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CONAGRA, INC.
AND
FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Trustee
First Supplemental Indenture
Dated as of April 20, 1994
Providing for Issuance of
9% Series A Debentures due 2043
in connection with the issuance by
ConAgra Capital, L.C. of its
9% Series A Cumulative Preferred Securities
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FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (the "Supplemental
Indenture"), dated as of April 20, 1994, between CONAGRA,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Issuer"), and FIRST TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking corporation (the
"Trustee").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, in accordance with Sections 2.1, 2.3 and
8.1 of the Subordinated Indenture dated as of March 10,
1994, between the Issuer and the Trustee (the "Indenture"),
this Supplemental Indenture is being entered into in order
to establish the form and terms of a series of Securities to
be issued in connection with the issuance by ConAgra
Capital, L.C., an Iowa limited liability company
("Capital"), of its 9% Series A Cumulative Preferred
Securities (the "Series A Preferred Securities");
WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the
execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture to
provide, among other things, for the authentication,
delivery and administration of such series of Securities;
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this
Supplemental Indenture a valid supplement to Indenture
according to its terms and the terms of the Indenture have
been done;
NOW, THEREFORE:
In consideration of the premises and the purchases
of such series of Securities by the holders thereof, the
Issuer and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the
equal and proportionate benefit of the respective holders
from time to time of such series of Securities as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Certain Terms Defined in the
Indenture. All capitalized terms used herein without
definition shall have the meanings specified in the
Indenture.
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SECTION 1.2 Additional Terms Defined. As used in
this Supplemental Indenture, the additional terms set forth
below shall have the following meanings:
"Additional Interest" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.8 hereof.
"Common Interests" shall mean Common Membership
Interests as defined in the Operating Agreement.
"DTC" shall mean The Depository Trust Company as
initial depositary of the Series A Debentures upon a
Preferred Security Exchange.
"Event of Default" shall (a) prior to a Preferred
Security Exchange, have the meaning set forth in Section
2.12 hereof and (b) on and after a Preferred Security
Exchange, have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 of the
Indenture.
"Expense Agreement" means the Agreement as to
Expenses and Liabilities dated as of April 20, 1994 between
the Issuer and Capital.
"Guarantee" means the Payment and Guarantee
Agreement dated as of April 20, 1994, executed and delivered
by the Issuer for the benefit of the holders from time to
time of the Series A Preferred Securities and other
Preferred Interests of Capital.
"Managing Members" means HW Nebraska, Inc., a
Nebraska corporation, and CP Nebraska, Inc., a Nebraska
corporation, as managing members of Capital.
"Operating Agreement" means the Limited Liability
Company Operating Agreement dated as of March 11, 1994 by
and among the Managing Members.
"Preferred Interests" means Series Preferred
Membership Interests as defined in the Operating Agreement.
"Preferred Security Exchange" means an exchange of
Series A Debentures for Series A Preferred Securities
pursuant to Section 7 of the Written Action.
"Underwriting Agreement" means the underwriting
agreement dated as of April 20, 1994, among the Issuer,
Capital and Smith Barney Shearson Inc. and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as representatives of
the several underwriters named therein.
"Written Action" means the Written Action of the
Managing Members Pursuant to Section 3.02 of the Operating
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Agreement dated April 20, 1994, establishing the terms of
the Series A Preferred Securities.
ARTICLE TWO
ISSUANCE OF 9% SERIES A DEBENTURES
SECTION 2.1 Issuance of 9% Series A Debentures.
There shall be a series of Securities designated "9% Series
A Debentures due 2043" (the "Series A Debentures") and such
Series A Debentures shall have the terms set forth in this
Article Two in accordance with the provisions of the
Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture.
SECTION 2.2 Limitation on Aggregate Principal
Amount. The aggregate principal amount of the Series A
Debentures which may be authenticated and delivered shall be
limited to $100,000,000 (or up to $115,000,000 aggregate
principal amount if and to the extent the underwriters'
over-allotment option granted by the Issuer in the
Underwriting Agreement is exercised).
SECTION 2.3 Maturity of the Series A Debentures.
Subject to the provisions of Sections 2.4 and 2.5, the
entire principal amount of the Series A Debentures shall
become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, including Additional Interest, if any, on
the earlier of (a) May 31, 2043 (subject to the Issuer's
right to exchange the Series A Debentures for new debentures
pursuant to Section 2.6) and (b) the date upon which Capital
shall be dissolved, wound-up or liquidated; provided that
the parenthetical to clause (a) and the entirety of clause
(b) shall be inapplicable on and after the date of any
Preferred Security Exchange.
SECTION 2.4 Mandatory Prepayment of Series A
Debentures upon redemption of Series A Preferred Securities.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.3, if Capital
redeems the Series A Preferred Securities in accordance with
the terms thereof, the Series A Debentures pertaining to the
Series A Preferred Securities shall become due and payable
in a principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Securities
so redeemed, together with any and all accrued interest
thereon, including Additional Interest, if any. Any payment
pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be made prior to 12:00
noon, New York time, on the date fixed for such redemption
or at such other time on such earlier date as Capital and
the Issuer shall agree.
SECTION 2.5 Optional Prepayment. Upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice, the Issuer
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shall have the right to prepay the Series A Debentures
relating to the Series A Preferred Securities (together with
any accrued but unpaid interest, including Additional
Interest, if any, on the portion being prepaid), without
premium or penalty,
(i) in whole or in part, as the case may be, at
any time on or after May 31, 1999; and
(ii) in whole at any time if the Issuer and
Capital have been advised by independent nationally
recognized legal counsel that, as a result of any
change after April 20, 1994 in United States law
(including the enactment or imminent enactment of any
legislation, the publication of any judicial decisions
or regulatory rulings or a change in the official
position or in the interpretation of law or
regulations), there exists more than an insubstantial
risk that the Issuer will be precluded from deducting
the interest on the Series A Debentures for federal
income tax purposes even if the Series A Preferred
Securities are exchanged for the Series A Debentures
pursuant to a Preferred Security Exchange.
SECTION 2.6 Exchange of Series A Debentures for
New Debentures. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
2.3, prior to a Preferred Security Exchange, in lieu of
repaying the Series A Debentures relating to the Series A
Preferred Securities when due, the Issuer may elect to
exchange such Series A Debentures for new debentures with an
equal aggregate principal amount issued under the Indenture
with terms substantially identical to the Series A
Debentures; provided that the Issuer may not so elect to
exchange any Series A Debentures, unless at the time of such
exchange Capital owns all of the Series A Debentures and, as
determined in the judgment of the Managing Members and
Capital's financial advisor (selected by the Managing
Members and who shall be unaffiliated with the Issuer and
shall be among the 30 largest investment banking firms,
measured by total capital, in the United States at the time
of such exchange), (a) the Issuer is not bankrupt, insolvent
or in liquidation, (b) no Event of Default or event that
with the giving of notice or the passage of time would
constitute an Event of Default on any Securities pertaining
to Preferred Interests of any series, has occurred and is
continuing, (c) the Issuer has made timely payments on the
Series A Debentures for the immediately preceding 18 months,
(d) Capital is not in arrears on payments of distributions
on the Series A Preferred Securities, (e) there is then no
present reason to believe the Issuer will be unable to make
timely payment of principal and interest on such new
debentures, (f) such new debentures are being issued on
terms, and under circumstances, that are consistent with
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those which a lender would then require for a loan to an
unrelated party, (g) such new debentures are being issued at
a rate sufficient to provide payments equal to or greater
than the amount of distributions required under the Series A
Preferred Securities, (h) such debentures are being issued
for a term that is consistent with market circumstances and
the Issuer's financial condition, (i) immediately prior to
issuing such new debentures, the senior unsecured long-term
debt of the Issuer is (or if no such debt is outstanding,
would be) rated not less than BBB (or the equivalent) by
Standard & Poor's Corporation and Baa1 (or the equivalent)
by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (or if either of such
rating organizations is not then rating the Issuer's senior
unsecured long-term debt, the equivalent of such rating by
any other "nationally recognized statistical rating
organization," as that term is defined by the Commission for
purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended) and any subordinated unsecured long-term debt of
the Issuer or, if there is no such debt then outstanding,
the Series A Preferred Securities, are rated not less than
BBB- (or the equivalent) by Standard & Poor's Corporation or
Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
or the equivalent of either such rating by any other
"nationally recognized statistical rating organization" and
(j) such new debentures will have a final maturity no later
than the one hundredth anniversary of the issuance of the
Preferred Interests of the first series issued.
SECTION 2.7 Denomination and Interest on the
Series A Debentures. (a) The Series A Debentures shall be
issuable as Registered Securities in denominations of $25
and any multiple thereof.
(b) The Series A Debentures shall bear interest
at a rate of 9% per annum accruing from April 27, 1994 or
from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as defined
below) to which interest has been paid or provided for on
the Series A Debentures. To the extent allowed by law, the
Issuer will also pay interest on overdue installments of
principal and interest at such rate. The amount of interest
payable for any full monthly interest period shall be
computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months and a 360-day
year and, for any period shorter than a full monthly
interest period, shall be computed on the basis of the
actual number of days elapsed in such period. Such interest
shall be payable monthly on the last day (an "Interest
Payment Date") of each calendar month, commencing on May 31,
1994 to the holder or holders of the Series A Debenture on
the relevant record date (each, a "Record Date"), which
shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant Interest
Payment Date. If Interest Payment Date is not a Business
Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will
be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day
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(and without any interest or other payment in respect of any
such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day (and the Record Date for
such Interest Payment Date shall be one Business Day prior
to the date on which payment is to be made), in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
SECTION 2.8 Additional Interest. If at any time
following the issuance of the Series A Preferred Securities
and prior to a Preferred Security Exchange, Capital shall be
required to pay, with respect to its income derived from the
interest payments on the Series A Debentures relating to the
Series A Preferred Securities, any amounts, for or on
account of any taxes, duties, assessments or governmental
charges of whatever nature imposed by the United States or
any other taxing authority, then, in any such case, the
Issuer will pay as interest such additional amounts
("Additional Interest") as may be necessary in order that
the net amounts received and retained by Capital after the
payment of such taxes, duties, assessments or governmental
charges shall result in Capital's having such funds as it
would have had in the absence of the payment of such taxes,
duties, assessments or governmental charges.
SECTION 2.9 Extension of Interest Period.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.7 hereof, the
Issuer shall have the right at any time or times during the
term of the Series A Debentures, so long as the Issuer is
not in default in the payment of interest under any of the
Securities, to extend the interest payment period for the
Series A Debentures up to 18 months; provided that at the
end of such period the Issuer shall pay all interest then
accrued and unpaid (together with interest thereon at the
rate specified for the Series A Debentures to the extent
permitted by applicable law); provided further that, during
any such extended interest period, neither the Issuer nor
any majority owned subsidiary of the Issuer shall pay or
declare any dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or
make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its
capital stock (other than payments to redeem common share
purchase rights under the Issuer's shareholder rights plan
dated July 10, 1986, as amended, or to declare a dividend of
similar share purchase rights in the future); and provided
further that any such extended interest period may only be
selected with respect to the Series A Debentures if an
extended interest period of identical length is
simultaneously selected for all Securities. Prior to the
termination of any such extended interest payment period for
the Series A Debentures, the Issuer may further extend the
interest payment period for the Series A Debentures;
provided that such extended interest payment period for the
Series A Debentures together with all such further
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extensions thereof, may not exceed 18 months; and provided
further that any such further extended interest period may
only be selected with respect to the Series A Debentures if
a further extended interest period of identical length is
simultaneously selected for all Securities. Following the
termination of any extended interest payment period, if the
Issuer has paid all accrued and unpaid interest required by
the Debentures for such period, then the Issuer shall have
the right to again extend the interest payment period up to
18 months as herein described. Prior to any Preferred
Security Exchange, the Issuer shall give Capital notice of
its selection of any extended interest payment period one
Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the date Capital
declares the related distribution to holders of the Series A
Preferred Securities or (ii) the date Capital is required to
give notice of the record or payment date of such related
distribution to the New York Stock Exchange or other
applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the
Series A Preferred Securities, but in any event not less
than two Business Days prior to such record date; the Issuer
shall cause Capital to give such notice of the Issuer's
selection of any extended interest payment period to all
holders of such Series A Preferred Securities. After any
Preferred Security Exchange, the Issuer shall give the
Holders of the Series A Debentures notice of its selection
of any extended interest payment prior to the date it is
required to give notice of the record or payment date of
such interest payment to the New York Stock Exchange or
other applicable self-regulatory organization, but in any
event not less than two Business Days prior to such Record
Date.
SECTION 2.10 Set-off. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary herein, prior to any Preferred Security
Exchange the Issuer shall have the right to set off any
payment it is otherwise required to make hereunder with and
to the extent the Issuer has theretofore made, or is
concurrently on the date of such payment making, a payment
under the Guarantee.
SECTION 2.11 Certain Covenants. (a) So long as
the Series A Preferred Securities remain outstanding,
neither the Issuer nor any majority-owned subsidiary of the
Issuer shall declare or pay any dividend on, or redeem,
purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect
to, any of the Issuer's capital stock or make any guarantee
payments with respect to the foregoing (other than payments
under the Guarantee, payments to redeem common share
purchase rights under the Issuer's shareholder rights plan
dated July 10, 1986, as amended, or the declaration of a
dividend of similar share purchase rights in the future) if
at such time the Issuer is in default with respect to its
payment obligations under the Guarantee or the Expense
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Agreement or there shall have occurred an Event of Default
or any event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of
time or both, would constitute an Event of Default under the
Securities.
(b) So long as the Series A Preferred Securities
remain outstanding, the Issuer shall (i) not cause or permit
any Common Interests to be transferred, (ii) maintain direct
or indirect ownership of all outstanding securities in
Capital other than the Preferred Interests of any series and
any other securities permitted to be issued by Capital that
would not cause Capital to become an "investment company"
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (iii)
cause at least 21% of the total value of Capital and at
least 21% of all interests in the capital, income, gain,
loss, deduction and credit of Capital to be represented by
Common Interests, (iv) not voluntarily dissolve, windup or
liquidate Capital or either of the Managing Members, (v)
cause HW Nebraska, Inc. and CP Nebraska, Inc. to remain the
Managing Members of Capital and timely perform all of their
respective duties as Managing Members of Capital, and (vi)
use reasonable efforts to cause Capital to remain a limited
liability company and otherwise continue to be treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes; provided
that the Issuer may permit Capital, solely for the purpose
of changing its domicile or avoiding tax consequences
adverse to the Issuer, Capital or holders of Series A
Preferred Securities, to consolidate or merge with or into a
limited liability company or a limited partnership formed
under the laws of any state of the United States of America;
provided that (1) such successor limited liability company
or limited partnership (x) expressly assumes all of the
obligations of Capital under the Series A Preferred
Securities and other series of Preferred Interests then
outstanding or (y) substitutes for the Series A Preferred
Securities and other series of Preferred Interests then
outstanding other securities having substantially the same
terms as the Series A Preferred Securities and such other
Preferred Interests (the "Successor Securities") so long as
the Successor Securities rank, with respect to participation
in the profits and assets of such successor entity, at least
as senior as the Series A Preferred Securities and such
other Preferred Interests rank with respect to participation
in the profits and assets of Capital, (2) the Issuer
expressly acknowledges such successor as the holder of all
of the Series A Debentures and other series of debentures
issued under the Indenture then outstanding, (3) such merger
or consolidation does not cause any series of Preferred
Interests then outstanding to be delisted by any national
securities exchange or other organization on which such
series is then listed, (4) the holders of Series A Preferred
Securities and such other Preferred Interests do not suffer
any adverse tax consequences as a result of such merger or
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consolidation, (5) such merger or consolidation does not
cause any Preferred Interests to be downgraded by any
"nationally recognized statistical rating organization," as
that term is defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (6) following such
merger or consolidation, neither the Issuer nor such
successor limited liability company or limited partnership
will be an "investment company" for purposes of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(c) So long as the Series A Preferred
Securities remain outstanding, the Issuer shall not
consolidate with or merge into any other Person or sell its
property and assets as, or substantially as, an entirety to
any Person and shall not permit any Person to merge into or
consolidate with the Issuer unless (i) in case the Issuer
shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or sell
its properties and assets as, or substantially as, an
entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such
consolidation or into which the Issuer is merged or the
Person which purchases the properties and assets of the
Issuer as, or substantially, as an entirety shall be a
corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States of
America, any State or the District of Columbia, and shall
expressly assume the Issuer's obligations under the
Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture and the Series A
Debentures and (ii) immediately after giving effect to the
transaction no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing.
(d) So long as the Series A Preferred
Securities remain outstanding, the provisions of Sections
2.11(b) and (c) shall remain in full force and effect
notwithstanding satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture
pursuant to Section 10.1 thereof.
SECTION 2.12 Events of Default; Remedies. Prior
to any Preferred Security Exchange, "Event of Default" means
any one of the following events:
(a) failure to pay when due any interest under
any Securities, including any Additional Interest, and such
failure shall continue for a period of 30 days (whether or
not payment is prohibited by the provisions contained in
Article Thirteen of the Indenture or otherwise); provided
that a valid extension of the interest payment period by the
Issuer shall not constitute a default in the payment of
interest for this purpose;
(b) failure to pay when due any principal under
any Securities (whether or not payment is prohibited by the
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provisions contained in Article Thirteen of the Indenture or
otherwise);
(c) failure on the part of the Issuer duly to
observe or perform any other covenant or agreement on the
part of the Issuer in respect of the Securities (other than
a covenant or warranty in respect of the Series A Debentures
a default in the performance or breach of which is elsewhere
in this Section specifically dealt with) or contained in the
Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture or the Series A
Debentures, and continuance of such default or breach for a
period of 90 days after there as been given, by registered
or certified mail, to the Issuer by the Trustee or any
Holder hereof, a written notice specifying such failure or
breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such
notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder;
(d) the dissolution, or winding up or liquidation
of Capital;
(e) a court having jurisdiction in the premises
shall enter a decree or order for relief in respect of the
Issuer or any Consolidated Subsidiary in an involuntary case
under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver,
liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or
similar official) of the Issuer or any subsidiary or for any
substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up
or liquidation of its affairs, and such decree or order
shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 60
consecutive days; or
(f) the Issuer or any Consolidated Subsidiary
shall commence a voluntary case under any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter
in effect, or consent to the entry of an order for relief in
an involuntary case under any such law, or consent to the
appointment of or taking possession by a receiver,
liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or
similar official) of the Issuer or any Consolidated
Subsidiary or for any substantial part of its property, or
make any general assignment for the benefit of creditors.
If an Event of Default shall occur and be
continuing, then Capital will have the right (i) to declare
the principal of and the interest on the Series A Debentures
(including any Additional Interest and any interest subject
to an extension election) and any other amounts payable
under the Series A Debentures to be forthwith due and
payable, whereupon the same shall become and be forthwith
due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or
other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly
waived, anything in the Indenture, this Supplemental
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Indenture or the Series A Debentures to the contrary
notwithstanding and (ii) to enforce its other rights
hereunder and thereunder. Capital may not accelerate the
principal amount of any Series A Debenture unless the
principal amount of all Securities is accelerated.
If an Event of Default specified in clauses (d),
(e) or (f) above shall have occurred, the principal of and
interest on the Series A Debentures shall thereupon and
concurrently become due and payable without presentment,
demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby expressly waived, anything in the Indenture, this
Supplemental Indenture or the Series A Debentures to the
contrary notwithstanding.
If an Event of Default specified in clause (a) or
(b) above shall have occurred and be continuing and Capital
shall have failed to pay any distributions on the Series A
Preferred Securities when due (other than as a result of any
valid extension of the interest payment period by the Issuer
for the Series A Debentures Securities) or to pay any
portion of the redemption price of the Series A Preferred
Securities called for redemption, then any Holder of Series
A Preferred Securities may, as set forth in the terms of the
Series A Preferred Securities, enforce directly against the
Issuer Capital's right hereunder to receive payments of
principal and interest on the Series A Debentures relating
to such Series A Preferred Securities but only in an amount
sufficient to enable Capital to pay such distributions or
redemption price.
The Issuer expressly acknowledges that under the
terms of Section 3.02(f) of the Operating Agreement and
Section 9 of the Written Action, the holders of the
outstanding Series A Preferred Securities together with the
holder of other Preferred Interests shall in certain
circumstances have the right to appoint a trustee, which
trustee shall be authorized to exercise Capital's creditor
rights under the Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture and
the Series A Debentures and the Issuer agrees to cooperate
with such trustee; provided that nay trustee so appointed
shall vacate office immediately in accordance with Section
3.02(f) of the Operating Agreement if all Events of Default
giving rise to such right of appointment have been cured by
the Issuer.
Except as provided in this Section 2.12, Holders
of Series A Preferred Securities shall have no rights to
enforce any obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture,
this Supplemental Indenture or the Series A Debentures.
On and after a Preferred Security Exchange, the
provisions of Article Five of the Indenture, including
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without limitation the definition of an "Event of Default",
shall apply to the Series A Debentures and this Section 2.12
shall be of no further force or effect.
SECTION 2.13 Book-Entry-Only Issuance; The
Depository Trust Company. On and after a Preferred Security
Exchange, the provisions of this Section 2.13 shall apply.
(a) DTC, New York, New York, will act as
securities depository for the Series A Debentures. The
Series A Debentures will be issued as one or more global
certificates only as fully-registered securities registered
in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee). Such
global certificates shall bear a legend in the following
form:
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.
THIS DEBENTURE IS IN GLOBAL FORM WITHIN THE
MEANING OF THE INDENTURE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME
OF DTC OR A NOMINEE OF DTC. UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS
EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR DEBENTURES IN
CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS DEBENTURE MAY NOT BE
TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY DTC TO A NOMINEE OF
DTC OR BY A NOMINEE OF DTC TO DTC OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF
DTC OR BY DTC OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR
DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.
or any other legend then customary for securities of a
similar nature held by DTC.
(b) Redemption notices shall be sent to Cede &
Co. If less then all of the Series A Debentures are being
redeemed, such securities shall be redeemed in accordance
with DTC's then current practice.
(c) DTC may discontinue providing its services as
securities depository with respect to the Series A
Debentures by giving reasonable notice to the Issuer as
provided in the agreement between the Issuer and DTC. Under
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such circumstances, if a successor securities depository is
not obtained, the Issuer at its expense shall cause
certificates for Series A Debentures to be printed and
delivered as promptly as practicable.
SECTION 2.14 Listing on the New York Stock
Exchange. Prior to a Preferred Security Exchange, the
Issuer will use its best efforts to have the Series A
Debentures listed on the same exchange on which the Series A
Preferred Securities are listed.
ARTICLE THREE
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 3.1 Notices. All notices hereunder shall
be deemed given by a party hereto if in writing and
delivered personally or by telegram or facsimile
transmission or by registered or certified mail (return
receipt requested) to the other party at the following
address for such party (or at such other address as shall be
specified by like notice):
If to Capital, to:
ConAgra Capital, L.C.
c/o ConAgra, Inc.
One ConAgra Drive
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Attention: Vice President-Finance
If to the Issuer, to:
ConAgra, Inc.
One ConAgra Drive
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Attention: Vice President-Finance
Any notice given by mail or telegram or facsimile
transmission shall be effective when received.
SECTION 3.2 Assignment; Binding Effect. The
Issuer shall have the right at all times to assign any of
its rights or obligations under the Indenture, this
Supplemental Indenture and the Series A Debentures to a
direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the
Issuer(other than to any Managing Member); provided that, in
the event of any such assignment, the Issuer shall remain
jointly and severally liable for all such obligations; and
provided further that in the event of an assignment prior to
a Preferred Security Exchange the Issuer shall have received
an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel that such
14
assignment shall not constitute a taxable event of the
holders of Series A Preferred Securities for federal income
tax purposes. Except as otherwise provided in this
Supplemental Indenture, Capital may not assign any of its
rights under the Series A Debentures without the prior
written consent of the Issuer. Subject to the foregoing,
the Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture and the Series A
Debentures shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the Issuer, Capital, the Holders from time to time of the
Series A Debentures and their respective successors and
assigns. Except as provided in this Section 3.2 or
elsewhere in this Supplemental Indenture, none of the
Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture nor the Series A
Debentures may be assigned by either the Issuer or Capital
and any assignment by the Issuer or Capital in contravention
of this Section 3.2 shall be null and void.
SECTION 3.3 Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL
INDENTURE AND THE SERIES A DEBENTURES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
NEW YORK.
SECTION 3.4 Counterparts. This Supplemental
Indenture may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 3.5 Amendments. This Supplemental
Indenture may be amended as set forth in Article Eight of
the Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as
any Series A Preferred Securities shall remain outstanding,
(i) no amendment to the provisions of the Indenture, this
Supplemental Indenture or the Series A Debentures shall be
made that adversely affects the holders of any Preferred
Interests then outstanding, or terminate the Indenture, this
Supplemental Indenture or the Series A Debentures, without
in each case the prior consent of holders of 66-2/3% in
stated liquidation preference of all Preferred Interests
then outstanding, unless and until all Securities and all
accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including Additional
Interest, if any) shall have been paid in full and (ii)
without the prior consent of holders of 100% in stated
liquidation preference of all Series A Preferred Securities
then outstanding, no amendment shall be made to the
provisions of this clause (ii) of Section 3.5 or to (a)
extend the stated maturity of the principal of any
Debenture, or reduce the principal amount thereof or reduce
the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon,
or reduce any amount payable on redemption thereof or change
the currency in which the principal thereof or interest
thereon is payable or impair the right to institute suit for
the enforcement of any payment on any Debenture when due or
(b) reduce the aforesaid percentage in principal amount of
15
Debentures of any series the consent of the holders of which
is required for any such modification. Any required consent
of holders of Preferred Interests pursuant to this Section
3.5 shall be in writing or shall be obtained at a meeting of
Preferred Interestholders convened in the manner specified
in 3.02(e) of the Operating Agreement.
Section 3.6 Waivers. Capital may not waive
compliance or waive any default in compliance by the Issuer
of any covenant or other term in the Indenture, this
Supplemental Indenture or the Series A Debentures without
the approval of the same percentage of holders of Preferred
Interests, obtained in the same manner, as would be required
for an amendment of the Indenture, this Supplemental
Indenture or the Series A Debentures to the same effect;
provided that if no approval would be required for any such
amendment, then Capital may waive such compliance or default
in any manner that the parties shall agree.
Section 3.7 Third Party Beneficiaries. The
Issuer hereby acknowledges that until a Preferred Security
Exchange, the holders from time to time of the Series A
Preferred Securities shall expressly be third party
beneficiaries of this Supplemental Indenture.
Section 3.8 Amendment to Indenture. Pursuant to
Section 8.1 of the Indenture, Section 8.2 of the Indenture
is hereby amended for purposes of any and all Securities,
including without limitation the Series A Debentures, issued
under the Indenture by substituting the phrase "of not less
than 66-2/3%" for the phrase "of not less than a majority"
in the first clause of such Section 8.2.
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused
this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, and their
respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested, all as of the date and year first above written.
CONAGRA, INC.
By: /s/ James P. O'Donnell
Name: James P. O'Donnell
Title: Vice President, Finance
and Treasurer
[SEAL]
Attest:
/s/ Sue E. Badberg
Name: Sue E. Badberg
Title: Assistant Secretary
FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
By: /s/ David H. Bluhm
Name: David H. Bluhm
Title: Vice President
[SEAL]
Attest:
/s/ Frank P. Leslie
Name: Frank P. Leslie
Title: Assistant Secretary
17
Exhibit A
[Form of Series A Debenture]
No. $
ConAgra, Inc.
____% Series A Debentures due 2043
ConAgra, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Issuer"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
or registered assigns, at the office or agency of the Issuer
in The City of New York, the principal sum of
Dollars
on 2043, in such coin or currency of the United
States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal
tender for the payment of public and private debts, and to
pay interest, at a rate of ___% per annum accruing from
, 1994 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (as
defined below) to which interest has been paid or provided
for on the Series A Debentures. To the extent allowed by
law, the Issuer will also pay interest on overdue
installments of principal and interest at such rate. The
amount of interest payable for any full monthly interest
period shall be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day
months and a 360-day year and, for any period shorter than a
full monthly interest period, shall be computed on the basis
of the actual number of days elapsed in such period. Such
interest shall be payable monthly on the last day (an
"Interest Payment Date") of each calendar month, commencing
on May 31, 1994 to the holder or holders of this Debenture
on the relevant record date (each, a "Record Date"), which
shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant Interest
Payment Date. If Interest Payment Date is not a Business
Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will
be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day
(and without any interest or other payment in respect of any
such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day (and the Record Date for
such Interest Payment Date shall be one Business Day prior
to the date on which payment is to be made), in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date. If
at any time following the issuance of the Series A Preferred
Securities and prior to a Preferred Security Exchange,
Capital shall be required to pay, with respect to its income
A-1
derived from the interest payments on the Series A
Debentures relating to the Series A Preferred Securities,
any amounts, for or on account of any taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature
imposed by the United States or any other taxing authority,
then, in any such case, the Issuer will pay as interest such
additional amounts ("Additional Interest") as may be
necessary in order that the net amounts received and
retained by Capital after the payment of such taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges shall result in
Capital's having such funds as it would have had in the
absence of the payment of such taxes, duties, assessments or
governmental charges. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the
Issuer shall have the right at any time or times during the
term of the Series A Debentures, so long as the Issuer is
not in default in the payment of interest under any of the
Securities, to extend the interest payment period for the
Series A Debentures up to 18 months; provided that at the
end of such period the Issuer shall pay all interest then
accrued and unpaid (together with interest thereon at the
rate specified for the Series A Debentures to the extent
permitted by applicable law); provided further that, during
any such extended interest period, neither the Issuer nor
any majority owned subsidiary of the Issuer shall pay or
declare any dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or
make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its
capital stock (other than payments to redeem common share
purchase rights under the Issuer's shareholder rights plan
dated July 10, 1986, as amended, or to declare a dividend of
similar share purchase rights in the future); and provided
further that any such extended interest period may only be
selected with respect to the Series A Debentures if an
extended interest period of identical length is
simultaneously selected for all Securities. Prior to the
termination of any such extended interest payment period for
the Series A Debentures, the Issuer may further extend the
interest payment period for the Series A Debentures;
provided that such extended interest payment period for the
Series A Debentures together with all such further
extensions thereof, may not exceed 18 months; and provided
further that any such further extended interest period may
only be selected with respect to the Series A Debentures if
a further extended interest period of identical length is
simultaneously selected for all Securities. Following the
termination of any extended interest payment period, if the
Issuer has paid all accrued and unpaid interest required by
the Debentures for such period, then the Issuer shall have
the right to again extend the interest payment period up to
18 months as herein described. Prior to any Preferred
Security Exchange, the Issuer shall give Capital notice of
its selection of any extended interest payment period one
Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the date Capital
declares the related distribution to the holders of the
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Series A Preferred Securities or (ii) the date Capital is
required to give notice of the record or payment date of
such related distribution to the holders of the Series A
Preferred Securities to the New York Stock Exchange or other
applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the
Series A Preferred Securities, but in any event not less
than two Business Days prior to such record date; the Issuer
shall cause Capital to give such notice of the Issuer's
selection of any extended interest payment period to all
holders of such Series A Preferred Securities. After any
Preferred Security Exchange, the Issuer shall give the
Holders of the Series A Debentures notice of its selection
of any extended interest payment prior to the date it is
required to give notice of the record or payment date of
such interest payment to the New York Stock Exchange or
other applicable self-regulatory organization, but in any
event not less than two Business Days prior to such Record
Date.
Reference is made to the further provisions of
this Debenture set forth below. Such further provisions
shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully
set forth at this place.
This Debenture shall not be valid or become
obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of
authentication hereon shall have been signed by the Trustee
under the Indenture referred to below.
This Debenture is one of a duly authorized issue
of debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of
indebtedness of the Issuer (hereinafter called the
"Securities") of the series hereinafter specified, all
issued or to be issued under and pursuant to an indenture
dated as of March 10, 1994 and a Supplemental Indenture
dated as of , 1994 (herein collectively called the
"Indenture"), duly executed and delivered by the Issuer and
First Trust National Association, as Trustee (herein called
the "Trustee"), to which Indenture and all indentures
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a
description of the rights, limitations of rights,
obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the
Trustee, the Issuer and the holders of the Securities. The
Securities may be issued in one or more series, which
different series may be issued in various aggregate
principal amounts, may mature at different times, may bear
interest (if any) at different rates, may be subject to
different redemption provisions (if any), may be subject to
different sinking, purchase or analogous funds (if any) and
may otherwise vary as in the Indenture provided. This
Debenture is one of a series designated as the "___% Series
A Debentures due 2043" (the "Series A Debentures") of the
Issuer, limited in aggregate principal amount to
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$___________ (or up to $ aggregate principal
amount if and to the extent the underwriters' over-allotment
option granted by the Issuer in the Underwriting Agreement
is exercised).
In case an Event of Default with respect to the
Series A Debentures, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal hereof may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and
payable, in the manner, with the effect and subject to the
conditions provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the
Issuer and the Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of
not less than 66-2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities at the time Outstanding (as defined in the
Indenture) of all series to be affected (voting as one
class), evidenced as in the Indenture provided, to execute
supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing
in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the
Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or modifying in
any manner the rights of the Holders of the Securities of
each such series; provided, however, that no such
supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the final maturity
of any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or
any premium thereon, or reduce the rate or extend the time
of payment of any interest thereon, or impair or affect the
rights of any Holder to institute suit for the payment
thereof, without the consent of the Holder of each Security
so affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of
Securities, the Holders of which are required to consent to
any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the
Holder of each Security affected. It is also provided in
the Indenture that, with respect to certain defaults or
Events of Default regarding the Securities of any series,
prior to any declaration accelerating the maturity of such
Securities, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount Outstanding of the Securities of such series (or, in
the case of certain defaults or Events of Default, all or
certain series of the Securities) may on behalf of the
Holders of all the Securities of such series (or all or
certain series of the Securities, as the case may be) waive
any such past default or Event of Default and its
consequences. The preceding sentence shall not, however,
apply to a continuing default in the payment of the
principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any of the
Securities. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Debenture (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture)
shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon
all future Holders and owners of this Debenture and any
Debenture which may be issued in exchange or substitution
herefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation thereof
is made upon this Debenture or such other Debentures.
A-4
No reference herein to the Indenture and no
provision of this Debenture or of the Indenture shall alter
or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute
and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium
and interest on this Debenture in the manner, at the
respective times, at the rate and in the coin or currency
herein prescribed.
The Series A Debentures are issuable in registered
form without coupons in denominations of $25 and any
integral multiple of $25 at the office or agency of the
Issuer in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York,
and in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in
the Indenture, but without the payment of any service
charge, notes may be exchanged for a like aggregate
principal amount of Series A Debentures of other authorized
denominations.
Upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior
notice, the Issuer shall have the right to prepay the Series
A Debentures relating to the Series A Preferred Securities
(together with any accrued but unpaid interest, including
Additional Interest, if any, on the portion being prepaid),
without premium or penalty,
(i) in whole or in part, as the case may be, at
any time on or after , 1999; and
(ii) in whole at any time if the Issuer and
Capital have been advised by independent nationally
recognized legal counsel that, as a result of any
change after , 1994 in United States law
(including the enactment or imminent enactment of any
legislation, the publication of any judicial decisions
or regulatory rulings or a change in the official
position or in the interpretation of law or
regulations), there exists more than an insubstantial
risk that the Issuer will be precluded from deducting
the interest on the Series A Debentures for federal
income tax purposes even if the Series A Preferred
Securities are exchanged for the Series A Debentures
pursuant to a Preferred Security Exchange,
all as further provided in the Indenture.
The Series A Debentures are, to the extent and in
the manner provided in the Indenture, expressly subordinate
and junior in right of payment of all Senior Indebtedness as
provided in the Indenture, and each holder of this
Debenture, by his acceptance hereof, agrees to and shall be
bound by such provisions of the Indenture and authorizes and
directs the Trustee in his behalf to take such action as
appropriate to effectuate such subordination and appoints
A-5
the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such
purposes. The Indenture defines Senior Indebtedness as
obligations (other than non-recourse obligations and the
Securities) of, or guaranteed or assumed by, the Issuer for
borrowed money (including both senior and subordinated
indebtedness for borrowed money (other than the Securities))
or evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar
instruments, and amendments, renewals, extensions,
modifications and refundings of any such indebtedness or
obligation, whether existing as of the date hereof or
subsequently incurred by the Issuer.
Upon due presentment for registration of transfer
of this Debenture at the office or agency of the Issuer in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, a new
Debenture or Debentures of authorized denominations for an
equal aggregate principal amount will be issued to the
transferee in exchange therefor, subject to the limitations
provided in the Indenture, without charge except for any tax
or other governmental charge imposed in connection
therewith.
The Issuer, the Trustee and any authorized agent
of the Issuer or the Trustee may deem and treat the
registered Holder hereof as the absolute owner of this
Debenture (whether or not this Note shall be overdue and
notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing
hereon), for the purpose of receiving payment of, or on
account of, the principal hereof and premium, if any, and
subject to the provisions on the face hereof, interest
hereon, and for all other purposes, and neither the Issuer
nor the Trustee nor any authorized agent of the Issuer or
the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant
or agreement of the Issuer in the Indenture or any indenture
supplemental thereto or in any Debenture, or because of the
creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, shall be
had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or
director, as such, of the Issuer or of any successor
corporation, either directly or through the Issuer or any
successor corporation, under any rule of law, statute or
constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any
assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or
otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and
released by the acceptance hereof and as part of the
consideration for the issue hereof.
Terms used herein which are defined in the
Indenture shall have the respective meanings assigned
thereto in the Indenture.
A-6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ConAgra, Inc. has caused this
instrument to be signed by facsimile by its duly authorized
officers and has caused a facsimile of its corporate seal to
be affixed hereunto or imprinted hereon.
Dated:
ConAgra, Inc.
By______________________________
[FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]
This is one of the Securities of the series
designated herein referred to in the within-mentioned
Indenture.
First Trust National
Association, as Trustee
By__________________________
Authorized Officer
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