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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): September 29, 2009
Willis Group Holdings Limited
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Bermuda
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
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001-16503
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98-0352587 |
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(Commission File Number)
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(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
c/o Willis Group Limited
51 Lime Street
London EC3M 7DQ, England
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the
filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction
A.2. below):
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On September 22, 2009, Willis North America Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Issuer), Willis
Group Holdings Limited, a Bermuda company and parent company of the Issuer (the Parent) and
Willis UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc,
TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited (each a company organized under the laws of England and
Wales, and, together with Parent, the Guarantors) entered into an underwriting agreement (the
Underwriting Agreement) with Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as
the representatives of the several underwriters named therein (the Underwriters), in connection
with the offer and sale of $300 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuers 7.0% Senior
Notes due 2019, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors (the Notes). The Notes
are being sold in a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333
- -160129) and a related preliminary prospectus supplement and prospectus supplement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Notes will be issued pursuant to a base indenture (the Indenture) dated July 1, 2005 among
the Issuer, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York (now known as The Bank of New
York Mellon), as trustee (the Trustee), as amended to date and as further amended by the fourth
supplemental indenture dated as of September 29, 2009 between the Issuer, the Guarantors and the
Trustee (the Fourth Supplemental Indenture).
The Notes will mature on September 29, 2019 and interest will be paid on March 15 and September 15
of each year, commencing March 15, 2010. The interest rate payable on the notes will be subject to
adjustment from time to time if either of the debt ratings assigned to the Notes is downgraded to a
non-investment grade rating.
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer and rank equally with all of the Issuers
existing and future senior debt, including the 5.125% senior notes due 2010, the 5.625% senior
notes due 2015, the 6.200% senior notes due 2017, its guarantee of Trinity Acquisition plcs
existing 12.875% senior notes due 2016 and any debt under the senior credit facilities. The Notes
will be senior in right of payment to all of the Issuers future subordinated debt and will be
effectively subordinated to all of the Issuers future secured debt to the extent of the value of
the assets securing such debt.
The Issuer may redeem the Notes prior to maturity in whole at any time or in part from time to
time, at the Issuers option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the
principal amount of the Notes being redeemed; and (ii) the sum of the present values of the
remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed (not including
any portion of such payments of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date
of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at
the applicable Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points.
The Issuer received net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and expenses, of approximately $296
million, which the Issuer intends to use to purchase any and all of its outstanding 5.125% senior
notes due 2010 that are validly tendered and accepted for payment under the cash tender offer
announced on September 22, 2009. Any remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate
purposes.
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The foregoing disclosure of the Underwriting Agreement, the Indenture and the Fourth Supplemental
Indenture is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Underwriting Agreement, the Indenture
and the Fourth Supplemental Indenture. The Indenture has been included as Exhibit 4.1 to the
Parents Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2005, and the Underwriting Agreement was
filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Parents Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 28, 2009. The
Fourth Supplemental Indenture is filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, counsel to the Parent, has issued an opinion to the Parent, dated
September 29, 2009, regarding the legality of the senior notes and the guarantees upon issuance
thereof. A copy of the opinion is filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto.
Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet
Arrangement of a Registrant.
The information contained in Item 1.01 concerning the Parents direct financial obligation is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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4.1.
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Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 29, 2009. |
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5.1
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Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
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Date: September 29, 2009 |
By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
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Title: |
Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief
Financial Officer |
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Exhibit Index
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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4.1
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Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 29, 2009 |
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5.1
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Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP |
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exv4w1
Exhibit 4.1
WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC.,
Issuer
WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
WILLIS INVESTMENT UK HOLDINGS LIMITED
TA I LIMITED
TA II LIMITED
TA III LIMITED
TRINITY ACQUISITION PLC
TA IV LIMITED
WILLIS GROUP LIMITED,
Guarantors
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
(as successor to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.)
Trustee
Fourth Supplemental Indenture
Dated as of September 29, 2009
to the Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005
Creating one series of Securities designated
7.0% Senior Notes Due 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I
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7.0% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2019
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SECTION 1.01.
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Creation of Series; Establishment of Form
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2 |
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SECTION 1.02.
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Definitions
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3 |
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SECTION 1.03.
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Payment of Principal and Interest
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5 |
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SECTION 1.04.
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Global Securities
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5 |
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SECTION 1.05.
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Redemption
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6 |
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SECTION 1.06.
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Additional Covenants
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SECTION 1.07.
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Interest Rate Adjustment
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SECTION 1.08.
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Additional Amounts
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SECTION 1.09.
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Events of Default
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SECTION 1.10.
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Notice of Defaults
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SECTION 1.11.
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Legal Defeasance and Discharge and Covenant Defeasance
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ARTICLE II
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MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
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SECTION 2.01.
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Integral Part
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SECTION 2.02.
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Adoption, Ratification and Confirmation
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SECTION 2.03.
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Counterparts
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SECTION 2.04.
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Governing Law
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SECTION 2.05.
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Conflict with Trust Indenture Act
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SECTION 2.06.
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Effect of Headings and Table of Contents
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SECTION 2.07.
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Separability Clause
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SECTION 2.08.
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Successors and Assigns
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SECTION 2.09.
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Benefit of Indenture
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SECTION 2.10.
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The Trustee
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EXHIBIT A A-1 |
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FOURTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of September 29, 2009, between WILLIS NORTH AMERICA
INC., a Delaware corporation (the Issuer), WILLIS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED, a company organized and
existing under the laws of Bermuda (the Parent Guarantor), TA I LIMITED, a company organized and
existing under the laws of England and Wales, TA II LIMITED, a company organized and existing under
the laws of England and Wales, TA III LIMITED, a company organized and existing under the laws of
England and Wales, TRINITY ACQUISITION PLC, a company organized and existing under the laws of
England and Wales, TA IV LIMITED, a company organized and existing under the laws of England and
Wales, and WILLIS GROUP LIMITED, a company organized and existing under the laws of England and
Wales (collectively, including the Parent Guarantor, the Original Guarantors) and WILLIS
INVESTMENT UK HOLDINGS LIMITED, a company organized and existing under the laws of England and
Wales (together with the Original Guarantors, the Guarantors) and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
(formerly known as THE BANK OF NEW YORK) (as successor to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.), a New York banking corporation, as trustee
(the Trustee).
RECITALS OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS
WHEREAS, the Issuer and the Original Guarantors have heretofore executed and delivered to the
Trustee an Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2005 (the Original Indenture), as supplemented by the
First Supplemental Indenture dated July 1, 2005, (the First Supplemental Indenture), the Second
Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 28, 2007, (the Second Supplemental Indenture) and the
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2008 (entered into between the Issuer, the
Guarantors and the Trustee) (the Third Supplemental Indenture and together with the Original
Indenture, the First Supplemental Indenture and the Second Supplemental Indenture, the Existing
Indenture) providing for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured senior debentures, notes
or other evidences of Indebtedness (the Securities), to be issued in one or more series as
provided in the Original Indenture;
WHEREAS, Section 10.01 of the Original Indenture provides that the Issuer, each Guarantor and
the Trustee may from time to time enter into one or more indentures supplemental thereto to
establish a new series of Securities and add certain provisions to the Original Indenture;
WHEREAS, Section 3.01 of the Original Indenture provides that the Issuer may enter into one or
more indentures supplemental thereto to establish the form and terms of a series of Securities
issued pursuant to the Original Indenture;
WHEREAS, the Issuer, pursuant to the foregoing authority, proposes in and by this Fourth
Supplemental Indenture (the Supplemental Indenture and, together with the Original Indenture, the
Indenture) to supplement the Original Indenture insofar as it will apply only to the one series
of securities to be known as the Issuers
7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Notes) issued hereunder (and not to any other series);
WHEREAS, the Issuer and the Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this
Supplemental Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary have been done to make this Supplemental Indenture a valid
agreement of the Issuer and the Guarantors, in accordance with its terms and the terms of the
Original Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the covenants and agreements
contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
7.0% Senior Notes due 2019
SECTION 1.01. Creation of Series; Establishment of Form.
7.0% Senior Notes due 2019
(1) There is hereby established a new series of Securities under the Indenture entitled 7.0%
Senior Notes due 2019.
(2) The form of the Notes, including the form of the certificate of authentication, is
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
(3) The Trustee shall authenticate and deliver the Notes for original issue in an aggregate
principal amount of $300,000,000 upon an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of the
Notes. The Issuer may from time to time issue additional Notes in accordance with Sections 3.01
and 10.01 of the Original Indenture. Any additional Notes subsequently issued shall not be limited
by the aggregate principal amount of this Supplemental Indenture. The Notes issued originally
hereunder, together with any additional Notes subsequently issued, shall be treated as a single
series for purposes of the Indenture.
(4) The Notes shall be issued in registered form without coupons.
(5) The Notes shall not have a sinking fund.
(6) The principal of the Notes shall be due on September 29, 2019.
(7) Subject to Section 1.07 of this Supplemental Indenture, the outstanding principal amount
of the Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 7.0% per annum, from September 29, 2009 or from the
most recent Interest Payment Date (as
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defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, as the case may be,
payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 (each, an Interest Payment Date),
commencing on March 15, 2010, to the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close
of business on the Regular Record Date (as defined in Section 1.02) for such interest and at the
Stated Maturity of the Notes, until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment.
Interest on the Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day
months. Any such interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is not so punctually paid or duly
provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holders on such Regular Record Date and may
either be paid to the Person or Persons in whose name the Notes are registered at the close of
business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the
Trustee (Special Record Date), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of the Notes not less
than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful
manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange, if any, on which the
Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by any such exchange, all as more
fully provided in the Original Indenture.
(8) The Notes shall be issued in denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in
excess thereof.
(9) The Notes due shall be redeemable, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at
the option of the Issuer on any date (a Redemption Date), at a Redemption Price equal to the
greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the
present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of
interest accrued to such Redemption Date) discounted to such Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis
(assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis
points, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to
such Redemption Date.
SECTION 1.02. Definitions. The following defined terms used herein shall, unless the context
otherwise requires, have the meanings specified below. Each capitalized term that is used in this
Supplemental Indenture but not defined herein shall have the meaning specified in the Original
Indenture.
Comparable Treasury Issue means the United States Treasury security selected by the
Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes to
be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary
financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to
the remaining term of the Notes.
Comparable Treasury Price means, with respect to any Redemption Date for the Notes, (1) the
average of five Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the
highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the Independent Investment
Banker obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such
quotations.
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Depositary means The Depository Trust Company or any successor thereto.
Independent Investment Banker means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers that the Issuer
appoints to act as the Independent Investment Banker from time to time.
Interest Payment Date means March 15 and September 15 of each year.
Reference Treasury Dealer means (1) each of Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing
ceases to be a primary dealer of U.S. government securities in the United States (a Primary
Treasury Dealer), the Issuer shall substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) any other
Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Issuer.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer
and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the
bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of
its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker by such Reference
Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the third (3rd) Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
Regular Record Date means, with respect to each Interest Payment Date, the close of business
on the respective March 1 and September 1 (whether or not a Business Day) prior to such Interest
Payment Date.
Security Register means the register, in such office as the Issuer shall keep at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or in any office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer in
accordance with Section 3.05 of the Original Indenture, in which the Issuer shall, subject to such
reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, provide for the registration of Securities and of
registration of transfers of Securities.
Treasury Rate means, with respect to any Redemption Date, (a) the yield, under the heading
that represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently
published statistical release designated H.15 (519) or any successor publication that is
published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and that establishes
yields on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption
Treasury Constant Maturities, for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if
no maturity is within three (3) months before or after the remaining term of the Notes, yields for
the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue will be
determined and the Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a
straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or (b) if such release (or any successor
release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such
yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to
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maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date. The Treasury Rate shall be calculated on the third (3rd) Business
Day preceding the Redemption Date.
SECTION 1.03. Payment of Principal and Interest.
(1) If any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or the Stated Maturity of the Notes is not a
Business Day, the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, as applicable, will be made
on the next succeeding Business Day. No interest will accrue on the amount so payable for the
period from such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, to
the next succeeding Business Day. Business Day means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.
(2) Payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes represented by a
Global Security shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Holder of such
Global Security; provided, however, that in the case of payments of principal and premium, if any,
such Global Security is first surrendered to the Paying Agent. If any of the Notes are no longer
represented by a Global Security, (i) payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest due at
the Stated Maturity or on a Redemption Date, if any, (except, in the case of interest, where the
Redemption Date is an Interest Payment Date) shall be made at the office of the Paying Agent upon
surrender of such Notes to the Paying Agent and (ii) payments of interest shall be made, at the
option of the Issuer, subject to such surrender where applicable, (A) by check mailed to the
address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (B)
by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as
may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date for
payment by the Person entitled thereto.
(3) The Trustee shall initially serve as the Paying Agent with respect to the Notes, with the
Place of Payment initially being the Corporate Trust Office.
SECTION 1.04. Global Securities. The Notes shall initially be issued in the form of one or
more Global Securities registered in the name of a nominee of the Depositary. Except under the
limited circumstances described below, Notes represented by such Global Security or Global
Securities shall not be exchangeable for, and shall not otherwise be issuable as, Notes in
definitive form. The Global Securities described above may not be transferred except as a whole by
the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary
or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or its nominee or by the
Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary,
unless and until the Notes are exchanged in whole or in part for Notes in definitive form.
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Subject to the procedures of the Depositary, a Global Security shall be exchangeable for the
Notes registered in the names of Persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the
Depositary notifies the Trustee and the Issuer that it is no longer willing or able to properly
discharge its responsibilities as a Depositary for such Global Security and no qualified successor
Depositary shall have been appointed by the Issuer within ninety (90) days of receipt by the Issuer
of such notification, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered
under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such
Depositary and no qualified successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Issuer within
ninety (90) days after it becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) the Issuer executes and delivers to
the Trustee an Issuer Order stating that the Issuer elects to terminate the book-entry system
through the Depositary, or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default
with respect to the Global Security. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the
preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for the Notes as provided in the Original Indenture.
SECTION 1.05. Redemption.
(1) The Issuer shall mail notice of redemption not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to
the Redemption Date, to each Holder of the Notes to be redeemed. Notwithstanding Section 12.04 of
the Original Indenture, the notice of redemption with respect to the foregoing redemption need not
set forth the Redemption Price or an estimate thereof, but only the appropriate calculation
thereof. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate setting forth the
Redemption Price with respect to the foregoing redemption no later than two (2) Business Days prior
to the Redemption Date. The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining said Redemption
Price
(2) On the Redemption Date, and from and after such date (unless the Issuer shall default in
the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Notes shall cease to bear interest.
(3) Section 12.03 (Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed) of the Original
Indenture is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
If less than all the 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Notes) are to be redeemed, the
particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Notes not previously called for
redemption, (i) if the Notes are listed on any securities exchange, in accordance with the
requirements of such exchange or (ii) if the Notes are not so listed, by any method as the
Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, and which may provide for the selection for
redemption of portions (equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal
amount of Notes of a denomination larger than $2,000; provided, however, that Notes
registered in the name of the Issuer shall be excluded from any such selection for
redemption
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until all Notes not so registered shall have been previously selected for redemption.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Notes selected for
redemption and, in the case of any Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all
provisions relating to the redemption of Notes shall relate, in the case of any Notes
redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such
Notes which has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1.06. Additional Covenants. The following shall be additional covenants to the
covenants set forth in the Original Indenture for the benefit of the Notes only and shall be
effective only so long as the Notes are outstanding:
(1) Limitation on Liens. The Parent Guarantor shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, incur or suffer to exist any Lien, other than a Permitted
Lien (an Initial Lien), securing Indebtedness upon any Capital Stock of any Significant
Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Parent Guarantor
or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case whether owned at the date of the original issuance of the
Notes or thereafter acquired, or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom unless it
has made or will make effective provision whereby the Outstanding Notes will be secured by such
Lien equally and ratably with (or prior to) all other Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or any
Subsidiary secured by such Lien. Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes
pursuant to the preceding sentence shall provide by its terms that such Lien will be automatically
and unconditionally released and discharged upon release and discharge of the Initial Lien.
Permitted Lien means a Lien on the Capital Stock of a Significant Subsidiary to secure
Indebtedness incurred to finance the purchase price of such Capital Stock; provided that any such
Lien may not extend to any other property of the Parent Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of the
Parent Guarantor; and provided further that such Indebtedness matures within 180 days from the date
such Indebtedness was incurred.
(2) Limitation on Dispositions of Significant Subsidiaries. The Parent Guarantor shall not,
and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of, and will not permit any Significant Subsidiary to issue, any Capital Stock of
any Significant Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, (a) the Parent Guarantor and
its Subsidiaries may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, and any Significant Subsidiary may
issue, any such Capital Stock to any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, (b) any Subsidiary of the
Parent Guarantor may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, and any Significant Subsidiary may
issue, any such securities to the Parent Guarantor or another Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor,
(c) the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, and any
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Significant Subsidiary may issue, any such Capital Stock if the consideration received is at
least equal to the fair market value (as determined by the board of directors of the Parent
Guarantor acting in good faith) of such Capital Stock, and (d) the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, and any Significant Subsidiary may issue, any such
securities if required by law or any regulation or order of any governmental or regulatory
authority. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parent Guarantor may merge or consolidate any of its
Significant Subsidiaries into or with another one of its Significant Subsidiaries and may otherwise
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets pursuant to Article NINE of the Original
Indenture.
SECTION 1.07. Interest Rate Adjustment. The interest rate payable on the Notes will be
subject to adjustment from time to time if either Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys, which
term shall include any successor thereto) or Standard & Poors Rating Services, a division of
McGraw-Hill, Inc. (S&P, which term shall include any successor thereto and together with Moodys,
each a Rating Agency), downgrades (or subsequently upgrades) the debt rating applicable to the
Notes (a rating) as set forth below.
If the rating from Moodys is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following
table, the interest rate on the Notes will increase from that set forth in section 1.01(7) above by
the percentage set forth opposite that rating:
|
|
|
|
|
Rating |
|
Percentage |
|
Ba1 |
|
|
0.50 |
% |
Ba2 or below |
|
|
1.00 |
% |
If the rating from S&P is decreased to a rating set forth in the immediately following table,
the interest rate on the Notes will increase from that set forth in section 1.01(7) above by the
percentage set forth opposite that rating:
|
|
|
|
|
Rating |
|
Percentage |
|
BB+ |
|
|
0.50 |
% |
BB or below |
|
|
1.00 |
% |
If, following an interest rate adjustment, Moodys or S&P subsequently increases or decreases
its rating to any of the threshold ratings set forth above, the interest rate of the Notes will be
increased or decreased such that the interest rate for the Notes equals the interest rate set forth
in section 1.01(7) above plus (1) the interest rate adjustment, if any, then in effect resulting
from an increase or decrease in the other Rating Agencys rating and (2) the percentage set forth
opposite the applicable rating from the applicable table above for the Rating Agency that increased
or decreased its rating. Each adjustment required by any decrease or increase in a rating set forth
above, whether occasioned by the action of Moodys or S&P, shall be made independent of any and all
other adjustments. In no event shall (1) the interest rate on the Notes be reduced to below the
interest rate set forth in section 1.01(7) above, and (2) the total increase in
8
the interest rate on the Notes exceed 2.00% above the interest rate set forth in section
1.01(7) above. If, following an interest rate adjustment, Moodys subsequently increases its rating to Baa3 or
higher and S&P increases its rating to BBB- or higher, the interest rate on the Notes will remain
at, or be decreased to, as the case may be, the interest rate set forth in section 1.01(7) above
and no subsequent downgrades in a rating shall result in an adjustment of the interest rate on the
Notes as provided herein.
If either Moodys or S&P ceases to provide a rating, any subsequent increase or decrease in
the interest rate on the Notes necessitated by a reduction or increase in the rating by the Rating
Agency continuing to provide the rating shall be twice the percentage set forth in the applicable
table above, and the required ratings increase set forth in the last sentence of the preceding
paragraph shall only apply to the Rating Agency continuing to provide the rating. No adjustments
in the interest rate on the Notes shall be made solely as a result of either Moodys or S&P (but
not both) ceasing to provide a rating. If both Moodys and S&P cease to provide a rating, the
interest rate on the Notes will increase to, or remain at, as the case may be, 2.00% above the
interest rate set forth in section 1.01(7) above.
Any interest rate increase or decrease, as described above, will take effect from the first
day of the Interest Period during which a rating change requires an adjustment in the interest
rate. The term Interest Period means the period from and including an Interest Payment Date to
and excluding the next succeeding Interest Payment Date or in connection with the first Interest
Period, the period from and including the original issue date of the Notes to and excluding the
first Interest Payment Date.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee promptly of any interest rate adjustment.
SECTION 1.08. Additional Amounts. With respect to any payments made by a Guarantor in respect
of its Guarantee of the Notes that is organized other than under the laws of the United States, any
state thereof or the District of Columbia, the Guarantor will make all payments of principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on (whether on scheduled payment dates or upon acceleration) and the
Redemption Price, if any, payable in respect of any Note without deduction or withholding for or on
account of any present or future tax, duty, levy, import, assessment or governmental charge
(including penalties, interest and other liabilities related thereto) (Taxes) imposed or levied
by or on behalf of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor or any political subdivision
thereof or taxing authority therein (Taxing Jurisdiction), upon or as a result of such payments,
unless required by law or by the official interpretation or administration thereof.
To the extent that any such Taxes are so levied or imposed, the Guarantor will pay such
additional amounts (Additional Amounts) to a Holder of the Notes in order that every net amount
received by each Holder (including additional amounts), after withholding for or on account of such
Taxes imposed upon or as a result of such
9
payment, will not be less than the amount provided for in the Notes to be then due and
payable.
As used herein and for purposes of the Indenture and the Notes, any reference to the principal
of and interest on the Notes and the Redemption Price, if any, shall be deemed to include a
reference to any related Additional Amounts payable in respect of such amounts.
SECTION 1.09. Events of Default. Section 6.01 of the Original Indenture setting forth the
Events of Default is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
Event of Default, whenever used herein with respect to the Notes, means any one of the
following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary
or involuntary or be affected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of
any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(1) a default in payment of interest (including Additional Amounts) upon any Note when
it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or
(2) a default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Note at
its Maturity; or
(3) a default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant of the Issuer or any
Guarantor (other than a covenant a default whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere
in this Section specifically dealt with or which has been expressly included in the
Indenture solely for the benefit of Securities other than the Notes), and continuance of
such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or
certified mail, to the Issuer or any Guarantor by the Trustee or to the Issuer or any
Guarantor and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Notes a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be
remedied and stating that such notice is a Notice of Default hereunder; or
(4) a default under any Indebtedness by the Issuer, any Guarantor or any of their
respective subsidiaries that results in acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness,
or failure to pay any such Indebtedness at maturity, in an aggregate amount greater than
$25.0 million or its foreign currency equivalent at the time; or
(5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order
for relief in respect of the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary in
an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or (B) a decree or
order adjudging the Parent Guarantor, the
10
Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly
filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in
respect of the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary under any
applicable federal or state law, or appointing a Custodian of the Parent Guarantor, the
Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or of any substantial part of their property, or
ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such
decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a
period of 90 consecutive days; or
(6) the commencement by the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary
of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be
adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order
for relief in respect of the Parent Guarantor, or the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary
in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or
insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or
consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law, or the
consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession
by a Custodian of the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary of any substantial part of its
property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the
admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due,
or the taking of corporate action by the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any Significant
Subsidiary in furtherance of any such action, or the taking of any comparable action under
any foreign laws relating to insolvency; or
(7) any Guarantee shall for any reason cease to be, or shall for any reason be
asserted in writing by any Guarantor not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable in
accordance with its terms.
SECTION 1.10. Notice of Defaults.
Section 7.02 (Notice of Defaults) of the Original Indenture is hereby amended and restated in
its entirety as follows:
Within 60 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the
Notes, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Notes, as their names and
addresses appear in the Security Register, notice of such default hereunder known to the
Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that,
except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on any Note or in the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation
installment with respect to the Notes, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such
notice if and so long as the board
11
of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible
Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in
the interest of the Holders of Notes; and provided, further, that in the case of any
default of the character specified in Section 6.01(3) with respect to the Notes, no such
notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For
the purpose of this Section, the term default means any event which is, or after notice
or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
SECTION 1.11. Legal Defeasance and Discharge and Covenant Defeasance. Section 5.03 and
Section 5.04 of the Original Indenture does hereby apply to all of the outstanding Notes.
ARTICLE II
Miscellaneous Provisions
SECTION 2.01. Integral Part. This Supplemental Indenture constitutes an integral part of the
Original Indenture.
SECTION 2.02. Adoption, Ratification and Confirmation. The Original Indenture, as
supplemented and amended by this Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects hereby adopted,
ratified and confirmed, and this Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed part of the Original
Indenture in the manner and to the extent herein and therein provided. The provisions of this
Supplemental Indenture shall, subject to the terms hereof, supersede the provisions of the Original
Indenture to the extent the Original Indenture is inconsistent herewith.
SECTION 2.03. Counterparts. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 2.04. Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 2.05. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act. If and to the extent that any provision of
the Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision required under the terms of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Trust Indenture Act provision shall control.
SECTION 2.06. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The Article and Section headings
herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction
hereof.
12
SECTION 2.07. Separability Clause. In case any provision in the Indenture or in the Notes
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 2.08. Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements in the Indenture by the
parties hereto shall bind their respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 2.09. Benefit of Indenture. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes,
express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Security
Registrar, any Paying Agent, and their successors hereunder, and the Holders of the Notes, any
benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim hereunder or under the Indenture.
SECTION 2.10. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for
or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of
the recitals contained herein, all of which are made solely by the Issuer and the Guarantors.
13
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly
executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
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Willis North America Inc.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Donald J. Bailey
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Donald J. Bailey |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer and
President |
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|
Willis Group Holdings Limited
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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|
|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
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|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer
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|
willis investment uk holdings limited
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
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Title: |
Director |
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|
TA I Limited
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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|
|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
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|
|
Title: |
Director |
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|
TA II Limited
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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|
|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
|
|
|
Title: |
Director |
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TA III Limited
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
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|
Title: |
Director |
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|
Trinity Acquisition Limited
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|
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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|
|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
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|
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Title: |
Director |
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|
TA IV Limited
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
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|
|
|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
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|
|
Title: |
Director |
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|
|
Willis Group Limited
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|
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By: |
/s/ Patrick C. Regan
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Patrick C. Regan |
|
|
|
Title: |
Director |
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|
the bank of new york mellon,
as Trustee
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By: |
/s/ Geovanni Barris
|
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|
|
Name: |
Geovanni Barris |
|
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Title: |
Vice President |
|
Exhibit A
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND
IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED
IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN CERTIFICATED FORM IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN
THE INDENTURE, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF
THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF
SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST
COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (DTC), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER,
EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH
OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE
& CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL
INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC.
7.0% Senior Note due 2019
CUSIP No.: 970648AE1
ISIN No.:US970648AE14
WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of
Delaware (herein called the Issuer, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or its
registered assigns, the principal sum of $300,000,000 on September 29, 2019, and to pay interest
thereon from September 29, 2009 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has
been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 in each year, commencing
March 15, 2010 and at the Stated Maturity of this Note, at the rate of 7.0% per annum (subject to
adjustment as set forth in Section 1.07 of the Fourth Supplemental Indenture), until the principal
hereof is paid or made available for payment. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the
Person in whose name this Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close
of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be March 1 or September 1
(whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
Any such interest due on an Interest Payment Date not so punctually paid or duly provided for will
forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to
the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date
for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be
given to Holders of Notes of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date,
or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Notes of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.
Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Note will be made at
the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose in the City and State of New York,
or at such other agency as the Issuer may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States
of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts;
provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer payment of interest may be made (subject to
surrender where applicable) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such
address shall appear in the Security Register or by wire transfer at such place and to such account
at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee
referred to on the reverse hereof at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date of payment by the
Person entitled thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payment of any amount payable in respect of
a
Global Security will be made in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect to the Notes of this series.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse
hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at
this place.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to
on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the
Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed as of the date
first written above.
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Willis North America Inc.
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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TRUSTEES CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein issued under the
within-mentioned Indenture.
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Dated: |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Trustee
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
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2
[FORM OF REVERSE OF NOTE]
WILLIS NORTH AMERICA INC.
7.0% Senior Note due 2019
This global security certificate represents one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the
Notes), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of July 1,
2005, (herein called the Original Indenture), as supplemented by the First Supplemental
Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2005 (herein called the First Supplemental Indenture), the Second
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2007 (herein called the Second Supplemental
Indenture), the Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2008 (herein called the
Third Supplemental Indenture) and the Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 29,
2009 (herein called the Fourth Supplemental Indenture) (such Original Indenture, together with
the First Supplemental Indenture, the Second Supplemental Indenture, the Third Supplemental
Indenture and the Fourth Supplemental Indenture, the Indenture), between the Issuer, Willis Group
Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition Limited, TA IV
Limited, Willis Group Limited and, in the case of the Third Supplemental Indenture, Willis
Investment UK Holdings Limited, (each, a Guarantor, and collectively, the Guarantors) and The
Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as Trustee (herein called the
Trustee, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby
made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and
immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes and
of the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Note is one
of the series designated on the face hereof.
With respect to any payments made by a Guarantor that is organized other than under the laws
of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, the Guarantor will make all
payments of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on (whether on scheduled payment dates
or upon acceleration) and the Redemption Price, if any, payable in respect of any Note of this
series without deduction or withholding for or on account of any present or future tax, duty, levy,
import, assessment or governmental charge (including penalties, interest and other liabilities
related thereto) (Taxes) imposed or levied by or on behalf of the jurisdiction of organization of
such Guarantor or any political subdivision thereof or taxing authority therein (Taxing
Jurisdiction), upon or as a result of such payments, unless required by law or by the official
interpretation or administration thereof.
To the extent that any such Taxes are so levied or imposed, the Guarantor will pay such
additional amounts (Additional Amounts, which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in the
Indenture) to a Holder of the Notes of this series in order that every net payment of the principal
of and interest on such Notes and the Redemption Price, if any, payable in respect of such Notes,
after withholding for or on account of
such Taxes imposed upon or as a result of such payment, will not be less than the amount
provided for in such Notes to be then due and payable.
Wherever in this Note or the Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of
principal (and premium, if any), interest or any other amount payable under or with respect to the
Notes of this series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional
Amounts to the extent that, in such context additional amounts are, were or would be payable in
respect thereof.
The Issuer may, from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the Holders of the
Notes, increase the principal amount of the Notes of this series under the Indenture and issue such
increased principal amount (or any portion thereof), in which case any additional Notes of this
series so issued will have the same form and terms (other than the date of issuance and the issue
price and, under certain circumstances, the date from which interest thereon will begin to accrue
and the initial Interest Payment Date), and will carry the same right to receive accrued and unpaid
interest, as the Notes of such series previously issued, and such additional Notes will form a
single series with the previously issued Notes of such series, including for voting purposes.
No sinking fund is provided for the Notes. The Notes of this series are subject to redemption
upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice given as provided in the Indenture, as a whole
at any time, or in part from time to time, at the election of the Issuer, at the Redemption Price,
which shall be equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes of this series
to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of
principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to such Redemption Date) discounted
to such Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day
months) at the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid
interest on the principal amount being redeemed to such Redemption Date.
In the case of any such redemption, the Issuer will also pay accrued and unpaid interest, if
any, to the redemption date.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph above are listed below.
Comparable Treasury Issue means the United States Treasury security selected by the
Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes of
this series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with
customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable
maturity to the remaining term of such Notes.
Comparable Treasury Price means, with respect to any Redemption Date for the Notes of this
series, (1) the average of five Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date,
after excluding the highest and lowest Reference
2
Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the Independent Investment Banker obtains fewer than
five such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.
Independent Investment Banker means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers that the Issuer
appoints to act as the Independent Investment Banker from time to time.
Reference Treasury Dealer means (1) each of Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing
ceases to be a primary dealer of U.S. government securities in the United States (a Primary
Treasury Dealer), the Issuer shall substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer and (2) any other
Primary Treasury Dealers selected by the Issuer.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer
and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the
bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of
its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker at 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the third Business Day preceding such Redemption Date.
Treasury Rate means, with respect to any Redemption Date: (a) the yield, under the heading
that represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently
published statistical release designated H.15 (519) or any successor publication that is
published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and that establishes
yields on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption
Treasury Constant Maturities, for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if
no maturity is within three months before or after the remaining term of the Notes yields for the
two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue will be
determined and the Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a
straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or (b) if such release (or any successor
release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such
yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable
Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a
percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption
Date. The Treasury Rate will be calculated on the third Business Day preceding the Redemption Date.
In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note or Notes of this series and
of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof
upon the cancellation hereof.
3
The Issuer shall mail notice of redemption not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date, to each Holder of Notes of this series to be redeemed, all as provided in the
Indenture.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire Indebtedness of
this Note or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Note, in each
case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
If an Event of Default with respect to Notes of this series shall occur and be continuing, the
principal of the Notes of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the
effect provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and
the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors and the rights of
the Holders of the Notes of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the
Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority
in principal amount of the Notes at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal
amount of the Notes of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Notes
of such series, to waive compliance by the Issuer with certain provisions of the Indenture and
certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by
the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future
Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange
herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this
Note.
As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Note shall
not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment
of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have
previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the
Notes of this series, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Notes of
this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute
proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable
indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of Notes of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request,
and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice,
request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder
of this Note for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof (or premium, if any) or
interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall
alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and
4
unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Note at the times,
place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the
transfer of this Note is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Note for
registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Issuer in any place where the principal of
and any premium and interest on this Note are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Security Registrar duly
executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or
more new Notes of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same
aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
The Notes of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations
of US $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture
and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Notes of this series are exchangeable for a
like aggregate principal amount of Notes of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized
denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the
Issuer or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee
and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither
the Issuer, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
All terms used in this Note that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned
to them in the Indenture.
5
exv5w1
Exhibit 5.1
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
(212) 310-8000
September 29, 2009
Willis Group Holdings Limited
51 Lime Street
London EC3M 7DQ, England
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Willis Group Holdings Limited, an exempted company under the
Companies Act of 1981 of Bermuda (the Parent), Willis North America Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the Company) and Willis Investment Holdings UK Limited, a company with limited liability
organized under the laws of England and Wales, TA I Limited, a company with limited liability
organized under the laws of England and Wales, TA II Limited, a company with limited liability
organized under the laws of England and Wales, TA III Limited, a company with limited liability
organized under the laws of England and Wales, Trinity Acquisition plc, a company with limited
liability organized under the laws of England and Wales, TA IV Limited, a company with limited
liability organized under the laws of England and Wales and Willis Group Limited, a company with
limited liability organized under the laws of England and Wales (individually, a Guarantor and,
together with the Parent, the Guarantors) in connection with the offer and sale by the Company of
$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Notes), fully and
unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors (the Guarantees and, together with the Notes, the
Securities), pursuant to the underwriting agreement, dated September 22, 2009 (the Agreement),
between the Company, the Guarantors and Banc of America Securities LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc., as representatives of the underwriters named therein.
In so acting, we have examined originals or copies (certified or otherwise identified to our
satisfaction) of (i) the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-160129), filed by the
Company on June 19, 2009 (the Registration Statement), (ii) the prospectus, dated as of June 19,
2006 (the Base Prospectus), which forms a part of the Registration Statement, (iii) the
preliminary prospectus supplement, dated September 22, 2009, (iv) the prospectus supplement, dated
September 22, 2009 (the Prospectus Supplement), (v) the base indenture, dated as of July 1, 2005,
among the Company, The Bank of New York (now known as The Bank of New York Mellon) (as successor to
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee and the Guarantors named therein, as supplemented by the
first supplemental indenture dated July 1, 2005, the second supplemental indenture dated March 28,
2007, the third supplemental indenture dated October 1, 2008 and the fourth supplemental indenture
dated September 29, 2009; (v) the
opinion delivered by Applebys dated September 29, 2009, attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (the
Applebys Opinion); (vi) the opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP dated September 29, 2009,
attached hereto as Exhibit 2 (the Weil Gotshal UK Opinion); and (vii) such corporate records,
agreements, documents and other instruments, and such certificates or comparable documents of
public officials and of officers and representatives of the Company, and have made such inquiries
of such officers and representatives, as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the
opinion hereinafter set forth. We refer to the Base Prospectus as supplemented by the Prospectus
Supplement as the Prospectus.
In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of
all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity
to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic
copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. As to all questions of fact
material to this opinion that have not been independently established, we have relied upon
certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the
Company. As to the due authorization, execution and, in the case of the Parent, delivery, of the
Securities by the Guarantors, we have relied upon the Applebys Opinion and the Weil Gotshal UK
Opinion.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications stated herein, we are of the opinion
that (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture and the Notes by the
Trustee) the Securities constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company and each of the
Guarantors, enforceable against the Company and each of the Guarantors in accordance with their
terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization,
moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to
enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness,
good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or
in equity).
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of this letter as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption Legal Opinions in the
Prospectus.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
2
Exhibit 1
Exhibit 5.1
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e-mail: |
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tfaries@applebyglobal.com |
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direct dial: |
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Tel 441 298 3216 |
Willis Group Holdings Limited
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Fax 441 298 3485 |
51 Lime Street London EC3M 7DQ, England |
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your ref: |
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appleby ref: |
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TF/cm/124997.61 |
29 September 2009
Dear Sirs
Willis Group Holdings Limited (the Parent)
We have acted as legal counsel in Bermuda to the Parent and this opinion as to Bermuda law is
addressed to you in connection with the filing by the Parent with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC), of the Prospectus Supplement (defined below) in relation to the issuance
of an aggregate principal amount of US$300,000,000.00 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Notes) by
the Issuer, such Notes being guaranteed by the Parent (the Parent Guarantee) together with
various of its subsidiaries. The documents include:
(i) |
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the Form S-3 Registration Statement (No. 333-160129) dated 21 June 2009 (the Registration
Statement) including the post-effective amendment no.1 thereto filed with the SEC on 22
September 2009; |
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(ii) |
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the Prospectus Supplement dated 29 September 2009 relating to the issuance and guarantee of
the Notes, being the Prospectus Supplement to the Prospectus dated 21 June 2009 (the
Prospectus Supplement); |
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(iii) |
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the Underwriting Agreement dated 29 September 2009 (the Underwriting Agreement); |
Willis Group Holdings Limited Exhibit 5.1 Opinion
29 September 2009
(iv) |
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the Indenture dated 1 July 2005; as amended pursuant to (i) the First Supplemental Indenture
dated1 July 2005; (ii) the Second Supplemental Indenture dated 28 March 2007; (iii) the Third
Supplemental Indenture dated 1 October 2008; and (iv) the Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated
29 September 2009 and as may be further supplemented or amended from time to time
(collectively the Indenture) |
(The Underwriting Agreement, the Indenture and the Supplemental Indenture are hereinafter
collectively referred to as the Subject Documents).
Unless otherwise defined in this opinion or the Schedules to it, capitalised terms have the
meanings assigned to them in the Underwriting Agreement.
For the purposes of this opinion we have examined and relied upon the documents listed (which, in
some cases, are also defined) in the Schedule to this opinion and such other documents as may be
relevant to the circumstances (collectively, the Documents).
Assumptions
In stating our opinion we have assumed:
(a) |
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the authenticity, accuracy and completeness of all Documents submitted to us as originals and
the conformity to authentic original Documents of all Documents submitted to us as certified,
conformed, notarised or photostatic copies; |
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(b) |
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that each of the Documents which was received by electronic means is complete, intact and in
conformity with the transmission as sent; |
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(c) |
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the genuineness of all signatures on the Documents; |
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(d) |
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the authority, capacity and power of each of the persons signing the Documents (other than
the Parent in respect of the Subject Documents); |
Page 2
Willis Group Holdings Limited Exhibit 5.1 Opinion
29 September 2009
(e) |
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that any representation, warranty or statement of fact or law, other than as to the laws of
Bermuda, made in any of the Documents is true, accurate and complete; |
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(f) |
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that the Resolutions are in full force and effect and have not been rescinded, either in
whole or in part, and accurately record the resolutions passed by the Board of Directors of
the Parent by way unanimous of written resolution and that there is no matter affecting the
authority of the Directors to enter into, or issue, the Subject Documents not disclosed by the
Constitutional Documents or the Resolutions, which would have any adverse implication in
relation to the opinions expressed herein; |
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(g) |
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that the Parent has entered into its obligations under the Subject Documents in good faith
for the purpose of carrying on its business and that, at the time it did so, there were
reasonable grounds for believing that the transactions contemplated by the Subject Documents
would benefit the Parent; |
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(h) |
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that each transaction to be entered into pursuant to the Subject Documents is entered into in
good faith and for full value and will not have the effect of preferring one creditor over
another; and |
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(i) |
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that the drafts of the Documents which we have examined for the purposes of this opinion do
not differ in any material respect from those drafts approved by the Board of Directors,
pursuant to the Resolutions. |
Opinion
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject to the reservations set out below and to any
matters not disclosed to us, we are of the opinion that the Subject Documents have been duly
authorised, executed and delivered by the Parent.
Reservations
We have the following reservations:
Page 3
Willis Group Holdings Limited Exhibit 5.1 Opinion
29 September 2009
(a) |
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We express no opinion as to any law other than Bermuda law and none of the opinions expressed
herein relates to compliance with or matters governed by the laws of any jurisdiction except
Bermuda. This opinion is limited to Bermuda law as applied by the Courts of Bermuda at the
date hereof. |
Disclosure
This opinion is addressed to you in connection with the filing of the Prospectus Supplement with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We consent to the inclusion of this opinion as Exhibit
5.2 to the Registration Statement. As Bermuda attorneys, however, we are not qualified to opine on
matters of law in relation to any jurisdiction other than Bermuda, and accordingly our firm does
not admit to being an expert within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Further, this opinion speaks as of its date and is strictly limited to the maters stated herein and
we assume no obligation to review or update this opinion if applicable law or the existing facts or
circumstances should change.
This opinion is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with Bermuda law. It is given on
the basis that it will not give rise to any legal proceedings with respect thereto in any
jurisdiction other than Bermuda. This opinion may be relied upon by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
solely for the purpose of the delivery of an opinion on behalf of the Parent in respect of the
Registration Statement on Form S-3.
Yours faithfully
/s/ Appleby
Appleby
Page 4
Willis Group Holdings Limited Exhibit 5.1 Opinion
29 September 2009
SCHEDULE
1. |
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The Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws adopted for the
Parent (collectively referred to as the Constitutional Documents). |
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4. |
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Certified extract of the unanimous written resolutions of the Board of Directors of the
Parent dated 29 September 2009 (the Resolutions). |
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5. |
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Certificate of Compliance dated 29 September 2009 issued by the Ministry of Finance in
respect of the Parent. |
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7. |
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Certificate of Incumbency in respect of the Parent. |
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8. |
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Copy of the Registration Statement (No. 333-160129) on Form S-3 dated 21 June 2009. |
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9. |
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Copy of the Prospectus Supplement dated 29 September 2009. |
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10. |
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An electronic copy of the executed Underwriting Agreement dated 29 September 2009. |
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11. |
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An electronic copy of the executed Indenture. |
Page 5
Exhibit 2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
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JMC/0552/81181.0009
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29 September 2009 |
To:
Willis Group Holdings Limited
51 Lime Street
London EC3M 7DQ
England
Dear Sirs
Willis North America Inc.
U.S.$300,000,000 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Securities)
1 |
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Introduction |
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We have acted as legal advisers to Willis Investment UK Holdings Limited, TA I Limited, TA
II Limited, TA III Limited, Trinity Acquisition plc, TA IV Limited and Willis Group Limited
(each a Holdco Guarantor) on matters of English law with respect to an underwriting
agreement between Willis North America Inc. as issuer of the Securities (the Issuer),
Willis Group Holdings Limited as a guarantor (the Parent and, together with the Holdco
Guarantors, the Guarantors), the Holdco Guarantors and the several underwriters named in
Schedule I therein (the Underwriters), dated 22 September 2009 (the Underwriting
Agreement) and an indenture dated 1 July 2005, to be supplemented by a fourth supplemental
indenture dated 29 September 2009 (such indenture, as supplemented by such fourth
supplemental indenture, the Indenture) between the Issuer, the Guarantors and The Bank of
New York (now known as The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as
trustee (the Trustee) (including guarantees by the Holdco Guarantors of the Issuers
obligations under the Securities (the Guarantees)), each governed by New York law. |
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1.1 |
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We have agreed to provide this letter to you on the understanding and the conditions set out
in this letter. In this matter we have taken instructions solely from the Holdco Guarantors. |
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1.2 |
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You may rely on the opinions stated in this letter, subject to the assumptions, reservations
and observations set out below. |
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Documents examined |
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2.1 |
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In order to give this opinion we have only examined originals or copies (certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction) of the Indenture, and the documents and certificates
listed in the Schedule to this letter (together the Documents) and have |
ONE SOUTH PLACE, LONDON EC2M 2WG
TEL: +44 (0) 20 7903 1000 FAX: +44 (0) 20 7903 0990
AUSTIN BEIJING BOSTON BUDAPEST DALLAS FRANKFURT
HONG KONG HOUSTON MIAMI MUNICH
NEW YORK PARIS PRAGUE PROVIDENCE SHANGHAI SILICON VALLEY
WARSAW WASHINGTON
Weil, Gotshal & Manges is a partnership of registered foreign lawyers and solicitors. A list of the names and professional
qualifications of the partners is available at the above address.
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
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relied upon the statements as to factual matters contained in or made pursuant to each of
the Documents. We express no opinion as to any agreement, instrument or other document other
than as specified in this letter. |
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2.2 |
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Except as stated above, for the purposes of giving this opinion we have not examined any
other contract, instrument, charter or document entered into by or affecting any of the
parties to the Indenture. In addition, we have not examined any corporate or other records of
any of the parties to the Indenture (other than in respect of the Holdco Guarantors) nor made
any enquiries concerning any of the parties to the Indenture (other than in respect of the
Holdco Guarantors) for the purposes of this opinion. |
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2.3 |
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We have not been responsible for investigating or verifying the accuracy of any facts
including statements of foreign law, or the reasonableness of any statement of opinion or
intention, contained in or relevant to any document referred to in this letter, or that no
material facts have been omitted from any such document. |
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3 |
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Scope of opinion |
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3.1 |
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This opinion is given only with respect to English law in force at the date of this opinion
as applied by the English courts. We have made no investigation of and therefore express or
imply no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction or as to the application of English
or any other law by any other courts. |
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3.2 |
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We express no opinion on European Union law as it affects any jurisdiction other than
England. |
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3.3 |
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We express no opinion as to the effect that any future event or any act of the parties to the
Indenture or any third parties may have on the matters referred to in this letter. |
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3.4 |
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This opinion is given on the basis that it is governed by and shall be construed in
accordance with English law. We do not undertake any responsibility to advise you of any
change to this opinion after the date of this letter. |
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4 |
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Assumptions |
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4.1 |
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In considering the Documents and in giving this opinion, we have with your consent and
without further investigation or enquiry assumed: |
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4.1.1 |
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the genuineness of all signatures, stamps and seals on all documents and that
all signatures, stamps and seals were applied to a complete and final version of the
document on which they appear; |
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4.1.2 |
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the legal capacity of all natural persons; |
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4.1.3 |
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the authenticity, accuracy and completeness of those of the Documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to the original documents of
those of the Documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic
copies or received by facsimile transmission or by electronic |
2
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
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mail (including those obtained on a website) and the authenticity and
completeness of those original documents; |
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4.1.4 |
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that, where a Document has been examined by us in draft or specimen form, it
will be, or has been, executed in the form of that draft or specimen and those
transactions contemplated by the Documents which are not yet completed will be carried
out strictly in the manner described; |
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4.1.5 |
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that the directors of each of the Holdco Guarantors in authorising execution
of the Indenture have exercised their powers in accordance with their duties under all
applicable laws and the memorandum and articles of association of the Holdco
Guarantors; |
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4.1.6 |
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that each of the statements contained in the Secretarys certificate of each
of the Holdco Guarantors dated 29 September 2009 respectively, and listed in the
Schedule to this letter, are true and correct at the date of this letter; and |
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4.1.7 |
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that the resolutions of the board of directors of each of the Holdco
Guarantors inspected for the purpose of this opinion were (or, as the case may be, will
be) duly passed and that such resolutions have not been, and will not be, amended or
rescinded. |
5 |
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Opinion |
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5.1 |
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Based on the above assumptions, and any matters not disclosed to us, and having regard to
such considerations of English law in force as at the date of this letter as we consider
relevant we are of the opinion that: |
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5.1.1 |
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the execution of the Indenture has been duly authorised by all necessary
corporate action on the part of each of the Holdco Guarantors and the Indenture has
been duly executed by each of the Holdco Guarantors. |
A copy of this opinion may be appended to the Exhibit 5 opinion given by Weil, Gotshal & Manges
dated 29 September 2009 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
3
Weil, Gotshal & Manges
SCHEDULE
1 |
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A copy of the Secretarys certificate given by Shaun Bryant as Company Secretary for each of
the Holdco Guarantors respectively and dated 29 September 2009, attaching (in each case
certified as true and complete): |
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1.1 |
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a copy of the memorandum and articles of association of each of the Holdco Guarantors; and |
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1.2 |
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a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the board of directors of each of the Holdco
Guarantors, approving the giving of the Guarantees and the execution and delivery of the
Indenture, each dated 21 September 2009. |
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2 |
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The Indenture. |
4