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filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2006.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
STEELCASE INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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MICHIGAN
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38-0819050 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization)
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Identification Number) |
901-44th Street SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508
(616) 247-2710
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
Jon D. Botsford, Esq.
Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
901-44th Street SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508
(616) 247-2710
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Brian W. Duwe, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 407-0700
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement as determined by the
registrant.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.
o
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. þ
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. o
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. o
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. þ
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. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Amount to be registered/ |
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Proposed maximum offering price per unit/ |
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Title of Each Class of
Securities |
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Proposed maximum offering price/ |
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To be Registered
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Amount of registration fee
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Debt Securities |
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(1 |
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Preferred Stock |
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Class A Common Stock |
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Warrants |
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Stock Purchase Contracts |
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Stock Purchase Units |
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(1) |
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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 issued 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 exercise, conversion or exchange of other
securities or that are issued in units. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the
registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fees, except for $38,187.38 that
may be offset pursuant to Rule 457(p) for fees paid with respect to the unsold portion of the
$301,400,000 aggregate initial offering price of securities that were previously registered
pursuant to Registration Statement No. 333-119757, initially
filed on October 14, 2004. |
Prospectus
Steelcase Inc.
Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Class A Common Stock
Warrants
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units
Steelcase Inc. may offer, from time to time, debt securities, preferred stock, Class A
common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units. In addition, selling
shareholders to be named in a prospectus supplement may offer, from time to time, shares of
Steelcase Inc. Class A common stock.
We will provide the specific terms of any offering and the offered securities in supplements
to this prospectus. Any prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained
in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement
carefully before you make your investment decision.
This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus
supplement which will describe the method and terms of the offering.
Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol
SCS.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission or any other
regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus or
the accompanying prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary
is a criminal offense.
The
date of this prospectus is February 1, 2006.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to
Steelcase, we, our, us or similar references are to Steelcase Inc. and its consolidated
subsidiaries.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a shelf registration process. Under this shelf
registration process, (1) Steelcase may, from time to time, sell any combination of debt
securities, preferred stock, Class A common stock, warrants, stock purchase contracts and stock
purchase units, as described in this prospectus, in one or more offerings and (2) selling
shareholders to be named in a prospectus supplement may, from time to time, sell Class A common
stock in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the
securities that Steelcase may offer. Each time that securities are sold, a prospectus supplement
containing specific information about the terms of that offering will be provided. The prospectus
supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read
both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described
under the heading Where You Can Find More Information.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you
should not rely on it. Steelcase and the selling shareholders are not making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
You should assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of
this prospectus. Our principal executive offices are located at 901-44th Street, SE, Grand Rapids,
Michigan 49508, and our telephone number is (616) 247-2710.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The public may read and
copy any materials we file with the SEC, including the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part, at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 2521,
Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers
that file electronically with the SEC, including Steelcase. Our Class A common stock is listed and
traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the trading symbol SCS. Our reports,
proxy statements and other information can also be read at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005. General information about Steelcase, 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.steelcase.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.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows incorporation by reference into this prospectus of information that we file
with the SEC. This permits us to disclose important information to you by referencing these filed
documents. Any information referenced this way is considered part of this prospectus, and any
information filed by us with the SEC and incorporated herein by reference subsequent to the date of
this prospectus will
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automatically be deemed to update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference
the following documents which have been filed with the SEC:
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended February 25, 2005; |
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended May 27, 2005; |
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended August 26, 2005; |
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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended November 25, 2005; |
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Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 23, 2005; and |
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Current Reports on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2005, March 28, 2005, March 30,
2005 (with respect to Item 4.02 only), May 25, 2005, May 26, 2005, July 28, 2005,
August 24, 2005, November 22, 2005 and January 30, 2006. |
All documents filed by us under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from
the date of this prospectus until the sale of all securities registered hereunder or the
termination of the registration statement shall be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus by
reference. Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superceded for purposes of this
prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently filed document which is or
is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supercedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superceded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superceded, to
constitute a part of this prospectus.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the
following address or telephone number:
Steelcase Inc.
901-44th Street SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508
Attention: Steelcase Investor Relations
Phone: (616) 247-2200
E-mail: ir@steelcase.com
Exhibits to the filings will not be sent, unless those exhibits have been specifically
incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this
prospectus as well as in other written reports and oral statements, we discuss our expectations
regarding future events. Statements and financial discussion and analysis contained herein and in
the documents incorporated by reference herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results
of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on current
beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us.
Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as anticipate, believe,
could, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, possible, potential, predict,
project or other similar words, phrases or expressions. Although we believe these forward-looking
statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of
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assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be
inaccurate.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to vary. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
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competitive and general economic conditions and uncertainty domestically
and internationally; |
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delayed or lost sales and other impacts related to acts of terrorism, acts
of war or governmental action, acts of God and other Force Majure events; |
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changes in domestic or international laws, rules or regulations, including
the impact of changed environmental laws, rules or regulations; |
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major disruptions at our key facilities or in the supply of any key raw
materials, components or finished goods; |
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competitive pricing pressure; |
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pricing changes made by us or our competitors or suppliers, including
fluctuations in raw material and component costs; |
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currency fluctuations; |
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changes in customer demand and order patterns; |
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changes in the financial stability of our customers, dealers (including
changes in their ability to pay for products and services, dealer financing and other
amounts owed to us) or suppliers; |
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changes in relationships with our customers, suppliers, employees and dealers; |
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changes in the mix of products sold and of customers purchasing (including large project business); |
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the success of new product launches (including customer acceptance and
product and delivery performance), current product innovations, services and platform
simplification, and their impact on our manufacturing processes; |
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the success of our investment in certain ventures; |
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our ability to successfully implement list price increases and manage price
yields and reduce our costs, including actions such as global supply chain management,
strategic outsourcing, workforce reduction, facility rationalization, disposition of
excess assets (including real estate) at more than book value, production
consolidation, reduction of business complexity and culling products; |
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our ability to successfully implement technology initiatives, integrate
acquired businesses, migrate to a less vertically integrated manufacturing model,
implement lean manufacturing principles, initiate and manage alliances, resolve certain
contract-related contingent liabilities, manage consolidated dealers and implement
distribution channel changes; |
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possible acquisitions or divestitures by us; |
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changes in our business strategies and decisions; and |
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other risks detailed in our filings with the SEC. |
The factors identified above are believed to be important factors, but not necessarily
all of the
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important factors, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed
in any forward-looking statement. Unpredictable or unknown factors could also have material adverse
effects on us. All forward-looking statements included in this prospectus and in the documents
incorporated by reference herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing
cautionary statements. Except as required by law, rule or regulation, we undertake no obligation to
update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events, or otherwise.
You should carefully consider all the information in or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement prior to investing in our securities.
Additional risk factors may be included in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series
or offering of securities.
STEELCASE INC.
We are the worlds largest designer and manufacturer of products used to create
high-performance work environments. We help individuals and organizations around the world to work
more effectively by providing knowledge, products and services that enable customers and their
consultants to create work environments that integrate architecture, furniture and technology.
Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we have led the global office
furniture industry in sales every year since 1974. Our product portfolio includes interior
architectural products, furniture systems, technology products, seating, lighting, storage and
related products and services.
Our principal executive offices are located at 901- 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan
49508, and our telephone number is (616) 247-2710.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or other offering material,
we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes. We
will not receive proceeds from sales of our Class A common stock by selling shareholders except as
may otherwise be stated in an applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities
As used in this prospectus, debt securities means the debentures, notes, bonds and other
evidences of indebtedness that we may issue from time to time. The debt securities will either be
senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Senior debt securities will be issued
pursuant to an indenture to be entered into between Steelcase and J. P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A.,
or another trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement, or the senior indenture, a form of which
is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The
subordinated debt securities will be issued pursuant to an indenture to be entered into between
Steelcase and J. P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A., or another trustee to be named in a prospectus
supplement, or the subordinated indenture, a form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The senior indenture and the
subordinated indenture are collectively referred to in this prospectus as the indentures.
The statements and descriptions in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement regarding
provisions of the indentures and debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the
provisions of the indentures and the debt securities, including the definitions therein of certain
terms.
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The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are substantially identical, except that
(1) the subordinated indenture, unlike the senior indenture, provides for debt securities that are
specifically made junior in right of payment to other specified debt of Steelcase as described
under Subordination Under the Subordinated Indenture, and (2) the senior indenture, unlike the
subordinated indenture, restricts the ability of Steelcase and its restricted subsidiaries to issue
any secured debt or enter into sale and lease-back transactions as described under
Covenants
Applicable to the Senior Debt Securities-Limitation on Liens
and Covenants Applicable to the
Senior Debt Securities-Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions, respectively. Neither the
senior indenture nor the subordinated indenture limit the aggregate principal amount of debt
securities that Steelcase may issue from time to time.
General Terms of the Debt Securities
The debt securities of any series will be Steelcases direct, unsecured obligations. Senior
debt securities of any series will be Steelcases unsubordinated obligations and rank equally with
all of Steelcases other unsecured and unsubordinated debt, including any other series of debt
securities issued under the senior indenture. Subordinated debt securities of any series will be
junior in right of payment to Steelcases senior indebtedness as defined, and described more fully,
under Subordination Under the Subordinated Indenture. In the event that our secured creditors,
if any, exercise their rights with respect to our assets pledged to them, our secured creditors
would be entitled to be repaid in full from the proceeds of those assets before those proceeds
would be available for distribution to our other creditors, including the holders of debt
securities of any series.
Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent
or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the debt securities of any series or to make any
funds available to Steelcase, whether by dividend, loans or other payments. Therefore, the assets
of Steelcases subsidiaries will be subject to the prior claims of all creditors of those
subsidiaries, including trade creditors and the lenders under our senior credit facility to the
extent our subsidiaries guarantee the debt thereunder. The payment of dividends or the making of
loans or advances to Steelcase by its subsidiaries may be subject to contractual, statutory or
regulatory restrictions, are contingent upon the earnings of those subsidiaries and are subject to
various business considerations.
The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that Steelcase
may issue and provide that Steelcase may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more
series. Steelcase may, from time to time, without giving notice to or seeking the consent of the
holders of any debt securities of any series, issue additional debt securities having the same
ranking, interest rate, maturity and other terms as the debt securities of that series. Any
additional debt securities having such similar terms, together with the outstanding debt securities
of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable indenture.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be
listed on any securities exchange.
Prospectus Supplements
We will provide a prospectus supplement to accompany this prospectus for each series of debt
securities we offer. In the prospectus supplement, we will describe the following terms of the
series of debt securities which we are offering, to the extent applicable:
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the title of the debt securities of the series; |
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whether the debt securities of the series are senior or subordinated; |
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whether the subordination provisions summarized below or different
subordination provisions will apply to any subordinated debt securities of the series; |
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any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series; |
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the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities of the series is payable; |
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the place or places where payments will be made; |
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the rate or rates at which the debt securities of the series shall bear
interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any; |
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the date or dates from which any interest shall accrue, the interest
payment dates on which any interest will be payable or the manner of determination of
such interest payment dates and the record date for the determination of holders to
whom interest is payable on any interest payment dates; |
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the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration
of such extension; |
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the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the
terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole
or in part, at our option; |
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the obligation, if any, of us to redeem or purchase debt securities of the
series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions, including payments made in
cash in participation of future sinking fund obligations, or at the option of a holder
thereof, and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the
terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series shall be redeemed or
purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; |
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the form of the debt securities of the series, including the form of the
certificate of authentication for the series; |
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if other than denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any
integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the debt securities of the series
shall be issuable; |
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whether the debt securities are issuable as global securities and, in such
case, the identity of the depositary for such series; |
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if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal
amount of debt securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof in connection with an event of default (as
described below); |
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any additional or different events of default or restrictive covenants
provided for with respect to the debt securities of the series; |
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any provisions granting special rights to holders when a specified event
occurs; |
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if other than such coin or currency of the United States of America as at
the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public or private debts, the coin or
currency or currency unit in which payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or
interest on the debt securities of the series shall be payable; |
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the application, if any, of the terms of the indentures relating to
defeasance or covenant defeasance (as described below); and |
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any and all other terms with respect to the debt securities of the series,
including any terms which may be required by or advisable under any laws or regulations
or advisable in connection with the marketing of debt securities of the series. |
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities will
be issued in fully-registered form without coupons.
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Holders of the debt securities may present their securities for exchange and may present
registered debt securities for transfer in the manner described in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount,
bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and special
considerations applicable to any such debt securities. The debt securities may also be issued as
indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies, currency units or composite
currencies, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any of the
particular debt securities.
The prospectus supplement relating to specific debt securities will also describe any special
considerations and tax considerations applicable to such debt securities.
Global Debt Securities
We may issue registered debt securities in global form. This means that one global debt
security would be issued to represent a number of registered debt securities. The denomination of
the global debt security would equal the aggregate principal amount of all registered debt
securities represented by that global debt security.
We will deposit any registered debt securities issued in global form with a depositary, or
with a nominee of the depositary, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. Any
person holding an interest in the global debt security through the depositary will be considered
the beneficial owner of that interest. A beneficial owner of a security is able to enjoy rights
associated with ownership of the security, even though the beneficial owner is not recognized as
the legal owner of the security. The interest of a beneficial owner in the security is considered
the beneficial interest. We will register the debt securities in the name of the depositary or
the nominee of the depository, as appropriate.
Each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the
procedures of the depositary for the registered global security and, if that person owns through a
participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns its interest, to
exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture.
We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders of
debt securities or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to
give or take any action which a holder of debt securities is entitled to give or take under the
applicable indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the
participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take the action, and the
participants would authorize the beneficial owners owning through participants to give or take the
action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of the beneficial owners owning through them.
We will make payments of principal, any premium and any interest on a registered global
security to the depositary or its nominee. We expect that the depositary or its nominee for any
registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, any premium or any interest
in respect of the registered global security, will immediately credit participants accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the registered global
security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that standing customer
instructions and customary practices will govern payments by participants to owners of beneficial
interests in the registered global security owned through participants.
Under the terms of the indentures, we and the applicable trustee will treat the depositary or
its nominee as the owner of the registered global security for the purpose of receiving payments
and for all
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other purposes. Consequently, neither we, the trustee under the applicable indenture nor any
of our agents will have any responsibility or liability for:
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any aspect of the records of the depositary, its nominee or any direct or
indirect participant relating to, or payment made on account of, beneficial ownership
interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records of the depositary, its nominee or any direct or indirect
participant relating to, or payments made on account of, the beneficial ownership
interests; or |
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the depositary, its nominee or any direct or indirect participants. |
If (1) the depositary for any series of debt securities notifies us that it is no longer
willing or able to act as a depositary or clearing system for the debt securities or the depositary
ceases to be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary or
clearing system is not appointed within 90 days after we have received notice or become aware of
this condition, (2) we, at our option, notify the applicable trustee in writing that we elect to
cause the issuance of debt securities in certificated form under the applicable indenture or (3)
upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default under an indenture, then, upon
surrender of the depositary of the registered global debt securities, certificated debt securities
will be issued to each person that the depositary identifies to us as the owner of the debt
securities represented by the global debt securities. Upon any such issuance, the applicable
trustee is required to register the certificated notes in the name of the person or persons or the
nominee of any of these persons and cause the same to be delivered to these persons. Neither we,
the applicable trustee nor our agents will be liable for any delay by the depositary, its nominee
or any direct or indirect participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the debt securities,
and each such person may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions
from the depositary for all purposes, including with respect to the registration and delivery, and
the respective principal amounts of, the certificated debt securities to be issued.
Unless certificated notes are issued, a global security of a series may be transferred, in
whole but not in part, only to another nominee of the depositary for the series, or to a successor
depositary for the series selected and approved by Steelcase or to a nominee of such successor
depositary.
Covenants Applicable to the Debt Securities
Other than as described below, the indentures do not contain any provisions that would offer
protection to security holders in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar occurrence.
In addition, other than as set forth below with respect to limitation on liens and sale and
lease-back transactions under the senior indenture as described under
Covenants Applicable to
the Senior Debt Securities, the indentures do not contain any provisions that would limit our
ability to incur indebtedness or that would offer protection to security holders in the event of a
ratings downgrade, a sudden and significant decline in our credit quality or a highly leveraged
transaction.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
Nothing contained in the indentures prevents any consolidation or merger of Steelcase with or
into any other entity or entities (whether or not affiliated with Steelcase), or successive
consolidations or mergers in which Steelcase or any of its successors is a party, or will prevent
any sale, conveyance, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
property of Steelcase or any of its successors, to any other entity (whether or not affiliated with
Steelcase or its successors) authorized to acquire and operate the same; provided, however, that
upon any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, lease, transfer or other disposition, the
due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all of the debt
securities and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants and conditions
of the indentures with respect to the debt securities or established with respect
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to any series of debt securities to be kept or performed by Steelcase (or such successor) will
be expressly assumed by supplemental indentures satisfactory in form to the applicable trustee
executed and delivered to such trustee by the entity formed by such consolidation (if other than
Steelcase), or into which Steelcase (or such successor) will have been merged, or by the entity
which will have acquired such property.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, lease, transfer or other
disposition and upon the assumption by the successor entity, by supplemental indenture, executed
and delivered to the applicable trustee and satisfactory in form to such trustee, of the due and
punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all of the debt securities
outstanding and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of the
indentures or established with respect to any series of debt securities pursuant to the indentures
to be performed by Steelcase, such successor entity will succeed to and be substituted for
Steelcase with the same effect as if it had been named as Steelcase in the indentures, and the
predecessor entity will be relieved of all obligations and covenants under the indentures and the
debt securities. After that time, all of our obligations under the debt securities and the
indentures terminate.
If, as a result of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, lease, transfer or other
disposition, properties or assets of Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary (as defined below) would
become subject to any lien which would not be permitted by the covenant described below under
"Covenants Applicable to the Senior Debt Securities-Limitation on Liens without equally and
ratably securing the senior debt securities, Steelcase or the Restricted Subsidiary, or such
successor person, as the case may be, will take the steps as are necessary to secure effectively
the senior debt securities equally and ratably with, or prior to, all indebtedness secured by those
liens as described below.
Events of Default
The following are events of default under the indentures with respect to a series of debt
securities:
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Steelcase defaults in the payment of any installment of interest upon any
of the debt securities of that series, as and when the same shall become due and
payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; provided, however,
that a valid extension of an interest payment period in accordance with the terms of
the debt securities of that series shall not constitute a default in the payment of
interest for this purpose; |
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Steelcase defaults in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any,
on, any of the debt securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and
payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or in any
payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that
series; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such debt
securities in accordance with the terms of the debt securities of that series shall not
constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any, for this purpose; |
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Steelcase fails to observe or perform any other of its covenants or
agreements with respect to that series of debt securities contained in the applicable
indenture or otherwise established with respect to that series of debt securities
(other than a covenant or agreement that has been expressly included in the applicable
indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of debt securities other than
such series) for a period of 60 days after the date on which written notice of such
failure shall have been received from the applicable trustee or from the holders of at
least 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of that series; or |
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certain events of Steelcases bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization,
whether voluntary or not. |
If an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities occurs and is
continuing, the applicable trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding debt
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securities of that series may declare that series of debt securities due and payable
immediately. In case of an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities resulting
from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified
amount) and premium, if any, of all outstanding debt securities of any series will become and be
immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act by the applicable trustee or any
holder of outstanding debt securities of any series. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind any such
acceleration with respect to the debt securities of that series and its consequences.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series
may waive any default or event of default with respect to any series of debt securities and its
consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, any premium or
interest. A waiver will eliminate the default.
If an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities occurs and is continuing,
the applicable trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under
the applicable indenture, unless the holders of the debt securities of that series have offered the
applicable trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of debt
securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on such trustee, provided that:
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such proceeding or exercise is not in conflict with any law or the
applicable indenture; |
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the applicable trustee may take any other action deemed proper by it that
is not inconsistent with directions from the holders; and |
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unless otherwise provided under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or the
TIA, the applicable trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal
liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding. |
A holder of debt securities of any series will only have the right to institute a
proceeding under the applicable indenture or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other
remedies if:
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the holder has given written notice to the applicable trustee of a
continuing event of default; |
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the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request; |
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those holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the applicable trustee
to institute proceedings as trustee; and |
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the applicable trustee does not institute a proceeding and does not receive
conflicting directions within 60 days. |
These limitations do not apply to a suit brought by a holder of debt securities of any
series if Steelcase defaults in the payment of the principal, any premium or interest on such debt
securities. Any right of a holder of the debt securities of that series to receive payments of the
principal of, and premium, if any, and any interest on debt securities of that series on or after
the due dates expressed in the debt securities of that series and to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment on or after such dates will not be impaired or affected without the
consent of such holder.
Steelcase will periodically file statements with the trustees regarding its compliance with
the covenants in the indentures.
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Modification of Indentures
Steelcase and the applicable trustee may change either indenture without the consent of any
holder of debt securities to:
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fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the applicable indenture; |
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evidence the succession of another corporation to Steelcase and the
assumption by such party of the obligations of Steelcase pursuant to the successor
obligor provisions of either indenture; |
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provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities; |
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add to the covenants of Steelcase for the benefit of all or any series of debt securities; |
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add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions
on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of
debt securities set forth in either indenture; |
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change anything that does not materially and adversely affect the interests
of the holders of debt securities of any series; |
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provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions
of the debt securities of any series, establish the form of any certifications required
or add to the rights of any holders of any series of debt securities; |
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secure the senior debt securities pursuant to the limitations on lien covenant; |
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add any additional events of default; |
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change or eliminate any of the provisions of either indenture; provided
that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there are no debt
securities of any series outstanding under the applicable indenture created prior to
such change or elimination which is entitled to the benefit of such provision; |
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provide for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the debt
securities of one or more series; or |
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comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the
qualification of the indentures under the TIA. |
In addition, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the debt securities of each series affected, Steelcase and the applicable
trustee may add to, change or eliminate any provisions of the applicable indenture. However, the
following changes may only be made with the consent of each affected holder:
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extending the fixed maturity of any debt securities of any series; |
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reducing the principal amount of any debt securities of any series; |
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reducing the rate or extending the time of payment of interest of any debt securities of any series; |
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reducing any premium payable upon redemption of any debt securities of any series; |
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with respect to any subordinated debt securities of any series, amending or
modifying any provision or related definition affecting the subordination or ranking of
the subordinated debt securities of any series in any manner adverse to the holders of
that series of subordinated debt securities; or |
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reducing the percentage of debt securities outstanding required to consent
to any amendment to the applicable indenture or to the debt securities of any series. |
No particular form of supplemental indenture is required for any amendment. Promptly
after the execution of any supplemental indenture, the applicable trustee will mail a notice
setting forth in general terms the substance of the supplemental indenture to the holders of debt
securities of all series affected.
Failure on the part of such trustee to mail the notice will not affect the validity of the
supplemental indenture.
Satisfaction and Discharge
The applicable indenture will cease to be of further effect with respect to the debt
securities of any series, except as may otherwise be provided in such indenture, if at any time (i)
we have delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation all authenticated debt securities of
the series (other than destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities and debt securities for whose
payment money has been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by us as provided by the
applicable indenture) or (ii) all debt securities of the series not delivered to the applicable
trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and
payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the applicable trustee for the giving of notice for redemption, and we deposit with
the applicable trustee as trust funds, cash or government securities which through the payment of
principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient
to pay the principal and any premium and interest on all debt securities of the series and all
other sums payable by us under the applicable indenture in connection with all debt securities of
the series. This type of a trust may only be established if, among other things, Steelcase has
delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel meeting the requirements set forth in the
applicable indenture.
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
Each indenture provides that, subject to conditions specified in the indenture, we may elect
either:
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legal defeasance with respect to the debt securities of any series, whereby
we are discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities of
any series, except as may be otherwise provided in the indenture; or |
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covenant defeasance with respect to the debt securities of any series,
whereby we are released from our obligations (1) if the debt securities of the series
are senior debt securities, from our obligations described below under Covenants
Applicable to the Senior Debt Securities if applicable to the debt securities of the
series and our obligation described in the last paragraph under Merger,
Consolidation or Sale of Assets if applicable to the debt securities of the series and
(2) under any other covenants made applicable to the debt securities of the series
which are subject to defeasance. |
We may do so in either case by depositing with the applicable trustee, as trust funds,
cash or government securities which through the payment of principal and interest in accordance
with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient to pay the principal and any premium
and interest on the debt securities of the series and all other sums payable by us under the
indentures in connection with the debt securities of the series. This type of a trust may only be
established if, among other things, Steelcase has delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of
counsel meeting the requirements set forth in the applicable indenture.
Conversion Rights
If applicable, the terms of debt securities of any series that are convertible into or
exchangeable
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for Steelcase Class A common stock or other securities will be described in an applicable
prospectus supplement. These terms will describe whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at
the option of the holder or at our option. These terms may include provisions pursuant to which the
number of shares of Class A common stock or other securities to be received by the holders of debt
securities would be subject to adjustment.
Governing Law
The indentures provide that they and any debt securities are to be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Assignment
We will have the right at any time to assign any of our rights or obligations under either
indenture to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, provided that we will remain liable for
all obligations under the indentures.
Covenants Applicable to the Senior Debt Securities
Limitation on Liens
The senior indenture provides that, except as otherwise provided below, Steelcase will not,
and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, issue, incur, create, assume or guarantee any
debt for borrowed money, collectively referred to as Debt, secured by any mortgage, deed of
trust, security interest, pledge, lien, charge or other encumbrance, each a Lien and collectively
Liens, upon any Principal Property (as defined below) or shares of stock (or other equivalents of
or interests in equity) or indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary, unless the senior debt
securities (and, at our option, any other indebtedness or guarantee ranking equally with the senior
debt securities) are secured equally and ratably with (or, at our option, prior to) such secured
Debt. This restriction will not apply to Debt secured by:
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Liens existing on the date of the initial issuance of any senior debt
securities; |
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Liens on property, shares of stock (or other equivalents of or interests in
equity) or indebtedness of an entity existing at the time it becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary, provided that such Liens were not created in anticipation of the
transaction in which such entity becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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Liens on property acquired by Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary existing
at the time of acquisition by Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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Liens upon any property to secure all or a portion of the purchase price of
such property or Debt incurred to finance such purchase price, whether such Debt was
incurred prior to, at the time of or within 12 months after the date of such
acquisition; or Liens upon any property to secure all or part of the cost of
improvement, repair or construction thereof or Debt incurred prior to, at the time of
or within 12 months after the completion of such improvement, repair or construction or
the commencement of full operations thereof (whichever is later) to provide funds for
such purpose; |
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Liens in favor of Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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Liens on property, shares of stock (or other equivalents of or interests in
equity) or indebtedness of an entity existing at the time such entity is merged into or
consolidated with Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time of a sale, lease
or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties of an entity as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety to Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary,
provided that the Lien was not incurred in anticipation of such merger or consolidation
or sale, lease or other disposition; |
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Liens on Principal Properties subject to Sale and Lease-Back Transactions
not otherwise prohibited by the indenture to the extent attributable to such Sale and
Lease-Back Transactions and securing only the related Attributable Debt (as defined
below); |
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Liens on property of Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary in favor of
governmental bodies to secure payments of amounts owed under contract or statute or to
secure any Debt incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase
price or the cost of constructing or improving the property subject to such Liens; and |
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any extension, renewal or replacement of any Lien referred to above or of
any Debt secured by that Lien, provided that such extension, renewal or replacement
Lien will secure no larger an amount of Debt than that existing at the time of such
extension, renewal or replacement. |
In addition, Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary may issue, incur, create, assume or
guarantee Debt secured by a Lien which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions
without equally and ratably securing the senior debt securities, provided that after giving effect
to the Debt secured by such Lien, the aggregate amount of all Debt so secured by Liens (not
including Liens permitted above), together with the Attributable Debt of Sale and Lease-Back
Transactions permitted by the provision described below under
Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back
Transactions on the basis that Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary would be permitted to incur
Debt secured by a Lien under this paragraph without equally and ratably securing the senior debt
securities, does not exceed the greater of $120 million and 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets
(as defined below).
Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions
The senior indenture provides that Steelcase will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transactions of any Principal Property unless:
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such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction occurs within 12 months from the date
of the acquisition of the Principal Property subject thereto or the date of the
completion of the construction or commencement of full operations of such Principal
Property (whichever is later); |
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such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction involves a lease for a term of not
more than three years; |
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such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is between Steelcase and a Restricted
Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries; |
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Steelcase or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled pursuant to the
covenant described above under Limitation on Liens (other than the clause referring
to Sale and Lease-Back Transactions not otherwise prohibited by the senior indenture)
without equally and ratably securing the senior debt securities, to incur Debt secured
by a Lien on the Principal Property involved in such transaction in an amount at least
equal to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction; or |
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Steelcase or such Restricted Subsidiary, within 12 months after the
effective date of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, applies or causes to be applied
an amount not less than the Attributable Debt from such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
to (1) the prepayment, repayment, redemption, reduction or retirement (other than any
mandatory prepayment, mandatory repayment, mandatory redemption or sinking fund payment
or payment at maturity) of Debt of Steelcase or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than
Debt that is subordinate to the senior debt securities or Debt to Steelcase or a
Restricted Subsidiary) or (2) expenditures for the acquisition, construction,
development or expansion of Principal Property used or to be used in the ordinary
course of business of Steelcase or a Restricted Subsidiary. |
Certain Definitions
Attributable Debt means, in respect of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, the present
value
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(discounted at the rate set forth or implicit in the terms of the lease included in the
transaction, as determined in good faith by a principal accounting officer of Steelcase) of the
obligation of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in
such transaction, including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option
of the lessor, be extended or, if earlier, until the earliest date on which the lessee may
terminate such lease upon payment of a penalty (in which case the obligation of the lessee for
rental payments will include such penalty), after excluding all amounts required to be paid on
account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water and utility rates and
similar charges.
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets means, as of any particular time, the total of all the
assets appearing on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of Steelcase and its Subsidiaries
(other than those principally engaged in leasing or financing activities) as of the end of the last
fiscal quarter for which financial information is available (less applicable reserves and other
properly deductible items) after deducting from such amount:
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all current liabilities, including current maturities of long-term debt and
current maturities of obligations under capital leases (other than liabilities of
Subsidiaries principally engaged in leasing and financing activities that are not
guaranteed by Steelcase or any of its other Subsidiaries); and |
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the total of the net book values of all assets of Steelcase and its
Subsidiaries (other than those principally engaged in leasing or financing activities)
properly classified as intangible assets under generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States of America (including goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents,
unamortized debt discount and expense and other like intangible assets). |
Principal Property means the land, improvements, buildings and fixtures (including any
leasehold interest thereof) constituting the principal corporate office, any manufacturing plant or
any manufacturing, research or engineering facility (whether owned or leased at, or acquired or
leased after, the date of the senior indenture) that is owned or leased by Steelcase or a
Restricted Subsidiary and that is located within the continental United States, unless Steelcases
board of directors (or a committee thereof) has determined in good faith that such property is not
material to the operation of the business conducted by Steelcase and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.
Restricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary (1) substantially all of whose property is
located within the continental United States, (2) which owns a Principal Property and (3) in which
Steelcases investment exceeds 2.5% of the aggregate amount of assets included on a consolidated
balance sheet of Steelcase and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the last fiscal quarter for which
financial information is available. However, the term Restricted Subsidiary does not include
Steelcase Financial Services Inc. (so long as Steelcase Financial Services Inc. is principally
engaged in leasing or financing activities) or any other Subsidiary that is principally engaged in
leasing or financing activities.
Sale and Lease-Back Transaction means any arrangement with any person providing for the
leasing by Steelcase or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Principal Property, whether owned at the
date of the issuance of the senior debt securities or thereafter acquired (excluding temporary
leases of a term, including renewal periods, of not more than three years), that has been or is to
be sold or transferred by Steelcase or any Restricted Subsidiary to such person with the intention
of taking back a lease of the property.
Subsidiary means (1) any corporation at least a majority of whose outstanding voting stock
shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by Steelcase, by one or more of its
subsidiaries or by Steelcase and one or more of its subsidiaries and (2) any general partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture or similar entity, at least a majority of whose
outstanding partnership or similar interests shall at the time be owned by Steelcase, by one or
more of its subsidiaries or by Steelcase and one or
more of its subsidiaries.
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Subordination Under the Subordinated Indenture
The prospectus supplement relating to any offering of subordinated debt securities will
describe the specific subordination provisions. However, unless noted in the prospectus supplement,
subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our
senior indebtedness, as defined below, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the
subordinated indenture.
Senior indebtedness includes all of Steelcases obligations, as amended or renewed, to pay
principal, premium, interest, penalties, fees and other charges:
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in respect of borrowed money; |
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in the form of debt securities, debentures, bonds or similar instruments,
including obligations incurred in connection with our purchase of property, assets or
businesses; |
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in respect of capital leases; |
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under letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof),
bankers acceptances or similar credit transactions; |
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issued or assumed in the form of a deferred purchase price of property or services; |
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under swaps, caps, future or option contracts and other similar arrangements; |
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pursuant to our guarantee of the obligations listed above of another entity; and |
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to satisfy the expenses and fees of the subordinated indenture trustee
under the subordinated indenture. |
Senior indebtedness shall not include:
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indebtedness of Steelcase to any of its subsidiaries; |
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indebtedness which, by its terms or the terms of the instrument creating or
evidencing it, expressly provides that it has a subordinate or equal right to payment
with the subordinated debt securities; |
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indebtedness incurred in the form of trade accounts payable or accrued
liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business; |
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any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes; and |
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the portion of indebtedness we may incur in violation of the subordinated indenture. |
Senior indebtedness shall continue to be senior indebtedness and be entitled to the
benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of
any term of the senior indebtedness.
The holders of senior indebtedness of Steelcase will be entitled to receive payment in full in
cash or cash equivalents of all senior indebtedness of Steelcase before holders of any subordinated
debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment with respect to the subordinated debt
securities (except that holders of subordinated debt securities may receive and retain certain
permitted junior securities and payments made from the trust described above under the caption
"Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance), in the event of any distribution to creditors of
Steelcase:
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in any liquidation or dissolution of Steelcase; |
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in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar
proceeding relating to Steelcase or its property; |
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in any assignment by Steelcase for the benefit of creditors; or |
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in any marshalling of Steelcases assets and liabilities. |
Steelcase also may not make any payment in respect of subordinated debt securities
(except in permitted junior securities or from the trust described
above under the caption Legal
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance) if:
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a payment default on senior indebtedness of Steelcase occurs and is
continuing beyond any applicable grace period; or |
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any other default, referred to as a non-payment default, occurs and is
continuing on any senior indebtedness of Steelcase that permits holders of that senior
indebtedness to accelerate its maturity and the applicable trustee receives a notice,
referred to as a payment blockage notice, of such default from a representative of
the holders of such senior indebtedness. |
Payments on subordinated debt securities may and shall be resumed:
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in the case of a payment default on senior indebtedness of Steelcase, upon
the date on which such default is cured or waived; or |
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in the case of a non-payment default on senior indebtedness of Steelcase,
the earlier of (1) the date on which such default is cured or waived, (2) 179 days
after the applicable payment blockage notice is received and (3) the date the
applicable trustee receives notice from the representatives for such senior
indebtedness rescinding the payment blockage notice, unless maturity of such senior
indebtedness has been accelerated. |
No new payment blockage notice may be delivered unless and until 360 days have elapsed
since the delivery of the immediately prior payment blockage notice. No non-payment default that
existed, or was continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage notice to the applicable
trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent payment blockage notice unless such
default has been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 days.
If the applicable trustee or any holder of subordinated debt securities receives a payment in
respect of subordinated debt securities (except in certain permitted junior securities or from the
trust described above under the caption Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance) when:
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the payment is prohibited by these subordination provisions; and |
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the applicable trustee or the holder has actual knowledge that the payment
is prohibited; provided that such actual knowledge shall not be required in the case of
any payment default on senior indebtedness; |
the applicable trustee or the holder, as the case may be, shall hold the payment in trust for
the benefit of the holders of senior indebtedness of Steelcase. Upon the proper written request of
the holder of senior indebtedness of Steelcase or if there is any payment default on any senior
indebtedness, the applicable trustee or the holder, as the case may be, shall deliver the amounts
in trust to the holders of senior indebtedness of Steelcase or their representative.
Steelcase must promptly notify holders of its senior indebtedness if payment of any of the
subordinated debt securities is accelerated because of an event of default under the subordinated indenture.
18
The subordinated indenture does not limit the issuance of additional senior indebtedness.
By reason of the subordination of the subordinated debt securities, in the event of our
insolvency holders of senior indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the
subordinated debt securities having a claim pursuant to such securities may receive less, ratably,
than our other creditors. There may also be interruption of scheduled interest and principal
payments resulting from events of default on senior indebtedness.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
In February 1998, shareholders of Steelcase sold 13,972,500 shares of Class A common stock in
an initial public offering. In a related recapitalization effectuated in February 1998, Steelcase
(1) increased the number of shares of its authorized capital stock, (2) converted existing shares
of common stock into an equivalent number of newly issued shares of Class B common stock, (3)
completed a 700-for-1 split of the Class B common stock and (4) converted existing shares of
preferred stock into shares of Class B common stock. Our authorized capital stock consists of
475,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 475,000,000 shares of Class B common stock and
50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 20,000 shares have been designated Class A preferred
stock and 200,000 shares have been designated Class B preferred stock. No preferred stock is
outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. Of the 475,000,000 shares of Class A common stock
authorized, 70,598,147 were outstanding as of January 27, 2006. Of the 475,000,000 shares of Class B
common stock authorized, 78,812,305 were outstanding as of January 27, 2006. The Class A common stock and
the Class B common stock are collectively referred to in this prospectus from time to time as the
common stock. The following is a summary description of the material terms and provisions relating
to our capital stock, articles and by-laws but is qualified in its entirety by reference to our
articles and by-laws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which
this prospectus forms a part.
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
Voting
The holders of common stock are generally entitled to vote as a single class on all matters
upon which shareholders have a right to vote, subject to the requirements of applicable law and the
rights of any series of preferred stock to a separate class vote. Each share of Class A common
stock entitles its holder to one vote, and each share of Class B common stock entitles its holder
to 10 votes. Unless otherwise required by law, and so long as their rights would not be adversely
affected, the holders of common stock are not entitled to vote on any amendment to our articles
that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to equal dividends
when declared by the board of directors, except that all dividends payable in common stock will be
paid in the form of Class A common stock to holders of Class A common stock and in the form of
Class B common stock to holders of Class B common stock. Neither class of common stock may be
split, divided or combined unless the other class is proportionally split, divided or combined.
In the event of a liquidation or winding up of Steelcase, the holders of Class A common stock
and Class B common stock will be treated on an equal per share basis and will be entitled to
receive all of the remaining assets of Steelcase following distribution of the preferential and/or
other amounts to be distributed to the holders of preferred stock.
19
Issuance of Class B Common Stock, Options, Rights or Warrants
Subject to certain provisions regarding dividends and other distributions described above,
Steelcase is not entitled to issue additional shares of Class B common stock, or issue options,
rights or warrants to subscribe for additional shares of Class B common stock, except that
Steelcase may make a pro rata offer to all holders of common stock of rights for the shareholders
to purchase additional shares of the class of common stock held by them. The Class A common stock
and the Class B common stock will be treated equally with respect to any offer by Steelcase to
holders of common stock of options, rights or warrants to subscribe for any other capital stock of
Steelcase
Merger
In the event of a merger, the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be
entitled to receive the same per share consideration, if any, except that if such consideration
includes voting securities (or the right to acquire voting securities or securities exchangeable
for or convertible into voting securities), Steelcase may (but is not required to) provide for the
holders of Class B common stock to receive consideration entitling them to 10 times the number of
votes per share as the consideration being received by holders of the Class A common stock.
Conversion of Class B Common Stock
The Class B common stock is converted into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis (1)
at the option of the holder thereof at any time, (2) upon transfer to a person or entity which is
not a permitted transferee (as defined in our articles), (3) with respect to shares of Class B
common stock acquired after the February 1998 recapitalization, at such time as a corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, trust or charitable organization ceases to be 100%
controlled by permitted transferees (as defined in our articles) and (4) on the date which the
number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding is less than 15% of all of the then
outstanding shares of common stock (without regard to voting rights).
In general, permitted transferees include natural persons who received shares of Class B
common stock in connection with the recapitalization, their spouses, ancestors and descendants,
their descendants spouses and certain charitable organizations and trusts (including charitable
trusts) or other entities controlled by such persons. Natural persons are deemed to have received
shares of Class B common stock in the recapitalization to the extent shares were received by record
nominees for, and certain trusts or accounts for the benefit of or established by, such persons. In
general, corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies who received Class B common
stock in the recapitalization are not entitled to acquire additional shares of Class B common stock
unless such entities are 100% controlled by permitted transferees.
Preemptive Rights
The holders of shares of capital stock of Steelcase do not have any preemptive rights with
respect to any outstanding or newly issued capital stock of Steelcase.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Computershare Investor Services.
20
Preferred Stock
The board of directors of Steelcase may authorize the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of
preferred stock in one or more series and may determine, with respect to the series, the
designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of any such series.
Our articles currently authorize 20,000 shares of Class A preferred stock and 200,000 shares of
Class B preferred stock. As of the date of this prospectus, no shares of preferred stock are issued
or outstanding.
When Steelcase issues preferred stock, we will provide specific information about the
particular class or series being offered in a prospectus supplement. This information will include
some or all of the following:
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the title or designation of the series; |
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the number of shares of the series, which the board of directors of
Steelcase may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the designations for such
series) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then
outstanding); |
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whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or noncumulative and the
dividend rate of the series; |
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the conditions upon which and the dates at which dividends, if any, will be
payable, and the relation that such dividends, if any, will bear to the dividends
payable on any other class or classes of stock; |
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the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series
and at whose option such redemption may occur, and any limitations, restrictions or
conditions on such redemption; |
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the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or
redemption of shares of the series; |
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the amounts payable on and the preferences, if any, of shares of the
series, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of Steelcase; |
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whether the shares of the series will be convertible or exchangeable into
shares of any other class or series, or any other security of Steelcase or any other
entity, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other
security, the conversion price or prices or exchange rate or rates, any adjustments
thereof, the date or dates as of which such shares will be convertible or exchangeable
and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange may be made; |
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whether the preferred stock being offered will be listed on any securities
exchange; |
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if necessary, a discussion of certain federal income tax considerations
applicable to the preferred stock being offered; |
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the voting rights, in addition to the voting rights provided by law, if
any, of the holders of shares of such series; and |
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any other relative rights, preferences, limitations and powers not
inconsistent with applicable law, the articles then in effect or the by-laws then in
effect. |
Upon issuance, the shares of preferred stock will be fully paid and nonassessable, which means
that its holders will have paid their purchase price in full and we may not require them to pay
additional funds.
21
Limitation of Liability
Our articles provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by the Michigan Business
Corporation Act, or the MBCA, or any other applicable laws, directors of Steelcase will not be
personally liable to Steelcase or its shareholders for any acts or omissions in the performance of
their duties. Such limitation of liability does not affect the availability of equitable remedies
such as injunctive relief or rescission. These provisions will not limit the liability of directors
under federal securities laws.
Certain Anti-Takeover Matters
Business Combination Act
Steelcase is subject to the provisions of Chapter 7A of the MBCA. In general, subject to
certain exceptions, the MBCA prohibits a Michigan corporation from engaging in a business
combination with an interested shareholder for a period of five years following the date that
such shareholder became an interested shareholder, unless (1) prior to such date, the board of
directors approved the business combination or (2) on or subsequent to such date, the business
combination is approved by at least 90% of the votes of each class of the corporations stock
entitled to vote and by at least two-thirds of such voting stock not held by the interested
shareholder or such shareholders affiliates. The MBCA defines a business combination to include
certain mergers, consolidations, dispositions of assets or shares and recapitalizations. An
interested shareholder is defined by the MBCA to include a beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation.
Article and By-Law Provisions
Our articles and by-laws include a number of provisions that may have the effect of
encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to
negotiate with the board of directors of Steelcase rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover
attempts. These provisions include a classified board of directors, an advance notice requirement
for director nominations and actions to be taken at annual meetings of shareholders, the inability
of the shareholders to call a special meeting of the shareholders, the requirements for approval by
66 2/3% of the shareholder votes to amend our by-laws or certain provisions of our articles,
removal of a director only for cause and the availability of authorized but unissued blank check
preferred stock.
Classified Board of Directors
Our articles establish a classified board of directors, which took effect at the 1998 annual
meeting of shareholders. The board of directors of Steelcase is divided into three classes of
approximately equal size, serving staggered three-year terms. Subject to the right of holders of
any series of preferred stock to elect directors, shareholders elect one class constituting
approximately one-third of the board of directors for a three-year term at each annual meeting of
shareholders. As a result, at least two annual meetings of shareholders may be required for the
shareholders to change a majority of the board of directors of Steelcase The classification of
directors makes it more difficult to change the composition of the board of directors and instead
promotes a continuity of existing management.
Advance Notice Requirement
Our by-laws set forth advance notice procedures with regard to shareholder proposals relating
to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be presented at
meetings of
22
shareholders. These procedures provide that notice of such shareholder proposals must be
timely given in writing to the secretary of Steelcase prior to the meeting at which the action is
to be taken. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at the principal executive offices of
Steelcase not less than 70 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting. The advance notice
requirement does not give the board of directors any power to approve or disapprove shareholder
director nominations or proposals but may have the effect of precluding the consideration of
certain business at a meeting if the proper notice procedures are not followed.
Special Meetings of Shareholders
Our by-laws do not grant the shareholders the right to call a special meeting of shareholders.
Under our by-laws, special meetings of shareholders may be called only by Steelcases Chief
Executive Officer or a majority of the board of directors.
Amendment of Articles and By-Laws
Our articles and by-laws require the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power
of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote to amend or repeal certain provisions
of our articles, including those described above, or any by-law. This requirement renders more
difficult the dilution of the anti-takeover effects of our articles and by-laws.
Removal of Directors Only for Cause
Our articles permit shareholders to remove directors only for cause and only by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of Steelcase entitled to vote. This provision may restrict the ability of a third
party to remove incumbent directors and simultaneously gain control of the board of directors by
filling the vacancies created by removal with its own nominees.
Blank Check Preferred Stock
Steelcases preferred stock could be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect in that, if a
hostile takeover situation should arise, shares of preferred stock could be issued to purchasers
sympathetic with our management or others in such a way as to render more difficult or to
discourage a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large
block of our securities or the removal of incumbent management.
The effects of the issuance of the preferred stock on the holders of Steelcase common stock
could include:
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reduction of the amount otherwise available for payments of dividends on
common stock if dividends are payable on the series of preferred stock; |
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restrictions on dividends on our common stock if dividends on the series of
preferred stock are in arrears; |
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dilution of the voting power of our common stock if the series of preferred
stock has voting rights, including a possible veto power if the series of preferred
stock has class voting rights; |
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dilution of the equity interest of holders of our common stock if the
series of preferred stock is convertible, and is converted, into our common stock; and |
23
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restrictions on the rights of holders of our common stock to share in our
assets upon liquidation until satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the
holders of the series of preferred stock. |
On October 29, 2004, we entered into an amended and restated selling shareholder agreement
with the following selling shareholders: Crastecom B Limited Partnership, Robert C. Pew Trust (II),
u/a/d April 28, 1965, as amended and restated, and Mary Idema Pew Trust, u/a/d November 2, 1977, as
amended and restated. The agreement amended and restated the original selling shareholder agreement
dated as of October 13, 2004. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, one or more of the selling
shareholders desiring to sell at least 1,000,000 shares of their Class A common stock at a future
date may request that we prepare a prospectus supplement to facilitate the offering of such shares
pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Each selling
shareholder is limited to an aggregate of two such requests in each fiscal year or such greater
number as we, in our sole discretion, may permit. We will determine, in our sole and absolute
discretion, whether to proceed with any offering in response to such a request. In the event we
determine to proceed with an offering, we will, in consultation with the requesting selling
shareholder or shareholders, determine the timing of the filing of the prospectus supplement, the
number of shares of Class A common stock to be included in the offering and the manner in which the
offering will be conducted.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock or Class A common stock,
collectively, the underlying warrant securities, and such warrants may be issued independently or
together with any such underlying warrant securities and may be attached to or separate from such
underlying warrant securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant
agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as
our agent in connection with the warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or
relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any warrants offered
thereby, including:
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the title or designation of such warrants; |
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the aggregate number of such warrants; |
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the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued; |
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the currency or currencies, including composite currencies or currency
units, in which the exercise price of such warrants may be payable; |
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the designation, aggregate principal amount and terms of the underlying
warrant securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants, and the procedures and
conditions relating to the exercise of the warrant securities; |
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the price at which the underlying warrant securities purchasable upon
exercise of such warrants may be purchased; |
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the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and
the date on which such right shall expire; |
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whether such warrants will be issued in registered form or bearer form; |
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if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be
exercised at any one time; |
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if applicable, the designation and terms of the underlying warrant
securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued
with each such underlying warrant security; |
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if applicable, the currency or currencies, including composite currencies
or currency units, in which any principal, premium, if any, or interest on the
underlying warrant securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrant will be payable; |
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if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related
underlying warrant securities will be separately transferable; |
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
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if necessary, a discussion of certain federal income tax considerations; and |
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any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and
limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants. |
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from
or sell to us, and obligating us to sell to or purchase from the holders, a specified number of
shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock at a future date or dates, which we refer to in
this prospectus as stock purchase contracts. The price per share of the securities and the number
of shares of the securities may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may
be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts, and may
be subject to adjustment under anti-dilution formulas. The stock purchase contracts may be issued
separately or as part of units consisting of a stock purchase contract and debt securities,
preferred stock or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, any other
securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or any combination of the foregoing,
securing the holders obligations to purchase the securities under the stock purchase contracts,
which we refer to herein as stock purchase units. The stock purchase contracts may require holders
to secure their obligations under the stock purchase contracts in a specified manner. The stock
purchase contracts also may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock
purchase contracts or the stock purchase units, as the case may be, or vice versa, and those
payments may be unsecured or pre-funded on some basis.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock purchase contracts
or stock purchase units offered thereby and will contain a discussion of any material federal
income tax considerations applicable to the stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units. The
description of the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units contained in this prospectus is
not complete and the description in any applicable prospectus supplement will not necessarily be
complete, and reference will be made to the stock purchase contracts, and, if applicable,
collateral or depositary arrangements relating to the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase
units, which will be filed with the SEC each time we issue stock purchase contracts or stock
purchase units. If any particular terms of the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units
described in the applicable prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described herein,
then the terms described herein will be deemed superseded by that prospectus supplement.
25
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1) for the periods
indicated:
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Year Ended
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Nine Months Ended
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February 25, |
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February 27, |
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February 28, |
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February 22, |
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February 23, |
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November 25 |
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November 26 |
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2005
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2004
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2003
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2002
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2001
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2005
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2004
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(restated) |
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(restated) |
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Ratio of Earnings
to Fixed Charges |
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1.17 |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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6.59 |
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3.38 |
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1.26 |
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(1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is calculated by dividing earnings, as defined, by
fixed charges, as defined. For this purpose, earnings consist of income from continuing
operations before taxes and equity in net income of joint ventures and dealer transitions, plus
fixed charges. For this purpose, fixed charges consist of interest incurred, a portion of rent
expense and amortization of deferred debt expense.
* Earnings for the years ended February 27, 2004, February 28, 2003 and February 22, 2002 were
inadequate to cover fixed charges by $92.4 million, $66.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP, Chicago, Illinois, will act as counsel to Steelcase. Certain matters of
Michigan law will be passed on by Liesl A. Maloney, Senior Corporate Counsel of Steelcase.
Additional legal matters may be passed on for us, or any underwriters, dealers or agents, by
counsel which we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Steelcase incorporated by reference in
this prospectus have been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting
firm, to the extent and for the periods set forth in their report incorporated herein by reference,
and are incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The
expenses relating to the issuance and distribution of the securities
to be registered will be borne by the registrant
and the selling shareholders, as applicable. Such expenses are estimated to be as follows:
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SEC Registration Fee |
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$ |
* |
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Trustees Fees and Expenses** |
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4,000 |
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Printing and Engraving Fees and Expenses** |
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50,000 |
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Accounting Fees and Expenses** |
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20,000 |
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Legal Fees** |
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250,000 |
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Miscellaneous** |
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38,000 |
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Total Expenses** |
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400,000 |
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*The registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee in reliance on Rule 456(b) and
Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act, except for $38,187 with respect to $301,400,000 aggregate
initial offering price of securities that were previously
registered. |
**Estimated |
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Steelcases by-laws require it, to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by the MBCA, to
(a) indemnify any person, and his or her heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators
and legal representatives, who was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of
Steelcase, or is or was serving at the request of Steelcase as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation (including a subsidiary corporation), limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, whether or not for
profit, or by reason of anything done by such person in such capacity, collectively, the Covered
Matters, and (b) pay or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by such person and his or her
heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives in connection with any Covered Matter in
advance of final disposition of such Covered Matter. Under our by-laws, Steelcase may also provide
such other indemnification to directors, officers, employees and agents by insurance, contract or
otherwise as is permitted by law and authorized by the board of directors.
Steelcases articles provide that to the full extent permitted by the MBCA or any other
applicable laws presently or hereafter in effect, no director of Steelcase shall be personally
liable to Steelcase or its shareholders for or with respect to any acts or omissions in the
performance of his or her duties as a director of Steelcase. Any repeal or modification of such
provisions of our articles by the shareholders of Steelcase shall not adversely affect the right or
protection of a director of Steelcase existing at the time of such repeal or modification with
respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
Section 561 of the MBCA provides that a Michigan corporation may indemnify any person who was
or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any 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
II-1
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 such 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
any criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her
conduct was unlawful. In addition, Section 562 of the MBCA provides that a Michigan corporation may
indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened,
pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in
its favor 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 and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in
connection with the action or suit, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its
shareholders. The MBCA does not permit indemnification for a claim, issue or matter in which the
person has been found liable to the corporation unless application for indemnification is made to,
and ordered by, the court conducting the proceeding or another court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 563 of the MBCA provides that a director or officer who has been successful on the
merits or otherwise in defense of an action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 561 and 562
of the MBCA, or in defense of a claim, issue, or matter in the action, suit, or proceeding, shall
be indemnified by the corporation against actual and reasonable expenses, including attorneys
fees, incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, and an action,
suit, or proceeding brought to enforce this mandatory indemnification.
The foregoing statements are subject to the detailed provisions of the MBCA, our articles and
our by-laws.
Item 16. List of Exhibits.
The
Exhibits to this registration statement are listed in the Index to Exhibits on page II-7.
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) 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 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
II-2
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 (i), (ii) and (iii) above do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports
filed with or furnished to the Commission by 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
the registration statement.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any
purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by a registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be
part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and
included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part
of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule
415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration
statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness
or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the
prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is
at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the
registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which the
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.
(e) 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 registrant undertakes
that in a primary offering of securities of the 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 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 registrant relating to the offering
required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
II-3
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the
registrant or used or referred to by the registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing
material information about an undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of
an undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by an undersigned
registrant to the purchaser.
(f) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
filing of the registrants annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans 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.
(g) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to
act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(h) 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, that 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.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, Steelcase Inc. certifies that it has
reasonable ground 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 Grand Rapids, State of Michigan, on
February 1, 2006.
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STEELCASE INC. |
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By: |
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/s/ James P. Hackett |
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Name:
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James P. Hackett |
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Title:
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes
and appoints James P. Hackett and James P. Keane and each of them his, her or its true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him, her or it
and in his, her or its name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he, she or
it might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on this
1st day of February, 2006.
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Signature
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Title
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/s/
James
P. Hackett
James
P. Hackett
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/
James
P. Keane
James
P. Keane
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Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer) |
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/s/
William
P. Crawford
William
P. Crawford
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Director |
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/s/
Earl
D. Holton
Earl
D. Holton
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Director |
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/s/
Michael
J. Jandernoa
Michael
J. Jandernoa
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Director |
II-5
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Signature
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Title
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/s/
David
W. Joos
David
W. Joos
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Director |
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/s/
Elizabeth
Valk Long
Elizabeth
Valk Long
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Director |
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/s/
Robert
C. Pew III
Robert
C. Pew III
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Director |
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/s/
Peter
M. Wege, II
Peter
M. Wege, II
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Director |
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/s/
P.
Craig Welch, Jr.
P.
Craig Welch, Jr.
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Director |
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/s/
Kate
Pew Wolters
Kate
Pew Wolters
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Director |
II-6
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit No.
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Description of Exhibits
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1.1
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Form of Underwriting or Distribution Agreement.* |
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3.1
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Second Restated Articles of Incorporation of Steelcase Inc. (filed as exhibit 3.1 to
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-41647) and incorporated herein
by reference). |
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3.2
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Amended By-Laws of Steelcase Inc., as amended March 27, 2004 (filed as exhibit 3.2
to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 28, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.1
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Form of Senior Indenture.** |
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4.2
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Form of Subordinated Indenture.** |
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4.3
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Form of Senior Note.* |
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4.4
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Form of Subordinated Note.* |
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4.5
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Specimen Certificate for shares of Class A Common Stock of Steelcase Inc. (filed as
exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
333-41647) and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.6
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Form of any certificate of designation, preferences and rights with respect to any
preferred stock issued hereunder.* |
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4.7
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Form of Warrant Agreement.* |
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4.8
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Form of Warrant Certificate.* |
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4.9
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Form of Stock Purchase Agreement.* |
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4.10
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Form of Stock Purchase Unit.* |
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4.11
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Amended and Restated Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2004, by
and between Steelcase Inc. and the Shareholders Listed on Schedule A thereto
(amending and restating in its entirety the Agreement, dated as
of October 13, 2004, by and between Steelcase Inc. and the Shareholders Listed on
Schedule A thereto) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-119757)). |
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5.1
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Opinion and Consent of Liesl A. Maloney, Senior Corporate Counsel of Steelcase Inc.** |
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5.2
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Opinion and Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.** |
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12.1
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Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.** |
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23.1
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Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.** |
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23.2
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Consent of Liesl A. Maloney, Senior Corporate Counsel of Steelcase Inc. (included in
Exhibit 5.1). |
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23.3
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Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2). |
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24.1
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Powers of Attorney (included on the signature pages hereto). |
II-7
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Exhibit No.
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Description of Exhibits
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25.1
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Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of J.P.
Morgan Trust Company, N.A.** |
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* |
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To be filed by amendment hereto or pursuant to a Current
Report on Form 8-K to be incorporated herein by
reference. |
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** |
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Filed herewith. |
II-8