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EXHIBIT 99.1
[Form of Letter of Transmittal]
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
TO TENDER
OUTSTANDING 8.125% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2011
of
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND PROSPECTUS DATED _________, 2001
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THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY
TIME, ON ______________, 2001 (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"), UNLESS THE EXCHANGE OFFER
IS EXTENDED BY THE COMPANY.
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THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS:
United States Trust Company of New York
By Mail: By Overnight Courier and By Hand Delivery to 4:30 By Facsimile:
United States Trust By p.m.: (646) 458-8111
Company of New York Hand Delivery After 4:30 United States Trust or
P.O. Box 84 p.m.: Company of New York (646) 458-8104
Bowling Green Station United States Trust 30 Broad Street, B-Level (For Eligible
New York, NY 10274-0084 Company of New York New York, NY 10004-2304 Institutions Only)
Attention: Corporate Corporate Trust Operations Attention: Corporate Trust
Trust Department Services Confirm By Telephone:
Services 30 Broad Street-14th Floor (800) 548-6565
(registered or certified New York, NY 10004-2304
mail recommended)
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH
ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA A FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION TO A NUMBER
OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
IF YOU WISH TO EXCHANGE CURRENTLY OUTSTANDING 8.125% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2011 (THE
"OUTSTANDING NOTES") FOR AN EQUAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY OF NEW
8.125% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2011 PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER, YOU MUST VALIDLY
TENDER (AND NOT WITHDRAW) OUTSTANDING NOTES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE.
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The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt and review of the
Prospectus, dated ____________, 2001 (the "Prospectus"), of Chesapeake Energy
Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (the "Company"), and this Letter of
Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), which together describe the Company's
offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange its 8.125% Senior Notes due 2011 (the
"New Notes") that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), for a like principal amount of its issued and
outstanding 8.125% Senior Notes due 2011 (the "Outstanding Notes"). Capitalized
terms used but not defined herein have the respective meaning given to them in
the Prospectus.
The Company reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, to
extend the Exchange Offer at its discretion, in which event the term "Expiration
Date" shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is extended. The
Company shall notify the Exchange Agent and each registered holder of the
Outstanding Notes of any extension by oral or written notice prior to 9:00 a.m.,
New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled
Expiration Date.
This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by a holder of Outstanding
Notes if Outstanding Notes are to be forwarded herewith. An Agent's Message (as
defined in the next sentence) is to be used if delivery of Outstanding Notes is
to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Exchange
Agent at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility")
pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption
"Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering." The term "Agent's Message" means a
message, transmitted by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility and received by the
Exchange Agent and forming a part of the confirmation of a book-entry transfer
("Book-Entry Confirmation"), which states that the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
has received an express acknowledgment from a participant tendering Outstanding
Notes that are the subject of such Book-Entry Confirmation and that such
participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of
Transmittal and that the Company may enforce such agreement against such
participant. Holders of Outstanding Notes whose Outstanding Notes are not
immediately available, or who are unable to deliver their Outstanding Notes and
all other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent
on or prior to the Expiration Date, or who are unable to complete the procedure
for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, must tender their Outstanding Notes
according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus
under the caption "Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures." Delivery
of documents to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility does not constitute delivery to
the Exchange Agent.
The term "holder" with respect to the Exchange Offer means any person
in whose name Outstanding Notes are registered on the books of the Company or
any other person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from such
registered holder. 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 who wish to tender their Outstanding
Notes must complete this Letter of Transmittal in its entirety.
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SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
1. The undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the Outstanding Notes
described in the box entitled "Description of Outstanding Notes Tendered"
pursuant to the Company's offer of $1,000 principal amount at maturity of New
Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the
Outstanding Notes, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the
Prospectus, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of
Transmittal.
2. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that it has full
authority to tender the Outstanding Notes described above. The undersigned will,
upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Company
to be necessary or desirable to complete the tender of Outstanding Notes.
3. The undersigned understands that the tender of the Outstanding Notes
pursuant to all of the procedures set forth in the Prospectus will constitute an
agreement between the undersigned and the Company as to the terms and conditions
set forth in the Prospectus.
4. The undersigned acknowledge(s) that the Exchange Offer is being made
in reliance upon interpretations contained in no-action letters issued to third
parties by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"),
including Exxon Capital Holdings Corp., SEC No-Action Letter (available April
13, 1989), Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., SEC No-Action Letter (available June 5,
1991) and Shearman & Sterling, SEC No-Action Letter (available July 2, 1993),
that the New Notes issued in exchange for the Outstanding Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by
holders thereof (other than a broker-dealer who purchased Outstanding Notes
exchanged for such New Notes directly from the Company to resell pursuant to
Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act") and any such holder that is an "affiliate" of the
Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course
of such holders' business and such holders are not participating in, and have no
arrangement with any person to participate in, the distribution of such New
Notes.
5. Unless the box under the heading "Special Registration Instructions"
is checked, the undersigned hereby represents and warrants that:
a. the New Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are
being obtained in the ordinary course of business of the undersigned,
whether or not the undersigned is the holder;
b. neither the undersigned nor any such other person is
engaging in or intends to engage in a distribution of such New Notes;
c. neither the undersigned nor any such other person has an
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the
distribution of such New Notes; and
d. neither the holder nor any such other person is an
"affiliate," as such term is defined under Rule 405 promulgated under
the Securities Act, of the Company.
6. The undersigned may, if unable to make all of the representations
and warranties contained in Item 5 above and as otherwise permitted in the
Registration Rights Agreement (as defined below), elect to have its Outstanding
Notes registered in the shelf registration statement described in the
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2001 (the "Registration
Rights Agreement"), by and among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as
defined therein) and the Initial Purchasers (as defined therein). Such election
may be made by checking the box below
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entitled "Special Registration Instructions." By making such election, the
undersigned agrees, as a holder of Outstanding Notes participating in a shelf
registration, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of the directors
of the Company, each of the officers of the Company who signs such shelf
registration statement, each person who controls the Company within the meaning
of either the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), and each other holder of Outstanding Notes, from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities caused by any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any shelf
registration statement or prospectus, or in any supplement thereto or amendment
thereof, or caused by the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading; but only with respect to information relating to the undersigned
furnished in writing by or on behalf of the undersigned expressly for use in a
shelf registration statement, a prospectus or any amendments or supplements
thereto. 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 the Registration Rights
Agreement.
7. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes
for its own account in exchange for Outstanding Notes that were acquired as a
result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges
that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New
Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by 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
Outstanding Notes held for its own account were not acquired as a result of
market-making or other trading activities, such Outstanding Notes cannot be
exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
8. Any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon
the successors, assigns, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and
legal and personal representatives of the undersigned.
9. Unless otherwise indicated herein under "Special Delivery
Instructions," please issue the certificates for the New Notes in the name of
the undersigned.
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List below the Outstanding Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relates.
If the space below is inadequate, list the registered numbers and principal
amounts on a separate signed schedule and affix the list to this Letter
of Transmittal.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUTSTANDING NOTES TENDERED
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NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED
HOLDER(S) EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) ON
OUTSTANDING NOTES
(PLEASE FILL IN, IF BLANK) OUTSTANDING NOTE(S) TENDERED
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AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT PRINCIPAL
REGISTERED REPRESENTED BY OUTSTANDING AMOUNT
NUMBER(S)* NOTE(S) TENDERED**
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* NEED NOT BE COMPLETED BY BOOK-ENTRY HOLDERS.
** UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ANY TENDERING HOLDER OF OUTSTANDING NOTES WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED THE ENTIRE
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT REPRESENTED BY SUCH OUTSTANDING NOTES. ALL TENDERS MUST BE IN INTEGRAL MULTIPLES OF
$1,000.
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METHOD OF DELIVERY
[ ]Check here if tendered Outstanding Notes are enclosed herewith.
[ ]Check here if tendered Outstanding Notes are being delivered by book-entry
transfer made to an account maintained by the Exchange Agent with a Book-Entry
Transfer Facility and complete the following:
Name of Tendering Institution:
Account Number:
Transaction Code Number:
[ ]Check here if tendered Outstanding Notes are being delivered pursuant to a
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and complete the following:
Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):
Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:
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Window Ticket Number (if available):
Name of Eligible Institution that guaranteed delivery:
Account Number (If delivered by book-entry transfer):
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SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5 AND 6)
To be completed only (i) if Outstanding Notes in a principal amount not
tendered, or New Notes issued in exchange for Outstanding Notes accepted for
exchange, are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned, or
(ii) if Outstanding Notes tendered by book-entry transfer that are not exchanged
are to be returned by credit to an account maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility. Issue New Notes and/or Outstanding Notes to:
Name
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(Type or Print)
Address
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(Zip Code)
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(Tax Identification or Social Security Number)
(Complete Substitute Form W-9)
Credit Unexchanged Outstanding Notes
Delivered by Book-Entry Transfer
to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
Set Forth Below:
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Book-Entry Transfer Facility
Account Number:
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SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5 AND 6)
To be completed ONLY if the New Notes are to be issued or sent to someone other
than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than as indicated
above.
Mail [ ] Issue [ ] (check appropriate boxes)
Name
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(Type or Print)
Address
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(Zip Code)
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(Tax Identification or Social Security Number)
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SPECIAL REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
To be completed ONLY if (i) the undersigned satisfies the conditions
set forth in Item 6 above, (ii) the undersigned elects to register its
Outstanding Notes in the shelf registration statement described in the
Registration Rights Agreement and (iii) the undersigned agrees to indemnify
certain entities and individuals as set forth in Item 6 above. (See Item 6.)
[ ] By checking this box, the undersigned hereby (i) represents that it is
unable to make all of the representations and warranties set forth in
Item 5 above, (ii) elects to have its Outstanding Notes registered
pursuant to the shelf registration statement described in the
Registration Rights Agreement and (iii) agrees to indemnify certain
entities and individuals identified in, and to the extent provided in,
Item 6 above.
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SPECIAL BROKER-DEALER INSTRUCTIONS
[ ] Check here if you are a broker-dealer and wish to receive 10 additional
copies of the Prospectus and 10 copies of any amendments or supplements
thereto.
Name:
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(Please Print)
Address:
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(Including Zip Code)
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IMPORTANT
PLEASE SIGN HERE WHETHER OR NOT
OUTSTANDING NOTES ARE BEING PHYSICALLY TENDERED HEREBY
(COMPLETE ACCOMPANYING SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9)
(Signature(s) of Registered Holders of Outstanding Notes):
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Dated:
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(The above lines must be signed by the registered holder(s) of
Outstanding Notes as name(s) appear(s) on the Outstanding Notes or on a security
position listing, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by a
properly completed bond power from the registered holder(s), a copy of which
must be transmitted with this Letter of Transmittal. If Outstanding Notes to
which this Letter of Transmittal relate are held of record by two or more joint
holders, then all such holders must sign this Letter of Transmittal. If
signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact,
officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, then such person must (i) set forth his or her full title below and
(ii) unless waived by the Company, submit evidence satisfactory to the Company
of such person's authority so to act. See Instruction 5 regarding completion of
this Letter of Transmittal, printed below.)
Name(s)
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(Please Type or Print)
Capacity:
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Address:
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(Include Zip Code)
Area Code and Telephone Number:
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SIGNATURE GUARANTEE (IF REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 5)
CERTAIN SIGNATURES MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION
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(Name of Eligible Institution Guaranteeing Signatures)
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(Address (including zip code) and Telephone Number (including area code) of
Firm)
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(Authorized Signature)
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(Printed Name)
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(Title)
Dated:
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INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
1. DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OUTSTANDING NOTES OR
BOOK-ENTRY CONFIRMATIONS.
All physically delivered Outstanding Notes or any confirmation of a
book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility of Outstanding Notes tendered by book-entry transfer (a "Book-Entry
Confirmation"), as well as a properly completed and duly executed copy of this
Letter of Transmittal or Agent's Message or facsimile hereof, and any other
documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City
time, on the Expiration Date.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE TENDERED OUTSTANDING NOTES, THIS LETTER
OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE
ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDER AND, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BELOW, THE
DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED OR CONFIRMED BY THE
EXCHANGE AGENT. IF SUCH DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT REGISTERED
MAIL, PROPERLY INSURED, WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED. INSTEAD OF
DELIVERY BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE HOLDER USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND
DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE
DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE. NO LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL OR OUTSTANDING NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMPANY.
2. GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES.
Holders who wish to tender their Outstanding Notes and whose
Outstanding Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their
Outstanding Notes, this Letter of Transmittal or any other documents required
hereby to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date, or who cannot
complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis and deliver an
Agent's Message, must tender their Outstanding Notes according to the guaranteed
delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures, a
tender may be effected if the Exchange Agent has received at its office, on or
prior to the Expiration Date, a letter, telegram or facsimile transmission from
an Eligible Institution (as defined in the Prospectus) setting forth the name
and address of the tendering holder, the name(s), in which the Outstanding Notes
are registered and the certificate number(s) of the Outstanding Notes to be
tendered, and stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing
that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of
execution of such letter, telegram or facsimile transmission by the Eligible
Institution, such Outstanding Notes, in proper form for transfer (or a
confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Outstanding Notes into the Exchange
Agent's account at DTC), will be delivered by such Eligible Institution together
with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (and any other
required documents). Unless Outstanding Notes being tendered by the
above-described method are deposited with the Exchange Agent within the time
period set forth above (accompanied or preceded by a properly completed Letter
of Transmittal and any other required documents), the Company may, at its
option, reject the tender.
Any holder of Outstanding Notes who wishes to tender Outstanding Notes
pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described above must ensure that
the Exchange Agent receives the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery prior to 5:00
P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Upon request of the Exchange
Agent, a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be sent to holders who wish to
tender their Outstanding Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures
set forth above. See "Exchange Offer--Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" section of
the Prospectus.
3. TENDER BY HOLDER.
Only a registered holder of Outstanding Notes may tender such
Outstanding Notes in the Exchange Offer. Any beneficial holder of Outstanding
Notes who is not the registered holder and who wishes to tender should arrange
with the registered holder to execute and deliver this Letter of Transmittal on
his behalf or must, prior to completing and executing this Letter of Transmittal
and delivering his Outstanding Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to
register ownership of the Outstanding Notes in such holder's name or obtain a
properly completed bond power from the registered holder.
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4. PARTIAL TENDERS.
Tenders of Outstanding Notes will be accepted only in integral
multiples of $1,000. If less than the entire principal amount of any Outstanding
Notes is tendered, the tendering holder should fill in the principal amount
tendered in the third column of the box entitled "Description of Outstanding
Notes Tendered" above. The entire principal amount of Outstanding Notes
delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless
otherwise indicated. If the entire principal amount of all Outstanding Notes is
not tendered, then Outstanding Notes for the principal amount of Outstanding
Notes not tendered and New Notes issued in exchange for any Outstanding Notes
accepted will be sent to the holder at his or her registered address, unless a
different address is provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of
Transmittal, promptly after the Outstanding Notes are accepted for exchange.
5. SIGNATURES ON THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; BOND POWERS AND ENDORSEMENTS;
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES.
If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the
registered holder(s) of the Outstanding Notes tendered hereby, the signature
must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the Outstanding Notes
without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by a participant in the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility, the signature must correspond with the name as it appears on
the security position listing as the holder of the Outstanding Notes.
If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the
registered holder or holders of Outstanding Notes listed and tendered hereby and
the New Notes issued in exchange therefor are to be issued (or any untendered
principal amount of Outstanding Notes is to be reissued) to the registered
holder, the said holder need not and should not endorse any tendered Outstanding
Notes, nor provide a separate bond power. In any other case, such holder must
either properly endorse the Outstanding Notes tendered or transmit a properly
completed separate bond power with this Letter of Transmittal, with the
signatures on the endorsement or bond power guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by a
person other than the registered holder or holders of any Outstanding Notes
listed, such Outstanding Notes must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate
bond powers, in each case signed as the name of the registered holder or holders
appears on the Outstanding Notes.
If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) or any Outstanding
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, unless waived by the Company, evidence satisfactory to the Company
of their authority to act must be submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.
Endorsements on Outstanding Notes or signatures on bond powers required
by this Instruction 5 must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
No signature guarantee is required if (i) this Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Outstanding
Notes tendered herein (or by a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the tendered
Outstanding Notes) and the New Notes are to be issued directly to such
registered holder(s) (or, if signed by a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility, deposited to such participant's account at such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility) and neither the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" nor the
box entitled "Special Registration Instructions" has been completed, or (ii)
such Outstanding Notes are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution.
In all other cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
hereof) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
6. SPECIAL REGISTRATION AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS.
Tendering holders should indicate, in the applicable box or boxes, the
name and address (or account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility) to which New
Notes or substitute Outstanding Notes for principal amounts not tendered or not
accepted for exchange are to be issued or sent, if different from the name and
address of the person signing this Letter of Transmittal. In the case of
issuance in a different name, the taxpayer identification or social security
number of the person named must also be indicated.
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Tax law requires that a holder of any Outstanding Notes that are
accepted for exchange must provide the Company (as payor) with its correct
taxpayer identification number ("TIN"), which, in the case of a holder who is an
individual is his or her social security number. If the Company is not provided
with the correct TIN, the holder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by
Internal Revenue Service. (If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a
refund may be obtained). Certain holders (including, among others, all
corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup
withholding and reporting requirements. See the enclosed "Guidelines for
Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for
additional instructions.
To prevent backup withholding, each tendering holder must provide such
holder's correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth herein,
certifying that the TIN provided is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a
TIN), and that (i) 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 (ii) the Internal Revenue Service has
notified the holder that such holder is no longer subject to backup withholding.
If the Outstanding Notes are registered in more than one name or are not in the
name of the actual owner, see the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer Identification Number of Substitute Form W-9" for information on which
TIN to report.
The Company reserves the right in its sole discretion to take whatever
steps necessary to comply with the Company's obligations regarding backup
withholding.
7. VALIDITY OF TENDERS.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance, and withdrawal of tendered Outstanding Notes will be
determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, which determination will be
final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any or all
tenders not in proper form or the acceptance for exchange of which may, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the
absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer or any
defect or irregularity in the tender of any Outstanding Notes. The Company's
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the
instructions on the Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding on all
parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders
of Outstanding Notes must be cured within such time as the Company shall
determine. Although the Company intends to notify holders of defects or
irregularities with respect to tenders of Outstanding Notes, neither the
Company, the Exchange Agent, nor any other person shall be under any duty to
give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any
liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Outstanding Notes
will not be deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have
been cured or waived. Any Outstanding Notes received by the Exchange Agent that
are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not
been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering
holders, unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as
practicable following the Expiration Date.
8. WAIVER OF CONDITIONS.
The Company reserves the absolute right to waive, in whole or part, any
of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the Prospectus or in this
Letter of Transmittal.
9. NO CONDITIONAL TENDER.
No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tender of
Outstanding Notes on transmittal of this Letter of Transmittal will be accepted.
10. MUTILATED, LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED OUTSTANDING NOTES.
Any holder whose Outstanding Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or
destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the address indicated above for
further instructions.
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11. REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES.
Requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus or
this Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address
or telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal.
Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.
12. WITHDRAWAL.
Tenders may be withdrawn only pursuant to the limited withdrawal rights
set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Exchange Offer--Withdrawal of
Tenders."
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR A MANUALLY SIGNED FACSIMILE HEREOF
(TOGETHER WITH THE OUTSTANDING NOTES DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER OR IN
ORIGINAL HARD COPY FORM) MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR THE NOTICE
OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT, PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE.
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SUBSTITUTE PART I - PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN Social Security Number:
FORM W-9 IN THE BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY
SIGNING AND DATING BELOW. OR
Employer Identification Number:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, PART II - FOR PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING, SEE "TAX INFORMATION
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND GUIDELINES" FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON
SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND COMPLETE AS INSTRUCTED THEREIN.
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)
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CERTIFICATION - Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
(1) The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number or a taxpayer identification
number has not been issued to me and either: (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a
taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security
Administration office, or (b) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand
that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number within 60 days, 31% of all reportable payments
made to me thereafter will be withheld until I provide a number.
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding because I am exempt from backup withholding, I have not been
notified by the Service that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all
interest or dividends or the Service has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTION - You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the Service that you are
subject to backup withholding because of under reporting interest or dividends on your tax return unless you
received a subsequent notification from the Service stating that you are no longer subject to backup withholding.
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SIGNATURE: PART III -
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NAME: Awaiting TIN [ ]
--------------------------------------------
DATE: Please complete the Certificate of
-------------------------------------------- Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number
below.
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================================================================================
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number
has not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an
application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate
Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or (b)
I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that
if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number to the payor within 60
days, 31% of all reportable payments made to me thereafter will be withheld
until I provide a number.
Signature Date
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CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN RECORD HOLDERS
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that I am not a United States
citizen or resident (or I am signing for a foreign corporation, partnership,
estate or trust).
Signature Date
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GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE PAYER.
Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e.,
000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only
hyphen: i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give
the payer.
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Give the Give the EMPLOYER
SOCIAL SECURITY IDENTIFICATION
For this type of account: number of: For this type of account: number of:
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1. An individual's account The individual 6. A valid trust, estate, The legal entity (Do not
or pension trust furnish the identifying
number of the personal
representative or
trustee unless the legal
entity itself is not
designated in the
account title)(4)
2. Two or more individuals The actual owner of the 7. Corporate account The corporation
(joint account) account or, if combined
funds, any one of the
individuals(1)
3. Custodian account of a The minor(2) 8. Partnership The partnership
minor (Uniform Gift to
Minors Act)
4. a.The usual revocable The grantor-trustee(1) 9. Association, club, The organization
savings trust religious,
account (grantor is charitable or
also trustee) educational or other
b.So-called trust The actual owner(1) tax-exempt
account that is not organization
a legal or valid
trust under State
law
5. Sole proprietorship The owner(3) The broker or nominee
account 10. A broker or
registered nominee
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11. Account with the The public entity
Department of
Agriculture in the
name of a public
entity (such as a
State or local
government, school
district, or prison)
that receives
agricultural program
payments
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(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish.
If only one person on a joint account has a social security number,
that person's number must be furnished.
(2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.
(3) You must show your individual name. You may also enter your business or
"doing business as" name. You may use either your social security
number or, if you have one, your employer identification number.
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate or pension
trust.
NOTE: If no name is circled when there is more than one name listed, the
number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.
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GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
OBTAINING A NUMBER
If you do not have a taxpayer identification number or you don't know your
number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form
SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the
Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and
apply for a number. You may also obtain Form SS-4 by calling the IRS at
1-800-TAX-FORM.
If you do not have a TIN, but have applied for one, write "Applied for" in the
space for the TIN, sign and date the form and return it to the Exchange Agent.
PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the
following:
o An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual
retirement account.
o The United States or any wholly-owned agency or instrumentality
thereof.
o A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States
or any political subdivision or wholly-owned agency or instrumentality
thereof.
o A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government,
or any wholly-owned agency or instrumentality thereof.
o An international organization or any wholly-owned agency or
instrumentality thereof.
Payee specifically exempted from backup withholding on interest and dividend
payments include the following:
o A corporation.
o A financial institution.
o A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the
U.S., the District of Columbia, or a possession of the U.S.
o A real estate investment trust.
o A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
o An exempt charitable remainder trust, or a non-exempt trust described
in section 4947.
o An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
o A foreign central bank issue.
o A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or who is
listed in the most recent publication of the American Society of
Corporate Secretaries, Inc., Nominee List.
Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup
withholding include the following:
o Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section
1441.
o Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the
U.S. and which have at least one nonresident partner.
o Payments of patronage dividends not paid in money.
o Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
o Section 404(k) payments made by an ESOP.
Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the
following:
o Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. Note: You
may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more
and is paid in the course of the payer's trade or business and you
have not provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the
payer.
o Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends
under section 852).
o Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to non-resident aliens.
o Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451.
o Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
Exempt payees described above should file Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous
backup withholding. FILE THE FORM W-9 WITH THE PAYER. FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. WRITE "EXEMPT" ON THE FACE OF THE FORM AND RETURN IT TO
THE PAYER.
Certain payments other than dividends that are not subject to information
reporting are also not subject to backup withholding. For details, see the
regulations under sections 6041, 6041A(a), 6045, 6050A, 6050N and their
regulations.
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE.--Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividend, interest
or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payers who must
report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the number for identification
purposes and to help verify the accuracy of tax returns. The IRS also may
provide this information to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal
litigation and to cities, states, and the District of Columbia to carry out
their tax laws. Payers must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are
required to file tax returns. Payers must generally withhold 31% of taxable
interest, dividends and
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certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification
number to a payer. Certain penalties may also apply.
PENALTIES
(1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.--If you fail
to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payer, 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.
(2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING.--If you
make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no
imposition of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.
(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION.--Willfully falsifying
certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties
including fines and/or imprisonment.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE
SERVICE.
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