long-term and medium-term debt and substantial obligations related to deposit liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings.

General

The indentures:


•	do not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue;


•	allow us to issue debt securities in one or more series;


•	do not require us to issue all of the debt securities of a series at the same time;


•	allow us to reopen a series to issue additional debt securities without the consent of the debt securityholders of such series; and


•	provide that the debt securities may be unsecured.

Unless we give you different information in the prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Payments on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness, as described under "Description of Debt Securities - Subordination" and in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may, but need not, designate more than one trustee under an indenture. Any trustee under an indenture may resign or be removed and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to the series of debt securities administered by the resigning or removed trustee. If two or more persons are acting as trustees with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee shall be a trustee of a trust under the applicable indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus, any action described in this prospectus to be taken by each trustee may be taken

by each trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the applicable indenture.

The prospectus supplement for each offering will provide the following terms, where applicable:


•	the title of the debt securities and whether they are senior or subordinated;


•	the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities outstanding as of the most recent practicable date and any limit on their aggregate principal amount, including the aggregate principal amount of debt securities authorized;


•	the price at which the debt securities will be issued, expressed as a percentage of the principal;


•	the portion of the principal payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity, if other than the principal amount;


•	the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, on which the principal and premium, if any, of the debt securities will be payable;


•	the fixed or variable interest rate or rates at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any, or the method by which the interest rate or rates is determined;


•	the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, from which interest will accrue;


•	the dates on which interest will be payable;


•	the record dates for interest payment dates, or the method by which we will determine those dates;


•	the persons to whom interest will be payable;


•	the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;


•	any make-whole amount, which is the amount in addition to principal and interest that is required to be paid to the holder of a debt security as a result of any optional redemption or accelerated payment of such debt security, or the method for determining the make-whole amount;


•	the place or places where the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, the debt securities will be payable;


•	the place or places where the debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange;


•	the place or places where notices or demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the applicable indenture may be served;


•	the times, prices and other terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities;


•	our obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the times and prices at which we must redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities as a result of such an obligation;


•	the currency or currencies in which the debt securities are denominated and payable if other than United States dollars, which may be a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite currency or currencies and the terms and conditions relating thereto, and the manner of determining the equivalent of such foreign currency in United States dollars;


•	if other than denominations of $1,000 or an even multiple of $1,000, the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued;


•	whether the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, the debt securities of the series are to be payable, at our election or at the election of a holder, in a currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are denominated or stated to be payable, and other related terms and conditions;


•	whether the amount of payments of principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, the debt securities may be determined according to an index, formula or other method and how such amounts will be determined;


•	if less than the principal amount of the debt securities, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities payable upon a declaration of the acceleration of the maturity of such debt securities;

•

whether the debt securities will be in registered form, bearer form or both and (1) if in registered form, the person to whom any interest shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest, or (2) if in bearer form, the manner in which, or the person to whom, any interest on the security shall be payable if otherwise than upon presentation and surrender upon maturity;


•	any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of securities in bearer form and the terms upon which securities in bearer form of the series may be exchanged for securities in registered form of the series and vice versa if permitted by applicable laws and regulations;

•

whether any debt securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any debt securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form with or without coupons and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global security may or shall be required to exchange their interests for other debt securities of the series, and the manner in which interest shall be paid;


•	the identity of the depositary for securities in registered form, if such series are to be issuable as a global security;


•	the date as of which any debt securities in bearer form or in temporary global form shall be dated if other than the original issuance date of the first security of the series to be issued;


•	the applicability, if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions described in this prospectus or in the applicable indenture;


•	whether and under what circumstances we will pay any additional amounts on the debt securities in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities in lieu of making such a payment;


•	the circumstances, if any, in the applicable prospectus supplement, under which beneficial owners of interests in the global security may obtain definitive debt securities and the manner in which payments on a permanent global debt security will be made if any debt securities are issuable in temporary or permanent global form;


•	any provisions granting special rights to holders of securities upon the occurrence of such events as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement;


•	the name of the applicable trustee and the nature of any material relationship with us or any of our affiliates, and the percentage of debt securities of the class necessary to require the trustee to take action;


•	any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to our events of default or covenants and any change in the right of any trustee or any of the holders to declare the principal amount of any of such debt securities due and payable; and


•	any other terms of such debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture.

We may issue debt securities at a discount below their principal amount and provide for less than the entire principal amount thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities. We refer to any such debt securities throughout this prospectus as "original issue discount securities." The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and other relevant considerations applicable to original issue discount securities.

Except as described under "Description of the Debt Securities - Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" or as may be set forth in any prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that (1) would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or (2) would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of (a) a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or any of our affiliates or (b) a change of control or reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving us that may adversely affect the holders of the debt securities. In the future, we may enter into transactions, such as the sale of all or substantially all of our assets or a merger or consolidation, that may have an adverse effect on our ability to service our indebtedness, including the debt securities, by, among other things, substantially reducing or eliminating our assets.

We will provide you with more information in the applicable prospectus supplement regarding any deletions, modifications, or additions to the events of default or covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

Payment

Unless we give you different information in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, any series of the debt securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the trustee. We will provide you with the address of the trustee in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may also pay interest by mailing a check to the address of the person entitled to it as it appears in the applicable register for the debt securities or by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States.

All monies that we pay to a paying agent or a trustee for the payment of the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, any debt security will be repaid to us if unclaimed at the end of two years after the obligation underlying payment becomes due and payable. After funds have been returned to us, the holder of the debt security may look only to us for payment, without payment of interest for the period we hold the funds.

Registration and Transfer

Subject to the limitations imposed upon debt securities that are evidenced by a computerized entry in the records of a depositary company rather than by physical delivery of a note, a holder of debt securities of any series may:


•	exchange them for any authorized denomination of other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and kind upon surrender of such debt securities at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee or at the office of any transfer agent that we designate for such purpose; and


•	surrender them for registration of transfer or exchange at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee or at the office of any transfer agent that we designate for such purpose.

Every debt security surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, and the person requesting such action must provide evidence of title and identity satisfactory to the applicable trustee or transfer agent. Payment of a service charge will not be required for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but either the trustee or we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. If in addition to the applicable trustee, the applicable prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agent initially designated by us for any series of debt securities, we may at any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any such transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for such series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

Neither we nor any trustee shall be required to:


•	issue, register the transfer of, or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day that the notice of redemption of any debt securities selected for redemption is mailed and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing;


•	register the transfer of or exchange any debt security, or portion thereof, so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part; or


•	issue, register the transfer of or exchange any debt security that 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.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

The indentures provide that we may, without the consent of the holders of any outstanding debt securities, (1) consolidate with, (2) sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or (3) merge with or into, any other entity provided that:


•	either we are the continuing entity, or the successor entity, if other than us, assumes the obligations (A) to pay the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, all of the debt securities and (B) to duly perform and observe all of the covenants and conditions contained in each indenture;


•	after giving effect to the transaction, there is no event of default under the indentures and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become such an event of default, occurs and continues; and


•	an officers' certificate and legal opinion covering such conditions are delivered to each applicable trustee.

Covenants

Below is a summary of certain covenants we are required to observe under the indentures.

Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest

The indentures require us, with respect to each series of debt securities, to duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium or make-whole amounts, if any) and interest on the debt securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the applicable indenture.

Existence

Except as permitted under "Description of Debt Securities - Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets," the indentures require us to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our existence, material rights and material franchises. However, the indentures do not require us to preserve any right or franchise if we determine that any right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business.

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims

The indentures require us to pay, discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before they become delinquent (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed on us, our subsidiaries or our subsidiaries' income, profits or property, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon our property or the property of our subsidiaries. However, we will not be required to pay, discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

Provision of Financial Information

The indentures require us to file with the trustee, within 15 days of each of the respective dates by which we file with the SEC, copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports, documents and other reports which we may be required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act").

Additional Covenants

The indentures include certain other covenants, including covenants requiring us to maintain our property in good condition and hold money for payment on the debt securities in trust for holders under certain circumstances. Additionally, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any other covenants applicable to us under any series of debt securities.

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, when we refer to "events of default" as defined in the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean:


•	default in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt security of such series continuing for 30 days;


•	default in the payment of principal of (or any premium or make-whole amount, if any, on) any debt security of such series at its maturity;


•	default in deposit of any sinking fund payment as required for any debt security of such series;


•	default in the performance or breach of any of our covenants or warranties contained in the applicable indenture continuing for 60 days after written notice to us as provided in the applicable indenture;

•

a default under any indenture or instrument under which there may be issued, secured or evidenced any existing or later created indebtedness for money we or any of our subsidiaries borrowed in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least $30,000,000, if the default results in the indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date it otherwise would have, without such indebtedness having been discharged, or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled, within 30 days after notice to us specifying such default;


•	bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of us or our significant subsidiary; and


•	any other event of default provided with respect to a particular series of debt securities.

When we use the term "significant subsidiary," we refer to the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act").

If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to debt securities of any series outstanding, then the applicable trustee or the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, then the applicable trustee or the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof to be due and payable. However, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:


•	we have paid or deposited with the applicable trustee all required payments of the principal, any premium (or make-whole amount), and interest, plus applicable fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the applicable trustee; and


•	all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, or a specified portion thereof, and any premium (or make-whole amount), have been cured or waived.

The indentures also provide that the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture may on behalf of all holders waive any past default with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default:


•	in the payment of the principal, any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest; or


•	in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of the outstanding debt security that is affected by the default; or


•	in respect of a covenant or provision for the benefit or protection of the trustee, without its express written consent.

The indentures require each trustee to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default unless such default has been cured or waived. However, the trustee may withhold notice if specified responsible officers of such trustee consider such withholding to be in the interest of the holders of debt securities. The trustee may not withhold notice of a default in the payment of principal, any premium or interest on any debt security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of such series.

The indentures provide that holders of debt securities of any series may not institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless the trustee fails to act for a period of 60 days after the trustee has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of 25% or more

in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. However, this provision will not prevent any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, such debt securities at the respective due dates thereof.

The indentures provide that, subject to provisions in each indenture relating to its duties in the case of a default, a trustee has no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series or of all debt securities then outstanding under an indenture shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon such trustee. However, a trustee may refuse to follow any direction which:


•	is in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture;


•	may involve the trustee in personal liability; or


•	may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of the series not joining the proceeding.

Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we will be required to deliver to each trustee a certificate, signed by one of our several officers specified in the applicable indenture, stating whether or not that officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture. If the officer has knowledge of any default, the notice must specify the nature and status of the default.

Modification of the Indentures

We may modify and amend the indentures only with the consent of the affected holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities issued under the applicable indenture. However, no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities affected by the modification or amendment:


•	change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium (or make-whole amount) on, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any such debt security;


•	reduce the principal amount of, the rate or amount of interest on or any premium (or make-whole amount) payable on redemption of any such debt security;


•	reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment of the holder of any such debt security;


•	change the place of payment or the coin or currency for payment of principal of, or any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, any such debt security;


•	impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any such debt security;


•	reduce the percentage in principal amount of any outstanding debt securities necessary to modify or amend the applicable indenture with respect to such debt securities, to waive compliance with particular provisions thereof or defaults and consequences thereunder or to reduce the quorum or voting requirements set forth in the applicable indenture; or


•	modify any of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions relating to the waiver of particular past defaults or covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect such action or to provide that some of the other provisions may not be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of such debt security.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned, our compliance with material restrictive covenants of the applicable indenture.

We and the trustee may make modifications and amendments of an indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:


•	to evidence the succession of another person to us as obligor under such indenture;


•	to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in such indenture;


•	to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;


•	to change or eliminate any provisions of an indenture, provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there are no debt securities outstanding of any series created prior thereto which are entitled to the benefit of such provision;


•	to secure the debt securities;


•	to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series;


•	to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under an indenture by more than one trustee;


•	to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in an indenture, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of holders of debt securities of any series issued under such indenture;


•	to supplement any of the provisions of an indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of such debt securities, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of any series; and


•	to make provisions with respect to holders' rights of conversion with respect to any series of debt securities.

Voting

The indentures provide that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the indentures or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of debt securities:


•	the principal amount of an original issue discount security that shall be deemed to be outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;

•

the principal amount of any debt security denominated in a foreign currency that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the United States dollar equivalent, determined on the issue date for such debt security, of the principal amount or, in the case of an original issue discount security, the United States dollar equivalent on the issue date of such debt security of the amount determined as provided in the preceding bullet point;


•	the principal amount of an indexed security that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the principal face amount of such indexed security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided for such indexed security under such indenture; and


•	debt securities owned by us or any other obligor upon the debt securities or by any affiliate of ours or of such other obligor shall be disregarded.

The indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting will be permitted to be called at any time by the applicable trustee, and also, upon request, by us or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given as provided in such indenture. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by the modifications and amendments of an indenture described above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series represented at such meeting.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, except as referred to above, any resolution relating to a request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of such specified percentage.

Any resolution passed or decision taken at any properly held meeting of holders of debt securities of any series will be binding on all holders of such series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series. However, if any action is to be taken relating to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of at least a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding such percentage will constitute a quorum.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the indentures provide that if any action is to be taken at a meeting with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver and other action that such indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected by such action, or of the holders of such series and one or more additional series:


•	there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and


•	the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under such indenture.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures allow us to discharge our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under any indenture when:

•

either (1) all securities of such series have already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation; or (2) all securities of such series have not already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation but (a) have become due and payable, (b) will become due and payable within one year, or (c) if redeemable at our option, are to be redeemed within one year, and we have irrevocably deposited with the applicable trustee, in trust, funds in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such debt securities are payable, an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such debt securities in respect of principal and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest to the date of such deposit if such debt securities have become due and payable or, if they have not, to the stated maturity or redemption date;


•	we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable; and


•	we have delivered to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that the conditions to discharging the debt securities have been satisfied.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures provide that, upon our irrevocable deposit with the applicable trustee, in trust, of an amount, in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or government obligations, 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 (or make-whole amount) and interest on, such debt securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor, we may elect either:


•	to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such debt securities; or


•	to be released from our obligations with respect to such debt securities under the applicable indenture or, if provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, our obligations with respect to any other covenant, and any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute an event of default with respect to such debt securities.

Notwithstanding the above, we may not elect to defease and be discharged from the obligation to pay any additional amounts upon the occurrence of particular events of tax, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on such debt securities

and the 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 in respect of such debt securities, or to hold monies for payment in trust.

The indentures only permit us to establish the trust described in the paragraph above if, among other things, we have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, will be required to refer to and be based upon a ruling received from or published by the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the indenture. In the event of such defeasance, the holders of such debt securities would be able to look only to such trust fund for payment of principal, any premium (or make-whole amount), and interest.

When we use the term "government obligations," we mean:


•	securities that are direct obligations of the United States or the government that 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;

•

securities that are obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States or other government that issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of such series are payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States or such other government, which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof; or

•

a depositary 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 any such government obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depositary receipt. However, except as required by law, such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the government obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the government obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if after we have deposited funds and/or government obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series, (a) the holder of a debt security of such series is entitled to, and does, elect under the terms of the applicable indenture or the terms of such debt security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency other than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such debt security, or (b) a conversion event occurs in respect of the currency, currency unit or composite 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, and premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, such debt security as they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount so deposited in respect of such debt security into the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt security becomes payable as a result of such election or such cessation of usage based on the applicable market exchange rate.

When we use the term "conversion event," we mean the cessation of use of:


•	a currency, currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country that issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community;


•	the European Currency Unit both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the European Communities; or


•	any currency unit or composite currency other than the European Currency Unit for the purposes for which it was established.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, all payments of principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, any debt security that is payable in a foreign currency that ceases to be used by its government of issuance shall be made in United States dollars.

In the event that (a) we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and (b) such debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount in such currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt securities are payable, and government obligations on deposit with the applicable trustee, will be

sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of their 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, we would remain liable to make payments of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting such defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.

Conversion Rights

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into common stock or preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include our obligation, if any, to permit the conversion of the debt securities of such series into our common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion shall be effected (including, the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion period, any adjustment of the applicable conversion price, any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability of common stock or preferred stock receivable on conversion, and any requirements relative to the reservation of such shares for purposes of conversion).

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of debt securities convertible into our common stock will have the right, exercisable at any time during the time period specified in the prospectus supplement, unless previously redeemed, to convert convertible debt securities into shares of common stock as specified in the prospectus supplement, at the conversion rate per principal amount set forth in the prospectus supplement. In the case of convertible debt securities called for redemption, conversion rights will expire at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the redemption date, unless we default in making the payment due upon redemption, in which case such conversion right shall terminate on the date we cure such default.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, for each series of convertible debt securities, the conversion price will be subject to adjustments as a result of:


•	the payment or making of a dividend or distribution on our common stock exclusively in common stock or on any other class of capital stock, which dividend or distribution includes common stock of our company;


•	the issuance to all holders of common stock of rights or warrants entitling holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of common stock at a price per share less than the current market price per share;


•	subdivisions and combinations of common stock; and


•	the distribution to all holders of common stock of:


•	evidences of our indebtedness;


•	shares of our capital stock other than common stock or assets other than cash dividends paid from current or retained earnings; or


•	certain other subscription rights or warrants other than those referred to above.

In any event, no adjustment of the conversion price will be required unless an adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price. We will not issue any fractional shares of common stock upon conversion, but instead, we will pay a cash adjustment.

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, subordinated securities will be subject to the following subordination provisions.

Upon any distribution to our creditors in a liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on any subordinated securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the applicable indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior debt. However, our obligation to make payments of the principal of and interest on such subordinated securities otherwise will not be affected. No payment of principal or interest will be permitted to be made on subordinated securities at any time if a default on senior debt exists that permits the holders of such senior debt to accelerate its

maturity and the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or we receive notice of the default. After all senior debt is paid in full and until the subordinated securities are paid in full, the rights of holders of subordinated securities will be subrogated to the rights of holders of senior debt to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to holders of subordinated securities have been applied to the payment of senior debt. The subordinated indenture will not restrict the amount of senior debt or other indebtedness of us and our subsidiaries. As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of a distribution of assets upon insolvency, holders of subordinated securities may recover less, ratably, than our general creditors.

The term "senior debt" will be defined in the applicable indenture as the principal of and interest on, or substantially similar payments to be made by us in respect of, other outstanding indebtedness, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the applicable indenture or subsequently incurred, created or assumed. The prospectus supplement may include a description of additional terms implementing the subordination feature.

If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of subordinated securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated in this prospectus by reference will set forth the approximate amount of senior debt outstanding as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

Fractional Shares of Preferred Stock

We may elect to offer fractional interests in shares of our preferred stock instead of whole shares of preferred stock. If so, we will allow a depositary to issue depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of preferred stock, as described in the prospectus supplement.

Deposit Agreement

The shares of the preferred stock underlying any depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company acting as depositary with respect to that series. The depositary will have its principal office in the United States and have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of depositary shares will include the name and address of the depositary. Under the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion of its fractional interest in a share of the preferred stock underlying that depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of that preferred stock, including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion, exchange and liquidation rights.

Depositary shares will be evidenced by one or more depositary receipts issued under the deposit agreement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions in respect of the preferred stock to each record depositary shareholder based on the number of the depositary shares owned by that holder on the relevant record date. The depositary will distribute only that amount that can be distributed without attributing to any depositary shareholders a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed will be added to and treated as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to record depositary shareholders.

If there is a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property to the entitled record depositary shareholders, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make that distribution. In that case the depositary may, with our approval, adopt the method it deems equitable and practicable for making that distribution, including any sale of property and the distribution of the net proceeds from this sale to the concerned holders.

Each deposit agreement will also contain provisions relating to the manner in which any subscription or similar rights we offer to preferred shareholders of the relevant series will be made available to depositary shareholders.

Withdrawal of Stock

Upon surrender of depositary receipts at the depositary's office, the holder of the relevant depositary shares will be entitled to the number of whole shares of the related preferred stock series and any money or other property those depositary shares represent. Depositary shareholders will be entitled to receive whole shares of the related preferred stock series on the basis described in the applicable prospectus supplement, but holders of those whole preferred stock shares will not afterwards be entitled to receive depositary shares in exchange for their shares. If the depositary receipts the holder delivers evidence a depositary share number

exceeding the whole share number of the related preferred stock series to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to that holder a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares.

Redemption and Liquidation

The terms on which the depositary shares relating to the preferred stock of any series may be redeemed, and any amounts distributable upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Convertibility and Exchangeability

Shares of a series of preferred stock may be convertible or exchangeable into shares of our common stock, another series of preferred stock or other securities or property. The conversion or exchange may be mandatory or optional. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify whether the preferred stock being offered has any conversion or exchange features, and will describe all the related terms and conditions.

Voting

Upon receiving notice of any meeting at which preferred shareholders of any series are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in that notice to the record depositary shareholders relating to those series of preferred stock. Each depositary shareholder on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary on how to vote the shares of preferred stock underlying that holder's depositary shares. The depositary will vote the preferred stock shares underlying those depositary shares according to those instructions, and we will take reasonably necessary actions to enable the depositary to do so. If the depositary does not receive specific instructions from the depositary shareholders relating to that preferred stock, it will abstain from voting those preferred stock shares, unless otherwise discussed in the prospectus supplement.

Amendment and Termination of Deposit Agreement

We and the depositary may amend the depositary receipt form evidencing the depositary shares and the related deposit agreement. However, any amendment that significantly affects the rights of the depositary shareholders will not be effective unless holders of a majority of the outstanding depositary shares approve that amendment. We or the depositary may terminate a deposit agreement only if:


•	we have redeemed or reacquired all outstanding depositary shares relating to the deposit agreement;


•	all preferred stock of the relevant series has been withdrawn; or


•	there has been a final distribution in respect of the preferred stock of any series in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and such distribution has been made to the related depositary shareholders.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all charges of each depositary in connection with the initial deposit and any redemption of the preferred stock. Depositary shareholders will be required to pay any other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.

Title

We and each depositary and any of our respective agents may treat the registered owner of any depositary share as the absolute owner of that share, whether or not any payment in respect of that depositary share is overdue and despite any notice to the contrary, for any purpose.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

A depositary may resign at any time by issuing us a notice of resignation, and we may remove any depositary at any time by issuing it a notice of removal. Resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of appointment. That successor depositary must:


•	be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal;


•	be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States; and


•	have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

Miscellaneous

Each depositary will forward to the relevant depositary shareholders all our reports and communications that we are required to furnish to preferred shareholders of any series.

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if either of us is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under any deposit agreement. Our obligations and the obligations of each depositary under any deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of the duties under that agreement, and the depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock unless they are provided with satisfactory indemnity. Each depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, depositary shareholders or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, units or any combination of these securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts or units, and may be attached to or separate from those securities.

Warrant Agreements

Each series of warrants will be evidenced by certificates issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank that we select as warrant agent with respect to such series. The warrant agent will have its principal office in the U.S. and have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

Issuance In Series

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of warrants will mention the name and address of the warrant agent and describe the terms of the series of warrants, including:


•	the offering price;


•	the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;


•	the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each security or each principal amount of security;


•	the date on which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;


•	in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the principal amount of debt securities that can be purchased upon exercise, and the price for purchasing those debt securities;


•	in the case of warrants to purchase preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock, the number of depositary shares or shares of preferred stock or common stock, as the case may be, that can be purchased upon the exercise, and the price for purchasing those shares;


•	in the case of warrants to purchase units or purchase contracts upon exercise, the number and type of units or purchase contracts that can be purchased upon exercise, and the price of those securities;


•	the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;


•	material U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising those warrants;


•	the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of those warrants; and


•	any other terms of the warrants.

Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations, may be presented for transfer registration, and may be exercised at the warrant agent's corporate trust office or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the warrants are not separately transferable from the securities with which they were issued, this exchange may take place only if the certificates representing the related securities are also exchanged. Prior to warrant exercise, warrant holders will not have any rights as holders of the underlying securities, including the right to receive any principal, premium, interest, dividends, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise any voting rights.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities specified in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price mentioned in, or calculated as described in, the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the expiration date mentioned in that prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void. Other requirements and procedures for the exercise of warrants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Antidilution Provisions

As will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, the exercise price payable and the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon warrant exercise may be adjusted in certain events, including:


•	the issuance of a stock dividend to common shareholders or a combination, subdivision or reclassification of common stock;


•	the issuance of rights, purchase contracts, warrants or options to all common and preferred shareholders entitling them to purchase common stock for an aggregate consideration per share less than the current market price per share of common stock;


•	distribution to our common shareholders of evidences of our indebtedness of assets, excluding cash dividends or distributions referred to above; and


•	other events mentioned in the prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, no adjustment in the number of shares or securities purchasable upon warrant exercise will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% of such number. No fractional shares will be issued upon warrant exercise, but we will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable.

Modification

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the circumstances under which we and any warrant agent may modify any warrant agreement and the terms of the related warrants without first obtaining consent from warrant holders, and describe the circumstances under which we and any warrant agent will not be permitted to modify any warrant agreement and the terms of the related warrants unless we first obtain consent from warrant holders.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

Unless provided otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, each warrant agreement will provide that we may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any other corporation. However, any successor or acquirer of such assets must assume all of our obligations under the relevant warrant agreement and for the unexercised warrants, as appropriate, and we or that successor corporation must not immediately be in default under that warrant agreement.

Enforceability of Rights By Holders of Warrants

Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the relevant warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for any warrant holder. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case we default in performing our obligations under the relevant warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any legal proceedings or to make any demand upon us. Any warrant holder may, without the warrant agent's consent or the consent of any other warrant holder, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise that warrant.

Replacement of Warrant Certificates

We will replace any destroyed, lost, stolen or mutilated warrant certificate upon delivery to us and the relevant warrant agent of satisfactory evidence of the ownership of that warrant certificate and of its destruction, loss, theft or mutilation, and (in the case of mutilation) surrender of that warrant certificate to the relevant warrant agent, unless we have, or the warrant agent has, received notice that the warrant certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser. That warrant holder will also be required to provide indemnity satisfactory to us and the relevant warrant agent before a replacement warrant certificate will be issued.

Title

We and the warrant agents and any of our respective agents may treat the registered holder of any warrant certificate as the absolute owner of the warrants evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the warrants, despite any notice to the contrary.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us and us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares at a future date or dates. Alternatively, the stock purchase contracts may obligate us to purchase from holders, and obligate holders to sell to us, a specified or varying number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares. The consideration per share of common stock or preferred stock or per depositary share may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by a specific reference to a formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may provide for settlement by delivery by us or on our behalf of shares of the underlying security, or they may provide for settlement by reference or linkage to the value, performance or trading price of the underlying security. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of stock purchase units consisting of a stock purchase contract and debt securities, preferred stock or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, other stock purchase contracts or common stock, or other securities or property, securing the holders' obligations to purchase or sell, as the case may be, the common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other security or property under the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis and may be paid on a current or on a deferred basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations thereunder in a specified manner and may provide for the prepayment of all or part of the consideration payable by holders in connection with the purchase of the underlying security or other property pursuant to the stock purchase contracts.

The securities related to the stock purchase contracts may be pledged to a collateral agent for our benefit pursuant to a pledge agreement to secure the obligations of holders of stock purchase contracts to purchase the underlying security or property under the related stock purchase contracts. The rights of holders of stock purchase contracts to the related pledged securities will be subject to our security interest therein created by the pledge agreement. No holder of stock purchase contracts will be permitted to withdraw the pledged securities related to such stock purchase contracts from the pledge arrangement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material terms of the purchase contracts, including:


•	the amount and type of securities called for by the purchase contracts;


•	the period during which and the price at which the purchase contracts are exercisable;


•	provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price; and


•	any other material terms of the purchase contracts.

This description is not complete and the description in the prospectus supplement will not necessarily be complete, and reference is made to the purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements relating to the purchase contracts, which will be filed with the SEC each time we issue purchase contracts.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. treasury securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The prospectus supplement will describe:


•	the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be held or transferred separately;


•	the terms of any unit agreement governing the units;


•	the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units; and


•	whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The descriptions of the units and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depositary arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the units. We will make copies of the relevant agreements available as described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" below.

FORM OF SECURITIES

We may issue any securities offered in certificated form, book-entry form only, or in the form of one or more global securities, as appropriate. Although this prospectus generally describes the form in which we intend to issue any of the offered securities, the form of any securities offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The securities being offered by this prospectus may be sold by us:


•	through agents;


•	to or through underwriters;


•	through broker-dealers (acting as agent or principal);


•	directly by us to purchasers, through a specific bidding or auction process or otherwise;


•	through a combination of any such methods of sale; and/or


•	through any other methods described in a prospectus supplement.

The distribution of securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including block transactions and transactions on the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other organized market where the securities may be traded. The securities may be sold at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The consideration may be cash or another form negotiated by the parties. Agents, underwriters or broker-dealers may be paid compensation for offering and selling the securities. That compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions to be received from us or from the purchasers of the securities. Dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and compensation received by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts. If such dealers or agents were deemed to be underwriters, they may be subject to statutory liabilities under the Securities Act.

Agents may from time to time solicit offers to purchase the securities. If required, we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and set forth any compensation payable to the agent. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any agent selling the securities covered by this prospectus may be deemed to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the Securities Act) of the securities.

If underwriters are used in a sale, securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or under delayed delivery contracts or other contractual commitments. Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale of securities, an underwriting agreement will be executed with the underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for the sale is reached. The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriter or underwriters, with respect to a particular underwritten offering of securities, and will set forth the terms of the transactions, including compensation of the underwriters and dealers and the public offering price, if applicable. The prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement will be used by the underwriters to resell the securities.

If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities, we or an underwriter will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. To the extent required, we will set forth in the prospectus supplement the name of the dealer and the terms of the transactions.

We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities and we may make sales of securities directly to institutional investors or others. These persons may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale of the securities. To the extent required, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any such sales, including the terms of any bidding or auction process, if used.

We may enter into derivative or hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with such a transaction, the third parties may sell securities covered by and pursuant to this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.

Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against specified liabilities, including liabilities incurred under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us to payments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities. If required, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms and conditions of such indemnification or contribution. Some of the agents, underwriters or dealers, or their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

Under the securities laws of some states, the securities offered by this prospectus may be sold in those states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

Any person participating in the distribution of common stock registered under the registration statement that includes this prospectus will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, and the applicable SEC rules and regulations, including, among others, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of our common stock by any such person. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of our common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to our common stock. These restrictions may affect the marketability of our common stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to our common stock.

Certain persons participating in an offering may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the offered securities. If any such activities will occur, they will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

LEGAL MATTERS

In connection with particular offerings of our securities in the future, and unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Additional legal matters may be passed on for us, or any underwriters, dealers or agents, by counsel that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Chemical Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, appearing in Chemical Financial Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, which reports have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement by inclusion of such reports in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. This information may be read and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The material may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC's home page on the Internet at www.sec.gov or through our website at www.chemicalbankmi.com. Our website is not incorporated into or otherwise a part of this prospectus or any of our other securities filings.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Any statement contained in a document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus is automatically updated and superseded if information contained in this prospectus, or information that we later file with the SEC, modifies or replaces this information. All documents we file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than information in Current Reports on Form 8-K furnished pursuant to items 2.02, 7.01 or otherwise, as the case may be, of such form), after the initial filing of this registration statement and until termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following previously filed documents:


•	our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016;


•	our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2017;


•	our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2017 and April 28, 2017 (excluding those portions of such Current Reports and any exhibits thereto that were furnished to, and not filed with, the SEC); and


•	the description of our capital stock as set forth in our Form S-3 Registration Statement filed June 12, 2014, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

You may obtain a copy of these filings and any other filings incorporated by reference at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

Chemical Financial Corporation

235 E. Main Street

Midland, Michigan 48640

(989) 839-5350

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Purchase Contracts

Units

PROSPECTUS

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS



Item 14.	Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting compensation, are set forth in the following table.



	Amount
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee		*
Legal Fees and Expenses		**
Accounting Fees and Expenses		**
Printing and Engraving Expenses		**
Rating Agency Fees		**
Trustee Fees and Expenses		**
Miscellaneous		**

Total		**



*	In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, Chemical Financial Corporation is deferring payment of the registration fee.
**	These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and, accordingly, cannot be calculated at this time.



Item 15.	Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Chemical is obligated under its Restated Articles of Incorporation and its Bylaws to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents and persons who serve or have served at the request of Chemical as directors, officers, employees, agents or partners of another corporation or other enterprise to the fullest extent permitted under the MBCA.

Sections 561 through 571 of the MBCA contain provisions governing the indemnification of directors and officers by Michigan corporations. That statute provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of an action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Indemnification of expenses (including attorneys' fees) and amounts paid in settlement is permitted in derivative actions, except that indemnification is not allowed for any claim, issue or matter in which such person has been found liable to the corporation unless and to the extent that a court decides indemnification is proper. To the extent that a director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of an action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of a claim, issue or matter in the action, suit or proceeding, the corporation shall indemnify him or her against actual and reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, and any action, suit or proceeding brought to enforce the mandatory indemnification provided under the MBCA. The MBCA permits partial indemnification for a portion of expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent the person is entitled to indemnification for less than the total amount.

A determination that the person to be indemnified meets the applicable standard of conduct and an evaluation of the reasonableness of the expenses incurred and amounts paid in settlement shall be made: (i) by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors who were not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (ii) if a quorum cannot be so obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of not less than two directors who are not, at the time, parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (iii) by independent legal counsel; (iv) by all independent directors not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; or (v) by the shareholders (excluding shares held by interested directors, officers, employees or agents). An authorization for payment of indemnification may be made by: (a) the board of directors by (i) a majority vote of two or more directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, (ii) a majority vote of a committee of two or more directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, (iii) a majority vote of one or more "independent directors" who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, or (iv) if the corporation lacks the appropriate persons for alternatives (i) through (iii), by a majority vote of the entire board of directors; or (b) the shareholders. Under the MBCA, Chemical may indemnify a director without a determination that the director has met the applicable standard of conduct unless the director received a financial benefit to which he or she was not entitled, intentionally inflicted harm on the corporation or its shareholders, violated Section 551 of the MBCA (which prohibits certain dividends, distributions and loans to insiders of the corporation), or intentionally committed a criminal act. A director may file for a court determination of the propriety of indemnification in any of the situations set forth in the preceding sentence.

In certain circumstances, the MBCA further permits advances to cover such expenses before a final disposition of the proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking, which need not be secured and which may be accepted without reference to the financial ability of the person to make repayment, by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct. If a provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, a resolution of the board or shareholders, or an agreement makes indemnification mandatory, then the advancement of expenses is also mandatory, unless the provision, resolution or agreement specifically provides otherwise.

The indemnification provisions of the MBCA are not exclusive of the rights to indemnification under a corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by agreement. However, the total amount of expenses advanced or indemnified from all sources combined may not exceed the amount of actual expenses incurred by the person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses. The indemnification provided for under the MBCA continues as to a person who ceases to be a director, officer, employee or agent.

The MBCA permits Chemical to purchase insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents against liabilities arising out of their positions with Chemical, whether or not such liabilities would be within the above indemnification provisions. Pursuant to this authority, Chemical maintains such insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents.



Item 16.	Exhibits:

The exhibits filed as part of this registration statement are as follows:



Exhibits:

1.1	Form of Underwriting Agreement.*

4.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2017. Here incorporated by reference.



4.2	Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. Here incorporated by reference.

4.3	Form of Senior Debt Indenture.

4.4	Form of Subordinated Debt Indenture.

4.5	Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.3).

4.6	Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.4).

4.7	Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Preferred Stock.*

4.8	Form of Deposit Agreement for Depositary Shares (including form of depositary receipt).*

4.9	Form of Warrant Agreement (including form of warrant certificate).*

4.10	Form of Purchase Contract.*

4.11	Form of Unit Agreement (including form of unit certificate).*

4.12	Long-Term Debt. The registrant has outstanding long-term debt which at the time of tis registration does not exceed 10% of the registrant's total consolidated assets. The registrant agrees to furnish copies of the agreements defining the rights of holders of such long-term debt to the SEC upon request.

5.1	Opinion of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.

12.1	Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

23.1	Consent of KPMG LLP.

23.2	Consent of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).

24.1	Powers of Attorney.

25.1	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, under the Senior Debt Indenture.**

25.2	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, under the Subordinated Debt Indenture.**



*	To be filed, if necessary, by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.
**	To be filed separately pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, if applicable.



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;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the 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 the 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 Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 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 the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the 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 purpose 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 that 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 the 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 the 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 the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the 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 the 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 the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange 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 the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the 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, the 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.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes 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 Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, 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 Midland, State of Michigan, on May 10, 2017.



		CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

		By:	/s/ David B. Ramaker
			David B. Ramaker Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



Signature	Title	Date

/s/ David B. Ramaker	Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)	May 10, 2017
David B. Ramaker

/s/ Dennis L. Klaeser	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)	May 10, 2017
Dennis L. Klaeser

The following directors of Chemical Financial Corporation, which constitute at least a majority of the board of directors, executed a power of attorney appointing David B. Ramaker and Dennis L. Klaeser their attorneys-in-fact, empowering them to sign this registration statement on their behalf.



James R. Fitterling
Ronald A. Klein
Richard M. Lievense
Barbara J. Mahone
John E. Pelizzari
David T. Provost
Larry D. Stauffer
Jeffrey L. Tate
Gary Torgow
Arthur A. Weiss
Franklin C. Wheatlake



By	/s/ Dennis L. Klaeser
	Dennis L. Klaeser Attorney-in-Fact

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibits:

1.1	Form of Underwriting Agreement.*

4.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2017. Here incorporated by reference.

4.2	Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. Here incorporated by reference.

4.3	Form of Senior Debt Indenture.

4.4	Form of Subordinated Debt Indenture.

4.5	Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.3).

4.6	Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.4).

4.7	Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Preferred Stock.*

4.8	Form of Deposit Agreement for Depositary Shares (including form of depositary receipt).*

4.9	Form of Warrant Agreement (including form of warrant certificate).*

4.10	Form of Purchase Contract.*

4.11	Form of Unit Agreement (including form of unit certificate).*

4.12	Long-Term Debt. The registrant has outstanding long-term debt which at the time of this registration statement does not exceed 10% of the registrant's total consolidated assets. The registrant agrees to furnish copies of the agreements defining the rights of holders of such long-term debt to the SEC upon request.

5.1	Opinion of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.

12.1	Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

23.1	Consent of KPMG LLP.

23.2	Consent of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).

24.1	Powers of Attorney.

25.1	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, under the Senior Debt Indenture.**

25.2	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, under the Subordinated Debt Indenture.**



*	To be filed, if necessary, by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.
**	To be filed separately pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, if applicable.