AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 5, 2004
REGISTRATION NO. 333-[ ]
________________________________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 3670 38-1686453
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
-------------------
63 LINCOLN HIGHWAY
MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA 19355-2120
(610) 644-1300
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
-------------------
RICHARD N. GRUBB
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
63 LINCOLN HIGHWAY
MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA 19355-2120
(610) 644-1300
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
-------------------
COPIES TO:
AVNER Z. LAHAT, ESQ. ABBE L. DIENSTAG, ESQ.
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP
63 LINCOLN HIGHWAY 919 THIRD AVENUE
MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA 19355-2120 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
(610) 644-1300 (212) 715-9100
-------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
-------------------
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
-------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
PROPOSED MAXIMUM
PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER SHARE PRICE(2) FEE(3)
- --------------------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
Common Stock, par value
$0.10 per share.......... (1) N/A $232,066,450 $29,403
(footnotes on next page)
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
________________________________________________________________________________
(footnotes from previous page)
(1) This Registration Statement registers the shares of the Registrant's common
stock, par value $0.10 per share, issuable in connection with the option by
the Registrant, for up to $385 million aggregate principal amount at
maturity of the Registrant's outstanding Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due
2021 (LYONs). The holders of the LYONs who exercise the option will receive
the number of shares equivalent to $602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs divided by the average market price for the five day
trading day period ending on June 1, 2004. The actual maximum number of
shares will not be known until June 1, 2004.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rules 457(f)(3) and Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, based on the product of (i) $602.77, the option price per
$1,000 principal amount at maturity of LYONs outstanding as of June 4, 2004,
as set forth in the LYONs and (ii) the quotient of (x) $385,000,000, the
aggregate principal amount at maturity of LYONs outstanding, divided by
(y) $1,000. There is no established trading market for the LYONs. Because of
the accretion of the LYONs, the option price is greater than the book value
of the LYONs as of any date prior to June 4, 2004.
(3) Computed in accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act to be $29,403,
which is equal to $126.70 per $1,000,000 of the proposed maximum aggregate
offering price of $232,066,450.
ii
THE INFORMATION IN THIS COMPANY NOTICE/PROSPECTUS MAY BE CHANGED OR AMENDED. WE
MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS COMPANY NOTICE/PROSPECTUS
IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO
BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE AN OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED.
COMPANY NOTICE/PROSPECTUS
[VISHAY LOGO]
COMPANY NOTICE
TO
HOLDERS OF
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
LIQUID YIELD OPTION'TM' NOTES DUE 2021
(ZERO COUPON-SUBORDINATED)
CUSIP NUMBERS: 928298AC2 AND 928298AD0
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the holders of Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due
2021 (Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs) of VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. that
Vishay will purchase the LYONs at the option of the holders at a purchase price
of $602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs, on the purchase
date of June 4, 2004. The purchase price will be paid in the form of shares of
common stock, except as described below. Each holder of LYONs that exercises the
option will receive a number of shares determined by dividing the total amount
of cash the holder would have been entitled to receive had the purchase price
been paid in cash by the market price of a share of common stock. Market price
for these purposes means the average of the closing prices of our common stock
in New York Stock Exchange composite trading for the five trading day period
ending on the third business day prior to the purchase date, which is the period
from May 25, 2004 to and including June 1, 2004.
Vishay's right to pay the purchase price in stock is subject to a number of
conditions, as described in this document. If these conditions are not satisfied
prior to the close of business on the purchase date, the company will be
obligated to pay the entire purchase price in cash. Holders may specify whether
in these circumstances they elect to withdraw exercise of the option with
respect to some or all of their LYONs or to receive cash.
In order to exercise the option and receive the purchase price for their
LYONs, holders must:
deliver and not withdraw a purchase notice (or an agent's message according
to the procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for book-entry
transfer) prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004, the
business date prior to the purchase date; and
surrender the LYONs (together with any required documentation) to the
paying agent prior to, on or after the purchase date, in conformity in all
respects to the description of the LYONs in the purchase notice.
The purchase notice and any required documentation must be delivered to the
office of the paying agent. The LYONs must be surrendered in compliance with the
book-entry transfer procedures of DTC. The purchase of the LYONs of a holder
that has validly exercised the option will be consummated by the delivery of the
purchase price to be received by the holder promptly following the later of the
purchase date and the time of delivery of the LYONs to which the exercise
relates. You may withdraw your exercise of the option at any time prior to
5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004.
The paying agent for the exercise of the option is The Bank of New York. The
address for the paying agent is as follows:
BY MAIL BY FACSIMILE BY HAND OR OVERNIGHT
------- ------------ --------------------
Corporate Trust Operations (for eligible institutions only) Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit (212) 298-1915 Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street - 7 East Confirmation: 101 Barclay Street - 7 East
New York, New York 10286 (212) 815-5098 New York, New York 10286
Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec
Our shares of common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol 'VSH'. On May 4, 2004, the last sale price of the shares as reported on
the New York Stock Exchange was $17.99 per share.
-------------------
WE URGE YOU TO CAREFULLY READ THE 'RISK FACTORS' SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 OF
THIS PROSPECTUS BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY INVESTMENT DECISION.
-------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
NOR ANY OTHER REGULATORY BODY 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 COMPANY NOTICE/PROSPECTUS IS MAY 5, 2004.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Questions and Answers Concerning the Option................. 2
Summary..................................................... 5
Forward Looking Information................................. 11
Risk Factors................................................ 12
Recent Developments......................................... 19
Use of Proceeds............................................. 23
Price Range of Common Stock................................. 23
Description of the Option................................... 23
Description of Capital Stock................................ 30
Description of LYONs........................................ 32
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences....... 48
Legal Matters............................................... 50
Experts..................................................... 50
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 50
THIS COMPANY NOTICE/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
INFORMATION ABOUT VISHAY THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN OR DELIVERED WITH THE COMPANY
NOTICE/PROSPECTUS. SUCH INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE TO LYONS HOLDERS
UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST MADE TO THE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATE SECRETARY,
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC., 63 LINCOLN HIGHWAY, MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA 19355
(TEL. 610-644-1300). TO OBTAIN TIMELY DELIVERY OF ANY REQUESTED INFORMATION,
LYONS HOLDERS MUST MAKE ANY REQUEST NO LATER THAN MAY 26, 2004, THE DATE THAT IS
FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE BUSINESS DAY PRECEDING THE PURCHASE DATE.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this company notice/prospectus. We have not authorized any other
person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with
different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not
making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or
sale is not permitted.
You should assume that the information appearing in this company
notice/prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this company
notice/prospectus only. The business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects of Vishay may have changed since that date.
'Liquid Yield Option' and 'LYON' are trademarks of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING THE OPTION
The following are answers to some of the questions that you may have about the
option. To understand the option fully and for a more complete description of
the terms of the option, we urge you to read carefully the remainder of this
company notice/prospectus and the accompanying purchase notice because the
information in this summary is not complete and those documents contain
additional important information. As used in this company notice/prospectus,
'Vishay,' 'company,' 'we,' 'us' and 'our' refer to Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.
Q. To what securities does this notice relate?
A. This notice relates to the Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due
2021 (Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs) of Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc. The LYONs were issued under an
indenture, dated as of June 4, 2001, between the company and
The Bank of New York, as trustee.
Q. Why are you delivering this notice?
A. We are required to deliver this notice under the terms of
the indenture to notify you of your right to exercise the
option.
Q. What is the option referred to in this notice?
A. Under the indenture, the holders of LYONs have the option to
require us to purchase the LYONs at a purchase price of
$602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs
on the purchase date of June 4, 2004.
Q. What is the form in which payment for the LYONs will be
made?
A. The company has elected to pay the purchase price in shares
of common stock. If you exercise the option, you will
receive from the company a number of shares determined by
dividing the total amount of cash that you would have been
entitled to receive had the purchase price been paid in cash
by the market price of a share of common stock. Under the
indenture, the market price of a share of common stock is
defined as average of the closing prices of Vishay's common
stock in New York Stock Exchange composite trading for the
five trading day period ending on the third business day
prior to the purchase date, which is the period beginning on
May 25, 2004 and ending on June 1, 2004.
Q. Are there any conditions to the obligation of the company to
purchase on the purchase date the LYONs for which the option
has been exercised?
A. No. There are no conditions to the obligation of the company
to purchase the LYONs of holders that have properly
exercised the option.
Q. Are there any conditions to the right of company to pay the
purchase price for the LYONs in shares of common stock?
A. Yes. The company's right to pay the purchase price in stock
is subject to a number of conditions, including the
company's notice of its election to purchase the LYONs for
common stock; the shares of common stock to be issued in
payment of the purchase price having been admitted for
listing on the New York Stock Exchange; registration of the
shares of common stock to be issued in payment of the
purchase price under the Securities Act of 1933; any
necessary qualification or registration under applicable
state securities laws; the receipt by the trustee for the
LYONs of an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel
(as those terms are defined in the indenture); and the
publication of the information necessary to calculate the
market price for the common stock in a daily newspaper of
national circulation or by other appropriate means.
Q. What happens if these conditions are not satisfied?
A. If these conditions are not satisfied prior to the close of
business on the purchase date, the company will be obligated
to pay the entire purchase price in cash. Holders may
specify whether in these circumstances they elect to
withdraw exercise of the option with respect to some or all
of their LYONs or to receive cash.
2
Q. How do I exercise the option?
A. To exercise the option and receive the purchase price for
your LYONs, you must:
deliver and not withdraw a purchase notice in the form
provided with this document (or an agent's message according
to the procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for
book-entry transfer) prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time
on June 3, 2004, the business date prior to the purchase
date; and
surrender the LYONs (together with any required
documentation) to the paying agent prior to, on or after the
purchase date, in conformity in all respects to the
description of the LYONs in the purchase notice.
Q. When does the option expire?
A. The option expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June
3, 2004. The company will not extend the period that you
have to exercise the option.
Q. Must I surrender my LYONs to the paying agent prior to the
purchase date?
A. No. It is sufficient to deliver the purchase notice (or an
agent's message in lieu of a purchase notice) prior to the
purchase date provided that you deliver the LYONs on or
after the purchase date. However, you will not receive the
purchase price unless and until you surrender your LYONs.
Also, any LYONs as to which you have delivered and not
withdrawn a purchase notice (or agent's message in lieu of a
purchase notice) will cease to accrue original issue
discount on and after the purchase date regardless of when
you actually surrender the LYONs.
Q. If I exercise the option, when will I receive payment for my
LYONs?
A. We will pay the purchase price of the LYONs promptly
following the later of the purchase date and the time of
delivery of the LYONs to which the exercise relates.
Q. Until what time can I withdraw previously surrendered LYONs?
A. You can withdraw LYONs previously surrendered for purchase
at any time until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 3,
2004.
Q. How do I withdraw previously surrendered LYONs?
A. To withdraw previously surrendered LYONs, you must deliver
an executed written notice of withdrawal, a form of which
has been provided with this document, to the paying agent
prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 3, 2004.
Holders that withdraw through DTC need not submit a physical
notice of withdrawal to the paying agent if they comply with
the withdrawal procedures of DTC.
Q. Do I need to do anything if I do not wish to exercise the
option and surrender my LYONs for purchase?
A. No. If you do not deliver a properly completed and duly
executed purchase notice before the date on which the option
expires, we will not purchase your LYONs, and the LYONs will
remain outstanding subject to their existing terms.
Q. If I choose to exercise the option, must I do so for all of
my LYONs?
A. No. You may exercise the option with respect to all of your
LYONs, a portion of your LYONs or none of your LYONs. If you
wish to surrender a portion of your LYONs for purchase,
however, you must surrender your LYONs in a principal amount
at maturity of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof.
Q. If I do not exercise the option and surrender my LYONs for
purchase, will I continue to be able to exercise my
conversion rights?
A. Yes. If you do not surrender your LYONs for purchase, your
conversion rights will not be affected. You will continue to
have the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs into 17.6686 shares of common stock of
Vishay, subject to the terms, conditions and adjustments
specified in the indenture.
3
Q. How can I determine the market value of the LYONs?
A. There is no established reporting system or market for
trading in the LYONs. To the extent that the LYONs are
traded, prices of the LYONs may fluctuate widely depending
on trading volume, the balance between buy and sell orders,
prevailing interest rates, the company's operating results
and the market for similar securities. To the extent
available, holders are urged to obtain current market
quotations for the LYONs prior to making any decision with
respect to the option. The common stock of Vishay into which
the LYONs are convertible is listed on the NYSE under the
symbol 'VSH.' On May 4, 2004, the last reported sales price
of the common stock on the NYSE was $17.99 per share.
Q. What does the board of directors for the company think of
the option?
A. Although the board of directors of the company has approved
the terms of the option included in the indenture, the board
of directors has not made any recommendation as to whether
you should exercise the option and surrender your LYONs for
purchase.
Q. If I am a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
will I recognize gain if my LYONs are purchased pursuant to
the option?
A. In general, a U.S. person that sells LYONs to us in the
offer will be required to recognize gain or loss for United
States federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the
difference, if any, between the fair market value of our
common stock and/or cash received in exchange for the LYONs
surrendered over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the
LYONs surrendered. Any such gain generally will be treated
as ordinary interest income. Any such loss will be treated
as ordinary loss to the extent of the interest previously
included in income by the holder. For more information,
please refer to the section titled 'Certain United States
Federal Income Tax Consequences' beginning on page 48 of
this document.
Q. Who is the paying agent?
A. The Bank of New York, the trustee for the LYONs, is serving
as paying agent in connection with the option. Its address
and telephone number are set forth on the front cover page
of this company notice/prospectus.
Q. Who can I talk to if I have questions about the option?
A. Questions and requests for assistance in connection with the
exercise of the option and surrender of LYONs for purchase
may be directed to Bernard Arsenec at The Bank of New York
at 212-815-5098.
4
SUMMARY
You should read this entire company notice/prospectus, including the
information set forth under 'Risk Factors' and the information incorporated by
reference in this company notice/prospectus. As used in this company
notice/prospectus, 'Vishay,' 'company,' 'we,' 'us' and 'our' refer to Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise
specified.
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a leading international manufacturer and
supplier of passive and active electronic components. Passive components include
resistors, capacitors, transducers and inductors. Our offering of active
components includes discrete semiconductors, diodes, rectifiers, infrared data
communications devices and power and analog switching circuits. Passive
electronic components and discrete active electronic components, together with
integrated circuits, are the primary elements of almost every electronic
circuit. We offer our customers 'one-stop' access to one of the most
comprehensive electronic component lines of any manufacturer in the United
States, Europe and Asia. Our components are used in virtually all types of
electronic products, including those in the industrial, automotive, consumer
electronics, telecommunications, electronics manufacturing services, computer
and military/aerospace markets. We had total net sales of $1.82 billion in 2002
and total net sales of $2.17 billion in 2003.
In the past several years, we have taken advantage of a downturn in the
electronics industry and the strength of our balance sheet to acquire businesses
at prices that we believe would not have been available in other economic
environments. In December 2002, we acquired BCcomponents Holdings, a leading
manufacturer of passive components in Europe, India and the People's Republic of
China, with a broad portfolio of products. Also in 2002, our Measurements Group
acquired five manufacturers of transducers and related products that are used in
the measurement of stresses, loads, forces and pressure. In November 2001, we
acquired General Semiconductor, Inc., a manufacturer of rectifiers, power
management devices and other discrete semiconductor components. These
acquisitions have broadened our product lines, cushioned the effects of the
current downturn and, we believe, positioned our company for growth.
Our long-term objective is to expand our position as a low-cost producer of
a comprehensive line of electronic components. We are led by our founder, Dr.
Felix Zandman, and senior executives with siginficant experience in the industry
who have committed years of service to Vishay. This management team is focused
on continued implementation of our growth strategy, through which we intend to:
expand within the electronic components industry, primarily through the
acquisition of other manufacturers of electronic components that have
established positions in major markets, reputations for product quality and
reliability, and product lines with which we have substantial marketing and
technical expertise;
achieve a leading position in the market for each of our major product
lines;
reduce selling, general and administrative expenses through the integration
or elimination of redundant sales offices and administrative functions at
acquired companies;
achieve significant production cost savings through the transfer to and
expansion of manufacturing operations in regions such as Israel, Mexico,
Portugal, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and
the People's Republic of China, which offer lower labor costs and tax and
other government-sponsored incentives;
maintain significant production facilities in those regions where we market
our products to service our customers;
consistently develop, introduce and market new and innovative products; and
strengthen our relationships with customers.
5
We were incorporated in Delaware in 1962 and maintain our principal
executive offices at 63 Lincoln Highway, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355-2143. Our
telephone number is (610) 644-1300.
We have two classes of stock: common stock that has one vote per share and
Class B common stock that has 10 votes per share. Only the common stock is
publicly traded. The Class B common stock is privately held. All references in
this prospectus to common stock are to our publicly traded common stock and not
to the Class B common stock.
THE OPTION
Under the terms of the indenture each holder of LYONs has the option to
require the company to purchase those LYONs on June 4, 2004 at a price of
$602.77 for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs. The date on
which the LYONs are required to be purchased is referred to as the purchase
date, and the price that the company is required to pay for each $1,000
principal amount at maturity of LYONs is referred to as the purchase price.
The company has elected to pay the purchase price in shares of common stock.
Accordingly, each holder of LYONs that exercises the option will receive from
the company a number of shares determined by dividing the total amount of cash
the holder would have been entitled to receive had the purchase price been paid
in cash by the market price of a share of common stock of Vishay. Under the
indenture, the market price of a share of common stock is defined as average of
the closing prices of Vishay's common stock in New York Stock Exchange composite
trading for the five trading day period ending on the third business day prior
to the purchase date. Accordingly, the period for determining the market price
will be the five trading day period beginning on May 25, 2004 and ending on June
1, 2004. The company will issue a press release announcing the market price as
promptly as practicable following the time that it has been determined and will
also publish this information on the company's website.
The company will not issue any fractional shares of common stock. A holder
that would have been entitled to receive a fractional share will receive instead
cash in an amount equal to the fraction multiplied by the market price of a
share of common stock, determined as previously described.
There are no conditions to the obligation of the company to purchase the
LYONs of holders that have properly exercised their option. However, the
company's right to pay the purchase price in stock is subject to a number of
conditions, including the company's notice of its election to purchase the LYONs
for common stock; the shares of common stock to be issued in payment of the
purchase price having been admitted for listing on the New York Stock Exchange;
registration of the shares of common stock to be issued in payment of the
purchase price under the Securities Act of 1933; any necessary qualification or
registration under applicable state securities laws; the receipt by the trustee
for the LYONs of an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel (as those
terms are defined in the indenture); and the publication of the information
necessary to calculate the market price for the common stock in a daily
newspaper of national circulation or by other appropriate means. If these
conditions are not satisfied prior to the close of business on the purchase
date, the company will be obligated to pay the entire purchase price in cash.
Holders may specify whether in these circumstances they elect to withdraw
exercise of the option with respect to some or all of their LYONs or to receive
cash.
In order to exercise the option and receive the purchase price for their
LYONs, holders must:
deliver and not withdraw a purchase notice (or an agent's message according
to the procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for book-entry
transfer) prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004, the
business date prior to the purchase date; and
surrender the LYONs (together with any required documentation) to the
paying agent prior to, on or after the purchase date, in conformity in all
respects to the description of the LYONs in the purchase notice, as
determined by the company.
6
The purchase notice and any required documentation must be delivered to the
office of the paying agent. LYONs must be surrendered in compliance with the
book-entry transfer procedures of DTC.
The purchase of the LYONs of a holder that has validly exercised the option
will be consummated by the delivery of the purchase price to be received by the
holder promptly following the later of the purchase date and the time of
delivery of the LYONs to which the exercise relates.
You may withdraw your exercise of the option with respect to any or all of
your LYONs at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004,
the business day prior to the purchase date.
7
SUMMARY COMPARISON OF KEY DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN VISHAY COMMON STOCK AND LYONS
The following summary highlights selected differences between the terms of
the LYONs and the shares of common stock issuable to those LYONs holders who
elect to exercise the option. For a more detailed description of the LYONs and
the shares of common stock, please see 'Description of LYONs' and 'Description
of Capital Stock,' respectively.
LYONS COMMON STOCK
----- ------------
Issuer....................... Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Maturity..................... June 4, 2021 Not applicable.
Principal Amount at $1,000 per LYON Not applicable.
Maturity...................
Listing...................... None New York Stock Exchange --
'VSH.'
We have made an application
for listing on the NYSE of
the shares of common stock to
be issued on exercise of the
option. The approval of this
application is a condition to
the right of the company to
pay the purchase price for
the LYONs in shares of common
stock.
Ranking...................... The LYONs are subordinated in A holder of shares of common
right of payment to all of stock is an equity holder and
Vishay's existing and future is not a creditor of Vishay.
senior indebtedness. Also, In the event of a liquidation
the LYONs are effectively of Vishay, holders of LYONs
subordinated to any and other creditors of Vishay
indebtedness and other would be entitled to be paid
liabilities, including trade prior to holders of common
payables, of our stock.
subsidiaries.
Accretion.................... We issued and sold the LYONs Not applicable.
at an issue price
significantly below the
principal amount at maturity.
The difference between the
issue price and the principal
amount at maturity of a LYON
is referred to as the
original issue discount. The
original issue discount
accrues daily at a rate of 3%
per year, beginning on June
4, 2001, calculated on a
semiannual bond equivalent
basis, using a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day
months. As of the purchase
date of June 4, 2004, the
8
LYONS COMMON STOCK
----- ------------
accreted value of a LYON will
be $602.77.
Interest/Dividends........... We do not pay cash interest We have never paid any cash
on the LYONs, although the dividends on our common
LYONs have the right to stock, and we have no plans
receive contingent cash to pay cash dividends on our
interest in certain common stock in the future.
circumstances. See
'Description of LYONs --
Contingent Interest'
Conversion................... Holders can convert the LYONs Not applicable.
at any time on or before the
maturity date, unless the
LYONs have been redeemed or
repurchased previously. For
each LYON converted, we will
deliver 17.6686 shares of our
common stock. The conversion
rate may be adjusted for
certain reasons, but will not
be adjusted for accrued
original issue discount. Upon
conversion, the holder will
not receive any cash payment
representing accrued original
issue discount; accrued
original issue discount will
be deemed paid by the shares
of common stock received by
the holder of LYONs on
conversion. See 'Description
of LYONs -- Conversion
Rights.'
Purchase by Vishay at the Holders of LYONs can require Holders of shares of common
Option of the Holder....... us to purchase all or a stock cannot require us to
portion of their LYONs on the purchase their shares of
following dates at the common stock.
following prices, which are
equal to the sum of the issue
price and accrued original
issue discount on such dates:
on June 4, 2004 at a price of
$602.77 per LYON;
on June 4, 2006 at a price of
$639.76 per LYON;
on June 4, 2011 at a price of
$742.47 per LYON; and
on June 4, 2016 at a price of
$861.67 per LYON.
We may pay the purchase price
in cash or, subject to
9
LYONS COMMON STOCK
----- ------------
certain conditions, shares of
our common stock or a
combination of cash and
shares of our common stock.
See 'Description of LYONs --
Purchase of LYONs by Vishay
at the Option of the Holder.'
Redemption................... We can redeem all or a The shares of common stock
portion of the LYONs for cash are not redeemable.
at any time on or after June
4, 2006, at a redemption
price equal to the issue
price plus accrued original
issue discount to the
redemption date.
Change in Control and In the event of a change in Holders of shares of common
Delisting.................. control or delisting event of stock are not entitled to
Vishay prior to June 4, 2006, require Vishay to purchase
holders of LYONs can require their shares of common stock
Vishay to purchase their upon a change in control or
LYONs at a price equal to the delisting event.
issue price plus accrued
original issue discount to
the purchase date. See
'Description of LYONs --
Change in Control or
Delisting Event Permits
Purchase of LYONs at the
Option of the Holder.'
Voting Rights................ Holders of LYONs are not A holder of shares of common
entitled to any voting stock has one vote for each
rights. LYONs holders who share of common stock held.
convert LYONs into shares of
common stock will have one
vote for each share of common
stock held.
10
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Some of the statements in this company notice/prospectus and in documents
incorporated by reference constitute forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future
events or our financial performance, and involve certain known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those identified below, which
may cause our or our industry's actual or future results, levels of activity,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by any forward-looking statements or from historical results. In some cases, you
can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as 'may,' 'will,'
'could,' 'would,' 'should,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,'
'estimate,' 'predict,' 'potential' and other expressions which indicate future
events and trends. We have no duty to update or revise any forward-looking
statements after the date of this company notice/prospectus or to conform them
to actual results, new information, future events or otherwise.
The following factors, among others, could cause our or our industry's
future results to differ materially from historical results or those
anticipated:
overall economic and business conditions;
competitive factors in the industries in which we conduct our business;
changes in governmental regulation;
the demand for our goods and services;
the fact that our customers may cancel orders they have placed with us, in
whole or in part, without advance notice;
changes in tax requirements, including tax rate changes, new tax laws and
revised tax law interpretations;
changes in United States generally accepted accounting principles or
interpretations of those principles by governmental agencies and
self-regulatory groups;
developments in and results of litigation;
interest rate fluctuations, foreign currency rate fluctuations and other
capital market conditions;
economic and political conditions in international markets, including
governmental changes and restrictions on the ability to transfer capital
across borders;
changes in the cost of raw materials used in our business;
the timing, impact and other uncertainties of acquisitions that we may
consider or consummate; and
our ability to achieve anticipated synergies and other cost savings in
connection with such acquisitions.
These factors and the risk factors described in this document are all of the
important factors of which we are aware that could cause actual results,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in any of
our forward-looking statements. We operate in a continually changing business
environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Other unknown or
unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on our future
results, performance or achievements. We cannot assure you that projected
results or events will be achieved or will occur.
11
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following information with the other
information contained or incorporated by reference in this company
notice/prospectus.
RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS GENERALLY
OUR BUSINESS IS CYCLICAL AND THE RECENT DECLINE IN DEMAND IN THE ELECTRONIC
COMPONENT INDUSTRY MAY RESUME AND MAY BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED.
We and others in the electronic and semiconductor component industry have
for the past several years experienced a decline in product demand on a global
basis, resulting in order cancellations and deferrals, lower average selling
prices, and a material and adverse impact on our results of operations. This
decline was primarily attributable to a slowing of growth in the personal
computer and cellular telephone product markets. We have seen indications of
improvements in the economy and electronic and semiconductor component industry
and expect further improvements for the remainder of 2004. However, such
expected or perceived improvements in the economy and the electronic and
semiconductor component industry may not materialize. The slowdown may resume
and may become more pronounced. A slowdown in demand, as well as recessionary
trends in the global economy, make it more difficult for us to predict our
future sales, which also makes it more difficult to manage our operations, and
could adversely impact our results of operations.
WE HAVE INCURRED AND MAY CONTINUE TO INCUR RESTRUCTURING COSTS.
To remain competitive, particularly when business conditions are difficult,
we attempt to reduce our cost structure through restructuring activities. This
includes acquisition-related restructuring, where we attempt to streamline the
operations of companies we acquire and achieve synergies between our
acquisitions and our existing business. It also includes restructuring our
existing businesses, where we seek to eliminate redundant facilities and staff
positions and move operations, where possible, to jurisdictions with lower labor
costs. In 2002, we recorded restructuring costs of approximately $48 million
related to acquisitions and $31 million related to our existing businesses. We
incurred approximately $29.6 million of additional restructuring and severance
costs in 2003 and expect to continue to incur such expenses during 2004, though
such expenses are expected to be less in magnitude than previous years.
Restructuring and severance costs for the first quarter of 2004 were $0.3
million.
IN THE PAST WE HAVE GROWN THROUGH ACQUISITIONS BUT THIS MAY NOT CONTINUE.
Our long-term historical growth in revenues and net earnings has resulted in
large part from our strategy of expansion through acquisitions. We cannot assure
you, however, that we will identify or successfully complete transactions with
suitable acquisition candidates in the future. We also cannot assure you that
acquisitions that we complete in the future will be successful. If an acquired
business fails to operate as anticipated or cannot be successfully integrated
with our other businesses, our results of operations, enterprise value, market
value and prospects could all be materially and adversely affected.
OUR DEBT LEVELS HAVE RECENTLY INCREASED, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
PERCEPTION IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS OF OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Our outstanding debt increased from approximately $141 million at the end of
2000 to approximately $839 million as of the end of the first quarter of 2004,
which includes approximately $231 million accreted principal amount of the
LYONs. This increase reflects the issuance of the LYONs in 2001 and our 3 5/8%
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023. It also reflects our acquisition
activity, in which we issued or assumed indebtedness. The increase in
indebtedness was offset somewhat by the repayment of outstanding debt with cash
from operations. The marketplace could react negatively to our current debt
levels which in turn could affect our share price and
12
also make it more difficult for us to obtain financing in the future. Our higher
debt level was one of the factors cited by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. when
it announced in April 2003 that it had lowered our debt ratings. On July 31,
2003, Moody's announced that it had upwardly revised its ratings of our debt
based on its belief that the restructuring of our credit facility and the
issuance of the notes alleviates short-term liquidity concerns. On October 31,
2003, Moody's announced that it had downgraded our ratings, citing what it
termed the continuing weakness in our business, particularly our passives
business, and the possibility of further special charges, particularly in
connection with our tantalum purchase commitments. Our obligation to purchase
the LYONs in June 2004 was another factor cited by Moody's when it downgraded
our debt, although we have the right, as provided in this document, to purchase
the LYONs for shares of our common stock provided certain conditions are
satisfied.
TO REMAIN SUCCESSFUL, WE MUST CONTINUE TO INNOVATE.
Our future operating results are dependent on our ability to continually
develop, introduce and market new and innovative products, to modify existing
products, to respond to technological change and to customize certain products
to meet customer requirements. There are numerous risks inherent in this
process, including the risks that we will be unable to anticipate the direction
of technological change or that we will be unable to develop and market new
products and applications in a timely fashion to satisfy customer demands. If
this occurs, we could lose customers and experience adverse effects on our
financial condition and results of operations.
FUTURE ACQUISITIONS COULD REQUIRE US TO ISSUE ADDITIONAL INDEBTEDNESS OR EQUITY.
If we were to undertake a substantial acquisition for cash, the acquisition
would likely need to be financed in part through bank borrowings or the issuance
of public or private debt. This acquisition financing would likely decrease our
ratio of earnings to fixed charges and adversely affect other leverage criteria.
Under our existing credit facility, we are required to obtain the lenders'
consent for certain additional debt financing and to comply with other covenants
including the application of specific financial ratios. We are also restricted
from paying cash dividends on our capital stock. We cannot assure you that the
necessary acquisition financing would be available to us on acceptable terms
when required. If we were to undertake an acquisition for equity, the
acquisition may have a dilutive effect on the interests of the holders of our
common stock.
OUR RESULTS ARE SENSITIVE TO RAW MATERIAL AVAILABILITY, QUALITY AND COST.
General: Many of our products require the use of raw materials that are
produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available
from only a limited number of suppliers. Our results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw
materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates or there are
significant price increases for these raw materials. For example, the prices for
tantalum and palladium, two raw materials that we use in our capacitors, are
subject to fluctuation. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials
are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers
which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used.
For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down
our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, since we record our
inventory at the lower of cost or market. Depending on the extent of the
difference between market price and our carrying cost, this write-down could
have a material adverse effect on our net earnings. As discussed below, we have
recorded substantial write-downs of tantalum and palladium in the recent
economic downturn.
From time to time there have been short-term market shortages of raw
materials. While these shortages have not historically adversely affected our
ability to increase production of products containing tantalum and palladium,
they have historically resulted in higher raw material costs for us. We cannot
assure you that any of these market shortages in the future would not adversely
affect our ability to increase production, particularly during periods of
growing demand for our products.
13
Tantalum: We are a major consumer of the world's annual production of
tantalum. Tantalum, a metal purchased in powder or wire form, is the principal
material used in the manufacture of tantalum capacitors. There are currently
three major suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor grade tantalum
powder. Due to the strong demand for our tantalum capacitors and difficulty in
obtaining sufficient quantities of tantalum powder from our suppliers, we
stockpiled tantalum ore in 2000 and early 2001. During 2001, we experienced a
significant decrease in sales due to declining orders and the deferral or
cancellation of existing orders. Our tantalum capacitor business was
particularly impacted by the slowdown in sales. Prices for tantalum ore and
powder decreased during this period. As a result, we recorded write-downs of
$52,000,000 on tantalum during 2001.
In June 2002, we agreed with Cabot Corporation to amend our two tantalum
supply agreements for the supply by Cabot to us of tantalum powder and wire.
Pursuant to the amendments, we and Cabot agreed to reduce volumes, and starting
in 2003, prices of tantalum products under the agreements and to extend the term
of one of the agreements by one year. We also agreed to purchase tantalum
products at regular intervals over the term of the agreements. These amendments
require us to purchase tantalum products in excess of our current usage
requirements.
In the fourth quarter of 2002 we took charges of approximately $106 million
against our contractual commitments to purchase tantalum powder and wire from
Cabot through 2006 and wrote-down approximately $25.7 million of our existing
inventory of tantalum ore, powder and wire to then-present market value. In
2003, we took additional charges of approximately $11.4 million against our
contractual commitments to purchase tantalum powder and wire from Cabot, and
wrote-down inventory on hand by approximately $5.4 million to then-present
market value. We did this because the then-current market prices of tantalum
were substantially below the prices at which we are committed to purchase
tantalum under our long-term contracts with Cabot and the prices at which we
were carrying our tantalum raw materials inventory. If market prices for
tantalum were to decline further, we could be required to record additional
write-downs on our tantalum purchase commitments and inventory. We did not
record any write-downs of tantalum inventory during the first quarter of 2004.
Palladium: Palladium, a metal used to produce multi-layered ceramic
capacitors, is currently found primarily in South Africa and Russia. Palladium
is a commodity product subject to price volatility. The price of palladium has
fluctuated in the range of approximately $148 to $1,090 per troy ounce since
2001. As of March 31, 2004, the price of palladium was approximately $287 per
troy ounce. During 2001, 2002 and 2003, we recorded write-downs on our palladium
inventories of $18 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively. We did
not record any write-downs of palladium inventory during the first quarter of
2004.
OUR BACKLOG IS SUBJECT TO CUSTOMER CANCELLATION.
As of the end of the first quarter of 2004, our backlog was $620 million.
Many of the orders that comprise our backlog may be canceled by our customers
without penalty. Our customers may on occasion double and triple order
components from multiple sources to ensure timely delivery when backlog is
particularly long. They often cancel orders when business is weak and
inventories are excessive, a situation that we experienced in the recent
economic slowdown. Therefore, we cannot be certain the amount of our backlog
does not exceed the level of orders that will ultimately be delivered. Our
results of operations could be adversely impacted if customers cancel a material
portion of orders in our backlog.
WE FACE INTENSE COMPETITION IN OUR BUSINESS, AND WE MARKET OUR PRODUCTS TO AN
INCREASINGLY CONCENTRATED GROUP OF CUSTOMERS.
Our business is highly competitive worldwide, with low transportation costs
and few import barriers. We compete principally on the basis of product quality
and reliability, availability, customer service, technological innovation,
timely delivery and price. The electronics components
14
industry has become increasingly concentrated and globalized in recent years and
our major competitors, some of which are larger than us, have significant
financial resources and technological capabilities.
Our customers have become increasingly concentrated in recent years, and as
a result, their buying power has increased and they have had greater ability to
negotiate favorable pricing. This trend has adversely affected our average
selling prices, particularly for commodity components.
WE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE FACILITIES TO SATISFY FUTURE INCREASES IN DEMAND FOR
OUR PRODUCTS.
Our business is cyclical and in periods of a rising economy, we may
experience intense demand for our products. During such periods, we may have
difficulty expanding our manufacturing to satisfy demand. Factors which could
limit such expansion include delays in procurement of manufacturing equipment,
shortages of skilled personnel and capacity constraints at our facilities. If we
are unable to meet our customers' requirements and our competitors sufficiently
expand production, we could lose customers and/or market share. This loss could
have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
FUTURE CHANGES IN OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY AND COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS MAY
HARM OUR ABILITY TO OPERATE OR INCREASE COSTS.
Our manufacturing operations, products and/or product packaging are subject
to environmental laws and regulations governing air emissions, wastewater
discharges, the handling, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances,
wastes and certain chemicals used or generated in our manufacturing processes,
employee health and safety labeling or other notifications with respect to the
content or other aspects of our processes, products or packaging, restrictions
on the use of certain materials in or on design aspects of our products or
product packaging and responsibility for disposal of products or product
packaging. We establish reserves for specifically identified potential
environmental liabilities which we believe are adequate. Nevertheless, we often
unavoidably inherit certain pre-existing environmental liabilities, generally
based on successor liability doctrines. Although we have never been involved in
any environmental matter that has had a material adverse impact on our overall
operations, there can be no assurance that in connection with any past or future
acquisition we will not be obligated to address environmental matters that could
have a material adverse impact on our operations. In addition, more stringent
environmental regulations may be enacted in the future, and we cannot presently
determine the modifications, if any, in our operations that any such future
regulations might require, or the cost of compliance with these regulations. In
order to resolve liabilities at various sites, we have entered into various
administrative orders and consent decrees, some of which may be, under certain
conditions, reopened or subject to renegotiations.
OUR PRODUCTS MAY EXPERIENCE A REDUCTION IN PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION LEVELS UNDER
VARIOUS MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS.
We have qualified certain of our products under various military
specifications, approved and monitored by the United States Defense Electronic
Supply Center, and under certain European military specifications. These
products are assigned certain classification levels. In order to maintain the
classification level of a product, we must continuously perform tests on the
product and the results of these tests must be reported to governmental
agencies. If any of our products fails to meet the requirements of the
applicable classification level, that product's classification may be reduced to
a lower level. A decrease in the classification level for any of our products
with a military application could have an adverse impact on the net sales and
earnings attributable to that product.
15
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO VISHAY'S OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
WE OBTAIN SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS BY OPERATING IN ISRAEL, BUT THESE BENEFITS MAY
NOT CONTINUE.
We have increased our operations in Israel over the past several years. The
low tax rates in Israel applicable to earnings of our operations in that
country, compared to the rates in the United States, have had the effect of
increasing our net earnings, although this was not the case in 2003 and 2002.
Also, we have benefited from employment incentive grants made by the Israeli
government. In 2002, the Israeli government suspended payment on one of these
grants after we were forced to lay off a significant number of employees as a
result of the recent economic downturn. Although we reached agreement with the
Israeli government to resume payment on this grant, there can be no assurance
that we will maintain our eligibility for this or other existing project grants.
There can also be no assurance in the future the Israeli government will
continue to offer new grant and tax incentive programs applicable to us or that,
if it does, such programs will provide the same level of benefits we have
historically received or that we will continue to be eligible to take advantage
of them. Any significant increase in the Israeli tax rates or reduction or
elimination of the Israeli grant programs that have benefited us could have an
adverse impact on our results of operations.
WE ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE PROFITABILITY BY OPERATING IN COUNTRIES IN WHICH LABOR
COSTS ARE LOW, BUT THE SHIFT OF OPERATIONS TO THESE REGIONS MAY ENTAIL
CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE.
Our strategy is aimed at achieving significant production cost savings
through the transfer and expansion of manufacturing operations to and in
countries with lower production costs, such as Israel, Mexico, Portugal, the
Czech Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's
Republic of China. In this process, we may experience under-utilization of
certain plants and factories in high labor cost regions and capacity constraints
in plants and factories located in low labor cost regions. This
under-utilization may result initially in production inefficiencies and higher
costs. These costs include those associated with compensation in connection with
work force reductions and plant closings in the higher labor cost regions, and
start-up expenses, manufacturing and construction delays, and increased
depreciation costs in connection with the initiation or expansion of production
in lower labor cost regions.
As we implement transfers of certain of our operations we may experience
strikes or other types of labor unrest as a result of lay-offs or termination of
our employees in high labor cost countries.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO THE RISKS OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND MILITARY INSTABILITY IN
COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.
We have operations outside the United States, and approximately 74% of our
revenues during 2003 were derived from sales to customers outside the United
States. Some of the countries in which we operate have in the past experienced
and may continue to experience political, economic and military instability or
unrest. These conditions could have an adverse impact on our ability to operate
in these regions and, depending on the extent and severity of these conditions,
could materially and adversely affect our overall financial condition and
operating results. In particular, current tensions in the Middle East could
adversely affect our business operations in Israel and elsewhere.
OUR BUSINESS WAS AFFECTED BY THE OUTBREAK OF SARS IN 2003 AND THE EFFECTS OF
THAT OUTBREAK MAY RECUR.
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, that began in
the People's Republic of China adversely affected our business during the first
six months of 2003, particularly in Asia where we derived approximately 36% and
38% of our revenue in 2003 and 2002, respectively. This impact included
disruptions in the operations of our customers, a slowdown in customer orders
and reduced sales in certain end markets. If an outbreak of SARS or like disease
16
were to recur on a comparable scale in Asia, we could experience similar
disruptions to our business.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO VISHAY'S CAPITAL STRUCTURE
THE HOLDERS OF OUR CLASS B COMMON STOCK HAVE EFFECTIVE VOTING CONTROL OF VISHAY.
The holders of our Class B common stock have voting control of Vishay. We
have two classes of common stock: common stock and Class B common stock. The
holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held, while
the holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes for each share
held. Currently, the principal holder of our Class B common stock, our chairman
and chief executive officer, controls approximately 50.3% of our outstanding
voting power. As a result, our chairman can effectively cause the election of
directors and approve other actions as a stockholder without the approval of
other stockholders of Vishay. To the extent any significant number of shares of
common stock are issued pursuant to exercise of the option, the voting control
of our chairman will be reduced below 50%. However, it is likely that his voting
percentage will remain sufficiently high, so that he will retain effective
voting control of our company even after exercise of the option.
THE EXISTENCE OF OUR CLASS B COMMON STOCK MAY DEPRIVE OTHER STOCKHOLDERS OF A
PREMIUM VALUE FOR THEIR SHARES IN A TAKEOVER.
The control that holders of our Class B common stock have over our company
may make us less attractive as a target for a takeover proposal. It may also
discourage a merger proposal or foreclose a proxy contest for the removal of the
incumbent directors, even if such actions were favored by a substantial majority
of our stockholders other than the holders of our Class B common stock.
Accordingly, this may deprive the holders of our common stock of an opportunity
they might otherwise have to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailing
market price in connection with a merger or acquisition of Vishay with or by
another company.
WE HAVE A STAGGERED BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHICH COULD MAKE A TAKEOVER OF VISHAY
DIFFICULT.
A staggered board of directors might discourage, delay or prevent a change
in control of our company by a third party and could discourage proxy contests
and make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors and take
other corporate actions. Also, as a consequence of our staggered board,
directors may not be removed without cause, even though a majority of
stockholders may wish to do so.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO THE OPTION
THE VALUE OF THE PAYMENT YOU RECEIVE FOR YOUR LYONS WILL BE AFFECTED BY
FLUCTUATIONS IN THE TRADING PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
The payment you receive for LYONs with respect to which you exercise the
option will equal $602.77 for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the
LYONs. This price will be payable in shares of our common stock provided certain
conditions described in this document are satisfied. The number of shares you
receive will be determined by dividing the total amount of cash you would have
received had the purchase price been paid in cash by the market price of a share
of common stock. Market price for these purposes means the average of the
closing prices of our common stock in New York Stock Exchange composite trading
for the five trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the
purchase date, which is the period from May 25, 2004 to and including June 1,
2004.
If you exercise the option prior to the close of trading on June 1, 2004,
you will not know the number of shares of common stock that you will be entitled
to receive at the time of exercise, although you have the right to withdraw your
exercise at any time prior to the close of business on the day prior to the
purchase date. Also, the value of the payment you receive will be affected
17
by fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock. We will deliver the
common stock paid for the purchase price of the LYONs following the later of the
purchase date and the date you surrender your LYONs. Because the number of
shares that we deliver in payment for the LYONs will be determined over a period
of time ending in advance of the purchase date, the value of the common stock
that you receive may be less at the time the stock is delivered to you than the
market price used to determine the number of shares that you receive. In that
case, the value you receive for your LYONs would be less than $602.77 per $1,000
principal amount of the LYONs at the time you receive the payment.
IF WE ARE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE THE LYONS FOR CASH, WE MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT
CASH AVAILABLE TO DO SO.
If certain conditions described in this document are not satisfied as of the
close of business on the purchase date, we will not have the right to pay the
purchase price for the LYONs in shares of our common stock and will be required
to effect the purchase for cash. If all holders of outstanding LYONs exercise
their option, we will require approximately $232.1 million to pay the purchase
price. We believe that we have sufficient cash available on hand that, when
combined with our borrowing availability under our long-term credit facility,
would enable us to satisfy our purchase obligation if we were required to pay
cash to purchase all the outstanding LYONs. We are in the process of amending
the credit facility so that there will be no impediment to our borrowing under
the facility to fund the purchase of the LYONs, and we expect that this
amendment will be in place substantially in advance of the purchase date.
However, if for any reason, we were unable to borrow under the facility, we may
not have sufficient funds to make the purchase. If that were to occur, we would
be in default under the LYONs, and possibly other indebtedness of the company,
which would entitle holders of the LYONs to exercise certain remedies.
OUR COMMON STOCK WILL HAVE NO PRIORITY IN THE EVENT OF A LIQUIDATION OR
INSOLVENCY.
In the event of our liquidation or insolvency, our assets will be available
to pay our creditors first, including holders of the LYONs and our other debt.
Holders of common stock will not have the same degree of protection as holders
of debt claims, including holders of LYONs. As of the end of the first quarter
of 2004, we had approximately $839 million of total debt outstanding, including
the LYONs.
HOLDERS OF THE COMMON STOCK HAVE NONE OF THE REPURCHASE RIGHTS AFFORDED UNDER
THE LYONS.
As a holder of LYONs, if a change in control or a delisting of our common
stock occurs prior to June 4, 2006, you have the right to require Vishay to
purchase your LYONs at a price equal to the issue price plus accrued original
issue discount to the purchase date. In addition, a holder of LYONs may require
us to repurchase all or a portion of their LYONs on June 4, 2006, 2011 and 2016
at a price equal to the sum of the issue price and accrued original issue
discount on the LYONs as of the applicable purchase date. Holders of LYONs who
exchange their LYONs for common stock will not have these or similar rights with
respect to the common stock they receive.
THE LIQUIDITY OF ANY TRADING MARKET THAT CURRENTLY EXISTS FOR THE LYONS MAY BE
ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE EXERCISE OF THE OPTION, AND HOLDERS OF LYONS WHO DO
NOT EXERCISE THE OPTION MAY FIND IT MORE DIFFICULT TO SELL THEIR LYONS.
To the extent that LYONs are surrendered for purchase on exercise of the
option, the trading market for the remaining LYONs may be less liquid and more
sporadic and prices may fluctuate significantly depending on the volume of
trading in LYONs. This decreased liquidity may also make it more difficult for
holders of LYONs that do not exercise the option to sell their LYONs.
18
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On May 4, 2004, we announced our results for the first quarter 2004. Sales
for the first quarter 2004 were $640.9 million, a 20% increase as compared to
sales of $532.1 million for the first quarter 2003. Net earnings for the first
quarter 2004 were $36.0 million or $0.20 per share compared to net earnings of
$6.8 million or $0.04 per share for the first quarter 2003. Bookings for first
quarter 2004 increased 31% to $733 million compared to first quarter 2003; and
increased sequentially 13% over fourth quarter 2003 bookings of $648 million.
The book-to-bill ratio for first quarter 2004 was 1.14 reflecting a book-to-bill
of 1.21 for the actives segment, and a book-to-bill of 1.08 for the passives
segment. Backlog increased by $88 million during first quarter 2004 to $620
million.
The following tables present an unaudited summary of operations for the
first quarters of 2004 and 2003, an unaudited balance sheet as of the end of the
first quarter of 2004 (as compared to December 31, 2003), and an unaudited
reconciliation of the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for
the first quarters of 2004 and 2003.
19
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
FISCAL FIRST QUARTER ENDED
-----------------------------
APRIL 3, MARCH 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Net sales................................................... $640,921 $532,127
Gross profit................................................ 159,711 118,510
24.9% 22.3%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses............... 97,944 96,662
Restructuring expense....................................... 301 687
-------- --------
Operating income............................................ 61,466 21,161
9.6% 4.0%
Other income (expense):
Interest expense........................................ (8,260) (10,001)
Minority interest....................................... (2,806) (2,020)
Other................................................... 990 643
-------- --------
(10,076) (11,378)
-------- --------
Earnings before taxes....................................... 51,390 9,783
Income taxes................................................ 15,424 2,935
-------- --------
Net earnings................................................ $ 35,966 $ 6,848
-------- --------
-------- --------
Basic earnings per share.................................... $0.22 $0.04
Diluted earnings per share.................................. $0.20 $0.04
Weighted average shares outstanding -- basic................ 160,438 159,549
Weighted average shares outstanding -- diluted.............. 201,324 159,996
-------------------
NOTE: The Company reports interim financial information for 13-week periods
ending on a Saturday, except for the first quarter, which always begins on
January 1, and the fourth quarter, which always ends on December 31. The
four fiscal quarters in 2004 end on April 3, 2004, July 3, 2004,
October 2, 2004, and December 31, 2004, respectively. The four fiscal
quarters in 2003 were reported as calendar year quarters; however, they
actually ended on March 29, 2003, June 28, 2003, September 27, 2003, and
December 31, 2003, respectively.
20
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
APRIL 3, DECEMBER 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................... $ 581,850 $ 555,540
Accounts receivable, net................................ 416,602 374,240
Inventories:
Finished goods...................................... 161,506 171,447
Work in process..................................... 156,773 154,532
Raw materials....................................... 215,823 189,413
Deferred income taxes................................... 48,333 48,471
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............... 110,906 143,610
----------- ----------
Total current assets............................ 1,691,793 1,637,253
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land.................................................... 109,301 110,021
Buildings and improvements.............................. 376,513 375,178
Machinery and equipment................................. 1,653,943 1,644,270
Construction in progress................................ 70,067 85,169
----------- ----------
2,209,824 2,214,638
Allowance for depreciation.............................. (1,032,694) (994,843)
----------- ----------
1,177,130 1,219,795
Goodwill.................................................... 1,462,631 1,466,714
Other intangible assets, net................................ 125,530 128,955
Other assets................................................ 103,885 119,796
----------- ----------
Total assets.................................... $ 4,560,969 $4,572,513
----------- ----------
----------- ----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks.................................. $ 4,870 $ 17,511
Trade accounts payable.................................. 136,537 158,182
Payroll and related expenses............................ 117,619 111,842
Other accrued expenses.................................. 255,489 288,432
Income taxes............................................ 23,849 10,112
Current portion of long-term debt....................... 1,319 1,282
----------- ----------
Total current liabilities....................... 539,683 587,361
Long-term debt less current portion......................... 838,119 836,606
Deferred income taxes....................................... 28,112 35,036
Deferred income............................................. 25,273 27,659
Other liabilities........................................... 252,123 248,652
Accrued pension and other post retirement costs............. 236,022 239,950
Minority interest........................................... 85,961 83,215
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock............................................ 14,554 14,467
Class B common stock.................................... 1,498 1,538
Capital in excess of par value.......................... 1,927,356 1,918,785
Retained earnings....................................... 586,162 550,196
Unearned compensation................................... (241) (306)
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................. 26,347 29,354
----------- ----------
2,555,676 2,514,034
----------- ----------
$ 4,560,969 $4,572,513
----------- ----------
----------- ----------
-------------------
NOTE: The Company reports interim financial information for 13-week periods
ending on a Saturday, except for the first quarter, which always begins on
January 1, and the fourth quarter, which always ends on December 31. The
four fiscal quarters in 2004 end on April 3, 2004, July 3, 2004,
October 2, 2004, and December 31, 2004, respectively. The four fiscal
quarters in 2003 were reported as calendar year quarters; however, they
actually ended on March 29, 2003, June 28, 2003, September 27, 2003, and
December 31, 2003, respectively.
21
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings
per share:
FISCAL FIRST QUARTER ENDED
-----------------------------
APRIL 3, MARCH 31,
2004 2003
---- ----
Numerator:
Numerator for basic earnings per share -- net earnings...... $35,966 $ 6,848
Interest savings assuming conversion of dilutive convertible
and exchangeable notes.................................... 4,764 --
------- -------
Numerator for diluted earnings per share -- adjusted net
earnings.................................................. $40,730 $ 6,848
------- -------
------- -------
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share -- weighted average
shares.................................................... 160,438 159,549
Effect of dilutive securities:
Convertible and exchangeable notes...................... 36,475 --
Employee stock options.................................. 3,312 380
Warrants................................................ 1,043 --
Other................................................... 56 67
------- -------
Dilutive potential common shares............................ 40,886 447
------- -------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share -- adjusted
weighted average shares................................... 201,324 159,996
------- -------
------- -------
Basic earnings per share.................................... $0.22 $0.04
===== =====
Diluted earnings per share.................................. $0.20 $0.04
===== =====
Diluted earnings per share do not reflect the following, as the effect would
be antidilutive for the respective period:
Weighted average outstanding warrants of 1,824,000 and 8,824,000, for
the first quarters of 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Weighted average outstanding stock options to purchase 1,164,000 shares
and 7,887,000 shares of common stock for the first quarters of 2004 and
2003, respectively.
Assumed conversion of the Company's LYONs, due 2021, for the first
quarter of 2003. At March 31, 2003, these notes were convertible into
9,717,730 shares of the Company's common stock. The Company repurchased some
of these notes during the third quarter of 2003. The remaining outstanding
notes are dilutive to the first quarter of 2004.
Assumed exchange of the notes of Vishay from the December 13, 2002
acquisition of BCcomponents, for the first quarter of 2003. These notes are
exchangeable for 6,176,471 shares of the Company's common stock, and are
dilutive to the first quarter of 2004.
Assumed conversion of the convertible subordinated notes of General
Semiconductor, acquired November 2, 2001, for the first quarter of 2003. At
March 31, 2003, these notes were convertible into 6,191,161 shares of the
Company's common stock. These notes were fully redeemed on September 10,
2003.
22
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any cash proceeds in connection with our purchase of the
LYONs upon exercise of the option.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Our common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol 'VSH.' The last
reported sale price per share of Vishay common stock on the NYSE was $17.99 on
May 4, 2004, the business day immediately preceding the date of this company
notice/prospectus. There is no established reporting system or trading market
for the LYONs. As of April 30, 2004, there were 145,563,480 shares of common
stock outstanding, and 14,979,440 shares of our Class B common stock
outstanding. Our Class B common stock is not traded on any exchange.
The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common
stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated.
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
HIGH LOW
---- ---
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002:
First Quarter.......................................... $22.50 $17.05
Second Quarter......................................... $26.15 $19.31
Third Quarter.......................................... $22.00 $ 8.51
Fourth Quarter......................................... $15.10 $ 6.70
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003:
First Quarter.......................................... $13.24 $ 8.77
Second Quarter......................................... $15.15 $ 9.93
Third Quarter.......................................... $19.00 $12.47
Fourth Quarter......................................... $23.15 $17.45
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004:
First Quarter.......................................... $24.99 $18.96
Second Quarter through May 4, 2004..................... $22.82 $16.58
DESCRIPTION OF THE OPTION
Under the terms of the indenture each holder of LYONs has the option to
require the company to purchase the LYONs on June 4, 2004 at a price of $602.77
for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs. The date on which the
LYONs are required to be purchased is referred to as the purchase date, and the
price that the company is required to pay for each $1,000 principal amount at
maturity of LYONs is referred to as the purchase price. A holder may exercise
its option with respect to all of the LYONs that it holds or with respect to any
portion of the LYONs that it holds in integral multiples of $1,000 principal
amount at maturity of the LYONs.
MANNER OF PAYMENT
The indenture provides that the company has the right to elect whether to
pay the purchase price for the LYONs in cash, the company's common stock or a
combination of cash and common stock. The company has elected to pay the
purchase price in shares of common stock. Accordingly, each holder of LYONs that
exercises the option will receive from the company a number of shares determined
by dividing the total amount of cash the holder would have been entitled to
receive had the purchase price been paid in cash by the market price of a share
of common stock. This amount may be computed using the following formula:
A x p
N = ----------- ,
$1,000 x M
where
23
N is the number of shares of common stock issuable to the
holder;
A is principal amount at maturity of all LYONs for which the
holder is exercising the option;
p is the purchase price per $1,000 principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs ($602.77); and
M is the market price of one share of common stock.
Under the indenture, the market price of a share of common stock is defined
as the average of the sale prices of the common stock for the five trading day
period ending on (if the third business day prior to the purchase date is a
trading day or, if not, then on the last trading day prior to) the third
business day prior to the purchase date, appropriately adjusted to take into
account the occurrence, during the period commencing on the first of the trading
days during such five trading day period and ending on the purchase date, of
certain events that would result in an adjustment of the conversion rate of the
LYONs. The sale price for any date is generally defined as the closing price of
the common stock on that date in New York Stock Exchange composite trading or
trading on any other principal United States securities exchange on which the
common stock is traded. For the purchase date of June 4, 2004, the period for
determining the market price will be the five trading day period beginning on
May 25, 2004 and ending on June 1, 2004.
The company will issue a press release announcing the market price as
promptly as practicable following the time that it has been determined and will
also publish this information on the company's website. If you exercise your
option prior to the time the market price has been determined, you will not know
the exact number of shares of common stock that you will be entitled to receive
for your LYONs at the time you exercise. You will, however, have the right to
withdraw your exercise prior to the purchase date. See 'Withdrawal' below. Also,
because the market price will be determined prior to the purchase date, holders
who exercise will bear the market risk with respect to the value of the common
stock to be received from the date the market price is determined to the
purchase date and the date they receive the shares of common stock in payment of
the purchase price.
For purposes of determining the number of shares of common stock that a
holder exercising its option is entitled to receive, the company will aggregate
all LYONs held by the holder for which the option has been exercised. The
company will not issue any fractional shares of common stock. A holder that
would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share will receive
instead cash in an amount equal to the fraction multiplied by the market price
of a share of common stock, determined as previously described.
CONDITIONS TO THE OPTION; PAYMENT OF CASH IF CONDITIONS NOT SATISFIED
There are no conditions to the obligation of the company to purchase the
LYONs of holders that properly exercise the option. However, the company's right
to pay the purchase price in stock is subject to a number of conditions under
the indenture. These include --
the company's not having given notice of an election to pay entirely in
cash and its giving of timely notice of election to purchase the LYONs for
common stock. This document complies with this requirement;
the shares of common stock having been admitted for listing or admitted for
listing subject to notice of issuance on the principal United States
securities exchange on which the common stock is listed. The company has
filed an additional listing application with the New York Stock Exchange
with respect to the shares of common stock issuable in payment for the
LYONs and expects that the application will be approved in advance of the
purchase date;
the registration of the shares of common stock to be issued in respect of
the payment of the purchase price under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in each case,
if required. The company has filed a registration statement on Form S-4
with the SEC, of which this document forms a part. We hope that the
registration statement will become effective in advance of the purchase
date, although
24
we cannot assure you that this will be the case. The common stock is
already registered under the Exchange Act, and the company does not believe
that any additional registration under that statute is required in
connection with the option;
any necessary qualification or registration under applicable state
securities laws or the availability of an exemption from such qualification
and registration. The company does not believe that there are any such
required qualifications or registrations;
the receipt by the trustee for the LYONs of an officers' certificate and an
opinion of counsel (as those terms are defined in the indenture), each
stating that the terms of the issuance of the common stock are in
conformity with the indenture, that the shares of common stock to be issued
by the company in payment of the purchase price have been duly authorized
and, when issued and delivered, will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable and free from preemptive rights and that the other
conditions recited above have been satisfied. The company expects to
deliver these documents to the trustee, assuming that all other conditions
have been satisfied; and
the publication of the information necessary to calculate the market price
for the common stock in a daily newspaper of national circulation or by
other appropriate means. The closing prices for Vishay common stock in New
York Stock Exchange composite trading is widely available, including by
publication in the Wall Street Journal and appearance in other print and
electronic media sources.
If these conditions are not satisfied prior to the close of business on the
purchase date, the company will be obligated to pay the entire purchase price
for all LYONs with respect to which the option has been properly exercised
entirely in cash. Holders may specify in their purchase notice, or agent's
message delivered in lieu of a purchase notice, whether in these circumstances
they elect to withdraw exercise of the option with respect to some or all of the
LYONs with respect to which they have previously exercised the option and/or to
receive cash for the purchase price for the LYONs not being withdrawn. If a
holder fails to indicate its choice, it will be deemed to have elected to
receive cash for all LYONs with respect to which it has exercised the option.
Notwithstanding these provisions, the company is not permitted to pay the
purchase price in cash if at the time an event of default under the LYONs has
occurred and is continuing. If the company were obligated to pay cash and this
circumstance were to occur, the paying agent would return any LYONs previously
surrendered and all purchase notices would be deemed to be withdrawn.
If the option is properly exercised with respect to all outstanding LYONs,
the total amount of cash that the company would require in order to pay the
purchase price would be approximately $232.1 million. The company expects that,
if required, it would fund this cash payment with available cash and, depending
on the number of LYONs required to be purchased, borrowings under its long term
revolving credit facility. The company is in the process of amending the credit
facility so that there will be no impediment to our borrowing under the facility
to fund the purchase of the LYONs. Any funds borrowed for this purpose under the
credit facility will be repaid in the ordinary course of business as funds
become available.
PURCHASE OF THE LYONS
Prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the business day following the
purchase date, the company will deposit with the paying agent an amount of
common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares or, if the company is
required to make payment for the LYONs in cash under the circumstances described
above, the cash purchase price in immediately available funds sufficient to pay
the aggregate purchase price for the LYONs with respect to which the option has
been properly exercised. Payment of the purchase price for the LYONs of a holder
that has validly exercised the option will be made promptly following the later
of the purchase date and the time of delivery to the paying agent of the LYONs
to which the exercise relates.
25
PROCEDURES FOR EXERCISING THE OPTION
In order to exercise the option and receive the purchase price for their
LYONs, holders must:
deliver and not withdraw a purchase notice (or an agent's message according
to the procedures for book-entry transfer described below) prior to
5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004, the business date prior to
the purchase date; and
surrender the LYONs (together with any required documentation) to the
paying agent prior to, on or after the purchase date, in conformity in all
respects to the description of the LYONs in the purchase notice, as
determined by the company.
To surrender the LYONs, a holder must comply with the book-entry transfer
procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC) described below. The purchase
notice and any required documentation must be delivered to the office of the
paying agent set forth below under the caption 'Paying Agent.'
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE PURCHASE NOTICE AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS TO THE PAYING AGENT IS AT YOUR ELECTION AND RISK. RATHER THAN MAIL
THESE ITEMS, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN
ALL CASES, YOU SHOULD ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO ASSURE DELIVERY OF THE PURCHASE
NOTICE TO THE PAYING AGENT PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME ON JUNE 3,
2004, THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE DATE. YOU SHOULD NOT SEND THE
PURCHASE NOTICE TO THE COMPANY.
Holders may exercise the option with respect to some or all of their LYONs.
However, if a holder exercises the option with respect to only a portion of its
LYONs, the LYONs surrendered must be in integral multiples of $1,000 in
principal amount at maturity of the LYONs. Any LYONs as to which a purchase
notice has not been delivered prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
June 3, 2004, the business day prior to the purchase date, will remain
outstanding and subject to the terms of the indenture.
HOW TO EXERCISE THE OPTION IF YOU ARE A BENEFICIAL OWNER
If you beneficially own LYONs that are registered in the name of a broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to exercise
the option with respect to those LYONs, you should contact your nominee as soon
as possible and instruct your nominee to exercise the option on your behalf.
PURCHASE NOTICE
Under the terms of the indenture, a purchase notice must state:
the CUSIP number of the LYONs that the holder will deliver to be purchased;
the portion of the principal amount at maturity of the LYONs owned by the
holder that the holder will deliver to be purchased, which, if less than
all LYONs of the holder, must be an integral multiple of principal amount
at maturity of $1,000;
that such LYONs will be purchased as of the purchase date pursuant to the
terms and conditions specified in paragraph 7 of the LYONs and the
indenture; and
in the event the purchase price for the LYONs is ultimately payable
entirely in cash because any of the conditions to payment of the purchase
price in common stock is not satisfied prior to the close of business on
the purchase date, whether the holder elects to withdraw some or all of the
LYONs being surrendered, stating the principal amount at maturity to which
the withdrawal relates, and/or to receive cash in respect of the purchase
price for the LYONs not being withdrawn.
A properly completed purchase notice in the form that accompanies this document
will satisfy these requirements.
26
SIGNATURES AND SIGNATURE GUARANTEES
Signatures on a purchase notice or a notice of withdrawal, must be
guaranteed, unless you are surrendering LYONs for the account of an eligible
guarantor institution, as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 of the Exchange Act and
referred to here as an eligible institution. This definition includes any:
bank, as defined in Section 3(a) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act;
broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, municipal securities broker,
government securities dealer or government securities broker, as defined in
the Exchange Act;
credit union, as defined in Section 19B(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act;
national securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing
agency, as defined in the Exchange Act; or
savings association, as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act.
If signatures on a purchase notice or a notice of withdrawal are required to be
guaranteed, the guarantor is required to be an eligible institution. If the
purchase notice or any other document provided to the company or the paying
agent is signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact, or officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary
or representative capacity, those persons should so indicate when signing.
Unless the company waives this requirement, they also must submit evidence
satisfactory to us of their authority to deliver the purchase notice.
If a purchase notice is submitted other than for the account of an eligible
institution and the LYONs to which such purchase notice relates are not being
surrendered to the paying agent at the time such purchase notice is delivered,
an eligible institution must guarantee to the company delivery of confirmation
of book-entry transfer of the LYONs to the paying agent's account at DTC.
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
The paying agent will establish a new account or utilize an existing account
with respect to the LYONs at DTC. Any financial institution that is a
participant in DTC and whose name appears on a securities position listing as
the owner of LYONs may make a book-entry surrender of LYONs by causing DTC to
transfer the LYONs into the paying agent's account in accordance with DTC's
procedures for such transfer. However, although the surrender of LYONs may be
effected through book-entry transfer into the paying agent's account at DTC,
before, on or after the purchase date, THE PURCHASE NOTICE, OR A MANUALLY SIGNED
FACSIMILE PROPERLY COMPLETED AND VALIDLY EXECUTED, WITH ANY REQUIRED SIGNATURE
GUARANTEES, OR AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU OF THE PURCHASE NOTICE, MUST BE
RECEIVED BY THE PAYING AGENT AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH BELOW UNDER THE CAPTION
'PAYING AGENT' PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME ON JUNE 3, 2003, THE
BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE DATE. Delivery of documents to DTC in
accordance with DTC's procedures does not constitute delivery to the paying
agent.
The term 'agent's message' means a message transmitted by DTC to, and
received by, the paying agent and forming a part of a book-entry confirmation,
which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the
participant in DTC stating:
the principal amount at maturity of LYONs with respect to which the option
is being exercised and which are being surrendered by the participant;
in the event the purchase price for the LYONs is ultimately payable
entirely in cash because any of the conditions to payment of the purchase
price in common stock is not satisfied prior to the close of business on
the purchase date, whether the participant elects to withdraw some or all
of the LYONs being surrendered, stating the principal amount at maturity to
which the withdrawal relates, and/or to receive cash in respect of the
purchase price for the LYONs not being withdrawn;
27
that the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the term of the
purchase notice; and
that the company may enforce this agreement against the participant.
An agent's message may be delivered to the paying agent through DTC in lieu
of delivery of a purchase notice only if the LYONs to which the agent's message
relates are at the time being surrendered by book-entry transfer to the account
of the paying agent. If surrender of the LYONs is being made at a different
time, a purchase notice must be delivered.
WITHDRAWAL
YOU MAY WITHDRAW YOUR EXERCISE OF THE OPTION WITH RESPECT TO ANY OR ALL OF
YOUR LYONS AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME ON JUNE 3, 2004,
THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE DATE.
For a withdrawal to be effective:
the paying agent must receive a written notice of withdrawal at its address
set forth below under the caption 'Paying Agent'; or
if the LYONs to which the withdrawal relates were surrendered to the paying
agent through the procedures of DTC, the holder may comply with the
appropriate withdrawal procedures of DTC.
A notice of withdrawal must:
specify the principal amount at maturity of the LYONs with respect to which
the notice of withdrawal is being submitted;
state the CUSIP number of the LYONs with respect to which the notice of
withdrawal is being submitted; and
specify the principal amount at maturity, if any, of LYONs which remain
subject to the original purchase notice and which has been or will be
delivered for purchase by the company.
A form of withdrawal notice has been included with this document. Any validly
withdrawn LYONs previously surrendered to the paying agent will be credited to
the account at DTC from which the LYONs were previously delivered.
Withdrawals of LYONs may not be rescinded, and the option will thereafter be
deemed not to have been exercised with respect to those LYONs. However, the
option may be re-exercised with respect to validly withdrawn LYONs by again
following the procedures described above at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. New York
City time on June 3, 2004.
RETURN OF IMPROPERLY SURRENDERED LYONS
If a holder does not deliver a purchase notice (or an agent's message in
lieu of a purchase notice) to the paying agent in a manner that complies with
the requirements described in this document, the LYONs to which the purchase
notice relates will be returned to the account at DTC from which the LYONs were
previously delivered, unless the defects in the delivery of the notice are cured
prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004 or are waived by the
company. We are under no obligation to inform any holder of defects in the
purchase notice or to waive any defects.
CONVERSION
A holder may convert the LYONs that it holds into common stock at any time
until the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the
stated maturity date of the LYONs. A LYON in respect of which a holder has
delivered a purchase notice may be converted only if the notice is withdrawn in
accordance with the terms of the indenture, as described above.
28
The conversion rate is 17.6686 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal
amount at maturity of the LYONs, subject to adjustment for certain events
described in the indenture. The company will deliver cash in lieu of issuing a
fractional share of common stock.
To convert a LYON, a holder must:
complete and sign the conversion notice or a facsimile and deliver the
notice to the conversion agent;
surrender the LYON to the conversion agent;
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents if required by the
conversion agent, the company or the trustee; and
pay any transfer or similar tax, if required.
A holder may only convert a portion of a LYON if the principal amount at
maturity of that portion is an integral multiple of $1,000.
The conversion agent is The Bank of New York, and its address is 101 Barclay
Street, Corporate Trust Services, New York, New York 10286.
OTHER INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE LYONS
No contingent interest is currently payable with respect to the LYONs, and
none is expected to be payable as of the purchase date.
Unless the company defaults in making payment of the purchase price,
original issue discount and any contingent interest on LYONs surrendered for
purchase will cease to accrue on and after the purchase date.
The CUSIP number of the LYONs that are restricted is 928298AC2, and the
CUSIP number of the LYONs that are unrestricted is 928298AD0.
PAYING AGENT
We have appointed The Bank of New York as the paying agent. All completed
purchase notices and agent's messages should be directed to the paying agent at
the address set forth below. All questions regarding the procedures for
exercising the option and surrendering your LYONs and requests for assistance in
surrendering the LYONs should also be directed to the paying agent at (212)
815-5098 or the following address:
BY MAIL BY FACSIMILE BY HAND OR OVERNIGHT
------- ------------ --------------------
Corporate Trust Operations (for eligible institutions Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit only) Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street - 7 East (212) 298-1915 101 Barclay Street - 7 East
New York, New York 10286 Confirmation: New York, New York 10286
Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec (212) 815-5098 Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec
DELIVERY OF A PURCHASE NOTICE OR AGENT'S MESSAGE TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN
THE ADDRESS LISTED ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS BY FACSIMILE OTHER THAN
AS SET FORTH ABOVE IS NOT VALID DELIVERY OF THE PURCHASE NOTICE OR AGENT'S
MESSAGE.
29
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The aggregate number of shares of capital stock which we have authority to
issue is 341,000,000 shares: 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value
$1.00 per share, 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share,
and 40,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.10 per share. No
shares of preferred stock have been issued. At April 30, 2004, there were
145,563,480 shares of common stock and 14,979,440 shares of Class B common stock
outstanding.
COMMON STOCK
After any required payment on shares of preferred stock, holders of common
stock and Class B common stock are entitled to receive, and share ratably on a
per share basis in, all dividends and other distributions declared by our board
of directors. In the event of a stock dividend or stock split, holders of common
stock will receive shares of common stock and holders of Class B common stock
will receive shares of Class B common stock. Neither the common stock nor the
Class B common stock may be split, divided or combined unless the other is
split, divided or combined equally.
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held.
Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes for each share held.
The common stock and the Class B common stock vote together as one class on all
matters subject to stockholder approval, except as set forth in the following
sentence. The approval of the holders of common stock and of Class B common
stock, each voting separately as a class, is required to authorize issuances of
additional shares of Class B common stock other than in connection with stock
splits and stock dividends.
Shares of Class B common stock are convertible into shares of common stock
on a one-for-one basis at any time at the option of the holder thereof. The
Class B common stock is not transferable except to the holder's spouse, certain
of such holder's relatives, certain trusts established for the benefit of the
holder, the holder's spouse or relatives, corporations and partnerships
beneficially owned and controlled by such holder, such holder's spouse or
relatives, charitable organizations and such holder's estate. Upon any transfer
made in violation of those restrictions, shares of Class B common stock will be
automatically converted into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis.
Neither the holders of common stock nor the holders of Class B common stock
have any preemptive rights to subscribe for additional shares of our capital
stock.
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE. There is no public market for shares
of our Class B common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock and Class B
common stock are, and upon conversion, the shares of common stock issuable upon
conversion of the notes will be, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
Our board of directors is authorized, without further stockholder approval,
to issue from time to time up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred
stock in one or more series. The board of directors may fix or alter the
designation, preferences, rights and any qualification, limitations restrictions
of the shares of any series, including the dividend rights, dividend rates,
conversion rights, voting rights, redemption terms and prices, liquidation
preferences and the number of shares constituting any series. No shares of our
preferred stock are currently outstanding.
OTHER MATTERS
We have a staggered board of directors, with one third of the board being
elected each year. As a consequence, directors may not be removed other than for
cause.
We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law which
prohibits us from engaging in a 'business combination' with an 'interested
stockholder' for a period of three
30
years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
Generally, an 'interested stockholder' is a person who, together with affiliates
and associates, owns or within three years did own, 15% or more of our voting
stock.
We furnish to our stockholders annual reports containing financial
statements audited by an independent public accounting firm.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the transfer agent and registrar
of our common stock and Class B common stock.
31
DESCRIPTION OF LYONS
We issued the LYONs under an indenture dated as of June 4, 2001, between us
and The Bank of New York, as trustee. The following summarizes the material
provisions of the LYONs and the indenture. The following summary is not complete
and is subject to, and qualified by reference to, all of the provisions of the
LYONs and the indenture. The indenture, which contains a form of the LYONs, is
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which
this prospectus is a part.
As used in this section, the words 'we,' 'us,' 'our' or 'Vishay' do not
include any current or future subsidiary of Vishay.
GENERAL
On June 4, 2001, we issued $550,000,000 aggregate principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs in a private placement, of which $165,000,000 aggregate
principal amount at maturity were subsequently repurchased by the company in
private transactions. The LYONs will mature on June 4, 2021. The principal
amount at maturity of each LYON is $1,000. The LYONs will be payable at the
office of the paying agent, which initially is an office or agency of the
trustee, or an office or agency maintained by us for such purpose, in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. (Indenture, Section 4.05)
We issued each LYON at an issue price of $551.26 per LYON, which represents
a substantial discount from its principal amount at maturity. (LYON, Global
Certificate) Except as described below, we will not make periodic payments of
interest on the LYONs. However, the LYONs accrue original issue discount while
they remain outstanding. Original issue discount is the difference between the
issue price and the principal amount at maturity of a LYON. Accrual of original
issue discount is calculated on a semi-annual bond equivalent basis, using a
360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. The original issue discount began
to accrue on the LYONs on June 4, 2001. (LYON, Section 1)
The LYONs are debt instruments subject to the contingent payment debt
regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. The LYONs were issued with original
issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes. (Indenture,
Section 13.14)
Even if we do not pay any cash interest (including any contingent interest)
on the LYONs, holders will be required to include accrued tax original issue
discount in their gross income for United States federal income tax purposes.
The rate at which the tax original issue discount accrues exceeds the stated
yield of 3.00% for the accrued original issue discount described above. (LYON,
Section 5)
Maturity, conversion, purchase by us at the option of a holder or redemption
of a LYON will cause original issue discount and interest, if any, to cease to
accrue on such LYON. We may not reissue a LYON that has matured or been
converted, purchased by us at the option of a holder, redeemed or otherwise
cancelled, except for registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of such
LYON.
LYONs may be presented for conversion at the office of the conversion agent,
and for exchange or registration of transfer at the office of the registrar,
each such agent initially being the trustee.
SUBORDINATION OF LYONS
Indebtedness evidenced by the LYONs is subordinated in right of payment as
set forth in the indenture, to the prior payment in full of all of our existing
and future senior indebtedness (as defined below). (LYON, Section 4)
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of Vishay to creditors, upon any
dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of Vishay or arrangement,
whether voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or
other similar proceedings, the holders of all senior indebtedness shall first be
entitled to receive in cash payment in full of all amounts due
32
or to become due thereon, or payment of such amounts shall have been provided
for, before the holders of the LYONs shall be entitled to receive any payment or
distribution with respect to any LYONs. As a result, holders of LYONs may
recover less, ratably, than the holders of senior indebtedness. (LYON
Section 10.02)
In addition, no payment of the principal amount at maturity, issue price,
accrued contingent interest, purchase price, redemption price or trigger event
purchase price with respect to any LYONs may be made by Vishay, nor may Vishay
pay cash with respect to the purchase price of any LYON (other than for
fractional shares) or otherwise acquire any LYONs (except as set forth in the
indenture), if (i) any payment default on any senior indebtedness has occurred
and is continuing beyond any applicable grace period or (ii) any default (other
than a payment default) with respect to senior indebtedness occurs and is
continuing that permits the acceleration of the maturity thereof and the default
is the subject of judicial proceedings or the trustee receives a written notice
of such default from Vishay or the holders of such senior indebtedness (a
'senior indebtedness default notice'). Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments
with respect to the LYONs may resume and Vishay may acquire LYONs for cash
(a) in the case of a default described in (i) above, when the default with
respect to the senior indebtedness is cured or waived or (b) in the case of
default described in (ii) above, the earlier to occur of the date the default
with respect to the senior indebtedness is cured or waived or 179 days after the
date the senior indebtedness default notice is received unless the maturity of
the senior indebtedness has been accelerated, provided that the terms of the
indenture otherwise permit the payment or acquisition of the LYONs at that time.
If Vishay receives a senior indebtedness default notice, then a similar notice
received within nine months thereafter relating to the same default on the same
issue of senior indebtedness shall not be effective to prevent the payment or
acquisition of the LYONs as provided above. (Indenture, Section 10.04)
In the event that the LYONs are declared due and payable prior to their
stated maturity by reason of the occurrence of any event of default, then Vishay
will be obligated to notify promptly holders of senior indebtedness of such
acceleration. Vishay may not pay a holder of LYONs until the earlier of (i) 120
days have passed after such acceleration occurs or (ii) the payment in full of
all senior indebtedness and may thereafter pay a holder of LYONs if the terms of
the indenture otherwise permit payment at that time. (Indenture, Section 10.04)
The term 'senior indebtedness' of Vishay means, the principal, premium (if
any) and unpaid interest on all present and future:
(i) indebtedness of Vishay for borrowed money;
(ii) obligations of Vishay evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or
similar instruments;
(iii) all obligations of Vishay under (a) interest rate swaps, caps,
collars, options, and similar arrangements, (b) any foreign exchange
contract, currency swap contract, futures contract, currency option
contract, or other foreign currency hedge or any other hedging
agreements, and (c) credit swaps, caps, floors, collars, and similar
arrangements;
(iv) indebtedness incurred, assumed or guaranteed by Vishay in connection
with the acquisition by it or a subsidiary of Vishay of any business,
properties or assets (except purchase-money indebtedness classified
as accounts payable under generally accepted accounting principles)
(v) obligations of Vishay as lessee under leases required to be
capitalized in the balance sheet of the lessee under generally
accepted accounting principles.
(vi) reimbursement obligations of Vishay in respect of letters of credit
relating to indebtedness or other obligations of Vishay that qualify
as indebtedness or obligations of the kind referred to in clauses (i)
through (v) above;
(vii) pension plan obligations; and
(viii) obligations of Vishay under direct or indirect guarantees in respect
of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or
otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in
respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds
33
referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) above, in each case unless
in the instrument creating or evidencing the indebtedness or
obligation or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is
provided that such indebtedness or obligation is not superior in
right of payment to the LYONs. (Indenture, Section 1.01)
The LYONs are effectively subordinated to all existing and future
liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries. Any right of ours to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any of our subsidiaries upon
liquidation, reorganization or insolvency of such subsidiary (and the consequent
right of the holders of the LYONs to participate in those assets) will be
subject to the claims of the creditors (including trade creditors) of such
subsidiary, except to the extent that our claims as a creditor of such
subsidiary may be recognized, in which case our claims would still be
subordinate to any security interest in the assets of such subsidiary and any
indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to that held by us. (Indenture, Section
10.02)
There is no restriction under the indenture on Vishay or any of its
subsidiaries incurring additional indebtedness, including senior indebtedness.
CONVERSION RIGHTS
A holder may convert a LYON, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount at
maturity, into shares of our common stock at any time on or before the close of
business on the second business day immediately preceding June 4, 2021.
(Indenture, Section 11.01)
If we call a LYON for redemption, a holder may convert such LYON only until
the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the
redemption date. A LYON for which a holder has delivered a purchase notice or a
trigger event purchase notice requiring us to purchase the LYON may be converted
only if such notice is withdrawn in accordance with the indenture. (Indenture,
Section 3.08)
'Business day' means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or other than a
day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are required or
authorized by law or executive order to close. (Indenture, Section 1.01)
The initial conversion rate is 17.6686 shares of common stock per LYON,
subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events described below.
(LYON, Section 10)
A holder of a LYON otherwise entitled to a fractional share will receive
cash in an amount equal to the value of such fractional share based on the sale
price, as defined below, on the trading day immediately preceding the conversion
date. (Indenture, Section 11.03)
Delivery of Common Stock. On conversion of a LYON, a holder will not receive
any cash payment of interest representing accrued original issue discount or,
except as described below, contingent interest. Our delivery to the holder of
the full number of shares of common stock into which the LYON is convertible,
together with any cash payment for such holder's fractional shares, will be
deemed:
to satisfy our obligation to pay the principal amount at maturity of the
LYON; and
to satisfy our obligation to pay accrued original issue discount and
accrued tax original issue discount attributable to the period from the
issue date through the conversion date.
As a result, accrued original issue discount and accrued tax original issue
discount will be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished
or forfeited. (Indenture, Section 11.02)
The conversion rate will not be adjusted for accrued original issue discount
or any contingent interest. (LYON, Section 10)
A certificate for the number of full shares of common stock into which any
LYON is converted, together with any cash payment for fractional shares, will be
delivered through the conversion agent as soon as practicable following the
conversion date.
To convert a LYON into shares of common stock, a holder must:
34
complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of the LYON or
complete and manually sign a facsimile of the conversion notice and deliver
the conversion notice to the conversion agent;
surrender the LYON to the conversion agent;
if required by the conversion agent, Vishay or the trustee, furnish
appropriate endorsements and transfer documents; and
if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes. (LYON, Section 10)
Pursuant to the indenture, the date on which all of the foregoing requirements
have been satisfied is the conversion date.
Conversion Rate Adjustments. The conversion rate will be adjusted for:
dividends or distributions on our shares of common stock payable in shares
of our common stock or other capital stock;
subdivisions, combinations or certain reclassifications of shares of our
common stock;
distributions to all holders of shares of common stock of certain rights to
purchase shares of common stock for a period expiring within 60 days at
less than the sale price at the time; and
distributions to all holders of our shares of common stock of our assets
(including shares of capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, a
subsidiary or other business unit of ours) or debt securities or certain
rights to purchase our securities (excluding cash dividends or other cash
distributions from current or retained earnings other than extraordinary
cash dividends). (LYON, Section 10)
'Extraordinary cash dividends' means the amount of any cash dividend or
distribution that, together with all other cash dividends paid during the
preceding 12-month period, are on a per share basis in excess of the sum of
(i) 5% of the sale price of the shares of common stock on the day preceding the
date of declaration of such dividend or distribution, and (ii) an amount equal
to the quotient of (x) the amount of any contingent interest paid on a LYON
during such 12-month period divided by (y) the number of shares of common stock
issuable upon conversion of a LYON at the conversion rate in effect on the
payment date of such contingent interest. (Indenture, Section 11.08)
In the event that we pay a dividend or make a distribution on shares of our
common stock consisting of capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, a
subsidiary or other business unit of ours, the conversion rate will be adjusted
based on the market value of the securities so distributed relative to the
market value of our common stock, in each case based on the average sale prices
of those securities for the 10 trading days commencing on and including the
fifth trading day after the date on which 'ex-dividend trading' commences for
such dividend or distribution on the NYSE or such other national or regional
exchange or market on which the securities are then listed or quoted.
(Indenture, Section 11.08)
In the event we elect to make a distribution described in the third or
fourth bullet of the second preceding paragraph, then the company shall mail to
holders of the LYONs and file with the trustee and the conversion agent a notice
stating the proposed record date for a dividend or distribution or the proposed
effective date of a subdivision, combination, reclassification, consolidation,
merger, binding share exchange, transfer, liquidation or dissolution. The
company shall file and mail the notice at least 15 days before such date.
Failure to file or mail the notice or any defect in it shall not affect the
validity of the transaction. (Indenture, Section 11.13)
No adjustment to the conversion rate or the ability of a holder of a LYON to
convert will be made if holders of LYONs will participate in the transaction
without conversion or in certain other cases.
The indenture permits us to increase the conversion rate from time to time.
If we are party to a consolidation, merger or binding share exchange or a
transfer of all or substantially all of our assets, the right to convert a LYON
into common stock may be changed
35
into a right to convert it into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other
assets of Vishay or another person which the holder would have received if the
holder had converted the holder's LYONs immediately prior to the transaction.
(LYON, Section 10)
Holders of the LYONs may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have
received a distribution subject to United States Federal income tax as a
dividend in the amount of:
a taxable distribution to holders of shares of common stock which results
in an adjustment of the conversion rate; or
an increase in the conversion rate at our discretion.
CONTINGENT INTEREST
Subject to the accrual and record date provisions described below, we will
pay contingent interest to the holders of LYONs during any six-month period from
June 4 to December 3 and from December 4 to June 3, with the initial six-month
period commencing June 4, 2006, if the average market price of a LYON for the
five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the
first day of the applicable six-month period equals 120% or more of the sum of
the issue price and accrued original issue discount for such LYON to the day
immediately preceding the first day of the applicable six-month period. See
' -- Redemption of LYONs at the Option of Vishay' for some of these values.
Notwithstanding the above, if we declare a dividend for which the record date
falls prior to the first day of a six-month period but the payment date falls
within such six-month period, then the five trading day period for determining
the average market price of a LYON will be the five trading days ending on the
third trading day immediately preceding such record date. (LYON, Section 5)
The amount of contingent interest payable during any six-month period will
be the sum of any contingent interest payable in the first and second
three-month periods during such six-month period. During any three-month period
when contingent interest shall be payable, the contingent interest payable per
LYON for such period will be equal to the greater of (1) 0.0625% of the average
market price of a LYON for the five trading day period referred to in the
immediately preceding paragraph and (2) the sum of all regular cash dividends
paid by us per share on our common stock during such three-month period
multiplied by the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of a
LYON at the then applicable conversion rate. (LYON, Section 5)
Contingent interest, if any, will be payable to holders of LYONs as of the
15th day preceding the last day of the relevant six-month period or, if we pay a
regular cash dividend on our common stock during a quarter within the relevant
six-month period, to holders of LYONs as of the record date for the related
common stock dividend. We will make contingent interest payments on the last day
of the relevant six-month period or, if we pay a regular cash dividend on our
common stock during a quarter within the relevant six-month period, on the
payment date of the related common stock dividend. The original issue discount
will continue to accrue at the yield to maturity whether or not contingent
interest is paid. (LYON, Section 5)
Regular cash dividends are quarterly or other periodic cash dividends on our
common stock as declared by our board of directors as part of its cash dividend
payment practices and that are not designated by it as extraordinary or special
or other nonrecurring dividends. (LYON, Section 5)
We do not currently pay cash dividends on our capital stock. Our policy is
to retain earnings to support the growth of our business and we do not intend to
change this policy at the present time.
The market price of a LYON on any date of determination means the average of
the secondary market bid quotations per LYON obtained by the bid solicitation
agent for $10 million principal amount at maturity of LYONs at approximately
4:00 p.m., New York City time, on such determination date from three recognized
securities dealers in the City of New York we select, provided that if:
at least three such bids are not obtained by the bid solicitation agent; or
36
in our reasonable judgment, the bid quotations are not indicative of the
secondary market value of the LYONs;
then the market price of the LYON will equal (a) the then applicable conversion
rate of the LYONs multiplied by (b) the market price of our common stock. (LYON,
Section 5)
The bid solicitation agent will initially be The Bank of New York. We may
change the bid solicitation agent, but the bid solicitation agent will not be
our affiliate. The bid solicitation agent will solicit bids from securities
dealers that are believed by us to be willing to bid for the LYONs.
Upon determination that LYON holders will be entitled to receive contingent
interest which may become payable during a relevant six-month period, on or
prior to the start of such six-month period, we will issue a press release and
publish such information on our web site as soon as practicable. (LYON,
Section 3)
PURCHASE OF LYONS BY VISHAY AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER
On June 4, 2004, 2006, 2011 and 2016, holders may require us to purchase any
outstanding LYON for which the holder has properly delivered and not withdrawn a
written purchase notice, subject to certain additional conditions. Holders may
submit their LYONs for purchase to the paying agent at any time from the opening
of business on the date that is 20 business days prior to the purchase date
until the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the
purchase date.
The purchase price of a LYON will be:
$602.77 per LYON on June 4, 2004;
$639.76 per LYON on June 4, 2006;
$742.47 per LYON on June 4, 2011; and
$861.67 per LYON on June 4, 2016. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
The purchase prices shown above are equal to the issue price plus accrued
original issue discount to the purchase date. We may, at our option, elect to
pay the purchase price in cash, shares of common stock or any combination
thereof. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
We will be required to give notice on a date not less than 20 business days
prior to each purchase date to all holders at their addresses shown in the
register of the registrar, and to beneficial owners as required by applicable
law, stating among other things:
whether we will pay the purchase price of LYONs in cash or common stock or
any combination thereof, specifying the percentages of each;
if we elect to pay in common stock, the method of calculating the market
price of such common stock; and
the procedures that holders must follow to require us to purchase their
LYONs. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
The purchase notice given by each holder electing to require us to purchase
LYONs shall be given to the paying agent no later than the close of business on
the business day immediately preceding the purchase date and must state:
the certificate numbers of the holder's LYONs to be delivered for purchase;
the portion of the principal amount at maturity of LYONs to be purchased,
which must be $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000;
that the LYONs are to be purchased by us pursuant to the applicable
provisions of the LYONs; and
in the event we elect, pursuant to the notice that we are required to give,
to pay the purchase price in common stock, in whole or in part, but the
purchase price is ultimately to be paid to the holder entirely in cash
because any of the conditions to payment of the
37
purchase price or portion of the purchase price in common stock is not
satisfied prior to the close of business on the purchase date, as described
below, whether the holder elects:
(1) to withdraw the purchase notice as to some or all of the LYONs to
which it relates; or
(2) to receive cash in such event in respect of the entire purchase
price for all LYONs or portions of LYONs subject to such purchase
notice.
If the holder fails to indicate the holder's choice with respect to the
election described in the final bullet point of the immediately preceding
paragraph, the holder shall be deemed to have elected to receive cash in respect
of the entire purchase price for all LYONs subject to the purchase notice in
these circumstances. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
A holder may withdraw any purchase notice by delivering a written notice of
withdrawal to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business
day immediately preceding the purchase date. (Indenture, Section 3.10)
The notice of withdrawal shall state:
the principal amount at maturity of the LYONs with respect to which the
notice of withdrawal is being submitted;
the CUSIP number of the LYONs in respect of which the notice of withdrawal
is being submitted; and
the principal amount at maturity, if any, of LYONs which remain subject to
the original purchase notice and which has been or will be delivered for
purchase by the company.
If we elect to pay the purchase price, in whole or in part, in shares of
common stock, the number of shares of common stock to be delivered by us shall
be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the amount of cash to which
the holders would have been entitled had Vishay elected to pay all or such
specified percentage, as the case may be, of the purchase price of such LYONs in
cash by (ii) the market price of a share of common stock, subject to certain
conditions.
We will pay cash based on the market price for all fractional shares of
common stock in the event we elect to deliver common stock in payment, in whole
or in part, of the purchase price.
The 'market price' of our common stock means the average of the sale prices
of the common stock for the five trading day period ending on (if the third
business day prior to the applicable purchase date is a trading day or, if not,
then on the last trading day prior to) the third business day prior to the
applicable purchase date, appropriately adjusted to take into account the
occurrence, during the period commencing on the first of such trading days
during such five trading day period and ending on such purchase date, of certain
events that would result in an adjustment of the conversion rate with respect to
the common stock. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
The 'sale price' of our common stock on any date means the closing per share
sale price (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and
ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid
and the average ask prices) on such date as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange or on such other principal national or regional securities exchange on
which the common stock is traded or, if the common stock is not listed on a
national or regional securities exchange, as reported by the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ('Nasdaq') or by
the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated. In the absence of a quotation, we
will determine the sale price on the basis of such quotations as we consider
appropriate. (Indenture, Section 1.01)
A 'trading day' means a day during which trading in securities generally
occurs on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the common stock is not listed on
the New York Stock Exchange, on the principal other national or regional
securities exchange on which the common stock is then listed or, if the common
stock is not listed on a national or regional securities exchange, on Nasdaq or,
if the common stock is not quoted on Nasdaq, on the principal other market on
which the common stock is then traded. (Indenture, Section 1.01)
38
Because the market price of the common stock is determined prior to the
applicable purchase date, holders of LYONs bear the market risk with respect to
the value of the common stock to be received from the date such market price is
determined to such purchase date. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
We may pay the purchase price or any portion of the purchase price in common
stock only if the information necessary to calculate the market price is
published in a daily newspaper of national circulation or by other appropriate
means.
Upon determination of the actual number of shares of common stock to be
issued for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of LYONs in accordance with
the foregoing provisions, we will issue a press release and publish such
information on our web site. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
In addition to the above conditions, our right to purchase LYONs, in whole
or in part, with common stock is subject to our satisfying various conditions,
including:
listing such common stock on the principal national or regional securities
exchange on which our common stock is then listed or, if not so listed, on
Nasdaq;
the registration of the common stock under the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act, if required; and
any necessary qualification or registration under applicable state
securities law or the availability of an exemption from such qualification
and registration. (Indenture, Section 3.08)
If these conditions are not satisfied with respect to a holder prior to the
close of business on the purchase date, we will be required to pay the purchase
price of the LYONs of the holder entirely in cash. We may not change the form or
components or percentages of components of consideration to be paid for the
LYONs once we have given the notice that we are required to give to holders of
LYONs, except as described in the first sentence of this paragraph.
In connection with any purchase offer, we will to the extent applicable:
comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender
offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable; and
file Schedule TO or any other required schedule under the Exchange Act.
(Indenture, Section 3.13)
Our obligation to pay the purchase price for a LYON for which a purchase
notice has been delivered and not validly withdrawn is conditioned upon the
holder delivering the LYON, together with necessary endorsements, to the paying
agent at any time after delivery of the purchase notice. (Indenture,
Section 3.08)
We will cause the purchase price of the LYON to be paid promptly following
the later of the purchase date and the time of delivery of the LYON.
If the paying agent holds money or securities sufficient to pay the purchase
price of the LYON prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the business day
following the purchase date in accordance with the terms of the indenture, then,
immediately after the purchase date, the LYON will cease to be outstanding and
original issue discount on such LYON will cease to accrue, whether or not the
LYON is delivered to the paying agent. Thereafter, all other rights of the
holder shall terminate, other than the right to receive the purchase price upon
delivery of the LYON.
We may not purchase any LYONs for cash at the option of holders if an event
of default with respect to the LYONs has occurred and is continuing, other than
a default in the payment of the purchase price with respect to such LYONs.
(Indenture, Section 3.10)
CHANGE IN CONTROL OR DELISTING EVENT PERMITS PURCHASE OF LYONS AT THE OPTION OF
THE HOLDER
In the event of any trigger event, which is defined as a change in control
or a delisting event (each term as defined below), occurring on or prior to June
4, 2006 with respect to Vishay, each
39
holder will have the right, at its option, subject to the terms and conditions
of the indenture, to require us to purchase for cash all or any portion of the
holder's LYONs in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount at maturity, at
a price for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of such LYONs equal to the
issue price plus accrued original issue discount to the purchase date. We will
be required to purchase the LYONs no later than 35 business days after the
occurrence of such trigger event. We refer to this date in this prospectus as
the 'trigger event purchase date.' (Indenture, Section 3.09)
Within 15 business days after the occurrence of a trigger event, we must
mail to the trustee and to all holders of LYONs at their addresses shown in the
register of the registrar and to beneficial owners as required by applicable law
a notice regarding the applicable trigger event, which notice must state, among
other things:
the events causing a trigger event;
the date of such trigger event;
the last date on which a holder may exercise the purchase right;
the trigger event purchase price;
the trigger event purchase date;
the name and address of the paying agent and the conversion agent;
the conversion rate and any adjustments to the conversion rate;
that LYONs with respect to which a trigger event purchase notice is given
by the holder may be converted only if the trigger event purchase notice
has been withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the indenture; and
the procedures that holders must follow to exercise these rights.
(Indenture, Section 3.09)
To exercise this right, the holder must deliver a written notice so as to be
received by the paying agent no later than the close of business on the business
day immediately preceding the trigger event purchase date. The required purchase
notice upon the occurrence of a trigger event must state:
the certificate numbers of the LYONs to be delivered by the holder;
the portion of the principal amount at maturity of LYONs to be purchased,
which portion must be $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000; and
that we are to purchase such LYONs pursuant to the applicable provisions of
the LYONs and of the indenture governing the LYONs. (Indenture, Section
3.09)
A holder may withdraw any trigger event purchase notice by delivering to the
paying agent a written notice of withdrawal prior to the close of business on
the business day immediately preceding the trigger event purchase date. The
notice of withdrawal must state:
the principal amount at maturity of the LYONs with respect to which the
notice of withdrawal is being submitted;
the CUSIP number of the LYONs in respect of which the notice of withdrawal
is being submitted; and
the principal amount at maturity, if any, of LYONs which remain subject to
the original purchase notice and which has been or will be delivered for
purchase by the company. (Indenture, Section 3.10)
Our obligation to pay the trigger event purchase price for a LYON for which
a trigger event purchase notice has been delivered and not validly withdrawn is
conditioned upon delivery of the LYON, together with necessary endorsements, to
the paying agent at any time after the delivery of such trigger event purchase
notice. We will cause the trigger event purchase price for such LYON to be paid
promptly following the later of the trigger event purchase date and the time of
delivery of such LYON. (Indenture, Section 3.09)
40
If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the trigger event purchase
price of the LYON on the trigger event purchase date in accordance with the
terms of the indenture, then, immediately after the trigger event purchase date,
original issue discount on such LYON will cease to accrue, whether or not the
LYON is delivered to the paying agent. Thereafter, all other rights of the
holder shall terminate, other than the right to receive the trigger event
purchase price upon delivery of the LYON.
Under the indenture, a 'change in control' is deemed to have occurred at
such time as:
any person or group, other than Vishay, its subsidiaries, their employee
benefit plans or permitted holders, files a Schedule 13D or Schedule TO (or
any successor schedule, form or report under the Exchange Act) disclosing
that such person has become the beneficial owner of 50% or more, in the
aggregate, of the voting power of Vishay's common stock and Class B common
stock or other capital stock into which the common stock or Class B common
stock is reclassified or changed, with certain exceptions;
permitted holders file a Schedule 13D or Schedule TO (or any successors to
those schedules) stating that they have become and actually are beneficial
owners of our voting stock representing more than 80% or more, in the
aggregate, of the voting power of Vishay's common stock and Class B common
stock or other capital stock into which the common stock or Class B common
stock is reclassified or changed, with certain exceptions; or
there shall be consummated any share exchange, consolidation or merger of
Vishay pursuant to which its voting shares of common stock and the Class B
common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, in
each case other than a share exchange, consolidation or merger in which the
holders of such voting capital stock immediately prior to the share
exchange, consolidation or merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a
majority of the total voting power in the aggregate of all classes of
capital stock of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately after
the share exchange, consolidation or merger. (Indenture, Section 3.09)
For purposes of this section,
a 'permitted holder' means each of Dr. Felix Zandman and Mrs. Luella B.
Slaner or their spouses, children or lineal descendants, any trust
established for the benefit of such persons, or any 'person' (as such term
is used in Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, controlled, controlled by or under common control with any such
person mentioned in this paragraph or any trust established for the benefit
of such persons or any charitable trust or non-profit entity established by
a permitted holder, or any group in which such permitted holders hold more
than a majority of the voting power of the common stock and Class B common
stock deemed to be beneficially owned by such group;
the term 'group' includes any group acting for the purpose of acquiring,
holding or disposing of securities with the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1)
under the Exchange Act or any successor provision; and
the term 'beneficial owner' is determined in accordance with Rules 13d-3
and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act or any successor provision, except that a
person will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares that such
person has the right to acquire irrespective of whether that right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time. (Indenture,
Section 3.09)
Under the indenture, a 'delisting event' occurs if Vishay, together with its
affiliates, acquires a sufficient amount of Vishay common stock to result in the
common stock being delisted from the NYSE or principal United States national or
regional securities exchange or national quotation system on which the shares of
common stock are then listed or traded. (Indenture, Section 3.09)
The indenture does not permit our board of directors to waive our obligation
to purchase LYONs at the option of holders in the event of the occurrence of a
trigger event.
41
In connection with any purchase offer in the event of the occurrence of a
trigger event, we will to the extent applicable:
comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender
offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable; and
file Schedule TO or any other required schedule under the Exchange Act.
(Indenture, Section 3.13)
The trigger event purchase feature of the LYONs may in certain circumstances
make more difficult or discourage a takeover of Vishay. The trigger event
purchase feature, however, is not the result of our knowledge of any specific
effort:
to accumulate shares of our common stock;
to obtain control of Vishay by means of a merger, tender offer,
solicitation or otherwise; or
part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.
Instead, the trigger event purchase feature is a standard term contained in
other LYONs offerings that have been marketed by Merrill Lynch. The terms of the
trigger event purchase feature resulted from negotiations between Merrill Lynch
and us.
We could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including certain
recapitalizations, that would not constitute a trigger event with respect to the
trigger event purchase feature of the LYONs but that would increase the amount
of our (or our subsidiaries') outstanding indebtedness.
We may not purchase LYONs at the option of holders upon the occurrence of a
trigger event if there has occurred and is continuing an event of default with
respect to the LYONs, other than a default in the payment of the trigger event
purchase price with respect to the LYONs.
REDEMPTION OF LYONS AT THE OPTION OF VISHAY
No sinking fund is provided for the LYONs. Prior to June 4, 2006, we cannot
redeem the LYONs at our option. Beginning on June 4, 2006, we may redeem the
LYONs for cash as a whole at any time, or in part from time to time. We will
give not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days notice of redemption by mail to
holders of LYONs. (Indenture, Section 3.03)
The table below shows redemption prices of a LYON on June 4, 2006, at each
June 4 thereafter prior to maturity and at stated maturity on June 4, 2021.
These prices reflect the issue price plus accrued original issue discount to the
redemption date. The redemption price of a LYON redeemed between such dates
would include an additional amount reflecting the additional original issue
discount accrued since the next preceding date in the table.
42
(1) (2) (3)
ACCRUED REDEMPTION
LYON ORIGINAL ISSUE PRICE
REDEMPTION DATE ISSUE PRICE DISCOUNT (1) & (2)
--------------- ----------- -------- ---------
June 4, 2006............................................. $551.26 $ 88.50 $ 639.70
2007............................................... 551.26 107.84 659.10
2008............................................... 551.26 127.76 679.02
2009............................................... 551.26 148.28 699.54
2010............................................... 551.26 169.43 720.69
2011............................................... 551.26 191.21 742.47
2012............................................... 551.26 213.65 764.91
2013............................................... 551.26 236.77 788.03
2014............................................... 551.26 260.59 811.85
2015............................................... 551.26 285.13 836.39
2016............................................... 551.26 310.41 861.67
2017............................................... 551.26 336.45 887.71
2018............................................... 551.26 363.28 914.54
2019............................................... 551.26 390.92 942.18
2020............................................... 551.26 419.40 970.66
At stated maturity....................................... 551.26 448.74 1,000.00
(LYON, Section 6)
If we redeem less than all of the outstanding LYONs, the trustee will select
the LYONs to be redeemed on a pro rata basis in principal amounts at maturity of
$1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 by lot, pro rata based on the ownership
thereof, or by any other method the trustee considers fair and appropriate. If a
portion of a holder's LYONs is selected for partial redemption and the holder
converts a portion of the LYONs, the converted portion will be deemed to be the
portion selected for redemption. (Indenture Section 3.02, p.19)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following are events of default for the LYONs:
(1) default in payment of any contingent interest which default
continues for 30 days;
(2) a default in the payment of the principal amount at maturity, issue
price plus accrued original issue discount, redemption price, purchase price
or trigger event purchase price on any security when the same becomes due
and payable at its stated maturity, upon redemption, upon declaration, when
due for purchase or otherwise (whether or not any such payment shall be
prohibited by the terms of the indenture governing the LYONs);
(3) failure by us to deliver shares of common stock (or to pay cash in
lieu of fractional shares) in accordance with the terms hereof when such
common stock (or cash in lieu of fractional shares) is required to be
delivered, upon conversion of a LYON and such failure is not remedied for a
period of 10 days;
(4) failure by us to comply with any of the other agreements in the
LYONs or the indenture (other than those referred to in clauses (1), (2) and
(3) above) upon receipt by us of notice of such default by the trustee or by
holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of
the LYONs then outstanding and the failure to cure (or obtain a waiver of)
such default within 60 days after receipt of such notice;
(5)(A) failure by us to make any payment by the end of any applicable
grace period after maturity of indebtedness, which term as used in the
indenture means obligations (other than nonrecourse obligations) of ours for
borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar
instruments in an amount (taken together with amounts in (B)) in excess of
$10 million and continuance of such failure, or (B) the acceleration of
indebtedness in an amount (taken together with the amounts in (A)) in excess
of $10 million because of a default with respect to such indebtedness
without such indebtedness having been discharged or
43
such acceleration having been cured, waived, rescinded or annulled in case
of (A) or (B) above, for a period of 30 days after written notice to us by
the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount at maturity of the LYONs then outstanding.
However, if any such failure or acceleration referred to in (A) or (B) above
shall cease to exist or be cured, waived, rescinded or annulled, then the
event of default by reason thereof shall be deemed not to have occurred; or
(6) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency affecting us or our
material subsidiaries.
A 'material subsidiary' means a subsidiary of Vishay, including such
subsidiary's subsidiaries, which meets any of the following conditions:
Vishay and its other subsidiaries' investments in and advances to such
subsidiary exceed 5 percent of the total assets of Vishay and its
subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed
fiscal year; or
Vishay and its other subsidiaries' proportionate share of the total assets
(after intercompany eliminations) of such subsidiary exceeds 5 percent of
the total assets of Vishay and its subsidiaries consolidated as of the end
of the most recently completed fiscal year; or
Vishay and its other subsidiaries' equity in the income from continuing
operations before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle of such subsidiary exceeds 5 percent of
such income of Vishay and its subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of
the most recently completed fiscal year. (Indenture, Section 6.01)
If an event of default shall have happened and be continuing, either the
trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs then outstanding may declare the issue price of the LYONs
plus the original issue discount on the LYONs accrued through the date of such
declaration, and any accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent interest)
through the date of such declaration, to be immediately due and payable. In the
case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency of Vishay or its material
subsidiaries, the issue price of the LYONs plus the original issue discount and
any contingent interest accrued thereon through the occurrence of such event
shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable. (Indenture,
Section 6.02) Upon any such acceleration, the subordination provisions of the
indenture preclude any payment being made to holders of LYONs until the earlier
of (i) 120 days or more after the date of such acceleration and (ii) the payment
in full of all senior indebtedness, but only if such payment is then otherwise
permitted under the terms of the indenture. See 'Subordination of LYONs' above.
(Indenture, Section 10.03) Under certain circumstances, the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the outstanding LYONs may
rescind any such acceleration with respect to the LYONs and the consequences of
such acceleration. (Indenture, Section 6.02) Interest shall accrue and be
payable on demand upon a default in the payment of principal amount at maturity,
issue price, accrued original issue discount, redemption price, purchase price,
trigger event purchase price or shares of common stock (and cash in lieu of
fractional shares), in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest
shall be legally enforceable. (LYON, Section 1)
The trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of any default, mail
to all holders notice of all defaults of which the trustee is aware, unless such
defaults shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice;
provided, that the trustee may withhold such notice as to any default other than
a payment default, if it determines in good faith that withholding the notice is
in the interests of the holders. (Indenture, Section 7.05)
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
outstanding LYONs may 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, provided that such direction shall not be in
conflict with any law or the indenture and subject to certain other limitations.
(Indenture, Section 6.05) The trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise
any right or power or extend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any
financial liability unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any
loss, liability or expense. (Indenture,
44
Section 7.01(e)) No holder will have any right to pursue any remedy with respect
to the indenture or the LYONs, unless (i) such holder shall have previously
given the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default; (ii) the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
outstanding LYONs shall have made a written request to the trustee to pursue
such remedy; (iii) such holder or holders shall have offered to the trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense
satisfactory to it; (iv) the trustee shall have failed to comply with the
request within 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of
security or indemnity; and (v) the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount at maturity of the outstanding LYONs shall not have given the trustee a
direction inconsistent with such request within 60 days after receipt of such
request. (Indenture, Section 6.06)
The right of any holder: (a) to receive payment of the principal amount at
maturity, issue price, accrued original issue discount, redemption price,
purchase price, trigger event purchase price or shares of common stock (and cash
in lieu of fractional shares), in respect of the LYONs held by such holder on or
after the respective due dates expressed in the LYONs or as of any redemption
date or (b) to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after
such respective dates or the right to convert, shall not be impaired or
adversely affected without such holder's consent. (Indenture, Section 6.07)
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of LYONs
at the time outstanding may waive any existing default and its consequences
except (i) any default in any payment on the LYONs, (ii) any default with
respect to the conversion rights of the LYONs, or (iii) any default in respect
of certain covenants or provisions in the indenture which may not be modified
without the consent of each holder of LYONs as described in 'Modification'
below. When a default is waived, it is deemed cured and shall cease to exist,
but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any
consequent right. (Indenture, Section 6.04)
We are required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to any
default by us in the performance and observance of our obligations under the
indenture. In addition, we will file with the trustee written notice of the
occurrence or any default or event of default within five business days of our
becoming aware of such default or event of default. (Indenture, Section 4.03)
MERGER AND SALES OF ASSETS
The indenture provides that Vishay may not consolidate with or merge with or
into any other person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to another person, unless among other conditions:
(i) the resulting, surviving or transferee person is a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia;
(ii) such person assumes all obligations of Vishay with respect to the
LYONs and under the indenture; and
(iii) Vishay or such successor person shall not immediately thereafter be in
default under the indenture.
Upon the assumption of Vishay's obligations by such a person in such
circumstances, subject to certain exceptions, Vishay shall be discharged from
all obligations with respect to the LYONs and under the indenture. (Indenture,
Section 5.01) Although such transactions are permitted under the indenture,
certain of the foregoing transactions occurring on or prior to June 4, 2006
could constitute a change in control or a delisting event permitting each holder
to require Vishay to purchase the LYONs of such holder as described above.
(LYON, Section 7)
MODIFICATION
We and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures that add, change
or eliminate provisions of the indenture or modify the rights of the holders of
the LYONs with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal
amount at maturity of the LYONs then outstanding.
45
However, without the consent of each holder, no supplemental indenture may,
among other actions:
alter the manner of calculation or rate of accrual of original issue
discount or contingent interest on any LYON or extend the time of payment;
make any LYON payable in money or securities other than that stated in such
LYON;
change the stated maturity of any LYON;
reduce the principal amount at maturity, accrued original issue discount,
redemption price, purchase price or trigger event purchase price with
respect to any LYON;
make any change that adversely affects the right of a holder to convert any
LYON;
make any change that adversely affects the right to require us to purchase
a LYON;
impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment with
respect to, or conversion of, the LYONs; or
change the provisions in the indenture that relate to modifying or amending
the indenture. (Indenture, Section 9.08)
Without the consent of any holder of LYONs, we and the trustee may enter
into supplemental indentures for any of the following purposes:
to evidence a successor to us and the assumption by that successor of our
obligations under the indenture and the LYONs;
to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the LYONs or to
surrender any right or power conferred upon us;
to make any changes or modifications to the indenture necessary in
connection with the registration of the LYONs under the Securities Act and
the qualification of the LYONs under the Trust Indenture Act as
contemplated by the indenture;
to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency in the indenture; and
to make any change that does not affect the rights of the holders of the
LYONs in an adverse manner. (LYON, Section 16)
No modification to the LYONs or the indenture may make any change that
adversely affects the rights of any holder of senior indebtedness then
outstanding unless the requisite holders of such senior indebtedness consent to
such change pursuant to the terms of such senior indebtedness.
The holders of a majority in principal amount at maturity of the outstanding
LYONs may, on behalf of all holders:
waive compliance by us with restrictive provisions of the indenture, as
detailed in the indenture; and
waive any past default under the indenture and its consequences, except a
default in the payment of the principal amount at maturity, issue price,
accrued and unpaid contingent interest, accrued original issue discount,
redemption price, purchase price or trigger event purchase price or
obligation to deliver shares of common stock upon conversion (and cash in
lieu of fractional shares) with respect to any LYON or in respect of any
provision which under the indenture cannot be modified or amended without
the consent of the holder of each outstanding LYON affected. (LYON, Section
17)
DISCHARGE OF THE INDENTURE
We may satisfy and discharge our obligations under the indenture by
delivering to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding LYONs or by
depositing with the trustee, the paying agent or the conversion agent, if
applicable, after the LYONs have become due and payable, whether at stated
maturity, or any redemption date, or any purchase date, or a trigger event
purchase date, or upon conversion or otherwise, cash or shares of common stock
(as applicable under the terms of the
46
indenture) sufficient to pay all of the outstanding LYONs and paying all other
sums payable under the indenture. (Indenture, Section 8.01)
CALCULATIONS IN RESPECT OF LYONS
We will be responsible for making all calculations called for under the
LYONs (other than the LYON market price). These calculations include, but are
not limited to, determination of our common stock and amounts of contingent
interest payments, if any, payable on the LYONs. We will make all these
calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, our calculations will be
final and binding on all holders of LYONs. We will provide a schedule of our
calculations to the trustee, and the trustee is entitled to rely upon the
accuracy of our calculations without independent verification. (Indenture,
Section 13.08)
LIMITATIONS OF CLAIMS IN BANKRUPTCY
If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of Vishay, the claim of
the holder of a LYON is, under Title 11 of the United States Code, limited to
the issue price of the LYON plus that portion of the original issue discount
that has accrued from the date of issue to the commencement of the proceeding.
GOVERNING LAW
The indenture and the LYONs are governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the law of the State of New York. (Indenture, Section 13.10)
TRUSTEE
The Bank of New York is the trustee, registrar, paying agent and conversion
agent under the indenture for the LYONs.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
The LYONs have been issued only in the form of global securities held in
book-entry form. DTC or its nominee is the sole registered holder of the LYONs
for all purposes under the indenture. Owners of beneficial interests in the
LYONs represented by the global securities hold their interests pursuant to the
procedures and practices of DTC. (Indenture, Section 2.01(a)) As a result,
beneficial interests in any such securities are shown on, and transfers are
effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its direct and indirect
participants and any such interest may not be exchanged for certificated
securities, except in the limited circumstances described under 'Exchange of
Global Securities.'
Unless and until LYONs are exchanged for certificated securities as
described in the next section (and then except to the extent they have been so
exchanged), the procedures described in this document, the LYONs, the indenture
and such other documents relating to the conversion of LYONs, the surrender of
LYONs for repurchase or payment, identification of LYONs by certificate number
and similar matters will be relevant only to DTC as the registered holder.
(Indenture, Section 2.06(b))
Owners of beneficial interests will be required to follow such procedures as
DTC (or its direct and indirect participants) may establish for exercising
rights under or in respect of their interests, including conversion or
repurchase rights. Beneficial owners will not be holders and will not be
entitled to any direct rights provided to the holders of LYONs under the global
securities or the indenture. Vishay and the trustee, and any of their respective
agents, will treat DTC as the sole holder and registered owner of the global
securities. (Indenture, Section 2.02)
47
EXCHANGE OF GLOBAL SECURITIES
We will exchange LYONs represented by global securities in book-entry form
for certificated securities with the same terms (and the holders thereof will
then be required to follow the procedures established in the LYONs and the
indenture for converting, requiring repurchase or otherwise dealing with the
LYONs) only if:
DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or DTC ceases to be a
clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor
depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days;
we decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfer through
DTC (or any successor depositary); or
a default under the indenture occurs and is continuing. (Indenture, Section
2.12)
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
GENERAL
This is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax
consequences to holders of the LYONs upon our purchase of LYONs pursuant to this
option. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the 'Code'), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, rulings and
decisions, all as now in effect and all of which are subject to change
(including retroactive changes) or possible differing interpretations. The
discussion below deals only with the LYONs held as capital assets and does not
purport to deal with persons in special tax situations, such as financial
institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, dealers in
securities or currencies, tax-exempt entities, persons holding the LYONs in a
tax-deferred or tax-advantaged account, or persons holding the LYONs as a hedge
against currency risks, as a position in a 'straddle' or as part of a 'hedging,'
or 'conversion' or other risk reduction transaction for tax purposes.
We do not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a
holder of a LYON. In particular, we do not address:
the United States federal income tax consequences to shareholders in, or
partners or beneficiaries of, an entity that is a holder of LYONs;
the United States federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax
consequences of our purchase of LYONs;
persons who hold LYONs whose functional currency is not the United States
dollar;
any state, local or foreign tax consequences of our purchase of LYONs; or
any United States federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of
owning or disposing of the common stock to be received pursuant to our
purchase of LYONs in exchange for our common stock.
A U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of LYONs who or which is for United
States federal income tax purposes:
a citizen or resident alien individual;
a corporation, including any entity treated as a corporation for United
States federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the
laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate if its income is subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of its source; or
a trust, if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over its
administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to
control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid
election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a
U.S. person.
48
A Non-U.S. Holder is a holder of LYONs (other than a partnership) other than
a U.S. Holder.
If a partnership (or other entity treated as such for United States federal
income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of LYONs, the tax treatment of a
partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner
and the activities of the partnership. A beneficial owner of LYONs that is a
partnership for United States income tax purposes, and the partners in such a
partnership, should consult their tax advisors about the United States federal
income tax consequences of our purchase of LYONs.
Pursuant to the terms of the indenture, we and each holder of the LYONs
agree, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) to treat the LYONs as
'contingent payment debt instruments' and to be bound by our application of the
United States Treasury regulations that govern contingent payment debt
instruments (which we refer to as the CPDI regulations) and (ii) to treat the
fair market value of our common stock received by such holder upon our purchase
of LYONs as a contingent payment. The remainder of this discussion assumes such
treatment.
WE URGE ALL HOLDERS OF THE LYONS TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH
RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF OUR PURCHASE OF LYONS PURSUANT TO
THIS OFFER IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE
EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
U.S. HOLDERS
Generally, and in accordance with treatment agreed upon pursuant to the
indenture described above, our purchase of a LYON will result in taxable gain or
loss to a U.S. Holder. The amount of such gain or loss will equal the difference
between (a) the fair market value of our common stock and/or cash received and
(b) the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the LYON. A U.S. Holder's adjusted
tax basis in a LYON generally will equal the U.S. Holder's original purchase
price for the LYON, increased by any interest income previously accrued by the
U.S. Holder. Any such gain recognized generally will be treated as ordinary
interest income. Any such loss will be (i) an ordinary loss to the extent of the
interest previously included in income by such holder and (ii) thereafter, a
capital loss (which will be long-term if the LYON has been held for more than
one year). The deductibility of net capital losses by individuals and
corporations is subject to limitations.
A U.S. Holder's tax basis in our common stock received upon our purchase of
a LYON will equal the then current fair market value of such common stock. The
U.S. Holder's holding period for the common stock received will commence on the
day immediately following the date of such purchase.
Notwithstanding the above, it is possible that our purchase of a LYON in
exchange for our common stock would be treated as a recapitalization in which
loss, and possibly gain, would not be recognized. The holding period of our
common stock received in that event would include the holder's holding period of
the LYON exchanged.
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
Payments made to a Non-U.S. Holder upon our purchase of a LYON will be
exempt from United States income or 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,
and is not a controlled foreign corporation related, directly or indirectly, to
us through stock ownership; (ii) the statement requirement set forth in section
871(h) or section 881(c) of the Code has been fulfilled with respect to the
beneficial owner, as discussed below; (iii) such payments are not effectively
connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the
United States; (iv) our common stock continues to be actively traded within the
meaning of section 871(h)(4)(C)(v)(I) of the Code (which, for these purposes and
subject to certain exceptions, includes trading on the NYSE); and (iv) we are
not a 'United States
49
real property holding corporation.' We believe that we are not, and do not
anticipate becoming, a 'United States real property holding corporation.'
The statement requirement referred to in the preceding paragraph will be
fulfilled if the beneficial owner of a LYON has certified or certifies on IRS
Form W-8BEN (or successor form), under penalties of perjury, that it is not a
United States person and provides its name, address and such other information
as the form may require. A holder of a LYON which is not an individual or
corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation for United States federal
income tax purposes) holding the LYON on its own behalf may have substantially
increased reporting requirements.
If a Non-U.S. Holder of a LYON is engaged in a trade or business in the
United States, and if interest on the LYON is effectively connected with the
conduct of such trade or business, the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from the
withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraphs, will generally be subject
to regular United States federal income tax on any gain realized upon our
purchase of the LYON in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. In lieu of
the certificate described in the preceding paragraph, such a Non-U.S. Holder
will be required to provide to the withholding agent a properly executed IRS
Form W-8ECI (or successor form) in order to claim an exemption from withholding
tax. In addition, if such a Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, such
Non-U.S. Holder 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.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX AND INFORMATION REPORTING
We will comply with applicable information reporting requirements with
respect to payments made upon our purchase of LYONs. In addition, such payments
made to a U.S. Holder may be subject to United States federal backup withholding
tax at the rate of 28% if the U.S. Holder thereof fails to supply an accurate
taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with applicable
United States information reporting or certification requirements. A Non-U.S.
Holder may be subject to United States backup withholding on such payments
unless the Non-U.S. Holder complies with certification procedures to establish
that it is not a United States person. Any amounts so withheld will be allowed
as a credit against a holder's United States federal income tax liability and
may entitle a holder to a refund, provided the required information is timely
furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the common stock issuable upon exercise of the option is
being passed upon for us by Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, New York, New
York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
appearing in Vishay's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31,
2003, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth
in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference.
Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. The file number under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 for our SEC filings is No. 1-07416. You may read and copy materials that we
have filed with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room located at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our
50
SEC filings also are available to the public on the SEC's web site at
www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxies and information statements and
other information regarding issuers that file electronically.
This prospectus 'incorporates by reference' information that we have filed
with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which means that we are disclosing
important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any statement
contained in this prospectus or in any document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained in this prospectus or any subsequently filed document which also is,
or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or
supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following
documents that we have previously filed with the SEC and any future filings that
we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act after the date of this prospectus until all of the securities covered by
this prospectus are sold by the selling securityholders:
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003;
The description of our common stock set forth in our Registration Statement
on Form 8-A filed on December 27, 1983, including any amendment or reports
filed for the purpose of updating such description.
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
63 Lincoln Highway
Malvern, PA 19355
Attn: William J. Spires
(610) 644-1300
51
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a
corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation and certain other persons serving at the request of the
corporation in related capacities against amounts paid and expenses incurred in
connection with an action or proceeding to which he/she is or is threatened to
be made a party by reason of such position, if such person shall have acted in
good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of Vishay, and, in any criminal proceeding, if such person
had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful; provided that,
in the case of actions brought by or in the right of Vishay, no indemnification
shall be made with respect to any matter as to which such person shall have been
adjudged to be liable to Vishay unless and only to the extent that the
adjudicating court determines that such indemnification is proper under the
circumstances.
Vishay's certificate of incorporation provides that every person who is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of Vishay or of any other company,
including another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise which such person serves or served as such at Vishay's request shall
be indemnified by Vishay against all judgments, payments in settlement, fines,
penalties, and other reasonable costs and expenses resulting from any action,
proceeding, investigation or claim which is brought or threatened by or in the
right of Vishay or by anyone else by reason of such person being or having been
a director, officer, employee or agent of Vishay or any act or omission of such
person in such capacity. Such indemnification shall be available either if such
person is wholly successful in defending such action or if, in the judgment of a
court or the Board of Directors of Vishay or in the opinion of independent legal
counsel, in the case of a derivative action, such person acted without
negligence or misconduct in the performance of his/her duty to Vishay or in the
case of a third-party action, such person acted in good faith in what he/she
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of Vishay and was not adjudged
liable to the corporation, and, in any criminal action, had no reasonable cause
to believe that his/her action was unlawful. In the case of a derivative action,
such indemnification shall not be made other than in respect of a court approved
settlement or if, in the opinion of independent counsel, the person satisfied
the standard of conduct specified in the prior sentence, the action was without
substantial merit, the settlement was in the best interest of Vishay and the
payment is permissible under applicable law. Directors may authorize the
advancement of reasonable costs and expenses in connection with any such action
to the extent permitted under Delaware law. Vishay's certificate of
incorporation further provides that no director shall have any personal
liability to Vishay or to its stockholders for any monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty, to the extent permitted under the Delaware General
Corporation Law.
Vishay maintains $100 million of insurance to reimburse the directors and
officers of Vishay and its subsidiaries, for charges and expenses incurred by
them for wrongful acts claimed against them by reason of their being or having
been directors or officers of Vishay or any of its subsidiaries. Such insurance
specifically excludes reimbursement of any director or officer for any charge or
expense incurred in connection with various designated matters, including libel
or slander, illegally obtained personal profits, profits recovered by Vishay
pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and deliberate dishonesty.
II-1
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
--- -----------
3.1 Composite Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. dated August 3, 1995;
Certificate of Amendment of Composite Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation dated May 22, 1997; Certificate
of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation dated November 2, 2001; and Certificate of
Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation dated July 29, 2003 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-102507 filed on
October 3, 2003).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Form 8-K
filed on August 8, 2003).
4.1 Indenture dated as of June 4, 2001 between Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc. and Bank of New York as Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current
report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2001 except that clause
(x) of Section 5 of Exhibit A-1 thereof is corrected to read
'(x) 0.0625% of the average LYON Market Price for the Five
Day Period with respect to such Contingent Interest Period
and').
5.1 Opinion of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
10.1 Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc. Long Term Revolving Credit Agreement
and Consent, made as of July 31, 2003, by and among Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc., the Permitted Borrowers (as defined),
the Lenders signatory thereto and Comerica Bank, as Co-lead
Arranger Co-Book Running Manager and Administrative agent,
et al. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our
2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2 Consent of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP (included in
Exhibit 5.1)
24.1 Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page)
99.1 Form of Purchase Notice
99.2 Form of Withdrawal Notice
99.3 Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, etc.
99.4 Form of Letter to Clients
99.5 Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification
Number on Substitute Form W-9
99.6 Press Release dated May 5, 2004
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering
range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the 'Calculation of Registration
Fee' table in the effective registration
II-2
statement; and (iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration
statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant, pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into this company
notice/prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one
business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents
by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information
contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(e) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Borough of Malvern, Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, on the 5th day of May, 2004.
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
By: /s/ FELIX ZANDMAN
.................................
DR. FELIX ZANDMAN
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned constitutes and
appoints FELIX ZANDMAN and RICHARD N. GRUBB, and each of them, his true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement (including all pre-effective and
post-effective amendments thereto and all registration statements filed pursuant
to Rule 462(b) which incorporate this registration statement by reference), and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on the on the
5th day of May, 2004 in the capacities indicated below.
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
/s/ DR. FELIX ZANDMAN Director, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive
........................................... Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
(DR. FELIX ZANDMAN)
/s/ RICHARD N. GRUBB Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
........................................... Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
(RICHARD N. GRUBB)
/s/ PHILIPPE GAZEAU Director
.........................................
(PHILIPPE GAZEAU)
/s/ ZVI GRINFAS Director
.........................................
(ZVI GRINFAS)
/s/ ELI HURVITZ Director
.........................................
(ELI HURVITZ)
/s/ DR. GERALD PAUL Director, President and Chief Operating Officer
.........................................
(DR. GERALD PAUL)
/s/ DR. ABRAHAM LUDOMIRSKI Director
.........................................
(DR. ABRAHAM LUDOMIRSKI)
II-4
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
/s/ DR. EDWARD B. SHILS Director
.........................................
(DR. EDWARD B. SHILS)
/s/ ZIV SHOSHANI Director
.........................................
(ZIV SHOSHANI)
/s/ MARK I. SOLOMON Director
.........................................
(MARK I. SOLOMON)
/s/ JEAN-CLAUDE TINE Director
.........................................
(JEAN-CLAUDE TINE)
/s/ THOMAS C. WERTHEIMER Director
.........................................
(THOMAS C. WERTHEIMER)
/s/ MARC ZANDMAN Director and Vice Chairman of the Board
.........................................
(MARC ZANDMAN)
/s/ RUTA ZANDMAN Director
.........................................
(RUTA ZANDMAN)
II-5
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
3.1 -- Composite Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. dated
August 3, 1995; Certificate of Amendment of Composite
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated
May 22, 1997; Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated November 2,
2001; and Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated July 29, 2003
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment
No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3, File
No. 333-102507 filed on October 3, 2003).
3.2 -- Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vishay Intertechnology,
Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our
Form 8-K filed on August 8, 2003).
4.1 -- Indenture dated as of June 4, 2001 between Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc. and Bank of New York as Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our current
report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2001 except that
clause (x) of Section 5 of Exhibit A-1 thereof is
corrected to read '(x) 0.0625% of the average LYON Market
Price for the Five Day Period with respect to such
Contingent Interest Period and').
5.1 -- Opinion of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
10.1 -- Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc. Long Term Revolving Credit Agreement
and Consent, made as of July 31, 2003, by and among Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc., the Permitted Borrowers (as
defined), the Lenders signatory thereto and Comerica Bank,
as Co-lead Arranger Co-Book Running Manager and
Administrative agent, et al. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
23.1 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.2 -- Consent of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP (included
in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1 -- Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page)
99.1 -- Form of Purchase Notice
99.2 -- Form of Withdrawal Notice
99.3 -- Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, etc.
99.4 -- Form of Letter to Clients
99.5 -- Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification
Number on Substitute Form W-9
99.6 -- Press Release dated May 5, 2004
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES
The trademark symbol shall be expressed as................................ 'TM'
EXHIBIT 5.1
KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP
919 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10022-3852
PARIS
TEL (212) 715-9100 47, AVENUE HOCHE 75008
FAX (212) 715-8000 TEL (33-1) 44 09 46 00
FAX (33-1) 44 09 46 01
May 5, 2004
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
63 Lincoln Highway
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355-2120
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the 'Company'), in connection with the preparation and filing of a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the 'Registration Statement'), for the
registration of the shares (the 'Shares') of common stock, par value $0.10 per
share, of the Company issuable upon purchase by the Company of the Company's
Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due 2021 (Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs) at the
option of the holders of the LYONs.
We have made such inquiries and reviewed such documents and records as we
have deemed necessary to enable us to express an opinion on the matters covered
hereby, and we have also examined and relied, without independent investigation
or verification, upon representations, statements or certificates of public
officials and officers and representatives of the Company.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the
Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued upon purchase of the LYONs in
accordance with the terms of the LYONs and the Indenture, dated June 4, 2001,
pursuant to which the LYONs were issued, and the company notice/prospectus
included in the Registration Statement, will be legally issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
We do not express any opinion with respect to any law other than the laws of
the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and
the federal laws of the United States of America. This opinion is rendered only
with respect to the laws and legal interpretations and the facts and
circumstances in effect on the date hereof which are in effect.
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption 'Legal
Matters' in the company notice/prospectus included in the Registration
Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within
the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption 'Experts' in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333- ) and related Prospectus of
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock
issuable in connection with the purchase by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. of the
outstanding $385 million aggregate principal amount at maturity Liquid Yield
Option Notes due 2021 and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated February 5, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 3, 2004
PURCHASE NOTICE RELATING
TO
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
LIQUID YIELD OPTION'TM' NOTES DUE 2021
(ZERO COUPON-SUBORDINATED)
CUSIP NUMBERS: 928298AC2 AND 928298AD0
PURSUANT TO THE COMPANY NOTICE DATED MAY 5, 2004
This purchase notice relates to the purchase of Liquid Yield Option'TM'
Notes due 2021 (Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs)* OF VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY,
INC., at the option of the holders of the LYONs. The option is pursuant to
the terms and conditions specified in paragraph 7 of the LYONs, the indenture
dated June 4, 2001 that governs the LYONs and the company notice, dated
May 5, 2004, relating to the option.
The company will pay to holders who validly exercise the option a purchase
price of $602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs, on the
purchase date of June 4, 2004. The purchase price will be paid in the form of
shares of common stock. However, the company's right to pay the purchase price
in stock is subject to a number of conditions, as described in the company
notice. If these conditions are not satisfied prior to the close of business on
the purchase date, the company will be obligated to pay the entire purchase
price in cash. Holders may specify in this purchase notice whether in these
circumstances they elect to withdraw exercise of the option with respect to some
or all of their LYONs or to receive cash.
In order to exercise the option and receive the purchase price for their
LYONs, holders must --
deliver and not withdraw a purchase notice (or an agent's message according
to the procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for book-entry
transfer) prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004, the
business date prior to the purchase date; and
surrender the LYONs (together with any required documentation) to the
paying agent prior to, on or after the purchase date, in conformity in all
respects to the description of the LYONs in the purchase notice.
The paying agent for the exercise of the option is The Bank of New York. The
address of the paying agent is as follows:
BY MAIL BY FACSIMILE BY HAND OR OVERNIGHT
------- ------------ --------------------
Corporate Trust Operations (for eligible institutions only) Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit (212) 298-1915 Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street -- 7 East Confirmation: 101 Barclay Street -- 7 East
New York, New York 10286 (212) 815-5098 New York, New York 10286
Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec
The instructions accompanying this purchase notice should be read carefully
before this purchase notice is completed.
Any beneficial owner whose LYONs are held in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to exercise the
option should contact their nominee promptly and instruct the nominee to
exercise the option on their behalf.
Delivery of this purchase notice or any other required documents to an
address other than as set forth above does not constitute valid delivery to the
paying agent. Delivery of documents to DTC or the company does not constitute
delivery to the paying agent. The method of delivery of all documents is at the
risk of the holder. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt
requested, properly insured, is recommended. You must sign this purchase notice
in the appropriate space provided, with signature guarantee if required, and
complete the Form W-9 set forth below.
THE OPTION WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME ON JUNE 3, 2004, THE
DAY BEFORE THE PURCHASE DATE, AND WILL NOT BE EXTENDED.
- ---------
* 'Liquid Yield Option' and 'LYON' are trademarks of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
By execution of this purchase notice, each signatory below represents that
it has received the company notice, dated May 5, 2004, of VISHAY
INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. The company notice provides the notice required to be
given to the holders of Vishay's Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due June 4, 2021
(Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs) by the indenture, dated as of June 4, 2001,
between the company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, governing the LYONs.
As provided in the indenture and the LYONs, the holder of the LYONs have the
option to require the company to purchase the LYONs on the purchase date of
June 4, 2004, for a purchase price of $602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs.
The company has exercised its right to make payment of the purchase price in
shares of Vishay common stock, with cash payable in respect of any fractional
shares. Each holder of LYONs that exercises the option will receive a number of
shares determined by dividing the total amount of cash the holder would have
been entitled to receive had the purchase price been paid in cash by the market
price of a share of common stock. Market price for these purposes means the
average of the closing prices of Vishay common stock in New York Stock Exchange
composite trading for the five trading day period ending on the third business
day prior to the purchase date, which is the period from May 25, 2004 to and
including June 1, 2004. However, if certain conditions are not satisfied, as
described in the company notice, the company will be required to pay the
purchase price in cash.
Unless this purchase notice is properly withdrawn in accordance with the
provisions of the indenture prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3,
2004, the day prior to the purchase date --
the undersigned hereby irrevocably sells, assigns and transfers to the
company, effective on the purchase date, all of its right and title in and
to the LYONs identified in this purchase notice;
all original issue discount, and any continent interest, on the LYONs
identified in this purchase notice will cease to accrue on and after the
purchase date; and
the only right of the undersigned with respect to the LYONs identified in
this purchase notice from and after the purchase date will be to receive
payment of the purchase price promptly following the later to occur of the
purchase date and the time of delivery to the paying agent of the LYONs
identified in this purchase notice.
The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the paying agent
the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned, with full
knowledge that the paying agent also acts as agent of the company, with full
power of substitution, to --
present the LYONs identified in this purchase notice for transfer on the
account books maintained by The Depository Trust Company (DTC) to, or upon
the order of, the company;
present such LYONs for transfer and cancellation on the books of the
relevant security registrar; and
receive the purchase price payable upon exercise of the option with respect
to such LYONs, all in accordance with the terms of and conditions specified
in the company notice and the indenture.
The undersigned hereby covenants, agrees, represents and warrants, unless
this purchase notice is properly withdrawn as described above, that --
if the LYONs identified in this purchase notice are not being surrendered
to the paying agent at the time of delivery of this notice, the undersigned
will surrender the LYONs to the paying agent, in accordance with the
procedures of DTC for book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the
paying agent for this purpose;
2
the undersigned owns the LYONs identified in this purchase notice, as
contemplated by Rule 14e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and has full power and authority to validly surrender the LYONs;
on the purchase date, or, if later, the date the LYONs are surrendered to
the paying agent, the company will acquire good, marketable and
unencumbered title to the LYONs identified in this purchase notice, free
and clear of all security interests, liens, charges, encumbrances,
conditional sales agreements or other obligations relating to their
surrender or transfer, and not subject to any adverse claim;
on request, the undersigned will execute and deliver any additional
documents that the paying agent or the company deems necessary or desirable
to complete the surrender of the LYONs identified in this purchase notice;
and
the undersigned has read and agrees to all of the terms of the company
notice and this purchase notice, and understands that this purchase notice
constitutes a binding agreement between the undersigned and the company.
The undersigned has indicated below whether, if the company is required to
make the payment of the purchase price in cash, the undersigned elects to --
withdraw exercise of the option with respect to some or all of the LYONs
identified in this purchase notice, indicating the principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs with respect to which the withdrawal will be
effective; and /or
receive cash for the purchase price for the LYONs not being withdrawn.
If the undersigned fails to indicate a choice, it will be deemed to have
elected to receive cash for all LYONs identified in this purchase notice. If the
conditions to the payment of the purchase price in stock are not satisfied but
the company is not permitted by the indenture to pay the purchase price in cash
because an event of default under the LYONs has occurred and is continuing, this
purchase notice will be deemed withdrawn and the paying agent will return any
LYONs previously surrendered.
The shares of Vishay common stock representing the aggregate purchase price
for the LYONs identified in this purchase notice, any cash paid in respect of
fractional shares and, if the company is required to pay the entire purchase
price in cash, the cash purchase price will be credited to the DTC account
indicated in the box entitled 'LYONs to be Purchased,' unless otherwise
indicated in the box entitled 'Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions.' In
the event that the box entitled 'Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions' is
completed, the shares and any cash payment will be issued or paid in the name
and to the address, or credited to the DTC account, so indicated.
All authority conferred in this purchase notice shall survive the
dissolution, liquidation, death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any
obligations of the undersigned under this purchase notice shall be binding upon
the successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of the undersigned.
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
3
LYONS TO BE PURCHASED
Name of DTC Participant(1): ________________________
DTC Account Number: ________________________
Contact Person: ________________________
Address(1): ________________________
Area Code and Telephone Number: ________________________
Area Code and Facsimile Number: ________________________
Transaction Code Number: ________________________
Principal Amount at Maturity of LYONs to be
Purchased: $_______________________
[ ] Check here if LYONs are being surrendered through book-entry transfer at the time
of delivery of this notice.
[ ] Check here if LYONs will be surrendered through book-entry transfer at a later
time.
---------
(1) Must correspond to the name and address of the DTC participant from whose account the
LYONs will be transferred to the account of the paying agent, exactly as they appear
on the security position listing of DTC.
4
ELECTION TO WITHDRAW OR RECEIVE CASH
(IF THE CONDITIONS TO THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY TO MAKE
PAYMENT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE IN STOCK ARE NOT SATISFIED)
If the company is required to make payment of the purchase price in cash
because the conditions to its right to make payment in shares of common stock
are not satisfied, the undersigned elects to withdraw this purchase notice with
respect to the principal amount at maturity of LYONs indicated below. If no
amount is indicated below, the undersigned will receive cash in payment of the
purchase price for the entire principal amount at maturity of LYONs to which
this purchase notice relates. If the amount indicated below is less than the
entire principal amount at maturity of LYONs to which this purchase notice
relates, this purchase notice will be deemed withdrawn with respect to the
principal amount at maturity of LYONs set forth below, and the undersigned will
receive cash in payment of the purchase price for the remaining principal amount
at maturity of LYONs to which this purchase notice relates.
Principal amount at maturity of LYONs to be withdrawn (if
less than the entire amount at maturity of LYONs to which
this purchase notice relates is to be withdrawn, the
withdrawn amount must be in integral multiples of $1,000
principal amount at maturity): $_________________
SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
To be completed ONLY if common stock, any cash in lieu of fractional shares or, if the
company is required to pay the entire purchase price in cash, the cash purchase price issued
or paid in respect of the LYONs to which this purchase notice relates is to be credited to an
account maintained at DTC other than the DTC account designated above or is to be issued or
paid to any person other than by crediting such account.
Credit shares of common stock or cash to --
Name of DTC Participant: ________________________
DTC Account Number: ________________________
OR
Issue certificates representing common stock and/or a check to --
Name: ________________________
Address: ________________________
Taxpayer identification number or social security number: ________________________
5
SIGNATURE(S)
Must be signed on behalf of the DTC participant whose name appears in the DTC securities
position listing indicated above or on behalf of a transferee authorized by documents
transmitted with this purchase notice.
Authorized Signature: ________________________________
Name: ________________________________
(please print)
Capacity: ________________________________
Name of DTC Participant or Authorized Transferee: ________________________________
Address: ________________________________
________________________________
Area Code and Telephone Number: ________________________________
Tax ID. or S.S. Number(s): ________________________________
Date: __________________________, 2004
(Please Complete Form W-9)
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE AND GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY
(REQUIRED IF NOT SUBMITTED FOR THE ACCOUNT OF AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION)
The undersigned eligible institution hereby guarantees to the company the signature
appearing above. In addition, if the LYONs to which this purchase notice relates are not
being surrendered to the paying agent at the time of this purchase notice, the undersigned
guarantees to the company delivery of confirmation of book-entry transfer of the LYONs to
the paying agent's account at DTC.
Authorized Signature: ________________________________
Name: ________________________________
(please print)
Title: ________________________________
Eligible Institution: ________________________________
Address: ________________________________
Area Code and Telephone Number: ________________________________
Date: __________________________, 2004
6
SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
SUBSTITUTE
FORM W-9
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS)
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)
PLEASE FILL IN YOUR NAME AND
ADDRESS BELOW.
____________________________
Name
____________________________
Business Name
____________________________
Address (number and street)
____________________________
City, State and Zip Code
REQUESTER'S NAME: THE BANK OF NEW YORK
PART 1 -- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN _________________________________
IN THE BOX AT THE RIGHT OR, IF YOU SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
DO NOT HAVE A TIN, WRITE 'APPLIED OR
FOR' AND SIGN THE CERTIFICATION _________________________________
BELOW. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
[ ] EXEMPT
PART 2 -- CERTIFICATION -- Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
(1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification
Number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me),
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding either because (a) I am exempt
from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the IRS that I am
subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report all
interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no
longer subject to backup withholding, and
(3) I am a U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes).
CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS -- You must cross out item (2) in Part 2 above
if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup
withholding because of under reporting interest or dividends on your tax
return. However, if after being notified by the IRS that you were subject
to backup withholding, you received another notification from the IRS that
you are no longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross out item (2).
If you are exempt from backup withholding, check the box in Part 1 and see
the enclosed 'Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification
Number on Substitute Form W-9'.
Signature:________________________________________ Date:__________________
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING AT THE
APPLICABLE RATE ON ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED
GUIDELINES FOR REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND
CERTIFICATION ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
7
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Delivery of purchase notice and surrender of LYONs. This
purchase notice may be used by holders of Liquid Yield
Option'TM' Notes due 2021 (Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs)
of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., to exercise their option to
require Vishay to purchase their LYONs at a purchase price
of $602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the
LYONs on the purchase date of June 4, 2004. This purchase
notice must be received by the paying agent at its address
appearing on the first page of the notice prior to 5:00 p.m.
New York City time on June 3, 2004, the day prior to the
purchase date. LYONs with respect to which the option is
exercised must be surrendered to the paying agent using the
book-entry transfer procedures of The Depository Trust
Company (DTC), either before, on or after the purchase date.
Holders need not submit a physical purchase notice to the
paying agent and may instead deliver an agent's message to
the paying agent in accordance with the procedures of DTC,
but only if the LYONs are at the time being surrendered to
the paying agent by transferring them to the paying agent's
account at DTC.
IN ALL CASES, IN ORDER TO VALIDLY EXERCISE THE OPTION, THIS
PURCHASE NOTICE (OR A FACSIMILE), PROPERLY COMPLETED, OR AN
AGENT'S MESSAGE MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE PAYING AGENT PRIOR
TO 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME ON JUNE 3, 2004 AT ITS
ADDRESS APPEARING ABOVE.
The term 'agent's message' means a message transmitted by
DTC to, and received by, the paying agent and forming a part
of a book-entry confirmation, which states that DTC has
received an express acknowledgment from the DTC participant
surrendering the LYONs stating:
the principal amount at maturity of the LYONs that have been
surrendered by the participant;
in the event the purchase price for the LYONs is ultimately
payable entirely in cash because any of the conditions to
payment of the purchase price in common stock is not
satisfied prior to the close of business on the purchase
date, whether the participant elects to withdraw some or
all of the LYONs being surrendered, stating the principal
amount at maturity to which the withdrawal relates, and/or
to receive cash in respect of the purchase price for the
LYONs not being withdrawn;
that the participant has received and agrees to be bound by
the term of the purchase notice; and
that the company may enforce this agreement against the
participant.
The method of delivery of all documents, including this
purchase notice and any other required documents, is at the
election and risk of the exercising holder. If delivery is
by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested,
properly insured, is recommended.
2. Guarantee of Signatures. No signature guarantee is required
if this purchase notice is submitted for the account of an
eligible guarantor institution, as defined in Rule 17Ad-15
under the Exchange Act (referred to as an eligible
institution).
In all other cases, an eligible institution must guarantee
the signature(s) on this purchase notice.
3. Guaranty of Delivery. If this purchase notice is not
submitted for the account of an eligible institution and the
LYONs to which this purchase notice relates are not being
surrendered to the paying agent at the time of delivery of
this purchase notice, an eligible institution must guarantee
to the company delivery of confirmation of book-entry
transfer of the LYONs to the paying agent's account at DTC.
8
4. Signatures on purchase notice. If this purchase notice is
signed on behalf of a participant appearing in a securities
position listing with DTC, the name and address of the
participant must correspond exactly to the name and address
of the participant appearing in the listing. If this
purchase notice is signed by a transferee of a DTC
participant, this purchase notice must be accompanied by
evidence of transfer satisfactory to the company. If any
such transferee is acting through attorneys-in-fact,
executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, partners,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such persons should so indicate
when signing and must submit proper evidence satisfactory to
the company of their authority so to act.
5. Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions; Return of
Surrendered LYONs. If shares of common stock, any cash paid
in respect of fractional shares or, if the company is
required to pay the entire purchase price in cash, the cash
purchase price is to be issued or paid other than by credit
to the DTC account indicated in the box entitled 'LYONs to
be Purchased,' the box entitled 'Special Issuance and
Delivery Instructions' must be completed.
Any LYONs surrendered to the paying agent as to which
exercise of the option has been validly withdrawn, or with
respect to which the option has not been validly exercised,
will be returned by book-entry transfer for credit to the
DTC account from which the LYONs were transferred to the
paying agent.
6. Irregularities. The company will determine, in its sole
discretion, all questions as to the validity of the exercise
of the option (including time of receipt of the purchase
notice or agent's message), the surrender of any LYONs and
the form of any documents, and its determinations shall be
final and binding on all parties. The company also reserves
the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in
the exercise of the option or the surrender of any LYON. The
company's interpretation of the terms of the purchase notice
(including these instructions) will be final and binding on
all parties. None of the company, the paying agent or any
other person is obligated to give notice of any defects or
irregularities in the exercise of the option or the
surrender of any LYON, and none of them will incur any
liability for failure to give such notice.
7. Questions and Requests for Assistance and Additional Copies.
Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the
paying agent (call (212) 815-5098), and additional copies of
the company notice and this purchase notice may also be
obtained from the paying agent.
8. Withdrawal Rights. You may withdraw previously surrendered
LYONs at any time until 5:00 p.m. New York City time on
June 3, 2004. See the company notice for a more detailed
description of withdrawal rights.
9. Transfer Taxes. If the purchase price is to be issued or
paid to any persons other than the DTC participant from
whose account the LYONs were surrendered to the paying
agent, the amount of any transfer taxes payable on account
of the transfer to such other person will be deducted from
the purchase price unless satisfactory evidence of the
payment of such taxes or an exemption therefrom is
submitted.
10. Important Tax Information. Under U.S. federal income tax
law, a holder that surrenders LYONs is required to provide
the paying agent with such holder's current taxpayer
identification number ('TIN') on a properly completed
Form W-9 or substitute Form W-9 (which is attached), or,
alternatively, to establish another basis for an exemption
from backup withholding. If the paying agent is not provided
with the correct TIN, the holder may be subject to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. In
addition, all or a portion of the payments made to such
holder with respect to LYONs purchased pursuant to the
company notice may be subject to 28% backup withholding. The
portion of the payments that may be subject to backup
withholding is the greater of (i) the amount of cash
received by the holder and (ii) the gain, if any, recognized
by the holder on the LYONs surrendered.
9
If the holder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for
a number or intends to apply for a number in the near
future, he should write 'Applied For' in the space provided
for in the Substitute Form 9-W, and sign and date the
Substitute Form 9-W. If 'Applied For' is written in the
Substitute Form 9-W and payment is made with respect to the
LYONs, the paying agent may retain 28% of the payments
subject to back up withholding and either remit such amount
to the IRS if such TIN is not provided within 60 days or pay
over such retained amount to the holder upon the furnishing
of a TIN within 60 days. See the enclosed Guidelines for
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
on Substitute Form 9-W for additional instructions
Certain holders (including, among others, all corporations
and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these
backup withholding and reporting requirements. In order for
a foreign individual to qualify as an exempt recipient, that
holder must submit to the paying agent a properly completed
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 BEN, signed under
penalties of perjury, attesting to that individual's exempt
status. A Form W-8 BEN can be obtained from the paying
agent.
If backup withholding applies, the paying agent is required
to withhold 28% of any payment made to the holder or other
payee. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather,
the federal income tax liability of persons subject to
backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax
withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes,
a refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.
The paying agent cannot refund amounts withheld by reason of
backup withholding.
10
NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL
OF
PURCHASE NOTICE RELATING
TO
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
LIQUID YIELD OPTION'TM' NOTES DUE 2021
(ZERO COUPON-SUBORDINATED)
CUSIP NUMBERS: 928298AC2 AND 928298AD0
PURSUANT TO THE COMPANY NOTICE DATED MAY 5, 2004
This withdrawal notice relates to the purchase of Liquid Yield Option'TM'
Notes due 2021 (Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs)* of VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY,
INC., at the option of the holders of the LYONs. The option is pursuant to the
terms and conditions specified in paragraph 7 of the LYONs, the indenture dated
June 4, 2001 that governs the LYONs and the company notice, dated May 5, 2004,
relating to the option.
This notice of withdrawal is to be completed by holders of LYONs who have
previously delivered a purchase notice relating to the exercise of the option
and who desire to withdraw exercise of the option with respect to some or all of
the LYONs to which the purchase notice relates.
Holders who have exercised the option and surrendered their LYONs by
transfer to the account of the paying agent at The Depository Trust Company
(DTC) may withdraw their exercise through the withdrawal procedures of DTC.
TO BE EFFECTIVE, THIS NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE PAYING
AGENT AT ITS ADDRESS IDENTIFIED BELOW (AND ANY WITHDRAWAL THROUGH THE PROCEDURES
OF DTC MUST BE EFFECTED) PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME ON JUNE 3, 2004.
The paying agent for the exercise of the option is The Bank of New York. The
address of the paying agent is as follows:
BY MAIL BY FACSIMILE BY HAND OR OVERNIGHT
------- ------------ --------------------
Corporate Trust Operations (for eligible institutions Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit only) Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street - 7 East (212) 298-1915 101 Barclay Street - 7 East
New York, New York 10286 Confirmation: New York, New York 10286
Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec (212) 815-5098 Attn: Mr. Bernard Arsenec
- ---------
* 'Liquid Yield Option' and 'LYON' are trademarks of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
1
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby withdraws exercise of the option to require Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc. to purchase Vishay's Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes 2021
(Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs) with respect to the LYONs identified below
and which were identified in a purchase notice (or agent's message in lieu
thereof) previously delivered to the paying agent.
The undersigned understands that this withdrawal may not be rescinded and
that the option will no longer be deemed to be validly exercised with respect to
the LYONs identified below. The option may hereafter be re-exercised for these
LYONs only by following the procedures for exercise specified in the company
notice, dated May 5, 2004, in respect of the option and the related form of
purchase notice.
All authority conferred in this withdrawal notice shall survive the
dissolution, liquidation, death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any
obligations of the undersigned under this withdrawal notice shall be binding
upon the successors, assigns, heirs or personal representatives of the
undersigned.
DESCRIPTION OF LYONS BEING WITHDRAWN
Name of DTC Participant(1): __________________________
DTC Account Number: __________________________
Contact Person: __________________________
Address(1): __________________________
__________________________
Area Code and Telephone Number: __________________________
Area Code and Facsimile Number: __________________________
Transaction Code Number: __________________________
Principal Amount at Maturity of LYONs Withdrawn: $_________________________
Date of Purchase Notice or Agent's Message: ____________________, 2004
---------
(1) Must correspond to the name and address of the DTC participant from whose account the
LYONs were or were to be transferred to the account of the paying agent, exactly as
they appear on the security position listing of DTC.
2
SIGNATURE(S)
Must be signed on behalf of the DTC participant whose name appears in the DTC securities
position listing indicated above or on behalf of a transferee authorized by documents
transmitted with this withdrawal notice.
Authorized Signature: __________________________
Name: __________________________
(please print)
Capacity: __________________________
Name of DTC Participant or Authorized Transferee: __________________________
Area Code and Telephone Number: __________________________
Date: ____________________, 2004
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
(REQUIRED IF NOT SUBMITTED FOR THE ACCOUNT OF AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION)
The undersigned eligible institution hereby guarantees to the company the signature
appearing above.
Authorized Signature: __________________________
Name: __________________________
(please print)
Title: __________________________
Eligible Institution: __________________________
Address: __________________________
__________________________
Area Code and Telephone Number: __________________________
Date: ____________________, 2004
3
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Delivery of Withdrawal Notice. This withdrawal notice may be
used by holders of Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due 2021
(Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs) of Vishay
Intertechnology, Inc., who previously exercised their option
to require Vishay to purchase their LYONs and wish to
withdraw the exercise. The withdrawal may be effected with
respect to all or any portion of the LYONs as to which the
option was previously exercised, but, if effected with
respect to only a portion of the LYONs, it may only be
effected for integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount
at maturity of the LYONs.
This withdrawal notice must be received by the paying agent
at its address appearing on the first page of the notice
prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004. A
holder that has previously delivered the LYONs identified in
this notice to the paying agent using the book-entry
transfer procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC)
need not submit a physical withdrawal notice and may instead
effect the withdrawal pursuant to the withdrawal procedures
of DTC.
IN ALL CASES, IN ORDER TO VALIDLY WITHDRAW EXERCISE OF THE
OPTION, THIS WITHDRAWAL NOTICE (OR A FACSIMILE), PROPERLY
COMPLETED, MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE PAYING AGENT (AND ANY
WITHDRAWAL THROUGH THE PROCEDURES OF DTC MUST BE EFFECTED)
PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME ON JUNE 3, 2004.
The method of delivery of all documents, including this
withdrawal notice and any other required documents, is at
the election and risk of the withdrawing holder. If delivery
is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested,
properly insured, is recommended.
2. Guarantee of Signatures. No signature guarantee is required
if this withdrawal notice is submitted for the account of an
eligible guarantor institution, as defined in Rule 17Ad-15
under the Exchange Act (referred to as an eligible
institution).
In all other cases an eligible institution must guarantee
the signature(s) on this purchase notice.
3. Signatures on Purchase Notice. If this withdrawal notice is
signed on behalf of a participant appearing in a securities
position listing with DTC, the name and address of the
participant must correspond exactly to the name and address
of the participant appearing in the listing. If this
withdrawal notice is signed by a transferee of a DTC
participant, this purchase notice must be accompanied by
evidence of transfer satisfactory to the company. If any
such transferee is acting through attorneys-in-fact,
executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, partners,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such persons should so indicate
when signing and must submit proper evidence satisfactory to
the company of their authority so to act.
4. Return of Surrendered LYONs. Any LYONs surrendered to the
paying agent as to which exercise of the option has been
validly withdrawn will be returned by book-entry transfer
for credit to the DTC account from which the LYONs were
transferred to the paying agent.
5. Irregularities. The company will determine, in its sole
discretion, all questions as to the validity of the
execution and delivery of this withdrawal notice. The
company also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect
or irregularity. None of the company, the paying agent or
any other person is obligated to give notice of any defect
or irregularity, and none of them will incur any liability
for failure to give such notice.
6. Questions and Requests for Assistance and Additional Copies.
Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the
paying agent (call (212) 815-5098), and additional copies of
the company notice and this withdrawal notice may also be
obtained from the paying agent.
4
LETTER TO BROKERS, DEALERS, ETC. RELATING
TO
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
LIQUID YIELD OPTION'TM' NOTES DUE 2021
(ZERO COUPON-SUBORDINATED)
CUSIP NUMBERS: 928298AC2 AND 928298AD0
PURSUANT TO COMPANY NOTICE DATED MAY 5, 2004
May 5, 2004
To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
Trust Companies and other Nominees:
This letter relates to the purchase of Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due
2021 (Zero Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs)* of VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC., at the
option of the holders of the LYONs. The option is pursuant to the terms and
conditions specified in paragraph 7 of the LYONs, the indenture dated June 4,
2001 that governs the LYONs and the company notice, dated May 5, 2004, relating
to the option.
Vishay will pay to holders who validly exercise the option a purchase price
of $602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs, on the purchase
date of June 4, 2004. The purchase price will be paid in the form of shares of
common stock, except as set forth below. Each holder of LYONs that exercises the
option will receive a number of shares determined by dividing the total amount
of cash the holder would have been entitled to receive had the purchase price
been paid in cash by the market price of a share of common stock. Market price
for these purposes means the average of the closing prices of Vishay common
stock in New York Stock Exchange composite trading for the five trading day
period ending on the third business day prior to the purchase date, which is the
period from May 25, 2004 to and including June 1, 2004. However, Vishay's right
to pay the purchase price in stock is subject to a number of conditions, as
described in the company notice. If these conditions are not satisfied prior to
the close of business on the purchase date, Vishay will be obligated to pay the
entire purchase price in cash. Holders may specify in the purchase notice
whether in these circumstances they elect to withdraw exercise of the option
with respect to some or all of their LYONs or to receive cash.
In order to exercise the option and receive the purchase price for their
LYONs, holders must --
deliver and not withdraw a purchase notice (or an agent's message according
to the procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for book-entry
transfer) prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004, the
business date prior to the purchase date; and
surrender the LYONs (together with any required documentation) to the
paying agent prior to, on or after the purchase date, in conformity in all
respects to the description of the LYONs in the purchase notice.
The paying agent for the exercise of the option is The Bank of New York.
For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you or your
nominee hold LYONs, we are enclosing the following documents:
1. The company notice.
2. The purchase notice for use in exercising the option.
- ---------
* 'Liquid Yield Option' and 'LYON' are trademarks of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
3. A notice of withdrawal to be used for withdrawing exercise of the
option.
4. A form of letter that may be sent to your clients for whose account
you or your nominee hold LYONs, with space provided for obtaining such
clients' instructions with respect to exercise of the option.
5. Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
Substitute Form W-9.
Your prompt action is requested. The option will expire at 5:00 p.m., New
York City time on June 3, 2004, the day before the purchase date, and will not
be extended.
Vishay will upon request, reimburse brokers, dealers, commercial banks,
trust companies and other nominees for reasonable and necessary costs and
expenses incurred by them in forwarding the enclosed materials to the beneficial
owners of LYONs held by them as nominee or in a fiduciary capacity. Vishay will
pay all transfer taxes applicable to issuance of shares of common stock in
payment of the purchase price, except as set forth in the purchase notice.
Any inquiries you may have with respect to the option, or requests for
additional copies of the enclosed materials, should be directed to the paying
agent, at the address and telephone number set forth on the front of the
purchase notice.
Very truly yours,
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
NOTHING HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL RENDER YOU OR ANY PERSON
AS AN AGENT OF ANY OF VISHAY, THE TRUSTEE OR THE PAYING AGENT, OR ANY OF THEIR
AFFILIATES, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY
STATEMENTS ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THE OPTION, EXCEPT FOR
STATEMENTS EXPRESSLY MADE IN THE COMPANY NOTICE AND THE PURCHASE NOTICE.
Enclosures
2
LETTER TO CLIENTS RELATING
TO
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
LIQUID YIELD OPTION'TM' NOTES DUE 2021
(ZERO COUPON-SUBORDINATED)
CUSIP NUMBERS: 928298AC2 AND 928298AD0
PURSUANT TO COMPANY NOTICE DATED MAY 5, 2004
May 5, 2004
To Our Clients:
Enclosed for your consideration is a company notice, dated May 5, 2004,
relating to the purchase of Liquid Yield Option'TM' Notes due 2021 (Zero
Coupon-Subordinated) (LYONs)* of VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC., at the option of
the holders of the LYONs. A related purchase notice and a notice of withdrawal
are also enclosed.
The option is pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in paragraph 7
of the LYONs, the indenture dated June 4, 2001 that governs the LYONs and the
company notice. Under these terms and conditions, Vishay will pay to holders who
validly exercise the option a purchase price of $602.77 per $1,000 principal
amount at maturity of the LYONs, on the purchase date of June 4, 2004. The
purchase price will be paid in the form of shares of common stock, except as set
forth below. Each holder of LYONs that exercises the option will receive a
number of shares determined by dividing the total amount of cash the holder
would have been entitled to receive had the purchase price been paid in cash by
the market price of a share of common stock. Market price for these purposes
means the average of the closing prices of Vishay common stock in New York Stock
Exchange composite trading for the five trading day period ending on the third
business day prior to the purchase date, which is the period from May 25, 2004
to and including June 1, 2004. However, Vishay's right to pay the purchase price
in stock is subject to a number of conditions, as described in the company
notice. If these conditions are not satisfied prior to the close of business on
the purchase date, Vishay will be obligated to pay the entire purchase price in
cash. Holders may specify in the purchase notice whether in these circumstances
they elect to withdraw exercise of the option with respect to some or all of
their LYONs or to receive cash.
In order to exercise the option and receive the purchase price for their
LYONs, holders must --
deliver and not withdraw a purchase notice (or an agent's message according
to the procedures of The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for book-entry
transfer) prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on June 3, 2004, the
business date prior to the purchase date; and
surrender the LYONs (together with any required documentation) to the
paying agent prior to, on or after the purchase date, in conformity in all
respects to the description of the LYONs in the purchase notice.
The paying agent for the exercise of the option is The Bank of New York.
The enclosed materials are being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of
LYONs held by us for your account. The option with respect that the LYONs that
we hold for you may be exercised only by us pursuant to your instructions. The
enclosed purchase notice is furnished to you for your information only and
cannot be used by you to exercise the option. Accordingly, we request
instructions as to whether you wish us to exercise the option with respect to
the LYONs that we hold for your account. We also request instruction whether, if
you exercise the option and
- ---------
* 'Liquid Yield Option' and 'LYON' are trademarks of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
the option price cannot be paid in shares of Vishay common stock, you elect to
withdraw exercise of the option with respect to some or all of your LYONs or to
receive cash.
Your prompt action is requested. The option will expire at 5:00 p.m., New
York City time on June 3, 2004, the day before the purchase date, and will not
be extended. If you want us to exercise the option on your behalf, you must give
us your instructions on a timely basis so that we may do so in advance of the
time of expiration of the option.
The exercise of the option with respect to any LYONs may be withdrawn at any
time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on June 3, 2004. The enclosed notice
of withdrawal is furnished to you for your information only and cannot be used
by you to withdraw exercise of the option. If, after instructing us to exercise
the option on your behalf, you want us to withdraw the exercise, either in whole
or in part, you must give us a timely instruction to that effect.
If you want us to exercise the option with respect to any of your LYONs,
please so instruct us by completing, executing and returning to us the
instruction form on the next page of this letter. If you authorize exercise of
the option with respect to your LYONs, we will exercise the option with respect
to the entire principal amount at maturity of your LYONs unless you otherwise
specify.
2
INSTRUCTIONS
The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter, the enclosed company
notice and the related purchase notice in connection with the option. This will
instruct you to exercise the option with respect to the principal amount at
maturity of LYONs indicated below (or, if no amount is indicated below, the
entire principal amount at maturity of the LYONs) held by you for the account of
the undersigned, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the company
notice and the purchase notice.
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY OF LYONS WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THE OPTION IS TO BE
EXERCISED:*
$___________________________________________.
ELECTION TO WITHDRAW OR RECEIVE CASH
(IF THE CONDITIONS TO THE RIGHT OF VISHAY TO MAKE
PAYMENT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE IN STOCK ARE NOT SATISFIED)
If Vishay is required to make payment of the purchase price in cash because
the conditions to its right to make payment in shares of common stock are not
satisfied, the undersigned instructs you to withdraw exercise of the option with
respect to the principal amount at maturity of LYONs indicated below. If no
amount is indicated below, the undersigned will receive cash in payment of the
purchase price for the entire principal amount at maturity of LYONs with respect
to which you have received instruction to exercise the option, as indicated
above. If the amount indicated below is less than the entire principal amount at
maturity of LYONs with respect to which you have received instruction to
exercise the option, you are instructed to withdraw exercise of the option with
respect to the principal amount at maturity of LYONs set forth below, and the
undersigned will receive cash in payment of the purchase price for the remaining
principal amount at maturity of LYONs with respect to which you have received
instruction to exercise the option.
Principal amount at maturity of LYONs to be withdrawn (if
less than the entire principal amount at maturity of LYONs
indicated above is to be withdrawn, the withdrawn amount
must be in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount at
maturity): $____________________
- ---------
* Unless you instruct us to exercise the option with respect to all of the LYONs
that we hold for your account, you may instruct us to exercise the option only
in increments of $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs. We will not
exercise the option with respect to any of the LYONs that we hold for your
account unless we receive written instructions from you to do so. Unless a
specific contrary instruction is given in the space provided, your
signature(s) below shall constitute an instruction to us to exercise the
option with respect to all the LYONs held by us for your account.
3
SIGNATURE(S)
Authorized Signature: __________________________
Name: __________________________
(please print)
Capacity: __________________________
Address: __________________________
__________________________
Area Code and Telephone Number: __________________________
Tax ID. or S.S. Number(s): __________________________
Date: ____________________, 2004
4
GUIDELINES FOR REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
AND CERTIFICATION ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
WHAT NAME AND NUMBER TO GIVE THE REQUESTER
Name
If you are an individual, you must generally enter the name shown on your
Social Security card. However, if you have changed your last name, for instance,
due to marriage, without informing the Social Security Administration of the
name change, enter your first name, the last name shown on your Social Security
card, and your new last name. If the account is in joint names, list first and
then circle the name of the person or entity whose number you enter in Part I of
the form.
Sole Proprietor -- You must enter your individual name as shown on your
Social Security card on the name line. You may enter your business, trade or
'doing business as' name on the business name line.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) -- If you are a single-member LLC (including
a foreign LLC with a domestic owner) that is disregarded as an entity separate
from its owner under Treasury regulations Section 301.7701-3, enter the owner's
name on the name line. Enter the LLC's name on the business name line. A
disregarded domestic entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate
Form W-8.
Other Entities -- Enter the business name as shown on required federal
income tax documents on the name line. This name should match the name shown on
the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any
business, trade or 'doing business as' name on the business name line.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
You must enter your taxpayer identification number in the appropriate box.
If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get a
Social Security number, your taxpayer identification number is your IRS
individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the Social
Security number box. If you do not have an individual taxpayer identification
number, see How to Get a TIN below. If you are a sole proprietor and you have an
employer identification number, you may enter either your Social Security number
or employer identification number. However, the IRS prefers that you use your
Social Security number. If you are an LLC that is disregarded as an entity
separate from its owner under Treasury regulations Section 301.7701-3, and are
owned by an individual, enter the owner's Social Security number. If the owner
of a disregarded LLC is a corporation, partnership, etc., enter the owner's
employer identification number. See the chart below for further clarification of
name and TIN combinations.
The table below will help determine the number to give the requester.
FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT: GIVE NAME AND SSN OF FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT: GIVE NAME AND SSN:
- --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
1. Individual account The individual 6. A.valid trust, estate or Legal entity
pension(4)
2. Two or more individuals The actual owner of the 7. Corporation The corporation
(joint account) account or, if combined
funds, the first individual
on the account(1)
3. Custodian account of a The minor(2) 8. Association, club, The organization
minor (Uniform Gift to religious, charitable,
Minors Act) educational or other
tax-exempt organization
4. a. The usual revocable The grantor-trustee(1) 9. Partnership The partnership
savings trust (grantor
is also trustee)
b. The so-called trust The actual owner(1) 10. A broker or registered The broker or nominee
account that is not a nominee
legal or valid trust
under state law
5. Sole proprietorship The owner(3) 11. Account with the The public entity
Department of Agriculture
in the name of a public
entity (such as a state
or local government,
school district, or
prison) that receives
agricultural program
payments
(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If
only one person on a joint account has a Social Security number, that
person's number must be furnished.
(2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's Social Security number.
(3) You must show your individual name, but you may also enter your business or
'doing business as' name. You may use either your Social Security number or
employer identification number (if you have one).
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate or pension trust.
(Do not furnish the taxpayer identification number of the personal
representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated
in the account title.)
NOTE: If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number
will be considered to be that of the first name listed.
GUIDELINES FOR REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
AND CERTIFICATION ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
PAGE 2
HOW TO GET A TIN
If you do not have a taxpayer identification number, apply for one immediately.
To apply for a Social Security number, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social
Security Number Card, from your local Social Security Administration office. Get
Form W-7 to apply for an individual taxpayer identification number or
Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an
employer identification number. You can get Forms W-7 and SS-4 from the IRS.
PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING
For interest and dividends, the following payees are exempt from backup
withholding:
A corporation.
A financial institution.
An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the 'Code'), an individual retirement account (IRA),
or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) of the Code if the account
satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2) of the Code.
The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any
of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities.
A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies or
instrumentalities.
An international organization or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United
States, the District of Columbia or a possession of the United States.
A real estate investment trust.
A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a) of the Code.
An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.
A foreign central bank of issue.
A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian.
A trust exempt from tax under section 664 of the Code or described in section
4947 of the Code.
PAYMENTS EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Dividends and patronage dividends that are generally exempt from backup
withholding include:
Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441 of
the Code.
Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the United
States and that have at least one nonresident alien partner.
Payments of patronage dividends not paid in money.
Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
Distributions made by an ESOP pursuant to section 404(k) of the Code.
Interest payments that are generally exempt from backup withholding include:
Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. Note, however, that
such a payment may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600
or more and is paid in the course of the payer's trade or business, and you
have not provided your correct taxpayer identification number or you have
provided an incorrect taxpayer identification number to the payer.
Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under
section 852 of the Code).
Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) of the Code to nonresident aliens.
Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451 of the Code.
Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
Payments that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to
backup withholding. For details, see sections 6041, 6041A, 6042, 6044, 6045,
6049, 6050A and 6050N of the Code, and their regulations.
If you are exempt from backup withholding, you should still complete and file
substitute Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. Enter your
correct taxpayer identification number in Part I, write 'Exempt' in Part II and
sign and date the Form and return it to the requester.
If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity not subject to backup
withholding, give the requester a completed IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign
Status.
Privacy Act Notice. -- Section 6109 of the Code requires you to give your
correct taxpayer identification number to persons who must file information
returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends and certain other income paid
to you. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify
the accuracy of your tax return. The IRS may also provide this information to
the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities,
states, and the District of Columbia to carry out their tax laws. You must
provide your taxpayer identification number whether or not you are required to
file a tax return. Payers must generally withhold a portion, computed at the
applicable rate on taxable dividends and certain other payments to a payee who
does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payer. Certain penalties
may also apply.
PENALTIES
(1) FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. -- If you fail to furnish
your correct taxpayer identification number to a requester, you are subject to a
penalty of $50.00 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable
cause and not to willful neglect.
(2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING. -- If you
make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no backup
withholding, you are subject to a $500.00 penalty.
(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION. -- Willfully falsifying
certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including
fines and/or imprisonment.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TAX
CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
Exhibit 99.6
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, contact--
Richard N. Grubb, Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer or
Robert A. Freece, Senior Vice President
Vishay Intertechnology
610-644-1300
VISHAY NOTIFIES HOLDERS OF ITS LYONS'TM' OF THEIR OPTION TO
REQUIRE VISHAY TO PURCHASE THE LYONS ON JUNE 4 , 2004
MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA, - May 5, 2004 - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH)
announced today that it is delivering to the holders of its Liquid Yield
Option'TM' Notes due June 4, 2021 (LYONs) a company notice/prospectus describing
the option of the holders to require Vishay to repurchase the LYONs at a
purchase price of $602.77 per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the LYONs
on the purchase date of June 4, 2004. There are $385,000,000 principal amount at
maturity of the LYONs outstanding. The company notice is being sent in
accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the LYONs. To exercise the
option, holders must deliver a purchase notice to the paying agent on or before
June 3, 2004, the day before the purchase date, and surrender their LYONs to the
paying agent before, on or after the purchase date.
As permitted by the indenture, Vishay has elected to pay the purchase price in
shares of its common stock. Each holder of LYONs that exercises the option will
receive a number of shares determined by dividing the total amount of cash the
holder would have been entitled to receive had the purchase price been paid in
cash by the market price of a share of common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu
of fractional shares. Market price for these purposes means the average of the
closing prices of Vishay common stock in New York Stock Exchange composite
trading for the five trading day period ending on the third business day prior
to the purchase date, which is the period from May 25, 2004 to and including
June 1, 2004.
Vishay's right to pay the purchase price in stock is subject to a number of
conditions, as described in the company notice, including effectiveness of the
registration statement referred to below. If these conditions are not satisfied
prior to the close of business on the purchase date, Vishay will be obligated to
pay the entire purchase price in cash. Holders may specify in their purchase
notice whether in these circumstances they elect to withdraw exercise of the
option with respect to some or all of their LYONs or to receive cash.
The paying agent for the option is The Bank of New York. Copies of the company
notice and the purchase notice may be obtained from the paying agent, and
questions concerning exercise of the option and surrender of the LYONs may be
directed to the paying agent, at 101 Barclay Street, 7 - East, Corporate Trust
Operations, Reorganization Unit, New York, New York 10286, telephone 212-
815-5098.
A registration statement relating to the shares of common stock issuable
upon exercise of the option has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold
nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement
becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or
the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these
securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be
unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any
such state.
Vishay, a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE, is one of the world's
largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers,
transistors, optoelectronics, and selected ICs) and passive electronic
components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transducers). The Company's
components can be found in products manufactured in a very broad range of
industries worldwide. Vishay is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has
operations in 17 countries employing over 26,000 people. Vishay can be found on
the Internet at www.vishay.com.
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