Exhibit 4.3
THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE
GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL
OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(c) OF THE INDENTURE,
(III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT
TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO
A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.
THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S.
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR OTHER SECURITIES
LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE
RE-OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE
DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS THE TRANSACTION IS
EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES
ACT. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE
SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE
SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY
ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL
BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A
U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING ITS NOTE IN AN "OFFSHORE TRANSACTION" PURSUANT TO
RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT
PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE WHICH IS TWO YEARS (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS
PERMITTED BY RULE 144(K) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION
THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY
PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE
OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) AND
(Y) SUCH LATER DATE, IF ANY, AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW (THE "RESALE
RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE"), OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE
EXCEPT (A) TO THE COMPANY, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS
BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES
ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY
BELIEVES IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING
MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS
AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE
MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER
AVAILABLE
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EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3)
AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED A
NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND; PROVIDED THAT THE COMPANY,
THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE
OR TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH
OF THEM AND (II) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATION
OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED
AND DELIVERED BY THIS TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED
UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS
USED HEREIN, THE TERMS "OFFSHORE TRANSACTION," "UNITED STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON"
HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN THIS
TEMPORARY REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE WILL NOT BE EXCHANGEABLE FOR INTERESTS IN THE
PERMANENT REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE OR ANY OTHER NOTE REPRESENTING AN INTEREST IN
THE NOTES REPRESENTED HEREBY WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN A LEGEND CONTAINING
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF THE "40-DAY DISTRIBUTION
COMPLIANCE PERIOD" (WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 903(B)(2) OF REGULATION S UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT) AND THEN ONLY UPON CERTIFICATION IN FORM REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO THE TRUSTEE THAT SUCH BENEFICIAL INTERESTS ARE OWNED EITHER BY
NON-U.S. PERSONS OR U.S. PERSONS WHO PURCHASED SUCH INTERESTS IN A TRANSACTION
THAT DID NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. DURING SUCH 40-DAY
DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD, BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP IN THIS TEMPORARY
REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE MAY ONLY BE SOLD, PLEDGED OR TRANSFERRED THROUGH
EUROCLEAR CLEARSTREAM BANKING, S.A. AND ONLY (1) TO THE COMPANY, (2) WITHIN THE
UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A
TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (3) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
IN A TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (4)
PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN
EACH OF CASES (1) THROUGH (4) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS
OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS. HOLDERS OF INTERESTS
IN THIS TEMPORARY REGULATIONS S GLOBAL NOTE WILL NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS
NOTE OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO ABOVE, IF THEN APPLICABLE.
BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN THIS TEMPORARY REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
EXCHANGED FOR INTERESTS IN A RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE ONLY IF (1) SUCH EXCHANGE
OCCURS IN CONNECTION WITH A TRANSFER
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OF THE SECURITIES IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A, AND (2) THE TRANSFEROR OF THE
REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE FIRST DELIVERS TO THE TRUSTEE A WRITTEN CERTIFICATE (IN
THE FORM ATTACHED TO THIS NOTE) TO THE EFFECT THAT THE REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE
IS BEING TRANSFERRED (A) TO A PERSON WHO THE TRANSFEROR REASONABLY BELIEVES TO
BE A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A, (B) TO A
PERSON WHO IS PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A AND
(C) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE
UNITED STATES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS.
BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN A RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A
PERSON WHO TAKES DELIVERY IN THE FORM OF AN INTEREST IN THE REGULATION S GLOBAL
NOTE, WHETHER BEFORE OR AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE 40-DAY DISTRIBUTION
COMPLIANCE PERIOD, ONLY IF THE TRANSFEROR FIRST DELIVERS TO THE TRUSTEE A
WRITTEN CERTIFICATE (IN THE FORM ATTACHED TO THIS CERTIFICATE) TO THE EFFECT
THAT IF SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 903 OR 904 OF
REGULATION S OR RULE 144 (IF AVAILABLE) AND THAT, IF SUCH TRANSFER OCCURS PRIOR
TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE 40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD, THE INTEREST
TRANSFERRED WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER THROUGH EUROCLEAR BANK S.A./N.A.
CLEARSTREAM BANKING, S.A..
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CUSIP NO. U84416 AA 1
ISIN NO. USU84416AA11
No. S-1 $100,000
8.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2010
Southern Star Central Corp., a Delaware corporation, promises to pay to
Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND
DOLLARS on August 1, 2010.
Interest Payment Dates: February 1 and August 1
Record Dates: January 15 and July 15
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of
this Security.
Dated: August 8, 2003
SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL CORP.
By:
----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Treasurer
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
as Trustee, certifies that this
is one of the Notes referred
to in the Indenture.
By:
------------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
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8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2010
Capitalized terms used herein will have the meanings assigned to them
in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.
1. INTEREST. Southern Star Central Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at
8.50% per annum from August 8, 2003 until maturity and will pay the Additional
Interest payable pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement
referred to below. The Company will pay interest and Additional Interest, if
any, semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, or if any such day
is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an "Interest
Payment Date"), with the same force and effect as if made on the date for such
payment. Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which
interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from August 8, 2003;
provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if
this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof
and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest will accrue from such
next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided, further, that the first
Interest Payment Date will be February 1, 2004. The Company will pay interest
(including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on
overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate
that is 1% per annum in excess of the rate then in effect; it will pay interest
(including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on
overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any
applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the
extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of
twelve 30-day months.
2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Company will pay interest on the Notes
(except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who
are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the January 15 or
July 15 next (whether or not a Business Day) preceding the Interest Payment
Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before
such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture
with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to principal,
premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest at the office or agency of
the Company maintained for such purpose within The City and State of New York,
or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest and Additional Interest,
if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their respective addresses
set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of
immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and
interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all
other Notes the Holders of which have provided wire transfer instructions to the
Company or the Paying Agent if such Holders are registered Holders of at least
$250,000 in principal amount of the Notes. Such payment will be in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts.
3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and
Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice
to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such
capacity.
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4. INDENTURE. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as
of August 8, 2003 ("Indenture") between the Company and the Trustee. The terms
of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the
Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.
Code 'SS''SS' 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and
Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such
terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express
provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture will govern and
be controlling.
5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.
(a) Except as set forth in clause (b) of this paragraph 5, the
Notes will not be redeemable at the Company's option prior to August 1, 2007. On
and after August 1, 2007, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the applicable
redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on August
1 of the years indicated below:
Year Percentage
2007.......................................... 104.250
2008.......................................... 102.125
2009 and thereafter........................... 100.000
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to August
1, 2006, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued under the Indenture at a
redemption price of 108.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date,
with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings by the Company;
provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued
under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each
such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries); and
provided, further, that any such redemption occurs within 120 days of the date
of the closing of such Equity Offering.
6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION.
The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption
payments with respect to the Notes.
7. REPURCHASE AT OPTION OF HOLDER.
(a) If there is a Change of Control Triggering Event, the
Company will be required to make an offer (a "Change of Control Offer") to
repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of
each Holder's Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of aggregate principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any,
to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Payment"). Within 30 days
following any Change of Control, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder
describing the transaction or
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transactions that constitute the Change of Control Triggering Event and offering
to repurchase Notes on the Change of Control Payment Date specified in the
notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days
from the date such notice is mailed, pursuant to the procedures required by the
Indenture and described in such notice.
(b) If the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary consummates an
Asset Sale, within fifteen Business Days of each date on which the aggregate
amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Company will commence an
offer to all Holders of Notes and all holders of other Indebtedness that is pari
passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in the
Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of
sales of assets (an "Asset Sale Offer") pursuant to Section 3.09 of the
Indenture to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other pari
passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer
price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of
purchase. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale
Offer, the Company may use such Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise
prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and
other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the
amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee will select the Notes and such other pari
passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Holders of Notes that
are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from
the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes
purchased by completing the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase"
on the reverse of the Notes.
8. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Notice of redemption will be mailed at least
30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder
whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes in denominations
larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of
$1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and
after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions
thereof called for redemption.
9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The
transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in
the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other
things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the
Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or
permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register the
transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for
the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, it need not
exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a
selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and
the corresponding Interest Payment Date.
10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be
treated as its owner for all purposes.
11. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain exceptions,
the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of
the Holders of at
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least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, and any
existing default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes
may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the then outstanding Notes. Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the
Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity,
defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or
in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company's
obligations to Holders of the Notes in case of a merger or consolidation or sale
of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, to make any change that
would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or
that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture or the
Collateral Documents of any such Holder or to confirm and evidence the release,
termination or discharge of any Lien securing the Notes which release,
termination or discharge is permitted by the Indenture or the Collateral
Documents, to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with
the provisions set forth in the Indenture, to comply with the requirements of
the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture
under the Trust Indenture Act, to provide for Guarantees by Restricted
Subsidiaries as set forth in Section 4.19 of the Indenture.
12. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. An "Event of Default" occurs if: (i) the
Company defaults in the payment when due of interest on, or Additional Interest
with respect to, the Notes and such default continues for a period of 30 days;
(ii) the Company defaults in the payment when due of the principal of, or
premium, if any, on the Notes; (iii) the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries fails to comply with any of the provisions contained in Sections
4.16 or 5.01 of the Indenture; (iv) the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries for 30 days after notice of such failure fails to comply with any
of Sections 3.09, 4.07, 4.09 or 4.10 of the Indenture or with any of the
agreements contained in the Collateral Documents; (v) the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries fails to observe or perform any other covenant or other
agreement in the Indenture or the Notes for 60 days after notice of such failure
to the Company by the Trustee; (vi) a default occurs under any mortgage, other
indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be
secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or
guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of the Indenture, which
default is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if
any, on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided
in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a "Payment Default") or
results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with
the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a
Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates
$15.0 million or more; (vii) the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
is subject to final judgments aggregating in excess of $15.0 million, which
judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; (viii) (a)
except as permitted by the Collateral Documents, any amendments thereto and the
provisions of the Indenture, any of the Collateral Documents ceases to be in
full force and effect or ceases to be effective, in all material respects, to
create the Lien purported to be created in the Collateral in favor of the
Holders for 60 days after notice to the Company, (b) the Company challenges, in
writing, the Lien on the Collateral under the Collateral Documents prior to the
time that the Liens on the Collateral are to be released or (c) the Company
asserts, in
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writing, that any of the Collateral Documents is invalid and unenforceable,
other than in accordance with its terms; and (ix) certain events of bankruptcy
or insolvency with respect to the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries
or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute
a Significant Subsidiary.
If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may
declare all outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of
bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and
payable without further action or notice. Holders of the Notes may not enforce
the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to
certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power.
The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing
Default or Event of Default if it determines that withholding notice is in their
interest, except with respect to a Default or Event of Default relating to the
payment of principal of, or interest or premium of Additional Interest, if any,
on, the Notes.
In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful
action or inaction by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding
payment of the premium that the Company would have had to pay if the Company
then had elected to redeem the Notes pursuant to the optional redemption
provisions of the Indenture, an equivalent premium will also become and be
immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration
of the Notes. If an Event of Default occurs prior to August 1, 2007 by reason of
any willful action or inaction by or on behalf of the Company with the intention
of avoiding the prohibition on redemption of the Notes prior to August 1, 2007,
then the premium specified in the Indenture will also become immediately due and
payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes
then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all
of the Notes, waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its
consequences under the Indenture, except a continuing Default or Event of
Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium or Additional
Interest, if any, on, the Notes including in connection with an offer to
purchase; provided, however, that the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and
its consequences, including any payment default that resulted from such
acceleration, if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree
or if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived. Upon any such
waiver, such Default will cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising
therefrom will be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture;
but no such waiver will extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any
right consequent thereon.
13. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH COMPANY. The Trustee, in its individual or
any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from and perform services
for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or
its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.
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14. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No director, officer, employee,
incorporator or stockholder of the Company will have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim
based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.
Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.
The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the
Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal
securities laws and it is the view of the Commission that such a waiver is
against public policy.
15. AUTHENTICATION. This Note will not be valid until authenticated by
the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.
16. ABBREVIATIONS. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a
Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (tenants in common), TEN ENT (tenants by
the entireties), JT TEN (joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as
tenants in common), CUST (custodian), and U/G/M/A (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
17. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED SECURITIES. In
addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders
of Transfer Restricted Securities will have all the rights set forth in the
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 8, 2003, between the Company
and the parties named on the signature pages thereof, or, with respect to any
Additional Notes, Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities will have all the
rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements between the
Company and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the Company
to the purchasers of Additional Notes (collectively, the "Registration Rights
Agreement").
18. CUSIP NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the
Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused
CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers
in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made
as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as
contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the
other identification numbers placed thereon.
19. GOVERNING LAW. This Note will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without
charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement.
Requests may be made to:
Southern Star Central Corp.
c/o AIG Highstar
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
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ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below: (I) or (we) assign
and transfer this Note to
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint
--------------------------------------------------------
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute
another to act for him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Your Signature:
----------------------- -------------------------------------
(Sign exactly as your name appears on
the face of this Note)
In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this
certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the period referred to in Rule
144(k) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
after the later of the date of original issuance of such Notes and the last
date, if any, on which such Notes were owned by the Company or any Affiliate of
the Company, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in
accordance with its terms:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW
(1) [ ] to the Company; or
(2) [ ] pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act; or
(3) [ ] inside the United States to a "qualified institutional buyer"
(as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) that
purchases for its own account or for the account of a
qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that
such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each
case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the
Securities Act; or
(4) [ ] outside the United States in an offshore transaction within
the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act in
compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act; or
(5) [ ] pursuant to any other available exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act.
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If such transfer is being made pursuant to an offshore transaction in
accordance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act, the undersigned further
certifies that:
(i) the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the
United States;
(ii) either (a) at the time the buy offer was originated, the
transferee was outside the United States or we and any person acting on our
behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States, or
(b) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a
designated off-shore securities market and neither we nor any person acting on
our behalf knows that the transaction has been pre-arranged with a buyer in the
United States;
(iii) no directed selling efforts have been made in the United
States in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903 or Rule 904 of
Regulation S, as applicable;
(iv) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade
the registration requirements of the Securities Act;
(v) we have advised the transferee of the transfer
restrictions applicable to the Notes; and
(vi) if the circumstances set forth in Rule 904(b) under the
Securities Act are applicable, we have complied with the additional conditions
therein, including (if applicable) sending a confirmation or other notice
stating that the Notes may be offered and sold during the distribution
compliance period specified in Rule 903 of Regulation S, pursuant to
registration of the Notes under the Securities Act or pursuant to an available
exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act.
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register
any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other
than the registered holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (4) or (5) is
checked, the Trustee will be entitled to require, prior to registering any such
transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information
as the Company has reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being
made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the
registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemption provided
by Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
-------------------------------------
Signature
Signature Guarantee:
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Signature must be guaranteed Signature
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution"
meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership
or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program ("STAMP") or
such other "signature guarantee
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program" as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in
substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (3) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note
for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole
investment discretion and that it and any such account is a "qualified
institutional buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act
and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and
acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as the
undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request
such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the
undersigned's foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from
registration provided by Rule 144A.
Dated:
-------------------- --------------------------------------------
NOTICE: To be executed by
an executive officer
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Option of Holder to Elect Purchase
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.16 of the Indenture, check the box below:
[ ] Section 4.10 [ ] Section 4.16
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the
Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.16 of the Indenture, state the
amount you elect to have purchased: $______________
Date: Your Signature:
------------------- ----------------------------
(Sign exactly as your name
appears on the Note)
Tax Identification No.:
--------------------
Signature Guarantee:
---------------------------------------
Signature must be guaranteed
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" meeting the
requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or
participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such
other "signature guarantee program" as may be determined by the Registrar in
addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest
in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of
another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have
been made:
Principal Amount of
this Global Note Signature of
Amount of Decrease Amount of Increase in following such Authorized Officer
in Principal Amount Principal Amount of Decrease of Trustee or Note
Date of Exchange of this Global Note this Global Note (or Increase) Custodian
---------------- ------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------
A-15
