As filed with the Securities and Exchangeand Exchange Commission on September 6, 20199, 2022

RRegistration No.egistration No. 333-

 

 


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 


FormS-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


LSI INDUSTRIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Ohio

 

34-0888951

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

10000 Alliance Road

Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

(513) 793-3200

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’sregistrants principal executive offices)

 


Thomas A. Caneris

SeniorExecutive Vice President Human Resources and General Counsel

LSI Industries Inc.

10000 Alliance Road

Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

(513) 793-3200

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 


Copies To:

F. Mark Reuter

Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

One East Fourth Street, Suite 1400

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Telephone: (513) 579-6469

Facsimile: (513) 579-6457

 


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:  ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, 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(c) 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.  ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

  

Emerging growth company

 


If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.  ☐

 


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount
to be
Registered(1)

  

Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit(1)(2)

  

Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(1)(3)

  

Amount of
Registration Fee(1)

 

Common Stock, no par value (4)(11)

                

Preferred Stock, no par value (5)(11)

                

Depositary Shares (6)(11)

                

Warrants (7)(11)

                

Subscription Rights (8)(11)

                

Debt Securities (9)(11)

                

Units (10)(11)

                

Total

 $100,000,000   100% $100,000,000 (12)  $12,120 (13) 

(1)

Not specified as to each class of securities to be registered pursuant to General Instruction II.D. to Form S-3.

(2)

The proposed maximum offering price per unit will be determined from time to time by the registrant in connection with the issuance by the registrant of the securities registered hereunder.

(3)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o).

(4)

Subject to note (12) below, there is being registered an indeterminate number of shares of common stock.

(5)

Subject to note (12) below, there is being registered an indeterminate number of shares of preferred stock.

(6)

Subject to note (12) below, there is being registered an indeterminate number of depositary shares to be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to a deposit agreement. If the registrant elects to offer to the public fractional interests in preferred shares, then depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional interests and the shares will be issued to the depositary under the deposit agreement.

(7)

Subject to note (12) below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate amount and number of warrants. The warrants may represent the right to purchase common shares, preferred shares or debt securities.

(8)

Subject to note (12) below, there is being registered an indeterminate number of subscription rights that may represent a right to purchase shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock or debt securities.

(9)

Subject to note (12) below, there is being registered an indeterminate principal amount of debt securities.

(10)

Subject to note (12) below, there is being registered an indeterminate number of units. Each unit will be issued under a unit agreement and will represent an interest in a combination of one or more of the securities registered hereunder.

(11)

Subject to note (12) below, this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of securities as may be issued in exchange for, or upon conversion or exercise of, as the case may be, the preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, subscription rights or debt securities registered hereunder. Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder. No separate consideration will be received for any securities registered hereunder that are issued in exchange for, or upon conversion of, as the case may be, the preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants or subscription rights.


(12)

In no event will the aggregate initial offering price of all securities issued from time to time pursuant to the prospectus contained in this registration statement exceed $100,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in one or more foreign currencies or foreign currency units. Such amount represents the offering price of any common stock, preferred stock and depositary shares, the principal amount of any debt securities issued at their stated principal amount, the issue price rather than the principal amount of any debt securities issued at an original issue discount, the issue price of any warrants, the exercise price of any securities issuable upon the exercise of warrants and the issue price of any securities issuable upon the exercise of subscription rights. The aggregate principal amount of debt securities may be increased if any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount by an amount such that the offering price to be received by the registrant shall be equal to the above amount to be registered. Any offering of securities denominated other than in United States dollars will be treated as the equivalent of United States dollars based on the exchange rate applicable to the purchase of such securities at the time of initial offering. The securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder.

(13)

The Registrant previously paid $10,070 pursuant to a previously filed Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-213527, originally filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 7, 2016 (the "Prior Registration Statement"), of which $4,384.32 was offset from a previously filed Registration Statement and $5,685.68 was paid at the time of filing of the Prior Registration Statement. $100,000,000 of the Registrant's securities registered pursuant to the Prior Registration Statement remain unsold, resulting in all $5,685.68 in registration fees paid at the time of filing of the Prior Registration Statement remaining unused. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) of the Securities Act, the Registrant hereby uses these unused registration fees associated with this Registration Statement, resulting in net registration fees of $6,434.32 payable upon filing this Registration Statement.


 

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 Section8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section8(a), may determine.


 

 

 

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECTSUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 69,, 20192022

 

Prospectus

logo.jpg

 

$100,000,000

$100,000,000

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Subscription Rights

Debt Securities

Units

 


 

We may offer and sell from time to time our common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, subscription rights and debt securities, as well as units that include any of these securities. We may sell any combination of these securities in one or more offerings with an aggregate initial offering price of $100,000,000 or the equivalent amount in other currencies or currency units.

 

We will provide the specific terms of the securities to be offered in one or more supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities. This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of those offered securities.

 

We may sell the securities directly or to or through underwriters or dealers, and also to other purchasers or through agents. The names of any underwriters or agents that are included in a sale of securities to you, and any applicable commissions or discounts, will be stated in an accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

Investing in any of our securities involves risk. Please read carefully the section entitled “Risk Factors”Risk Factors beginning on page23 of this prospectus.

 


 

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LYTS.” None of the other securities that we may offer under this prospectus are currently publicly traded.

 


 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 


 

The date of this prospectus is  , 2019September 9, 2022

 


 

Table of Contents

 

Page

Page

About This Prospectus

1

Where You Can Find More Information

1

Information We Incorporate By Reference

1

The Company

2

Corporate Information

23

Risk Factors

23

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

3

Use of Proceeds

34

Description of Capital Stock

34

Description of Depositary Shares

6

Description of Warrants

8

Description of Subscription Rights

10

Description of Debt Securities

11

Description of Units

19

Plan of Distribution

1920

Legal Matters

2122

Experts

2122

 

i

 

About This Prospectus

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to an aggregate initial offering price of $100,000,000 or the equivalent amount in other currencies or currency units.

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. For a more complete understanding of the offering of the securities, you should refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information We Incorporate By Reference.”

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus that we may provide you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, any document incorporated by reference or any free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date, other than the date mentioned on the cover page of these documents. We are not making offers to sell the securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.

 

References in this prospectus to the terms “we,” “us,” “LSI,” “LSI Industries,” or “the Company” or other similar terms mean LSI Industries Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless we state otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.

 

Where You Can Find More Information

 

We are subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also inspect our SEC reports and other information at our website at http://www.lsi-industries.com.www.lsicorp.com. The information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus, other than the documents that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

Information We Incorporate By Reference

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information in documents we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. Any statement contained in any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in or omitted from this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future documents that we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (1) after the date of the initial filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (2) after the date of this prospectus until the offering of the securities is terminated:

 

our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2019;2022;

 


1

 

our current reportsreport(s) on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 201919, 2022 and August 27, 2019; and23, 2022

 

the description of our common stock set forth in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on April 11, 1985, and all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating that description.description, including Exhibit 4.1 (Description of Securities) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on September 6, 2019.

 

We will not, however, incorporate by reference in this prospectus any documents or portions thereof that are not deemed “filed” with the SEC, including any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of our current reports on Form 8-K unless, and except to the extent, specified in such current reports.

 

We will provide you with a copy of any of these filings (other than an exhibit to these filings, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into the filing requested) at no cost, if you submit a request to us by writing or telephoning us at the following address and telephone number:

 

LSI Industries Inc.

10000 Alliance Road

Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

Telephone Number: (513) 793-3200

Attention: General Counsel

 

The Company

 

LSI is a leading producer of non-residential lighting and retail display solutions. Non-residential lighting consists of high-performance, American-made lighting products. The Company’s strength in outdoor lighting applications creates opportunities for it to introduce additional solutions to its customers. Retail display solutions consist of graphics solutions, digital signage, and technically advanced food display equipment for strategic vertical markets. LSI’s team of internal specialists also provide comprehensive project management services in support of large-scale rollouts.

Our Lighting Segment manufactures, markets, and sells non-residential outdoor and indoor lighting solutions in the commercial and industrial markets, including the following vertical markets: the petroleum/convenience markets, parking lot and garage markets, quick-service restaurant market, retail and grocery store markets, the automotive market, the warehouse market, and the sports complex market. We service these markets through multiple channels: project job business sold through electrical distributors, agents, and shipped direct to the customer; standard products sold to and stocked by distributors; and direct to end-use customers. Our products are a customer-centric company that positions itselfdesigned and manufactured to provide maximum value and meet the high-quality, competitively priced product requirements of the markets we serve. Focusing on key market applications allows us to deliver unique product solutions which in turn provides value to our customers.

We acquired JSI Store Fixtures (JSI) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and consolidated it with our former Graphics Segment, which has been rebranded as a value-added, trusted partner in developing superiorour Display Solutions Segment, to more closely align our comprehensive product offering with the markets we serve. The Display Solutions Segment manufactures, sells and installs exterior and interior visual image solutions through our lighting,and display elements, including printed graphics, structural graphics, digital signage, menu board systems, display fixtures, refrigerated displays, and technology capabilities. Ourcustom display elements. The major products and services include digitaloffered within our Display Solutions Segment include: signage printed and structuralcanopy graphics, pump dispenser graphics, building fascia graphics, decals, interior signage and marketing graphics, aisle markers, wall mural graphics, and electrical signage capabilities, a wide variety of high quality indoorrefrigerated and outdoor lighting products, lighting control systems, and related professional services including engineering, installation, and project management. We also provide graphics and lighting products on a stand-alone basis. Our company is the leading provider of corporate visual image solutions to the petroleum / convenience store industry. We use this leadership position to penetrate national retailers and multi-site retailers, including quick service and casual restaurants, retail chain stores and automobile dealerships, located primarily in the United States. We seek to expand our market share in the traditional commercial / industrial lighting market by combining our LED product innovation and lighting control solutions utilizing the latest technology along with a strong emphasis on high service levels and market focused solutions. Our solutions are targeted at both renovation and new construction markets. We have comprehensive design and product development capabilities for targeted markets.non-refrigerated merchandising displays. We also provide a variety of lighting control solutionsproject management services to complement our display elements such as installation management, site surveys, permitting, and content management which alloware offered to our customers to reduce energysupport our digital signage. We also manage and maintenance costs. In additionexecute the implementation of large rollout programs. These programs provide our customers a variety of display solutions and visual image upgrades in the same markets served in the lighting segment which include the petroleum/convenience markets, parking lot and garage markets, quick-service restaurant market, retail and grocery store markets, the automotive market, the warehouse market, and the sports complex market. We believe our expertise with the products and services we offer in the markets we serve represents a significant competitive advantage. We work with our customers and design firms to designingestablish and producing traditional signage,implement cost effective corporate visual image programs to advance our customer’s brand. Increasingly, we designbelieve we have become the primary supplier of exterior and integrate digital signage technology where customers are provided a turnkey solution that includes design, software, hardware content development, implementation, serviceinterior visual image and support.display elements for our customers.

2

 

Corporate Information

 

We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio. Our principal executive offices are located at 10000 Alliance Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242. Our telephone number is (513) 793-3200. Our website is http://www.lsi-industries.com.www.lsicorp.com. The information contained on or accessible through our website is not part of this prospectus, other than the documents that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

Risk Factors

 

Investing in our securities involves risk. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference and may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer. In that case, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or a part of your investment.


 

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference, contains, and any prospectus supplement may contain, statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of predictive, future-tense or forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “expect,” “encourage,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” and “continue,” as well as the negative of these terms or similar expressions. These statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus, the date of the prospectus supplement or the date of the document incorporated by reference, as applicable, and we undertake no ongoing obligation, other than that imposed by law, to update these statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference, and relate to, among other things, our intent, belief or current expectations with respect to: our future financial condition, results of operations or prospects; our business and growth strategies; and our financing plans and forecasts. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, some of which are unknown, including, without limitation: the impact of competitive products and services, product demand and market acceptance risks, potential costs associated with litigation and regulatory compliance, reliance on key customers, financial difficulties experienced by customers, the cyclical and seasonal nature of our business, the adequacy of reserves and allowances for doubtful accounts, fluctuations in operating results or costs whether as a result of uncertainties inherent in tax and accounting matters or otherwise, failure of an acquisition or acquired company to achieve its plans or objectives; unexpected difficulties in integrating acquired businesses, the ability to retain key employees of acquired businesses, unfavorable economic and market conditions, the results of asset impairment assessments, risks related to disruptions or reductions in business operations or prospects due to pandemics, epidemics, widespread health emergencies, or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus COVID-19 and its variants and the other risk factors that are identified herein and in our reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement.

 

These factors and the other risk factors described in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, including the documents incorporated by reference, are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on us.

 

3

Use of Proceeds

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities for general corporate purposes. These purposes may include, but are not limited to:

 

reduction or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness or other corporate obligations;

 

additions to working capital;

 

capital expenditures; and

 

acquisitions.

 

Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of short-term indebtedness.

 

Description of Capital Stock

 

The following description is a general summary of the terms of the common stock and preferred stock that we may issue. We will set forth the particular terms of the preferred stock that we offer in a prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which the following general terms and provisions will apply to particular shares of preferred stock.


 

The description below and in any prospectus supplement does not include all of the terms of the common stock and preferred stock and should be read together with our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of Regulations, copies of which have been filed previously with the SEC. For more information on how you can obtain copies of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of Regulations, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

General

 

Under our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 41,000,000 shares of capital stock, including:

 

40,000,000 shares of common stock, without par value; and

 

1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value.

 

Common Stock

 

Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, and there are no cumulative voting rights. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

 

Subject to the rights of holders of any outstanding preferred shares, each record holder of common stock on the applicable record date is entitled to receive dividends on common stock to the extent authorized by our Board of Directors out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. In addition, subject to the rights of holders of any outstanding preferred shares, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our shareholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up after payment of or adequate provision for all our known debts and liabilities.

 

Holders of common stock do not have any preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. No conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions apply to the common stock, and the holders of common stock are not liable to further calls or assessments by us.

 

4

Preferred Stock

 

Our Board of Directors is authorized, without shareholder approval, to issue up to 1,000,000 preferred shares in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the Preferred Shares, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preference, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of a series. Our Board of Directors can, without shareholder approval, issue preferred shares with voting and conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock. Any preferred shares issued would also rank senior to our common stock as to rights upon liquidation, winding-up or dissolution. If we issue any preferred shares that are convertible into our common stock, such issuance of shares could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company.

 

Control Share Acquisitions

 

We are subject to Section 1701.831 of the Ohio Revised CodeGeneral Corporation Law which provides that certain notice and informational filings and special shareholder meeting and voting procedures must be followed prior to consummation of a proposed “control share acquisition.” The Ohio Revised CodeGeneral Corporation Law defines a “control share acquisition” as any acquisition of an issuer’s shares which would entitle the acquirer, immediately after that acquisition, directly or indirectly, to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power of the issuer in the election of directors within any one of the following ranges of that voting power:

 

one-fifth or more but less than one-third of that voting power;

 

one-third or more but less than a majority of that voting power; or

 


a majority or more of that voting power.

 

Assuming compliance with the notice and information filings prescribed by the statute, the proposed control share acquisition may be made only if, at a special meeting of shareholders, the acquisition is approved by at least a majority of the voting power of the issuer represented at the meeting and at least a majority of the voting power remaining after excluding the combined voting power of the “interested shares.” “Interested shares” are the shares held by the intended acquirer and the employee-directors and officers of the issuer, as well as certain shares that were acquired after the date of the first public disclosure of the acquisition but before the record date for the meeting of shareholders and shares that were transferred, together with the voting power thereof, after the record date for the meeting of shareholders.

 

Business Combinations with Certain Persons

 

We are subject to Chapter 1704 of the Ohio Revised Code,General Corporation Law, which prohibits certain business combinations and transactions between an “issuing public corporation” and an “Ohio law interested shareholder” for at least three years after the Ohio law interested shareholder attains 10% ownership, unless the Board of Directors of the issuing public corporation approves the transaction before the Ohio law interested shareholder attains 10% ownership. An “issuing public corporation” is an Ohio corporation with 50 or more shareholders that has its principal place of business, principal executive offices, or substantial assets within the State of Ohio, and as to which no close corporation agreement exists. An “Ohio law interested shareholder” is a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the shares of a corporation. Examples of transactions regulated by Chapter 1704 include the disposition of assets, mergers and consolidations, voluntary dissolutions and the transfer of shares.

 

Subsequent to the three-year period, a transaction subject to Chapter 1704 may take place provided that certain conditions are satisfied, including:

 

prior to the interested shareholder’s share acquisition date, the board of directors approved the purchase of shares by the interested shareholder;

 

5

the transaction is approved by the holders of shares with at least 662/3%3% of the voting power of the corporation (or a different proportion set forth in the articles of incorporation), including at least a majority of the outstanding shares after excluding shares controlled by the Ohio law interested shareholder; or

 

the business combination results in shareholders, other than the Ohio law interested shareholder, receiving a fair price plus interest for their shares.

 

Chapter 1704 is applicable to all corporations formed under Ohio law.

 

Provisions in Articles Affecting Business Combinations

 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation require approval by 66-2/3% of the voting power of disinterested shareholders for any business combination between an interested shareholder and us for five years after such party became an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder is one beneficially owning 15% or more of the voting power. Business combinations include mergers, sales of assets and similar transactions. Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation also require any person who becomes an interested shareholder to offer to purchase all of our voting securities and securities convertible into or constituting warrants or options to purchase our voting securities within 25 days after achieving 15% ownership. The price to be paid would be the higher of the highest price paid by the interested shareholder in acquiring such beneficial ownership or the highest trading price during the 45 day period commencing 70 days prior to the date that such person became an interested shareholder. These provisions are not applicable if the proposed business combination is approved prior to its consummation by a majority of disinterested directors or if the transaction by which a person becomes an interested shareholder is approved at any time prior to that time by a majority of disinterested directors. The vote of holders of 66-2/3% of all outstanding shares of common stock is required to amend our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and to approve mergers, reorganizations, and similar transactions.


 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

Computershare serves as the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock. We will select the transfer agent and registrar for a series of preferred stock, and each one will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Description of Depositary Shares

 

General

 

We may offer depositary shares representing fractional shares of our preferred stock of any series. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the depositary shares that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. The particular terms of the depositary shares, including the fraction of a preferred share that such depositary share will represent, and the extent, if any, to which the general terms and provisions may apply to the depositary shares so offered, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a depositary agreement between us and a bank or trust company that meets certain requirements and is selected by us, which we refer to as the bank depositary. Each owner of a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary share. The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the depositary agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the offering. The deposit agreement will also contain provisions relating to the manner in which any subscription or similar rights we offer to holders of the preferred stock will be made available to the holders of depositary shares.

 

The following description is a general summary of some common provisions of a depositary agreement and the related depositary receipts. The description below and in any prospectus supplement does not include all of the terms of the depositary agreement and the related depositary receipts. Copies of the form of depositary agreement and the depositary receipts relating to any particular issue of depositary shares will be filed with the SEC each time we issue depositary shares, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you. For more information on how you can obtain copies of the forms of the depositary agreement and the related depositary receipts, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

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Dividends and Other Distributions

 

If we pay a cash distribution or dividend on a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares, the bank depositary will distribute these dividends to the record holders of these depositary shares. If the distributions are in property other than cash, the bank depositary will distribute the property to the record holders of the depositary shares. However, if the bank depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution of property, the bank depositary may, with our approval, sell this property and distribute the net proceeds from this sale to the record holders of the depositary shares.

 

Redemption of Depositary Shares

 

If we redeem a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares, the bank depositary will redeem the depositary shares from the proceeds received by the bank depositary in connection with the redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will equal the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share of the preferred stock. If fewer than all the depositary shares are redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata as the bank depositary may determine.

 

Voting the Preferred Stock

 

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock represented by depositary shares are entitled to vote, the bank depositary will mail the notice to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to the preferred stock. Each record holder of these depositary shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock) may instruct the bank depositary as to how to vote the preferred stock represented by this holder’s depositary shares. The bank depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the amount of the preferred stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with these instructions, and we will take all action which the bank depositary deems necessary in order to enable the bank depositary to do so. The bank depositary will abstain from voting shares of the preferred stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing this preferred stock.

 


Amendment and Termination of the Depositary Agreement

 

The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the depositary agreement may be amended by agreement between the bank depositary and us. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares will not be effective unless this amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. The depositary agreement may be terminated by the bank depositary or us only if:

 

all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; or

 

there has been a final distribution in respect of the preferred stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and this distribution has been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts.

 

Charges of Bank Depositary

 

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the bank depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges, including a fee for the withdrawal of shares of preferred stock upon surrender of depositary receipts, as are expressly provided in the depositary agreement to be for their accounts.

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Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

 

Except as may be provided otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the bank depositary, subject to the terms of the depositary agreement, the owner of the depositary shares may demand delivery of the number of whole shares of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented by those depositary shares. Fractional shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the bank depositary will deliver to this holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Holders of preferred stock thus withdrawn may not thereafter deposit those shares under the depositary agreement or receive depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares therefor.

 

Miscellaneous

 

The bank depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the bank depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of preferred stock.

 

Neither the bank depositary nor we will be liable if we are prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing our obligations under the depositary agreement. The obligations of the bank depositary and us under the depositary agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of our duties thereunder, and we will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or shares of preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by persons presenting shares of preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.


 

Resignation and Removal of Bank Depositary

 

The bank depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the bank depositary. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor bank depositary and the successor’s acceptance of this appointment. The successor bank depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company meeting the requirements of the depositary agreement.

 

Description of Warrants

 

General

 

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. The particular terms of the warrants and the extent, if any, to which the general terms and provisions may apply to the warrants so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Warrants may be issued independently or together with other securities and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not have any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

 

A copy of the forms of the warrant agreement and the warrant certificate relating to any particular issue of warrants will be filed with the SEC each time we issue warrants, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you. For more information on how you can obtain copies of the forms of the warrant agreement and the related warrant certificate, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

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Debt Warrants

 

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to issue debt securities will describe the terms of those warrants, including the following:

 

the title of the warrants;

 

the offering price for the warrants, if any;

 

the aggregate number of the warrants;

 

the designation and terms of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

 

if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities that the warrants are issued with and the number of warrants issued with each debt security;

 

if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and any debt securities issued with them will be separately transferable;

 

the principal amount of debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which the debt securities may be purchased upon exercise;

 

the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;

 

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 


whether the warrants represented by the warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;

 

information relating to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations;

 

anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, if any;

 

redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the warrants;

 

any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants; and

 

any other information we think is important about the warrants.

 

Stock Warrants

 

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to issue common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares will describe the terms of the common stock warrants and preferred stock warrants, including the following:

 

the title of the warrants;

 

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the offering price for the warrants, if any;

 

the aggregate number of the warrants;

 

the designation and terms of the common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants;

 

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities that the warrants are issued with and the number of warrants issued with each security;

 

if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and any securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable;

 

the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or depositary shares that may be purchased upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which the shares may be purchased upon exercise;

 

the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants commence and expire;

 

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

if applicable, a discussion of material United States federal income tax considerations;

 

anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, if any;

 

redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the warrants;

 


any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants; and

 

any other information we think is important about the warrants.

 

Exercise of Warrants

 

Each warrant will entitle the holder of the warrant to purchase at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares or the principal amount of debt securities being offered. Holders may exercise warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants are void. Holders may exercise warrants as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants being offered.

 

Until a holder exercises the warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities, the holder will not have any rights as a holder of our common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities, as the case may be, by virtue of ownership of warrants.

 

Description of Subscription Rights

 

We may issue to our shareholders subscription rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the subscription rights that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. The particular terms of the subscription rights and the extent, if any, to which the general terms and provisions may apply to the subscription rights so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other security offered by this prospectus and may or may not be transferable by the shareholder receiving the rights in the rights offering. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which the underwriter will purchase any securities that remain unsubscribed for upon completion of the rights offering, or offer these securities to other parties who are not our shareholders. A copy of the form of subscription rights certificate will be filed with the SEC each time we issue subscription rights, and you should read that document for provisions that may be important to you. For more information on how you can obtain a copy of any subscription rights certificate, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights will describe the terms of the offered subscription rights, including, where applicable, the following:

 

the exercise price for the subscription rights;

 

the number of subscription rights issued to each shareholder;

 

the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable;

 

any other terms of the subscription rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights;

 

the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights will commence and the date on which the right will expire;

 

the extent to which the subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and

 

the material terms of any standby underwriting arrangement entered into by us in connection with the subscription rights offering.


 

Description of Debt Securities

 

The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may issue, which may be issued as convertible or exchangeable debt securities. We will set forth the particular terms of the debt securities we offer in a prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which the following general terms and provisions will apply to particular debt securities.

 

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture to be entered into between us and USU.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee. The indenture, and any supplemental indentures thereto, will be subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The following description of general terms and provisions relating to the debt securities and the indenture under which the debt securities will be issued is a summary only and therefore is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the terms and provisions of the indenture. The form of the indenture has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, and you should read the indenture for provisions that may be important to you. For more information on how you can obtain a copy of the form of the indenture, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Capitalized terms used in this section and not defined herein have the meanings specified in the indenture. When we refer to “LSI,” “we,” “our” and “us” in this section, we mean LSI Industries Inc. excluding, unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, its subsidiaries.

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General

 

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness senior in right of payment to all of our subordinated indebtedness.

 

The indenture will not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under it and will provide that debt securities may be issued under it from time to time in one or more series. We may specify a maximum aggregate principal amount for the debt securities of any series.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture will not afford the holders of the debt securities the right to require us to repurchase or redeem the debt securities in the event of a highly-leveraged transaction.

 

We will not be obligated to issue all debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series, without the consent of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of that series, for the issuance of additional debt securities of that series. Additional debt securities of a particular series will have the same terms and conditions as outstanding debt securities of such series, except for the issue date and, in some cases, the public offering price and the first interest payment date, and will be consolidated with, and form a single series with, such outstanding debt securities; provided, however, that if such additional debt securities are not fungible with the outstanding debt securities of such series for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the additional debt securities will have a separate CUSIP number.

 

We will set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to any debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of the debt securities, if applicable:

 

the title of the series of debt securities;

 

the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) at which the debt securities will be issued;

 

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the series of debt securities;

 


whether the debt securities will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, and if they are subordinated debt securities, the terms of the subordination;

 

the date or dates on which the principal on the series of debt securities is payable;

 

the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or the method used to determine such rate or rates (including any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the series of debt securities will bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest, if any, will accrue, the date or dates on which such interest, if any, will commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;

 

the right, if any to extend the interest periods and the duration of that extension;

 

the place or places where the principal of, and premium and interest, if any, on, the debt securities will be payable;

 

the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities may be redeemed;

 

any obligation we may have to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of the debt securities;

 

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the dates on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase the debt securities at the option of the holders of the debt securities and other detailed terms and provisions of such repurchase obligations;

 

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of certificated debt securities or global debt securities;

 

the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the principal amount;

 

the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal of, premium and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be made if other than U.S. dollars;

 

any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities;

 

any addition to or change in the events of default described in this prospectus or in the indenture and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

 

any addition to or change in the covenants described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

 

any other terms of the debt securities (which may supplement, modify or delete any provision of the indenture as it applies to such debt securities);

 

any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to the series of debt securities, if other than appointed in the indenture; and

 

any provisions relating to conversion of the debt securities.

 

The foregoing is not intended to be an exclusive list of the terms that may be applicable to any offered debt securities.


 

In addition, the indenture will not limit our ability to issue convertible, exchangeable or subordinated debt securities. Any conversion, exchange or subordination provisions of debt securities will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement. Such terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, in which case the number of shares of common stock or other securities to be received by the holders of debt securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the prospectus supplement.

 

We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the U.S. federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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Exchange and Transfer

 

Debt securities may be transferred or exchanged at the office of the registrar or co-registrar designated by us.

We will not impose a service charge for any transfer or exchange, but we may require holders to pay any tax or other governmental charges associated with any transfer or exchange.

In the event of any redemption of debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

 

issue, register the transfer of or exchange, any debt security of that series during a period beginning at the opening of 15 business days before the day of sending of a notice of redemption and ending at the close of business on the day such notice is sent; or

 

register the transfer of or, exchange any, debt security of that series selected, called or being called for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any series being redeemed in part.

 

We may initially appoint the trustee as the registrar. Any transfer agent, in addition to the registrar initially designated by us, will be named in the prospectus supplement. We may designate additional transfer agents or change transfer agents or change the office of the transfer agent. However, we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

 

Global Securities

 

The debt securities of any series may be represented, in whole or in part, by one or more global securities. Each global security will:

 

be registered in the name of a depositary that we will identify in a prospectus supplement;

 

be deposited with the trustee as custodian for the depositary or its nominee; and

 

bear any required legends.


 

No global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities registered in the name of any person other than the depositary or any nominee unless:

 

the depositary has notified us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or has ceased to be qualified to act as depositary, and in either case we fail to appoint a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act within 90 days of such event;

 

we execute and deliver to the trustee an officer’s certificate to the effect that such global securities shall be so exchangeable; or

 

an event of default with respect to the debt securities represented by such global securities shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

As long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a global security, the depositary or nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except in the above limited circumstances, owners of beneficial interests in a global security:

 

will not be entitled to have the debt securities registered in their names;

 

will not be entitled to physical delivery of certificated debt securities; and

 

will not be considered to be holders of those debt securities under the indenture.

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Payments on a global security will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the holder of the global security. Some jurisdictions have laws that require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

 

Institutions that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee are referred to as “participants.” Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants and to persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants. The depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of its participants. Each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary (and, if such person is not a participant, on procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest) to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on and effected through records maintained by the depositary, with respect to participants’ interests, or by any participant, with respect to interests of persons held by participants on their behalf. Payments, transfers and exchanges relating to beneficial interests in a global security will be subject to policies and procedures of the depositary. The depositary policies and procedures may change from time to time. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the depositary’s acts or omissions or any participant’s records with respect to beneficial interests in a global security.

 

Payment and Paying Agent

 

The provisions of this subsection will apply to the debt securities unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement. Payment of interest on a debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date. Payment on debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of a paying agent or paying agents designated by us. However, at our option, we may pay interest by mailing a check to the record holder.

 

We may also name any other paying agents in the prospectus supplement. We may designate additional paying agents, change paying agents or change the office of any paying agent. However, we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

 

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, all moneys paid by us to a paying agent for payment on any debt security that remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such payment was due will be repaid to us. Thereafter, the holder may look only to us for such payment.

 


Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

 

Except as otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may not merge or consolidate with or into any other person, in a transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation, or sell, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of us and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions to any person, unless:

 

the successor or transferee is a U.S. corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust or other entity;

 

the successor or transferee assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form reasonably satisfactory to the trustee;

 

immediately after giving effect to the transaction and treating our obligations in connection with or as a result of such transaction as having been incurred as of the time of such transaction, no default or event of default under the indenture shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel have been delivered to the trustee in connection with the foregoing.

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In the event of the above transaction, if there is a successor or transferee, then the successor or transferee will expressly assume all of our obligations under the indenture and automatically be substituted for us in the indenture and as issuer of the debt securities and may exercise every right and power of ours under the indenture with the same effect as if such successor or transferee had been named in our place in the indenture.

 

Events of Default

 

Event of default means, with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:

 

default in the payment of any interest on any debt security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of that default for a period of 30 days;

 

default in the payment of principal of, or premium on, any debt security of that series when due and payable and continuance of that default for a period of 10 days;

 

default in the performance or breach of any other covenant or warranty by us in the indenture or any supplemental indenture with respect to such series (other than a covenant or warranty that has been included in the indenture or supplemental indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than that series), which default continues uncured for a period of 90 days after (1) we receive written notice from the trustee or (2) we and the trustee receive written notice from the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series as provided in the indenture;

 

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company or our significant subsidiaries; and

 

any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We will promptly deliver to the trustee written notice of any event which with the giving of notice and the lapse of time would become a covenant event of default, or any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement, along with a description of the status and what action we are taking or propose to take with respect to such event of default.

 

No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of an event of default may constitute an event of default under our bank credit agreements in existence from time to time. In addition, the occurrence of certain events of default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.


 

If an event of default (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company) with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if the rescission and annulment would not conflict with any judgment or decree already rendered and if all events of default with respect to that series, other than the non-payment of principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series that has become due and payable solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived and all sums paid or advanced by the trustee and the reasonable compensation, expenses and disbursements of the trustee and its agents and counsel have been paid as provided in the indenture.

 

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The indenture will provide that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of outstanding debt securities, unless the trustee receives security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.

 

No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

 

that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series; and

 

the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and offered security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee, to institute the proceeding as trustee, and the trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that request and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, and premium and any interest on, that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of such payment.

 

The indenture will require us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. The indenture will provide that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any default or event of default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

 


Modification and Waiver

 

We may amend or modify the indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities of the series affected by the modifications or amendments in order to:

 

cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

 

conform the text of the indenture, including any supplemental indenture, or the debt securities to any corresponding provision of this “Description of Debt Securities” or description of the debt securities found in the prospectus supplement as evidenced by an officer’s certificate;

 

provide for the issuance of and to establish the form, terms and conditions of any series of debt securities;

 

provide for the assumption of our obligations in the case of a merger or consolidation and our discharge upon such assumption provided that the provision under “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” of the indenture is complied with;

 

add covenants or make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of the debt securities;

 

17

add guarantees with respect to the debt securities;

 

provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;

 

add or appoint a successor or separate trustee;

 

make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of debt securities in any material respect, as evidenced by an officer’s certificate; or

 

obtain or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

 

Other amendments and modifications of the indenture or the debt securities issued may be made with the consent of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series, and our compliance with any provision of the indenture with respect to the debt securities may be waived by written notice to the trustee by the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series. However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the affected series:

 

reduce the principal amount, any premium or change the stated maturity of any debt security or alter or waive any of the provisions with respect to the redemption or repurchase of the debt securities;

 

change the place of payment or currency in which principal, any premium or interest is paid;

 

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on the debt securities;

 

waive a payment default with respect to the debt securities;

 

reduce the interest rate or extend the time for payment of interest on the debt securities;

 

make any change to the amendment and modification provisions in the indenture; or

 

reduce the percentage in principal amount outstanding of debt securities, the consent of the holders of which is required for any of the foregoing modifications or otherwise necessary to modify, supplement or amend the indenture or to waive any past default.

 

Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of such series, waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. Prior to the acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities of any series pursuant to the terms of the indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series may, on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series, waive any past default under the indenture with respect to such debt securities and its consequences, except (i) a default with respect to such series in the payment of the principal of, or premium or any interest on, the debt securities of such series or (ii) a default or event of default in respect of a covenant or provision that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of all of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series.

 


Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

 

Legal Defeasance. The indenture will provide that, in certain circumstances, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, and to maintain paying agencies and certain provisions relating to the treatment of funds held by paying agents). We will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations in such amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, a nationally recognized investment bank or a nationally recognized appraisal firm to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium and interest in accordance with the terms of the indenture and the debt securities of that series.

 

18

This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the beneficial owners of the debt securities of the applicable series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.

 

Defeasance of Certain Covenants. The indenture will provide that, upon compliance with certain conditions, we may be released from our obligation to comply with certain covenants set forth in the indenture and any supplemental indenture, and any failure to comply with those covenants will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the debt securities of the applicable series, or covenant defeasance. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option with respect to a series of debt securities, payment of such debt securities may not be accelerated because of an event of default related to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our significant subsidiaries.

The conditions include:

 

depositing with the trustee money and/or U.S. government obligations in such amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, a nationally recognized investment bank or a nationally recognized appraisal firm to pay and discharge each installment of principal of, premium and interest in accordance with the terms of the indenture and the debt securities of the applicable series; and

 

delivering to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the beneficial owners of the debt securities of the applicable series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.


 

Description of Units

 

We may issue units comprising one or more securities described in this prospectus in any combination. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the units that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. The particular terms of the units and the extent, if any, to which the general terms and provisions may apply to the units so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit also is the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. Units will be issued pursuant to the terms of a unit agreement, which may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time or at any time before a specified date. A copy of the forms of the unit agreement and the unit certificate relating to any particular issue of units will be filed with the SEC each time we issue units, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you. For more information on how you can obtain copies of the forms of the unit agreement and the related unit certificate, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

19

The prospectus supplement relating to any particular issuance of units will describe the terms of those units, including, to the extent applicable, the following:

 

the designation and terms of the units and the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

 

any provision for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and

 

whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

 

Plan of Distribution

 

We may sell the offered securities in and outside the United States:

 

through underwriters or dealers;

 

directly to purchasers;

 

in a rights offering;

 

in “at the market” offerings, within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market on an exchange or otherwise;

 

through agents; or

 

through a combination of any of these methods.

 

The prospectus supplement will include the following information:

 

the terms of the offering;

 

the names of any underwriters or agents;

 

the name or names of any managing underwriter or underwriters;

 

the purchase price or initial public offering price of the securities;

 


the net proceeds from the sale of the securities;

 

any delayed delivery arrangements;

 

any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;

 

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

any commissions paid to agents.

 

Sale through Underwriters or Dealers

 

If underwriters are used in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

20

 

If we offer securities in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with dealers, acting as standby underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting agreement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us.

 

During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, which means that selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the offered securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if the offered securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue these activities at any time.

 

Some or all of the securities that we offer though this prospectus may be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom we sell our securities for public offering and sale may make a market in those securities, but they will not be obligated to do so and they may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of the liquidity of, or continued trading markets for, any securities that we offer.

 

If dealers are used in the sale of securities, we will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. We will include in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.

 

Direct Sales and Sales through Agents

 

We may sell the securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents designated from time to time at fixed prices or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.


 

We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any sales of these securities in the prospectus supplement.

 

Remarketing Arrangements

 

Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

21

 

Delayed Delivery Contracts

 

If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

 

General Information

 

We may have agreements with the agents, dealers, underwriters and remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers, underwriters or remarketing firms may be required to make. Agents, dealers, underwriters and remarketing firms may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.

 

Legal Matters

 

Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL will pass upon the validity of the securities being offered hereby.

 

Experts

 

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 


22

 

PARTII

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item14.Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 

The following are the estimated expenses of the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, all of which are payable by us. All of the items below, except for the registration fee, are estimates.

 

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

 

$12,120

9,270

Trustee’s fees and expenses

 

*

Transfer agent and registrar fees

 

*

Printing expenses

 

*

Accountant’s fees and expenses

 

*

Legal fees and expenses

 

*

Miscellaneous

 

*

Total

 

$*

9,270

 

*

Estimated expenses are presently not known and cannot be estimated.

 

Item15.Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Under Section 1701.13 of the Ohio Revised Code,General Corporation Law (OGCL), Ohio corporations are authorized to indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents within prescribed limits and must indemnify them under certain circumstances. Ohio law does not provide statutory authorization for a corporation to indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents for settlements, fines or judgments in the context of derivative suits. However, it provides that directors (but not officers, employees or agents) are entitled to mandatory advancement of expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in defending any action, including derivative actions, brought against the director, provided that the director agrees to cooperate with the corporation concerning the matter and to repay the amount advanced if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence that the director’s act or failure to act was done with deliberate intent to cause injury to the corporation or with reckless disregard for the corporation’s best interests.

 

Ohio law does not authorize payment of judgments to a director, officer, employee or agent after a finding of negligence or misconduct in a derivative suit absent a court order. Indemnification is permitted, however, to the extent such person succeeds on the merits. In all other cases, if a director, officer, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, indemnification is discretionary except as otherwise provided by a corporation’s articles, code of regulations or by contract except with respect to the advancement of expenses of directors.

 

Under Ohio law, a director is not liable for monetary damages unless it is proved by clear and convincing evidence that his action or failure to act was undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the corporation or with reckless disregard for the best interests of the corporation. There is, however, no comparable provision limiting the liability of officers, employees or agents of a corporation. The statutory right to indemnification is not exclusive in Ohio, and Ohio corporations may, among other things, procure insurance for such persons.

 

Section 1701.13 of the Ohio Revised CodeOGCL authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager or agent of another corporation or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him under Section 1701.13.

 

We maintain liability insurance for all of our directors and officers. The insurance also insures the Company against amounts payable to indemnify directors and officers, subject to policy limits and retention amounts.

 

I

 

Article V of our Amended and Restated Code of Regulations provides as follows:

 

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

Section 1.  Right of Indemnification.  Each person who was or is made a party to or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including, without limitation as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a Director, officer or member of a committee of the Corporation or that, being or having been such a Director or officer of the Corporation, he or she is or was serving at the request of an executive officer of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan as a trustee, fiduciary or otherwise (hereinafter an “Indemnitee”), whenever the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as such a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by the Ohio Revised Code,General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, the cost of reasonable settlements with or without suit, attorneys’ fees, costs of investigation, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) or other federal or state acts) actually incurred or suffered by such Indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the Indemnitee’s heirs, executors, and administrators.  Except as provided in ARTICLE V Section 2 with respect to proceedings seeking to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such Indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.  To the extent any of the indemnification provisions set forth above prove to be ineffective for any reason in furnishing the indemnification provided, each of the persons named above shall be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law.

 

(a)       The right to indemnification conferred in this ARTICLE V Section 1 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”).  An advancement of expenses shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such Indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction that his omission or failure to act involved an act or omission undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the Corporation or undertaken with reckless disregard for the best interests of the Corporation.  An advancement of expenses shall not be made if the Corporation’s Board of Directors makes a good faith determination that such payment would violate applicable law.

 

Section 2.  Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit.  If a claim under ARTICLE V Section 1 is not paid in full by the Corporation within 30 days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be 20 days, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim.  If successful, in whole or in part, in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit.  The Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification under this ARTICLE V upon submission of a written claim (and, in an action brought to enforce a claim for an advancement of expenses, where the required undertaking has been tendered to the Corporation), and thereafter the Corporation shall have the burden of proof to overcome the presumption that the Indemnitee is so entitled.

 

(a)       Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its Shareholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its Shareholders) that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification shall be a defense to the suit or create a presumption that the Indemnitee is not so entitled.

 

II

 

Section 3.  Nonexclusivity and Survival of Rights.  The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this ARTICLE V shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provisions of the Articles, these Regulations, agreement, vote of Shareholders or disinterested Directors, or otherwise.  Such rights shall also not be exclusive of, and shall be in addition to, any rights to which such person may be entitled by contract with the Corporation, which is expressly permitted hereby. 

 

(a)       Notwithstanding any amendment to or repeal of this ARTICLE V, or of any of the procedures established by the Board of Directors pursuant to ARTICLE V Section 6, any Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification in accordance with the provisions hereof and thereof with respect to any acts or omissions of such Indemnitee occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

 

(b)       Without limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this ARTICLE V shall, notwithstanding any amendment to or repeal of this ARTICLE V, inure to the benefit of any person who otherwise may be entitled to be indemnified pursuant to this ARTICLE V (or the estate or personal representative of such person) for a period of six years after the date such person’s service to or in behalf of the Corporation shall have terminated or for such longer period as may be required in the event of a lengthening in the applicable statute of limitations.

 

(c)       Advancement of expenses may be made by the Corporation against costs, expenses and fees to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, any terms and conditions of applicable law.

 

Section 4.  Insurance, Contracts and Funding.  The Corporation may, to the full extent then permitted by law, purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection, including but not limited to trust funds, letters of credit or self-insurance, on behalf of or for any persons described in this ARTICLE V, against any liability asserted against and incurred by any such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability, loss and/or expense under the Ohio Revised Code. The Corporation may enter into contracts with any Indemnitee in furtherance of the provisions of this ARTICLE V and may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect indemnification as provided in this ARTICLE V.  Insurance may be purchased from or maintained with a person in which the Corporation has a financial interest.

 

Section 5.  Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation.  The Corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors, authorize one or more executive officers to grant rights to advancement of expenses to employees or agents of the Corporation on such terms and conditions no less stringent than provided in ARTICLE V Section 1 hereof as such officer or officers deem appropriate under the circumstances.  The Corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses to employees or agents or groups of employees or agents of the Corporation with the same scope and effect as the provisions of this ARTICLE V with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of Directors, officers and members of a committee of the Corporation; provided, however, that an undertaking shall be made by an employee or agent only if required by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6.  Procedures for the Submission of Claims.  The Board of Directors may establish reasonable procedures for the submission of claims for indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE V, determination of the entitlement of any person thereto, and review of any such determination.  Such procedures shall be set forth in an appendix to these Regulations and shall be deemed for all purposes to be a part hereof. 

 

Section 7.  Definition of Performance.  For the purposes of this Article, a Director, officer or member of a committee shall conclusively be deemed not to have been willfully derelict in the performance of such person’s duty as such Director, officer or member of committee:

 

(a)       Determination by Suit.  In a matter which shall have been the subject of a suit or proceeding in which such person was a party which is disposed of by adjudication on the merits, unless such person shall have been finally adjudged in such suit or proceeding to have been willfully derelict in the performance of that person’s duty as such Director, officer or member of a committee; or

 

III

 

(b)      Determination by Committee.  In a matter not falling within (a) above, a majority of disinterested members of the Board of Directors or a majority of a committee of disinterested Shareholders of the Corporation, selected as hereinafter provided, shall determine that such person was not willfully derelict.  Such determination shall be made by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors except where such members shall determine that such matter should be referred to said committee of disinterested Shareholders. 

 

Section 8.  Selection of Committee.  The selection of a committee of Shareholders provided above may be made by the majority vote of the disinterested Directors or, if there be no disinterested Director or Directors, by the chief executive officer of the Corporation.  A Director or Shareholder shall be deemed disinterested in a matter if such person has no interest therein other than as a Director or Shareholder of the Corporation as the case may be.  The Corporation shall pay the fees and expenses of the Shareholders or Directors, as the case may be, incurred in connection with making a determination as above provided.

 

Section 9.  Non-Committee Determination.  In the event that a Director, officer or member of a committee shall be found by some other method not to have been willfully derelict in the performance of such person’s duty as such Director, officer or member of a committee, then such determination as to dereliction shall not be questioned on the ground that it was made otherwise than as provided above.

 

Item16.Exhibits.

 

The following documents are exhibits to the registration statement:

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

1.1*

Form of Underwriting Agreement.

4.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of LSI Industries Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K filed September 6, 2019 (No. 033-65043), incorporated herein by reference).

4.2

Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of LSI Industries Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 2, 2009 (Commission File No. 0-13375), incorporated herein by reference.

4.3

Form of Debt Securities Indenture.

4.4*

Form of Debt Securities.

4.5*

Preferred Stock Certificate of Amendment.

4.6*

Form of Warrant Agreement.

4.7*

Form of Warrant Certificate.

4.8*

Form of Depositary Agreement.

4.9*

Form of Depositary Receipt.

4.10*

Form of Subscription Rights Certificate.

4.11*

Form of Unit Agreement.

4.12*

Form of Unit Certificate.

5.1

Opinion of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

23.2

Consent of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL (Included in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).

25.1

Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Trustee under Debt Securities Indenture.

107

Filing Fee Table

 

*

To be filed either by amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

IV

 

Item17.Undertakings.

 

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 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;

 

provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this 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.

 

4. That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

 

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is a part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

V

 

5. That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

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 Section 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 this 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.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

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 Securities 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

VI

 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio, on September 6, 2019.9, 2022.

 

 

LSI INDUSTRIES INC.

  
 

BY:By:

/s/ James A. Clark

  

James A. Clark

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints James A. Clark and James E. Galeese, and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power of substitution, for him/her and in his/her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and to sign any and all registration statements relating to the same offering of securities as this Registration Statement that are filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, 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 on Form S-3 has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated as of September 6, 2019:9, 2022:

 

Signatures

 

Title

  

/s/ James A. Clark

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

James A. Clark

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

/s/ James E. Galeese

 

Chief Financial Officer

James E. Galeese

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

  

/s/ Jeffrey S. Bastian

 

Principal Accounting Officer

Jeffrey S. Bastian

  
  

/s/ Robert P. Beech

 

Director

Robert P. Beech

  
  

/s/ Ronald D. Brown

 

Director

Ronald D. Brown

  
  

/s/ Amy L. Hanson

 

Director

Amy L. Hanson

  


Signatures

Title

  

/s/ John K. MorganChantel E. Lenard

 

Director

John K. MorganChantel E. Lenard

/s/ Ernest W. Marshall, Jr.

Director

Ernest W. Marshall, Jr.

  
  

/s/ Wilfred T. O’Gara

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Wilfred T. O’Gara