As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2000 Registration No. 333- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ---------------------------- Form S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ---------------------------- SPECTRASITE HOLDINGS, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Delaware 56-2027322 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 100 Regency Forest Drive David P. Tomick Suite 400 SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. Cary, North Carolina 27511 100 Regency Forest Drive (919) 468-0112 Suite 400 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including Cary, North Carolina 27511 area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) (919) 468-0112 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number including area code, of registrant's agent for service) ---------------------------- Copies to: Timothy J. Kelley Thomas D. Twedt Dow, Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC 1200 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 776-2000 Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement, as determined by market conditions. If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ] If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X] If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [] ---------------------------- CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE ===================================== ================================= ==================================== Proposed Maximum Title of Each Class Aggregate Amount of of Securities to be Registered Offering Price (1) Registration Fee Common Stock, $.001 par value $ 25,000,000 $6,600 ===================================== ================================= ==================================== (1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457. ---------------------------- The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine. SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 13, 2000 Shares [LOGO] SPECTRASITE HOLDINGS, INC. COMMON STOCK The stockholders of SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. described under the caption "Selling Stockholders" on page 9 of this prospectus are offering and selling up to shares of SpectraSite's common stock under this prospectus. The common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the ticker symbol "SITE". On September 12, 2000, the closing sale price on the Nasdaq National Market of a single share of the common stock was $21 5/16. You should carefully review "Risk Factors" beginning on page 2 for a discussion of risks you should consider when investing in our common stock. You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. The selling stockholders are authorized to offer to sell, and seek offers to buy, shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of common stock. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The date of this prospectus is , 2000. TABLE OF CONTENTS SpectraSite................................. 1 Risk Factors................................ 2 Use of Proceeds............................. 8 Price Range of Common Stock................. 8 Dividend Policy............................. 8 Selling Stockholders........................ 9 Plan of Distribution .......................10 Legal Matters...............................12 Experts.....................................12 Where You Can Find More Information.........12 Information Incorporated by Reference.......13 --------------------- SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Regency Forest Drive, Suite 400, Cary, North Carolina 27511, and our telephone number at that address is (919) 468-0112. Our World Wide Web site address is http://www.spectrasite.com. The information in our website is not part of this prospectus. In this prospectus, Holdings refers to SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. and SpectraSite, we, us and our refer to SpectraSite Holdings, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and all predecessor entities collectively, unless the context requires otherwise. The term common stock refers to Holdings' common stock, par value $.001 per share. -------------------- SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This prospectus, including information incorporated by reference in this prospectus, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21C of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of SpectraSite and those preceded by, followed by or that include the words may, will, should, could, expects, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. You should understand that the factors described below, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this document, could affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include: o material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve; o future regulatory actions and conditions in our operating areas; o competition from others in the communications tower industry; o the integration of our operations with those of businesses we have acquired or may acquire in the future and the realization of the expected benefits; and o other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and Securities and Exchange Commission filings. -i- SPECTRASITE We are one of the leading providers of outsourced antenna site and network services to the wireless communications and broadcast industries in North America and Europe. Our businesses include the ownership and leasing of antenna sites on towers, managing rooftop and in-building telecommunications access on commercial real estate, network planning and deployment, and construction of towers and related wireless facilities. Our customers are leading wireless communications providers and broadcasters, including Nextel, SBC Communications, Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless, AirTouch Communications, Tritel Communications, Teligent, WinStar, Cox Broadcasting, Clear Channel Communications and Paxson Communications. As of June 30, 2000 and after giving effect to all pending transactions, we will own or manage over 20,000 sites, including 7,841 towers, primarily in the top 100 markets in the United States and with major metropolitan market clusters in Southern California, Chicago and Boston. We also own 50% of SpectraSite-Transco Communications Ltd., a joint venture with Transco, the arm of BG Group plc that runs Britain's gas network. As of June 30, 2000, the joint venture owned 718 towers and 1,500 sites and has the option to purchase 30,000 potential sites in the United Kingdom. Recent Developments On July 12, 2000, we entered into a master site lease agreement with Cell-Loc Inc. for a minimum of 2,000 antenna site lease commencements over a two year period. On July 17, 2000, we acquired 11 broadcast towers from Pegasus Communications Corporation for 1,373,545 shares of unregistered common stock. Under the agreement, we will build up to five new digital television towers for Pegasus in the next 12 months. On July 28, 2000, we completed an underwritten public offering of 11 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $220.2 million. On August 2, 2000, the underwriters purchased an additional 1,650,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of their overallotment option for net proceeds of approximately $33.2 million. On August 15, 2000, we acquired subleasehold interests in 107 wireless towers from Airtouch Communications for approximately $38.5 million in cash. We expect to acquire leasehold and subleasehold interests in an additional 323 towers from Airtouch in the six-month period following this initial closing. On August 17, 2000, we acquired GoCom, Inc., which owned 12 broadcast towers and 14 other communications towers for $28.2 million in cash. On August 25, 2000, we entered into an agreement to acquire leasehold and subleasehold interests in approximately 3,900 wireless communications towers from affiliates of SBC Communications, Inc. in exchange for $982.7 million in cash and approximately 14.3 million shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, valued at $325.0 million. We will manage, maintain and lease available space on the SBC towers, including the right to co-locate tenants on the towers. SBC is an anchor tenant on all of the towers and will pay us a monthly fee per tower of $1,400. In addition, we have agreed to enter into a 5-year exclusive build-to-suit agreement with SBC under which we will develop and construct all of SBC's towers during the term of the agreement. We expect the SBC tower transaction to close in stages, with an initial closing expected in the fourth quarter of 2000 and a final closing in the first quarter of 2002. Trimaran Fund II, L.L.C. and certain of its affiliates have agreed to purchase approximately 3.4 million shares of common stock at a price of $22.00 per share in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. In addition, Trimaran will receive warrants to purchase an additional 1.5 million shares of common stock at a price of $28.00 per share. We will use the proceeds from this investment to partially fund the SBC tower transaction and for general corporate purposes. This transaction is subject to the negotiation of definitive documentation and, although we cannot assure you when or if it will be completed, we anticipate consummating this transaction on or before the initial closing date of the SBC tower transaction. In connection with the SBC tower transaction, we received a commitment letter from Canadian Imperial Bank of commerce and CIBC World Markets Corp. to provide up to $1.4 billion under an amended and restated credit facility. We anticipate that we will amend and restate our existing credit facility during the fourth quarter of 2000, after the initial closing of the SBC tower transaction. For other recent developments regarding SpectraSite, we refer you to our most recent and future filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. -1- RISK FACTORS Our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the financial statements and related notes, before deciding to purchase our common stock. While these are the risks and uncertainties we believe are most important for you to consider, you should know that they are not the only risks or uncertainties facing us or which may adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks or uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquisitions with our operations, which could limit our revenue growth and our ability to achieve or sustain profitability. Acquiring additional tower assets and complementary businesses is an integral part of our business strategy. We may not be able to realize the expected benefits of past or future acquisitions or identify suitable acquisition candidates. Our ability to complete future acquisitions will depend on a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the attractiveness of acquisition prices and the negotiation of acceptable definitive acquisition agreements. In addition, the process of integrating acquired operations into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties, divert managerial attention or require significant financial resources that could otherwise be used for existing tower construction and network deployment contracts. Future acquisitions also may require us to incur additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are not profitable and expect to continue to incur losses. We incurred net losses of $98.4 million and $70.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 and the six months ended June 30, 2000, respectively. Our losses are principally due to significant depreciation, amortization and interest expense. We have not achieved profitability and expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We have substantial indebtedness, and servicing our indebtedness could reduce funds available to grow our business. We are, and will continue to be, highly leveraged. As of June 30, 2000, we had total consolidated indebtedness of $1.3 billion. Our high level of indebtedness could interfere with our ability to grow. For example, it could: o increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; o limit our ability to obtain additional financing; o require the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness; o limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; and o place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to less leveraged competitors. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to pay principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness is uncertain. In particular, we may not meet our anticipated revenue growth and operating expense targets, and as a result, our future debt service obligations could exceed cash available to us. Further, we may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our business depends on the demand for wireless communications sites and our ability to secure co-location tenants. -2- Our business depends on demand for communications sites from wireless service providers, which, in turn, depends on the demand for wireless services. A reduction in demand for communications sites or increased competition for co-location tenants could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In particular, the success of our business model requires us to secure co-location tenants, and securing co-location tenants depends upon the demand for communications sites from a variety of service providers in a particular market. The extent to which wireless service providers lease communications sites on our towers depends on the level of demand for wireless services, the financial condition and access to capital of those providers, the strategy of providers with respect to owning or leasing communications sites, government licensing of communications licenses, changes in telecommunications regulations, the characteristics of each company's technology, and geographic terrain. A significant portion of our revenues and tower construction activity currently depends on Nextel and is expected to come from SBC. Nextel accounts for a significant portion of our total revenues. Nextel represented approximately 35% and 26% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999 and for the six months ended June 30, 2000, respectively. Following the final closing of the SBC tower transaction, SBC will be paying us approximately $65.5 million each year as the anchor tenant on the 3,900 subleased towers. If Nextel or SBC were to suffer financial difficulties or if Nextel or SBC were unwilling or unable to perform its obligations under its arrangements with us, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Nextel agreed to lease 1,700 additional sites on our towers as part of its national service deployment, and as of June 30, 2000, they had leased 809 of those sites. In connection with the initial closing of the SBC tower transaction, we will enter into a 5-year build-to-suit agreement with SBC for an estimated 800 new towers. Under the terms of our agreements with Nextel and SBC, we are required to construct or purchase agreed upon numbers of qualified towers at specified times and specified prices. Our failure to construct or purchase the towers as agreed could result in the cancellation of our right to construct or purchase additional towers under these agreements. Such a cancellation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations and on our ability to implement or achieve our business objectives in the future. Under our agreements with Nextel and SBC, subject to limited exceptions, we will be required to construct new towers in locations to be determined by Nextel and SBC. These towers may have limited appeal to other providers of wireless communications services, which may limit our opportunities to attract additional tenants, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may be unable to increase our construction activities or to acquire towers as contemplated by our growth strategy. Our growth strategy depends on our ability to construct, acquire and operate towers as wireless service providers expand their tower network infrastructure. Regulatory and other barriers could adversely affect our ability to construct towers in accordance with the requirements of our customers, and, as a result, we may be subject to penalties and forfeiture provisions under our anchor tenant leases. Our ability to construct new towers may be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including zoning and local permitting requirements, FAA considerations, FCC tower registration procedures, availability of tower components and construction equipment, availability of skilled construction personnel and weather conditions. In addition, because the concern over tower proliferation has grown in recent years, certain communities now restrict new tower construction or delay granting permits required for construction. Our expansion plans call for a significant increase in construction activity. We may not be able to overcome the barriers to new construction, and we may not complete the number of towers planned for construction. Our failure to complete the necessary construction could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. -3- We compete for tower acquisition opportunities with wireless service providers, broadcasters, site developers and other independent tower owners and operators, and we expect competition to increase. Increased competition for acquisitions may result in fewer acquisition opportunities and higher acquisition prices. We regularly explore acquisition opportunities; however, we may have trouble identifying towers or tower companies to acquire in the future. We compete with companies that may have greater financial resources. If we are unable to successfully compete, our business will suffer. We believe that tower location and capacity, price, quality of service and density within a geographic market historically have been, and will continue to be, the most significant competitive factors affecting the site leasing business. We compete for site leasing tenants with: o wireless service providers that own and operate their own towers and lease, or may in the future decide to lease, antenna space to other providers; o other independent tower operators; o site acquisition companies which acquire antenna space on existing towers for wireless service providers, manage new tower construction and provide site acquisition services; and o owners of non-tower antenna sites, including rooftops, water towers and other alternate structures. Wireless service providers that own and operate their own towers generally are substantially larger and have substantially greater financial resources than SpectraSite. For example, AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS own and operate their own tower networks. We compete for acquisition, new tower construction and network development opportunities primarily with other independent tower companies and site construction firms. Some of these competitors may have greater financial resources than SpectraSite. Rapid growth could strain or divert our management team and will increase our operating expenses. Implementation of our business strategy may impose significant strains on our management, operating systems and financial resources. In addition, we anticipate that operating expenses will increase significantly as we build and acquire additional tower assets. Our failure to manage growth or unexpected difficulties encountered during our expansion could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The pursuit and integration of acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and strategic alliances will require substantial attention from our senior management, which will limit the amount of time they have available to devote to existing operations. We anticipate significant capital expenditures and may need additional financing which may not be available. Our current plans call for significant capital expenditures during the second half of 2000 for the construction and acquisition of communication sites, primarily towers. We had approximately $300.0 million available under our credit facility as of June 30, 2000 and have a commitment to increase this facility to $1.4 billion. As of June 30, 2000, we had $330.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, and after giving effect to our public offering of common stock in July 2000, we had approximately $583.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. However, we may need additional sources of debt or equity capital prior to the end of 2000. Additional financing may not be available or may be restricted by the terms of the credit facility and the indentures governing our outstanding notes. Competing technologies and other alternatives could reduce the demand for our services. Most types of wireless services currently require ground-based network facilities, including communications sites for transmission and reception. The development and growth of communications technologies which do not require ground-based sites or other alternatives could reduce the demand for space on our towers. In particular, the emergence of new technologies that do not require terrestrial antenna sites and that can be substituted for those that do, could have a negative impact on our operations. For example, the FCC has granted license applications for several low-earth orbiting satellite systems that are intended to provide mobile voice and data services; one system was operating commercially, but has terminated operations because of bankruptcy, and another has recently initiated service. In addition, the FCC has issued licenses for several low-earth orbiting satellite -4- systems that are intended to provide solely data services, and one of those systems is operational. Although these systems are highly capital-intensive and have only begun to be tested, mobile satellite systems could compete with land-based wireless communications systems, thereby reducing the demand for the infrastructure services we provide. Reduced demand for ground-based antenna sites could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, wireless service providers frequently enter into agreements with competitors allowing them to utilize one another's wireless communications facilities to accommodate customers who are out of range of their home providers' services. These roaming agreements may be viewed by wireless service providers as a superior alternative to leasing space for their own antennas on communications sites we own. The proliferation of these roaming agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. A small number of stockholders control the voting power of Holdings, and these stockholders' interests may be different from yours. Affiliates of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe own 32.4 million shares, or 24.1%, of our common stock as of August 4, 2000. This ownership will allow Welsh, Carson to exert significant influence over the management and policies of SpectraSite. In addition, Welsh, Carson and certain other Holdings stockholders have a right to board representation under a stockholders' agreement. Welsh, Carson and the other parties to the stockholders' agreement may have interests that are different from yours. Our business depends on our key personnel. Our future success depends to a significant extent on the continued services of our Chief Executive Officer, Stephen H. Clark, our Chief Operating Officer, Timothy G. Biltz, our Chief Financial Officer, David P. Tomick, our Executive Vice President--Wireless Tower Group, Richard J. Byrne, and our Executive Vice President--Construction Operations, Calvin J. Payne. Although each of these officers other than Mr. Biltz has an employment agreement with Holdings, the loss of any of these key employees would likely have a significantly detrimental effect on our business. Our operations require compliance with and approval from federal and state regulatory authorities. We are subject to a variety of regulations, including those at the federal, state and local levels. Both the FCC and the FAA regulate towers and other sites used for wireless communications transmitters and receivers. Failure to comply with applicable requirements may lead to civil penalties and tort liability. These regulations control siting, marking, and lighting of towers and may, depending on the characteristics of the tower, require registration of tower facilities with the FCC. Wireless communications devices operating on towers are separately regulated and independently licensed by the FCC based upon the particular frequency used and the services being provided. Any proposals to construct new communications sites or modify existing communications sites that could affect air traffic must be reviewed by the FAA to ensure that the proposals will not present a hazard to aviation. Tower owners may have an obligation to paint their towers or install lighting to conform to FCC and FAA standards and to maintain such painting or lighting. Tower owners also may bear the responsibility for notifying the FAA of any tower lighting failure. SpectraSite generally indemnifies its customers against any failure by SpectraSite to comply with applicable standards. Local regulations include city or other local ordinances, zoning restrictions and restrictive covenants imposed by community developers. These regulations vary greatly, but typically require tower owners to obtain approval from local officials or community standards organizations prior to tower construction. Local regulations can delay or prevent new tower construction or site upgrade projects, thereby limiting our ability to respond to customers' demands. In addition, these regulations increase the costs associated with new tower construction. Existing regulatory policies may adversely affect the timing or cost of new tower construction, and additional regulations may be adopted that will increase these delays or result in additional costs to SpectraSite. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations and on our ability to implement or achieve our business objectives. The FCC has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to consider how to improve telecommunications service providers' access to rooftops, other rights-of-way and conduits in multi-tenant buildings. The FCC is considering whether such access should be mandated and, if so, under what rules, terms, and conditions. While new telecommunications entrants have supported the proposals, building owners and incumbent local exchange carriers have argued that the proposals are unconstitutional and that the agency lacks the statutory authority to adopt them. -5- Federal legislation addressing access by telecommunications providers to multi-tenant buildings has also been introduced and may be considered in the coming year. Other legislative proposals concerning tower siting and related environmental issues may also be considered. We cannot predict whether these regulatory and legislative initiatives will be adopted and, if they are, the effect that they will have on our business. As part of the Westower merger, we acquired operations in Canada. As a result, we are subject to regulation in Canada. If we pursue additional international opportunities, we will be subject to regulation in additional foreign jurisdictions. In addition, our customers may become subject to new regulatory policies which may adversely affect the demand for communications sites. We generally lease the land under our towers and may not be able to maintain these leases. Our real property interests relating to towers primarily consist of leasehold interests, private easements and licenses, easements and rights-of-way granted by governmental entities. A loss of these interests, including a loss arising from the bankruptcy of one or more of our significant lessors, would interfere with our ability to conduct our business and generate revenues. Our ability to protect our rights against persons claiming superior rights in towers depends on our ability to: o recover under title policies, the policy limits of which may be less than the purchase price of a particular tower; o in the absence of title insurance coverage, recover under title warranties given by tower sellers, which warranties often terminate after the expiration of a specific period, typically one to three years; and o recover under title covenants from landlords contained in lease agreements. We are subject to environmental laws that impose liability without regard to fault. Our operations are subject to federal, state, provincial, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations regarding the use, storage, disposal, emission, release and remediation of hazardous and nonhazardous substances, materials or wastes. Under these laws, SpectraSite could be held strictly, as well as jointly and severally, liable for the investigation and remediation of hazardous substance contamination at its facilities or at third-party waste disposal sites and also could be held liable for any personal or property damage related to such contamination. Although we believe that we currently have no material liability under applicable environmental laws, the costs of complying with existing or future environmental laws, investigating and remediating any contaminated real property and resolving any related liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The FCC requires tower owners who are subject to the agency's antenna structure registration program to comply at the time of registration with federal environmental rules that may restrict the siting of towers. Under these rules, tower owners are required initially to identify whether proposed sites are in environmentally sensitive locations. If so, the tower owners must prepare and file environmental assessments, which must be reviewed by the FCC staff prior to registration and construction of the particular towers. Our towers may be damaged by natural disasters. Our towers are subject to risks associated with natural disasters such as ice and wind storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. We self-insure almost all of our towers against such risks. A tower accident for which we are uninsured or underinsured, or damage to a tower or group of towers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Perceived health risks of radio frequency emissions could impact our business. The wireless service providers that utilize our towers are subject to FCC requirements and other guidelines relating to radio frequency emissions. The potential connection between radio frequency emissions and certain negative health effects, including some forms of cancer, has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years. To date, the results of these studies have been inconclusive. If radio frequency emissions were conclusively proved harmful, our tenants and possibly we could face lawsuits claiming damages from such emissions and demand for wireless services and new towers would be adversely affected. Although we have not been subject to any claims relating to radio frequency emissions, we cannot assure you that these claims will not arise in the future. -6- We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future and, because we are a holding company, we may be unable to pay dividends. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, our credit facility and the indentures governing our outstanding notes restrict our ability to pay dividends. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon then existing conditions, including our financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors that the board of directors considers relevant. Furthermore, because Holdings is a holding company, it depends on the cash flow of its subsidiaries, and SpectraSite Communications' credit facility imposes restrictions on Holdings' subsidiaries' ability to distribute cash to Holdings. Our stock price has been highly volatile, and you could lose a significant part of your investment as a result. Prior to the Westower merger in September 1999, our common stock was privately held with no public trading market. On September 1, 1999, our common stock was approved for trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "SITE", and public trading commenced on September 3, 1999. The market price of our common stock has been and can be expected to be significantly affected by: o quarterly variations in our operating results; o operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors; o changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors; o changes in market valuations of other communications tower companies; o announcements of technological innovations or new services by us or our competitors; o announcements of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors; o additions or departures of key personnel o future sales of our common stock; and o stock market price and volume fluctuations. In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters Holdings' certificate of incorporation provides that directors of Holdings will not be personally liable to Holdings or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability: (1) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Holdings or its stockholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) under a provision of Delaware law relating to unlawful payment of dividend or unlawful stock purchase or redemption of stock; or (4) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. As a result of this provision, Holdings and its stockholders may be unable to obtain monetary damages from a director for breach of his or her duty of care. Our bylaws provide for the indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents and any person who is or was serving at the request of Holdings as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise and any person who was or is serving at the request of Holdings as a trustee or administrator under an employee benefit plan to the fullest extent authorized by, and subject to the conditions set forth in, the Delaware General Corporation Law against all expenses and liabilities. the indemnification provided under the bylaws includes the right to be paid by Holdings the expenses in advance of any proceeding for which indemnification may be had in advance of its final disposition. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling Holdings pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. -7- USE OF PROCEEDS All net proceeds from the sale of the shares will go to the stockholders who offer and sell them. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK Prior to the Westower merger, our common stock was privately held with no public trading market. On September 1, 1999, our common stock was approved for trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "SITE", and public trading commenced on September 3, 1999. The following table sets forth on a per share basis the high and low sales prices for consolidated trading in our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for the period from September 3, 1999 through September 30, 1999, the fourth quarter of 1999, the first and second quarter of 2000 and the third quarter of 2000 through September 12, 2000. Common Stock High Low 1999 Third quarter (beginning September 3) $ 14 7/8 $ 11 Fourth quarter.................... 12 1/8 7 3/8 2000 First quarter..................... 30 3/8 10 3/4 Second quarter.................... 28 1/2 15 1/8 Third quarter (through September 12, 2000) 20 1/16 29 1/2 The last reported sale price for our common stock on September 12, 2000 is set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. As of September 12, 2000, there were approximately 222 holders of record of our common stock. DIVIDEND POLICY We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, our credit facility and the indentures governing our outstanding notes restrict our ability to pay dividends. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon then existing conditions, including our financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors that the board of directors considers relevant. Furthermore, because Holdings is a holding company, it depends on the cash flow of its subsidiaries, and SpectraSite Communications' credit facility imposes restrictions on Holdings' subsidiaries' ability to distribute cash to Holdings. -8- SELLING STOCKHOLDERS The shares of common stock covered by this prospectus are being registered to permit secondary trading and so that the selling stockholders may offer the shares for resale from time to time. See "Plan of Distribution." Except as described below, none of the selling stockholders has had a material relationship with SpectraSite within the past three years other than as a result of the ownership of the common stock and other securities of Holdings. The following table sets forth the names of the selling stockholders, the number of shares of common stock owned beneficially by each of the selling stockholders as of , 2000, and the number of shares which may be offered for resale pursuant to this prospectus regardless of whether such selling stockholder has a present intent to sell. The information included below is based upon information provided by the selling stockholders as of the date of this prospectus. Because the selling stockholders may offer all, some or none of their shares of common stock, no definite estimate as to the number of shares or the percentage thereof that will be held by the selling stockholders after such offering can be provided and the following table has been prepared on the assumption that all shares of common stock offered under this prospectus will be sold. - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Shares of Common Percentage of Common Owned Prior to Shares of Common Stock Owned After the Stock Owned After Name (1) Offering Stock Offered Hereby Offering the Offering - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- - ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ================================================================================== (1) Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned. -9- PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION SpectraSite is registering the shares on behalf of the selling stockholders. References in this section to selling stockholders also include any permitted pledgees, donees or transferees identified in a supplement to this prospectus as described below. The selling stockholders may offer their shares at various times in one or more of the following transactions: o in transactions, which may involve crosses or block transactions, on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale; o in the over-the-counter market; o in private transactions other than in the over-the-counter market or on an exchange; o in connection with short sales of shares; o by pledge to secure debts and other obligations; o in connection with the writing of non-traded and exchange-traded call options, in hedge transactions and in settlement of other transactions in standardized or over-the-counter options; or o in a combination of any of the above transactions. In addition, pursuant to the registration rights agreement among SpectraSite and the selling stockholders, the selling stockholders and the other parties thereto are entitled to demand up to three underwritten offerings on the terms and conditions set forth in the registration rights agreement. In the event of an underwritten offering and subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, Holdings and the selling stockholders will enter into an underwriting agreement and other appropriate agreements with the underwriters participating in the underwritten offering that will set forth the terms on which the participating underwriters will effect sales of the shares. The selling stockholders may sell their shares at market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to market prices, at negotiated prices or at fixed prices. The selling stockholders may use underwriters or broker-dealers to sell their shares. In effecting such sales, underwriters, brokers or dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other underwriters, brokers or dealers to participate. Underwriters, brokers or dealers may purchase shares as principals for their own accounts and resell such shares pursuant to this prospectus. If this happens, the underwriters or broker-dealers will either receive discounts or commissions from the selling stockholders, or they will receive commissions from purchasers of shares for whom they acted as agents. The selling stockholders, any underwriters, brokers, dealers and any other participating brokers or dealers may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with these sales, and any profits realized or commissions received may be deemed underwriting compensation. The selling stockholders may also enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. In connection with these transactions, broker-dealers or other financial institutions may engage in short sales of common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume with selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may also enter into options or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions which require the delivery, to that broker-dealer or other financial institution, of the shares offered under this prospectus. The shares that broker-dealers or other financial institutions receive in those types of transactions may be resold under this prospectus. Selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, provided they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that Rule. When a particular offering of shares is made, if required, we will distribute a prospectus supplement. That supplement will set forth the names of the selling stockholders, the aggregate amount and type of shares being offered, the number of such securities owned prior to and after the completion of any such offering, and, to the extent required, the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, -10- any discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from the selling stockholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to broker-dealers. To comply with the securities law in some jurisdictions, the shares will be offered or sold in particular jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some jurisdictions the shares may not be offered or sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdiction or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with. To comply with rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, persons engaged in a distribution of the shares may be limited in their ability to engage in market activities with respect to such shares. In addition and without limiting the foregoing, each selling stockholder will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, which provisions may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares by the selling stockholders. All of these things may affect the marketability of the shares. All expenses of the registration of the shares will be paid by SpectraSite, including, without limitation, SEC filing fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or "blue sky" laws; provided, however, that the selling stockholders will pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any. Subject to some limitations, the selling stockholders will be indemnified by SpectraSite against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or will be entitled to contribution in connection therewith. Subject to some limitations, SpectraSite will be indemnified by the selling stockholders against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or will be entitled to contribution in connection therewith. -11- LEGAL MATTERS Dow, Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC, Washington, D.C., will pass upon the validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. EXPERTS Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited our consolidated financial statements for the period from inception (April 25, 1997) to December 31, 1997 and the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and the consolidated financial statements of our predecessor, Telesite Services, LLC, for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for the period from January 1, 1997 to May 12, 1997 included in this registration statement, as set forth in their reports incorporated by reference herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Westower's consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 1998 and for the seven months then ended and Summit's financial statements as of September 30, 1998 and for the nine months then ended have been included in this registration statement in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. Westower's consolidated financial statements as of February 28, 1997 and February 28, 1998 and for the three years ended February 28, 1998 and Cord's financial statements as of June 30, 1997 and 1998 and for the two years ended June 30, 1998 have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus in reliance on the report of Moss Adams LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The financial statements of MJA Communications Corp. as of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997 and for the three years ended December 31, 1997, have been consolidated with those of Westower and incorporated by reference in this prospectus in reliance on the report of Lamn, Krielow, Dytrych & Darling, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The financial statements of Summit Communications LLC as of December 31, 1997 and for the period from inception, May 24, 1997, to December 31, 1997 have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus in reliance on the report of Shearer, Taylor & Co., P.A., independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION Holdings is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the indentures governing Holdings' outstanding notes require that we file Exchange Act reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission and provide those reports to the indenture trustee and holders of notes. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are available over the Internet at the Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the public reference rooms the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.; 13th Floor, Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York; and Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium Center 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois or obtain copies of such materials by mail. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges, as well as the Public Reference Section's charges for mailing copies of the documents Holdings has filed. -12- INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Holdings has filed the following documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Securities and Exchange Commission rules permit Holdings to incorporate these filings by reference into this prospectus. By incorporating our Securities and Exchange Commission filings by reference they are made a part of this prospectus. o Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999; o Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000; o Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000; o Form 8-K dated December 30, 1999 and filed January 21, 2000; o Form 8-K dated March 6, 2000 and filed March 10, 2000; o Form 8-K dated April 12, 2000 and filed April 18, 2000; o Form 8-K dated June 6, 2000 and filed June 21, 2000; o Form 8-K dated and filed August 18, 2000; and o Form 8-K dated August 25, 2000 and filed August 31, 2000. A description of Holdings' common stock, par value $0.001, appears in the section captioned "Description of Common Stock" contained in Holdings' prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) with the SEC on July 26, 2000 with respect to its Form S-1 Registration Statement (File No. 333-41022). That description is incorporated by reference into Holdings' amended registration statement on Form 8-A filed pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on July 28, 2000. That description is also incorporated herein by reference. All documents which Holdings will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the terms of Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of any offering of securities offered by this prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in, and to be a part of, this prospectus from the date such documents are filed. Holdings' Securities and Exchange Commission file number for Securities Exchange Act documents is 0-27217. Holdings will provide without charge, to any person, including any beneficial owner, who receives a copy of this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, upon such recipient's written or oral request, a copy of any document this prospectus incorporates by reference, other than exhibits to such incorporated documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such incorporated document. Requests should be directed to: David P. Tomick Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. 100 Regency Forest Drive Suite 400 Cary, North Carolina 27511 Telephone: (919) 468-0112 Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated in, or deemed to be incorporated by reference to, this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded, for purposes of this prospectus, to the extent that a statement contained in: o the prospectus; o the accompanying prospectus supplement; or o any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated in, or is deemed to be incorporated by reference to, this prospectus; modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. -13- PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. The following table sets forth the various expenses in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered. All amounts shown are estimates except for the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee and the NASD filing fee. All of these fees are being paid by SpectraSite. Registration Fee.................... $6,600 NASD Filing Fee..................... 3,000 Legal Fees and Expenses............. 20,000 Accounting Fees and Expenses........ 10,000 Printing and Engraving Fees......... 50,000 Miscellaneous....................... 5,400 -------- Total............................... $95,000 ======= Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") provides that a corporation (in its original certificate of incorporation or amendment thereto) may eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director (or certain persons who, pursuant to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, exercise or perform duties conferred or imposed upon directors by the DGCL) to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provisions shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions) or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, limits the liability of directors thereof to the extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL. Under Section 145 of the DGCL, in general, a corporation may indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding brought by third parties to which they may be made parties by reason of their being or having been directors, officers, employees or agents and shall so indemnify such persons if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. II-1 Item 16. Exhibits. Exhibit Description Number 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 10, 1999, among Nextel Communications, Inc., Tower Parent Corp., Tower Merger Vehicle, Inc., Tower Asset Sub Inc., SpectraSite Holdings, Inc., SpectraSite Communications, Inc. and SHI Merger Sub, Inc. (the "Nextel Merger Agreement"). Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 2.2 Amendment No. 1 to the Nextel Merger Agreement. Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 2.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Westower Corporation, SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. and W. Acquisition Corp., dated as of May 15, 1999. Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 2.4 Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of November 24, 1999, among the Registrant, Apex Merger Sub, Inc. and Apex Site Management Holdings, Inc. (the "Apex Merger Agreement"). Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Registrant's registration statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-93873. 2.5 Agreement to Sublease, dated as of February 16, 2000, by and between AirTouch Communications, Inc. and the other parties named therein as Sublessors, California Tower, Inc. and the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 2.9 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. 2.6 Joint Venture Shareholders' Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2000, by and among SpectraSite International, Inc., Transco Telecommunications Asset Development Company Limited and EVER 1267 Limited. Incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.2 of the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on April 18, 2000. 2.7 Agreement to Sublease, dated as of August 25, 2000, by and among SBC Wireless, Inc. and certain of its affiliates, the Registrant, and Southern Towers, Inc. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K dated August 25, 2000 and filed August 31, 2000. 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. (the "Registrant"). Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 3.9 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 3.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated August 31, 1999. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 3.1 to the Form 8-K of the Registrant, dated September 2, 1999 and filed September 17, 1999. 3.3 Amended Bylaws of SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 3.8 to the registration statement on Form S-1 of the Registrant, file no. 333-93873. 4.1 Indenture, dated as of June 26, 1998, between the Registrant and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 4.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 25, 1999, between the Registrant and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 4.3 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 6, 2000, between the Registrant and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 4.1 of the Registrant's report on Form 8-K, dated June 6, 2000, and filed June 21, 2000. 4.4 Indenture, dated as of April 20, 1999, between the Registrant and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 4.3 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 4.5 Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2000, between the Registrant and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. (10 3/4% senior notes) Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 4.4 of the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-35094. 4.6 Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2000, between the Registrant and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. (12 7/8% senior notes) Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 4.5 of the Registrant's registration statement on Form S-4, file no. 333-35094. 4.7 Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1999. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 10.5 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. 4.8 Third Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1999. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 10.6 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of the Registrant, file no. 333-67043. II-2 4.9 Joinder Agreement to SpectraSite Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 5, 2000. Incorporated by reference to exhibit no. 10.36 to the Registrant's registration statement on Form S-1, file no. 333-93873. *5.1 Opinion of Dow Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC. *23.1 Consent of Dow, Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC (contained in Exhibit 5.1). 23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 23.3 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 23.4 Consent of Moss Adams LLP. 23.5 Consent of Lamn, Krielow, Dytrych & Co. (formerly, Lamn, Krielow, Dytrych & Darling). 23.6 Consent of Shearer, Taylor & Co., P.A. 24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this registration statement). * To be filed by amendment. Item 17. Undertakings. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions of the Registrant's certificate of incorporation and its bylaws, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: 1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (a) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (b) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; (c) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement. 2. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. 3. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. 4. That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. II-3 5. That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. II-4 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, SpectraSite Holdings, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cary, State of North Carolina, on September 13, 2000. SPECTRASITE HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Stephen H. Clark ------------------------ Stephen H. Clark President, Chief Executive Officer and Director SpectraSite Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Stephen H. Clark and David P. Tomick, and either of them, with full power to act without the others, such person's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Registration Statement, and any and all amendments thereto (including, without limitation, post-effective amendments and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) or Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or either of them, or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date President, Chief Executive Officer and Director /s/ Stephen H. Clark (Principal Executive Officer) September 13, Stephen H. Clark 2000 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial /s/ David P. Tomick Officer (Principal Financial Officer) September 13, David P. Tomick 2000 Executive Vice President--Design and /s/ Calvin J. Payne Construction and Director September 13, Calvin J. Payne 2000 Vice President--Finance and Administration /s/ Daniel I. Hunt (Principal Accounting Officer) September 13, Daniel I. Hunt 2000 /s/ Lawrence B. Sorrel Chairman of the Board of Directors September 13, Lawrence B. Sorrel 2000 /s/ Andrew R. Heyer Director September 13, Andrew R. Heyer 2000 /s/ James R. Matthews Director September 13, James R. Matthews 2000 /s/ Thomas E. McInerney Director September 13, Thomas E. McInerney 2000 /s/ Steven M. Shindler Director September 13, Steven M. Shindler 2000 /s/ Michael J. Price Director September 13, Michael J. Price 2000 /s/ Michael R. Stone Director September 13, Michael R. Stone 2000 /s/ Rudolph E. Rupert Director September 13, Rudolph E. Rupert 2000