Exhibit 99.1
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
To Tender For Exchange
3.850% Senior Notes due 2017 and 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022
of
URS CORPORATION and URS FOX US LP
Pursuant to the Prospectus Dated , 2013
| THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2013, UNLESS EXTENDED (THE “EXPIRATION DATE”). |
The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By Hand, Overnight Delivery or Mail (Registered or Certified Mail Recommended): | By Facsimile Transmission (for eligible institutions only): | |
U.S. Bank National Association c/o U.S. Bank National Association 633 West Fifth Street, 24th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 Attention: Ms. Paula Oswald | (213) 615-6197 Attention: Ms. Paula Oswald
Fax cover sheets should provide a call back number and request a call back, upon receipt. | |
Confirm receipt by calling: (213) 615-6043 | ||
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA A FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the prospectus, dated , 2013, of URS Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Parent”), and URS Fox US LP, a Delaware limited partnership (together with the Parent, the “Co-Issuers”), which, together with this letter of transmittal, constitute the Co-Issuers’ offer to exchange up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their new 3.850% Senior Notes due 2017 and up to $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their new 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “new notes”), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for any and all of its presently outstanding privately placed and unregistered 3.850% Senior Notes due 2017 and 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “old notes”). Old notes may be tendered in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
IF YOU DESIRE TO EXCHANGE YOUR OLD NOTES FOR AN EQUAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY OF NEW NOTES, YOU MUST VALIDLY TENDER (AND
NOT VALIDLY WITHDRAW) YOUR OLD NOTES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
YOU MUST SIGN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL WHERE INDICATED BELOW. PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS SET FORTH BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
This letter of transmittal is to be completed by holders of the Co-Issuers’ old notes either if certificates representing such notes are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an agent’s message is utilized, tenders of such notes are to be made by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the exchange agent at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) pursuant to the procedures set forth in the prospectus under the heading “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering.”
The undersigned has completed, executed and delivered this letter of transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the exchange offer.
Holders that are tendering by book-entry transfer to the exchange agent’s account at DTC may execute the tender though the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program, for which the exchange offer is eligible. DTC participants that are tendering old notes pursuant to the exchange offer must transmit their acceptance through the Automated Tender Offer Program to DTC, which will edit and verify the acceptance and send an agent’s message to the exchange agent for its acceptance.
To properly complete this letter of transmittal, a holder of old notes must:
| • | complete the box entitled “Description of the Old Notes”; |
| • | if appropriate, check and complete the boxes relating to guaranteed delivery, Special Issuance Instructions and Special Delivery Instructions; |
| • | sign the letter of transmittal; and |
| • | complete the IRS Form W-9 (or provide an IRS Form W-8). |
If a holder desires to tender old notes pursuant to the exchange offer and (1) certificates representing such old notes are not immediately available, (2) time will not permit this letter of transmittal, certificates representing such old notes or other required documents to reach the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date, or (3) the procedures for book-entry transfer (including delivery of an agent’s message) cannot be completed on or prior to the expiration date, such holder may nevertheless tender such old notes with the effect that such tender will be deemed to have been received on or prior to the expiration date if the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the prospectus under “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Guaranteed Delivery” are followed. See Instruction 1 below.
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, INCLUDING THE INSTRUCTIONS, AND THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW. The instructions included with this letter of transmittal must be followed. Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of the prospectus and this letter of transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and related documents may be directed to U.S. Bank National Association at the address and telephone number set forth on the cover page of this letter of transmittal. See Instruction 11 below.
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List below the old notes to which this letter of transmittal relates. If the space provided is inadequate, list the certificate numbers and principal amounts at maturity on a separately executed schedule and affix the schedule to this letter of transmittal. Tenders of old notes will be accepted only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE OLD NOTES | ||||||
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S) (PLEASE FILL IN) | CERTIFICATE NUMBER(S)* | AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY REPRESENTED** | PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY TENDERED** | |||
| TOTAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY OF OLD NOTES | ||||||
| * | Need not be completed by holders delivering by book-entry transfer (see below). |
| ** | Unless otherwise indicated in the column “Principal Amount at Maturity Tendered” and subject to the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, the holder will be deemed to have tendered the entire aggregate principal amount at maturity represented by each note listed above and delivered to the exchange agent. See Instruction 4. |
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PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE BOXES BELOW
| ¨ | CHECK HERE IF CERTIFICATES FOR TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH. | |
| ¨ | CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK—ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: | |
| Name of Tendering Institution: | ||
| Account Number with DTC: | ||
| Transaction Code Number: | ||
| ¨ | CHECK HERE AND ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: | |
| Name(s) of Registered Holder(s): | ||
| Window Ticket Number(s) (if any): | ||
| Date of Execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery: | ||
| Name of Eligible Institution that Guaranteed Delivery: | ||
| If delivered by Book-Entry Transfer, complete the following: | ||
| Name of Tendering Institution: | ||
| Account Number at DTC: | ||
| Transaction Code Number: | ||
| ¨ | PLEASE FILL IN YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS BELOW IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO. | |
| Name: | ||
| Address: | ||
| Area Code and Telephone Number: | ||
| NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW | ||
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PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the exchange offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to URS Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Parent”), and URS Fox US LP, a Delaware limited partnership (together with the Parent, the “Co-Issuers”), the principal amount at maturity of the Co-Issuers’ outstanding privately placed and unregistered 3.850% Senior Notes due 2017 and 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “old notes”) described above. Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for exchange of the old notes tendered herewith, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Co-Issuers all right, title and interest in and to such old notes.
The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the exchange agent as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (with full knowledge that the exchange agent also acts as the agent of the Co-Issuers and as trustee under the indenture relating to the old notes) with respect to such tendered old notes, with full power of substitution and resubstitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest), subject only to the right of withdrawal described in the prospectus, to (1) deliver certificates representing such tendered old notes, or transfer ownership of such notes, on the account books maintained by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), and to deliver all accompanying evidence of transfer and authenticity to, or upon the order of, the Co-Issuers upon receipt by the exchange agent, as the undersigned’s agent, of the Co-Issuers’ new 3.850% Senior Notes due 2017 and 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “new notes”) to which the undersigned is entitled upon the acceptance by the Co-Issuers of such old notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, (2) receive all benefits and otherwise to exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such old notes, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, and (3) present such old notes for transfer, and transfer such old notes, on the relevant security register.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned (1) owns the old notes tendered and is entitled to tender such notes, and (2) has full power and authority to tender, sell, exchange, assign and transfer the old notes and to acquire new notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered old notes, and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the Co-Issuers will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title to the tendered old notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim or right or restriction or proxy of any kind. The undersigned also warrants that it will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the exchange agent or the Co-Issuers to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, exchange, assignment and transfer of tendered old notes or to transfer ownership of such notes on the account books maintained by DTC. The undersigned agrees to all of the terms of the exchange offer, as described in the prospectus and this letter of transmittal.
Tenders of the old notes pursuant to any one of the procedures described in the prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering” and in the instructions to this letter of transmittal will, upon the Co-Issuers’ acceptance of the old notes for exchange, constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Co-Issuers in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the exchange offer.
The exchange offer is subject to the conditions set forth in the prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.” As a result of these conditions (which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Co-Issuers) as more particularly set forth in the prospectus, the Co-Issuers may not be required to exchange any of the old notes tendered by this letter of transmittal and, in such event, the old notes not exchanged will be returned to the undersigned at the address shown below the signature of the undersigned.
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Unless a box under the heading “Special Issuance Instructions” is checked, by tendering old notes and executing this letter of transmittal, the undersigned hereby represents and warrants that:
(1) the undersigned or any beneficial owner of the old notes is acquiring the new notes in the ordinary course of business of the undersigned (or such other beneficial owner);
(2) neither the undersigned nor any beneficial owner is engaging in or intends to engage in a distribution of the old notes within the meaning of the federal securities laws;
(3) neither the undersigned nor any beneficial owner has an arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in a distribution of the old notes;
(4) neither the undersigned nor any beneficial owner is an “affiliate,” as such term is defined under Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act, of either of the Co-Issuers. Upon request by the Co-Issuers, the undersigned or such beneficial owner will deliver to the Co-Issuers a legal opinion confirming it is not such an affiliate;
(5) the undersigned and each beneficial owner acknowledges and agrees that any person who is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or is participating in the exchange offer for the purpose of distributing the new notes, must comply with the registration and delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction of the new notes or interests therein acquired by such person and cannot rely on the position of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) set forth in certain no-action letters;
(6) a secondary resale transaction described in clause (5) above and any resales of new notes or interests therein obtained by such holder in exchange for old notes or interests therein originally acquired by such holder directly from the Co-Issuers should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or Item 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K or the SEC; and
(7) the undersigned is not acting on behalf of any person or entity who could not truthfully make the foregoing representations.
The undersigned may, IF AND ONLY IF UNABLE TO MAKE ALL OF THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN CLAUSES (1)-(7) ABOVE, elect to have its old notes registered in the shelf registration described in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2012, by and among the Co-Issuers, the guarantors party thereto and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as representatives of the several initial purchasers, in the form filed as Exhibit 4.04 to the Parent’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 20, 2012 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Such election may be made by checking a box under “Special Issuance Instructions” below. By making such election, the undersigned agrees, as a holder of restricted securities participating in a shelf registration, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Co-Issuers, the directors and officers of each of the Co-Issuers and each person, if any, who controls either of the Co-Issuers, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments caused by (1) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the shelf registration statement filed with respect to such old notes or the prospectus or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or (2) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or judgment arises out of or is based upon
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any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein based on information relating to the undersigned furnished to the Co-Issuers in writing by or on behalf of the undersigned expressly for use therein. Any such indemnification shall be governed by the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, including, without limitation, the provisions regarding notice, retention of counsel, contribution and payment of expenses set forth therein. The above summary of the indemnification provision of the Registration Rights Agreement is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Registration Rights Agreement.
If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, it represents that the old notes to be exchanged for the new notes were acquired by it for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such new notes; however, by so acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer and old notes held for its own account were not acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, such old notes cannot be exchanged pursuant to the exchange offer.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall not be affected by, and shall survive the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, trustees in bankruptcy and other legal representatives of the undersigned.
Tendered old notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on , 2013, or on such later date or time to which the Co-Issuers may extend the exchange offer.
Unless otherwise indicated herein under the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” below, new notes, and old notes not tendered or accepted for exchange, will be issued in the name of the undersigned. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” below, new notes, and old notes not tendered or accepted for exchange, will be delivered to the undersigned at the address shown below the signature of the undersigned. In the case of a book-entry delivery of new notes, the exchange agent will credit the account maintained by DTC with any old notes not tendered. The Co-Issuers have no obligation pursuant to the “Special Issuance Instructions” to transfer any old notes from the name of the registered holder thereof if the Co-Issuers do not accept for exchange any of the principal amount at maturity of such old notes so tendered.
The new notes will bear interest from the date of original issuance of the old notes or, if interest has already been paid on the old notes, from the date interest was most recently paid. Interest on the old notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue upon the issuance of the new notes.
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PLEASE SIGN HERE
(To Be Completed By All Tendering Holders of Old Notes)
This letter of transmittal must be signed by the registered holder(s) of old notes exactly as their name(s) appear(s) on certificate(s) for old notes or on a security position listing, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted with this letter of transmittal, including such opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as may be required by the Co-Issuers or the trustee for the old notes to comply with the restrictions on transfer applicable to the old notes. If the signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must set forth his or her full title below under “Capacity” and submit evidence satisfactory to the exchange agent of such person’s authority to so act. See Instruction 5 below. If the signature appearing below is not of the registered holder(s) of the old notes, then the registered holder(s) must sign a valid power of attorney.
| X | ||
| X | ||
| Signature(s) of Holder(s) or Authorized Signatory | ||
Dated: , 20
| Name(s): | ||
| Capacity: | ||
| Address: | ||
| (Zip Code) | ||
| Area Code and Telephone No.: |
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
(If required — see Instructions 2 and 5 below)
Certain Signatures Must Be Guaranteed by a Signature Guarantor
| (Name of Signature Guarantor Guaranteeing Signatures) | ||
| (Address (including zip code) and Telephone Number (including area code) of Firm) | ||
| (Authorized Signature) | ||
| (Printed Name) | ||
| (Title) | ||
Dated: , 20
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SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 4 through 7)
To be completed ONLY if (1) certificates for old notes in a principal amount at maturity not tendered are to be issued in the name of, or new notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer are to be issued in the name of, someone other than the person or persons whose name(s) appear(s) within this letter of transmittal or issued to an address different from that shown in the box entitled “Description of the Old Notes” within this letter of transmittal, (2) old notes not tendered, but represented by certificates tendered by this letter of transmittal, are to be returned by credit to an account maintained at DTC other than the account indicated above or (3) new notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer are to be issued by book-entry transfer to an account maintained at DTC other than the account indicated above.
Issue:
¨ New notes, to:
¨ Old notes, to:
| Name(s) | ||
| Address | ||
| Telephone Number: | ||
| (Tax Identification or Social Security Number) | ||
DTC Account Number:
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 4 through 7)
To be completed ONLY if certificates for old notes in a principal amount at maturity not tendered, or new notes, are to be sent to someone other than the person or persons whose name(s) appear(s) within this letter of transmittal to an address different from that shown in the box entitled “Description of the Old Notes” within this letter of transmittal.
Deliver:
¨ New notes, to:
¨ Old notes, to:
| Name(s) | ||
| Address | ||
| Telephone Number: |
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| (Tax Identification or Social Security Number) | ||
Is this a permanent address change? (check one box)
¨ Yes
¨ No
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INSTRUCTIONS TO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
(Forming part of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer)
1.DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OLD NOTES. The letter of transmittal is to be completed by holders of the Co-Issuers’ outstanding privately placed and unregistered 3.850% Senior Notes due 2017 and 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “old notes”) if certificates representing such old notes are to be forwarded herewith, or, unless an agent’s message is utilized, if tender is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by DTC, pursuant to the procedures set forth in the prospectus under “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering.” For a holder to properly tender old notes pursuant to the exchange offer, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof), together with any signature guarantees and any other documents required by these Instructions, or a properly transmitted agent’s message in the case of a book entry transfer, must be received by the exchange agent at its address set forth herein on or prior to the expiration date, and either (1) certificates representing such old notes must be received by the exchange agent at its address, or (2) such old notes must be transferred pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described in the prospectus under “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Book-Entry Transfer” and a book-entry confirmation must be received by the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date. A holder who desires to tender old notes and who cannot comply with procedures set forth herein for tender on a timely basis or whose old notes are not immediately available must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures discussed below.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, THE OLD NOTES AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE HOLDER AND DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT. INSTEAD OF DELIVERY BY MAIL, HOLDERS SHOULD USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, HOLDERS SHOULD ALLOW FOR SUFFICIENT TIME TO ENSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND PROPER INSURANCE SHOULD BE OBTAINED. HOLDERS MAY REQUEST THEIR BROKER, DEALER, COMMERCIAL BANK, TRUST COMPANY OR NOMINEE TO EFFECT THESE TRANSACTIONS FOR SUCH HOLDER. HOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND ANY OLD NOTE, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENT TO THE CO-ISSUERS.
If a holder desires to tender old notes pursuant to the exchange offer and (1) certificates representing such old notes are not immediately available, (2) time will not permit such holder’s letter of transmittal, certificates representing such old notes or other required documents to reach the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date, or (3) the procedures for book-entry transfer (including delivery of an agent’s message) cannot be completed on or prior to the expiration date, such holder may nevertheless tender such old notes with the effect that such tender will be deemed to have been received on or prior to the expiration date if the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the prospectus under “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Guaranteed Delivery” are followed. Pursuant to such procedures, (1) the tender must be made by or through an eligible guarantor institution (as defined below), (2) a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, substantially in the form provided by the Co-Issuers herewith, or an agent’s message with respect to a guaranteed delivery that is accepted by the Co-Issuers, must be received by the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date, and (3) the certificates for the tendered old notes, in proper form for transfer (or a book-entry confirmation of the transfer of such old notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC as described in the prospectus) together with a letter of transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, or a properly transmitted agent’s message, must be received by the exchange agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery.
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The notice of guaranteed delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted by facsimile or mail to the exchange agent and must include a guarantee by an eligible guarantor institution in the form set forth in the notice of guaranteed delivery. For old notes to be properly tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure, the exchange agent must receive a notice of guaranteed delivery prior to the expiration date. As used herein and in the prospectus, an “eligible institution” is an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the registrar for the old notes and new notes (as defined below, together with the old notes, the “notes”), which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program, or STAMP, or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the registrar for the notes in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. Signatures on the letter of transmittal must be guaranteed by a member of or participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program or by an eligible guarantor institution unless the old notes tendered hereby are tendered (1) by a registered holder of old notes (or by a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of such old notes) who has signed the letter of transmittal and who has not completed any of the boxes entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal, or (2) for the account of an eligible guarantor institution. If the old notes are registered in the name of a person other than the signer of the letter of transmittal or if old notes not tendered are to be returned to, or are to be issued to the order of, a person other than the registered holder or if old notes not tendered are to be sent to someone other than the registered holder, then the signature on the letter of transmittal accompanying the tendered old notes must be guaranteed as described above. Beneficial owners whose old notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee must contact such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if they desire to tender old notes. See “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering” in the prospectus.
3. WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS. Tenders of old notes may be withdrawn at any time on or prior to the expiration date. For a withdrawal of tendered old notes to be effective, a written, telegraphic or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date at its address set forth on the cover of the letter of transmittal. Any such notice of withdrawal must (1) specify the name of the person who tendered the old notes to be withdrawn, (2) identify the old notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number or numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing such old notes (unless such old notes were tendered by book-entry transfer), the aggregate principal amount at maturity represented by such old notes and the name of the registered holder of such old notes, if different from that of the person who tendered such old notes, (3) be signed by the holder of such old notes in the same manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal by which such old notes were tendered (including any required signature guarantees), or be accompanied by (i) documents of transfer sufficient to have the trustee register the transfer of the old notes into the name of the person withdrawing such notes, and (ii) a properly completed irrevocable proxy authorizing such person to effect such withdrawal on behalf of such holder (unless the old notes were tendered by book entry transfer), and (4) specify the name in which any such old notes are to be registered, if different from that of the registered holder. If the old notes were tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Book-Entry Transfer” in the prospectus, the notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawal of old notes and must otherwise comply with the procedures of DTC. If the old notes to be withdrawn have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, a signed notice of withdrawal is effective immediately upon written or facsimile notice of such withdrawal even if physical release is not yet effected.
Any permitted withdrawal of old notes may not be rescinded. Any old notes properly withdrawn will thereafter be deemed not validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer. However, properly
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withdrawn old notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described in the prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering” at any time prior to the expiration date.
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Co-Issuers, in their sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties. None of the Co-Issuers, any affiliates of either of the Co-Issuers, the exchange agent or any other person shall be under any duty to give any notification of any defects or irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification.
4. PARTIAL TENDERS. Tenders of old notes pursuant to the exchange offer will be accepted only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. If less than the entire principal amount at maturity of any old notes evidenced by a submitted certificate is tendered, the tendering holder must fill in the principal amount at maturity tendered in the last column of the box entitled “Description of the Old Notes” in the letter of transmittal. The entire principal amount at maturity represented by the certificates for all old notes delivered to the exchange agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated. If the entire principal amount at maturity of all old notes held by the holder is not tendered, new certificates for the principal amount at maturity of old notes not tendered and the Co-Issuers’ new 3.850% Senior Notes due 2017 and 5.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “new notes”) issued in exchange for any old notes tendered and accepted will be sent (or, if tendered by book-entry transfer, returned by credit to the account at DTC designated herein) to the holder unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on the letter of transmittal (see Instruction 6), as soon as practicable following the expiration date.
5. SIGNATURE ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; BOND POWERS AND ENDORSEMENTS; GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. If the letter of transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the old notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond exactly with the name(s) as written on the face of certificates without alteration, enlargement or change whatsoever. If the letter of transmittal is signed by a participant in DTC whose name is shown as the owner of the old notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond with the name shown on the security position listing the owner of the old notes.
If any of the old notes tendered hereby are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign the letter of transmittal.
If any tendered old notes are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many copies of the letter of transmittal and any necessary accompanying documents as there are different names in which certificates are held.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by the holder, and the certificates for any principal amount at maturity of old notes not tendered are to be issued (or if any principal amount at maturity of old notes that is not tendered is to be reissued or returned) to or, if tendered by book-entry transfer, credited to the account of DTC of the registered holder, and new notes exchanged for old notes in connection with the exchange offer are to be issued to the order of the registered holder, then the registered holder need not endorse any certificates for tendered old notes nor provide a separate bond power. In any other case (including if the letter of transmittal is not signed by the registered holder), the registered holder must either properly endorse the certificates for old notes tendered or transmit a separate properly completed bond power with the letter of transmittal (in either case, executed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on such old notes, and, with respect to a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of old notes, exactly as the name(s) of the participant(s) appear(s) on such security position listing), with the signature on the endorsement or bond power guaranteed by a signature guarantor or an eligible guarantor institution, unless such certificates or bond powers are executed by an eligible guarantor
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institution, and must also be accompanied by such opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as the Co-Issuers or the trustee for the original old notes may require in accordance with the restrictions on transfer applicable to the old notes. See Instruction 2.
Endorsements on certificates for old notes and signatures on bond powers provided in accordance with this Instruction 5 by registered holders not executing the letter of transmittal must be guaranteed by an eligible institution. See Instruction 2.
If the letter of transmittal or any certificates representing old notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the exchange agent, in its sole discretion, of their authority so to act must be submitted with the letter of transmittal.
6. SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. Tendering holders should indicate in the applicable box or boxes the name and address to which old notes for principal amounts at maturity not tendered or new notes exchanged for old notes in connection with the exchange offer are to be issued or sent, if different from the name and address of the holder signing the letter of transmittal. In the case of issuance in a different name, the taxpayer-identification number of the person named must also be indicated. Holders tendering by book-entry transfer may request that old notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at DTC as such holder may designate. If no instructions are given, old notes not tendered will be returned to the registered holder of the old notes tendered. For holders of old notes tendered by book-entry transfer, old notes not tendered will be returned by crediting the account at DTC designated in the letter of transmittal.
7. TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND IRS FORM W-9. Each tendering holder should provide the exchange agent with its correct taxpayer identification number, which, in the case of a holder who is an individual, is his or her social security number. If the exchange agent is not provided with the correct taxpayer identification number or an adequate basis for an exemption, the holder may be subject to backup withholding on any reportable payments made with respect to the notes and a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. If withholding results in an over-payment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.
To prevent backup withholding on any reportable payments, each holder must provide such holder’s correct taxpayer identification number by completing the IRS Form W-9 set forth herein, certifying that the taxpayer identification number provided is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a taxpayer identification number), and that (1) such holder is exempt from backup withholding, (2) the holder has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that such holder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report all interest or dividends or (3) the Internal Revenue Service has notified the holder that such holder is no longer subject to backup withholding. See the instructions to the enclosed IRS Form W-9.
Certain holders (including, among others, certain non-United States individuals) are exempt from these backup withholding and reporting requirements. To prevent possible erroneous backup withholding, an exempt holder that is a U.S. person (as defined in the instructions to the IRS Form W-9) should provide its correct taxpayer identification number and check the “Exempt payee” box on the IRS Form W-9. In order for a non-U.S. person to qualify as exempt, such person must submit an appropriate IRS Form W-8. IRS Forms W-8 may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service website at www.irs.gov or from the exchange agent.
The Co-Issuers reserve the right in their sole discretion to take whatever steps are necessary to comply with their obligation regarding backup withholding.
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8. TRANSFER TAXES. The Co-Issuers will pay all transfer taxes, if any, required to be paid by the Co-Issuers in connection with the exchange of the old notes for the new notes. If, however, new notes, or old notes for principal amounts at maturity not tendered or accepted for exchange, are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the old notes tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of the old notes in connection with the exchange offer, then the amount of any transfer tax (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of the transfer taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder.
9. MUTILATED, LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED OLD NOTES. If any certificate representing old notes has been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the holder should promptly contact the exchange agent at the address indicated in the letter of transmittal. The holder will then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace the certificate. The letter of transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed certificates have been followed.
10. IRREGULARITIES. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, time of receipt, acceptance and withdrawal of any tenders of old notes pursuant to the procedures described in the prospectus and the form and validity of all documents will be determined by the Co-Issuers, in their sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Co-Issuers reserve the absolute right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to reject any or all tenders of any old notes determined by the Co-Issuers not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which may, in the opinion of the Co-Issuers’ counsel, be unlawful. The Co-Issuers also reserve the absolute right, in their sole discretion subject to applicable law, to waive or amend any of the conditions of the exchange offer for all holders of old notes or to waive any defects or irregularities of tender for any old notes. The Co-Issuers’ interpretations of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer (including, without limitation, the instructions in the letter of transmittal) shall be final and binding. No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted. Unless waived, any irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such time as the Co-Issuers shall determine. Each tendering holder, by execution of a letter of transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof), waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance of such tender. Tenders of such old notes shall not be deemed to have been made until such irregularities have been cured or waived. Any old notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the exchange agent to the tendering holders, unless such holders have otherwise provided herein, promptly following the expiration date. None of the Co-Issuers, any of their affiliates, the exchange agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in such tenders or will incur any liability to holders for failure to give such notification.
11. REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES. Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for assistance or additional copies of the prospectus, the letter of transmittal and the notice of guaranteed delivery may be directed to the exchange agent at the address and telephone number set forth in the letter of transmittal. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the exchange offer.
IMPORTANT: THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR A FACSIMILE THEREOF (TOGETHER WITH CERTIFICATES FOR OLD NOTES OR A BOOK-ENTRY-CONFIRMATION AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS) OR A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.
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Print or type
SeeSpecific Instructions on page 2.
Form W-9 (Rev. October 2007) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service | Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification | Give form to the requester. Do not send to the IRS. | ||
Name (as shown on your income tax return)
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Business name, if different from above
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| Check appropriate box: | ¨ | Individual/sole proprietor | ¨ | Corporation | ¨ | Partnership | ¨ Exempt payee
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¨ Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (D=disregard entity, C=corporation,
¨ Other (see instructions) u | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Address (number, street, and apt or suite no.)
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Requester’s name and address (optional) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
City, state, and ZIP code
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List account number(s) here (optional)
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| Part I | Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) |
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on Line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN on page 3.
Note.If the account is in more than one name, see the chart on page 4 for guidelines on whose number to enter.
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Social security number | ||||||||||||||||||
| or | ||||||||||||||||||
Employer identification number | ||||||||||||||||||
| Part II | Certification |
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
| 1. | The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and |
| 2. | I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and |
| 3. | I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below). |
Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the Certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions on page 4.
| Sign Here | Signature of U.S. person u | Date u |
| Cat. No. 10231X | FormW-9 (Rev. 10-2007) |
| Form W-9 (Rev 10-2007) | Page17 |
General Instructions
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.
Purpose of Form
A person who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) to report, for example, income paid to you, real estate transactions, mortgage interest you paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, or contributions you made to an IRA.
Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN to the person requesting it (the requester) and, when applicable, to:
| 1. | Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued), |
| 2. | Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or |
| 3. | Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not |
| subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners’ share of effectively connected income. |
Note. If a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.
Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:
| • | An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, |
| • | A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, |
| • | An estate (other than a foreign estate), or |
| • | A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7). |
Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax on any foreign partners’ share of income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, a partnership is required to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid withholding on your share of partnership income.
| Form W-9 (Rev 10-2007) | Page18 |
The person who gives Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States is in the following cases:
| • | The U.S. owner of a disregarded entity and not the entity, |
| • | The U.S. grantor or other owner of a grantor trust and not the trust, and |
| • | The U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust. |
Foreign person. If you are a foreign person, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 (see Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities).
Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a “saving clause.” Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.
If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items:
| 1. | The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien. |
| 2. | The treaty article addressing the income. |
| 3. | The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions. |
| 4. | The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax. |
| 5. | Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article. |
Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship
income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption.
If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity not subject to backup withholding, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8.
What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 28% of such payments. This is called “backup withholding.” Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding.
You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return.
Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if:
| 1. | You do not furnish your TIN to the requester, |
| 2. | You do not certify your TIN when required (see the Part II instructions on page 3 for details), |
| 3. | The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN, |
| 4. | The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or |
| 5. | You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only). |
Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See the instructions below and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9.
Also see Special rules for partnerships on page 1.
Penalties
Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.
| Form W-9 (Rev 10-2007) | Page19 |
Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Specific Instructions
Name
If you are an individual, you must generally enter the name shown on your income tax return. However, if you have changed your last name, for instance, due to marriage without informing the Social Security Administration of the name change, enter your first name, the last name shown on your social security card, and your new last name.
If the account is in joint names, list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of the form.
Sole proprietor. Enter your individual name as shown on your income tax return on the “Name” line. You may enter your business, trade, or “doing business as (DBA)” name on the “Business name” line.
Limited liability company (LLC). Check the “Limited liability company” box only and enter the appropriate code for the tax classification (“D” for disregarded entity, “C” for corporation, “P” for partnership) in the space provided.
For a single-member LLC (including a foreign LLC with a domestic owner) that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under Regulations section 301.7701-3, enter the owner’s name on the “Name” line. Enter the LLC’s name on the “Business name” line.
For an LLC classified as a partnership or a corporation, enter the LLC’s name on the “Name” line and any business, trade, or DBA name on the “Business name” line.
Other entities. Enter your business name as shown on required federal tax documents on the “Name” line. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on the “Business name” line.
Note. You are requested to check the appropriate box for your status (individual/sole proprietor, corporation, etc.).
Exempt Payee
If you are exempt from backup withholding, enter your name as described above and check the appropriate box for your status, then check the “Exempt payee” box in the line following the business name, sign and date the form.
Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. Corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, such as interest and dividends.
Note. If you are exempt from backup withholding, you should still complete this form to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding.
The following payees are exempt from backup withholding:
| 1. | An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2), |
| 2. | The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, |
| 3. | A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities, |
| 4. | A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, or |
| 5. | An international organization or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. |
Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include:
| 6. | A corporation, |
| 7. | A foreign central bank of issue, |
| 8. | A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States, |
| 9. | A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, |
| 10. | A real estate investment trust, |
| 11. | An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940, |
| 12. | A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a), |
| 13. | A financial institution, |
| 14. | A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian, or |
| 15. | A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947. |
| Form W-9 (Rev 10-2007) | Page20 |
The chart below shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 15.
| IF the payment is for . . . | THEN the payment is exempt for . . . | |
| Interest and dividend payments | All exempt payees except for 9 | |
| Broker transactions | Exempt payees 1 through 13. Also, a person registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 who regularly acts as a broker | |
| Barter exchange transactions and patronage dividends | Exempt payees 1 through 5 | |
| Payments over $600 required to be reported and direct sales over $5,0001 | Generally, exempt payees 1 through 7 |
| 1 | See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and its instructions. |
| 2 | However, the following payments made to a corporation (including gross proceeds paid to an attorney under section 6045(f), even if the attorney is a corporation) and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys’ fees, and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency. |
Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, seeHow to get a TIN below.
If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN. However, the IRS prefers that you use your SSN.
If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner (seeLimited liability company (LLC) on page 2), enter the owner’s SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entity’s EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity’s EIN.
Note. See the chart on page 4 for further clarification of name and TIN combinations.
How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local Social Security Administration office or get this form online atwww.ssa.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772-1213. Use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website atwww.irs.gov/businesses and clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business.
You can get Forms W-7 and SS-4 from the IRS by visitingwww.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester.
Note. Entering “Applied For” means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon.
Caution:A disregarded domestic entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8.
Part II. Certification
To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if items 1, 4, and 5 below indicate otherwise.
For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). Exempt payees, see Exempt Payee on page 2.
Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in 1 through 5 below.
1. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form.
3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.
4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. “Other payments” include payments made in the course of the requester’s trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise),
| Form W-9 (Rev 10-2007) | Page21 |
medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations).
5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
| What Name and Number to Give the Requester | ||
For this type of account: | Give name and SSN of: | |
| 1. Individual | The individual | |
| 2. Two or more individuals (joint account) | The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account1 | |
| 3. Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) | The minor2 | |
| 4. a. The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee) b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law | The grantor-trustee1 The actual owner1 | |
| 5. Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity owned by an individual | The owner3 | |
For this type of account: | Give name and EIN of: | |
| 6. Disregarded entity not owned by an individual | The owner | |
| 7. A valid trust, estate, or pension trust | Legal entity4 | |
| 8. Corporate or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832 | The corporation | |
| 9. Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization | The organization | |
| 10. Partnership or multi-member LLC | The partnership | |
| 11. A broker or registered nominee | The broker or nominee | |
| 12. Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state o local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments | The public entity | |
| 1 | List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished. |
| 2 | Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN. |
| 3 | You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or “DBA” name on the second name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN. |
| 4 | List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also seeSpecial rules for partnerships on page 1. |
Note. If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.
Secure Your Tax Records from Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number (SSN), or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund.
To reduce your risk:
| • | Protect your SSN, |
| • | Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and |
| • | Be careful when choosing a tax preparer. |
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you think your identity has been used inappropriately for tax purposes.
Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a system problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059.
Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.
The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.
| Form W-9 (Rev 10-2007) | Page22 |
If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message tophishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS personal property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at: spam@uce.gov or contact them atwww.consumer.gov/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT(438-4338).
Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.
Privacy Act Notice
Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
| Cat. No. 10231X | FormW-9 (Rev. 10-2007) |