Form S-3
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2009

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.*

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   72-1060618

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

500 International Parkway, Suite 100

Heathrow, Florida 32746

(407) 333-7440

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

Robert M. Vincent

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

500 International Parkway, Suite 100

Heathrow, Florida 32746

Tel.: (407) 333-7440

Fax: (407) 833-9625

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

 

 

Copies of all communications, including communications sent to agent for service, should be sent to:

James S. Rowe

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

300 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60654

(312) 862-2000

 

* The co-registrants listed on the next page are also included in this Form S-3 Registration Statement as additional registrants.

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time on or after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

 

 

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.  x

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 or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer   x   Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  


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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of

securities to be registered(1)

  Amount to be
Registered(1)(2)
  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per
Share(1)(2)
  Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)(2)(3)
  Amount of
Registration Fee(4)

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  —     —     —     —  

Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  —     —     —     —  

Depositary Shares(5)

  —     —     —     —  

Warrants(5)

  —     —     —     —  

Subscription Rights(5)(6)

  —     —     —     —  

Debt Securities(7)

  —     —     —     —  

Guarantees of Debt Securities(8)

  —     —     —     —  

Share Purchase Contracts

  —     —     —     —  

Share Purchase Units

  —     —     —     —  

Total

  —     —     $200,000,000   $11,160
 
 
(1) Pursuant to General Instruction II.D of Form S-3, not specified as to each class of securities to be registered. There is being registered hereby such indeterminate number or amount, as the case may be, of the securities of each identified class as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices. Securities registered hereby may be offered for U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies. Securities registered hereby may be sold separately, together or in units with other securities registered hereby.
(2) The securities being registered hereby may be convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for other securities of any identified class. In addition to the securities that may be issued directly under this registration statement, there is being registered hereunder such indeterminate aggregate number or amount, as the case may be, of the securities of each identified class as may from time to time be issued upon the conversion, exchange, settlement or exercise of other securities offered hereby. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issued upon the conversion or exercise of, or in exchange for, other securities offered hereby. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price of such debt securities shall be such greater amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $200,000,000, less the aggregate dollar amount of all securities previously issued hereunder.
(3) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act, and exclusive of accrued interest, distributions and dividends, if any. The proposed maximum offering price will be determined from time to time in connection with the issuance of the securities registered hereunder.
(4) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act.
(5) The depositary shares will represent fractional interests in preferred shares, will be issued under one or more deposit agreements and will be evidenced by depositary receipts.
(6) The subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock, preferred stock, depository shares or debt securities will be offered without consideration.
(7) The debt securities may be issued without guarantees or may be guaranteed by one or more of the registrants named below under “Table of Additional Registrants.”
(8) The guarantees of debt securities will be issued by one or more of the registrants named below under “Table of Additional Registrants” and will be issued without additional consideration. Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no registration fee is payable with respect to any such guarantees.

Table of Additional Registrants

 

Exact Name of Additional Registrant as Specified in its Charter*

   State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization
   I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.

R.F. Inc.

   Louisiana    72-1306164

RCSH Holdings, Inc.

   Louisiana    72-1460657

RCSH Operations, Inc.

   California    72-1149135

RCSH Operations, LLC

   Louisiana    72-1490168

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Boston, LLC

   Louisiana    20-1425123

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Dallas, L.P.

   Texas    76-0653750

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Texas, L.P.

   Texas    37-1488356

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Franchise, Inc.

   Louisiana    72-1060613

RHG Fish Market, Inc.

   Florida    26-1362030

RHG Kingfish, LLC

   Florida    26-1361831

RCSH Millwork, LLC

   Florida    26-0640141
  * The address for each of the additional Registrants is c/o Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., 500 International Parkway, Suite 100, Heathrow, FL 32746. The name, address, including zip code, of the agent for service for each of the additional Registrants is Robert M. Vincent, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., 500 International Parkway, Suite 100, Heathrow, FL 32746, telephone (407) 333-7440.

The registrants hereby amend this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information contained in this 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 prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 25, 2009

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Subscription Rights

Debt Securities

Share Purchase Contracts

Share Purchase Units

 

 

We may offer and sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, together or separately, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. The aggregate initial offering price of the securities that we offer will not exceed $200,000,000. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. Before investing, you should carefully read this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “RUTH”.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should refer to the risk factors included in our periodic reports and other information that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and carefully consider that information before buying our securities.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2009.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

About this Prospectus

   i

Where You Can Find More Information

   1

Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference

   1

Forward-Looking Statements

   2

Our Company

   3

Risk Factors

   4

Use of Proceeds

   4

Ratio of Earning to Fixed Charges

   4

Description of Capital Stock

   5

Depositary Shares

   8

Warrants

   11

Subscription Rights

   12

Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees

   13

Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units

   30

Plan of Distribution

   31

Legal Matters

   32

Experts

   32

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings from time to time. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Therefore, if there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of the document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is delivered or securities are sold on a later date.

Unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” and similar terms refer to Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. References to our “common stock” or our “preferred stock” refer to the common stock or preferred stock of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. In addition, we have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 relating to the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information that is included in the registration statement. You will find additional information about us in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed therewith and in our reports and proxy statements and other information incorporated by reference herein. Any statements made in this prospectus concerning the provisions of legal documents are not necessarily complete and you should read the documents that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC for a more complete understanding of the document or matter. You can inspect and copy our reports, proxy statements and other information filed with the SEC, the registration statement on Form S-3 and the exhibits thereto at the Public Reference Room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can obtain copies of these materials from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. The Company’s SEC filings will also be available to you on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and through the Nasdaq Global Select Market, 165 Broadway, New York, New York 10006, on which our common stock is listed. We maintain a website at http://www.rhgi.com. You may access our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC free of charge at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Except for the information incorporated by reference as noted below, our website and the information contained on that site, or connected to that site, are not incorporated into and are not a part of this prospectus.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows the “incorporation by reference” of the information filed by us with the SEC into this prospectus, which means that important information can be disclosed to you by referring you to those documents and those documents will be considered part of this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the previously filed information. The documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than portions of these documents deemed to be “furnished” or not deemed to be “filed,” including the portions of these documents that are either (1) described in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3) or (e)(5) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC or (2) furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of a Current Report on Form 8-K, including any exhibits included with such Items) are incorporated by reference herein:

 

   

Our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed on March 13, 2009.

 

   

Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2009 filed on May 8, 2009.

 

   

The description of our common stock contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated August 9, 2005 filed with the SEC to register such securities under the Exchange Act including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. Our Commission File Number is 000-51485.

 

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If you make a request for such information in writing or by telephone, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of any or all of the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Any such request should be directed to:

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

500 International Parkway, Suite 100

Heathrow, Florida 32746

(407) 333-7440

Attention: Corporate Secretary

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different or additional information. This prospectus does not offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy any notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is unlawful. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of the applicable document.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. The words “believes,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could,” are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent management’s current reasonable expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks, and uncertainties include but are not limited to the factors described under “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the following:

 

   

changes in economic conditions and general trends;

 

   

the loss of key management personnel;

 

   

the effect of market volatility on our stock price;

 

   

our ability to integrate the restaurants acquired in the Mitchell’s acquisition;

 

   

our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquired restaurants;

 

   

health concerns about beef or other food products;

 

   

the effect of competition in the restaurant industry;

 

   

changes in consumer preferences or discretionary spending;

 

   

reductions in the availability of, or increases in the cost of, USDA Prime grade beef, fish and other food items;

 

   

labor shortages or increases in labor costs;

 

   

the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our employees, the sale or preparation of food, the sale of alcoholic beverages and the opening of new restaurants;

 

   

harmful actions taken by our franchisees;

 

   

our ability to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information;

 

   

the impact of litigation;

 

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the restrictions imposed by our credit agreement;

 

   

failure of internal controls over financial reporting; and

 

   

influence of one of our principal stockholders.

There may be other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. We can give no assurances that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if any of them does, what impact they will have on our results of operations and financial condition. You should carefully read the factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus for a description of certain risks that could, among other things, cause our actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by law.

OUR COMPANY

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a leading restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. The Ruth’s Chris menu features a broad selection of high-quality USDA Prime and Choice grade steaks and other premium offerings served in Ruth’s Chris’ signature fashion—”sizzling” and topped with seasoned butter—complemented by other traditional menu items inspired by our New Orleans heritage. The Ruth’s Chris restaurants reflect the more than 40-year commitment to the core values instilled by our founder, Ruth Fertel, of caring for our guests by delivering the highest quality food, beverages and service in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We believe that Ruth’s Chris is one of the strongest brands in the upscale steakhouse category.

Our restaurants cater to families and special occasion diners, in addition to the business clientele traditionally served by upscale steakhouses, by providing a dining experience designed to appeal to a wide range of guests. We believe our focus on creating this broad appeal provides us with opportunities to expand into a wide range of markets, including many markets not traditionally served by upscale steakhouses.

We offer USDA Prime and Choice grade steaks that are aged and prepared to exact company standards and cooked in 1,800-degree broilers. We also offer lamb, poultry and seafood dishes, and a broad selection of appetizers, including New Orleans-style barbequed shrimp, mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat, shrimp remoulade, Louisiana seafood gumbo, onion soup au gratin, crabtini and seven salad variations. We complement our distinctive food offerings with an award-winning core wine list, typically featuring bottles priced at between $24 and $2,000 and many selections offered by the glass. The current average check is $42 at lunch and $74 at dinner.

As of June 25, 2009, there were 128 Ruth’s Chris restaurants, of which 64 were company-owned and 64 were franchisee-owned, including 14 international franchisee-owned restaurants in the United Arab Emirates, Aruba, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Canada.

On February 19, 2008, we completed the acquisition of the operating assets and intellectual property of Mitchell’s Fish Market, operating under the names Mitchell’s Fish Market and Columbus Fish Market, and Cameron’s Steakhouse, operating under the names Cameron’s Steakhouse and Mitchell’s Steakhouse from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, LLC for approximately $93.0 million, including capitalized acquisition costs. There are currently 19 Mitchell’s Fish Markets and three Cameron’s Steakhouse’s with locations in the Midwest, Northeast, and Florida. Mitchell’s Fish Market is an award-winning, upscale, yet comfortable, seafood restaurant and bar recognized for its high quality food, contemporary dining atmosphere, and excellent service. We believe that Mitchells’ focus on upscale casual dining is a wonderful complement to our own brand.

 

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Mitchell’s Fish Market is committed to fresh seafood and all of its seafood is flown in daily. Although the menu changes frequently based on availability and season, it includes more than 80 seafood choices, including fish from all over the world. The current average check is $22 at lunch and $38 at dinner. The Cameron’s Steakhouses are a sophisticated 21st century update of the upscale American steakhouse.

We were originally founded in 1965 and were reincorporated in Delaware on May 11, 2005. Our principal executive offices are located at 500 International Parkway, Suite 100, Heathrow, FL 32746. Our telephone number is (407) 333-7440. Our website address is www.rhgi.com.

RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to uncertainties and risks. You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risk factors incorporated by reference from our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings we make with the SEC. Our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities offered by this prospectus for the repayment of indebtedness and/or for general corporate and working capital purposes.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our historical ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividends for the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

     13 Weeks Ended    Fiscal Year
   March 29, 2009    2008     2007    2006    2005    2004

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

   1.9x    (2.8 )x    3.4x    5.3x    2.4x    1.5x

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends

   1.9x    (2.8 )x    3.4x    5.3x    1.8x    1.1x

For purposes of these ratios, “earnings” consist of net earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, plus fixed charges, “fixed charges” consist of interest expense and the estimated interest component of rent and “preference dividends” consist of the pre-tax earnings required to pay the dividends on outstanding preferred stock. We have had no preferred stock outstanding since completion of our initial public offering in August 2005. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividends were both less than 1:1 for the year ended December 28, 2008. In order to achieve a ratio of 1:1, we would have had to generate an additional $80.6 million in pre-tax earnings in the year ended December 28, 2008. This summary is qualified by the more detailed information appearing in the computation table found in Exhibit 12.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of our capital stock is only a summary of their material provisions. We encourage you to read our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Authorized Capitalization

As of the date of this prospectus, we are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares of non-voting Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Blank Check Preferred Stock”), 58,000 shares of Series A Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 92,000 shares of Series B Junior Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of June 18, 2009, we had outstanding 23,599,161 shares of our common stock, no shares of our Class B common stock, no shares of our Blank Check Preferred Stock, no shares of our Series A Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock, and no shares of our Series B Junior Cumulative Preferred Stock.

Common Stock

Voting Rights. Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders and there are no cumulative rights. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting of the stockholders at which directors are elected.

Dividend Rights. Subject to preferences to which holders of preferred stock may be entitled, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor.

Liquidation Rights. If there is a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, holders of our common stock would be entitled to share in our assets remaining after the payment of liabilities, and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.

Other Matters. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The issued and outstanding shares of our common stock are, and any shares of common stock to be issued by us in connection with a future offering will be, fully paid and non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock which we may designate in the future.

Blank Check Preferred Stock

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock. Unless required by law or by any stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by you. Our board of directors is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series including:

 

   

the designation of the series;

 

   

the number of shares of the series, which our board may, except where otherwise provided in the preferred stock designation, increase or decrease, but not below the number of shares then outstanding;

 

   

whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non cumulative and the dividend rate of the series;

 

   

the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable;

 

   

the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series;

 

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the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;

 

   

the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of our company;

 

   

whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of our company or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of the other class or series or other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any rate adjustments, the date or dates as of which the shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which the conversion may be made;

 

   

restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and

 

   

the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.

The preferred stock, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, the preferred stock will have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional securities which may be issued by us in the future. The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock and any depositary shares will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Other Securities

Although we have authorized shares of non-voting Class B common stock, Series A Senior Cumulative Preferred Stock and Series B Junior Cumulative Preferred Stock, we do not plan to issue any of these securities, and none of these securities have been outstanding since the completion of the initial public offering in August 2005.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Various Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could make it more difficult to acquire us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or to remove incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with us. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging takeover or acquisition proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute. We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover statute. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the time the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did own) 15 percent or more of a corporation’s voting stock. The existence of this provision would be expected to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the board of directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders. Because Madison Dearborn became an “interested stockholder” prior to the date on which we became subject to Section 203, the provisions of Section 203 do not currently apply to it.

 

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No Cumulative Voting. The DGCL provides that stockholders are denied the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides otherwise. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Calling of Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting, and that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by a majority of our board of directors or by the chairman of the board of directors.

Authorized but Unissued Shares. Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may use additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Supermajority Provisions. The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the share entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, unless either a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws require a greater percentage. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the total votes eligible to be cast in the election of directors will be required to amend, alter, change or repeal our bylaws and specified charter provisions, and the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of our common stock will be required to amend, alter, change or repeal provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation related to corporate opportunities and transactions with Madison Dearborn. See “—Corporate Opportunities and Transactions with Madison Dearborn.” This requirement of a super-majority vote to approve amendments to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws could enable a minority of our stockholders to exercise veto power over any such amendments.

Corporate Opportunities and Transactions with Madison Dearborn

In recognition that certain directors, officers, stockholders, members, managers and/or employees of Madison Dearborn and its affiliates and investment funds (collectively, the “Madison Dearborn Entities”) may serve as one or more of our directors and/or officers, and that the Madison Dearborn Entities may engage in similar activities or lines of business that we do, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for the allocation of certain corporate opportunities between us and the Madison Dearborn Entities. Specifically, none of the Madison Dearborn Entities or any director, officer, stockholder, member, manager or employee of the Madison Dearborn Entities has any duty to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities or lines of business that we do. In the event that any Madison Dearborn Entity acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for itself and us, we will not have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity, and the Madison Dearborn Entity will not have any duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to us and may pursue or acquire such corporate opportunity for itself or direct such opportunity to another person. In addition, if a director or officer of our company who is also a director, officer, member, manager or employee of any Madison Dearborn Entity acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for us and a Madison Dearborn Entity, we will not have any expectancy in such corporate opportunity unless such corporate opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of our company.

 

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In recognition that we may engage in material business transactions with the Madison Dearborn Entities, from which we are expected to benefit, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that any of our directors or officers who are also directors, officers, stockholders, members, managers and/or employees of any Madison Dearborn Entity will have fully satisfied and fulfilled his or her fiduciary duty to us and our stockholders with respect to such transaction, if:

 

   

the transaction was approved, after being made aware of the material facts of the relationship between each of the Company or a subsidiary thereof and the Madison Dearborn Entity and the material terms and facts of the transaction, by (1) an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of our board of directors who do not have a material financial interest in the transaction (“Disinterested Persons”) or (2) an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of a committee of our board of directors consisting of members who are Disinterested Persons;

 

   

the transaction was fair to us at the time we entered into the transaction; or

 

   

the transaction was approved by an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of our common stock entitled to vote, excluding the Madison Dearborn Entities and any holder who has a material financial interest in the transaction.

Holders of our securities will be deemed to have received notice of and consented to these provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Any amendment to the foregoing provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the voting power of all shares of our common stock then outstanding.

Listing

Our common stock is listed and traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “RUTH.”

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

Miscellaneous

Holders of our common stock have no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for or purchase additional securities of ours. No personal liability will attach to holders of our common stock under the laws of the State of Delaware. All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

The rights of holders of the preferred stock offered may be adversely affected by the rights of holders of any shares of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The preferred stock will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for shares of each series of preferred stock will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

We may elect to offer fractional interests in preferred shares, rather than offer whole preferred shares. If we choose to do this, we will provide for the issuance by a depositary to the public of receipts for depositary shares. Each depositary share will represent fractional interests of a particular series of preferred shares.

The shares of any series of preferred shares underlying the depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company, which we will select. The bank or trust company must have its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of depositary shares will state the name and address of the depositary. Unless otherwise provided by the deposit agreement, each owner of depositary shares will be

 

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entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional interests in preferred shares underlying the depositary shares, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional interests in shares of the related series of preferred shares in accordance with the terms of the offering described in the related prospectus supplement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of preferred shares to the record holders of depositary shares relating to the preferred shares in proportion to the numbers of the depositary shares owned by the holders on the relevant record date. The depositary will distribute only an amount, however, that can be distributed without attributing to any holder of depositary shares a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed will be added to and treated as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to record holders of depositary shares.

If there is a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares entitled to it, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this happens, the depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net sale proceeds to the holders. The deposit agreement will also contain provisions relating to the manner in which any subscription or similar rights that we offer to holders of the preferred stock will be made available to the holders of depositary shares.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

If a series of the preferred shares underlying the depositary shares is redeemed in whole or in part, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the redemption proceeds received by the depositary. The depositary will mail notice of redemption not less than 30, and not more than 60, days before the date fixed for redemption to the record holders of the depositary shares to be redeemed at their addresses appearing in the depositary’s books. The redemption price for each depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price for each share payable with respect to the series of the preferred shares. Whenever we redeem preferred shares held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem on the same redemption date the number of depositary shares relating to the preferred shares so redeemed. If less than all of the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or proportionally as may be determined by the depositary.

After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be considered outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the cash, securities or other property payable upon the redemption and any cash, securities or other property to which the holders of the redeemed depositary shares were entitled upon surrender to the depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.

The amount distributed in any of the foregoing cases will be reduced by any amount required to be withheld by us or the depositary on account of any taxes.

Voting the Preferred Shares

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to the preferred shares. Each record holder of depositary shares on the record date, which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred shares, will be entitled to instruct the depositary how to exercise the voting rights pertaining to the number of preferred shares underlying the holder’s depositary shares. The

 

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depositary will endeavor, to the extent practicable, to vote the number of preferred shares underlying the depositary shares in accordance with these instructions, and we will agree to take all action which the depositary may consider necessary in order to enable the depositary to vote the shares. The depositary will abstain from voting preferred shares to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing such preferred shares.

Amendment and Termination of Deposit Agreement

We may enter into an agreement with the depositary at any time to amend the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement. However, the holders of a majority of the depositary shares must approve any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the existing holders of depositary shares. We or the depositary may terminate the deposit agreement only if (a) all outstanding depositary shares issued under the agreement have been redeemed or (b) a final distribution in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up has been made to the holders of the depositary shares.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will also pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred shares and any redemption of the preferred shares. Holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to resign, and we may at any time remove the depositary. Any resignation or removal will take effect when a successor depositary has been appointed and has accepted the appointment. Appointment must occur within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. The successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

Miscellaneous

The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications that we deliver to the depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred shares. Neither the depositary nor the Company will be liable if it is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of the Company and the depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of their duties under the agreement and they will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred shares unless the holders provide them with satisfactory indemnity. They may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary shares or other persons believed to be competent and on documents they believe to be genuine.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase debt or equity securities. We may issue warrants independently or together with any offered securities. The warrants may be attached to or separate from those offered securities. We will issue the warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the warrants. These terms may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

the title of the warrants;

 

   

the designation, amount and terms of the securities for which the warrants are exercisable;

 

   

the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are to be issued and the number of warrants issued with each other security;

 

   

the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

 

   

the aggregate number of warrants;

 

   

any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants;

 

   

the price or prices at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;

 

   

the terms of any mandatory or optional redemption provisions relating to the warrants;

 

   

the terms of any right we have to accelerate the exercise of the warrants upon the occurrence of certain events;

 

   

if the warrants will be sold with any other securities, and the date, if any, on and after which those warrants and any other securities will be transferable;

 

   

the identity of the warrant agent;

 

   

if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable;

 

   

if applicable, a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

the maximum or minimum number of warrants which may be exercised at any time; and

 

   

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder of warrants to purchase for cash the amount of debt or equity securities, at the exercise price stated or determinable in the prospectus supplement for the warrants. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date shown in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised as described in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants. When the warrant holder makes the payment and properly

 

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completes and signs the warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as possible, forward the debt or equity securities that the warrant holder has purchased. If the warrant holder exercises the warrant for less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

This section describes the general terms of the subscription rights to purchase common stock or other securities that we may offer to stockholders using this prospectus. The following description is only a summary and does not purport to be complete. You must look at the applicable forms of subscription agent agreement and subscription certificate for a full understanding of all terms of any series of subscription rights. The forms of the subscription agent agreement and the subscription certificate will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other security and may or may not be transferable. As part of the rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement under which the underwriters or any other person would purchase any securities that are not purchased in such rights offering. If we issue subscription rights, they may be governed by a separate subscription agent agreement that we will sign with a bank or trust company, as rights agent, that will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation to any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.

The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we offer will describe the specific terms of the offering and the rights, including the record date for stockholders entitled to the rights distribution, the number of rights issued and the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased upon exercise of the rights, the exercise price of the rights, the date on which the rights will become effective and the date on which the rights will expire, and any applicable U.S. Federal income tax considerations.

In general, a right entitles the holder to purchase for cash a specific number of shares of common stock or other securities at a specified exercise price. The rights are normally issued to stockholders as of a specific record date, may be exercised only for a limited period of time and become void following the expiration of such period. If we determine to issue subscription rights, we will accompany this prospectus with a prospectus supplement that will describe, among other things:

 

   

the record date for stockholders entitled to receive the rights;

 

   

the number of shares of common stock or other securities that may be purchased upon exercise of each right;

 

   

the exercise price of the rights;

 

   

whether the rights are transferable;

 

   

the period during which the rights may be exercised and when they will expire;

 

   

the steps required to exercise the rights;

 

   

the price, if any, for the subscription rights;

 

   

the number of subscription rights issued;

 

   

the terms of the shares of common stock or shares of preferred stock or depositary shares;

 

   

the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable;

 

   

if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or other arrangement entered into by us in connection with the offering of subscription rights;

 

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

 

   

whether the rights include “oversubscription rights” so that the holder may purchase more securities if other holders do not purchase their full allotments; and

 

   

whether we intend to sell the shares of common stock or other securities that are not purchased in the rights offering to an underwriter or other purchaser under a contractual “standby” commitment or other arrangement.

If fewer than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES

General

We may issue senior or subordinated debt securities, which will be direct, general obligations of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. that may be secured or unsecured.

The senior debt securities will constitute part of our senior debt, will be issued under the senior debt indenture described below and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.

The subordinated debt securities will constitute part of our subordinated debt, will be issued under the subordinated debt indenture described below and will be subordinate in right of payment to all of our “senior debt,” as defined in the indenture with respect to subordinated debt securities. The prospectus supplement for any series of subordinated debt securities or the information incorporated in this prospectus by reference will indicate the approximate amount of senior debt outstanding as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter. Neither indenture limits our ability to incur additional senior debt or other indebtedness.

When we refer to “debt securities” in this prospectus, we mean both the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities.

The debt securities may have the benefit of guarantees (each, a “guarantee”) by one or more of our subsidiaries (each, a “guarantor”) on a senior or subordinated basis. Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, as used in this section, the term “guaranteed debt securities” means debt securities that, as described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto, are guaranteed by one or more guarantors pursuant to the applicable indenture.

The senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities will be governed by an indenture between us and one or more trustees selected by us. We will file the forms of indentures with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” above for information on how to obtain copies of them. The indentures are substantially identical, except for certain provisions including those relating to subordination, which are included only in the indenture related to subordinated debt securities. When we refer to the indenture or the trustee with respect to any debt securities, we mean the indenture under which those debt securities are issued and the trustee under that indenture.

Series of Debt Securities

We may issue multiple debt securities or series of debt securities under either indenture. This section summarizes terms of the securities that apply generally to all debt securities and series of debt securities. The provisions of each indenture allow us not only to issue debt securities with terms different from those of debt

 

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securities previously issued under that indenture, but also to “reopen” a previously issued series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series. We will describe most of the financial and other specific terms of a particular series, whether it be a series of the senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, in the prospectus supplement for that series. Those terms may vary from the terms described here.

Amounts of Issuances

Neither indenture limits the aggregate amount of debt securities that we may issue or the number of series or the aggregate amount of any particular series. The indentures and the debt securities do not limit our ability to incur other indebtedness or to issue other securities. Also, unless otherwise specified below or in the applicable prospectus supplement, we are not subject to financial or similar restrictions by the terms of the debt securities.

Principal Amount, Stated Maturity and Maturity

Unless otherwise stated, the principal amount of a debt security means the principal amount payable at its stated maturity, unless that amount is not determinable, in which case the principal amount of a debt security is its face amount.

The term “stated maturity” with respect to any debt security means the day on which the principal amount of the debt security is scheduled to become due. The principal may become due sooner, by reason of redemption or acceleration after a default or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the debt security. The day on which the principal actually becomes due, whether at the stated maturity or earlier, is called the “maturity” of the principal.

We also use the terms “stated maturity” and “maturity” to refer to the days when other payments become due. For example, we may refer to a regular interest payment date when an installment of interest is scheduled to become due as the “stated maturity” of that installment. When we refer to the “stated maturity” or the “maturity” of a debt security without specifying a particular payment, we mean the stated maturity or maturity, as the case may be, of the principal.

Specific Terms of Debt Securities

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the debt securities, which will include some or all of the following:

 

   

the title of the series and whether it is a senior debt security or a subordinated debt security;

 

   

any limit on the total principal amount of the debt securities of the same series;

 

   

the stated maturity;

 

   

the currency or currencies for principal and interest, if not U.S. dollars;

 

   

the price at which we originally issue the debt security, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, and the original issue date;

 

   

whether the debt security is a fixed rate debt security, a floating rate debt security or an indexed debt security;

 

   

if the debt security is a fixed rate debt security, the yearly rate at which the debt security will bear interest, if any, and the interest payment dates;

 

   

if the debt security is a floating rate debt security, the interest rate basis; any applicable index currency or index maturity, spread or spread multiplier or initial base rate, maximum rate or minimum rate; the interest reset, determination, calculation and payment dates; the day count convention used to calculate interest payments for any period; the business day convention; and the calculation agent;

 

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if the debt security is an indexed debt security, the principal amount, if any, we will pay at maturity, interest payment dates, the amount of interest, if any, we will pay on an interest payment date or the formula we will use to calculate these amounts, if any, and the terms on which the debt security will be exchangeable for or payable in cash, securities or other property;

 

   

if the debt security may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for common or preferred stock or other securities of the Company or debt or equity securities of one or more third parties, the terms on which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, including whether conversion, exercise or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, the period during which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, the initial conversion, exercise or exchange price or rate and the circumstances or manner in which the amount of common or preferred stock or other securities issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange may be adjusted;

 

   

if the debt security is also an original issue discount debt security, the yield to maturity;

 

   

if applicable, the circumstances under which the debt security may be redeemed at our option or repaid at the holder’s option before the stated maturity, including any redemption commencement date, repayment date(s), redemption price(s) and redemption period(s);

 

   

the authorized denominations, if other than $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000;

 

   

the depositary for the debt security, if other than The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), and any circumstances under which the holder may request securities in non-global form, if we choose not to issue the debt security in book-entry form only;

 

   

if applicable, the circumstances under which we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a United States person for tax purposes and under which we can redeem the debt securities if we have to pay additional amounts;

 

   

whether the debt security will be guaranteed by any guarantors and, if so, the identity of the guarantors and, to the extent the terms thereof differ from those described in this prospectus, a description of the terms of the guarantees;

 

   

the assets, if any that will be pledged as security for the payment of the debt security;

 

   

the names and duties of any co-trustees, depositaries, authenticating agents, paying agents, transfer agents or registrars for the debt security, as applicable; and

 

   

any other terms of the debt security and any guarantees of the debt security, which could be different from those described in this prospectus.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities (and any guarantees thereof) will be governed by New York law, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

Form of Debt Securities

We will issue each debt security only in registered form, without coupons, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, we will issue each debt security in global—i.e., book-entry—form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. Debt securities in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the debt securities represented by the global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a global debt security will do so through participants in the depositary’s securities clearance system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants. References to “holders” in this section mean those who own debt securities registered in their own names, on the books that we or the trustee maintain for this purpose, and not those who own beneficial interests in debt securities registered in street name or in debt securities issued in book-entry form through one or more depositaries.

 

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Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the following is a summary of the depositary arrangements applicable to debt securities issued in global form and for which DTC acts as depositary.

Each global debt security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, as depositary, or its nominee, and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Except under the limited circumstances described below, global debt securities are not exchangeable for definitive certificated debt securities.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a global debt security is limited to institutions that have accounts with DTC or its nominee, or persons that may hold interests through those participants. In addition, ownership of beneficial interests by participants in a global debt security will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee for a global debt security. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global debt security by persons that hold those interests through participants will be evidenced only by, and the transfer of that ownership interest within that participant will be effected only through, records maintained by that participant. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the participants through which the beneficial owners entered the transaction. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities they purchase in definitive form. These laws may impair a holder’s ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global debt security.

We will make payment of principal of, and interest on, debt securities represented by a global debt security registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the global debt security representing those debt securities. DTC has advised us that upon receipt of any payment of principal of, or interest on, a global debt security, DTC immediately will credit accounts of participants on its book-entry registration and transfer system with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective interests in the principal amount of that global debt security, as shown in the records of DTC. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global debt security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the sole responsibility of those participants, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements that may be in effect from time to time.

Neither we, any trustee nor any of our respective agents will be responsible for any aspect of the records of DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a permanent global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the records of DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to such beneficial interests.

A global debt security is exchangeable for definitive debt securities registered in the name of, and a transfer of a global debt security may be registered to, any person other than DTC or its nominee, only if:

 

   

DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for that global security or has ceased to be a registered clearing agency and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 90 days; or

 

   

we notify the trustee that we wish to terminate that global security.

Any global debt security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence will be exchangeable in whole for definitive debt securities in registered form, of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount as the global debt security, in denominations specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if other than $1,000 and multiples of $1,000. The definitive debt securities will be registered by the registrar in the name or names instructed by DTC. We expect that these instructions may be based upon directions received by DTC from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global debt security.

 

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Except as provided above, owners of the beneficial interests in a global debt security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders of debt securities for any purpose under the indentures. No global debt security shall be exchangeable except for another global debt security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global debt security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the global debt security or the indentures.

We understand that, under existing industry practices, in the event that we request any action of holders, or an owner of a beneficial interest in a global debt security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the debt securities or the indentures, DTC would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action. Additionally, those participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those participants to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

DTC has advised us as follows:

 

   

DTC is:

 

   

a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law,

 

   

a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law,

 

   

a member of the Federal Reserve System,

 

   

a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and

 

   

a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

   

DTC was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants in those securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates.

 

   

DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations.

 

   

DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the NYSE Amex LLC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

 

   

Access to DTC’s book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.

The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

Investors may hold interests in the debt securities outside the United States through the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”) or Clearstream Banking (“Clearstream”) if they are participants in those systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in those systems. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in Euroclear’s and Clearstream’s names on the books of their respective depositaries which in turn will hold such positions in customers’ securities accounts in the names of the nominees of the depositaries on the books of DTC. At the present time JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association will act as U.S. depositary for Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A. will act as U.S. depositary for Clearstream. All securities in Euroclear or Clearstream are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts.

 

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The following is based on information furnished by Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be.

Euroclear has advised us that:

 

   

It was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash;

 

   

Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries;

 

   

Euroclear is operated by Euroclear Bank S.A./ N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System (the “Euroclear Operator”), under contract with Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian cooperative corporation (the “Cooperative”);

 

   

The Euroclear Operator conducts all operations, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the Cooperative. The Cooperative establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear participants. Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include underwriters of debt securities offered by this prospectus;

 

   

Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly;

 

   

Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian law (collectively, the “Terms and Conditions”);

 

   

The Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants, and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear participants; and

 

   

Distributions with respect to debt securities held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear participants in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Euroclear.

Clearstream has advised us that:

 

   

It is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary and holds securities for its participating organizations and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates;

 

   

Clearstream provides to Clearstream participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries;

 

   

As a professional depositary, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute;

 

   

Clearstream participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations and may include underwriters of debt securities offered by this prospectus;

 

   

Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream participant either directly or indirectly; and

 

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Distributions with respect to the debt securities held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream participants in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream.

We have provided the descriptions herein of the operations and procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of Euroclear and Clearstream and are subject to change by them from time to time. Neither we, any underwriters nor the trustee takes any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and you are urged to contact Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants directly to discuss these matters.

Secondary market trading between Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in immediately available funds.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other, will be effected within DTC in accordance with DTC’s rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by its U.S. depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving debt securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositaries.

Because of time-zone differences, credits of securities received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. Such credits, or any transactions in the securities settled during such processing, will be reported to the relevant Euroclear participants or Clearstream participants on that business day. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of securities by or through a Euroclear participant or a Clearstream participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the business day of settlement in DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of debt securities among participants of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and they may discontinue the procedures at any time.

Redemption or Repayment

If there are any provisions regarding redemption or repayment applicable to a debt security, we will describe them in your prospectus supplement.

We or our affiliates may purchase debt securities from investors who are willing to sell from time to time, either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Debt securities that we or they purchase may, at our discretion, be held, resold or canceled.

 

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Mergers and Similar Transactions

We are generally permitted under the indenture for the relevant series to merge or consolidate with another corporation or other entity. We are also permitted under the indenture for the relevant series to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another corporation or other entity. With regard to any series of debt securities, however, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions, among other things, are met:

 

   

If the successor entity in the transaction is not the Company, the successor entity must be organized as a corporation, partnership or trust and must expressly assume our obligations under the debt securities of that series and the indenture with respect to that series. The successor entity may be organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

   

Immediately after the transaction, no default under the debt securities of that series has occurred and is continuing. For this purpose, “default under the debt securities of that series” means an event of default with respect to that series or any event that would be an event of default with respect to that series if the requirements for giving us default notice and for our default having to continue for a specific period of time were disregarded. We describe these matters below under “—Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default.”

If the conditions described above are satisfied with respect to the debt securities of any series, we will not need to obtain the approval of the holders of those debt securities in order to merge or consolidate or to sell our assets. Also, these conditions will apply only if we wish to merge or consolidate with another entity or sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. We will not need to satisfy these conditions if we enter into other types of transactions, including any transaction in which we acquire the stock or assets of another entity, any transaction that involves a change of control of the Company but in which we do not merge or consolidate and any transaction in which we sell less than substantially all our assets.

If we sell all or substantially all of our assets, we will be released from all our liabilities and obligations under the debt securities of any series and the indenture with respect to that series.

Subordination Provisions

Holders of subordinated debt securities should recognize that contractual provisions in the subordinated debt indenture may prohibit us from making payments on those securities. Subordinated debt securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner stated in the subordinated debt indenture, to all of our senior debt, as defined in the subordinated debt indenture, including all debt securities we have issued and will issue under the senior debt indenture.

The subordinated debt indenture defines “senior debt” as:

 

   

our indebtedness under or in respect of our credit agreement, whether for principal, interest (including interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding pursuant to any bankruptcy law, whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim in such proceeding), reimbursement obligations, fees, commissions, expenses, indemnities or other amounts; and

 

   

any other indebtedness permitted under the terms of that indenture, unless the instrument under which such indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, “senior debt” will not include: (i) equity interests; (ii) any liability for taxes; (iii) any indebtedness to any of our subsidiaries or affiliates; (iv) any trade payables; or (v) any indebtedness incurred in violation of the subordinated debt indenture.

We may modify the subordination provisions, including the definition of senior debt, with respect to one or more series of subordinated debt securities. Such modifications will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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The subordinated debt indenture provides that, unless all principal of and any premium or interest on the senior debt has been paid in full, no payment or other distribution may be made in respect of any subordinated debt securities in the following circumstances:

 

   

in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization, assignment for creditors or other similar proceedings or events involving us or our assets;

 

   

(a) in the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal, premium or interest on any senior debt beyond any applicable grace period or (b) in the event that any event of default with respect to any senior debt has occurred and is continuing, permitting the holders of that senior debt (or a trustee) to accelerate the maturity of that senior debt, whether or not the maturity is in fact accelerated (unless, in the case of (a) or (b), the payment default or event of default has been cured or waived or ceased to exist and any related acceleration has been rescinded) or (c) in the event that any judicial proceeding is pending with respect to a payment default or event of default described in (a) or (b); or

 

   

in the event that any subordinated debt securities have been declared due and payable before their stated maturity.

If the trustee under the subordinated debt indenture or any holders of the subordinated debt securities receive any payment or distribution that is prohibited under the subordination provisions, then the trustee or the holders will have to repay that money to the holders of the senior debt.

Even if the subordination provisions prevent us from making any payment when due on the subordinated debt securities of any series, we will be in default on our obligations under that series if we do not make the payment when due. This means that the trustee under the subordinated debt indenture and the holders of that series can take action against us, but they will not receive any money until the claims of the holders of senior debt have been fully satisfied.

The subordinated debt indenture allows the holders of senior debt to obtain a court order requiring us and any holder of subordinated debt securities to comply with the subordination provisions.

Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance and Satisfaction and Discharge

When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under the indenture. If we deposit with the trustee funds or government securities, or if so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, obligations other than government securities, sufficient to make payments on any series of debt securities on the dates those payments are due and payable and other specified conditions are satisfied, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

 

   

we will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the debt securities of such series and all obligations of any guarantors of such debt securities will also be discharged with respect to the guarantees of such debt securities (“legal defeasance”); or

 

   

we will be discharged from any covenants we make in the applicable indenture for the benefit of such series and the related events of default will no longer apply to us (“covenant defeasance”).

If we defease any series of debt securities, the holders of such securities will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated securities or maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust. In case of covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal, premium and interest on the applicable series of debt securities will also survive.

 

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We will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the applicable series of debt securities to recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

Upon the effectiveness of defeasance with respect to any series of guaranteed debt securities, each guarantor of the debt securities of such series shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged from all of its obligations under its guarantee of the debt securities of such series and all of its other obligations under the applicable indenture in respect of the debt securities of that series, without any action by the Company, any guarantor or the trustee and without the consent of the holders of any debt securities.

In addition, we may satisfy and discharge all our obligations under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series, other than our obligation to register the transfer of and exchange debt securities of that series, provided that we either:

 

   

deliver all outstanding debt securities of that series to the trustee for cancellation; or

 

   

all such debt securities not so delivered for cancellation have either become due and payable or will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and in the case of this bullet point, we have deposited with the trustee in trust an amount of cash sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness of such debt securities, including interest to the stated maturity or applicable redemption date.

Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, when we refer to an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean any of the following:

 

   

we do not pay the principal or any premium on any debt security of that series on the due date;

 

   

we do not pay interest on any debt security of that series within 60 days after the due date;

 

   

we do not deposit a sinking fund payment with regard to any debt security of that series within 60 days after the due date, but only if the payment is required under provisions described in the applicable prospectus supplement;

 

   

we remain in breach of our covenants regarding mergers or sales of substantially all of our assets or any other covenant we make in the indenture for the benefit of the relevant series, for 90 days after we receive a notice of default stating that we are in breach and requiring us to remedy the breach. The notice must be sent by the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the relevant series of debt securities;

 

   

we file for bankruptcy or other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company occur;

 

   

if the debt securities of that series are guaranteed debt securities, the guarantee of the debt securities of that series by any guarantor shall for any reason cease to be, or shall for any reason be asserted in writing by such guarantor or the Company, not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent contemplated or permitted by the indenture or the debt securities of that series; or

 

   

if the applicable prospectus supplement states that any additional event of default applies to the series, that event of default occurs.

We may change, eliminate, or add to the events of default with respect to any particular series or any particular debt security or debt securities within a series, as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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If you are the holder of a subordinated debt security, all the remedies available upon the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture will be subject to the restrictions on the subordinated debt securities described above under “—Subordination Provisions.”

Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if an event of default has occurred with respect to any series of debt securities and has not been cured or waived, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of all debt securities of that series then outstanding may declare the entire principal amount of the debt securities of that series to be due immediately. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the event of default occurs because of events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company, the entire principal amount of the debt securities of that series will be automatically accelerated, without any action by the trustee or any holder.

Each of the situations described above is called an acceleration of the stated maturity of the affected series of debt securities. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the stated maturity of any series is accelerated and a judgment for payment has not yet been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series may cancel the acceleration for the entire series.

If an event of default occurs, the trustee will have special duties. In that situation, the trustee will be obligated to use those of its rights and powers under the relevant indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in doing so, that a prudent person would use in that situation in conducting his or her own affairs.

Except as described in the prior paragraph, the trustee is not required to take any action under the relevant indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee protection satisfactory to it from expenses and liability. If the trustee is provided with an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee with respect to that series. These majority holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the relevant indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series.

Before a holder may bring its own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce its rights or protect its interests relating to any debt security, all of the following must occur:

 

   

the holder must give the trustee written notice that an event of default has occurred with respect to the debt securities of the series, and the event of default must not have been cured or waived;

 

   

the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of all debt securities of the series must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default, and they or other holders must offer to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action;

 

   

the trustee must not have taken action for 60 days after the above steps have been taken; and

 

   

during those 60 days, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the series must not have given the trustee directions that are inconsistent with the written request of the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the series.

A holder is entitled at any time, however, to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on its debt security on or after its stated maturity (or, if the debt security is redeemable, on or after its redemption date).

Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of the maturity.

 

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Waiver of Default

The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series may waive a default for all debt securities of that series. If this happens, the default will be treated as if it has not occurred. No one can waive a payment default, however, without the approval of the particular holder of that debt security.

Annual Information about Defaults to the Trustee

We will furnish each trustee every year a written statement of two of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the applicable indenture and the debt securities issued under it, or else specifying any default under the applicable indenture.

Modifications and Waivers

There are four types of changes we can make to either indenture and the debt securities or series of debt securities or any guarantees thereof issued under that indenture.

Changes Requiring Each Holder’s Approval

First, there are changes that cannot be made without the approval of each holder of a debt security affected by the change under the applicable debt indenture, including, among others:

 

   

changing the stated maturity for any principal or interest payment on a debt security;

 

   

reducing the principal amount, the amount payable on acceleration of the maturity after a default, the interest rate or the redemption price for a debt security;

 

   

permitting redemption of a debt security if not previously permitted;

 

   

impairing any right a holder may have to require purchase of its debt security;

 

   

impairing any right that a holder of convertible debt security may have to convert the debt security;

 

   

changing the currency of any payment on a debt security;

 

   

changing the place of payment on a debt security;

 

   

impairing a holder’s right to sue for payment of any amount due on its debt security;

 

   

releasing any guarantor of a debt security from any of its obligations under its guarantee thereof, except in accordance with the terms of the indenture;

 

   

reducing the percentage in principal amount of the debt securities of any one or more affected series, taken separately or together, as applicable, and whether comprising the same or different series or less than all of the debt securities of a series, the approval of whose holders is needed to change the indenture or those debt securities or waive our compliance with the applicable indenture or to waive defaults; and

 

   

changing the provisions of the applicable indenture dealing with modification and waiver in any other respect, except to increase any required percentage referred to above or to add to the provisions that cannot be changed or waived without approval of the holder of each affected debt security.

Changes Not Requiring Approval

The second type of change does not require any approval by holders of the debt securities affected. These changes are limited to clarifications and changes that would not adversely affect any debt securities of any series in any material respect. Nor do we need any approval to make changes that affect only debt securities to be issued under the applicable indenture after the changes take effect. We may also make changes or obtain waivers that do not adversely affect a particular debt security, even if they affect other debt securities. In those cases, we

 

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do not need to obtain the approval of the holder of the unaffected debt security; we need only obtain any required approvals from the holders of the affected debt securities. We may also make changes to reflect the addition of, succession to or release of any guarantor of guaranteed debt securities otherwise permitted under the indenture.

Modification of Subordination Provisions

We may not amend the indenture related to subordinated debt securities to alter the subordination of any outstanding subordinated debt securities without the written consent of each holder of senior debt then outstanding who would be adversely affected (or the group or representative thereof authorized or required to consent thereto pursuant to the instrument creating or evidencing, or pursuant to which there is outstanding, such senior debt). In addition, we may not modify the subordination provisions of the indenture related to subordinated debt securities in a manner that would adversely affect the subordinated debt securities of any one or more series then outstanding in any material respect, without the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all affected series then outstanding, voting together as one class (and also of any affected series that by its terms is entitled to vote separately as a series, as described below).

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

Any other change to a particular indenture and the debt securities issued under that indenture would require the following approval:

 

   

If the change affects only particular debt securities within a series issued under the applicable indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of such particular debt securities; or

 

   

If the change affects debt securities of more than one series issued under the applicable indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of all such series affected by the change, with all such affected debt securities voting together as one class for this purpose and such affected debt securities of any series potentially comprising fewer than all debt securities of such series,

in each case, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to such indenture for all or any particular debt securities of any series. This means that modification of terms with respect to certain securities of a series could be effectuated without obtaining the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of other securities of such series that are not affected by such modification.

The same majority approval would be required for us to obtain a waiver of any of our covenants in either indenture. Our covenants include the promises we make about merging or selling substantially all of our assets, which we describe above under “—Mergers and Similar Transactions.” If the holders approve a waiver of a covenant, we will not have to comply with it. The holders, however, cannot approve a waiver of any provision in a particular debt security, or in the applicable indenture as it affects that debt security, that we cannot change without the approval of the holder of that debt security as described above in “—Changes Requiring Each Holder’s Approval”, unless that holder approves the waiver.

We may issue particular debt securities or a particular series of debt securities, as applicable, that are entitled, by their terms, to separately approve matters (for example, modification or waiver of provisions in the applicable indenture) that would also, or otherwise, require approval of holders of a majority in principal amount of all affected debt securities of all affected series issued under such indenture voting together as a single class. Any such affected debt securities or series of debt securities would be entitled to approve such matters (a) pursuant to such special rights by consent of holders of a majority in principal amount of such affected debt securities or series of debt securities voting separately as a class and (b) in addition, as described above, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to the applicable indenture for such debt securities or series of debt securities, by consent of holders of a majority in principal amount of such affected debt securities or series of

 

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debt securities and all other affected debt securities of all series issued under such indenture voting together as one class for this purpose. We may issue series or debt securities of a series having these or other special voting rights without obtaining the consent of or giving notice to holders of outstanding debt securities or series.

Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change an indenture or any debt securities or request a waiver.

Special Rules for Action by Holders

Only holders of outstanding debt securities of the applicable series will be eligible to take any action under the applicable indenture, such as giving a notice of default, declaring an acceleration, approving any change or waiver or giving the trustee an instruction with respect to debt securities of that series. Also, we will count only outstanding debt securities in determining whether the various percentage requirements for taking action have been met. Any debt securities owned by us or any of our affiliates or surrendered for cancellation or for payment or redemption of which money has been set aside in trust are not deemed to be outstanding. Any required approval or waiver must be given by written consent.

In some situations, we may follow special rules in calculating the principal amount of debt securities that are to be treated as outstanding for the purposes described above. This may happen, for example, if the principal amount is payable in a non-U.S. dollar currency, increases over time or is not to be fixed until maturity.

We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders that are entitled to take action under either indenture. In certain limited circumstances, only the trustee will be entitled to set a record date for action by holders. If we or the trustee sets a record date for an approval or other action to be taken by holders, that vote or action may be taken only by persons or entities who are holders on the record date and must be taken during the period that we specify for this purpose, or that the trustee specifies if it sets the record date. We or the trustee, as applicable, may shorten or lengthen this period from time to time. This period, however, may not extend beyond the 180th day after the record date for the action. In addition, record dates for any global debt security may be set in accordance with procedures established by the depositary from time to time. Accordingly, record dates for global debt securities may differ from those for other debt securities.

Form, Exchange and Transfer

If any debt securities cease to be issued in registered global form, they will be issued:

 

   

only in fully registered form;

 

   

without interest coupons; and

 

   

unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

Holders may exchange their debt securities for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. Holders may not exchange debt securities for securities of a different series or having different terms, unless permitted by the terms of that series and described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Holders may exchange or transfer their debt securities at the office of the trustee. They may also replace lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated debt securities at that office. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring and replacing debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.

Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their debt securities, but they may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange, and any replacement, will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership. The transfer agent may require an indemnity before replacing any debt securities.

 

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If we have designated additional transfer agents for a debt security, they will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

If the debt securities of any series are redeemable and we redeem less than all those debt securities, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers of or exchange any debt security selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security being partially redeemed.

If a debt security is issued as a global debt security, only DTC or other depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection, since the depositary will be the sole holder of the debt security.

The rules for exchange described above apply to exchange of debt securities for other debt securities of the same series and kind. If a debt security is convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into or for a different kind of security, such as one that we have not issued, or for other property, the rules governing that type of conversion, exercise or exchange will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Payments

We will pay interest, principal and other amounts payable with respect to the debt securities of any series to the holders of record of those debt securities as of the record dates and otherwise in the manner specified below or in the prospectus supplement for that series.

We will make payments on a global debt security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will pay directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect owners who own beneficial interests in the global debt security. An indirect owner’s right to receive those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants.

We will make payments on a debt security in non-global, registered form as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the holder at his or her address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date. We will make all other payments by check at the paying agent described below, against surrender of the debt security. All payments by check will be made in next-day funds—i.e., funds that become available on the day after the check is cashed.

Alternatively, if a non-global debt security has a face amount of at least $1,000,000 and the holder asks us to do so, we will pay any amount that becomes due on the debt security by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in New York City, on the due date. To request wire payment, the holder must give the paying agent appropriate wire transfer instructions at least five business days before the requested wire payment is due. In the case of any interest payment due on an interest payment date, the instructions must be given by the person or entity who is the holder on the relevant regular record date. In the case of any other payment, payment will be made only after the debt security is surrendered to the paying agent. Any wire instructions, once properly given, will remain in effect unless and until new instructions are given in the manner described above.

Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on their debt securities.

 

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Regardless of who acts as paying agent, all money paid by us to a paying agent that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after the amount is due to a holder will be repaid to us. After that two-year period, the holder may look only to us for payment and not to the trustee, any other paying agent or anyone else.

Guarantees

The debt securities of any series may be guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries. However, the applicable indenture governing the debt securities will not require that any of our subsidiaries be a guarantor of any series of debt securities and will permit the guarantors for any series of guaranteed debt securities to be different from any of the subsidiaries listed herein. As a result, a series of debt securities may not have any guarantors and the guarantors of any series of guaranteed debt securities may differ from the guarantors of any other series of guaranteed debt securities. If the Company issues a series of guaranteed debt securities, the identity of the specific guarantors of the debt securities of that series will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If the Company issues a series of guaranteed debt securities, a description of some of the terms of guarantees of those debt securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of guaranteed debt securities, each guarantor of the debt securities of such series will unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on each debt security of such series, all in accordance with the terms of such debt securities and the applicable indenture.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of guaranteed debt securities, the applicable indenture will contain provisions to the effect that the obligations of each guarantor under its guarantees and such indenture shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such guarantor, result in the obligations of such guarantor under such guarantees and such indenture not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. However, there can be no assurance that, notwithstanding such limitation, a court would not determine that a guarantee constituted a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law. If that were to occur, the court could void the applicable guarantor’s obligations under that guarantee, subordinate that guarantee to other debt and other liabilities of that guarantor or take other action detrimental to holders of the debt securities of the applicable series, including directing the holders to return any payments received from the applicable guarantor.

Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of guaranteed debt securities, the applicable indenture will (i) provide that, upon the sale or disposition (by merger or otherwise) of any guarantor, (x) if the transferee is not an affiliate of the Company, such guarantor will automatically be released from all obligations under its guarantee of such debt securities or (y) otherwise, the transferee (if other than the Company or another guarantor) will assume the guarantor’s obligations under its guarantee of such debt securities and (ii) permit us to cause the guarantee of any guarantor of such debt securities to be released at any time if we satisfy such conditions, if any, as are specified in the prospectus supplement for such debt securities.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any series of guaranteed debt securities will specify other terms of the applicable guarantees.

If the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of our senior debt securities provides that those senior debt securities will have the benefit of a guarantee by any or all of our subsidiaries, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each such guarantee will be the unsubordinated and unsecured obligation of the applicable guarantor and will rank equally in right of payment with all of the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of such guarantor.

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of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness. Consequently, in the event of a bankruptcy, or similar proceeding with respect to any guarantor that has provided a guarantee of any debt securities, the holders of that guarantor’s secured indebtedness will be entitled to proceed directly against the collateral that secures that secured indebtedness and such collateral will not be available for satisfaction of any amount owed by such guarantor under its unsecured indebtedness, including its guarantees of any debt securities, until that secured debt is satisfied in full. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture will not limit the ability of any guarantor to incur secured indebtedness.

If the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of our subordinated debt securities provides that those subordinated debt securities will have the benefit of a guarantee by any or all of our subsidiaries, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each such guarantee will be the subordinated and unsecured obligation of the applicable guarantor and, in addition to being effectively subordinated to secured debt of such guarantor, will be subordinated in right of payment to all of such guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness, including any guarantee of the senior debt securities, to the same extent and in the same manner as the subordinated debt securities are subordinated to our senior debt. See “—Subordination Provisions” above.

Paying Agents

We may appoint one or more financial institutions to act as our paying agents, at whose designated offices debt securities in non-global entry form may be surrendered for payment at their maturity. We call each of those offices a paying agent. We may add, replace or terminate paying agents from time to time. We may also choose to act as our own paying agent. We will specify in the prospectus supplement for the debt security the initial location of each paying agent for that debt security. We must notify the trustee of changes in the paying agents.

Notices

Notices to be given to holders of a global debt security will be given only to the depositary, in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time. Notices to be given to holders of debt securities not in global form will be sent by mail to the respective addresses of the holders as they appear in the trustee’s records, and will be deemed given when mailed. Neither the failure to give any notice to a particular holder, nor any defect in a notice given to a particular holder, will affect the sufficiency of any notice given to another holder.

Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive notices.

Our Relationship With the Trustee

The prospectus supplement for the debt security will describe any material relationships we may have with the trustee with respect to that debt security.

The same financial institution may initially serve as the trustee for our senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities. Consequently, if an actual or potential event of default occurs with respect to any of these securities, the trustee may be considered to have a conflicting interest for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. In that case, the trustee may be required to resign under one or more of the indentures, and we would be required to appoint a successor trustee. For this purpose, a “potential” event of default means an event that would be an event of default if the requirements for giving us default notice or for the default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND SHARE PURCHASE UNITS

We may issue share purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of common stock at a future date or dates. The price per share of common stock and the number of shares of common stock may be fixed at the time the share purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula stated in the share purchase contracts.

The share purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units that we call “share purchase units.” Share purchase units consist of a share purchase contract and either our debt securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the common stock under the share purchase contracts.

The share purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the share purchase units or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or refunded on some basis. The share purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations in a specified manner.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the share purchase contracts or share purchase units. The description in the prospectus supplement will only be a summary, and you should read the share purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements, relating to the share purchase contracts or share purchase units. Material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the share purchase units and the share purchase contracts will also be discussed in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Each share purchase contract or share purchase unit and any related agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities through agents, underwriters or dealers, or directly to one or more purchasers.

We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment or to sell securities on a continuing basis.

If we use underwriters for a sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions stated in the applicable underwriting agreement. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities of the series offered if any of the securities of that series are purchased. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

We may sell securities directly to one or more purchasers without using underwriters or agents.

We may also sell securities upon the exercise of rights that may be distributed to security holders.

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify any underwriters, dealers or agents and will describe their compensation. We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of their business.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than the common stock, shares of which are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a class or series of securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Chicago, Illinois will issue an opinion about certain legal matters with respect to the securities. Certain partners of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, through investment partnerships, beneficially own equity interests in the Company representing less than 0.1% of the common stock outstanding on the date of this prospectus. Kirkland & Ellis LLP represents entities affiliated with Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC in connection with certain legal matters. Any underwriters or agents will be advised about other issues relating to any offering by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 28, 2008 and December 30, 2007, and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 28, 2008 and the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2008, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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LOGO

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Subscription Rights

Debt Securities

Share Purchase Contracts

Share Purchase Units

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2009.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following is a statement of the estimated expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, to be incurred by the registrants in connection with a distribution of securities registered under this registration statement on Form S-3.

 

Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee

   $ 11,160   

Legal Fees and Expenses

     (1

Accounting Fees and Expenses

     (1

Trustees’ Fees and Expenses (including Counsel’s Fees)

     (1

Printing and Delivery Expenses

     (1

Rating Agency Fees and Expenses

     (1

Miscellaneous Expenses

     (1
        

Total

   $ (1

 

(1) Estimated expenses are not presently known. The foregoing sets forth the general categories of expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) that we anticipates we will incur in connection with the offering of securities under this registration statement on Form S-3. An estimate of the aggregate expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being offered will be included in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Delaware

Section 145 of the DGCL authorizes a corporation, subject to the procedures and limitations stated therein, to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred provided they act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. In the case of proceedings brought by or on behalf of the corporation, indemnification is limited to expenses and is not permitted if the individual is adjudged liable to the corporation, unless the court determines otherwise. The statute provides that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

Article Seven of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for the limitation of liability of directors and for the indemnification of directors and officers. Article Seven states that to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, (i) no director of the Company shall be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages arising from a breach of fiduciary duty owed to the Company or its stockholders; and (ii) the Company shall indemnify its officers and directors.

California

Section 317 of the California General Corporation Law (the “CAGCL”) authorizes a court to award, or a corporation to grant, indemnity to officers, directors and other agents for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation or in a proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was an officer, director, or agent of the corporation. Indemnity is available where the person party to a proceeding or action acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in

 

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the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders and, with respect to criminal actions, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. To the extent a corporation’s officer, director or agent is successful on the merits in the defense of any proceeding or any claim, issue or related matter, that person shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred. Under Section 317 of the CAGCL, expenses incurred in defending any proceeding may be advanced by the corporation prior to the final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt of any undertaking by or on behalf of the officer, director, employee or agent to repay that amount if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified. Indemnifications are to be made by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors, or by approval of members not including those persons to be indemnified, or by the court in which such proceeding is or was pending upon application made by either the corporation, the agent, the attorney, or other person rendering services in connection with the defense. The indemnification provided by Section 317 is not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled.

Article VI of the By-laws of RCSH Operations, Inc. provides, subject to certain exceptions, for the indemnification of current and former directors, officers, employees or agents in connection with actions to which such person is a party by reason of the fact that he or she was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, except that the corporation shall only indemnify a person if such indemnification is authorized by (a) a majority of the members of the board of directors who are not parties to the proceeding, (b) affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of the corporation, not including shares held by the person to be indemnified or (c) the court in which the proceeding is or was pending.

Texas

Article 11 of the Texas Revised Limited Partnership Act (the “TRLPA”) provides for the indemnification of a general partner, limited partner, employee or agent by the limited partnership under certain circumstances against expenses and liabilities incurred in legal proceedings involving such persons because of his or her being or having been a general partner, limited partner, employee or agent of the limited partnership. Under the TRLPA, a limited partnership may purchase insurance on behalf of a general partner, limited partner, employee or agent of the limited partnership against any liability incurred regardless of whether the person could be indemnified under the TLRPA.

The limited partnership agreements of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Texas, L.P. and Ruth’s Chris Steak House Dallas, L.P. provide for the indemnification of any general partner, limited partner, employee or agent of the partnership to the fullest extent permissible under Texas law in any action to which the indemnitee becomes, or is threatened to be made, a respondent or defendant because of the indemnitee’s (i) status as a general partner, limited partner, employee or agent of the applicable partnership or (ii) service at the request of the partnership. The partnerships may also purchase insurance against any liabilities incurred with regard to a general partner, limited partner, employee or agent.

Louisiana

Section 12:83 of the Louisiana Business Corporation Law (the “LBCL”) provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, including any action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that he 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, officer, employee, or agent of another business, foreign or nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. However, in case of actions by or in the right of the

 

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corporation, the indemnity shall be limited to expenses, including attorneys’ fees and amounts paid in settlement not exceeding, in the judgment of the board of directors, the estimated expense of litigating the action to conclusion, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, and no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable for willful or intentional misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless, and only to the extent that the court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, he is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

Section 12:1315 of the LBCL provides that the articles of organization or a written operating agreement of a limited liability company may (a) eliminate or limit the personal liability of a member or members, if management is reserved to the members, or a manager or managers, if management is vested in one or more managers pursuant to Section 12:1312 of the LBCL, for monetary damages for breach of any duty provided for in Section 12:1314 of the LBCL or (b) provide for indemnification of a member or members, or a manager or managers, for judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, or expenses incurred because he is or was a member or manager; provided that no provision permitted under (a) or (b) shall limit or eliminate the liability of a member or manager for the amount of a financial benefit received by a member or manager to which he is not entitled or for an intentional violation of a criminal law.

The By-laws of RCSH Holdings, Inc., R.F. Inc. and Ruth’s Chris Steak House Franchise, Inc. provide that, subject to certain exceptions, the corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another business, foreign or nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

The Operating Agreements of RCSH Operations, LLC and Ruth’s Chris Steak House Boston, LLC provide that the company may indemnify any person who was or is a party defendant or is threatened to be made a party defendant to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the company) by reason of the fact that he is or was a member of the company, or an officer, employee or agent of the company or is or was serving at the request of the company, against expenses (including attorney’s fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the members determine that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

Florida

Section 607.0850(1) of the Florida Business Corporation Law (the “FBCL”) provides that a corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party to any proceeding (other than an action by, or in the right of, the corporation), by reason of the fact that he or she 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, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise against liability incurred in connection with such proceeding, including any appeal thereof, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

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Section 607.0850(2) of the FBCL provides that a corporation shall have power to indemnify any person, who was or is a party to any proceeding by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person 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, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses and amounts paid in settlement not exceeding, in the judgment of the board of directors, the estimated expense of litigating the proceeding to conclusion, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such proceeding, including any appeal thereof. Such indemnification shall be authorized if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made under this subsection in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable unless, and only to the extent that, the court in which such proceeding was brought, or any other court of competent jurisdiction, shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

Section 608.4229 of the Florida Limited Liability Company Act (the “FLLCA”) provides that, subject to such standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in its articles of organization or operating agreement, a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, but shall not be required to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever; provided that such indemnification or advancement of expenses shall not be made to or on behalf of any member, manager, managing member, officer, employee, or agent if a judgment or other final adjudication establishes that the actions, or omissions to act, of such member, manager, managing member, officer, employee, or agent were material to the cause of action so adjudicated and constitute any of the following: (a) a violation of criminal law, unless the member, manager, managing member, officer, employee, or agent had no reasonable cause to believe such conduct was unlawful, (b) a transaction from which the member, manager, managing member, officer, employee, or agent derived an improper personal benefit, (c) in the case of a manager or managing member, a circumstance under which the liability provisions of Section 608.426 of the FLLCA are applicable or (d) willful misconduct or a conscious disregard for the best interests of the limited liability company in a proceeding by or in the right of the limited liability company to procure a judgment in its favor or in a proceeding by or in the right of a member.

Article X of the By-laws of RHG Fish Market, Inc. provides that, subject to certain exceptions, to the broadest extent allowed under the FBCL, the corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that he 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, officer, employee or agent of another business, foreign or nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise against expenses (including attorney’s fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

The Operating Agreements of RHG Kingfish, LLC and RCSH Millwork, LLC provide that the sole member shall not be liable, responsible, or accountable, in damages or otherwise, to the company for any act performed by it with respect to company matters, except for fraud, and that the company shall indemnify the sole member for any act performed by it with respect to company matters, except for fraud.

 

Item 16. Exhibits.

Reference is made to the attached Exhibit Index.

 

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Item 17. Undertakings.

 

(a) Each of the undersigned registrants 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;

 

  (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 a 20% 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 paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if 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 Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was deemed effective.

 

  (3) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, 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.

 

  (4) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus 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.

 

  (5) 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.

 

  (6) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act 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

 

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the Securities Act 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 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.

 

  (7) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act 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.

 

(b) Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of such annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(c) If the securities being registered are offered to existing security holders pursuant to warrants or subscription rights and any securities not taken by security holders are to be reoffered to the public, each 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 or applicable prospectus supplement, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

(d)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15, or otherwise, each of the registrants has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,

 

II-6


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unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by such 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, such registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(e) Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.

/s/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBIN P. SELATI        

Robin P. Selati

   Chairman of the Board, Director   June 25, 2009

/S/    CARLA R. COOPER        

Carla R. Cooper

   Director   June 25, 2009

/S/    BANNUS B. HUDSON        

Bannus B. Hudson

   Director   June 25, 2009

/S/    ALAN VITULI        

Alan Vituli

   Director   June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

R.F. INC.

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer, Secretary and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President and Director

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Director

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RCSH HOLDINGS, INC.

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer, Secretary and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President and Director

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer, Secretary and Director

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RCSH OPERATIONS, INC.

/s/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer, Secretary and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President and Director

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer, Secretary and Director

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RCSH OPERATIONS, LLC

By:

  RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
  Its: Sole Member

By:

 

/s/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

  Robert M. Vincent
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBIN P. SELATI        

Robin P. Selati

   Chairman of the Board and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.   June 25, 2009

/S/    CARLA R. COOPER        

Carla R. Cooper

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    BANNUS B. HUDSON        

Bannus B. Hudson

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ALAN VITULI        

Alan Vituli

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE BOSTON, LLC

By:

  RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
  Its: Sole Member

By:

 

/s/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

  Robert M. Vincent
 

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBIN P. SELATI        

Robin P. Selati

   Chairman of the Board and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.   June 25, 2009

/S/    CARLA R. COOPER        

Carla R. Cooper

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    BANNUS B. HUDSON        

Bannus B. Hudson

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ALAN VITULI        

Alan Vituli

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE DALLAS, L.P.

By:

  RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
  Its: General Partner

By:

 

/s/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

  Robert M. Vincent
 

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBIN P. SELATI        

Robin P. Selati

   Chairman of the Board and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.   June 25, 2009

/S/    CARLA R. COOPER        

Carla R. Cooper

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    BANNUS B. HUDSON        

Bannus B. Hudson

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ALAN VITULI        

Alan Vituli

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE TEXAS, L.P.

By:

  RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
  Its: General Partner

By:

 

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

  Robert M. Vincent
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.
(principal executive officer)
  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.
(principal financial and accounting officer)
  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBIN P. SELATI        

Robin P. Selati

   Chairman of the Board and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.   June 25, 2009

/S/    CARLA R. COOPER        

Carla R. Cooper

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    BANNUS B. HUDSON        

Bannus B. Hudson

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ALAN VITULI        

Alan Vituli

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE FRANCHISE, INC.

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer, Secretary and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President and Director

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer, Secretary and Director

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RHG FISH MARKET, INC.

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President and Director

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer,

Treasurer and Director

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RHG KINGFISH, LLC

By:

  RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
  Its: Sole Member

By:

 

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

  Robert M. Vincent
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal executive officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBIN P. SELATI        

Robin P. Selati

   Chairman of the Board and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.   June 25, 2009

/S/    CARLA R. COOPER        

Carla R. Cooper

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    BANNUS B. HUDSON        

Bannus B. Hudson

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ALAN VITULI        

Alan Vituli

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned 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 Heathrow, State of Florida, on June 25, 2009.

 

RCSH MILLWORK, LLC

By:

  RCSH OPERATIONS, LLC
  Its: Sole Member

By:

  RUTH’S HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
  Its: Sole Member

By:

 

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

  Robert M. Vincent
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally Michael P. O’Donnell and Robert M. Vincent, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution, for him or her and his or 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 file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Capacity

 

Date

/S/    MICHAEL P. O’DONNELL        

Michael P. O’Donnell

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.
(principal executive officer)
  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBERT M. VINCENT        

Robert M. Vincent

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

(principal financial and accounting officer)

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ROBIN P. SELATI        

Robin P. Selati

   Chairman of the Board and Director of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.   June 25, 2009

/S/    CARLA R. COOPER        

Carla R. Cooper

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    BANNUS B. HUDSON        

Bannus B. Hudson

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009

/S/    ALAN VITULI        

Alan Vituli

  

Director of

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

  June 25, 2009


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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.*
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Amendment No. 5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-124285) filed with the SEC on August 3, 2005, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s Definitive Notice and Proxy on Schedule 14A, as filed with the SEC on April 7, 2008).
3.2    Restated By-Laws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, as filed on July 12, 2005).
3.3    Articles of Incorporation of R.F. Inc.
3.4    By-laws of R.F. Inc.
3.5    Articles of Incorporation of RCSH Holdings, Inc.
3.6    By-laws of RCSH Holdings, Inc.
3.7    Articles of Incorporation of RCSH Operations, Inc. (formerly Ruth’s Chris Steak House #10, Inc.).
3.8    By-laws of RCSH Operations, Inc. (formerly Ruth’s Chris Steak House #10, Inc.).
3.9    Articles of Organization of RCSH Operations, LLC.
3.10    Operating Agreement of RCSH Operations, LLC.
3.11    Articles of Organization of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Boston, LLC.
3.12    Operating Agreement of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Boston, LLC.
3.13    Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Dallas, L.P.
3.14    Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Dallas, L.P.
3.15    Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Texas, L.P.
3.16    Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Texas, L.P.
3.17    Articles of Incorporation of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Franchise, Inc.
3.18    By-laws of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Franchise, Inc.
3.19    Articles of Incorporation of RHG Fish Market, Inc.
3.20    By-laws of RHG Fish Market, Inc.
3.21    Articles of Organization of RHG Kingfish, LLC.
3.22    Operating Agreement of RHG Kingfish, LLC.
3.23    Articles of Organization of RCSH Millwork, LLC.
3.24    Operating Agreement of RCSH Millwork, LLC.
4.1    Specimen of certificate representing common stock, par value $0.01 per share (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed with the SEC on August 3, 2005, as amended).
4.2    Form of Certificate of Designation.*
4.3    Form of Deposit Agreement (including form of depositary receipt).*


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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  4.4    Form of Warrant Agreement (including form of Warrant Certificate).*
  4.5    Form of Subscription Agent Agreement.*
  4.6    Form of Subscription Certificate.*
  4.7    Form of Senior Indenture.
  4.8    Form of Subordinated Indenture.
  4.9    Form of Certificate evidencing Debt Securities (including form of notation of guarantee).*
  4.10    Form of Share Purchase Contract Agreement.*
  4.11    Form of Depositary Agreement relating to Share Purchase Contracts.*
  5.1    Opinion of Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
12.1    Calculation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.2    Consent of Kirkland & Ellis LLP (set forth in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1    Powers of attorney (included on the signature pages of the Registration Statement).
25.1    Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the trustee under the indenture with respect to the senior debt securities.
25.2    Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the trustee under the indenture with respect to the subordinated debt securities.

 

* To be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K or other document to be incorporated by reference herein or to a post-effective amendment hereto, if applicable.