e424b3
Filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-46374
Registration No. 333-54668
PROSPECTUS
5,127,500 Ordinary Shares
This prospectus relates to 5,127,500 of our ordinary shares that are
issuable upon the exercise of the warrants, originally issued by R&B Falcon
Corporation, that we assumed in connection with our merger transaction with R&B
Falcon. This transaction is described in the Merger with R&B Falcon
Corporation section of this prospectus.
Each warrant is currently exercisable for 17.5 ordinary shares, subject to
adjustment. The exercise price of the warrants is $19 per share, subject to
adjustment. We will receive up to $97.4 million in proceeds upon the exercise
of the warrants.
Our ordinary shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
RIG. On December 2, 2005, the closing price of the
ordinary shares was $66.16
per share. The warrants are not listed on any national securities exchange or
quoted on any automated quotation system.
You should carefully consider the risk factors commencing on page 7.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if
this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
The
date of this prospectus is December 5, 2005
Table of Contents
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2
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information
with the SEC. You can read and copy these materials at the SECs public reference room at 100 F
Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can obtain information about the operation of
the SECs public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a Web
site that contains information we file electronically with the SEC, which you can access over the
Internet at http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain information about us at the offices of the New
York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
Our homepage on the Internets World Wide Web is located at http://www.deepwater.com. Our
annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and
other filings with the SEC are available, free of charge, through our website, as soon as
reasonably practicable after those reports or filings are electronically filed with or furnished to
the SEC. Information on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this
prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC relating to our
ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus
does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement and the
accompanying exhibits and schedules. You may refer to the registration statement, exhibits and
schedules for more information about us and our securities. The registration statement, exhibits
and schedules are available at the SECs public reference room or through its Web site.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with it, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The
information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and later
information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC
under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we sell all
the offered securities. The documents we incorporate by reference are:
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 |
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 |
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 |
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 |
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our Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on March 18, 2005 |
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 15,
February 18, February 22, April 1, May 16 (Item 1.01 and related Item 9.01
only), June 9, July 13, July 18, July 19, July 25, and August 9, 2005 |
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the description of our ordinary shares contained in our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 17, 1999 |
3
You may request a copy of these filings, other than an exhibit to these filings unless we have
specifically incorporated that exhibit by reference into the filing, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning at the following address:
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Transocean Inc.
4 Greenway Plaza
Houston, Texas 77046
Attention: Director of Investor Relations
Telephone: (713) 232-7500 |
4
Forward-Looking Information
The statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus regarding future
financial performance and results of operations and other statements that are not historical facts
are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements to the effect that we or management
anticipates, believes, budgets, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, plans,
predicts, or projects a particular result or course of events, or that such result or course of
events could, might, may, scheduled or should occur, and similar expressions, are also
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in, or incorporated by
reference into, this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements involving contract
commencements, contract option exercises, revenues, expenses, commodity prices, customer drilling
programs, supply and demand, utilization rates, dayrates, contract backlog, planned shipyard
projects and rig mobilizations and their effects, the upgrade project for the Sedco 700-class rig
for a client, other major upgrades, rig relocations, expected downtime (including downtime with
respect to the Deepwater Nautilus and Transocean Marianas), the impact of hurricane damages to the
Deepwater Nautilus and Transocean Marianas on operating income, capital expenditures and insurance
proceeds, future activity in the deepwater, mid-water and the shallow and inland water market
sectors, market outlook for our various geographical operating sectors, capacity constraints for
fifth-generation rigs, rig classes and business segments, effects of new rigs on the market, the
valuation allowance for deferred net tax assets of TODCO, the TODCO tax sharing dispute, intended
reduction of debt and other uses of excess cash, including ordinary share repurchases, the timing
and funding of share repurchases, planned asset sales, timing of asset sales, proceeds from asset
sales, our effective tax rate, changes in tax laws, treaties and regulations, our Sarbanes-Oxley
Section 404 process, changes in our internal control structure and the impact of these changes on
the overall effectiveness of our controls, our other expectations with regard to market outlook,
operations in international markets, expected capital expenditures, results and effects of legal
proceedings and governmental audits and assessments, adequacy of insurance, liabilities for tax
issues, recognition of loss on termination of our prior revolving credit agreement, recognition of
gain on debt repurchase, liquidity, cash flow from operations, adequacy of cash flow for our
obligations, effects of accounting changes, adoption of accounting policies, pension plan
contributions and the timing and cost of completion of capital projects. Such statements are
subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to,
those described under -Risk Factors below, the adequacy of sources of liquidity, the effect and
results of litigation, audits and contingencies and other factors discussed in our annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and in our other filings with the SEC, which are
available free of charge on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or
uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may
vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements
attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by
reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement,
and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
5
About Transocean Inc.
Transocean Inc. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context
requires otherwise, Transocean, we, us or our) is a leading international provider of
offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. As of November 7, 2005, we owned, had
partial ownership interests in or operated 92 mobile offshore and barge drilling units. As of this
date, our fleet included 32 High-Specification semisubmersibles and drillships (floaters), 24
Other Floaters, 25 Jackup Rigs and 11 Other Rigs. Our mobile offshore drilling fleet is considered
one of the most modern and versatile fleets in the world. Our primary business is to contract
these drilling rigs, related equipment and work crews primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and
gas wells. We specialize in technically demanding sectors of the offshore drilling business with a
particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. We also provide additional
services, including integrated services. Our ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol RIG.
Transocean Inc. is a Cayman Islands exempted company with principal executive offices in the
U.S. located at 4 Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046. Our telephone number at that address is
(713) 232-7500.
Merger with R&B Falcon Corporation
On January 31, 2001, we completed a merger transaction with R&B Falcon Corporation in
which we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common stock of R&B Falcon by issuing to each
R&B Falcon common shareholder 0.5 newly issued Transocean Sedco Forex Inc. (now Transocean Inc.)
ordinary shares for each R&B Falcon share.
In connection with this merger transaction, in January 2001, we entered into a supplemental
warrant agreement and a supplement to the related registration rights agreement previously entered
into by R&B Falcon and the holders of R&B Falcons warrants. Prior to the supplemental warrant
agreement, each warrant entitled the holder thereof to purchase 35 shares of R&B Falcons common
stock for $9.50 per share. Pursuant to the warrant agreement, upon consummation of any merger, the
warrants automatically become exercisable for the kind and amount of securities which the holder of
a warrant would have owned immediately after the merger if the holder had exercised the warrant
immediately before the effective date of the particular merger. As provided by the warrant
agreement, the supplemental warrant agreement provides that each warrant currently entitles the
holder thereof to purchase 17.5 of our ordinary shares for $19.00 per share. As of October 31,
2005, 64,000 warrants had been exercised and converted into 1,120,000 ordinary shares. As of
October 31, 2005 there were 229,000 warrants outstanding, entitling the owners thereof to purchase
a total of 4,007,500 ordinary shares.
6
Risk Factors
You should consider carefully the following matters, in addition to the other information
included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before reaching a decision regarding an
investment in the ordinary shares or warrants.
OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS ON THE LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY, WHICH IS
SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY VOLATILE OIL AND GAS PRICES.
Our business depends on the level of activity in oil and gas exploration, development and
production in market sectors worldwide, with the U.S. and international offshore areas being our
primary market sectors. Oil and gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in these
prices significantly affect this level of activity. However, higher commodity prices do not
necessarily translate into increased drilling activity since our customers expectations of future
commodity prices typically drive demand for our rigs. Worldwide military, political and economic
events have contributed to oil and gas price volatility and are likely to do so in the future. Oil
and gas prices are extremely volatile and are affected by numerous factors, including the
following:
worldwide demand for oil and gas,
the ability of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, commonly called OPEC, to
set and maintain production levels and pricing,
the level of production in non-OPEC countries,
the policies of various governments regarding exploration and development of their oil and
gas reserves,
advances in exploration and development technology, and
the worldwide military and political environment, including uncertainty or instability
resulting from an escalation or additional outbreak of armed hostilities or other crises in the
Middle East or other geographic areas or further acts of terrorism in the United States, or
elsewhere.
OUR INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND CYCLICAL, WITH INTENSE PRICE COMPETITION.
The offshore contract drilling industry is highly competitive with numerous industry
participants, none of which has a dominant market share. Drilling contracts are traditionally
awarded on a competitive bid basis. Intense price competition is often the primary factor in
determining which qualified contractor is awarded a job, although rig availability and the quality
and technical capability of service and equipment may also be considered. Mergers among oil and
natural gas exploration and production companies have reduced the number of available customers.
Our industry has historically been cyclical and is impacted by oil and gas price levels and
volatility. There have been periods of high demand, short rig supply and high dayrates, followed by
periods of low demand, excess rig supply and low dayrates. Changes in commodity prices can have a
dramatic effect on rig demand, and periods of excess rig supply intensify the competition in the
industry and often result in rigs being idle for long periods of time. We may be required to idle
rigs or enter into lower rate contracts in response to market conditions in the future.
During prior periods of high utilization and dayrates, industry participants have increased
the supply of rigs by ordering the construction of new units. This has often created an oversupply
of drilling units and has caused a decline in utilization and dayrates when the rigs enter the
market, sometimes for extended periods of time. As of the date of this prospectus, there are
approximately 14 high-specification
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rigs and 42 jackup rigs under contract for construction with delivery dates ranging from 2005
to 2009. There are also a number of mid-water semisubmersibles that are being upgraded to enhance
their operating capability. The entry into service of these new and upgraded units will increase
supply and could curtail a further strengthening of dayrates, or reduce them, in the affected
markets or result in a softening of the affected markets as rigs are absorbed into the active
fleet. Any further increase in construction of new drilling units would likely exacerbate the
negative impacts on utilization and dayrates. Lower utilization and dayrates in one or more of the
regions in which we operate could adversely affect our revenues and profitability. Prolonged
periods of low utilization and dayrates could also result in the recognition of impairment charges
on certain classes of our drilling rigs or our goodwill balance if future cash flow estimates,
based upon information available to management at the time, indicate that the carrying value of
these rigs, or the goodwill balance, may not be recoverable.
OUR DRILLING CONTRACTS MAY BE TERMINATED DUE TO A NUMBER OF EVENTS.
Our customers may terminate or suspend some of our term drilling contracts under various
circumstances such as the loss or destruction of the drilling unit, downtime caused by equipment
problems or sustained periods of downtime due to force majeure events. Some drilling contracts
permit the customer to terminate the contract at the customers option without paying a termination
fee. Suspension of drilling contracts results in loss of the dayrate for the period of the
suspension. If our customers cancel some of our significant contracts and we are unable to secure
new contracts on substantially similar terms, it could adversely affect our results of operations.
In reaction to depressed market conditions, our customers may also seek renegotiation of firm
drilling contracts to reduce their obligations.
OUR SHIPYARD PROJECTS ARE SUBJECT TO DELAYS AND COST OVERRUNS.
Our shipyard projects, including our Sedco 700-class rig upgrade for a client, any potential
rig reactivations and other major upgrades, are subject to risks of delay and cost overruns for a
variety of reasons, including some outside of our control. A delay could adversely affect any
drilling contract for the rig following the shipyard work, depending upon the drilling contract
terms. Our agreement with a client for the Sedco 700-class rig upgrade requires the shipyard work
to be completed by February 15, 2008. The client has the right to terminate the contract should
the shipyard work fail to be completed by that time.
OUR BUSINESS INVOLVES NUMEROUS OPERATING HAZARDS.
Our operations are subject to the usual hazards inherent in the drilling of oil and gas wells,
such as blowouts, reservoir damage, loss of production, loss of well control, punchthroughs,
craterings and natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms and fires. The occurrence of
these events could result in the suspension of drilling operations, damage to or destruction of the
equipment involved and injury or death to rig personnel. We may also be subject to personal injury
and other claims of rig personnel as a result of our drilling operations. Operations also may be
suspended because of machinery breakdowns, abnormal drilling conditions, and failure of
subcontractors to perform or supply goods or services or personnel shortages. In addition, offshore
drilling operators are subject to perils peculiar to marine operations, including capsizing,
grounding, collision and loss or damage from severe weather. Damage to the environment could also
result from our operations, particularly through oil spillage or extensive uncontrolled fires. We
may also be subject to property, environmental and other damage claims by oil and gas companies.
Our insurance policies and contractual rights to indemnity may not adequately cover losses, and we
may not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks.
Consistent with standard industry practice, our clients generally assume, and indemnify us
against, well control and subsurface risks under dayrate contracts. These risks are those
associated with the loss of control of a well, such as blowout or cratering, the cost to regain
control or redrill the well and associated pollution. However, there can be no assurance that these
clients will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks. Also, we may
be effectively prevented from enforcing these indemnities because of the nature of our relationship
with some of our larger clients.
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We maintain broad insurance coverages, including coverages for property damage, occupational
injury and illness, and general and marine third-party liabilities. Property damage insurance
covers against marine and other perils, including losses due to capsizing, grounding, collision,
fire, lightning, hurricanes, wind, storms, and action of waves, punch-throughs, cratering,
blowouts, explosions, and war risks. We insure all of our offshore drilling equipment for general
and third party liabilities, occupational and illness risks, and property damage. We generally
insure all of our offshore drilling rigs against property damage for their approximate fair market
value.
In accordance with industry practices, we believe we are adequately insured for normal risks
in our operations; however, such insurance coverage may not in all situations provide sufficient
funds to protect us from all liabilities that could result from our drilling operations. Although
our current practice is generally to insure all of our rigs for their approximate fair market
value, our insurance would not completely cover the costs that would be required to replace certain
of our units, including certain High-Specification Floaters. We have also increased our deductibles
such that certain claims may not be reimbursed by insurance carriers. Such lack of reimbursement
may cause the company to incur substantial costs.
OUR NON-U.S. OPERATIONS INVOLVE ADDITIONAL RISKS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH OUR U.S. OPERATIONS.
We operate in various regions throughout the world that may expose us to political and other
uncertainties, including risks of:
terrorist acts, war and civil disturbances;
expropriation or nationalization of equipment; and
the inability to repatriate income or capital.
We are protected to a substantial extent against loss of capital assets, but generally not
loss of revenue, from most of these risks through insurance, indemnity provisions in our drilling
contracts, or both. The necessity of insurance coverage for risks associated with political unrest,
expropriation and environmental remediation for operating areas not covered under our existing
insurance policies is evaluated on an individual contract basis. Although we maintain insurance in
the areas in which we operate, pollution and environmental risks generally are not totally
insurable. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or
a recoverable indemnity from a client, it could adversely affect our consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows. Moreover, no assurance can be made that we will be
able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable or be able to
obtain insurance against certain risks, particularly in light of the instability and developments
in the insurance markets following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. As of November 7,
2005, all areas in which we were operating were covered by existing insurance policies.
Many governments favor or effectively require the awarding of drilling contracts to local
contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a
particular jurisdiction. These practices may adversely affect our ability to compete.
Our non-U.S. contract drilling operations are subject to various laws and regulations in
countries in which we operate, including laws and regulations relating to the equipment and
operation of drilling units, currency conversions and repatriation, oil and gas exploration and
development and taxation of offshore earnings and earnings of expatriate personnel. Governments in
some foreign countries have become increasingly active in regulating and controlling the ownership
of concessions and companies holding concessions, the exploration of oil and gas and other aspects
of the oil and gas industries in their countries. In addition, government action, including
initiatives by OPEC, may continue to cause oil or gas
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price volatility. In some areas of the world, this governmental activity has adversely
affected the amount of exploration and development work done by major oil companies and may
continue to do so.
Another risk inherent in our operations is the possibility of currency exchange losses where
revenues are received and expenses are paid in nonconvertible currencies. We may also incur losses
as a result of an inability to collect revenues because of a shortage of convertible currency
available to the country of operation. We seek to limit these risks by structuring contracts such
that compensation is made in freely convertible currencies and, to the extent possible, by limiting
acceptance of non-convertible currencies to amounts that match our expense requirements in local
currency.
A CHANGE IN TAX LAWS OF ANY COUNTRY IN WHICH WE OPERATE COULD RESULT IN A HIGHER TAX RATE ON
OUR WORLDWIDE EARNINGS.
We operate worldwide through our various subsidiaries. Consequently, we are subject to
changing taxation policies in the jurisdictions in which we operate, which could include policies
directed toward companies organized in jurisdictions with low tax rates. A material change in the
tax laws of any country in which we have significant operations, including the U.S., could result
in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings. In addition, our income tax returns are
subject to review and examination in various jurisdictions in which we operate.
FAILURE TO RETAIN KEY PERSONNEL COULD HURT OUR OPERATIONS.
We require highly skilled personnel to operate and provide technical services and support for
our drilling units. To the extent that demand for drilling services and the size of the worldwide
industry fleet increase, shortages of qualified personnel could arise, creating upward pressure on
wages. We are continuing our recruitment and training programs as required to meet our anticipated
personnel needs.
On January 31, 2005, approximately 15 percent of our employees and contracted labor worldwide
worked under collective bargaining agreements, most of whom worked in Norway, U.K. and Nigeria. Of
these represented individuals, substantially all are working under agreements that are subject to
salary negotiation in 2005. These negotiations could result in higher personnel expenses, other
increased costs or increased operating restrictions.
COMPLIANCE WITH OR BREACH OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS CAN BE COSTLY AND COULD LIMIT OUR OPERATIONS.
Our operations are subject to regulations controlling the discharge of materials into the
environment, requiring removal and cleanup of materials that may harm the environment or otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment. For example, as an operator of mobile offshore
drilling units in navigable U.S. waters and some offshore areas, we may be liable for damages and
costs incurred in connection with oil spills related to those operations. Laws and regulations
protecting the environment have become more stringent in recent years, and may in some cases impose
strict liability, rendering a person liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence.
These laws and regulations may expose us to liability for the conduct of or conditions caused by
others or for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were
performed. The application of these requirements or the adoption of new requirements could have a
material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.
We have generally been able to obtain some degree of contractual indemnification pursuant to
which our clients agree to protect and indemnify us against liability for pollution, well and
environmental damages; however, there is no assurance that we can obtain such indemnities in all of
our contracts or that, in the event of extensive pollution and environmental damages, the clients
will have the financial capability to fulfill their contractual obligations to us. Also, these
indemnities may not be enforceable in all instances. Also, we may be effectively prevented from
enforcing these indemnities because of the nature of our relationship with some of our larger
clients.
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WORLD POLITICAL EVENTS COULD AFFECT THE MARKETS FOR DRILLING SERVICES.
On September 11, 2001, the U.S. was the target of terrorist attacks of unprecedented scope. In
the past several years, world political events have resulted in military action in Afghanistan and
Iraq. Military action by the U.S. or other nations could escalate and further acts of terrorism in
the U.S. or elsewhere may occur. Such acts of terrorism could be directed against companies such as
ours. These developments have caused instability in the worlds financial and insurance markets. In
addition, these developments could lead to increased volatility in prices for crude oil and natural
gas and could affect the markets for drilling services. Insurance premiums have increased and could
rise further and coverages may be unavailable in the future.
U.S. government regulations may effectively preclude us from actively engaging in business
activities in certain countries. These regulations could be amended to cover countries where we
currently operate or where we may wish to operate in the future.
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Use of Proceeds
We may receive up to $97.4 million from the exercise of the warrants. We will use any
net proceeds from the exercise of the warrants for general corporate purposes. These purposes may
include repayment or refinancing of indebtedness, working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions and repurchases and redemptions of securities. Pending any specific application, we
may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of
short-term indebtedness.
Description of Share Capital
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company. Our authorized share capital is $13,000,000,
divided into:
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800,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.01, and |
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50,000,000 other shares, par value $0.10, which shares may be
designated and created as shares of any other classes or series of shares with
the respective rights and restrictions determined by action of the board of
directors. |
As of October 31, 2005, 330,082,373 ordinary shares and no other class or series of shares had
been issued and were outstanding.
The following description of our share capital is a summary. This summary is not complete and
is subject to the complete text of our memorandum of association (the memorandum) and articles of
association (the articles). Our memorandum and articles are exhibits to the registration
statement and are incorporated herein by reference. We encourage you to read those documents
carefully.
Description of Ordinary Shares
Voting
The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share other than on the election
of directors.
With respect to the election of directors, each holder of ordinary shares entitled to vote at
the election has the right to vote, in person or by proxy, the number of shares held by him for as
many persons as there are directors to be elected and for whose election that holder has a right to
vote. The directors are divided into three classes, with only one class being up for election each
year. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election. Cumulative voting for
the election of directors is prohibited by our articles.
There are no limitations imposed by Cayman Islands law or our articles on the right of
nonresident shareholders to hold or vote their ordinary shares.
The rights attached to any separate class or series of shares, unless otherwise provided by
the terms of the shares of that class or series, may be varied only with the consent in writing of
the holders of all of the issued shares of that class or series or by a special resolution passed
at a separate general meeting of holders of the shares of that class or series. The necessary
quorum for that meeting is the presence of holders of at least a majority of the shares of that
class or series. Each holder of shares of the class or series present, in person or by proxy, will
have one vote for each share of the class or series of which he is the holder. Outstanding shares
will not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issuance of additional shares that rank in any
respect prior to or equivalent with those shares.
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Under Cayman Islands law, some matters, like altering the memorandum or the articles, changing
the name of a company, voluntarily winding up a company or resolving to be registered by way of
continuation in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands, require approval of shareholders by a
special resolution. A special resolution is a resolution (1) passed by the holders of two-thirds of
the shares voted at a general meeting or (2) approved in writing by all shareholders entitled to
vote at a general meeting of the company.
Quorum for General Meetings
The presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least a majority of the issued
shares generally entitled to vote at a meeting, is a quorum for the transaction of most business.
However, different quorums are required in some cases to approve a change in our articles.
Shareholders present, in person or by proxy, holding at least 95% of the issued shares
entitled to vote at a meeting constitute the required quorum at a general meeting to consider or
adopt a special resolution to amend, vary, suspend the operation of or cause any of the following
provisions of the articles to cease to apply:
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Section 17 which relates to the convening of general meetings |
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Section 19 which relates to proceedings and procedures at general meetings |
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Section 21.1 which relates to the election and appointment of directors |
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Section 26 which requires shareholders to approve the sale,
lease or exchange of all or substantially all of our property or assets, or |
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Section 27 which generally requires shareholders to approve
business combinations with interested shareholders (with the exceptions
described below) |
However, the presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least a majority of
the issued shares entitled to vote at the meeting, is a quorum if:
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a majority of the board of directors has, at or prior to the
meeting, recommended a vote in favor of the special resolution, and |
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in the case of a special resolution to amend, vary, suspend the
operation of or disapply Section 27 of the articles, other than a special
resolution referred to below, the favorable board of directors recommendation
is made at a time when a majority of the board of directors then in office were
directors prior to any person becoming an interested shareholder during the
previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed
those directors by a majority of those directors |
In addition, the presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least a majority
of the issued shares entitled to vote at a meeting, is also the required quorum to consider or
adopt a special resolution to delete Section 27 of the articles if:
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the resolution will not be effective until 12 months after the
passing of the resolution, and |
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the restriction in Section 27 of the articles will otherwise
continue to apply to any business combination between us and any person who
became an interested shareholder on or before the passing of the resolution |
13
The shareholders present at a duly constituted general meeting may continue to transact
business until adjournment, despite the withdrawal of shareholders that leaves less than a quorum.
Dividend Rights
Subject to any rights and restrictions of any other class or series of shares, the board of
directors may, from time to time, declare dividends on the shares issued and authorize payment of
the dividends out of our lawfully available funds. The board of directors may declare that any
dividend be paid wholly or partly by the distribution of our shares and/or specific assets.
Rights upon Liquidation
Upon our liquidation, after the full amounts that holders of any issued shares ranking senior
to the ordinary shares as to distribution on liquidation or winding-up are entitled to receive have
been paid or set aside for payment, the holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive, pro
rata, any remaining assets available for distribution to the holders of ordinary shares. The
liquidator may deduct from the amount payable in respect of those ordinary shares any liabilities
the holder has to or with us. The assets received by the holders of ordinary shares in a
liquidation may consist in whole or in part of property. That property is not required to be of the
same kind for all shareholders.
No Sinking Fund
The ordinary shares have no sinking fund provisions.
No Liability for Further Calls or Assessments
The ordinary shares that have been issued to date are fully paid and nonassessable. Any
ordinary shares we offer under this prospectus will be fully paid and nonassessable.
No Preemptive Rights
Holders of ordinary shares will have no preemptive or preferential right to purchase any of
our securities.
Redemption and Conversion
The ordinary shares are not convertible into shares of any other class or series or subject to
redemption either by us or the holder of the shares.
Repurchase
Under our articles, we may purchase any issued ordinary shares in the circumstances and on the
terms agreed by us and the holder of the shares, whether or not we have made a similar offer to any
of the other holders of ordinary shares.
Restrictions on Transfer
Subject to the rules of any stock exchange on which the ordinary shares may be listed, the
board of directors may, in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason, decline to
register any transfer of shares.
Other Classes or Series of Shares
The board of directors is authorized, without obtaining any vote or consent of the holders of
any class or series of shares unless expressly provided by the terms of issue of that class or
series, to provide
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from time to time for the issuance of other classes or series of shares and to establish the
characteristics of each class or series, including the number of shares, designations, relative
voting rights, dividend rights, liquidation and other rights, redemption, repurchase or exchange
rights and any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights and
limitations not inconsistent with applicable law.
Compulsory Acquisition of Shares Held by Minority Holders
An acquiring party is generally able to acquire compulsorily the ordinary shares of minority
holders in one of two ways:
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By a procedure under the Companies Law (2000 Revision) of the
Cayman Islands known as a scheme of arrangement. A scheme of arrangement is
made by obtaining the consent of the Cayman Islands company, the consent of a
Cayman Islands court and approval of the arrangement by holders of ordinary
shares (1) representing a majority in number of the shareholders present, in
person or by proxy, at the meeting held to consider the arrangement and (2)
holding at least 75% of all the issued ordinary shares other than those held by
the acquiring party, if any. If a scheme of arrangement receives all necessary
consents, all holders of ordinary shares of the company would be compelled to
sell their shares under the terms of the scheme of arrangement, or |
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By acquiring pursuant to a tender offer 90% of the ordinary shares
not already owned by the acquiring party. If the acquiring party has, within
four months after the making of an offer for all the ordinary shares not owned
by the acquiring party, obtained the approval of not less than 90% of all the
shares to which the offer relates, the acquiring party may, at any time within
two months after the end of that four-month period, require any nontendering
shareholder to transfer its shares on the same terms as the original offer. In
those circumstances, nontendering shareholders will be compelled to sell their
shares, unless within one month from the date on which the notice to
compulsorily acquire was given to the nontendering shareholder, the
nontendering shareholder is able to convince a Cayman Islands court to order
otherwise. |
Stock Exchange Listing
The ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol
RIG.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for the ordinary shares is The Bank of New York.
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Description of Preference Shares
The board of directors is authorized, without obtaining any vote or consent of the
holders of any class or series of shares unless expressly provided by the terms of issue of that
class or series, to provide from time to time for the issuance of up to 50,000,000 preference
shares in one or more classes or series of shares. The board of directors can also establish the
characteristics of each class or series, including the number of shares, designations, relative
voting rights, dividend rights, liquidation and other rights, redemption, repurchase or exchange
rights and any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights and
limitations not inconsistent with applicable law.
We have summarized selected provisions of the preference shares in this section. This summary
is not complete. If we offer any preference shares, we will file the form of the preference shares
with the SEC, and you should read it for provisions that may be important to you.
The prospectus supplement relating to any series of preference shares being offered will
describe that series of preference shares and include specific terms relating to the offering. The
prospectus supplement will include some or all of the following:
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the title of the preference shares |
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the maximum number of shares of the series |
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the dividend rate or the method of calculating the dividend, the
date from which dividends will accrue and whether dividends will be cumulative |
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procedures for any auctioning or remarketing of the preference shares |
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any liquidation preference |
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any optional redemption provisions |
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any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to
redeem or purchase the preference shares |
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any terms for the conversion or exchange of the preference shares
for our debt securities, ordinary shares or other preference shares |
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any voting rights |
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any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or
other special rights and limitations |
Any preference shares we offer under this prospectus will be fully paid and nonassessable.
The transfer agent and registrar for each series will be described in the related prospectus
supplement.
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Description of Warrants
General
The warrants were issued pursuant to a warrant agreement dated April 22, 1999 between R&B
Falcon and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the initial warrant agent. Additionally, we
entered into a supplemental warrant agreement relating to the warrants in connection with our
merger with R&B Falcon, dated January 31, 2001 and another supplemental warrant agreement
appointing The Bank of New York as warrant agent, dated September 14, 2005. The following summary
of the material provisions of the warrant agreement, as supplemented, does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the warrant agreement and the
supplemental warrant agreement. Copies of the warrant agreement and the supplemental warrant
agreement have been filed as exhibits to this registration statement.
Each warrant, when exercised, will entitle the holder thereof to purchase 17.5 fully paid and
non-assessable ordinary shares, at an exercise price of $19.00 per share. The exercise price and
the number of ordinary shares into which the warrants are exercisable are both subject to
adjustment in some cases, as discussed below. The holders of the warrants would be entitled, in
the aggregate, to purchase ordinary shares currently representing approximately 1.19% of the
outstanding ordinary shares on a fully diluted basis if exercised as of October 31, 2005. Unless
exercised, the warrants will automatically expire on May 1, 2009.
The warrants may be exercised by surrendering to us the warrant certificate evidencing the
warrants to be exercised with the accompanying form of election to purchase properly completed and
executed, together with payment of the exercise price. Payment of the exercise price may be made
at the holders election (i) in cash in United States dollars by wire transfer or by certified or
official bank check or (ii) without a cash payment being required, for such number of ordinary
shares equal to the product of (A) the number of ordinary shares into which such warrant is
exercisable as of the date of exercise (if the exercise price were being paid in cash) and (B) the
cashless exercise ratio. The cashless exercise ratio shall equal a fraction the numerator of which
is the Market Value (as defined in the warrant agreement) per ordinary share on the date of
exercise minus the exercise price per share as of the date of exercise and the denominator of which
is the Market Value per share on the date of exercise. Upon surrender of the warrant certificate
and payment of the exercise price, we will deliver or cause to be delivered, to or upon the written
order of such holder, share certificates representing the number of whole ordinary shares to which
the holder is entitled. If less than all of the warrants evidenced by a warrant certificate are to
be exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining number of warrants. All
ordinary shares or other securities issuable by us upon the exercise of the warrant shall be
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
No fractional ordinary shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. We will pay to
the holder of the warrant at the time of exercise an amount in cash equal to the current market
value of any such fractional ordinary shares less a corresponding fraction of the exercise price.
The holders of the warrants will have no right to vote on matters submitted to our
shareholders and will have no fight to receive dividends. The holders of the warrants will not be
entitled to share in our assets in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. In the
event a bankruptcy or reorganization is commenced by or against us, a bankruptcy court may hold
that unexercised warrants are executory contracts which may be subject to rejection by us with
approval of the bankruptcy court, and the holders of the warrants may, even if sufficient funds are
available, receive nothing or a lesser amount as a result of any such bankruptcy case than they
would be entitled to if they had exercised their warrants prior to the commencement of any such
case.
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Adjustments
The number of ordinary shares purchasable upon exercise of warrants and the exercise price
will be subject to adjustment, subject to certain exceptions, on the occurrence of some events,
including: (i) the payment by us of dividends and other distributions on the ordinary shares in
ordinary shares or other shares of our company, (ii) subdivisions, combinations and
reclassification of the ordinary shares, (iii) the issuance to all holders of ordinary shares of
rights, options or warrants entitling them to subscribe for ordinary shares or securities
convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, ordinary shares at a price which is less than
the Fair Value per share (as defined), (iv) certain distributions to all holders of ordinary shares
of any of our assets, debt securities, or any rights or warrants to purchase any debt securities,
assets or other securities (excluding cash dividends paid out of current or retained earnings), (v)
the issuance of ordinary shares for consideration per share less than the then Fair Value per
ordinary share (excluding ordinary shares issued under benefit plans, but only to the extent that
the number of shares so excluded does not exceed 5% of our outstanding shares) and (vi) the
issuance of securities convertible into or exchangeable for ordinary shares for a conversion or
exchange price plus consideration received upon issuance less than the then Fair Value per ordinary
share. Adjustments to the exercise price per share will be calculated to the nearest cent. No
adjustment need be made for any of the foregoing transactions if warrantholders are to participate
in the transaction on a basis and with notice that the Board of Directors determines to be fair and
appropriate in light of the basis and notice on which holders of ordinary shares participate in the
transaction.
Fair Value per security at any date of determination shall be (1) in connection with a sale
to a party that is not an affiliate of our company in an arms-length transaction, the price per
security at which such security is sold and (2) in connection with any sale to an affiliate of our
company, (a) the last price per security at which such security was sold in a non-affiliate sale
within the three-month period preceding such date of determination or (b) if clause (a) is not
applicable, the fair market value of such security determined in good faith by (i) a majority of
our Board of Directors, including a majority of the Disinterested Directors, and approved in a
board resolution delivered to the warrant agent or (ii) a nationally recognized investment banking,
appraisal or valuation firm, which is not an affiliate of our company, in each case, taking into
account, among all other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors or such investment
banking, appraisal or valuation firm, the trading price and volume of such security on any national
securities exchange or automated quotation system on which such security is traded.
Disinterested Director means, in connection with any issuance of securities that gives rise
to a determination of the Fair Value thereof, each member of the Board of Directors who is not an
officer, employee, director or other affiliate of the party to whom we are proposing to issue the
securities giving rise to such determination.
No adjustment in the exercise price will be required unless such adjustment would require an
increase or decrease of at least one percent (1.0%) in the exercise price. Any adjustment that is
not made will be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.
In the case of certain consolidations or mergers of our company, or the sale of all or
substantially all of our assets to another corporation, (i) each warrant will thereafter be
exercisable for the right to receive the kind and amount of securities or other assets to which
such holder would have been entitled as a result of such consolidation, merger or sale had the
warrants been exercised immediately prior thereto and (ii) the person formed by or surviving any
such consolidation or merger (if other than us) or to which such sale shall have been made will
assume our obligations under the warrant agreement.
Reservation of Shares
We will at all times reserve and keep available such number of ordinary shares as will be
issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding warrants. Such ordinary shares, when paid for and
issued, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of preemptive rights
and free from all taxes, liens, charges and security interests with respect to the issuance
thereof.
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Amendment
From time to time, we and the warrant agent, without the consent of the holders of the
warrants, may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for certain purposes, including curing
defects or inconsistencies or making any change that does not materially adversely affect the legal
rights of any holder. Any amendment or supplement to the warrant agreement that materially
adversely affects the legal rights of the holders of the warrants will require the written consent
of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding warrants (excluding warrants held by us or any
of our affiliates). The consent of each holder of the warrants affected will be required for any
amendment pursuant to which the exercise price would be increased or the number of ordinary shares
purchasable upon exercise of warrants would be decreased (other than pursuant to adjustments
provided in the warrant agreement).
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
For purposes of the following description of the book-entry, delivery and form provisions of
the warrants, references to Global Certificates shall mean registered, global certificates
representing the warrants, and references to Global Securities shall mean the warrants as
represented by the Global Certificates.
The warrants were issued initially only as registered securities in the form of one or more
registered Global Certificates without coupons. Upon issuance, the Global Certificates were
deposited with The Depository Trust Company (DTC), in New York, New York, and registered in the
name of Cede & Co. as its nominee, in each case for credit to the accounts of DTCs Direct and
Indirect Participants (as defined below).
Except as set forth below, the Global Securities may be transferred, in whole but not in part,
only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in
the Global Securities may be exchanged for securities in certificated form except in the limited
circumstances described below. See Transfer of Interests in Global Securities for Certificated
Securities.
The warrants may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the
warrant agent.
Depositary Procedures
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 Participants through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of 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 that clear through or maintain a direct or
indirect, custodial relationship with a Participant (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 interest and transfer of
ownership interest of each beneficial owner and of each security held by or on behalf of DTC is
recorded on the records of the Participants and the Indirect Participants.
DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to DTCs procedures, DTC will maintain records of the
ownership interests of Participants in the Global Securities and the transfer of ownership
interests by and between Participants. DTC will not maintain records of the ownership interests
of, or the transfer of ownership interests by and between, the Indirect Participants or other
owners of beneficial interests in the Global Securities. Participants and the Indirect
Participants must maintain their own records of the ownership interests of, and the transfer of
ownership interests by and between, the Indirect Participants and other owners of beneficial
interests in the Global Securities.
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Investors in the Global Securities may hold their interests therein directly through DTC if
they are Participants in DTC or indirectly through organizations that are Participants in DTC. All
interests in the Global Securities may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC.
The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive,
certificated form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial
interests in the Global Securities to such persons may be limited to that extent. Because DTC can
act only on behalf of Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect Participants and
others, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in a Global Security to pledge such
interest to persons or entities that are not Participants in DTC, or to otherwise take actions in
respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of physical certificates evidencing such
interests. For certain other restrictions on the transferability of the Securities see
"Transfers of Interests in Global Securities for Certificated Securities.
Except as described in Transfers of Interests in Global Securities for Certificated
Securities, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Securities will not have securities
registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of securities in certificated form
and will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the supplemental warrant
agreement for any purpose.
Under the terms of the supplemental warrant agreement for the warrants, we and the warrant
agent will treat the persons in whose names the securities are registered (including securities
represented by Global Securities) as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payments and
for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Payments in respect of the liquidation preference,
principal, interest, liquidated damages, if any, and dividends on Global Certificates registered in
the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable by the warrant agent to DTC or its nominee as the
registered holder. Neither us nor the warrant agent nor any of our agents has or will have any
responsibility or liability for (i) any aspect of DTCs records or any Participants or the
Indirect Participants records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in the Global Securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTCs
records or any Participants or the Indirect Participants records relating to the beneficial
ownership interests in any Global Security or (ii) any other matter relating to the actions and
practices of DTC or any of its Participants or the Indirect Participants.
DTC has advised us that its current payment practice (for payments of principal, interest and
the like) with respect to securities is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with
such payment on the payment date in amounts proportionate to such Participants respective
ownership interests in the Global Securities as shown on DTCs records. Payments by Participants
and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of the securities will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices between them and will not be the responsibility of
DTC, the warrant agent or us. Neither the warrant agent nor us will be liable for any delay by DTC
or its Participants or the Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the
securities, and the warrant agent and us may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying
on instructions from DTC or its nominee as the registered owner of the Securities for all purposes.
Interests in the Global Securities are expected to be eligible to trade in DTCs same-day
funds settlement system and, therefore, transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in
accordance with DTCs procedures, and will be settled in immediately available funds. Transfers
between the Indirect Participants who hold an interest through a Participant will be effected in
accordance with the procedures of such Participant but generally will settle in immediately
available funds.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of
securities only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account interests in the
Global Securities are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal
amount of the securities as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given direction.
However, DTC reserves the right to exchange Global Certificates (without the direction of one or
more of its Direct Participants) for legended securities in certificated form, and to distribute
such certificated forms of securities to its Participants. See Transfers of Interests in Global
Securities for Certificated Securities.
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Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in
the Global Securities among Participants, it is under no obligation to perform or to continue to
perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither us nor the
warrant agent will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its respective
Participants and Indirect Participants of their respective obligations under the rules and
procedures governing any of their operations.
The information in this section concerning DTC and its book-entry systems has been obtained
from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for its accuracy.
Transfers of Interests in Global Securities for Certified Securities
An entire Global Security may be exchanged for definitive securities in registered,
certificated form without interest coupons (Certificated Securities) if (i) DTC (x) notifies us
that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Securities and we thereupon
fail to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act, or (ii) we, at our option, notify the warrant agent in writing
that we elect to cause the issuance of Certificated Securities. In any such case, the Company will
notify the warrant agent in writing that, upon surrender by the Participants and the Indirect
Participants of their interest in such Global Security, Certificated Securities will be issued to
each person that such Participants and DTC identify as being the beneficial owner of the related
securities.
Beneficial interests in Global Securities held by any Participant or Indirect Participant may
be exchanged for Certificated Securities (for itself or on behalf of an Indirect Participant), but
only upon at least 20 days prior written notice given to the warrant agent, as applicable, by or
on behalf of DTC in accordance with customary DTC procedures. Certificated Securities delivered in
exchange for any beneficial interest in any Global Security will be registered n the names, and
issued in any approved denominations, requested by DTC on behalf of such Participant or Indirect
Participants (in accordance with DTCs customary procedures).
In all cases described herein, such Certificated Securities will bear the restrictive legend
referred to in Notice to Investors, unless we determine otherwise in compliance with applicable
law.
Neither us nor the warrant agent will be liable for any delay by the holder of the Global
Securities or DTC in identifying the beneficial owners of securities, and we and the warrant agent
may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the holder of the
Global Security or DTC for all purposes.
Transfers of Certified Securities for Interests in Global Securities
Certificated Securities may only be transferred if the transferor first delivers to the
warrant agent a written certificate (and in certain circumstances, an opinion of counsel)
confirming that, in connection with such transfer, it has complied with the restrictions on
transfer described under Notice to Investors.
Same Day Settlement and Payment
The supplemental warrant agreement for the warrants will require that payments in respect of
the warrants represented by the Global Securities (including distributions, dividends, interest and
liquidated damages, if any) be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the holder of such Global Security. With respect to Certificated Securities, we will
make all payments of distributions, dividends, interest and liquidated damages, if any, by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders thereof or, if no
such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holders registered address. We expect
that secondary trading in the Certificated Securities will also be settled in immediately available
funds.
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Anti-takeover Provisions
Our articles have provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect. These provisions
are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the board
of directors and in the policies formulated by the board of directors, and may have the effect of
discouraging actual or threatened changes of control.
The articles provide that our board of directors will be divided into three classes serving
staggered three-year terms. Directors can be removed from office only for cause, as defined in the
articles, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued shares generally
entitled to vote. The board of directors does not have the power to remove directors. Vacancies on
the board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors and not by the shareholders.
Each of these provisions can delay a shareholder from obtaining majority representation on the
board of directors.
The articles provide that the board of directors will consist of at least two and not more
than thirteen persons. The exact number of directors is to be set from time to time by a majority
of the whole board of directors. Accordingly, the board of directors, and not the shareholders,
has the authority to determine the number of directors and could delay any shareholder from
obtaining majority representation on the board of directors by enlarging the board of directors and
filling the new vacancies with its own nominees until a general meeting at which directors are to
be appointed.
The articles establish an advance notice procedure that must be followed by shareholders if
they wish to nominate candidates for election as directors or propose any business at an annual
general meeting of shareholders. The articles provide generally that, if a shareholder desires to
nominate candidates for election as directors or propose any business at an annual general meeting,
that shareholder must give us notice not less than 90 days prior to the anniversary of the
originally scheduled date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting. However, if the date
of the forthcoming annual general meeting is more than 30 days before or after the anniversary
date, the deadline is the close of business on the tenth day after we publicly disclose the meeting
date. In each case, the notice must contain specified information concerning the shareholder
submitting the proposal.
Subject to the terms of any other class of shares in issue, any action required or permitted
to be taken by the holders of ordinary shares must be taken at a duly called annual or special
general meeting of shareholders unless taken by written consent of all holders of ordinary shares.
Special general meetings may be called only by a majority of the entire board of directors.
The board of directors is authorized, without obtaining any vote or consent of the holders of
any class or series of shares unless expressly provided by the terms of issue of a class or series,
to issue from time to time any other classes or series of shares with the designations and relative
powers, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends or terms or conditions of redemption as it considers fit. The board of directors could
authorize the issuance of preference shares with terms and conditions that could discourage a
takeover or other transaction that holders of some or a majority of the ordinary shares might
believe to be in their best interests or in which holders might receive a premium for their shares
over the then market price of the shares. No preference shares have been established as of the date
of this prospectus.
The special quorum provisions contained in the articles require the holders of 95% of all the
voting shares to be present, in person or by proxy, at a general meeting to consider or adopt a
special resolution to amend, vary, suspend the operation of or cease the application of the
following provisions of the articles, unless a majority of the board of directors has recommended
that the shareholders vote in favor of the special resolution:
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Section 17 which relates to the convening of general meetings |
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Section 19 which relates to proceedings and procedures at general meetings |
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Section 21.1 which relates to the election and appointment of directors |
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Section 26 which requires shareholders to approve the sale,
lease or exchange of all or substantially all of our property or assets, or |
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Section 27 which generally requires shareholders to approve
business combinations with interested shareholders |
For a description of exceptions to the quorum requirements to amend Section 27, see the
discussion under the heading Description of Ordinary Shares Quorum for General Meetings.
Our articles generally prohibit business combinations between us and an interested
shareholder. Specifically, business combinations between an interested shareholder and us are
prohibited for a period of three years after the time the interested shareholder acquired its
shares, unless:
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the business combination or the transaction resulting in the person
becoming an interested shareholder is approved by the board of directors prior
to the date the interested shareholder acquired shares |
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the interested shareholder acquired at least 85% of our shares in
the transaction in which it became an interested shareholder, or |
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the business combination is approved by a majority of the board of
directors and by the affirmative vote of disinterested shareholders holding at
least two-thirds of the shares generally entitled to vote |
Business combinations is defined broadly to include mergers, consolidations of majority
owned subsidiaries, sales or other dispositions of assets having an aggregate value in excess of
10% of our consolidated assets, and most transactions that would increase the interested
shareholders proportionate share ownership.
Interested shareholder is defined as a person who, together with any affiliates and/or
associates of that person, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of our issued
voting shares.
Plan of Distribution
The warrants were previously issued to the holders thereof pursuant to a warrant
agreement dated April 22, 1999 between R&B Falcon and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the
initial warrant agent. Each warrant originally entitled the holder thereof to purchase 35 shares
of R&B Falcons common stock for $9.50 per share. In connection with our merger with R&B Falcon, we
executed a supplemental warrant agreement which provides that each warrant currently entitles the
holder thereof to purchase 17.5 of our ordinary shares for $19.00 per share. We executed another
supplemental warrant agreement appointing The Bank of New York as warrant agent. The exercise of
the warrants continues to be governed by the terms of the original warrant agreement as
supplemented by the supplemental warrant agreements.
The decision to exercise the warrants and purchase our ordinary shares must be made pursuant
to each investors evaluation of its, his or her best interests. Neither our Board of Directors
nor any independent financial advisor makes any recommendation to prospective investors regarding
whether they should exercise their warrants. The ordinary shares obtained from the exercise of the
warrants may be sold from time to time on the New York Stock Exchange, at prices then prevailing,
in negotiated transactions or otherwise.
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Legal Opinions
Legal matters with respect to the ordinary shares underlying the warrants will be passed
upon for us by Walkers, Cayman Islands, our Cayman Islands counsel.
Experts
The consolidated financial statements of Transocean Inc. and Subsidiaries included in Transocean
Inc.s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004 (including the schedule
appearing therein), and Transocean Inc. managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 included therein, have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in its reports
thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and
schedule and managements assessment are, and audited financial statements and managements
assessments of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to be included in
subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst &
Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and managements assessments (to the extent
covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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