AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENTS
AMENDMENT
NO. 1 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENTS
Β
AMENDMENT
NO. 1 dated
as
of November , 2007 (the "Amendment") to the (i) Amended and Restated Deposit
Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2006, among FIAT S.p.A. and its successors
(the "Company"), Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as successor depositary
(the "Depositary"), and all Owners and holders from time to time of American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs") evidenced by American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs")
issued thereunder (the "Ordinary Share Deposit Agreement"), (ii) Amended and
Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2006, among the Company,
the Depositary and all Owners and holders from time to time of ADSs evidenced
by
ADRs issued thereunder (the "Preferred Share Deposit Agreement"), and (iii)
the
Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2006, among
the
Company, the Depositary, and all Owners and holders from time to time of ADSs
evidenced by ADRs issued thereunder (the "Savings Share Deposit Agreement"
and,
together with the Ordinary Share Deposit Agreement and the Preferred Share
Deposit Agreement, the "Deposit Agreements").
Β
WITNESSETH:
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WHEREAS,
the Company and the Depositary executed the Deposit Agreements for the purposes
set forth therein; and
Β
WHEREAS,
the Company filed a Form 15F with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 23, 2007 in order to deregister and terminate its reporting obligations
with respect to its ordinary shares, preference shares and savings shares and
American Depositary Shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
Β
WHEREAS,
pursuant to paragraph (16) of the forms of ADR set forth in Exhibit (a) to
each
of the Deposit Agreements, the Company and the Depositary desire to amend the
terms of the Deposit Agreements and ADRs to reflect the Rule 12g3-2(b) exempt
status of the Company.
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1
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NOW,
THEREFORE, for
good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Company and the Depositary hereby agree to amend the Deposit
Agreement as follows:
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ARTICLE
I
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DEFINITIONS
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SECTION
1.01. Definitions.
Unless
otherwise defined in this Amendment, all capitalized terms used, but not
otherwise defined, herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in the
Deposit Agreement.
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ARTICLE
II
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AMENDMENTS
TO DEPOSIT AGREEMENT AND FORM OF ADR
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SECTION
2.01. Β All
references in each Deposit Agreement to the term "Deposit Agreement" shall,
as
of the date hereof, refer to that Deposit Agreement, as amended by this
Amendment.
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SECTION
2.02.Β The
last
two sentences of paragraph (8) of each form of ADR
Β
is
amended to read as follows:
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The
Company shall publish on its web site (xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx) on an ongoing basis,
or otherwise make available through an electronic information delivery system,
certain public reports and documents required by foreign law or otherwise under
Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act. Β
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ARTICLE
III
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REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
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SECTION
3.01.Β Representations
and Warranties.
The
Company represents and
Β
warrants
to, and agrees with, the Depositary and the Holders, that:
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2
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(a)
This
Amendment, when executed and delivered by the Company, and the Deposit Agreement
and the Form F-6 POS as executed and delivered by the Company in connection
herewith, will be and have been, respectively, duly and validly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Company, and constitute the legal, valid and
binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium and similar laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity
principles; and
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(b)
In
order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility into
evidence of this Amendment or the Deposit Agreement as amended hereby, and
any
other document furnished hereunder or thereunder in Italy, neither of such
agreements need to be filed or recorded with any court or other authority in
Italy, nor does any stamp or similar tax need to be paid in Italy on or in
respect of such agreements; and
Β
(c)
All
of the information provided to the Depositary by the Company in connection
with
this Amendment is true, accurate and correct.
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ARTICLE
IV
Β
MISCELLANEOUS
Β
SECTION
4.01. Effective
Date.
This
Amendment shall be effective of the date first set forth above.
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SECTION
4.02. Indemnification.
The
parties hereto shall remain subject to the indemnification provisions of Section
16 of each Deposit Agreement, as amended hereby, in connection with any and
all
liability it or they may incur as a result of the terms of this Amendment and
the transactions contemplated herein.
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SECTION
4.03.Β Governing
Law; Jurisdiction. Each
Deposit Agreement, the Amendment and the ADRs as amended hereby shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Any dispute, legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon
a
Deposit Agreement (as amended by the Amendment) or the transactions contemplated
thereby shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of New
York, New York.
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3
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SECTION
4.04. Outstanding
ADRs.
ADRs
issued prior or subsequent to the date hereof, which do not reflect the changes
to the form of ADR effected hereby, do not need to be called in for exchange
and
may remain outstanding until such time as the Holders thereof choose to
surrender them for any reason under the relevant Deposit Agreement. The
Depositary is authorized and directed to take any and all actions deemed
necessary to effect the foregoing.
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4
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
Company and the Depositary have caused this Amendment to be executed by
representatives thereunto duly authorized as of the date set forth above and
all
Holders shall become parties hereto by holding ADSs as of the date
hereof.
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Β | FIAT S.p.A. | |
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By:
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__________________________
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Name:
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Title:
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DEUTSCHE
BANK TRUST COMPANY
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AMERICAS
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By:
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__________________________
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Name:
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Title:
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By:
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__________________________
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Name:
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Title:
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5
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Exhibit
A
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No.
of
ADSs:
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_________________Β
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_________________
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Number
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Each
ADS
represents
One
Share
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CUSIP:
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AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
Β
evidencing
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AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY SHARES
Β
representing
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ORDINARY
SHARES
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of
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FIAT
S.p.A.
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(Incorporated
under the laws of the Republic of Italy)
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DEUTSCHE
BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a New York corporation, as depositary hereunder
(the βDepositaryβ), hereby certifies that _____ is the registered owner (a
βHolderβ) of __ American Depositary Shares (βADSsβ), each (subject to paragraph
(13)) representing one ordinary share, 5.0 euro par value (including the rights
to receive Shares described in paragraph (1), βSharesβ and, together with any
other securities, cash or property from time to time held by the Depositary
in
respect or in lieu of deposited Shares, the βDeposited Securitiesβ), of FIAT
S.p.A., a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Italy (the
βCompanyβ) deposited under the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as
of December 19, 2006 (as amended from time to time, the βDeposit Agreementβ)
among the Company, the Depositary and all Holders from time to time of American
Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (βADRsβ), each of whom by accepting an ADR
becomes a party thereto. The Deposit Agreement and this ADR (which includes
the
provisions set forth on the reverse hereof) shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
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A-1
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1.
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Issuance
of ADRs
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This
ADR
is one of the ADRs issued under the Deposit Agreement. Subject to paragraphs
(4)
and (7), the Depositary may so issue ADRs (defined in paragraph (3)) only
against deposit with the Custodian of: (a) Shares in form satisfactory to the
Custodian; (b) rights to receive Shares from the Company or any registrar or
transfer agent of the Company or other entity recording Share ownership or
transactions on behalf of the Company; or (c) unless requested in writing by
the
Company to cease doing so at least two business days in advance of the proposed
deposit, other rights to receive Shares (until such Shares are actually
deposited pursuant to (a) or (b) above, βPre-released ADRsβ) only if (i)
Pre-released ADRs are fully collateralized (marked to market daily) with cash
or
U.S. government securities held by the Depositary for the benefit of Holders
(but such collateral shall not constitute βDeposited Securitiesβ), (ii) each
recipient of Pre-released ADRs represents and agrees in writing with the
Depositary that such recipient or its customer (a) beneficially owns such
Shares, (b) assigns all beneficial right, title and interest therein to the
Depositary for the benefit of the Holders, (c) holds such Shares in trust for
the account of the Depositary and (d) will deliver such Shares to the Custodian
as soon as practicable and promptly but in no event more than five business
days
after demand therefor and (iii) all Pre-released ADRs evidence not more than
20%
of all ADSs (excluding those evidenced by Pre-released ADRs); provided, however,
that the Depositary reserves the right, after consultation with the Company,
to
change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate. The
Depositary may retain for its own account any earnings on collateral for
Pre-released ADRs and its charges for issuance thereof. Shares or evidence
of
rights to receive Shares may be deposited through (x) electronic transfer of
such Shares to the account maintained by the Custodian or its nominee for such
purpose at Monte Titoli S.p.A., or (y) evidence satisfactory to the Custodian
of
irrevocable instructions to cause such Shares to be transferred to such account
or (z) if the Shares are held in certificated form, delivery of the certificates
representing such Shares in the manner specified by, and to the extent allowed
under, applicable law. If use of the Monte Titoli S.p.A. book-entry system
in
connection with the Shares is discontinued at any time for any reason, the
Company shall make other book-entry arrangements (if any) that it determines,
after consultation with the Depositary, are reasonable. At the request, risk
and
expense of the person depositing Shares, the Depositary may accept deposits
for
forwarding to the Custodian and may deliver ADRs at a place other than the
Transfer Office. Every person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement
represents and warrants that such Shares are validly issued and outstanding,
fully paid, nonassessable and free of pre-emptive rights, that the person making
such deposit is duly authorized so to do and that such Shares (A) are not
βrestricted securitiesβ as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities
Act of 1933, unless at the time of deposit they may be freely transferred in
accordance with Rule 144 (k) or may otherwise be offered and sold freely in
the
United States in transactions exempt from registration under that Act or (B)
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Such representations
and
warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares, issuance of ADRs, the transfer
of ADRs and the withdrawal of Shares in respect of surrendered ADRs. The
Depositary will not knowingly accept for deposit under the Deposit Agreement
any
Shares required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and not so
registered; the Depositary shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to refuse
to accept for such deposit any Shares identified by the Company in order to
facilitate the Companyβs compliance with such Act.
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2.
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Withdrawal
of Deposited Securities
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Subject
paragraphs (4), (5) and (7) and to the provisions of or governing Deposited
Securities, upon surrender of (i) a certificated ADR in form satisfactory to
the
Depositary at the Transfer Office or (ii) proper instructions and documentation
in the case of a Direct Registration ADR, the Holder hereof is entitled to
delivery of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADSs
evidenced by this ADR. Delivery of Deposited Securities may be made by (i)
electronic transfer to an account at Mount Titoli S.p.A. specified in the
Withdrawal Order in the name of the Holder or such name of the Holder or such
other name as the Holder may direct, or (ii), at the risk and expense of the
Holder, any other means as the Holder may reasonably request consistent with
applicable law and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities.
Such
delivery of Deposited Securities shall be accompanied by the delivery to the
Holder or to such other person as the Holder may direct of properly executed
instruments of transfer or endorsements as may be necessary under applicable
law, and, to the extent practicable, Deposited Securities that are Shares or
other securities shall be registered in the name of such Holder or such other
name as such Holder may direct. Notwithstanding any other provision of the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR, the withdrawal of Deposited Securities may be
restricted only for the reasons set forth in General Instruction I.A. (1) of
Form F-6 (as such instructions may be amended from time to time) under
Securities Act of 1933.
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3.
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Transfers
of ADRs
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The
Depositary or its agent will keep, at a designated transfer office in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (the βTransfer Officeβ), (a) a
register (the βADR Registerβ) for the registration, registration of transfer,
combination and split-up of ADRs, and, in the case of Direct Registration ADRs,
shall include the Direct Registration System, which at all reasonable times
will
be open for inspection by Holders and the Company for the purpose of
communicating with Holders in the interest of the business of the Company or
a
matter relating to the Deposit Agreement and (b) facilities for the delivery
and
receipt of ADRs. The term ADR Register includes the Direct Registration System.
Title to this ADR and to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs
evidenced hereby), when properly endorsed (in the case of ADRs in certificated
form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer,
is
transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of negotiable
instruments under the laws of the State of New York; provided that the
Depositary and the Company, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may
treat the person in whose name this ADR is registered on the ADR Register as
the
absolute owner hereof for all purposes. Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5),
this
ADR is transferable on the ADR Register and may be split into other ADRs
evidencing the same number ADSs evidenced by this ADR, or combined with other
ADRs into one ADR, by the Holder hereof or by duly authorized attorney upon
surrender of this ADR at the Transfer Office properly endorsed (in the case
of
ADRs in certificated form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper
instruments of transfer and duly stamped as may be required by applicable law;
provided that the Depositary may close the ADR Register at any time and from
time to time when it deems it expedient after making reasonable efforts to
consult with the Company in the case of any closure outside of the ordinary
course of business, or as reasonably requested by the Company. At the request
of
a Holder, the Depositary shall, for the purpose of substituting a certificated
ADR with a Direct Registration ADR, or vice versa, execute and deliver a
certificated ADR or a Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be, evidencing
the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by the certificated ADR
or
Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be, substituted.
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4.
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Certain
Limitations
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Prior
to
the issue, registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of
any ADR, the delivery of any distribution in respect thereof or, subject to
the
last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities,
and
from time to time in the case of clause (b)(ii) of this paragraph (4), the
Company, the Depositary or the Custodian may require: (a) payment with respect
thereto of (i) any stock transfer or other tax or other governmental charge,
(ii) any stock transfer or registration fees in effect for the registration
of
transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities upon any applicable register
and (iii) any applicable charges as provided in paragraph (7) of this ADR;
(b)
the production of proof satisfactory to it of (i) the identity and genuineness
of any signature and (ii) such other information, including without limitation,
information as to citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, beneficial
ownership of ADRs, Deposited Securities or any other securities, compliance
with
applicable law, regulations, provisions of or governing Deposited Securities
and
terms of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, as it may deem necessary or proper;
and (c) compliance with such regulations as the Depositary may establish
consistent with the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall use its reasonable
efforts to notify the Company of any procedures it establishes in the future
pursuant to clause (c) above. The issuance of ADRs, the acceptance of deposits
of Shares, the registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of ADRs or, subject to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of
Deposited Securities, may be suspended, generally or in particular instances,
when the ADR Register or any register for Deposited Securities is closed or
when
any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary (after making
reasonable efforts to consult with the Company in the case of any closure
outside of the ordinary course of business) or requested by the Company (after
consultation with the Depositary).
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5.
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Taxes
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If
any
tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the
Custodian or the Depositary with respect to this ADR, any Deposited Securities
represented by the ADSs evidenced hereby or any distribution thereon, such
tax
or other governmental charge shall be paid by the Holder hereof to the
Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect any registration, registration
of transfer, split-up or combination hereof or, subject to the last sentence
of
paragraph (2), any withdrawal of such Deposited Securities until such payment
is
made. The Depositary may also deduct from any distributions on or in respect
of
Deposited Securities, or may sell by public or private sale for the account
of
the Holder hereof, any part or all of such Deposited Securities (after
attempting by reasonable means to notify the Holder hereof prior to such sale),
for purposes of applying such deduction or the proceeds of any such sale in
payment of any such tax or other governmental charge, the Holder hereof
remaining liable for any deficiency, and shall reduce the number of ADSs
evidenced hereby to reflect any such sales of Shares and shall distribute the
net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such tax or other charge
(including the costs and expenses related thereto) to the Holders entitled
thereto. The Depositary will forward to the Company in a timely fashion such
information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable
the
Company to file necessary reports with governmental authorities or agencies,
and
either the Company or the Depositary may file any such reports necessary to
obtain benefits under any applicable tax treaties for Holders. The Depositary
shall cooperate with the Company in the Companyβs efforts to make and maintain
arrangements enabling Holders to receive any tax credits or other benefits
(pursuant to treaty or otherwise) relating to dividend payments on the ADSs,
and
the Depositary shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, provide the Company
with such documents as the Company may reasonably request to maintain such
arrangements. In connection with any distribution to Holders, the Company will
remit to the appropriate governmental authority or agency all amounts (if any)
required to be withheld and owing to such authority or agency by the Company;
and the Depositary and the Custodian will remit to the appropriate governmental
authority or agency all amounts (if any) required to be withheld and owing
to
such authority or agency by the Depositary or the Custodian. If the Depositary
determines that any distribution in property other than cash (including Shares
or rights) on Deposited Securities is subject to any tax that the Depositary
or
the Custodian is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may, after consultation
with the Company to the extent practicable, dispose of all or a portion of
such
property in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary
and practicable to pay such taxes, by public or private sale, and the Depositary
shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale or the balance of any such
property after deduction of such taxes to the Holders entitled
thereto.
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6.
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Disclosure
of Interests
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To
the
extent that the provisions of or governing any Deposited Securities require
disclosure of or impose limits on beneficial or other ownership of Deposited
Securities, other Shares and other securities and provide for blocking transfer,
voting or other rights to enforce such disclosure or limits, Holders and all
owners of beneficial interests in ADRs agree to comply with all such disclosure
requirements and ownership limitations and to cooperate with the Depositary
in
the Depositaryβs compliance with any Company instructions in respect thereof,
and the Depositary will use reasonable efforts to comply with such Company
instructions. Each Holder and all owners of beneficial interests in ADRs
acknowledge that failure to provide on a timely basis any required notification
of an interest in Shares may result in withholding of certain rights, including
voting and dividend rights, in respect of the Shares in which such Holder or
beneficial owner has an interest. All persons holding ADRs or beneficial
interests in ADRs agree to comply with all such disclosure requirements and
ownership limitations. The Company reserves the right to instruct Holders to
deliver their ADRs for cancellation and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities
so as to permit the Company to deal directly with the Holder thereof as a holder
of Shares. The Company may also refuse to allow such Holder to redeposit such
Shares into the ADR facility The Depositary agrees to cooperate with the Company
in its efforts to inform Holders of the Companyβs exercise of its rights under
this paragraph and agrees to consult with, and provide reasonable assistance
without risk or expense on the part of the Depositary, to the Company on the
manner or manners in which it may enforce the withholding of such rights with
respect to any Holder.
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7.
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Charges
of DePositary
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The
Depositary may charge each person to whom ADRs are issued against deposits
of
Shares, including deposits in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions (as such terms are defined in paragraph (10)), and each person
surrendering ADRs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities (including, without
limitation, on the termination of the Deposit Agreement), U.S.$5.00 for each
100
ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADRs delivered or surrendered. The
Depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient securities and
property received in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions prior to such deposit or delivery of ADRs or Deposited Securities,
as the case may be, to pay such charge. The Depositary may charge, in each
case
to the extent not prohibited by the rules of the primary stock exchange upon
which the ADRs are traded, to any Holder (i) a fee not in excess of U.S. $0.02
per ADS held for the distribution of cash proceeds, including cash dividends
or
sale of rights and other entitlements, not made pursuant to a cancellation
or
withdrawal, and (ii) for the operation and maintenance services provided by
the
Depositary in administering the ADRs an annual fee of U.S.$0.02 or less per
ADS;
provided, however, that no charge will be assessed under this clause (ii) to
the
extent a fee of $.02 was charged pursuant to clause (i) above during that
calendar year.
Β
The
Company will pay all other charges and expenses of the Depositary and any agent
of the Depositary (except the Custodian) pursuant to agreements from time to
time between the Company and the Depositary, except (i) stock transfer or other
taxes and other governmental charges (which are payable by Holders or persons
depositing Shares), (ii) cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery
charges incurred at the request of persons depositing, or Holders delivering
Shares, ADRs or Deposited Securities (which are payable by such persons or
Holders), (iii) transfer or registration fees for the registration of transfer
of Deposited Securities on any applicable register in connection with the
deposit or withdrawal of Deposited Securities (which are payable by persons
depositing Shares or Holders withdrawing Deposited Securities; there are no
such
fees in respect of the Shares as of the date of the Deposit Agreement), (iv)
expenses of the Depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency
into U.S. dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency) and (v) such
fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary (including without
limitation expenses incurred on behalf of Holders in connection with compliance
with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating
to
foreign investment) in delivery of Deposited Securities or otherwise in
connection with the Depositaryβs or its Custodianβs compliance with applicable
law, rule or regulation. These charges may be changed in the manner indicated
in
paragraph (16). The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole
account of the Depositary.
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A-5
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8.
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Available
Information
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The
Deposit Agreement, the provisions of or governing Deposited Securities and
any
written communications from the Company, which are both received by the
Custodian or its nominee as a holder of Deposited Securities and made generally
available to the holders of Deposited Securities, are available for inspection
by Holders at the offices of the Depositary and the Custodian and at the
Transfer Office. The Depositary will mail copies of such communications (or
English translations or summaries thereof) to Holders when furnished by the
Company. The Company shall publish on its web site (xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx) on an
ongoing basis, or otherwise make available through an electronic information
delivery system, certain public reports and documents required by foreign law
or
otherwise under Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act.Β
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9.
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Execution
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This
ADR
shall not be valid for any purpose unless executed by the Depositary by the
manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the
Depositary.
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Dated:
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DEUTSCHE
BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
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as
Depositary
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By
....................
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Authorized
Officer
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At
the
date of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositaryβs Transfer office is located at 00
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000.
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A-6
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[FORM
OF
REVERSE OF ADR]
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10.
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Distributions
on Deposited Securities
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Subject
to paragraphs (4) and (5), to the extent practicable, the Depositary will,
as
promptly as practicable, distribute by mail to each Holder entitled thereto
on
the record date set by the Depositary therefor at such Holderβs address shown on
the ADR Register, in proportion to the number of Deposited Securities (on which
the following distributions on Deposited Securities are received by the
Custodian) represented by ADSs evidenced by such Holderβs ADRs:
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(a)
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Cash.
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Any
U.S.
dollars available to the Depositary resulting from a cash dividend or other
cash
distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities or the net proceeds of
sales
of any other distribution or portion thereof authorized in this paragraph (10)
(βCashβ), on an averaged or other practicable basis, subject to (i) appropriate
adjustments for taxes or other governmental charges withheld, (ii) such
distribution being impermissible or impracticable with respect to certain
Holders, and (iii) deduction of the Depositaryβs expenses in (1) converting any
foreign currency to U.S. dollars by sale or in such other manner as the
Depositary may determine to the extent that it determines that such conversion
may be made on a reasonable basis, (2) transferring foreign currency or U.S.
dollars to the United States by such means as the Depositary may determine
to
the extent that it determines that such transfer may be made on a reasonable
basis, (3) obtaining any approval or license of any governmental authority
required for such conversion or transfer, which is obtainable at a reasonable
cost and within a reasonable time and (4) making any sale by public or private
means in any commercially reasonable manner.
Β
Whenever
the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive foreign currency, as a cash
dividend or other cash distribution or as the net proceeds from the sale of
securities, property or rights, which, in the judgment of the Depositary can
then be converted on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars and distributed to
Holders entitled thereto in the United States, the Depositary shall convert
or
cause to be converted, as promptly as practicable, by sale or in any other
manner that it may determine, such foreign currency into U.S. dollars and shall
transfer the resulting U.S. dollars (net of its reasonably and customary charges
and expenses in effecting such conversion) to the United States. If at any
time
the Depositary shall, after consultation with the Company if practicable,
determine that in its reasonable judgment any foreign currency received by
the
Depositary is not convertible on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars
transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any
governmental authority or agency thereof that is required for such conversion
is
denied or in the opinion of the Depositary is not obtainable at a reasonable
cost or within a reasonable period, the Depositary shall, subject to applicable
laws and regulations, (a) to the extent requested to do so in writing by Holders
entitled to receive the same, distribute the foreign currency (or an appropriate
document evidencing the right to receive such foreign currency) to such Holders
or (b), to the extent not so requested, hold such foreign currency (without
liability for interest thereon or the investment thereof) for the respective
accounts of the other Holders entitled to receive the same. If at the time
the
Depositary shall determine that in its judgment any U.S. dollars received by
the
Depositary upon conversion of foreign currency are not transferable into the
United States, or if any approval or license of any governmental authority
or
agency thereof that is required for such transfer is denied or in the opinion
of
the Depositary is not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable
period, the Depositary shall hold such U.S. dollars (without liability for
interest thereon or investment thereof) for the respective accounts of the
Holders entitled to receive the same. If any such conversion of foreign currency
into U.S. dollars and/or transfer into the United States, in whole or in part,
can be effected for distribution to some but not all of the Holders entitled
thereto, the Depositary may, in its reasonable discretion make such conversion
and/or distribution in U.S. dollars to the extent permissible to the Holders
entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received
by the Depositary to, or hold such balance (without liability for interest
thereon or investment thereof) for the respective accounts of, the Holders
entitled thereto for whom such conversion and distribution is not
practicable;
Β
Β
A-7
Β
Β
Β |
(b)
|
Shares.
|
Β
(i)
Additional ADRs evidencing whole ADSs representing any Shares available to
the
Depositary resulting from a dividend or free distribution in respect of
Deposited Securities consisting of Shares (a βShare Distributionβ) and (ii) U.S.
dollars available to it resulting from the net proceeds of sales of Shares
received in a Share Distribution, which Shares would give rise to fractional
ADSs if additional ADRs were issued therefor, such U.S. dollars to be treated
as
Cash;
Β
Β |
(c)
|
Rights.
|
Β
(i)
Warrants or, in the discretion of the Depositary, other instruments representing
rights to acquire additional ADRs in respect of any rights to subscribe for
additional Shares or rights of any nature available to the Depositary as a
result of a distribution in respect of Deposited Securities (βRightsβ), to the
extent that the Company timely furnishes to the Depositary evidence satisfactory
to the Depositary that the Depositary may lawfully distribute same (the Company
has no obligation to so furnish such evidence), or (ii) to the extent the
Company does not so furnish such evidence and sales of Rights are practicable,
any U.S. dollars available to the Depositary from the net proceeds of sales
of
Rights, such U.S. dollars to be treated as Cash, or (iii) to the extent the
Company does not so furnish such evidence and such sales cannot practicably
be
accomplished by reason of the non-transferability of the Rights, limited markets
therefor, their short duration or otherwise, nothing (and any Rights may lapse).
The Depositary will not offer Rights to any Holder that is a βU.S. Personβ (as
defined in Regulation S), unless and until (i) a registration statement under
the Securities Act of 1933 covering such offering has been declared effective
by
the Commission or (ii) the Depositary receives an opinion of counsel for the
Company in the United States satisfactory to the Depositary to the effect that
the offering and sale of the Rights and the securities for which they are
exercisable to such Holders are exempt from registration under the Securities
Act of 1933. The Company shall have no obligation to register the Rights or
any
such securities under the Securities Act of 1933; and
Β
Β
A-8
Β
Β
Β |
(d)
|
Other
Distributions:
|
Β
(i)
securities or property available to the Depositary resulting from any
distribution in respect of Deposited Securities other than Cash, Share
Distributions and Rights (βOther Distributionsβ), by any means that the
Depositary may deem equitable and practicable, or (ii) to the extent the
Depositary deems distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable
and practicable, any U.S. dollars available to the Depositary from the net
proceeds of sales of Other Distributions, such U.S. dollars to be treated as
Cash.
Β
Distributions
of U.S. dollars pursuant to any clause of this paragraph (10) will be made
by
checks drawn on a bank in the United States. Only whole U.S. dollars and cents
will be distributed (any fractional cents being withheld without liability
and
dealt with by the Depositary in accordance with its then current procedures).
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall have no
obligation to either (i) register any ADSs, Shares, Rights or other securities
described in this Paragraph (10) under the Securities Act of 1933 or (ii) take
other actions to permit the distribution of such ADSs, Shares, Rights or other
securities in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws.
Β
11.
|
Record
Dates
|
Β
The
Depositary shall, after consultation with the Company if practicable, fix a
record date (which shall be as near as practicable to any corresponding record
date set by the Company) for the determination of the Holders who shall be
entitled to receive any distribution on or in respect of Deposited Securities
or
the net proceeds thereof, to give instructions for the exercise of any voting
rights in respect of Deposited Securities, to receive any notice or to act
in
respect of other matters and only such Holders at the close of business on
such
record date shall be so entitled.
Β
12.
|
Voting
of DePosited Securities
|
Β
As
soon
as practicable after receipt from the Company of notice of any meeting or
solicitation of consents or proxies of holders of Shares or other Deposited
Securities, unless the Company informs the Depositary otherwise in order to
comply with applicable law, the Depositary shall mail to Holders a notice
stating (a) such information as is contained in such notice and any solicitation
materials (or a summary thereof in English provided by the Company), (b) that
each Holder at the close of business on the record date set by the Depositary
therefor will be entitled, subject to any applicable provisions of Italian
law
and the Companyβs by-laws (Statuto),
to
instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any,
pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs evidenced by
such
Holdersβ ADRs and (c) the manner in which such instructions may be given,
including instructions to give a proxy to a person designated by the Company.
Upon receipt of instructions of a Holder on such record date in the manner
and
on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the
Depositary shall endeavor insofar as practicable and permitted under the
provisions of or governing Deposited Securities to vote or cause to be voted
(including the granting of a proxy to the Company in accordance with
instructions received from Holders) the Deposited Securities represented by
the
ADSs evidenced by such Holderβs ADRs in accordance with such instructions. The
Depositary will not itself exercise any voting discretion in respect of any
Deposited Securities. On the business day following the date fixed by the
Depositary as the last date for delivery of voting instructions, the Depositary
shall endeavor to give notice to the Company by cable, telex or facsimile
transmission of the voting instructions received from the Holders as of the
close of business on such fixed date. In order to give Holders a reasonable
opportunity to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights
in
respect of Deposited Securities, as provided above, the Company shall give
the
Depositary notice of any such meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies
not
less than 25 days prior to the date of such meeting or vote.
Β
Β
A-9
Β
Β
13.
|
ChanGes
Affecting Deposited
Securities
|
Β
Upon
any
change in par value, split-up, consolidation, cancellation or any other
reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation or sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company or to which it is a party, any
securities, cash or other property that shall be received by the Depositary
in
exchange for, or in conversion or replacement of, Deposited Securities shall
be
treated as Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and the ADRs
shall
thenceforth evidence ADSs representing the right to receive the Deposited
Securities as so reconstituted, subject to the provisions of the following
sentence. In any such case the Depositary may with the Companyβs approval (which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and shall if the Company shall
so
reasonably request, subject to the Deposit Agreement, distribute any part of
the
securities, cash or other property so received or execute and deliver additional
ADRs as in the case of a dividend of Shares, in either case in accordance with
paragraph (10) and thereafter the Depositary may, in its discretion but with
the
prior approval of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld), call for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new
ADRs specifically describing such newly received Deposited Securities the extent
not so distributed.
Β
14.
|
Exoneration
|
Β
The
Depositary, the Company, their agents and each of them shall: (a) incur no
liability (i) if law, regulation, the provisions of or governing any Deposited
Securities, act of God, war or other circumstance beyond its control shall
prevent, delay or subject to any civil or criminal penalty any act which the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR provides shall be done or performed by it, or
(ii)
by reason of any exercise or failure to exercise any discretion given it in
the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR; (b) assume no liability except to perform its
obligations (other than those directly related to the handling of Deposited
Securities and Cash) to the extent they are specifically set forth in this
ADR
and the Deposit Agreement without gross negligence or bad faith; (c) assume
no
liability except to perform its obligations directly related to the handling
of
Deposited Securities and Cash to the extent they are specifically set forth
in
this ADR and the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith; (d) in
the
case of the Depositary and its agents hereunder, be under no obligation to
appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect
of any Deposited Securities or this ADR; (e) in the case of the Company and
its
agents hereunder, be under no obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend
any
action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or
this
ADR, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless
indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense (including fees and
disbursements of counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be
required; or (f) not be liable for any action or inaction by it in reliance
upon
the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person
presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, or any other person believed by
it to
be competent to give such advice or information. The Depositary and its agents
will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote
any of the Deposited Securities, for the manner in which any such vote is cast
or for the effect of any such vote. The Depositary, the Company and their
respective agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written
notice, request, direction or other document reasonably believed by them to
be
genuine and to have been signed and duly presented by the proper party or
parties. The Depositary and its agents may own and deal in any class of
securities of the Company and its affiliates and in ADRs. The Company has agreed
to indemnify the Depositary and its agents under certain circumstances and
the
Depositary has agreed to indemnify the Company against losses incurred by the
Company to the extent such losses are due to the negligence or bad faith of
the
Depositary. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is
intended by any provision hereof. Neither the Depositary nor the Company, nor
any of their respective officers, directors, representatives, employees or
agents shall incur any liability to Holders, beneficial owners or third parties
for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising from any
breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement or otherwise.
Β
Β
A-10
Β
Β
15.
|
ResiGnation
and Removal of Depositary; The
Custodian.
|
Β
Subject
to Section 13 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may resign as Depositary
by written notice of its election to do so delivered to the Company, or be
removed as Depositary by the Company by written notice of such removal delivered
to the Depositary. The Depositary may appoint substitute or additional
Custodians and the term βCustodianβ refers to each Custodian or all Custodians
as the context requires.
Β
16.
|
Amendment
|
Β
Subject
to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the ADRs and the Deposit Agreement may
be
amended by the Company and the Depositary, provided that any amendment that
imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock transfer or other
taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration fees, cable,
telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses),
or that shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders,
shall become effective 30 days after notice of such amendment shall have been
given to the Holders. Every Holder of an ADR at the time any amendment to the
Deposit Agreement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold
such ADR, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit
Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right
of the Holder of any ADR to surrender such ADR and receive the Deposited
Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory
provisions of applicable law. Any amendments or supplements which (i) are
reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order
for
(a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1933
or
(b) the ADSs or Shares to be traded solely in electronic book-entry form and
(ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be
borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to prejudice any substantial rights of
Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt
new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement
of
the Deposit Agreement or the Form of ADR to ensure compliance therewith, the
Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and
the
ADR at any time in accordance with such changed rules. Such amendment or
supplement to the Deposit Agreement in such circumstances may become effective
before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within
any other period of time as required for compliance.
Β
Β
X-00
Β
Β
00.
|
Xxxxxxxxxxx.
|
Β
Upon
the
resignation or removal of the Depositary pursuant to the Deposit Agreement,
the
Depositary shall, at the written direction of the Company, terminate the Deposit
Agreement and this ADR by mailing notice of such termination to the Holders
at
least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.
The
Depositary may terminate the Deposit Agreement at its own initiative, after
giving notice to the Holders as provided in the preceding sentence of this
Paragraph (17), if no successor depositary shall have been appointed and
accepted its appointment as provided in Section 13 of the Deposit Agreement
within 90 days from the date on which either the Depositary delivered to the
Company written notice of its resignation or the Company delivered to the
Depositary written notice of its removal as Depositary hereunder. After the
date
so fixed for termination, the Depositary and its agents will perform no further
acts under the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, except to receive and hold (or
sell) distributions on Deposited Securities and deliver Deposited Securities
being withdrawn together with any such distributions on Deposited Securities
(without liability for interest) and any net proceeds from the sale of any
Rights or other property, without liability for interest, as the Depositary
may
reasonably effect. As soon as practicable after the expiration of six months
from the date so fixed for termination, the Depositary shall sell the Deposited
Securities and shall thereafter (as long as it may lawfully do so) hold in
a
segregated account the net proceeds of such sales, together with any other
cash
then held by it under the Deposit Agreement, without liability for interest,
in
trust for the pro rata benefit of the Holders of ADRs not theretofore
surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from
all
obligations in respect of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, except to account
for such net proceeds and other cash. After the date so fixed for termination,
the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement
except for its obligations to the Depositary and its agents under paragraph
(7)
hereof and Section 16 of the Deposit Agreement.
Β
Β
A-12
Β
Exhibit
B
Β
No.
of
ADSs:
Β
_________________Β
|
_________________
|
Number
|
Β |
Β
|
Each
ADS
represents
One
Share
Β
CUSIP:
|
Β
AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
Β
evidencing
Β
AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY SHARES
Β
representing
Β
PREFERENCE
SHARES
Β
of
Β
FIAT
S.p.A.
Β
(Incorporated
under the laws of the Republic of Italy)
Β
DEUTSCHE
BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a New York corporation, as depositary hereunder
(the βDepositaryβ), hereby certifies that _____ is the registered owner (a
βHolderβ) of __ American Depositary Shares (βADSsβ), each (subject to paragraph
(13)) representing one preference share, 5.0 euro par value (including the
rights to receive Shares described in paragraph (1), βSharesβ and, together with
any other securities, cash or property from time to time held by the Depositary
in respect or in lieu of deposited Shares, the βDeposited Securitiesβ), of FIAT
S.p.A., a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Italy (the
βCompanyβ) deposited under the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as
of December 19, 2006 (as amended from time to time, the βDeposit Agreementβ)
among the Company, the Depositary and all Holders from time to time of American
Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (βADRsβ), each of whom by accepting an ADR
becomes a party thereto. The Deposit Agreement and this ADR (which includes
the
provisions set forth on the reverse hereof) shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Β
1.
|
Issuance
of ADRs
|
Β
This
ADR
is one of the ADRs issued under the Deposit Agreement. Subject to paragraphs
(4)
and (7), the Depositary may so issue ADRs (defined in paragraph (3)) only
against deposit with the Custodian of: (a) Shares in form satisfactory to the
Custodian; (b) rights to receive Shares from the Company or any registrar or
transfer agent of the Company or other entity recording Share ownership or
transactions on behalf of the Company; or (c) unless requested in writing by
the
Company to cease doing so at least two business days in advance of the proposed
deposit, other rights to receive Shares (until such Shares are actually
deposited pursuant to (a) or (b) above, βPre-released ADRsβ) only if (i)
Pre-released ADRs are fully collateralized (marked to market daily) with cash
or
U.S. government securities held by the Depositary for the benefit of Holders
(but such collateral shall not constitute βDeposited Securitiesβ), (ii) each
recipient of Pre-released ADRs represents and agrees in writing with the
Depositary that such recipient or its customer (a) beneficially owns such
Shares, (b) assigns all beneficial right, title and interest therein to the
Depositary for the benefit of the Holders, (c) holds such Shares in trust for
the account of the Depositary and (d) will deliver such Shares to the Custodian
as soon as practicable and promptly but in no event more than five business
days
after demand therefor and (iii) all Pre-released ADRs evidence not more than
20%
of all ADSs (excluding those evidenced by Pre-released ADRs); provided, however,
that the Depositary reserves the right, after consultation with the Company,
to
change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate. The
Depositary may retain for its own account any earnings on collateral for
Pre-released ADRs and its charges for issuance thereof. Shares or evidence
of
rights to receive Shares may be deposited through (x) electronic transfer of
such Shares to the account maintained by the Custodian or its nominee for such
purpose at Monte Titoli S.p.A., or (y) evidence satisfactory to the Custodian
of
irrevocable instructions to cause such Shares to be transferred to such account
or (z) if the Shares are held in certificated form, delivery of the certificates
representing such Shares in the manner specified by, and to the extent allowed
under, applicable law. If use of the Monte Titoli S.p.A. book-entry system
in
connection with the Shares is discontinued at any time for any reason, the
Company shall make other book-entry arrangements (if any) that it determines,
after consultation with the Depositary, are reasonable. At the request, risk
and
expense of the person depositing Shares, the Depositary may accept deposits
for
forwarding to the Custodian and may deliver ADRs at a place other than the
Transfer Office. Every person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement
represents and warrants that such Shares are validly issued and outstanding,
fully paid, nonassessable and free of pre-emptive rights, that the person making
such deposit is duly authorized so to do and that such Shares (A) are not
βrestricted securitiesβ as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities
Act of 1933, unless at the time of deposit they may be freely transferred in
accordance with Rule 144 (k) or may otherwise be offered and sold freely in
the
United States in transactions exempt from registration under that Act or (B)
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Such representations
and
warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares, issuance of ADRs, the transfer
of ADRs and the withdrawal of Shares in respect of surrendered ADRs. The
Depositary will not knowingly accept for deposit under the Deposit Agreement
any
Shares required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and not so
registered; the Depositary shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to refuse
to accept for such deposit any Shares identified by the Company in order to
facilitate the Companyβs compliance with such Act.
Β
Β
B-1
Β
Β
2.
|
Withdrawal
of Deposited Securities
|
Β
Subject
paragraphs (4), (5) and (7) and to the provisions of or governing Deposited
Securities, upon surrender of (i) a certificated ADR in form satisfactory to
the
Depositary at the Transfer Office or (ii) proper instructions and documentation
in the case of a Direct Registration ADR, the Holder hereof is entitled to
delivery of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADSs
evidenced by this ADR. Delivery of Deposited Securities may be made by (i)
electronic transfer to an account at Mount Titoli S.p.A. specified in the
Withdrawal Order in the name of the Holder or such name of the Holder or such
other name as the Holder may direct, or (ii), at the risk and expense of the
Holder, any other means as the Holder may reasonably request consistent with
applicable law and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities.
Such
delivery of Deposited Securities shall be accompanied by the delivery to the
Holder or to such other person as the Holder may direct of properly executed
instruments of transfer or endorsements as may be necessary under applicable
law, and, to the extent practicable, Deposited Securities that are Shares or
other securities shall be registered in the name of such Holder or such other
name as such Holder may direct. Notwithstanding any other provision of the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR, the withdrawal of Deposited Securities may be
restricted only for the reasons set forth in General Instruction I.A. (1) of
Form F-6 (as such instructions may be amended from time to time) under
Securities Act of 1933.
Β
Β
B-2
Β
Β
3.
|
Transfers
of ADRs
|
Β
The
Depositary or its agent will keep, at a designated transfer office in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (the βTransfer Officeβ), (a) a
register (the βADR Registerβ) for the registration, registration of transfer,
combination and split-up of ADRs, and, in the case of Direct Registration ADRs,
shall include the Direct Registration System, which at all reasonable times
will
be open for inspection by Holders and the Company for the purpose of
communicating with Holders in the interest of the business of the Company or
a
matter relating to the Deposit Agreement and (b) facilities for the delivery
and
receipt of ADRs. The term ADR Register includes the Direct Registration System.
Title to this ADR and to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs
evidenced hereby), when properly endorsed (in the case of ADRs in certificated
form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer,
is
transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of negotiable
instruments under the laws of the State of New York; provided that the
Depositary and the Company, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may
treat the person in whose name this ADR is registered on the ADR Register as
the
absolute owner hereof for all purposes. Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5),
this
ADR is transferable on the ADR Register and may be split into other ADRs
evidencing the same number ADSs evidenced by this ADR, or combined with other
ADRs into one ADR, by the Holder hereof or by duly authorized attorney upon
surrender of this ADR at the Transfer Office properly endorsed (in the case
of
ADRs in certificated form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper
instruments of transfer and duly stamped as may be required by applicable law;
provided that the Depositary may close the ADR Register at any time and from
time to time when it deems it expedient after making reasonable efforts to
consult with the Company in the case of any closure outside of the ordinary
course of business, or as reasonably requested by the Company. At the request
of
a Holder, the Depositary shall, for the purpose of substituting a certificated
ADR with a Direct Registration ADR, or vice versa, execute and deliver a
certificated ADR or a Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be, evidencing
the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by the certificated ADR
or
Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be, substituted.
Β
4.
|
Certain
Limitations
|
Β
Prior
to
the issue, registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of
any ADR, the delivery of any distribution in respect thereof or, subject to
the
last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities,
and
from time to time in the case of clause (b)(ii) of this paragraph (4), the
Company, the Depositary or the Custodian may require: (a) payment with respect
thereto of (i) any stock transfer or other tax or other governmental charge,
(ii) any stock transfer or registration fees in effect for the registration
of
transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities upon any applicable register
and (iii) any applicable charges as provided in paragraph (7) of this ADR;
(b)
the production of proof satisfactory to it of (i) the identity and genuineness
of any signature and (ii) such other information, including without limitation,
information as to citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, beneficial
ownership of ADRs, Deposited Securities or any other securities, compliance
with
applicable law, regulations, provisions of or governing Deposited Securities
and
terms of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, as it may deem necessary or proper;
and (c) compliance with such regulations as the Depositary may establish
consistent with the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall use its reasonable
efforts to notify the Company of any procedures it establishes in the future
pursuant to clause (c) above. The issuance of ADRs, the acceptance of deposits
of Shares, the registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of ADRs or, subject to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of
Deposited Securities, may be suspended, generally or in particular instances,
when the ADR Register or any register for Deposited Securities is closed or
when
any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary (after making
reasonable efforts to consult with the Company in the case of any closure
outside of the ordinary course of business) or requested by the Company (after
consultation with the Depositary).
Β
Β
B-3
Β
Β
5.
|
Taxes
|
Β
If
any
tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the
Custodian or the Depositary with respect to this ADR, any Deposited Securities
represented by the ADSs evidenced hereby or any distribution thereon, such
tax
or other governmental charge shall be paid by the Holder hereof to the
Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect any registration, registration
of transfer, split-up or combination hereof or, subject to the last sentence
of
paragraph (2), any withdrawal of such Deposited Securities until such payment
is
made. The Depositary may also deduct from any distributions on or in respect
of
Deposited Securities, or may sell by public or private sale for the account
of
the Holder hereof, any part or all of such Deposited Securities (after
attempting by reasonable means to notify the Holder hereof prior to such sale),
for purposes of applying such deduction or the proceeds of any such sale in
payment of any such tax or other governmental charge, the Holder hereof
remaining liable for any deficiency, and shall reduce the number of ADSs
evidenced hereby to reflect any such sales of Shares and shall distribute the
net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such tax or other charge
(including the costs and expenses related thereto) to the Holders entitled
thereto. The Depositary will forward to the Company in a timely fashion such
information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable
the
Company to file necessary reports with governmental authorities or agencies,
and
either the Company or the Depositary may file any such reports necessary to
obtain benefits under any applicable tax treaties for Holders. The Depositary
shall cooperate with the Company in the Companyβs efforts to make and maintain
arrangements enabling Holders to receive any tax credits or other benefits
(pursuant to treaty or otherwise) relating to dividend payments on the ADSs,
and
the Depositary shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, provide the Company
with such documents as the Company may reasonably request to maintain such
arrangements. In connection with any distribution to Holders, the Company will
remit to the appropriate governmental authority or agency all amounts (if any)
required to be withheld and owing to such authority or agency by the Company;
and the Depositary and the Custodian will remit to the appropriate governmental
authority or agency all amounts (if any) required to be withheld and owing
to
such authority or agency by the Depositary or the Custodian. If the Depositary
determines that any distribution in property other than cash (including Shares
or rights) on Deposited Securities is subject to any tax that the Depositary
or
the Custodian is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may, after consultation
with the Company to the extent practicable, dispose of all or a portion of
such
property in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary
and practicable to pay such taxes, by public or private sale, and the Depositary
shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale or the balance of any such
property after deduction of such taxes to the Holders entitled
thereto.
Β
6.
|
Disclosure
of Interests
|
Β
To
the
extent that the provisions of or governing any Deposited Securities require
disclosure of or impose limits on beneficial or other ownership of Deposited
Securities, other Shares and other securities and provide for blocking transfer,
voting or other rights to enforce such disclosure or limits, Holders and all
owners of beneficial interests in ADRs agree to comply with all such disclosure
requirements and ownership limitations and to cooperate with the Depositary
in
the Depositaryβs compliance with any Company instructions in respect thereof,
and the Depositary will use reasonable efforts to comply with such Company
instructions. Each Holder and all owners of beneficial interests in ADRs
acknowledge that failure to provide on a timely basis any required notification
of an interest in Shares may result in withholding of certain rights, including
voting and dividend rights, in respect of the Shares in which such Holder or
beneficial owner has an interest. All persons holding ADRs or beneficial
interests in ADRs agree to comply with all such disclosure requirements and
ownership limitations. The Company reserves the right to instruct Holders to
deliver their ADRs for cancellation and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities
so as to permit the Company to deal directly with the Holder thereof as a holder
of Shares. The Company may also refuse to allow such Holder to redeposit such
Shares into the ADR facility The Depositary agrees to cooperate with the Company
in its efforts to inform Holders of the Companyβs exercise of its rights under
this paragraph and agrees to consult with, and provide reasonable assistance
without risk or expense on the part of the Depositary, to the Company on the
manner or manners in which it may enforce the withholding of such rights with
respect to any Holder.
Β
Β
B-4
Β
Β
7.
|
Charges
of DePositary
|
Β
The
Depositary may charge each person to whom ADRs are issued against deposits
of
Shares, including deposits in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions (as such terms are defined in paragraph (10)), and each person
surrendering ADRs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities (including, without
limitation, on the termination of the Deposit Agreement), U.S.$5.00 for each
100
ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADRs delivered or surrendered. The
Depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient securities and
property received in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions prior to such deposit or delivery of ADRs or Deposited Securities,
as the case may be, to pay such charge. The Depositary may charge, in each
case
to the extent not prohibited by the rules of the primary stock exchange upon
which the ADRs are traded, to any Holder (i) a fee not in excess of U.S. $0.02
per ADS held for the distribution of cash proceeds, including cash dividends
or
sale of rights and other entitlements, not made pursuant to a cancellation
or
withdrawal, and (ii) for the operation and maintenance services provided by
the
Depositary in administering the ADRs an annual fee of U.S.$0.02 or less per
ADS;
provided, however, that no charge will be assessed under this clause (ii) to
the
extent a fee of $.02 was charged pursuant to clause (i) above during that
calendar year.
Β
The
Company will pay all other charges and expenses of the Depositary and any agent
of the Depositary (except the Custodian) pursuant to agreements from time to
time between the Company and the Depositary, except (i) stock transfer or other
taxes and other governmental charges (which are payable by Holders or persons
depositing Shares), (ii) cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery
charges incurred at the request of persons depositing, or Holders delivering
Shares, ADRs or Deposited Securities (which are payable by such persons or
Holders), (iii) transfer or registration fees for the registration of transfer
of Deposited Securities on any applicable register in connection with the
deposit or withdrawal of Deposited Securities (which are payable by persons
depositing Shares or Holders withdrawing Deposited Securities; there are no
such
fees in respect of the Shares as of the date of the Deposit Agreement), (iv)
expenses of the Depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency
into U.S. dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency) and (v) such
fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary (including without
limitation expenses incurred on behalf of Holders in connection with compliance
with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating
to
foreign investment) in delivery of Deposited Securities or otherwise in
connection with the Depositaryβs or its Custodianβs compliance with applicable
law, rule or regulation. These charges may be changed in the manner indicated
in
paragraph (16). The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole
account of the Depositary.
Β
Β
B-5
Β
Β
8.
|
Available
Information
|
Β
The
Deposit Agreement, the provisions of or governing Deposited Securities and
any
written communications from the Company, which are both received by the
Custodian or its nominee as a holder of Deposited Securities and made generally
available to the holders of Deposited Securities, are available for inspection
by Holders at the offices of the Depositary and the Custodian and at the
Transfer Office. The Depositary will mail copies of such communications (or
English translations or summaries thereof) to Holders when furnished by the
Company. The Company shall publish on its web site (xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx) on an
ongoing basis, or otherwise make available through an electronic information
delivery system, certain public reports and documents required by foreign law
or
otherwise under Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act.
Β
9.
|
Execution
|
Β
This
ADR
shall not be valid for any purpose unless executed by the Depositary by the
manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the
Depositary.
Β
Dated:
Β
Β |
DEUTSCHE
BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
|
Β |
as
Depositary
|
Β | Β |
Β |
By
....................
|
Β |
Authorized
Officer
|
Β
At
the
date of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositaryβs Transfer office is located at 00
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000.
Β
Β
B-6
Β
Β
[FORM
OF
REVERSE OF ADR]
Β
10.
|
Distributions
on Deposited Securities
|
Β
Subject
to paragraphs (4) and (5), to the extent practicable, the Depositary will,
as
promptly as practicable, distribute by mail to each Holder entitled thereto
on
the record date set by the Depositary therefor at such Holderβs address shown on
the ADR Register, in proportion to the number of Deposited Securities (on which
the following distributions on Deposited Securities are received by the
Custodian) represented by ADSs evidenced by such Holderβs ADRs:
Β
Β |
(a)
|
Cash.
|
Β
Any
U.S.
dollars available to the Depositary resulting from a cash dividend or other
cash
distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities or the net proceeds of
sales
of any other distribution or portion thereof authorized in this paragraph (10)
(βCashβ), on an averaged or other practicable basis, subject to (i) appropriate
adjustments for taxes or other governmental charges withheld, (ii) such
distribution being impermissible or impracticable with respect to certain
Holders, and (iii) deduction of the Depositaryβs expenses in (1) converting any
foreign currency to U.S. dollars by sale or in such other manner as the
Depositary may determine to the extent that it determines that such conversion
may be made on a reasonable basis, (2) transferring foreign currency or U.S.
dollars to the United States by such means as the Depositary may determine
to
the extent that it determines that such transfer may be made on a reasonable
basis, (3) obtaining any approval or license of any governmental authority
required for such conversion or transfer, which is obtainable at a reasonable
cost and within a reasonable time and (4) making any sale by public or private
means in any commercially reasonable manner.
Β
Whenever
the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive foreign currency, as a cash
dividend or other cash distribution or as the net proceeds from the sale of
securities, property or rights, which, in the judgment of the Depositary can
then be converted on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars and distributed to
Holders entitled thereto in the United States, the Depositary shall convert
or
cause to be converted, as promptly as practicable, by sale or in any other
manner that it may determine, such foreign currency into U.S. dollars and shall
transfer the resulting U.S. dollars (net of its reasonably and customary charges
and expenses in effecting such conversion) to the United States. If at any
time
the Depositary shall, after consultation with the Company if practicable,
determine that in its reasonable judgment any foreign currency received by
the
Depositary is not convertible on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars
transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any
governmental authority or agency thereof that is required for such conversion
is
denied or in the opinion of the Depositary is not obtainable at a reasonable
cost or within a reasonable period, the Depositary shall, subject to applicable
laws and regulations, (a) to the extent requested to do so in writing by Holders
entitled to receive the same, distribute the foreign currency (or an appropriate
document evidencing the right to receive such foreign currency) to such Holders
or (b), to the extent not so requested, hold such foreign currency (without
liability for interest thereon or the investment thereof) for the respective
accounts of the other Holders entitled to receive the same. If at the time
the
Depositary shall determine that in its judgment any U.S. dollars received by
the
Depositary upon conversion of foreign currency are not transferable into the
United States, or if any approval or license of any governmental authority
or
agency thereof that is required for such transfer is denied or in the opinion
of
the Depositary is not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable
period, the Depositary shall hold such U.S. dollars (without liability for
interest thereon or investment thereof) for the respective accounts of the
Holders entitled to receive the same. If any such conversion of foreign currency
into U.S. dollars and/or transfer into the United States, in whole or in part,
can be effected for distribution to some but not all of the Holders entitled
thereto, the Depositary may, in its reasonable discretion make such conversion
and/or distribution in U.S. dollars to the extent permissible to the Holders
entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received
by the Depositary to, or hold such balance (without liability for interest
thereon or investment thereof) for the respective accounts of, the Holders
entitled thereto for whom such conversion and distribution is not
practicable;
Β
Β
B-7
Β
Β
Β |
(b)
|
Shares.
|
Β
(i)
Additional ADRs evidencing whole ADSs representing any Shares available to
the
Depositary resulting from a dividend or free distribution in respect of
Deposited Securities consisting of Shares (a βShare Distributionβ) and (ii) U.S.
dollars available to it resulting from the net proceeds of sales of Shares
received in a Share Distribution, which Shares would give rise to fractional
ADSs if additional ADRs were issued therefor, such U.S. dollars to be treated
as
Cash;
Β
Β |
(c)
|
Rights.
|
Β
(i)
Warrants or, in the discretion of the Depositary, other instruments representing
rights to acquire additional ADRs in respect of any rights to subscribe for
additional Shares or rights of any nature available to the Depositary as a
result of a distribution in respect of Deposited Securities (βRightsβ), to the
extent that the Company timely furnishes to the Depositary evidence satisfactory
to the Depositary that the Depositary may lawfully distribute same (the Company
has no obligation to so furnish such evidence), or (ii) to the extent the
Company does not so furnish such evidence and sales of Rights are practicable,
any U.S. dollars available to the Depositary from the net proceeds of sales
of
Rights, such U.S. dollars to be treated as Cash, or (iii) to the extent the
Company does not so furnish such evidence and such sales cannot practicably
be
accomplished by reason of the non-transferability of the Rights, limited markets
therefor, their short duration or otherwise, nothing (and any Rights may lapse).
The Depositary will not offer Rights to any Holder that is a βU.S. Personβ (as
defined in Regulation S), unless and until (i) a registration statement under
the Securities Act of 1933 covering such offering has been declared effective
by
the Commission or (ii) the Depositary receives an opinion of counsel for the
Company in the United States satisfactory to the Depositary to the effect that
the offering and sale of the Rights and the securities for which they are
exercisable to such Holders are exempt from registration under the Securities
Act of 1933. The Company shall have no obligation to register the Rights or
any
such securities under the Securities Act of 1933; and
Β
Β
B-8
Β
Β
Β |
(d)
|
Other
Distributions:
|
Β
(i)
securities or property available to the Depositary resulting from any
distribution in respect of Deposited Securities other than Cash, Share
Distributions and Rights (βOther Distributionsβ), by any means that the
Depositary may deem equitable and practicable, or (ii) to the extent the
Depositary deems distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable
and practicable, any U.S. dollars available to the Depositary from the net
proceeds of sales of Other Distributions, such U.S. dollars to be treated as
Cash.
Β
Distributions
of U.S. dollars pursuant to any clause of this paragraph (10) will be made
by
checks drawn on a bank in the United States. Only whole U.S. dollars and cents
will be distributed (any fractional cents being withheld without liability
and
dealt with by the Depositary in accordance with its then current procedures).
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall have no
obligation to either (i) register any ADSs, Shares, Rights or other securities
described in this Paragraph (10) under the Securities Act of 1933 or (ii) take
other actions to permit the distribution of such ADSs, Shares, Rights or other
securities in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws.
Β
11.
|
Record
Dates
|
Β
The
Depositary shall, after consultation with the Company if practicable, fix a
record date (which shall be as near as practicable to any corresponding record
date set by the Company) for the determination of the Holders who shall be
entitled to receive any distribution on or in respect of Deposited Securities or
the net proceeds thereof, to give instructions for the exercise of any voting
rights in respect of Deposited Securities, to receive any notice or to act
in
respect of other matters and only such Holders at the close of business on
such
record date shall be so entitled.
Β
12.
|
Voting
of DePosited Securities
|
Β
As
soon
as practicable after receipt from the Company of notice of any meeting or
solicitation of consents or proxies of holders of Shares or other Deposited
Securities, unless the Company informs the Depositary otherwise in order to
comply with applicable law, the Depositary shall mail to Holders a notice
stating (a) such information as is contained in such notice and any solicitation
materials (or a summary thereof in English provided by the Company), (b) that
each Holder at the close of business on the record date set by the Depositary
therefor will be entitled, subject to any applicable provisions of Italian
law
and the Companyβs by-laws (Statuto),
to
instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any,
pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs evidenced by
such
Holdersβ ADRs and (c) the manner in which such instructions may be given,
including instructions to give a proxy to a person designated by the Company.
Upon receipt of instructions of a Holder on such record date in the manner
and
on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the
Depositary shall endeavor insofar as practicable and permitted under the
provisions of or governing Deposited Securities to vote or cause to be voted
(including the granting of a proxy to the Company in accordance with
instructions received from Holders) the Deposited Securities represented by
the
ADSs evidenced by such Holderβs ADRs in accordance with such instructions. The
Depositary will not itself exercise any voting discretion in respect of any
Deposited Securities. On the business day following the date fixed by the
Depositary as the last date for delivery of voting instructions, the Depositary
shall endeavor to give notice to the Company by cable, telex or facsimile
transmission of the voting instructions received from the Holders as of the
close of business on such fixed date. In order to give Holders a reasonable
opportunity to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights
in
respect of Deposited Securities, as provided above, the Company shall give
the
Depositary notice of any such meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies
not
less than 25 days prior to the date of such meeting or vote.
Β
Β
B-9
Β
Β
13.
|
ChanGes
Affecting Deposited
Securities
|
Β
Upon
any
change in par value, split-up, consolidation, cancellation or any other
reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation or sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company or to which it is a party, any
securities, cash or other property that shall be received by the Depositary
in
exchange for, or in conversion or replacement of, Deposited Securities shall
be
treated as Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and the ADRs
shall
thenceforth evidence ADSs representing the right to receive the Deposited
Securities as so reconstituted, subject to the provisions of the following
sentence. In any such case the Depositary may with the Companyβs approval (which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and shall if the Company shall
so
reasonably request, subject to the Deposit Agreement, distribute any part of
the
securities, cash or other property so received or execute and deliver additional
ADRs as in the case of a dividend of Shares, in either case in accordance with
paragraph (10) and thereafter the Depositary may, in its discretion but with
the
prior approval of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld), call for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new
ADRs specifically describing such newly received Deposited Securities the extent
not so distributed.
Β
14.
|
Exoneration
|
Β
The
Depositary, the Company, their agents and each of them shall: (a) incur no
liability (i) if law, regulation, the provisions of or governing any Deposited
Securities, act of God, war or other circumstance beyond its control shall
prevent, delay or subject to any civil or criminal penalty any act which the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR provides shall be done or performed by it, or
(ii)
by reason of any exercise or failure to exercise any discretion given it in
the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR; (b) assume no liability except to perform its
obligations (other than those directly related to the handling of Deposited
Securities and Cash) to the extent they are specifically set forth in this
ADR
and the Deposit Agreement without gross negligence or bad faith; (c) assume
no
liability except to perform its obligations directly related to the handling
of
Deposited Securities and Cash to the extent they are specifically set forth
in
this ADR and the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith; (d) in
the
case of the Depositary and its agents hereunder, be under no obligation to
appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect
of any Deposited Securities or this ADR; (e) in the case of the Company and
its
agents hereunder, be under no obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend
any
action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or
this
ADR, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless
indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense (including fees and
disbursements of counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be
required; or (f) not be liable for any action or inaction by it in reliance
upon
the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person
presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, or any other person believed by
it to
be competent to give such advice or information. The Depositary and its agents
will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote
any of the Deposited Securities, for the manner in which any such vote is cast
or for the effect of any such vote. The Depositary, the Company and their
respective agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written
notice, request, direction or other document reasonably believed by them to
be
genuine and to have been signed and duly presented by the proper party or
parties. The Depositary and its agents may own and deal in any class of
securities of the Company and its affiliates and in ADRs. The Company has agreed
to indemnify the Depositary and its agents under certain circumstances and
the
Depositary has agreed to indemnify the Company against losses incurred by the
Company to the extent such losses are due to the negligence or bad faith of
the
Depositary. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is
intended by any provision hereof. Neither the Depositary nor the Company, nor
any of their respective officers, directors, representatives, employees or
agents shall incur any liability to Holders, beneficial owners or third parties
for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising from any
breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement or otherwise.
Β
Β
B-10
Β
Β
15.
|
ResiGnation
and Removal of Depositary; The
Custodian.
|
Β
Subject
to Section 13 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may resign as Depositary
by written notice of its election to do so delivered to the Company, or be
removed as Depositary by the Company by written notice of such removal delivered
to the Depositary. The Depositary may appoint substitute or additional
Custodians and the term βCustodianβ refers to each Custodian or all Custodians
as the context requires.
Β
16.
|
Amendment
|
Β
Subject
to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the ADRs and the Deposit Agreement may
be
amended by the Company and the Depositary, provided that any amendment that
imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock transfer or other
taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration fees, cable,
telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses),
or that shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders,
shall become effective 30 days after notice of such amendment shall have been
given to the Holders. Every Holder of an ADR at the time any amendment to the
Deposit Agreement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold
such ADR, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit
Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right
of the Holder of any ADR to surrender such ADR and receive the Deposited
Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory
provisions of applicable law. Any amendments or supplements which (i) are
reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order
for
(a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1933
or
(b) the ADSs or Shares to be traded solely in electronic book-entry form and
(ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be
borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to prejudice any substantial rights of
Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt
new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement
of
the Deposit Agreement or the Form of ADR to ensure compliance therewith, the
Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and
the
ADR at any time in accordance with such changed rules. Such amendment or
supplement to the Deposit Agreement in such circumstances may become effective
before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within
any other period of time as required for compliance.
Β
Β
B-11
Β
Β
17.
|
Termination.
|
Β
Upon
the
resignation or removal of the Depositary pursuant to the Deposit Agreement,
the
Depositary shall, at the written direction of the Company, terminate the Deposit
Agreement and this ADR by mailing notice of such termination to the Holders
at
least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.
The
Depositary may terminate the Deposit Agreement at its own initiative, after
giving notice to the Holders as provided in the preceding sentence of this
Paragraph (17), if no successor depositary shall have been appointed and
accepted its appointment as provided in Section 13 of the Deposit Agreement
within 90 days from the date on which either the Depositary delivered to the
Company written notice of its resignation or the Company delivered to the
Depositary written notice of its removal as Depositary hereunder. After the
date
so fixed for termination, the Depositary and its agents will perform no further
acts under the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, except to receive and hold (or
sell) distributions on Deposited Securities and deliver Deposited Securities
being withdrawn together with any such distributions on Deposited Securities
(without liability for interest) and any net proceeds from the sale of any
Rights or other property, without liability for interest, as the Depositary
may
reasonably effect. As soon as practicable after the expiration of six months
from the date so fixed for termination, the Depositary shall sell the Deposited
Securities and shall thereafter (as long as it may lawfully do so) hold in
a
segregated account the net proceeds of such sales, together with any other
cash
then held by it under the Deposit Agreement, without liability for interest,
in
trust for the pro rata benefit of the Holders of ADRs not theretofore
surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from
all
obligations in respect of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, except to account
for such net proceeds and other cash. After the date so fixed for termination,
the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement
except for its obligations to the Depositary and its agents under paragraph
(7)
hereof and Section 16 of the Deposit Agreement.
Β
Β
Β
Β
X-00
Β
Xxxxxxx
X
Β
Xx.
xx
XXXx:
Β
_________________Β
|
_________________
|
Number
|
Β |
Β
|
Each
ADS
represents
One
Share
Β
CUSIP:
|
Β
AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
Β
evidencing
Β
AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY SHARES
Β
representing
Β
SAVINGS
SHARES
Β
of
Β
FIAT
S.p.A.
Β
(Incorporated
under the laws of the Republic of Italy)
Β
DEUTSCHE
BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a New York corporation, as depositary hereunder
(the βDepositaryβ), hereby certifies that _____ is the registered owner (a
βHolderβ) of __ American Depositary Shares (βADSsβ), each (subject to paragraph
(13)) representing one savings share, 5.0 euro par value (including the rights
to receive Shares described in paragraph (1), βSharesβ and, together with any
other securities, cash or property from time to time held by the Depositary
in
respect or in lieu of deposited Shares, the βDeposited Securitiesβ), of FIAT
S.p.A., a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Italy (the
βCompanyβ) deposited under the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as
of December 19, 2006 (as amended from time to time, the βDeposit Agreementβ)
among the Company, the Depositary and all Holders from time to time of American
Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (βADRsβ), each of whom by accepting an ADR
becomes a party thereto. The Deposit Agreement and this ADR (which includes
the
provisions set forth on the reverse hereof) shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Β
1.
|
Issuance
of ADRs
|
Β
This
ADR
is one of the ADRs issued under the Deposit Agreement. Subject to paragraphs
(4)
and (7), the Depositary may so issue ADRs (defined in paragraph (3)) only
against deposit with the Custodian of: (a) Shares in form satisfactory to the
Custodian; (b) rights to receive Shares from the Company or any registrar or
transfer agent of the Company or other entity recording Share ownership or
transactions on behalf of the Company; or (c) unless requested in writing by
the
Company to cease doing so at least two business days in advance of the proposed
deposit, other rights to receive Shares (until such Shares are actually
deposited pursuant to (a) or (b) above, βPre-released ADRsβ) only if (i)
Pre-released ADRs are fully collateralized (marked to market daily) with cash
or
U.S. government securities held by the Depositary for the benefit of Holders
(but such collateral shall not constitute βDeposited Securitiesβ), (ii) each
recipient of Pre-released ADRs represents and agrees in writing with the
Depositary that such recipient or its customer (a) beneficially owns such
Shares, (b) assigns all beneficial right, title and interest therein to the
Depositary for the benefit of the Holders, (c) holds such Shares in trust for
the account of the Depositary and (d) will deliver such Shares to the Custodian
as soon as practicable and promptly but in no event more than five business
days
after demand therefor and (iii) all Pre-released ADRs evidence not more than
20%
of all ADSs (excluding those evidenced by Pre-released ADRs); provided, however,
that the Depositary reserves the right, after consultation with the Company,
to
change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate. The
Depositary may retain for its own account any earnings on collateral for
Pre-released ADRs and its charges for issuance thereof. Shares or evidence
of
rights to receive Shares may be deposited through (x) electronic transfer of
such Shares to the account maintained by the Custodian or its nominee for such
purpose at Monte Titoli S.p.A., or (y) evidence satisfactory to the Custodian
of
irrevocable instructions to cause such Shares to be transferred to such account
or (z) if the Shares are held in certificated form, delivery of the certificates
representing such Shares in the manner specified by, and to the extent allowed
under, applicable law. If use of the Monte Titoli S.p.A. book-entry system
in
connection with the Shares is discontinued at any time for any reason, the
Company shall make other book-entry arrangements (if any) that it determines,
after consultation with the Depositary, are reasonable. At the request, risk
and
expense of the person depositing Shares, the Depositary may accept deposits
for
forwarding to the Custodian and may deliver ADRs at a place other than the
Transfer Office. Every person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement
represents and warrants that such Shares are validly issued and outstanding,
fully paid, nonassessable and free of pre-emptive rights, that the person making
such deposit is duly authorized so to do and that such Shares (A) are not
βrestricted securitiesβ as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities
Act of 1933, unless at the time of deposit they may be freely transferred in
accordance with Rule 144 (k) or may otherwise be offered and sold freely in
the
United States in transactions exempt from registration under that Act or (B)
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Such representations
and
warranties shall survive the deposit of Shares, issuance of ADRs, the transfer
of ADRs and the withdrawal of Shares in respect of surrendered ADRs. The
Depositary will not knowingly accept for deposit under the Deposit Agreement
any
Shares required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and not so
registered; the Depositary shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to refuse
to accept for such deposit any Shares identified by the Company in order to
facilitate the Companyβs compliance with such Act.
Β
Β
C-1
Β
Β
2.
|
Withdrawal
of Deposited Securities
|
Β
Subject
paragraphs (4), (5) and (7) and to the provisions of or governing Deposited
Securities, upon surrender of (i) a certificated ADR in form satisfactory to
the
Depositary at the Transfer Office or (ii) proper instructions and documentation
in the case of a Direct Registration ADR, the Holder hereof is entitled to
delivery of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADSs
evidenced by this ADR. Delivery of Deposited Securities may be made by (i)
electronic transfer to an account at Mount Titoli S.p.A. specified in the
Withdrawal Order in the name of the Holder or such name of the Holder or such
other name as the Holder may direct, or (ii), at the risk and expense of the
Holder, any other means as the Holder may reasonably request consistent with
applicable law and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities.
Such
delivery of Deposited Securities shall be accompanied by the delivery to the
Holder or to such other person as the Holder may direct of properly executed
instruments of transfer or endorsements as may be necessary under applicable
law, and, to the extent practicable, Deposited Securities that are Shares or
other securities shall be registered in the name of such Holder or such other
name as such Holder may direct. Notwithstanding any other provision of the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR, the withdrawal of Deposited Securities may be
restricted only for the reasons set forth in General Instruction I.A. (1) of
Form F-6 (as such instructions may be amended from time to time) under
Securities Act of 1933.
Β
Β
C-2
Β
Β
3.
|
Transfers
of ADRs
|
Β
The
Depositary or its agent will keep, at a designated transfer office in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (the βTransfer Officeβ), (a) a
register (the βADR Registerβ) for the registration, registration of transfer,
combination and split-up of ADRs, and, in the case of Direct Registration ADRs,
shall include the Direct Registration System, which at all reasonable times
will
be open for inspection by Holders and the Company for the purpose of
communicating with Holders in the interest of the business of the Company or
a
matter relating to the Deposit Agreement and (b) facilities for the delivery
and
receipt of ADRs. The term ADR Register includes the Direct Registration System.
Title to this ADR and to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs
evidenced hereby), when properly endorsed (in the case of ADRs in certificated
form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer,
is
transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of negotiable
instruments under the laws of the State of New York; provided that the
Depositary and the Company, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may
treat the person in whose name this ADR is registered on the ADR Register as
the
absolute owner hereof for all purposes. Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5),
this
ADR is transferable on the ADR Register and may be split into other ADRs
evidencing the same number ADSs evidenced by this ADR, or combined with other
ADRs into one ADR, by the Holder hereof or by duly authorized attorney upon
surrender of this ADR at the Transfer Office properly endorsed (in the case
of
ADRs in certificated form) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper
instruments of transfer and duly stamped as may be required by applicable law;
provided that the Depositary may close the ADR Register at any time and from
time to time when it deems it expedient after making reasonable efforts to
consult with the Company in the case of any closure outside of the ordinary
course of business, or as reasonably requested by the Company. At the request
of
a Holder, the Depositary shall, for the purpose of substituting a certificated
ADR with a Direct Registration ADR, or vice versa, execute and deliver a
certificated ADR or a Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be, evidencing
the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by the certificated ADR
or
Direct Registration ADR, as the case may be, substituted.
Β
4.
|
Certain
Limitations
|
Β
Prior
to
the issue, registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of
any ADR, the delivery of any distribution in respect thereof or, subject to
the
last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities,
and
from time to time in the case of clause (b)(ii) of this paragraph (4), the
Company, the Depositary or the Custodian may require: (a) payment with respect
thereto of (i) any stock transfer or other tax or other governmental charge,
(ii) any stock transfer or registration fees in effect for the registration
of
transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities upon any applicable register
and (iii) any applicable charges as provided in paragraph (7) of this ADR;
(b)
the production of proof satisfactory to it of (i) the identity and genuineness
of any signature and (ii) such other information, including without limitation,
information as to citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, beneficial
ownership of ADRs, Deposited Securities or any other securities, compliance
with
applicable law, regulations, provisions of or governing Deposited Securities
and
terms of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, as it may deem necessary or proper;
and (c) compliance with such regulations as the Depositary may establish
consistent with the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall use its reasonable
efforts to notify the Company of any procedures it establishes in the future
pursuant to clause (c) above. The issuance of ADRs, the acceptance of deposits
of Shares, the registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination
of ADRs or, subject to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the withdrawal of
Deposited Securities, may be suspended, generally or in particular instances,
when the ADR Register or any register for Deposited Securities is closed or
when
any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary (after making
reasonable efforts to consult with the Company in the case of any closure
outside of the ordinary course of business) or requested by the Company (after
consultation with the Depositary).
Β
Β
C-3
Β
Β
5.
|
Taxes
|
Β
If
any
tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the
Custodian or the Depositary with respect to this ADR, any Deposited Securities
represented by the ADSs evidenced hereby or any distribution thereon, such
tax
or other governmental charge shall be paid by the Holder hereof to the
Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect any registration, registration
of transfer, split-up or combination hereof or, subject to the last sentence
of
paragraph (2), any withdrawal of such Deposited Securities until such payment
is
made. The Depositary may also deduct from any distributions on or in respect
of
Deposited Securities, or may sell by public or private sale for the account
of
the Holder hereof, any part or all of such Deposited Securities (after
attempting by reasonable means to notify the Holder hereof prior to such sale),
for purposes of applying such deduction or the proceeds of any such sale in
payment of any such tax or other governmental charge, the Holder hereof
remaining liable for any deficiency, and shall reduce the number of ADSs
evidenced hereby to reflect any such sales of Shares and shall distribute the
net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such tax or other charge
(including the costs and expenses related thereto) to the Holders entitled
thereto. The Depositary will forward to the Company in a timely fashion such
information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable
the
Company to file necessary reports with governmental authorities or agencies,
and
either the Company or the Depositary may file any such reports necessary to
obtain benefits under any applicable tax treaties for Holders. The Depositary
shall cooperate with the Company in the Companyβs efforts to make and maintain
arrangements enabling Holders to receive any tax credits or other benefits
(pursuant to treaty or otherwise) relating to dividend payments on the ADSs,
and
the Depositary shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, provide the Company
with such documents as the Company may reasonably request to maintain such
arrangements. In connection with any distribution to Holders, the Company will
remit to the appropriate governmental authority or agency all amounts (if any)
required to be withheld and owing to such authority or agency by the Company;
and the Depositary and the Custodian will remit to the appropriate governmental
authority or agency all amounts (if any) required to be withheld and owing
to
such authority or agency by the Depositary or the Custodian. If the Depositary
determines that any distribution in property other than cash (including Shares
or rights) on Deposited Securities is subject to any tax that the Depositary
or
the Custodian is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may, after consultation
with the Company to the extent practicable, dispose of all or a portion of
such
property in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary
and practicable to pay such taxes, by public or private sale, and the Depositary
shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale or the balance of any such
property after deduction of such taxes to the Holders entitled
thereto.
Β
Β
C-4
Β
Β
6.
|
Disclosure
of Interests
|
Β
To
the
extent that the provisions of or governing any Deposited Securities require
disclosure of or impose limits on beneficial or other ownership of Deposited
Securities, other Shares and other securities and provide for blocking transfer,
voting or other rights to enforce such disclosure or limits, Holders and all
owners of beneficial interests in ADRs agree to comply with all such disclosure
requirements and ownership limitations and to cooperate with the Depositary
in
the Depositaryβs compliance with any Company instructions in respect thereof,
and the Depositary will use reasonable efforts to comply with such Company
instructions. Each Holder and all owners of beneficial interests in ADRs
acknowledge that failure to provide on a timely basis any required notification
of an interest in Shares may result in withholding of certain rights, including
voting and dividend rights, in respect of the Shares in which such Holder or
beneficial owner has an interest. All persons holding ADRs or beneficial
interests in ADRs agree to comply with all such disclosure requirements and
ownership limitations. The Company reserves the right to instruct Holders to
deliver their ADRs for cancellation and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities
so as to permit the Company to deal directly with the Holder thereof as a holder
of Shares. The Company may also refuse to allow such Holder to redeposit such
Shares into the ADR facility The Depositary agrees to cooperate with the Company
in its efforts to inform Holders of the Companyβs exercise of its rights under
this paragraph and agrees to consult with, and provide reasonable assistance
without risk or expense on the part of the Depositary, to the Company on the
manner or manners in which it may enforce the withholding of such rights with
respect to any Holder.
Β
7.
|
Charges
of DePositary
|
Β
The
Depositary may charge each person to whom ADRs are issued against deposits
of
Shares, including deposits in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions (as such terms are defined in paragraph (10)), and each person
surrendering ADRs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities (including, without
limitation, on the termination of the Deposit Agreement), U.S.$5.00 for each
100
ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the ADRs delivered or surrendered. The
Depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient securities and
property received in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other
Distributions prior to such deposit or delivery of ADRs or Deposited Securities,
as the case may be, to pay such charge. The Depositary may charge, in each
case
to the extent not prohibited by the rules of the primary stock exchange upon
which the ADRs are traded, to any Holder (i) a fee not in excess of U.S. $0.02
per ADS held for the distribution of cash proceeds, including cash dividends
or
sale of rights and other entitlements, not made pursuant to a cancellation
or
withdrawal, and (ii) for the operation and maintenance services provided by
the
Depositary in administering the ADRs an annual fee of U.S.$0.02 or less per
ADS;
provided, however, that no charge will be assessed under this clause (ii) to
the
extent a fee of $.02 was charged pursuant to clause (i) above during that
calendar year.
Β
The
Company will pay all other charges and expenses of the Depositary and any agent
of the Depositary (except the Custodian) pursuant to agreements from time to
time between the Company and the Depositary, except (i) stock transfer or other
taxes and other governmental charges (which are payable by Holders or persons
depositing Shares), (ii) cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery
charges incurred at the request of persons depositing, or Holders delivering
Shares, ADRs or Deposited Securities (which are payable by such persons or
Holders), (iii) transfer or registration fees for the registration of transfer
of Deposited Securities on any applicable register in connection with the
deposit or withdrawal of Deposited Securities (which are payable by persons
depositing Shares or Holders withdrawing Deposited Securities; there are no
such
fees in respect of the Shares as of the date of the Deposit Agreement), (iv)
expenses of the Depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency
into U.S. dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency) and (v) such
fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary (including without
limitation expenses incurred on behalf of Holders in connection with compliance
with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating
to
foreign investment) in delivery of Deposited Securities or otherwise in
connection with the Depositaryβs or its Custodianβs compliance with applicable
law, rule or regulation. These charges may be changed in the manner indicated
in
paragraph (16). The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole
account of the Depositary.
Β
Β
C-5
Β
Β
8.
|
Available
Information
|
Β
The
Deposit Agreement, the provisions of or governing Deposited Securities and
any
written communications from the Company, which are both received by the
Custodian or its nominee as a holder of Deposited Securities and made generally
available to the holders of Deposited Securities, are available for inspection
by Holders at the offices of the Depositary and the Custodian and at the
Transfer Office. The Depositary will mail copies of such communications (or
English translations or summaries thereof) to Holders when furnished by the
Company. The Company shall publish on its web site (xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx) on an
ongoing basis, or otherwise make available through an electronic information
delivery system, certain public reports and documents required by foreign law
or
otherwise under Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act.Β
Β
9.
|
Execution
|
Β
This
ADR
shall not be valid for any purpose unless executed by the Depositary by the
manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer of the
Depositary.
Β
Dated:
Β
Β |
DEUTSCHE
BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
|
Β |
as
Depositary
|
Β | Β |
Β |
By
....................
|
Β |
Authorized
Officer
|
Β
At
the
date of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositaryβs Transfer office is located at 00
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000.
Β
Β
C-6
Β
Β
[FORM
OF
REVERSE OF ADR]
Β
10.
|
Distributions
on Deposited Securities
|
Β
Subject
to paragraphs (4) and (5), to the extent practicable, the Depositary will,
as
promptly as practicable, distribute by mail to each Holder entitled thereto
on
the record date set by the Depositary therefor at such Holderβs address shown on
the ADR Register, in proportion to the number of Deposited Securities (on which
the following distributions on Deposited Securities are received by the
Custodian) represented by ADSs evidenced by such Holderβs ADRs:
Β
Β |
(a)
|
Cash.
|
Β
Any
U.S.
dollars available to the Depositary resulting from a cash dividend or other
cash
distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities or the net proceeds of
sales
of any other distribution or portion thereof authorized in this paragraph (10)
(βCashβ), on an averaged or other practicable basis, subject to (i) appropriate
adjustments for taxes or other governmental charges withheld, (ii) such
distribution being impermissible or impracticable with respect to certain
Holders, and (iii) deduction of the Depositaryβs expenses in (1) converting any
foreign currency to U.S. dollars by sale or in such other manner as the
Depositary may determine to the extent that it determines that such conversion
may be made on a reasonable basis, (2) transferring foreign currency or U.S.
dollars to the United States by such means as the Depositary may determine
to
the extent that it determines that such transfer may be made on a reasonable
basis, (3) obtaining any approval or license of any governmental authority
required for such conversion or transfer, which is obtainable at a reasonable
cost and within a reasonable time and (4) making any sale by public or private
means in any commercially reasonable manner.
Β
Whenever
the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive foreign currency, as a cash
dividend or other cash distribution or as the net proceeds from the sale of
securities, property or rights, which, in the judgment of the Depositary can
then be converted on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars and distributed to
Holders entitled thereto in the United States, the Depositary shall convert
or
cause to be converted, as promptly as practicable, by sale or in any other
manner that it may determine, such foreign currency into U.S. dollars and shall
transfer the resulting U.S. dollars (net of its reasonably and customary charges
and expenses in effecting such conversion) to the United States. If at any
time
the Depositary shall, after consultation with the Company if practicable,
determine that in its reasonable judgment any foreign currency received by
the
Depositary is not convertible on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars
transferable to the United States, or if any approval or license of any
governmental authority or agency thereof that is required for such conversion
is
denied or in the opinion of the Depositary is not obtainable at a reasonable
cost or within a reasonable period, the Depositary shall, subject to applicable
laws and regulations, (a) to the extent requested to do so in writing by Holders
entitled to receive the same, distribute the foreign currency (or an appropriate
document evidencing the right to receive such foreign currency) to such Holders
or (b), to the extent not so requested, hold such foreign currency (without
liability for interest thereon or the investment thereof) for the respective
accounts of the other Holders entitled to receive the same. If at the time
the
Depositary shall determine that in its judgment any U.S. dollars received by
the
Depositary upon conversion of foreign currency are not transferable into the
United States, or if any approval or license of any governmental authority
or
agency thereof that is required for such transfer is denied or in the opinion
of
the Depositary is not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable
period, the Depositary shall hold such U.S. dollars (without liability for
interest thereon or investment thereof) for the respective accounts of the
Holders entitled to receive the same. If any such conversion of foreign currency
into U.S. dollars and/or transfer into the United States, in whole or in part,
can be effected for distribution to some but not all of the Holders entitled
thereto, the Depositary may, in its reasonable discretion make such conversion
and/or distribution in U.S. dollars to the extent permissible to the Holders
entitled thereto and may distribute the balance of the foreign currency received
by the Depositary to, or hold such balance (without liability for interest
thereon or investment thereof) for the respective accounts of, the Holders
entitled thereto for whom such conversion and distribution is not
practicable;
Β
Β
C-7
Β
Β
Β |
(b)
|
Shares.
|
Β
(i)
Additional ADRs evidencing whole ADSs representing any Shares available to
the
Depositary resulting from a dividend or free distribution in respect of
Deposited Securities consisting of Shares (a βShare Distributionβ) and (ii) U.S.
dollars available to it resulting from the net proceeds of sales of Shares
received in a Share Distribution, which Shares would give rise to fractional
ADSs if additional ADRs were issued therefor, such U.S. dollars to be treated
as
Cash;
Β
Β |
(c)
|
Rights.
|
Β
(i)
Warrants or, in the discretion of the Depositary, other instruments representing
rights to acquire additional ADRs in respect of any rights to subscribe for
additional Shares or rights of any nature available to the Depositary as a
result of a distribution in respect of Deposited Securities (βRightsβ), to the
extent that the Company timely furnishes to the Depositary evidence satisfactory
to the Depositary that the Depositary may lawfully distribute same (the Company
has no obligation to so furnish such evidence), or (ii) to the extent the
Company does not so furnish such evidence and sales of Rights are practicable,
any U.S. dollars available to the Depositary from the net proceeds of sales
of
Rights, such U.S. dollars to be treated as Cash, or (iii) to the extent the
Company does not so furnish such evidence and such sales cannot practicably
be
accomplished by reason of the non-transferability of the Rights, limited markets
therefor, their short duration or otherwise, nothing (and any Rights may lapse).
The Depositary will not offer Rights to any Holder that is a βU.S. Personβ (as
defined in Regulation S), unless and until (i) a registration statement under
the Securities Act of 1933 covering such offering has been declared effective
by
the Commission or (ii) the Depositary receives an opinion of counsel for the
Company in the United States satisfactory to the Depositary to the effect that
the offering and sale of the Rights and the securities for which they are
exercisable to such Holders are exempt from registration under the Securities
Act of 1933. The Company shall have no obligation to register the Rights or
any
such securities under the Securities Act of 1933; and
Β
Β
C-8
Β
Β
Β |
(d)
|
Other
Distributions:
|
Β
(i)
securities or property available to the Depositary resulting from any
distribution in respect of Deposited Securities other than Cash, Share
Distributions and Rights (βOther Distributionsβ), by any means that the
Depositary may deem equitable and practicable, or (ii) to the extent the
Depositary deems distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable
and practicable, any U.S. dollars available to the Depositary from the net
proceeds of sales of Other Distributions, such U.S. dollars to be treated as
Cash.
Β
Distributions
of U.S. dollars pursuant to any clause of this paragraph (10) will be made
by
checks drawn on a bank in the United States. Only whole U.S. dollars and cents
will be distributed (any fractional cents being withheld without liability
and
dealt with by the Depositary in accordance with its then current procedures).
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall have no
obligation to either (i) register any ADSs, Shares, Rights or other securities
described in this Paragraph (10) under the Securities Act of 1933 or (ii) take
other actions to permit the distribution of such ADSs, Shares, Rights or other
securities in accordance with applicable U.S. securities laws.
Β
11.
|
Record
Dates
|
Β
The
Depositary shall, after consultation with the Company if practicable, fix a
record date (which shall be as near as practicable to any corresponding record
date set by the Company) for the determination of the Holders who shall be
entitled to receive any distribution on or in respect of Deposited Securities
or
the net proceeds thereof, to give instructions for the exercise of any voting
rights in respect of Deposited Securities, to receive any notice or to act
in
respect of other matters and only such Holders at the close of business on
such
record date shall be so entitled.
Β
12.
|
Voting
of DePosited Securities
|
Β
As
soon
as practicable after receipt from the Company of notice of any meeting or
solicitation of consents or proxies of holders of Shares or other Deposited
Securities, unless the Company informs the Depositary otherwise in order to
comply with applicable law, the Depositary shall mail to Holders a notice
stating (a) such information as is contained in such notice and any solicitation
materials (or a summary thereof in English provided by the Company), (b) that
each Holder at the close of business on the record date set by the Depositary
therefor will be entitled, subject to any applicable provisions of Italian
law
and the Companyβs by-laws (Statuto),
to
instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any,
pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs evidenced by
such
Holdersβ ADRs and (c) the manner in which such instructions may be given,
including instructions to give a proxy to a person designated by the Company.
Upon receipt of instructions of a Holder on such record date in the manner
and
on or before the date established by the Depositary for such purpose, the
Depositary shall endeavor insofar as practicable and permitted under the
provisions of or governing Deposited Securities to vote or cause to be voted
(including the granting of a proxy to the Company in accordance with
instructions received from Holders) the Deposited Securities represented by
the
ADSs evidenced by such Holderβs ADRs in accordance with such instructions. The
Depositary will not itself exercise any voting discretion in respect of any
Deposited Securities. On the business day following the date fixed by the
Depositary as the last date for delivery of voting instructions, the Depositary
shall endeavor to give notice to the Company by cable, telex or facsimile
transmission of the voting instructions received from the Holders as of the
close of business on such fixed date. In order to give Holders a reasonable
opportunity to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of voting rights
in
respect of Deposited Securities, as provided above, the Company shall give
the
Depositary notice of any such meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies
not
less than 25 days prior to the date of such meeting or vote.
Β
Β
C-9
Β
Β
13.
|
ChanGes
Affecting Deposited
Securities
|
Β
Upon
any
change in par value, split-up, consolidation, cancellation or any other
reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation or sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company or to which it is a party, any
securities, cash or other property that shall be received by the Depositary
in
exchange for, or in conversion or replacement of, Deposited Securities shall
be
treated as Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and the ADRs
shall
thenceforth evidence ADSs representing the right to receive the Deposited
Securities as so reconstituted, subject to the provisions of the following
sentence. In any such case the Depositary may with the Companyβs approval (which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and shall if the Company shall
so
reasonably request, subject to the Deposit Agreement, distribute any part of
the
securities, cash or other property so received or execute and deliver additional
ADRs as in the case of a dividend of Shares, in either case in accordance with
paragraph (10) and thereafter the Depositary may, in its discretion but with
the
prior approval of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld), call for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new
ADRs specifically describing such newly received Deposited Securities the extent
not so distributed.
Β
14.
|
Exoneration
|
Β
The
Depositary, the Company, their agents and each of them shall: (a) incur no
liability (i) if law, regulation, the provisions of or governing any Deposited
Securities, act of God, war or other circumstance beyond its control shall
prevent, delay or subject to any civil or criminal penalty any act which the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR provides shall be done or performed by it, or
(ii)
by reason of any exercise or failure to exercise any discretion given it in
the
Deposit Agreement or this ADR; (b) assume no liability except to perform its
obligations (other than those directly related to the handling of Deposited
Securities and Cash) to the extent they are specifically set forth in this
ADR
and the Deposit Agreement without gross negligence or bad faith; (c) assume
no
liability except to perform its obligations directly related to the handling
of
Deposited Securities and Cash to the extent they are specifically set forth
in
this ADR and the Deposit Agreement without negligence or bad faith; (d) in
the
case of the Depositary and its agents hereunder, be under no obligation to
appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect
of any Deposited Securities or this ADR; (e) in the case of the Company and
its
agents hereunder, be under no obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend
any
action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or
this
ADR, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless
indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense (including fees and
disbursements of counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be
required; or (f) not be liable for any action or inaction by it in reliance
upon
the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person
presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, or any other person believed by
it to
be competent to give such advice or information. The Depositary and its agents
will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote
any of the Deposited Securities, for the manner in which any such vote is cast
or for the effect of any such vote. The Depositary, the Company and their
respective agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written
notice, request, direction or other document reasonably believed by them to
be
genuine and to have been signed and duly presented by the proper party or
parties. The Depositary and its agents may own and deal in any class of
securities of the Company and its affiliates and in ADRs. The Company has agreed
to indemnify the Depositary and its agents under certain circumstances and
the
Depositary has agreed to indemnify the Company against losses incurred by the
Company to the extent such losses are due to the negligence or bad faith of
the
Depositary. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act of 1933 is
intended by any provision hereof. Neither the Depositary nor the Company, nor
any of their respective officers, directors, representatives, employees or
agents shall incur any liability to Holders, beneficial owners or third parties
for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising from any
breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement or otherwise.
Β
Β
C-10
Β
Β
15.
|
ResiGnation
and Removal of Depositary; The
Custodian.
|
Β
Subject
to Section 13 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may resign as Depositary
by written notice of its election to do so delivered to the Company, or be
removed as Depositary by the Company by written notice of such removal delivered
to the Depositary. The Depositary may appoint substitute or additional
Custodians and the term βCustodianβ refers to each Custodian or all Custodians
as the context requires.
Β
16.
|
Amendment
|
Β
Subject
to the last sentence of paragraph (2), the ADRs and the Deposit Agreement may
be
amended by the Company and the Depositary, provided that any amendment that
imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock transfer or other
taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration fees, cable,
telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses),
or that shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders,
shall become effective 30 days after notice of such amendment shall have been
given to the Holders. Every Holder of an ADR at the time any amendment to the
Deposit Agreement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold
such ADR, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit
Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right
of the Holder of any ADR to surrender such ADR and receive the Deposited
Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory
provisions of applicable law. Any amendments or supplements which (i) are
reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order
for
(a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act of 1933
or
(b) the ADSs or Shares to be traded solely in electronic book-entry form and
(ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be
borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to prejudice any substantial rights of
Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt
new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement
of
the Deposit Agreement or the Form of ADR to ensure compliance therewith, the
Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and
the
ADR at any time in accordance with such changed rules. Such amendment or
supplement to the Deposit Agreement in such circumstances may become effective
before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within
any other period of time as required for compliance.
Β
Β
C-11
Β
Β
17.
|
Termination.
|
Β
Upon
the
resignation or removal of the Depositary pursuant to the Deposit Agreement,
the
Depositary shall, at the written direction of the Company, terminate the Deposit
Agreement and this ADR by mailing notice of such termination to the Holders
at
least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination.
The
Depositary may terminate the Deposit Agreement at its own initiative, after
giving notice to the Holders as provided in the preceding sentence of this
Paragraph (17), if no successor depositary shall have been appointed and
accepted its appointment as provided in Section 13 of the Deposit Agreement
within 90 days from the date on which either the Depositary delivered to the
Company written notice of its resignation or the Company delivered to the
Depositary written notice of its removal as Depositary hereunder. After the
date
so fixed for termination, the Depositary and its agents will perform no further
acts under the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, except to receive and hold (or
sell) distributions on Deposited Securities and deliver Deposited Securities
being withdrawn together with any such distributions on Deposited Securities
(without liability for interest) and any net proceeds from the sale of any
Rights or other property, without liability for interest, as the Depositary
may
reasonably effect. As soon as practicable after the expiration of six months
from the date so fixed for termination, the Depositary shall sell the Deposited
Securities and shall thereafter (as long as it may lawfully do so) hold in
a
segregated account the net proceeds of such sales, together with any other
cash
then held by it under the Deposit Agreement, without liability for interest,
in
trust for the pro rata benefit of the Holders of ADRs not theretofore
surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from
all
obligations in respect of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, except to account
for such net proceeds and other cash. After the date so fixed for termination,
the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement
except for its obligations to the Depositary and its agents under paragraph
(7)
hereof and Section 16 of the Deposit Agreement.
Β
C-12
Β