ArvinMeritor 424(b)(3)
PROSPECTUS
Filed Pursuant
to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-130514
Offer to Exchange
$252,537,000 Principal Amount of Our 8.125% Notes due 2015
That Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act of 1933
For Any and All of Our Existing Unregistered
8.125% Notes due 2015
The exchange offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on March 14, 2006,
unless extended by us (such date and time, as they may be extended, the expiration date).
The Exchange Offer
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We are offering the new notes, which have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in exchange
for the old notes that were previously issued in an offering exempt from the Securities and Exchange Commissions
registration requirements. The terms of the exchange offer are summarized below and are more fully described in
this prospectus. |
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We will exchange all old notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the
exchange offer. |
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You may withdraw tenders of old notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. |
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We believe that the exchange of old notes for new notes should not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. |
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We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer. |
The New Notes
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The terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the old notes, except that the offer of the
new notes is registered under the Securities Act and the new notes have no transfer restrictions, rights to
additional interest or registration rights. |
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There is no established trading market for the new notes or the old notes. We do not intend to apply for listing
of the new notes on any securities exchange. |
You should consider the Risk Factors beginning on page 11 of this prospectus before you decide
whether to participate in the exchange offer.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) nor any state securities commission
has approved or disapproved of the new notes nor have any of the foregoing authorities passed upon
or endorsed the merits of the exchange offer or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of the prospectus is February 13, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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References in this prospectus to the Company, we, us, our and ours refer to
ArvinMeritor, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise specified.
In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not
making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not
assume that the information provided in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the
date of this prospectus.
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer
may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new
notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be
used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes
where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities. We have agreed that, starting on the expiration date of the exchange
offer and ending on the close of business 180 days after the expiration date, we will make this
prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See Plan of
Distribution.
This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not
included in or delivered with the prospectus. You may obtain documents that are filed by us with
the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or telephoning
us at the following address and telephone number:
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
2135 West Maple Road
Troy, Michigan 48084-7186
Attention: Investor Relations
(248) 435-1000
To obtain timely delivery of documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, you must
request such documents no later than five business days prior to the expiration date. See Where
You Can Find More Information.
1
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and is
therefore qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information
appearing elsewhere, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus. It
may not contain all the information that is important to you. We urge you
to read carefully this entire prospectus, including the matters set forth
under Risk Factors, and the other documents to which it refers to
understand fully the terms of the new notes and the exchange offer.
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
We were incorporated in Indiana in March 2000 in connection with the
merger of Arvin Industries, Inc. (Arvin) and Meritor Automotive, Inc.
(Meritor). Arvin and Meritor merged into the Company on July 7, 2000.
Our executive offices are located at 2135 West Maple Road, Troy,
Michigan 48084. Our telephone number is (248) 435-1000.
We are a global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules
and components serving light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and
specialty original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and certain
aftermarkets. We operate more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 25
countries around the world. We serve our customers worldwide through
the following businesses:
Continuing Operations:
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Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) supplies emissions systems,
aperture systems (roof and door systems), and undercarriage systems
(suspension and ride control systems and wheel products) for
passenger cars, all-terrain vehicles, light trucks and sport
utility vehicles to OEMs. |
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Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) supplies drivetrain
systems and components, including axles and drivelines, braking
systems, suspension systems, and exhaust and ride control products
for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and specialty vehicles
to OEMs and to the commercial vehicle aftermarket. |
Discontinued Operations:
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Light Vehicle Aftermarket (LVA) supplies exhaust, ride
control, motion control and filter products and other automotive
parts to the passenger car, light truck and sport utility
aftermarket. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, management
committed to a plan to divest LVA and we reported this business in
discontinued operations. |
The industry in which we operate is cyclical in nature and has been
characterized historically by periodic fluctuations in demand for
vehicles for which we supply products. Industry cycles, which are
outside our control and cannot be predicted with certainty, can have a
positive or negative effect on our financial results. Other industry
and market factors, in addition to market cyclicality, can also
significantly impact our business.
Please refer to the documents incorporated by reference in this
prospectus for more detailed information on the Company, including
information concerning these industry trends and their effects on the
Company as well as other risks relating to the business of the Company.
2
Capitalization
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents,
short-term debt, long-term debt (including capital lease obligations),
minority interest in subsidiaries, total shareowners equity and total
capitalization as of September 30, 2005. This table should be read in
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes
and the other financial information incorporated by reference into this
prospectus.
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September 30, 2005 |
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(Dollars in millions) |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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$ |
187 |
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Short-Term Debt |
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Accounts Receivable Securitization |
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$ |
112 |
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Lines of credit and other |
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19 |
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Total short-term debt |
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131 |
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Long-Term Debt |
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6 5/8% notes due 2007 |
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200 |
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6 3/4% notes due 2008 |
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100 |
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7 1/8% notes due 2009 |
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91 |
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6.8% notes due 2009 |
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305 |
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8 3/4% notes due 2012 |
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380 |
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8 1/8% notes due 2015 |
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250 |
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9.5% subordinated debentures due 2027 |
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39 |
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Lines of credit and other |
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69 |
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Fair value adjustment of notes |
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17 |
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Total long-term debt |
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1,451 |
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Minority Interest in Subsidiaries |
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58 |
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Shareowners Equity |
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875 |
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Total Capitalization |
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$ |
2,515 |
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3
Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data, as of September 30, 2005 and 2004 and for each of the
three years in the period ended September 30, 2005 has been derived from our audited consolidated
financial statements, which are incorporated by reference herein. The selected financial data as
of September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and for each of the two years in the period ended September
30, 2002 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not
incorporated by reference herein. Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest September 30.
You should read the information below in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and related notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See Documents
Incorporated by Reference.
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Year Ended September 30, |
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2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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(In millions, except per share amounts) |
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SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS |
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Sales |
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Light Vehicle Systems |
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$ |
3,503 |
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$ |
3,541 |
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$ |
4,301 |
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$ |
4,818 |
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$ |
4,849 |
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Commercial Vehicle Systems |
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2,199 |
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2,249 |
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2,422 |
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3,215 |
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4,054 |
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Total |
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$ |
5,702 |
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$ |
5,790 |
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$ |
6,723 |
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$ |
8,033 |
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$ |
8,903 |
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Income from Continuing Operations (1) |
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$ |
5 |
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$ |
96 |
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$ |
100 |
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$ |
127 |
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$ |
33 |
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Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (2) |
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30 |
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53 |
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37 |
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(169 |
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(21 |
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Income (Loss) Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change |
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35 |
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149 |
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137 |
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(42 |
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12 |
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Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax |
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(42 |
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(4 |
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Net Income (Loss) |
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$ |
35 |
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$ |
107 |
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$ |
133 |
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$ |
(42 |
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$ |
12 |
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BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE |
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Continuing Operations (1) |
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$ |
0.08 |
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$ |
1.44 |
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$ |
1.50 |
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$ |
1.89 |
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$ |
0.48 |
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Discontinued Operations (2) |
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0.45 |
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0.80 |
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0.55 |
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(2.51 |
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(0.31 |
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Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change |
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(0.63 |
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(0.06 |
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Basic earnings (loss) per share |
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$ |
0.53 |
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$ |
1.61 |
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$ |
1.99 |
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$ |
(0.62 |
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$ |
0.17 |
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DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE |
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Continuing Operations (1) |
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$ |
0.08 |
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$ |
1.43 |
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$ |
1.48 |
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$ |
1.85 |
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$ |
0.47 |
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Discontinued Operations (2) |
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0.45 |
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0.79 |
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0.54 |
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(2.46 |
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(0.30 |
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Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change |
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(0.63 |
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(0.06 |
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Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
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$ |
0.53 |
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$ |
1.59 |
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$ |
1.96 |
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$ |
(0.61 |
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$ |
0.17 |
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Cash dividends per share |
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$ |
0.76 |
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$ |
0.40 |
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$ |
0.40 |
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$ |
0.40 |
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$ |
0.40 |
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FINANCIAL POSITION AT SEPTEMBER 30 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
4,408 |
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$ |
4,717 |
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$ |
5,448 |
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$ |
5,639 |
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$ |
5,870 |
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Short-term debt |
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93 |
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15 |
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18 |
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3 |
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131 |
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Long-term debt |
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1,370 |
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1,473 |
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1,541 |
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1,487 |
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1,451 |
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Fiscal year 2005 income from continuing operations and related diluted earnings per
share include restructuring charges of $117 million ($72 million after-tax, or $1.03 per share),
charges associated with certain customer bankruptcies of $14 million ($9 million after-tax, or
$0.13 per share), environmental charges of $7 million ($4 million after-tax, or $0.06 per share),
and a gain on divestitures of $4 million ($3 million after-tax, or $0.04 per share). Fiscal year
2004 income from continuing operations and related diluted earnings per share include restructuring
charges of $15 million ($11 million after-tax, or $0.16 per share), environmental remediation
charges of $11 million ($8 million after-tax, or $0.12 per share), a withdrawn tender offer net
charge of $9 million ($6 million after-tax, or $0.09 per share), and a gain on sale of a ride
control joint venture of $20 million. Fiscal year 2003 income from continuing operations and
related diluted earnings per share include restructuring charges of $20 million ($14 million
after-tax, or $0.21 per share) and a gain on divestitures of $15 million ($11 million after-tax, or
$0.15 per share). Fiscal year 2002 income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share
includes restructuring charges of $11 million ($8 million after-tax, or $0.13 per share). Fiscal
year 2001 income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share include restructuring
charges of $67 million ($45 million after-tax, or $0.68 per share), an employee separation charge
of $12 million ($8 million after-tax, or $0.12 per share), and an environmental charge of $5
million ($3 million after-tax, or $0.05 per share). |
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Fiscal year 2005 includes a non-cash impairment charge of $43 million ($28 million after-tax)
to record certain North American LVA businesses at fair value. Fiscal year 2004 includes a non-cash
goodwill impairment charge of $190 million ($2.77 per diluted share) in our LVA business. |
4
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of
the periods indicated.
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Year Ended September 30, |
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2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
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1.2 |
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2.4 |
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2.4 |
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2.5 |
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1.2 |
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For purposes of this table: Earnings are defined as pre-tax income from continuing
operations adjusted for undistributed earnings of less than majority owned subsidiaries and fixed
charges excluding capitalized interest. Fixed charges are defined as interest on borrowings
(whether expensed or capitalized), the portion of rental expense applicable to interest, and
amortization of debt issuance costs.
5
Summary of the Exchange Offer
On August 31, 2005, we announced an offer to exchange a new series of notes
due 2015 and cash for up to $300,000,000 (which was later increased to
$350,000,000) of our $499,000,000 6.80% Notes due February 15, 2009, which
we refer to as the 6.80% notes, and our $150,000,000 7.125% Notes due
March 15, 2009, which we refer to as the 7.125% notes, in a transaction
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. In
connection with that exchange offer, on September 30, 2005, we issued and
sold $252,537,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.125% Notes due 2015, which
we refer to as the old notes, and paid approximately $5.8 million in cash
in exchange for $252,537,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.80% notes and
7.125% notes. As part of that offering, we entered into a registration
rights agreement with the dealer managers of the offering in which we
agreed, among other things, to deliver this prospectus to you and to
commence this exchange offer. The following is a summary of this exchange
offer:
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The Exchange Offer
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We are offering to exchange $1,000 principal
amount of our 8.125% Notes due 2015 that have
been registered under the Securities Act for
each $1,000 principal amount of our outstanding
8.125% Notes due 2015. In order to be
exchanged, an old note must be validly tendered
and accepted. All old notes that are validly
tendered and not withdrawn will be accepted for
exchange. As of the date of this prospectus,
$252,537,000 aggregate principal amount of old
notes are outstanding. We will issue new notes
promptly after the expiration of the exchange
offer. |
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Expiration Date
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The exchange offer will expire at midnight, New
York City time, on March 14, 2006 unless we
extend the expiration date. |
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Settlement Date
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The settlement date of the exchange offer will
be the second business day following the
expiration date or as soon as practicable
thereafter. |
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Withdrawal of Tenders
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Tenders of old notes may be withdrawn at any
time before the expiration date. |
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Conditions to the Exchange
Offer
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The exchange offer is subject to certain
conditions, which we may assert or waive. See
Description of the Exchange OfferConditions
to the Exchange Offer. |
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Resales of New Notes
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Based on interpretations by the staff of the
SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to
third parties, we believe that the new notes
issued in the exchange offer may be offered for
resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you
without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act, as long as you: |
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are acquiring the new notes in the
ordinary course of your business; |
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are not participating in, and do not
intend to participate in, a distribution of the
new notes within the meaning of the Securities
Act and have no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in a
distribution of the new notes within the
meaning of the Securities Act; |
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are not a broker-dealer who acquired
the old notes directly from us; and |
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are not an affiliate of ours, within
the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act. |
If you participate in the exchange offer, you
will be required to represent to us that you
satisfy each of the above conditions. If any of
these conditions are not satisfied, you may not
rely on the applicable interpretations of the
staff of the SEC and you will have to comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any offers or sales of the new
notes.
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for
its own account in exchange for old notes,
where such old notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities, may be
deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act and must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus
in connection with any resale of such new
notes. See Plan of Distribution.
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Procedures for
Tendering
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If you wish to participate in the exchange
offer and your old notes are held by a
custodial entity, such as a bank, broker,
dealer, trust company or other nominee, you
must instruct that custodial entity to tender
your old notes on your behalf pursuant to the
procedures of that custodial entity. If your
old notes are registered in your name, you must
complete, sign and date the accompanying letter
of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of
transmittal, according to the instructions
contained in this prospectus and the letter of
transmittal. You must also mail or otherwise
deliver the letter of transmittal, or a
facsimile of the letter of transmittal,
together with the old notes and any other
required documents, to the exchange agent at
its address listed under the heading The
Exchange OfferExchange Agent. |
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Custodial entities that are participants in The
Depository Trust Company, or DTC, must tender
old notes through the Automated Tender Offer
Program maintained by DTC, known as ATOP, by
which the custodial entity and the beneficial
owner on whose behalf the custodial entity is
acting agree to be bound by the letter of
transmittal. A letter of transmittal need not
accompany tenders effected through ATOP. |
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Consequences of Failure to
Exchange
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If you do not exchange your old notes for
new notes, you will continue to be subject
to the restrictions on transfer provided in
the old notes and in the indenture
governing the old notes. In general, the
old notes may not be offered or sold,
unless registered under the Securities Act,
except pursuant to an exemption from, or in
a transaction not subject to, the
Securities Act and applicable state
securities laws. For a description of the
consequences of failing to exchange your
old notes, see Risk Factors and
Description of the Exchange OfferCertain
Consequences to Holders of Old Notes Not
Tendering in the Exchange Offer. |
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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
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There are no guaranteed delivery procedures
provided for in conjunction with the
exchange offer under the terms of this |
7
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prospectus and the accompanying letter of
transmittal. |
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Amendments
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If the exchange offer is amended in a
manner that we determine constitutes a
material change, we will extend the
exchange offer for a period of two to ten
business days, depending upon certain
factors, if the exchange offer would
otherwise have expired during that two to
ten business day period. |
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Taxation
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The exchange of old notes for new notes to
be issued in the exchange offer should not
be a taxable event for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. For a summary of the
material U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the exchange offer, see
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences. |
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Exchange Agent
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The Bank of New York is the exchange agent
for the exchange offer. The address and
telephone numbers of The Bank of New York
are listed under the heading The Exchange
OfferExchange Agent. |
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Fees and Expenses
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We will bear all expenses incident to the
exchange offer. If, however, a tendering
holder handles the transaction through its
bank, broker, dealer, trust company or
other institution, that holder may be
required to pay brokerage fees and
commissions. |
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Use of Proceeds
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We will not receive any proceeds from the
issuance of new notes in the exchange
offer. See Use of Proceeds. |
8
Summary of the New Notes
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Issuer
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ArvinMeritor, Inc. |
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Principal Amount Offered
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$252,537,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.125%
Notes due 2015. |
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Maturity Date
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September 15, 2015. |
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Interest
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Interest will accrue from September 30, 2005 and
will be payable semi-annually, in arrears, on
March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning
on March 15, 2006. |
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Interest Rate
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8.125% per annum. |
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Ratings
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The new notes are expected to be rated Ba2 by
Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or Moodys,
and BB by Standard & Poors Ratings Services, or
S&P. Such ratings reflect only the views of
Moodys and S&P, respectively, and are not
recommendations to buy, sell or hold the new
notes. |
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Guarantees
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Each of our subsidiaries guaranteeing our bank
credit facility will guarantee the new notes on a
senior unsecured basis. These guarantees will
remain in effect until the earlier to occur of
payment in full of the new notes or termination
or release of the guarantees under our bank
credit facility. |
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Ranking
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The new notes will be our senior unsecured
obligations and will rank equally with all of our
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.
The new notes will be effectively subordinated to
all of our existing and future secured debt to
the extent of the assets securing that debt and
to all the debt and other liabilities of our
subsidiaries which are not guarantors of the new
notes. As of September 30, 2005, we had
approximately $1.582 billion of indebtedness
outstanding on a consolidated basis, $1.396
billion of which would rank equally with the new
notes. |
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The guarantees by our subsidiaries will rank
equally with existing and future unsecured senior
debt of such subsidiaries. The guarantees by our
subsidiaries will be effectively subordinated to
all of the existing and future secured debt of
such subsidiaries, to the extent of the value of
the assets securing such debt. |
9
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Optional Redemption
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We may redeem the new notes at any time at our option, in whole
or in part, at a redemption price equal to the greater of: |
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·
100% of the principal amount of the new notes to be redeemed; or
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· the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled
payments of principal and interest on the new notes being
redeemed from the redemption date to the maturity date discounted
to the date of the redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a
360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at a discount
rate equal to the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points.
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We will also pay the accrued and unpaid interest on the new notes
to the redemption date. |
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Form and Denomination
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The new notes will be issued in fully-registered form. The new
notes will be represented by one or more global notes, deposited
with a trustee as a custodian for DTC and registered in the name
of Cede & Co., DTCs nominee. Beneficial interests in the global
notes will be shown on, and any transfers will be effective only
through, records maintained by DTC and its participants.
Interests in the global notes will be issued in minimum
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
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Covenants
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The indenture governing the new notes contains a limitation on
our ability to incur or guarantee indebtedness that is secured by
a mortgage on any of our principal properties or a lien on the
stock or indebtedness of our subsidiaries in certain
circumstances. The indenture also limits our ability to conduct
certain sale and leaseback transactions with respect to our
principal properties. In addition, we may not merge or
consolidate into or with another corporation or sell
substantially all our assets unless certain conditions are met.
These covenants are subject to important exceptions and
qualifications described under Description of the New
NotesCertain Covenants with Respect to the New Notes. |
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Events of Default
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For a discussion of events that will permit acceleration of the
payment of the principal of and accrued interest on the new
notes, see Description of the New NotesDefaults And Certain
Rights on Default. |
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Listing
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We do not intend to list the new notes on any securities exchange. |
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Governing Law
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The new notes and the indenture will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. |
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Book-Entry Depository
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DTC |
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Trustee
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BNY Midwest Trust Company |
10
RISK FACTORS
Your decision whether to participate in the exchange offer, and any investment in the new
notes, will involve risk. You should carefully consider the following risks factors along with the
risks and uncertainties discussed under Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and the
other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the
information set forth under the caption Certain Risk Factors in our Form 10-K for the year ended
October 2, 2005, before making a decision to participate in the exchange offer.
You may have difficulty selling the old notes that you do not exchange.
If you do not exchange your old notes for new notes in the exchange offer, you will continue
to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of your old notes described in the legend on your old
notes. The restrictions on transfer of your old notes arise because we issued the old notes under
exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities
Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, you may only offer or sell the old notes if
they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or offered and
sold under an exemption from these requirements. We do not intend to register the old notes under
the Securities Act. To the extent old notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the
trading market, if any, for the remaining old notes would be adversely affected.
You may find it difficult to sell your new notes because there is no existing trading market for
the new notes.
You may find it difficult to sell your new notes because an active trading market for the new
notes may not develop. There is no existing trading market for the new notes. We do not intend to
apply for listing or quotation of the new notes on any exchange, so we do not know the extent to
which investor interest will lead to the development of a trading market or how liquid that market
might be. As a result, the market price of the new notes, as well as your ability to sell the new
notes, could be adversely affected.
The consummation of the exchange offer may not occur.
We are not obligated to complete the exchange offer unless the conditions described herein are
met or waived. Even if the exchange offer is completed, it may not be completed on the schedule
described in this prospectus. Accordingly, holders participating in the exchange offer may have to
wait longer than expected to receive their new notes, during which time those holders of old notes
will not be able to effect transfers of their old notes tendered in the exchange offer, unless they
withdraw their old notes.
Broker-dealers or noteholders may become subject to the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act.
Any broker-dealer that (i) exchanges its old notes in the exchange offer for the purpose of
participating in a distribution of the new notes or (ii) resells new notes that were received by it
for its own account in the exchange offer may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning
of the Securities Act and will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction by that broker-dealer.
Any profit on the resale of the new notes and any commission or concessions received by a
broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. In addition
to broker-dealers, any noteholder that exchanges its old notes in the exchange offer for the
purpose of participating in a distribution of the new notes may be deemed to be an underwriter
and will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction by that noteholder.
11
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents that we incorporate by reference may contain statements
relating to our future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or
phrases such as believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, should, are likely to be, will
and similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of
certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:
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global economic and market conditions; |
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the demand for commercial, specialty and light vehicles for which the company supplies products; |
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risks inherent in operating abroad (including foreign currency exchange rates and
potential disruption of production and supply due to terrorist attacks or acts of
aggression); |
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the availability and cost of raw materials, including steel; |
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OEM program delays; |
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demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; |
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successful development of new products; |
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reliance on major OEM customers; |
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labor relations of the Company, its customers and suppliers, including potential
disruptions in supply of parts to our facilities or demand for our products due to work
stoppages; |
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the financial condition of the Companys suppliers and customers, including potential bankruptcies; |
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successful integration of acquired or merged businesses; |
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the ability to achieve the expected annual savings and synergies from past and future
business combinations; |
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success and timing of potential divestitures; |
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potential impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill; |
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competitive product and pricing pressures; |
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the amount of the Companys debt; |
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the ability of the Company to access capital markets; |
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the credit ratings of the Companys debt; |
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the outcome of existing and any future legal proceedings, including any litigation with
respect to environmental or asbestos-related matters; |
as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed herein and
from time to time in other filings of the Company with the SEC. These forward-looking statements
are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise
the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as otherwise required by law.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the new notes in the exchange offer. In
consideration for issuing the new notes, we will receive the old notes in like principal amount.
The old notes surrendered in exchange for new notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be
reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the new notes will not result in any increase in our
indebtedness.
We issued the old notes on September 30, 2005 and paid approximately $5.8 million in cash in
exchange for $252,537,000 aggregate principal amount of the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes. We did
not receive any cash proceeds from that exchange offer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Purpose of the Exchange Offer
When we issued the old notes on September 30, 2005, we entered into a registration rights
agreement with the dealer managers of that exchange offer. Under the registration rights agreement,
we agreed to file a registration
12
statement regarding the exchange of the old notes for new notes that are registered under the
Securities Act. We also agreed to cause the registration statement to become effective with the SEC
and to conduct this exchange offer after the registration statement is declared effective. We will
keep this registration statement effective until the 210th day after this exchange offer is
completed. The registration rights agreement provides that we will be required to pay additional
interest to the holders of the old notes if:
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the registration statement is not filed by January 28, 2006; |
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the registration statement is not declared effective by April 28, 2006; |
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neither the exchange offer has been completed nor the shelf registration
statement that we are required to file under specified circumstances described in the
registration rights agreement has been declared effective by May 28, 2006; |
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the shelf registration statement has not been declared effective by the 120th
day after it is required to be filed; |
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after the registration statement has been declared effective, it ceases to be
effective or usable prior to the consummation of this exchange offer; or |
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after the shelf registration statement, if any, has been declared effective, it
ceases to be effective or usable for more than 60 days during any 12-month period in which
it is required to be effective. |
Additional interest will be paid for the period of the occurrence of the default (but only
with respect to the default at any particular time) until the time that no default is in effect, at
an amount per annum equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of old notes during the first
90-day period following the occurrence of such default which rate shall increase by an additional
0.25% during each subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum of 1.00%. Additional interest will be
paid on interest payment dates to the holders of record for the payment of interest. Any additional
interest will constitute liquidated damages and will be the exclusive remedy, monetary or
otherwise, available.
A copy of the registration rights agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Terms of the Exchange Offer
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and the letter of
transmittal, which together constitute the terms of the exchange offer, we will accept any and all
old notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to midnight, New York City time, on the
expiration date.
We will not pay any accrued and unpaid interest on the old notes that we acquire in the
exchange offer. Interest on the new notes will accrue from September 30, 2005, the date on which
interest began to accrue on the old notes, or from the most recent date to which interest has been
paid or provided for on the old notes. If your old notes are accepted for exchange, then you will
receive interest on the new notes and not on the old notes.
The terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the old
notes, except that:
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the new notes are registered under the Securities Act; |
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the new notes do not bear legends restricting their transfer; and |
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the new notes do not contain registration rights, including rights relating to
the payment of additional interest in specified circumstances relating to the exchange
offer. |
The new notes will evidence the same debt as the old notes. The new notes will be issued under
the same indenture and entitled to the same benefits under that indenture as the old notes being
exchanged. As of the date of
13
this prospectus, $252,537,000 in aggregate principal amount of the old notes were outstanding.
Old notes accepted for exchange will be retired and cancelled and not reissued.
We will be considered to have accepted validly tendered old notes if and when we have given
oral or written notice to that effect to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent
for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the new notes from us.
If we do not accept any tendered old notes for exchange because of an invalid tender, the
occurrence of the other events described in this prospectus or otherwise, we will return these old
notes, without expense, to the tendering holder as soon as practicable after the expiration date of
the exchange offer.
If we successfully complete the exchange offer, any old notes which holders do not tender or
which we do not accept in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue
interest. The holders of old notes after the exchange offer in general will not have further rights
under the registration rights agreement, including registration rights and any rights to additional
interest. Holders wishing to transfer the old notes would have to rely on exemptions from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act.
We will conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the applicable requirements of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination
For purposes of the exchange offer, the term expiration date means 12:00 midnight, New York
City time, on March 14, 2006, subject to our right to extend that time and date in our absolute
discretion, in which case the expiration date means the latest time and date to which the exchange
offer is extended.
We reserve the right, in our absolute discretion, by giving oral or written notice to the
exchange agent, to:
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extend the exchange offer; |
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terminate the exchange offer if a condition to our obligation to exchange old
notes for new notes is not satisfied or waived on or prior to the expiration date; and |
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amend the exchange offer. |
If the exchange offer is amended in a manner that we determine constitutes a material change,
we will extend the exchange offer for a period of two to ten business days, depending upon the
significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure to the holders, if the exchange offer
would otherwise have expired during that two to ten business day period.
We will notify holders of the old notes of any extension, amendment or termination of the
exchange offer by issuing a press release or other public announcement. We will announce any
extension of the expiration date no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the first business
day after the previously scheduled expiration date. We have no other obligation to publish,
advertise or otherwise communicate any information about any extension, amendment or termination.
Settlement Date
We will deliver the new notes on the settlement date, which will be the second business day
following the expiration date or as soon as practicable thereafter. We will not be obligated to
deliver new notes unless the exchange offer is consummated.
Conditions to the Exchange Offer
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the exchange offer, or any extension of the exchange
offer, we will not be required to issue new notes and we may terminate the exchange offer or, at
our option, modify, extend or
14
otherwise amend the exchange offer, if any of the following conditions have not been satisfied
or waived on or prior to the expiration date:
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no action or event shall have occurred or been threatened, no action shall have been
taken, and no statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, stay, decree or injunction shall
have been promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced or deemed to be applicable to the
exchange offer or the exchange of old notes for new notes under the exchange offer by or
before any court or governmental regulatory or administrative agency, authority or
tribunal, including, without limitation, taxing authorities, that either: |
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challenges the making of the exchange offer or the exchange of old notes for new
notes under the exchange offer or might, directly or indirectly, prohibit, prevent,
restrict or delay consummation of, or might otherwise adversely affect in any material
manner, the exchange offer or the exchange of old notes for new notes under the exchange
offer; or |
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in our reasonable judgment, could materially adversely affect our business,
condition (financial or otherwise), income, operations, properties, assets, liabilities
or prospects or materially impair the contemplated benefits to us of the exchange offer
or the exchange of old notes for new notes under the exchange offer; |
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nothing has occurred or may occur that would or might, in our reasonable judgment,
prohibit, prevent or delay the exchange offer or impair us from realizing the anticipated
benefits of the exchange offer; |
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there shall not have occurred (a) any general suspension of or limitation on trading in
securities on the New York Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market, whether or not
mandatory, (b) any material adverse change in the prices of the old notes, (c) a material
impairment in the general trading market for debt securities, (d) a declaration of a
banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks by federal or state
authorities in the United States, whether or not mandatory, (e) a commencement of a war,
armed hostilities, a terrorist act or other national or international calamity directly or
indirectly relating to the United States, (f) any limitation, whether or not mandatory, by
any governmental authority on, or other event having a reasonable likelihood of affecting,
the extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in the United States, (g)
any material adverse change in the securities or financial markets in the United States
generally or (h) in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the time of the
commencement of the exchange offer, a material acceleration or worsening thereof; and |
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the trustee with respect to the indenture for the old notes and the new notes shall not
have objected in any respect to, or taken any action that could, in our reasonable
judgment, adversely affect the consummation of the exchange offer or the exchange of old
notes for new notes under the exchange offer, nor shall the trustee have taken any action
that challenges the validity or effectiveness of the procedures used by us in making the
exchange offer or the exchange of old notes for new notes under the exchange offer. |
The foregoing conditions are for our sole benefit and may be waived by us, in whole or in
part, at our absolute discretion. Any determination made by us concerning an event, development or
circumstance described or referred to above will be conclusive and binding.
If any of the foregoing conditions are not satisfied, we may, at any time on or prior to the
expiration date:
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terminate the exchange offer and return all tendered old notes to the
respective tendering holders; |
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modify, extend or otherwise amend the exchange offer and retain all tendered
old notes until the expiration date, as extended, subject, however, to the withdrawal
rights of holders; or |
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waive the unsatisfied conditions with respect to the exchange offer and accept
all old notes tendered and not previously validly withdrawn. |
15
Resales of New Notes
We are making the exchange offer in reliance on the position of the staff of the SEC as set
forth in interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other transactions. For further
information on the SECs position, see Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation, available May 13, 1988,
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, available June 5, 1991 and Shearman & Sterling, available July
2, 1993, and other interpretive letters to similar effect. We have not sought our own interpretive
letter, however, and we cannot assure you that the staff would make a similar determination with
respect to the exchange offer as it has in interpretive letters to third parties. Based on these
interpretations by the staff, we believe that the new notes issued under the exchange offer may be
offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you, without further compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, so long as you:
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are acquiring the new notes in the ordinary course of your business; |
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are not participating in, and do not intend to participate in, a distribution
of the new notes within the meaning of the Securities Act and have no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the new notes within the
meaning of the Securities Act; |
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are not a broker-dealer who acquired the old notes directly from us; and |
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are not an affiliate of ours, within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act. |
By tendering the old notes in exchange for new notes, you will be required to represent to us
that each of the above statements applies to you. If you are participating in, or intend to
participate in, a distribution of the new notes, or have any arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate in a distribution of the new notes to be acquired in this exchange offer, you
may not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC. In addition, in such case,
you will have to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any secondary resale transaction.
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes,
where such old notes were acquired by such broker dealer as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities, may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act and must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the new
notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act. A broker-dealer may use this prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes which the
broker-dealer acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities. See Plan of
Distribution.
Effect of Tender
Any tender by a holder, and our subsequent acceptance of that tender, of old notes will
constitute a binding agreement between that holder and us upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the exchange offer described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal. The
acceptance of the exchange offer by a tendering holder of old notes will constitute the agreement
by that holder to deliver good and marketable title to the tendered old notes, free and clear of
any and all liens, restrictions, charges, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or rights of
any kind of third parties.
Certain Consequences to Holders of Old Notes Not Tendering in the Exchange Offer
Old notes that are not tendered or are tendered but not accepted will, following the
consummation of the exchange offer, continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set
forth in the legend on the old notes and in the offering memorandum dated August 31, 2005, relating
to the old notes. Except in limited circumstances with respect to specific types of holders of old
notes, we will have no further obligation to provide for the registration under the Securities Act
of such old notes. In general, old notes, unless registered under the Securities Act, may not be
offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the
registration requirements of the
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Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not currently anticipate that we
will take any action to register the old notes under the Securities Act or under any state
securities laws.
Letter of Transmittal: Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Holders of Old Notes
Upon the submission of the letter of transmittal, or the agreement to the terms of the letter
of transmittal pursuant to an agents message, a holder, or the beneficial holder of old notes on
behalf of which the holder has tendered, will, subject to that holders ability to withdraw its
tender, and subject to the terms and conditions of the exchange offer generally, be deemed, among
other things, to:
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irrevocably sell, assign and transfer to or upon our order or the order of our nominee
all right, title and interest in and to, and any and all claims in respect of or arising or
having arisen as a result of the holders status as a holder of, all old notes tendered
thereby, such that thereafter the holder shall have no contractual or other rights or
claims in law or equity against us or any fiduciary, trustee, fiscal agent or other person
connected with the old notes arising under, from or in connection with those old notes; |
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waive any and all rights with respect to the old notes tendered thereby, including,
without limitation, any existing or past defaults and their consequences in respect of
those old notes; and |
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release and discharge us and the trustee for the old notes from any and all claims that
the holder may have, now or in the future, arising out of or related to the old notes
tendered thereby, including, without limitation, any claims that the holder is entitled to
receive additional principal or interest payments with respect to the old notes tendered
thereby, other than accrued and unpaid interest on the old notes or as otherwise expressly
provided in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal, or to participate in any
redemption or defeasance of the old notes tendered thereby. |
In addition, each holder of old notes will be deemed to represent, warrant and agree that:
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it has received and reviewed this prospectus; |
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it is the beneficial owner (as defined below) of, or a duly authorized representative
of one or more beneficial owners of, the old notes tendered thereby, and it has full power
and authority to execute the letter of transmittal; |
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the old notes being tendered thereby were owned as of the date of tender, free and
clear of any liens, charges, claims, encumbrances, interests and restrictions of any kind,
and we will acquire good, indefeasible and unencumbered title to those old notes, free and
clear of all liens, charges, claims, encumbrances, interests and restrictions of any kind,
when we accept the same; |
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it will not sell, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber or transfer any old notes
tendered thereby from the date of the letter of transmittal, and any purported sale,
pledge, hypothecation or other encumbrance or transfer will be void and of no effect; |
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in evaluating the exchange offer and in making its decision whether to participate in
the exchange offer by submitting a letter of transmittal and tendering its old notes, it
has made its own independent appraisal of the matters referred to in this prospectus and
the letter of transmittal and in any related communications and it is not relying on any
statement, representation or warranty, express or implied, made to it by us or the exchange
agent, other than those contained in this prospectus, as amended or supplemented through
the expiration date; |
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the execution and delivery of the letter of transmittal shall constitute an undertaking
to execute any further documents and give any further assurances that may be required in
connection with any of the foregoing, in each case on and subject to the terms and
conditions described or referred to in this prospectus; |
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the submission of the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent shall, subject to a
holders ability to withdraw its tender prior to the expiration date, and subject to the
terms and conditions of the exchange offer, |
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constitute the irrevocable appointment of the exchange agent as its attorney and agent and an
irrevocable instruction to that attorney and agent to complete and execute all or any forms
of transfer and other documents at the discretion of that attorney and agent in relation to
the old notes tendered thereby in favor of us or any other person or persons as we may direct
and to deliver those forms of transfer and other documents in the attorneys and agents
discretion and the certificates and other documents of title relating to the registration of
old notes and to execute all other documents and to do all other acts and things as may be in
the opinion of that attorney or agent necessary or expedient for the purpose of, or in
connection with, the acceptance of the exchange offer, and to vest in us or our nominees
those old notes; |
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if the old notes are assets of (i) an employee benefit plan as defined in Section
3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, that
is subject to Title I of ERISA, (ii) a plan as defined in Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, (iii) a governmental plan as defined in
Section 3(32) of ERISA or any other plan that is subject to a law substantially similar to
Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or (iv) an entity deemed to hold plan assets
of any of the foregoing, the exchange of the old notes and the acquisition, holding and
disposition of the new notes will not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under
ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any substantially similar applicable law; |
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it is acquiring the new notes in the ordinary course of its business; |
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it is not participating in, and does not intend to participate in, a distribution of
the new notes within the meaning of the Securities Act and has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the new notes within the
meaning of the Securities Act; |
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it is not a broker-dealer who acquired the old notes directly from us; |
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it is not an affiliate of ours, within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act;
and |
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the terms and conditions of the exchange offer shall be deemed to be incorporated in,
and form a part of, the letter of transmittal, which shall be read and construed
accordingly. |
The representations, warranties and agreements of a holder tendering old notes will be deemed
to be repeated and reconfirmed on and as of the expiration date and the settlement date. For
purposes of this prospectus, the beneficial owner of any old notes means any holder that
exercises investment discretion with respect to those old notes.
Absence of Dissenters Rights
Holders of the old notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters rights in connection with
the exchange offer.
Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange and Delivery of New Notes
On the settlement date, new notes to be issued in exchange for old notes in the exchange
offer, if consummated, will be delivered in book-entry form.
We will be deemed to accept validly tendered old notes that have not been validly withdrawn as
provided in this prospectus when, and if, we give oral or written notice of acceptance to the
exchange agent. Subject to the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, delivery of the new
notes will be made by the exchange agent on the settlement date upon receipt of that notice. The
exchange agent will act as agent for tendering holders of old notes for the purpose of receiving
old notes and transmitting new notes as of the settlement date. If any tendered old notes are not
accepted for any reason described in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, such
unaccepted old notes will be returned without expense to the tendering holders as promptly as
practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.
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Procedures for Tendering
If you wish to participate in the exchange offer and your old notes are held by a custodial
entity such as a bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee, you must instruct that
custodial entity to tender your old notes on your behalf pursuant to the procedures of that
custodial entity.
To participate in the exchange offer, your must either:
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complete, sign and date a letter of transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, in
accordance with the instructions in the letter of transmittal, including guaranteeing the
signatures to the letter of transmittal, if required, and mail or otherwise deliver the
letter of transmittal or a facsimile thereof, together with the certificates representing
your old notes specified in the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent at the address
listed in the letter of transmittal, for receipt on or prior to the expiration date; or |
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comply with the ATOP procedures for book-entry transfer described below on or
prior to the expiration date. |
The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that the exchange offer is eligible for ATOP. The
letter of transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, with any required signature guarantees, or, in the
case of book-entry transfer, an agents message in lieu of the letter of transmittal, and any other
required documents, must be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent on or prior to the
expiration date. Old notes will not be deemed to have been tendered until the letter of transmittal
and signature guarantees, if any, or agents message, is received by the exchange agent.
The method of delivery of old notes, the letter of transmittal and all other required
documents to the exchange agent is at the election and risk of the holder. Holders should use an
overnight or hand delivery service, properly insured. In all cases, sufficient time should be
allowed to assure delivery to and receipt by the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date.
Do not send the letter of transmittal or any old notes to anyone other than the exchange agent.
If you are tendering your old notes in exchange for new notes and anticipate delivering your
letter of transmittal and other documents other than through DTC, we urge you to contact promptly a
bank, broker or other intermediary that has the capability to hold notes custodially through DTC to
arrange for receipt of any new notes to be delivered pursuant to the exchange offer and to obtain
the information necessary to provide the required DTC participant with account information in the
letter of transmittal.
Book-Entry Delivery Procedures for Tendering Old Notes Held with DTC
If you wish to tender old notes held on your behalf by a nominee with DTC, you must:
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inform your nominee of your interest in tendering your old notes pursuant to
the exchange offer; and |
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instruct your nominee to tender all old notes you wish to be tendered in the
exchange offer into the exchange agents account at DTC on or prior to the expiration date. |
Any financial institution that is a nominee in DTC, including Euroclear and Clearstream, must
tender old notes by effecting a book-entry transfer of old notes to be tendered in the exchange
offer into the account of the exchange agent at DTC by electronically transmitting its acceptance
of the exchange offer through the ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then verify the
acceptance, execute a book-entry delivery to the exchange agents account at DTC and send an
agents message to the exchange agent. An agents message is a message, transmitted by DTC to,
and received by, the exchange agent and forming part of a book-entry confirmation, which states
that DTC has received an express acknowledgement from an organization that participates in DTC,
which we refer to as a participant, tendering old notes that the participant has received and
agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal and that we may enforce the agreement
against the participant. A letter of transmittal need not accompany tenders effected through ATOP.
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Proper Execution and Delivery of the Letter of Transmittal
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or notice of withdrawal described under Description of
the Exchange Offer-Withdrawal of Tenders, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor institution unless the old notes tendered pursuant to the letter of transmittal are
tendered for the account of an eligible institution.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by the holders of old notes tendered thereby, the
signatures must correspond with the names as written on the face of the old notes without any
change whatsoever. If any of the old notes tendered thereby are held by two or more holders, each
holder must sign the letter of transmittal. If any of the old notes tendered thereby are registered
in different names on different old notes, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as
many separate letters of transmittal, and any accompanying documents, as there are different
registrations of certificates.
If old notes that are not tendered for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer are to be
returned to a person other than the tendering holder, certificates for those old notes must be
endorsed or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of transfer, signed exactly as the name of the
registered owner appears on the certificates, with the signatures on the certificates or
instruments of transfer guaranteed by an eligible institution.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the holder of any old notes
listed in the letter of transmittal, those old notes must be properly endorsed or accompanied by a
properly completed bond power, signed by the holder exactly as the holders name appears on those
old notes. If the letter of transmittal or any old notes, bond powers or other instruments of
transfer are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, those persons should so
indicate when signing, and, unless waived by us, evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to
so act must be submitted with the letter of transmittal.
No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be accepted. By executing
the letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof, the tendering holders of old notes waive any right
to receive any notice of the acceptance for exchange of their old notes. Tendering holders should
indicate in the applicable box in the letter of transmittal the name and address to which
substitute certificates evidencing old notes for amounts not tendered or not exchanged are to be
issued or sent, if different from the name and address of the person signing the letter of
transmittal. If those instructions are not given, old notes not tendered or exchanged will be
returned to the tendering holder.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance
and withdrawal of tendered old notes will be determined by us in our absolute discretion, which
determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all
tendered old notes determined by us not to be in proper form or not to be tendered properly or any
tendered old notes our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We
also reserve the right to waive, in our absolute discretion, any defects, irregularities or
conditions of tender as to particular old notes, whether or not waived in the case of other old
notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the terms
and instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless
waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of old notes must be cured within
the time we determine. Although we intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with
respect to tenders of old notes, neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will be under
any duty to give that notification or shall incur any liability for failure to give that
notification. Tenders of old notes will not be deemed to have been made until any defects or
irregularities therein have been cured or waived.
Any holder whose old notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed will be responsible
for obtaining replacement securities or for arranging for indemnification with the trustee of the
old notes. Holders may contact the information agent for assistance with these matters.
Withdrawal of Tenders
You may withdraw tenders of old notes at any time prior to the close of business on the
expiration date.
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For a withdrawal of a tender to be effective, a written or facsimile transmission notice of
withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration date at its address
listed in this prospectus. The withdrawal notice must:
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specify the name of the tendering holder of old notes; |
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bear a description of the old notes to be withdrawn; |
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specify, in the case of old notes tendered by delivery of certificates for those old
notes, the certificate numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing those old
notes; |
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specify the aggregate principal amount represented by those old notes; |
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specify, in the case of old notes tendered by delivery of certificates for those old
notes, the name of the registered holder, if different from that of the tendering holder,
or specify, in the case of old notes tendered by book-entry transfer, the name and number
of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn old notes; and |
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be signed by the holder of those old notes in the same manner as the original signature
on the letter of transmittal, including any required signature guarantees, or be
accompanied by evidence satisfactory to us that the person withdrawing the tender has
succeeded to the beneficial ownership of those old notes. |
The signature on any notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor
institution, unless the old notes have been tendered for the account of an eligible guarantor
institution. An eligible guarantor institution is one of the following firms or other entities
identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (as the terms are used in Rule 17Ad-15):
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a bank; |
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a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, municipal securities broker, government
securities dealer or government securities broker; |
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a credit union; |
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a national securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing agency;
or |
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a savings institution that is a participant in a Securities Transfer Association
recognized program. |
Withdrawal of tenders of old notes may not be rescinded, and any old notes validly withdrawn
will thereafter be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer.
Validly withdrawn old notes may, however, be re-tendered by again following one of the procedures
described in Procedures for Tendering on or prior to the expiration date.
Exchange Agent
The Bank of New York has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. Letters
of transmittal and all correspondence in connection with the exchange offer should be sent or
delivered by each holder of old notes, or a beneficial owners commercial bank, broker, dealer,
trust company or other nominee, to the exchange agent at the address listed below. We will pay the
exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
The Bank of New York, Exchange Agent
By Mail, Hand Delivery and Overnight
Courier:
101 Barclay Street 7 East
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New York, New York 10286
Attention: Corporate Trust Department Reorganization Unit
By Facsimile (for Eligible Institutions only):
(212) 298-1915
Confirm by Telephone: (212) 815-3687
Announcements
We may make any announcement required pursuant to the terms of this prospectus or required by
the Exchange Act or the rules promulgated thereunder through a reasonable press release or other
public announcement in our sole discretion; provided, that, if any such announcement is made by
issuing a press release to the Dow Jones News Service, such announcement shall be reasonable and
sufficient.
Accounting Treatment
The new notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the old notes, which will be the
aggregate principal amount of the old notes as reflected in our accounting records on the date of
the exchange.
Other Fees and Expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders of the old notes. The principal solicitation
is being made by mail. Additional solicitations may, however, be made by e-mail, facsimile
transmission, telephone or in person by our officers and other employees and those of our
affiliates.
Tendering holders of old notes will not be required to pay any fee or commission to the
exchange agent. If, however, a tendering holder handles the transaction through its broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other institution, that holder may be required to pay brokerage
fees or commissions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES
The following description is only a summary of certain provisions of the Indenture (as defined
below) and the new notes. The description is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, all the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of terms in the
Indenture. When used in this section, the terms ArvinMeritor, the Company, we, our and us
refer solely to ArvinMeritor, Inc. and not to any of its consolidated subsidiaries or affiliates.
General
We will issue the new notes under an indenture dated as of April 1, 1998 between us and BNY
Midwest Trust Company, as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee (as supplemented, the
Indenture). The Indenture will not limit the amount of additional unsecured indebtedness ranking
equally and ratably with the new notes that we may incur. We may, from time to time, without the
consent of the holders of the new notes, issue notes under the Indenture in addition, and with
identical terms, to the new notes. The statements in this prospectus concerning the new notes and
the Indenture are not complete and you should refer to the provisions in the Indenture which are
controlling. The Indenture is filed as Exhibit 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.
333-49777). Capitalized terms unless otherwise defined herein, have the meanings ascribed to them
in the Indenture. Such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.
Maturity
The new notes will mature on September 15, 2015.
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Interest Rate
The new notes will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 8.125%. Interest will accrue
from the date of issuance of the old notes or from the most recent date to which interest has been
paid or provided for on the old notes. We will pay interest on March 15 and September 15 of each
year, starting March 15, 2006, to the persons in whose names the new notes are registered on the
close of business on the applicable preceding March 1 and September 1. Interest will be computed
on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. All dollar amounts resulting
from this calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent. If either a date for payment of
principal or interest, the maturity date of the new notes or a redemption date falls on a day that
is not a business day, the payment due on such date will be postponed to the next succeeding
business day, and no further interest will accrue in respect of such postponement. Business day
means any day which is a day on which commercial banks settle payments and are open for general
business in New York City.
Ranking and Guarantees
The new notes will be our senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally with our other
unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The new notes will be effectively subordinated to all
liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries which are not guarantors of the new
notes. Since we conduct many of our operations through our subsidiaries, our right to participate
in any distribution of the assets of a subsidiary when it winds up its business is subject to the
prior claims of the creditors of the subsidiary. This means that your right as a holder of our new
notes will also be subject to the prior claims of these creditors if a subsidiary which is not a
guarantor of the new notes liquidates or reorganizes or otherwise winds up its business. Unless we
are considered a creditor of the subsidiary, your claims will not be recognized ahead of these
creditors. As of September 30, 2005, we had approximately $1.582 billion of debt outstanding on a
consolidated basis, of which $1.396 billion would rank equally with the new notes. The Indenture
does not limit the incurrence of unsecured debt by us or our subsidiaries. The new notes will be
effectively subordinated to any of our secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets
securing such debt. The Indenture permits, subject to certain limitations, us and our restricted
subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to incur secured debt.
Certain of our domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries have issued guarantees of amounts
outstanding under our bank credit facility and have issued similar guarantees for the benefit of
the lessor, lenders and agent under a lease agreement. We have provided similar subsidiary
guarantees for the benefit of the holders of the old notes, and these guarantees will be amended to
include the holders of the new notes. These guarantees will remain in effect until the earlier to
occur of payment in full of the notes issued under the Indenture (including the new notes) or
termination or release of the guarantees under the bank credit facility. The guarantees by our
subsidiaries will rank equally with existing and future unsecured senior debt of such subsidiaries.
The guarantees by our subsidiaries will be effectively subordinated to all of the existing and
future secured debt of such subsidiaries, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such
debt.
We may from time to time, without giving notice to or seeking the consent of the holders of
the new notes, issue notes having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other
terms as the new notes. Any additional securities having such similar terms, together with the new
notes, will constitute a single series of securities under the Indenture.
Denominations
The authorized denominations of the new notes will be $1,000 or any amount in excess of $1,000
which is an integral multiple of $1,000. No service charge will be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of the new notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with the transaction.
Optional Redemption
The new notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time, at
our option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of:
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100% of the principal amount of the new notes to be redeemed; or |
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the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest on the new notes being redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of
redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day
year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 50 basis
points, |
plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the date
of redemption.
Adjusted Treasury Rate means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per year equal
to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price
for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the
Comparable Treasury Price for the redemption date.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday and other than a day on which
banking institutions in Chicago, Illinois, or New York, New York, are authorized or obligated by
law, regulation or executive order to close.
Comparable Treasury Issue means the United States Treasury security selected by the
Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the new notes to be
redeemed that would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial
practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the
remaining term of such notes.
Comparable Treasury Price means, with respect to any redemption date, the average of the
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for that redemption date.
Quotation Agent means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by us.
Reference Treasury Dealer means Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and its respective successors;
provided, however, that if Citigroup Global Markets Inc. or its successors shall cease to be a
primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a Primary Treasury Dealer), we will
substitute for it another nationally recognized investment bank that is a Primary Treasury Dealer.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer
and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the bid and asked
prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal
amount) quoted in writing to the Quotation Agent at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third
Business Day preceding such redemption date.
We will mail notice of a redemption to holders of notes by first-class mail at least 30 and
not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption. If fewer than all of the notes are to
be redeemed, the trustee will select, not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, the
particular notes or portions thereof for redemption from the outstanding notes not previously
called by such method as the trustee deems fair and appropriate.
Defeasance And Covenant Defeasance
Defeasance
ArvinMeritor will be discharged from its obligations in respect of the new notes if it
irrevocably deposits with the Trustee, in trust, sufficient money or U.S. government securities to
pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, and any other sums payable on the
new notes when due. ArvinMeritor must also deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the
effect that the holders of such new notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal
income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to
the same Federal income tax consequences as if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not
occurred. The opinion must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in
applicable Federal income tax law that occurred after the date of the Indenture. In the event of
any such deposit and discharge, the holders of the new notes would thereafter be entitled to look
only to the trust fund for payments on the debt securities.
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Covenant Defeasance
ArvinMeritor may omit to comply with certain covenants (including the limitations on liens and
Sale and Lease-Back Transactions) and such noncompliance will not be deemed to be an Event of
Default under the Indenture and the new notes, if ArvinMeritor irrevocably deposits with the
Trustee, in trust, sufficient money or U.S. government securities to pay the principal of (and
premium, if any), interest, if any, and any other sums payable on the new notes when due.
ArvinMeritor must also deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders
of the new notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a
result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and will be subject to the same
Federal income tax consequences as if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.
ArvinMeritors obligations under the Indenture and the new notes other than with respect to the
covenants referred to above and the Events of Default other than the Events of Default referred to
above will remain in full force and effect.
Registration, Transfer and Exchange
We appointed the Trustee as securities registrar for the purpose of registering the new notes
and transfers and exchanges of the new notes and, subject to the terms of the Indenture, the notes
may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the trustee.
Certain Covenants with Respect to the New Notes
Certain Definitions Applicable to Covenants
For purposes of the description of the covenants and other provisions in the Indenture:
Consolidated Funded Debt means the Funded Debt of ArvinMeritor and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Funded Debt
means (a) indebtedness for money borrowed having a stated or renewal maturity of more than 12
months, (b) certain obligations in respect of lease rentals and (c) the higher of the par value or
liquidation value of preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not owned by ArvinMeritor
or a Wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary, but, in the case of ArvinMeritor, does not include certain
debt subordinate to the new notes.
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets means, at any date of computation, the total amount of
consolidated assets of ArvinMeritor and its consolidated subsidiaries, less the sum of (a) all
current liabilities, except for (i) any short-term debt, (ii) any current portion of long-term debt
and (iii) any current portion of obligations under capital leases, and (b) all goodwill, trade
names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense (less unamortized debt premium)
and other like intangibles as shown on a balance sheet of ArvinMeritor and its consolidated
subsidiaries prepared not more than 90 days prior to the date of computation, in all cases computed
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Principal Property includes any real property (including buildings and other improvements)
of ArvinMeritor or any Restricted Subsidiary, owned at the date of the Indenture or thereafter
acquired (other than any pollution control facility, cogeneration facility or small power
production facility acquired after the date of the Indenture), which (i) has a book value in excess
of 2.5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets and (ii) in the opinion of the Board of Directors is of
material importance to the total business conducted by ArvinMeritor and its Restricted Subsidiaries
as a whole.
Restricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary means a Restricted Subsidiary of which ArvinMeritor directly
or indirectly owns all of the outstanding capital stock and all of the Funded Debt.
Sale and Lease-Back Transaction means, subject to certain exceptions, sales or transfers of
any Principal Property owned by ArvinMeritor or any Restricted Subsidiary which has been in full
operation for more than 180 days prior to such sale or transfer, where ArvinMeritor or such
Restricted Subsidiary has the intention of leasing back such property for more than 36 months but
discontinuing the use of such property on or before the expiration of the term of such lease.
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Secured Debt means indebtedness for money borrowed (other than indebtedness among
ArvinMeritor and Restricted Subsidiaries), which is secured by a mortgage or other lien on any
Principal Property of ArvinMeritor or a Restricted Subsidiary or a pledge, lien or other security
interest on the stock or indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary.
Subsidiary means a corporation of which ArvinMeritor directly or indirectly owns sufficient
shares of voting stock to elect a majority of the board of directors.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary designated as such from time to time by
ArvinMeritor. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be restricted by the various provisions of the Indenture
applicable to Restricted Subsidiaries, and the debt of Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be
consolidated with that of ArvinMeritor and its Restricted Subsidiaries in calculating Consolidated
Funded Debt under the Indenture.
Limitations on Liens
ArvinMeritor and its Restricted Subsidiaries are prohibited from creating, incurring, assuming
or suffering to exist any Secured Debt without equally and ratably securing the outstanding new
notes. These restrictions do not apply to:
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Secured Debt existing at the date of the Indenture; |
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liens on property acquired or constructed after the date of the Indenture by
ArvinMeritor or a Restricted Subsidiary and created contemporaneously with, or within
twelve months after, such acquisition or the completion of such construction to secure all
or any part of the purchase price of such property or the cost of such construction; |
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mortgages on property of ArvinMeritor or a Restricted Subsidiary created within twelve
months of completion of construction of a new plant or plants on such property to secure
all or part of the cost of such construction; |
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liens on property existing at the time such property is acquired; |
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liens on stock acquired after the date of the Indenture by ArvinMeritor or a Restricted
Subsidiary if the aggregate cost of all such stock does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets; |
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liens securing indebtedness of a successor corporation to ArvinMeritor to the extent
permitted by the Indenture; |
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liens securing indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary outstanding at the time it became
a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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liens securing indebtedness of any person outstanding at the time it is merged with or
substantially all its properties are acquired by ArvinMeritor or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
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liens on property or on the outstanding shares or indebtedness of a corporation existing
at the time such corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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liens created, incurred or assumed in connection with an industrial revenue bond,
pollution control bond or similar financing arrangement between ArvinMeritor or any
Restricted Subsidiary and any Federal, state or municipal government or other governmental
body or agency; |
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extensions, renewals or replacements of the foregoing permitted liens to the extent of
the original amounts thereof; |
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liens in connection with government and certain other contracts; |
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certain liens in connection with taxes or legal proceedings; |
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certain other liens not related to the borrowing of money; and |
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liens in connection with Sale and Lease-Back Transactions as described under
Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back. |
In addition, ArvinMeritor and its Restricted Subsidiaries may have Secured Debt not otherwise
permitted without equally and ratably securing the outstanding new notes if the sum of (a) the
amount of such Secured Debt plus (b) the aggregate value of Sale and Lease-Back Transactions
(subject to certain exceptions) described below, does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible
Assets.
Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back
Sale and Lease-Back Transactions are prohibited unless (a) ArvinMeritor or its Restricted
Subsidiaries would be entitled to incur Secured Debt equal to the amount realizable upon such sale
or transfer secured by a mortgage on the property to be leased without equally and ratably securing
the outstanding new notes; or (b) an amount equal to the greater of net proceeds of the sale or
fair value of the property sold as determined by the Board of Directors is applied within 180 days
of any such transaction (i) to the retirement of Consolidated Funded Debt or indebtedness of
ArvinMeritor or a Restricted Subsidiary that was Funded Debt at the time it was created (other than
Consolidated Funded Debt or indebtedness owed to ArvinMeritor or a Subsidiary), or (ii) to the
purchase of other Principal Property having a value at least equal to the greater of such amounts;
or (c) the Sale and Lease-Back Transaction involved was an industrial revenue bond, pollution
control bond or similar financing arrangement between ArvinMeritor or any Restricted Subsidiary and
any Federal, state, municipal government or other governmental body or agency.
Certain Limitations on Merger of the Company
ArvinMeritor may consolidate with or merge into any other corporation, or convey or transfer
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other entity, so long as certain
specified conditions are met, including (i) the corporation surviving the merger or consolidation,
or which acquires the assets, is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof
and expressly assumes ArvinMeritors obligations under the Indenture and (ii) after giving effect
to the transaction, there is no Event of Default (as defined below) or event which, after notice or
lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default. If, upon any such merger or consolidation
of ArvinMeritor or any such conveyance or transfer of its properties and assets, any Principal
Property of ArvinMeritor or a Restricted Subsidiary would become subject to any mortgage, security
interest, pledge, lien or encumbrance not otherwise permitted under the Indenture, ArvinMeritor
will, prior to such transaction, secure the outstanding new notes, equally and ratably with any
other indebtedness then entitled to be so secured, by a direct lien on such Principal Property and
certain other properties. The successor corporation formed by any such consolidation or merger, or
to which any such conveyance or transfer is made, shall succeed to and be substituted for
ArvinMeritor under the Indenture and thereafter ArvinMeritor shall be relieved of all obligations
and covenants under the Indenture and the new notes.
Modification Of Indenture And Waiver Of Certain Covenants
The Trustee and ArvinMeritor may execute a supplemental indenture to change the Indenture or
modify the rights of the holders of the new notes, with the consent of the holders of at least a
majority of the outstanding principal amount of the new notes. However, the consent of the holder
of each outstanding new note affected is required for execution of a supplemental indenture that
would (i) change the maturity of principal of or interest, if any, on any new note, reduce the
amount of any principal, premium or interest payment, change the currency in which any new note is
payable or impair the right to bring suit to enforce any payment rights, or (ii) reduce the
percentage of holders of new notes whose consent is required to authorize any such supplemental
indenture.
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The holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the new notes may waive
compliance by ArvinMeritor with certain covenants in the Indenture with respect to that series.
Defaults And Certain Rights On Default
An Event of Default with respect to the new notes means any of the following events:
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failure to pay any interest on the new notes for 30 days after it is due; |
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failure to pay principal of (and premium, if any, on) the new notes when due, whether at
maturity, upon acceleration or upon redemption; |
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failure to perform any other covenant in the Indenture for 90 days after notice; or |
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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or reorganization relating to ArvinMeritor. |
ArvinMeritor is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a written statement as to the
fulfillment of its obligations under the Indenture.
If an Event of Default occurs and continues, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the
outstanding principal amount of new notes may declare the principal of all the new notes to be
immediately due and payable. Such declaration may, under certain circumstances, be rescinded by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the new notes.
Other than its duties in case of an Event of Default, the Trustee is not obligated to exercise
any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any of the holders of new notes,
unless the holders offer to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity. If they provide this
reasonable security or indemnity, subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture, the
holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the new notes will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The holders of a majority of the
outstanding principal amount of the new notes may waive any past default with respect to the new
notes except a default in payment on any of the new notes.
Concerning The Trustee
BNY Midwest Trust Company is the Trustee under the Indenture relating to the new notes and for
certain of our outstanding senior debt securities. BNY Midwest Trust Company and certain of its
affiliates may from time to time have banking relationships with us and certain of our affiliates.
The Trustee under the Indenture relating to the new notes may from time to time make loans to
us and perform other services for us in the normal course of business. Under the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, which we refer to as the Trust Indenture Act, upon the
occurrence of a default under an indenture, if a trustee has a conflicting interest (as defined in
the Trust Indenture Act), the trustee must, within 90 days, either eliminate such conflicting
interest or resign. Under the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, an indenture trustee shall be
deemed to have a conflicting interest, among other things, if the trustee is a creditor of the
obligor. If the trustee fails either to eliminate the conflicting interest or to resign within 10
days after the expiration of such 90-day period, the trustee is required to notify security holders
to this effect and any security holder who has been a bona fide holder for at least six months may
petition a court to remove the trustee and to appoint a successor trustee.
Governing Law
The new notes and the indenture for all purposes will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
Except as set forth below, the new notes will be issued in registered, global form in minimum
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $1,000. The new notes will be
issued on the settlement date only in exchange for the old notes validly tendered and not withdrawn
in the exchange offer.
The new notes initially will be represented by one or more new notes in registered global form
without interest coupons (the Global Notes). The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance
with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (DTC), in New York, New York, and
registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case, for credit to an account of a direct or
indirect participant in DTC as described below.
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only
to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the
Global Notes may not be exchanged for definitive new notes in registered certificated form
(Certificated Notes) except in the limited circumstances described below. See BookEntry,
Delivery and Form-Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes. Except in the limited
circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be
entitled to receive physical delivery of new notes in certificated form.
Depository Procedures
The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream
are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within
the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. We take no
responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the system or
their participants directly to discuss these matters.
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for
its participating organizations (collectively, the Participants) and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of transactions in those securities between the Participants through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to
DTCs system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either
directly or indirectly (collectively, the Indirect Participants). Persons who are not
Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the
Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership
interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the
Participants and Indirect Participants.
DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established by it:
(1) upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of the Participants
designated by us with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and
(2) ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of
ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect
to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other
owners of beneficial interest in the Global Notes).
Investors in the Global Notes who are Participants may hold their interests therein directly
through DTC. Investors in the Global Notes who are not Participants may hold their interests
therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) which are
Participants. All interests in a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or
Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through
Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems.
The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of
securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global
Note to such Persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the
Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect Participants, the ability of a Person
having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to Persons that do not
participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be
affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.
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Except as described below, owners of interests in the Global Notes will not have new notes
registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of new notes in certificated form and
will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the Indenture for any
purpose.
Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, and liquidated
damages, if any, on, a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to
DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture,
we and the Trustee will treat the Persons in whose names the new notes, including the Global Notes,
are registered as the owners of the new notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all
other purposes. Consequently, none of the Company, the trustee or any agent of the Company or the
trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for:
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any aspect of DTCs records or any Participants or Indirect Participants records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest in the Global
Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTCs records or any
Participants or Indirect Participants records relating to the beneficial ownership
interests in the Global Notes; or |
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any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its
Participants or Indirect Participants. |
DTC has advised us that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of
securities such as the new notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of
the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe
that it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with
an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the
relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect
Participants to the beneficial owners of new notes will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants
and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the trustee or the Company. Neither the Company nor the
trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of the Participants or the Indirect Participants
in identifying the beneficial owners of the new notes, and the Company and the trustee may
conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for
all purposes.
Transfers between the Participants will be effected in accordance with DTCs procedures, and
will be settled in same-day funds.
Cross-market transfers between the Participants, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream
participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTCs rules on
behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by their respective depositaries; however,
such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream,
as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures
and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as
the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions
to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering
or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in
accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear
participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories
for Euroclear or Clearstream.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of new notes
only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests
in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the
new notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However,
if there is an event of default under the new notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global
Notes for legended new notes in certificated form and to distribute such new notes to its
Participants.
Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream,
they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may
discontinue such procedures at any time. None of the Company, the trustee or any of their
respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC,
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Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their
respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
The information in this section concerning DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream and their book entry
systems has been obtained from sources the Company believes are reliable, but the Company takes no
responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes
A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes if:
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DTC (a) notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the
Global Notes or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act
and, in either case, we fail to appoint a successor depositary; |
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we, at our option, notify the Trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of
the Certificated Notes; or |
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there has occurred and is continuing a default or Event of Default with respect to the
new notes. |
In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Certificated Notes
upon prior written notice given to the Trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the
Indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial
interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved
denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary
procedures) and will bear the applicable restrictive legend, if any, that is borne by the Global
Note.
Exchange of Certificated Notes for Global Notes
Certificated Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in any Global Note unless the
transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate in the form provided in the
indenture.
Same Day Settlement and Payment
We will make payments in respect of the new notes represented by the Global Notes (including
principal, premium, if any, interest and liquidated damages, if any) by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC or its nominee. We will make all
payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, and liquidated damages, if any, with respect
to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by
the holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to
each such holders registered address. The new notes represented by the Global Notes are expected
to be eligible to trade in DTCs Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary
market trading activity in such new notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in
immediately available funds. We expect that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also
be settled in immediately available funds.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream
participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant will be credited, and any
such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the
securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream)
immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised us that cash received in
Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a
Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant will be received with value on the settlement
date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of
the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTCs settlement date.
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CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of certain considerations associated with the exchange of the old
notes and the acquisition, holding and disposition of new notes by employee benefit plans that are
subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA,
individual retirement accounts and other plans that are subject to Section 4975 of the Code (as
defined herein) or provisions under any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or
regulations that are substantially similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code (collectively,
similar laws), and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include plan assets of
such employee benefit plans, accounts and other plans (each, a plan).
This summary is based on the provisions of ERISA and the Code (and the related regulations and
administrative and judicial interpretations) as of the date of this prospectus. This summary does
not purport to be complete, and future legislation, court decisions, administrative regulations,
rulings or administrative pronouncements could significantly modify the requirements summarized
below. Any of these changes may be retroactive and may thereby apply to transactions entered into
prior to the date of their enactment or release.
General Fiduciary Matters
ERISA imposes certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of an employee benefit plan
subject to Title I of ERISA, or an ERISA Plan, and ERISA and the Code prohibit certain
transactions involving the assets of a plan and its fiduciaries or other interested parties. Under
ERISA and the Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the
administration of a plan or the management or disposition of the assets of a plan, or who renders
investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) or other compensation to a plan, is generally
considered to be a fiduciary of the plan.
In considering an investment in the new notes of a portion of the assets of a plan, regardless
of whether such plan is an ERISA Plan, a fiduciary should determine whether the investment is in
accordance with the documents and instruments governing the plan and the applicable provisions of
ERISA, the Code or any similar law. In addition, a fiduciary of an ERISA Plan should determine if
an investment in the new notes satisfies the fiduciarys duties to the ERISA Plan including,
without limitation, the prudence, diversification and exclusive benefit provisions of ERISA.
Prohibited Transaction Issues
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit a plan subject to Title I of ERISA
or Section 4975 of the Code from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with
persons or entities who are parties in interest under ERISA or disqualified persons under the
Code, unless an exemption is available. A party in interest or disqualified person who engages in a
non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes and other penalties and
liabilities under ERISA and the Code. In addition, the fiduciary of the plan that engages in such a
non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the
Code.
The exchange of the old notes and the acquisition, holding and disposition of the new notes by
or on behalf of a plan may constitute or result in a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of
ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code if the Company, the Trustee or the exchange agent is or becomes a
party in interest or disqualified person with respect to the plan, unless an exemption is
available. In this regard, the U.S. Department of Labor has issued prohibited transaction class
exemptions, or PTCEs, that may apply to these transactions, depending on the type and
circumstances of the plan fiduciary making the decision to acquire the new notes. These class
exemptions include, without limitation, PTCE 84-14 regarding transactions effected by qualified
professional asset managers, PTCE 90-1 regarding investments by insurance company pooled separate
accounts, PTCE 91-38 regarding investments by bank collective investment funds, PTCE 95-60
regarding investments by insurance company general accounts, and PTCE 96-23 regarding transactions
effected by in-house asset managers. Each of these PTCEs contains conditions and limitations on its
application. Fiduciaries of plans that consider acquiring new notes in reliance on any of these or
any other PTCEs should carefully review the PTCE to assure it is applicable.
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Each holder of old notes that acquires new notes and that is a plan or is using plan assets
will be deemed to have represented and warranted that the exchange of the old notes and the
acquisition, holding and disposition of the new notes will not result in a non-exempt prohibited
transaction under ERISA, the Code or any substantially similar applicable law.
The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all-inclusive.
Fiduciaries or other persons considering exchanging old notes and acquiring the new notes on behalf
of or with plan assets of a plan should consult with their counsel, prior to any such transaction,
regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any substantially
similar laws to such investment and the availability of an applicable exemption.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a summary of the expected material U.S. federal income tax consequences of
the exchange of the old notes for the new notes and of the ownership and disposition of the new
notes. The statements of law and legal conclusions contained in this summary are based upon the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, its legislative
history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all
as in effect and existing on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change at any time,
possibly on a retroactive basis. We have not sought any rulings from the Internal Revenue Service
with respect to the statements and conclusions reached in this summary. Therefore, there is no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service or a court would agree with such statements and
conclusions. Moreover, there is no assurance that such statements and conclusions will not be
rendered invalid as a result of subsequent changes in the law, including changes to the Code or the
interpretation thereof by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service.
The following does not consider the tax consequences under state, local or foreign law.
Moreover, except as otherwise explicitly noted, this discussion does not describe the special
considerations that may apply to certain taxpayers, such as financial institutions, broker-dealers,
life insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, investment companies, foreign taxpayers and
other special status taxpayers (e.g., persons holding the old notes or the new notes as part of a
straddle, hedge or conversion transaction). This discussion deals only with old notes and new
notes held as capital assets within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code.
We believe that the old notes and new notes should be treated as indebtedness for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, and the discussion below is consistent with this view.
HOLDERS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE POSSIBLE FEDERAL,
STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES. UNLESS EXPRESSLY STATED OTHERWISE, ANY TAX ADVICE CONTAINED IN THE DISCUSSION BELOW
IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR PURPOSES OF AVOIDING PENALTIES UNDER
THE CODE.
For purposes of the following discussion, a U.S. Holder means a beneficial owner of the old
notes or new notes that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is (i) an individual citizen or
resident of the U.S. (unless such person is not treated as a resident of the U.S. under an
applicable income tax treaty), (ii) a corporation or any other entity treated as a corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in the U.S. or under the laws of the U.S. or
any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal
income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) in general, a trust that (1) is subject to the
primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons as
described in section 7701(a)(30) of the Code or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable
Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
Exchange of Old Notes for New Notes
The exchange of old notes for new notes should not be treated as an exchange for U.S.
federal income tax purposes because the new notes will not be considered to differ materially in
kind or extent from the old notes. As a result, a holder should not be required to recognize any
gain or loss as a result of the exchange of old notes for new
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notes. In addition, each holder will have the same adjusted issue price, adjusted basis, and
holding period in the new notes as it had in the old notes immediately prior to the exchange.
Tax Consequences of Holding and Disposing of the New Notes
Stated Interest on the New Notes. Stated interest on a new note will be includible in gross
income as ordinary interest income in accordance with a holders usual method of accounting for tax
purposes. Thus, accrual method U.S. Holders will report interest on the new notes as it accrues,
and cash method U.S. Holders will report interest when it is received or unconditionally made
available for receipt.
Original Issue Discount. Subject to a de minimis rule, the new notes will be treated as
issued with original issue discount, or OID, to the extent their stated redemption price at
maturity exceeds their issue price. The stated redemption price at maturity of the new notes
will equal their stated principal amount. The issue price of the new notes will be equal to the
issue price of the old notes.
The determination of the issue price of the old notes will depend, in part, on whether the old
notes or the 6.80% notes and the 7.125% notes for which the old notes were exchanged, were traded
on an established securities market at any time during the 60-day period ending 30 days after the
date of the completion of the exchange offers of the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes for old notes
which closed in September of 2005. In general, a debt instrument (or the property exchanged
therefor) will be treated as traded on an established market if (a) it is listed on (i) the New
York Stock Exchange or certain other qualifying national securities exchanges, (ii) certain
qualifying interdealer quotation systems or (iii) certain qualifying foreign securities exchanges;
(b) it appears on a system of general circulation that provides a reasonable basis to determine
fair market value; or (c) subject to certain limitations, price quotations are readily available
from dealers, brokers or traders. The issue price of a debt instrument that is traded on an
established market or that is issued for another debt instrument so traded would be the fair market
value of such debt instrument or such other debt instrument, as the case may be, on the issue date
as determined by such trading. The issue price of a debt instrument that is neither so traded nor
issued for another debt instrument so traded generally would be its stated principal amount.
Therefore, if the old notes are properly treated as traded on an established market under
relevant Treasury Regulations, the issue price of the old notes for purposes of the OID provisions
of the Code would be their fair market value at the time of issuance. If the old notes are not
treated as traded on an established market but the 6.80% notes and the 7.125% notes are treated as
traded on an established market, the issue price of an old note would be the fair market value of
the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes exchanged for such old note (less the cash received other than
with respect to accrued interest on the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes) as of the time of issuance of
the old note. If neither the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes nor the old notes are properly treated as
traded on an established market, the issue price of the old notes would be the stated principal
amount of the old notes and there would be no OID on the old notes (and thus no OID on the new
notes). Although not free from doubt, we believe, and intend to take the position, that none of the
6.80% notes, 7.125% notes, old notes or new notes should be treated as traded on an established
market. The discussion below is based on the assumption that none of the 6.80% notes, 7.125% notes,
old notes or new notes are properly treated as publicly traded for purposes of the OID provisions
of the Code. If, on the contrary, any of the notes are properly treated as publicly traded, the
consequences of holding the new notes might be materially different than described below. In
particular, if the new notes are publicly traded and their respective fair market values are below
their respective face values at the time of the completion of the exchange offer, the issue price
of the new notes will be below face value. Also, if the new notes are not publicly traded but the
old notes (or the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes) are publicly traded and the fair market value of
the old notes(or the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes) (less the cash received other than with respect
to accrued interest on the notes) is less than the principal amount of the new notes (or in the
case of the 6.80% notes and 7.125% notes, the principal amount of the old notes) for which the old
notes are exchanged, the issue price of such notes will be below their face value. In either case,
the excess of the stated principal amount of the new notes over their issue price, if more than a
de minimis amount, would be treated as OID, which would be accrued as ordinary income by both cash
and accrual method holders under the accrual rules for OID.
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Disposition of the New Notes. Except as described below
with respect to accrued market discount, upon the disposition of a new note by sale, exchange,
redemption or otherwise, a holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the
difference between (i) the amount realized on the
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disposition (other than amounts attributable to accrued interest not previously recognized as
income, which will be treated as ordinary interest income) and (ii) the holders adjusted tax basis
in the new note. A holders adjusted tax basis in a new note is described above under Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsequencesExchange of Old Notes for New Notes. Any capital gain or loss
will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder has a holding period for the note of more than
one year. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the treatment of capital gains (which
may be taxed at lower rates than ordinary income for certain non-corporate taxpayers) and losses
(the deductibility of which is subject to certain limitations).
Market Discount. If a holders tax basis in a new note is less than its stated principal
amount, subject to a de minimis exception, the holder will be treated as having purchased the new
note at a market discount. In such case, a holder will be required to treat any principal payment
on, or any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of, the new note as ordinary
income to the extent of the lesser of (i) the amount of such payment or realized gain or (ii) the
market discount accrued on the new note and not previously included in income (including any
accrued but unrecognized market discount which was carried over from a 6.80% note or 7.125% note);
a holder also may be required to defer the deduction of all or a portion of any interest paid or
accrued on indebtedness incurred or maintained to purchase or carry the new note. Alternatively, a
holder may elect (with respect to the new note and all other market discount obligations acquired
by the holder after the first day of the first taxable year to which such election applies) to
include market discount in income currently as it accrues. This election may only be revoked with
the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. Market discount is considered to accrue ratably during
the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the new note, unless a holder
elects to accrue market discount on the basis of a constant interest rate. Amounts includible in
income as market discount generally are treated as ordinary interest income.
Bond Premium. If a holders initial tax basis in a new note is greater than its stated
principal amount, such holder will be treated as having acquired the new note with amortizable
bond premium equal in amount to such excess. A holder may elect (with respect to the new note and
all of the holders other obligations with
amortizable bond premium held on or acquired by such holder after the first day of the first
taxable year to which such election applies) to amortize such premium using a constant yield method
over the remaining term of the new note and may offset stated interest income and/or OID otherwise
required to be included in respect of the new note during any taxable year by the amortized amount
of such excess for the taxable year. This election may only be revoked with the consent of the
Internal Revenue Service.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, information reporting requirements will apply with respect to payments, including
interest, paid on the new notes during each calendar year. Under certain circumstances, a holder
may be subject to backup withholding at a current rate of 28% on payments of interest (including
OID, if any) on, and the proceeds of a sale, exchange or redemption of, the new notes, as the case
may be. Backup withholding generally will not apply with respect to payments made to certain
exempt recipients such as corporations (within the meaning of section 7701(a) of the Code) or
certain tax-exempt entities. In the case of a non-exempt recipient, backup withholding generally
applies only if such recipient (i) fails to furnish his or her social security or other taxpayer
identification number (TIN), (ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN, (iii) is notified by the Internal
Revenue Service that he or she has failed to report payment of interest and dividends properly and
the Internal Revenue Service has notified the withholding agent that the recipient is subject to
backup withholding or (iv) fails, under certain circumstances, to provide a certified statement,
signed under penalty of perjury, that the TIN provided is his or her correct number and that he or
she is not subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest or dividend payments.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, any amount withheld from a payment to a holder
under the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against such holders U.S. federal
income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund, provided that the required information
is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner.
Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term Non-U.S. Holder means a holder of old notes or new notes other than
a holder who or which is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or resident of the
U.S., (ii) a corporation or partnership (other than a partnership that is not treated as a U.S.
person under the Code) created or organized in the U.S. or
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under the laws of the U.S. or of any State, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to
U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (a) over which a court
within the U.S. is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and
(b) all substantial decisions of which one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control.
Interest on the New Notes. Payments of interest (including OID, if any) on the new notes by
us or any paying agent to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax,
provided that (i) such Non-U.S. Holder does not own, actually or constructively, 10 percent or more
of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote; (ii) such Non-U.S.
Holder is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a controlled foreign corporation related,
directly or indirectly, to us through stock ownership; (iii) such Non-U.S. Holder is not a bank
receiving interest described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and (iv) certain certification
requirements (summarized below) are met (the Portfolio Interest Exemption). If a Non-U.S. Holder
of a new note is engaged in a trade or business in the U.S., and if interest (including OID, if
any) on such new note is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if
certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the
Non-U.S. Holder), the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from U.S. withholding tax, generally will be
subject to regular U.S. income tax on such interest (including OID, if any) in the manner described
above with respect to holders generally. In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign
corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by
an applicable treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year,
subject to certain adjustments. For purposes of the branch profits tax, interest (including OID, if
any) on a new note will be included in the earnings and profits of such Non-U.S. Holder if such
interest (including OID, if any) is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder
of a trade or business in the U.S.
A payment of interest (including OID, if any) on a new note made to a Non-U.S. Holder
generally will qualify for the Portfolio Interest Exemption or, as the case may be, the exception
from withholding for income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the
U.S. if, at the time such payment is made, the withholding agent holds a valid Form W-8BEN or Form
W-8ECI and, if necessary, a Form W-8IMY, respectively (or an acceptable substitute form), from the
Non-U.S. Holder and can reliably associate such payment with such Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI. In
addition, under certain circumstances, a withholding agent is allowed to rely on Form W-8BEN (or an
acceptable substitute form) furnished by a financial institution or other intermediary on behalf of
one or more Non-U.S. Holders (or other intermediaries) without having to obtain copies of the
Non-U.S. Holders Form W-8BEN (or substitute thereof), provided that the financial institution or
intermediary has entered into a withholding agreement with the Internal Revenue Service and thus is
a qualified intermediary, and may not be required to withhold on payments made to certain other
intermediaries if certain conditions are met.
Amounts attributable to accrued and unpaid interest paid on old notes to a Non-U.S. Holder of
a new note will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax to the extent
described in this section treating the references herein to interest on the new notes as references
to accrued and unpaid interest on the old notes.
Disposition of New Notes. Under current law, a Non-U.S. Holder of new notes generally will
not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other
disposition of such new notes unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a
trade or business by the Non-U.S. Holder in the U.S. (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder); (ii) the
Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who holds the new notes as a capital asset, is present in the U.S.
for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and either (a) such individual has a
U.S. tax home (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or (b) the gain is attributable
to an office or other fixed place of business maintained in the U.S. by such individual; or (iii)
the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the Code provisions applicable to certain U.S.
expatriates. In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is described under clauses (i), (ii) and, in
some cases, (iii) above, its gain will be subject to the U.S. federal income tax on net income and,
in addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to the branch
profits tax as described above. An individual Non-U.S. Holder that is described under clause (ii)
above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by U.S.
capital losses (notwithstanding the fact that he or she is not considered a U.S. resident). Thus,
individual Non-U.S. Holders who have spent 183 days or more in the U.S. in the taxable year in
which they contemplate a sale of a new note are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the tax
consequences of such sale.
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Estate Tax Consequences. New notes beneficially owned by an individual who at the time of
death is not a U.S. citizen or resident (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes)
will not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax as a result of such individuals death, provided
that, at the time of such individuals death, the income from the new notes was not or would not
have been effectively connected with the conduct by such individual of a trade or business within
the U.S. and that such individual qualified for the exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax
(without regard to the certification requirements) on interest that is described above under
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsequencesTax Consequences to Non-U.S. HoldersInterest on the
New Notes.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. Information reporting on Form 1099 and backup
withholding at a current rate of 28% will not apply to payments of principal and interest
(including OID, if any) made by us or a paying agent to a Non-U.S. Holder on new notes if the
certification described above under Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsequencesTax Consequences
to Non-U.S. HoldersInterest on the New Notes is received, provided that the payor does not have
actual knowledge that the Non-U.S. Holder is a U.S. person. However, interest (including OID, if
any) may be required to be reported annually on Form 1042S.
Payments of the proceeds from the sale by a holder that is a Non-U.S. Holder of a new note
made to or through a foreign office of a broker will not be subject to information reporting or
backup withholding, except that if the broker is a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation
for U.S. tax purposes, the U.S. branch of a foreign bank or a foreign insurance company, a foreign
partnership controlled by U.S. persons or engaged in a U.S. trade or business, or a foreign person
50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business for a
specified three-year period, information reporting may apply to such payments. Payments of the
proceeds from the sale of a new note through the U.S. office of a broker is subject to information
reporting and backup withholding unless the Non-U.S. Holder certifies as to its non-U.S. status or
otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer
must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the new notes.
This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a
broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes where the
old notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We
have agreed that, starting on the expiration date and ending on the close of business 180 days
after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus, as amended and supplemented, available to
any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of new notes by broker-dealers. New notes
received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from
time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the new notes or a combination of these methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to these prevailing
market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or
through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions
from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such new notes. Any broker-dealer that
resells new notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and
any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of the new notes may be deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of new
notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be
underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by
acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the expiration date, we will promptly send additional copies of
this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that
requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident
to the exchange offer, other than commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will
indemnify the holders of the notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the notes will be passed upon for us by Reed Smith LLP, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Reed Smith LLP has from time to time acted as counsel for the Company and its
subsidiaries and may do so in the future.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and the related financial statement schedules as of September 30,
2005 and 2004, and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2005 and
managements report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated
in this prospectus by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 2005, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference (which
reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the financial statements and financial statement
schedules and include explanatory paragraphs referring to the Companys change in method of
determining the cost of certain inventories and the Companys change in method of accounting for
its interest in variable interest entities, (2) express an unqualified opinion on managements
assessment regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and (3)
express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting),
and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. Our SEC
filings are available over the internet at the SECs website at www.sec.gov and our website at
www.arvinmeritor.com. You may also read and copy any document that we file with the SEC at its
public reference facility:
Public Reference Room
100 F. Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549
You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public
Reference Section of the SEC. Please call 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operations
of the public reference facility and copying charges.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
We incorporate by reference in this prospectus the documents listed below, which we have
previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about us and our
financial condition. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by information that is included directly
in this document or in a later filing with the SEC.
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Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 2, 2005; and |
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Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2006; and |
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Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 27, 2005 and January 24, 2006. |
We also incorporate by reference all documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the
termination of this exchange offer. Our subsequent filings with the SEC will automatically update
and supersede information in this prospectus.
Statements made in this prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference in this
prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or therein are
not necessarily complete, and in each
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instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit
to the documents incorporated by reference, each such statement being qualified in all material
respects by such reference.
You may request a copy of any filings referred to above, at no cost, excluding any exhibits to
those filings unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference in those filings, by
writing or telephoning us at the following address and telephone number:
ArvinMeritor Inc.
2135 West Maple Road
Troy, Michigan 48084-7186
Attention Investor Relations
(248) 435-1000
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