AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 5, 2002 REGISTRATION NO. 333- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------------------- FORM S-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 --------------------- WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD. (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) BERMUDA 3533 APPLIED FOR (State or Other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (IRS Employer Incorporation or Organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number) BURT M. MARTIN C/O CORPORATE MANAGERS (BARBADOS) LTD. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL FIRST FLOOR, TRIDENT HOUSE WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, INC. LOWER BROAD STREET 515 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 600 BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027-3415 (246) 427-3174 (713) 693-4000 (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Number, Executive Offices) Including Area Code of Agent for Service) WITH COPIES TO: ROBERT V. JEWELL, ESQ. W. MARK YOUNG, ESQ. ANDREWS & KURTH MAYOR, DAY, CALDWELL & KEETON L.L.P. 600 TRAVIS, SUITE 4200 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002 (713) 220-4200 APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other conditions to the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger described in the enclosed proxy statement/prospectus have been satisfied or waived. If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ] If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE FEE(2) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Shares, par value US$1.00 per share, of Weatherford International Ltd.(1)................................ 150,000,000 N/A N/A $632,868 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Based on the maximum number of common shares of Weatherford International Ltd. to be provided to stockholders of Weatherford International, Inc. in the merger (150,000,000) which is the sum of (a) the aggregate number of outstanding shares of common stock, par value US$1.00 per share, of Weatherford International, Inc. on April 5, 2002, (b) the aggregate number of shares of Weatherford International, Inc. that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable prior to the consummation of the merger, (c) the aggregate number of shares of Weatherford International, Inc. that may be issued pursuant to the exercise or conversion of outstanding warrants and debt and other securities of Weatherford International, Inc., (d) the aggregate number of shares of Weatherford International, Inc. that may be issued pursuant to other employee benefits plans, and (e) the number of shares of Weatherford International, Inc. common stock otherwise expected to be issued prior to the consummation of the merger. (2) The registration fee was calculated pursuant to Rule 457(f) and 457(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as determined by the product of .000092 multiplied by $45.86, the average of the high and low prices per share of Weatherford International, Inc. common stock on April 4, 2002, as reported on The New York Stock Exchange, multiplied by 150,000,000, the maximum number of common shares that may be required to be issued by Weatherford International Ltd. in connection with the merger, assuming an exchange ratio of one Weatherford International Ltd. common share for each Weatherford International, Inc. share of common stock. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE. WE INTEND TO APPLY FOR AND EXPECT TO RECEIVE CONSENT UNDER THE EXCHANGE CONTROL ACT 1972 (AND ITS RELATED REGULATIONS) FROM THE BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY FOR THE ISSUE AND TRANSFER OF THE WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD. COMMON SHARES TO AND BETWEEN NON-RESIDENTS OF BERMUDA FOR EXCHANGE CONTROL PURPOSES PROVIDED WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD.'S SHARES REMAIN LISTED ON AN APPOINTED STOCK EXCHANGE, WHICH INCLUDES THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE. THE ENCLOSED PROSPECTUS WILL BE FILED WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES IN BERMUDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH BERMUDA LAW. IN GRANTING SUCH CONSENT AND IN ACCEPTING THE PROSPECTUS FOR FILING, NEITHER THE BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY NOR THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES IN BERMUDA WILL ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR FINANCIAL SOUNDNESS OR THE CORRECTNESS OF ANY OF THE STATEMENTS MADE OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE PROSPECTUS. (WEATHERFORD LOGO) WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, INC. 515 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 600 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027 [MONTH DAY], 2002 Dear Weatherford Stockholder: You are cordially invited to join us at a Special Meeting of Stockholders of Weatherford International, Inc. to be held at 11:00 a.m. (Houston time) on [DAY], [MONTH DAY], 2002. The special meeting will be held at The St. Regis Hotel located at 1919 Briar Oaks Lane in Houston, Texas. We are pleased to present for your approval a proposed merger for the purpose of reorganizing your company. As a result of the merger, Weatherford International, Inc. will become an indirect subsidiary of a new Bermuda holding company, and you will become a shareholder of the new Bermuda holding company. The proposal is explained in the attached proxy statement/prospectus, which we encourage you to read. If the merger is completed, Weatherford International Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company that we recently formed (which we refer to as Weatherford Bermuda), and its subsidiaries will continue to conduct the business now conducted by Weatherford International, Inc. (which we refer to as Weatherford Delaware) and its subsidiaries. We believe this merger will facilitate the growth of your company by enabling it to gain business, financial and strategic advantages that are not available under our current corporate structure. The merger should enhance our access to international capital markets and our competitiveness regarding international opportunities. It should also increase our operational flexibility and improve our global tax position and cash flow. Additionally, the company should be a more attractive investment alternative to a wider range of investors. The shares you own of Weatherford Delaware will automatically be converted into the right to receive common shares of Weatherford Bermuda on completion of the merger. The number of Weatherford Bermuda shares you will own will be the same as the number of Weatherford Delaware shares you own immediately prior to the completion of the merger, and your relative economic ownership in the company will remain unchanged. The shares of Weatherford Bermuda will have substantially the same attributes as your existing Weatherford Delaware shares, and will be listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFT", which is the same symbol under which your existing Weatherford Delaware shares are currently listed. Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, stockholders of Weatherford Delaware who are U.S. persons will recognize gain, if any, but not loss, on the receipt of Weatherford Bermuda common shares in exchange for Weatherford Delaware shares pursuant to the merger. Further, the holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by a U.S. holder recognizing gain with respect to the merger will begin the day after the effective date of the merger. WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING YOUR PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER. This proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information regarding the merger. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully. PLEASE CONSIDER THE RISK FACTORS BEGINNING ON PAGE 8. The merger cannot be completed unless the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock on [RECORD DATE], 2002 approve it. A newly formed acquisition company will be merged with and into Weatherford Delaware. Weatherford Delaware will be the surviving company and will continue to exist. Weatherford Bermuda will become the indirect parent holding company of Weatherford Delaware. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" ITS ADOPTION. Whether or not you plan on attending the special meeting in person, it is important that your shares be represented and voted. After reading the enclosed notice of special meeting and proxy statement/ prospectus, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card. We urge you to join us in supporting this important opportunity. Please note that our annual meeting of stockholders is being held on June 26, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. You should have already received a proxy statement and a proxy card for the annual meeting. IN ORDER FOR YOUR SHARES TO BE VOTED AT BOTH THE ANNUAL MEETING AND THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN BOTH PROXY CARDS. We urge you to return both proxy cards for the annual meeting and the special meeting. Sincerely yours, /s/ BERNARD J. DUROC-DANNER -------------------------------------- Bernard J. Duroc-Danner Chairman of the Board THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. This proxy statement/prospectus is dated and is first being mailed to stockholders on or about [MONTH DAY], 2002. [WEATHERFORD LOGO] WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, INC. ---------- NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON [MONTH DAY], 2002 ---------- To the Stockholders of Weatherford International, Inc.: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of the Stockholders of Weatherford International, Inc. will be held at The St. Regis Hotel, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas on [DAY], [MONTH DAY], 2002 at 11:00 a.m. (Houston time) for the following purposes: 1. To adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, substantially in the form attached to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus as Annex I, among Weatherford International, Inc., Weatherford Merger, Inc., Weatherford International Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company, and Weatherford U.S. Holdings, L.L.C., whereby Weatherford International, Inc. will become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford International Ltd., and you will become a shareholder of Weatherford International Ltd. Weatherford Merger, Inc. will be merged with and into Weatherford International, Inc. Weatherford International, Inc. will be the surviving entity and become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford International Ltd.; and 2. To transact any other business as may properly come before the special meeting. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE MERGER. The board of directors has fixed the close of business on [MONTH DAY], 2002 as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED, YOU SHOULD VOTE YOUR PROXY BY COMPLETING, SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE OR BY FOLLOWING THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD, WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING. YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU DECIDE TO ATTEND THE MEETING. By order of the Board of Directors, /s/ BURT M. MARTIN -------------------------------------- Burt M. Martin Corporate Secretary Houston, Texas [MONTH DAY], 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ----- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................... iv CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS... iv QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS....................................... vi SUMMARY..................................................... 1 The Merger................................................ 1 Parties to the Merger.................................. 1 The Merger............................................. 2 Reasons for the Merger................................. 3 Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Stockholders.......................................... 3 Conditions to Consummation of the Merger............... 3 Credit Facilities...................................... 4 Rights of Stockholders................................. 4 Stock Exchange Listing; Recent Stock Prices............ 4 No Rights of Dissenting Stockholders................... 4 Accounting Treatment of the Merger..................... 4 Recommendation of the Board of Directors............... 4 Vote Required.......................................... 4 General Provisions........................................ 5 Special Meeting........................................ 5 Proxies................................................ 5 Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data........... 6 Summary Pro Forma Financial Information................... 6 RISK FACTORS................................................ 8 THE MERGER.................................................. 11 Structure of the Merger................................... 11 Background and Reasons for the Merger..................... 11 The Merger Agreement...................................... 13 Conditions to Consummation of the Merger.................. 13 Effective Time............................................ 13 Amendment or Termination.................................. 14 Share Conversion; Exchange of Shares...................... 14 Management of Weatherford Bermuda......................... 15 Required Vote for the Merger.............................. 15 No Rights of Dissenting Stockholders...................... 15 Dividends................................................. 15 Stock Compensation Plans and Employment Agreements........ 15 Stock Exchange Listing.................................... 16 Accounting Treatment of the Merger........................ 16 Credit Facilities......................................... 16 THE SPECIAL MEETING......................................... 18 When and Where the Special Meeting Will Be Held........... 18 What Will Be Voted Upon................................... 18 PAGE ----- Only Weatherford Delaware Stockholders of Record as of [Month Day], 2002 Are Entitled to Vote................. 18 Majority of Outstanding Shares Must Be Represented for a Vote to Be Taken....................................... 18 Vote Required for Approval................................ 18 Voting Your Shares and Changing Your Vote................. 18 How Proxies Are Counted................................... 19 Cost of Solicitation...................................... 19 DESCRIPTION OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD......................................... 21 Authorized Share Capital.................................. 21 Meetings, Quorums and Voting.............................. 21 Dividend Rights........................................... 22 Preemptive, Redemption, Sinking Fund and Conversion Rights................................................. 22 Stock Exchange Listing.................................... 22 Capitalization of Profits and Reserves.................... 22 Untraced Shareholders..................................... 23 Changes to Rights of a Class.............................. 23 Rights upon Liquidation................................... 23 Liability for Further Calls or Assessments................ 23 Transfer of Shares........................................ 23 Repurchase Rights......................................... 23 Access to Books and Records and Dissemination of Information............................................ 24 Compulsory Acquisition of Shares Held by Minority Holders................................................ 24 Registrar or Transfer Agent............................... 24 Preferred Shares.......................................... 25 Anti-takeover Provisions.................................. 25 Election and Removal of Directors......................... 26 Proceedings of Board of Directors......................... 26 Certain Provisions of Bermuda Law......................... 27 ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES............................ 28 COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS........................ 29 Comparison of Corporate Governance Provisions............. 29 INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER....................... 38 U.S. Income Tax Consequences of the Merger................ 38 Bermuda Income Tax Consequences of the Merger............. 42 Barbados Income Tax Consequences of the Merger............ 43 OTHER INFORMATION........................................... 44 Independent Public Accountants............................ 44 Stockholder Proposals and Nominations..................... 45 ii PAGE ----- EXPERTS..................................................... 45 LEGAL MATTERS............................................... 46 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION......................... 46 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE............. 46 ANNEX I AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER........................ I-1 ANNEX II MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION.......................... II-1 ANNEX III BYE-LAWS.......................................... III-1 iii ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates documents by reference that are not included in or delivered with this document. Copies of the incorporated documents (other than exhibits to these documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in those documents) will be furnished upon written or oral request without charge to each person to whom this proxy statement/ prospectus is delivered. Requests should be made by [MONTH DAY], 2002 and should be directed to Weatherford International, Inc., 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77027, Attention: Investor Relations, or you may telephone (713) 693-4000 or visit our website at "http://www.weatherford.com". Website materials are not part of this proxy statement/prospectus. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 46. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This proxy statement/prospectus as well as other filings made by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and our releases issued to the public contain various statements relating to future results, including certain projections and business trends. We believe these statements constitute "Forward-Looking Statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following sets forth the various assumptions we use in our forward-looking statements as well as risks and uncertainties relating to those statements. Certain of the risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to be materially different from projected results contained in forward-looking statements in this proxy statement/prospectus and in our other disclosures. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8 and the following: - Unanticipated costs or nonrealization of expected benefits could affect our projected results. An inability to realize expected benefits of the merger within the anticipated time frame, or at all, would likely affect the forward-looking information provided by us. Similarly, any cost or difficulty related to the merger and related transactions, which could be greater than expected or thought, would also affect the forward-looking information provided by us. - Unanticipated changes in tax laws could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. Any change in tax laws, tax treaties or tax regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof or differing interpretation or enforcement of applicable law by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities would likely affect the forward-looking information provided by us. - A downturn in market conditions could affect our projected results. Any material changes in oil and gas supply and demand balance, oil and gas prices, rig count or other market trends would affect our results and would likely affect the forward-looking information provided by us. The oil and gas industry is extremely volatile and subject to change based on political and economic factors outside our control. In recent periods, there has been a general decrease in prices for oil and natural gas, reflecting diminished demand attributable to political and economic issues. In particular, the United States economy and most foreign economies have weakened in recent periods. An extended regional and/or worldwide recession would result in even lower demand and lower prices for oil and gas, which would adversely affect our revenues and income. At this time, we have assumed that material declines in 2002 will be limited to North and Latin America. Furthermore, our forward-looking statements regarding our drilling and completion products and services assume a modest improvement in the international rig count in 2002 and that no extended material declines in the North American rig count will occur. - Our results are dependent upon our ability to react to the current market environment. During the fourth quarter of 2001 and 2002 to date, we implemented a number of programs intended to reduce costs and align our cost structure with the current market environment. Our forward-looking statements assume these measures will generate the savings expected and, if the markets continue to decline, that any additional actions we pursue will be adequate to achieve the desired savings. iv - A material disruption in our manufacturing could adversely affect some divisions of our business. Our forward-looking statements assume that any manufacturing expansion and consolidation will be completed without material disruptions. If there are disruptions or excess costs associated with manufacturing changes, our results could be adversely affected. - Our success is dependent upon the integration of acquisitions. During 2001, we consummated acquisitions of several product lines and businesses, including the acquisition of Johnson Screens. The success of our acquisitions will be dependent on our ability to integrate the product lines and businesses with our existing businesses and eliminate duplicative costs. We incur various duplicative costs during the integration of the operations of acquired businesses into our operations. Our forward-looking statements assume the successful integration of the operations of the acquired businesses and their contribution to our results during 2002; however, there can be no assurance that the expected benefits of these acquisitions will materialize. Integration of acquisitions is something that cannot occur in the short-term and that requires constant effort at the local level to be successful. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate success of these integration efforts. - Our long-term growth strategy is dependent upon technological advances. Our ability to succeed with our long-term growth strategy is dependent in part on the technological competitiveness of our products and services. A central aspect of our growth strategy is to enhance the technology of our current products and services, to obtain new technologically-advanced value-added products through internal research and development and/or acquisitions and to then expand the markets for the technology through the leverage of our worldwide infrastructure. These technological advances include our underbalanced drilling technology, expandable technology, rotary expansion systems and recently added production optimization and fiber optic sensor technology. Our forward-looking statements have assumed above-average growth from these new products and services in 2002. - Currency fluctuations could have a material adverse financial impact on our business. A material decline in currency rates in our markets could affect our future results as well as affect the carrying values of our assets. World currencies have been subject to much volatility. Our forward-looking statements assume no material impact from future changes in currencies. - Political disturbances, war, or terrorist attacks and changes in global trade policies could adversely impact our operations. Political disturbances, war, or terrorist attacks and changes in global trade policies could impact our operations. We have assumed that there will be no material political disturbances, war, or terrorist attacks and that there will be no material changes in global trade policies. - Unexpected litigation and legal disputes could have a material adverse financial impact. If we experience unexpected litigation or unexpected results in our existing litigation that have a material effect on our financial results, the accuracy of the forward-looking statements would be affected. Our forward-looking statements assume that there will be no material unexpected litigation or results. Finally, our future results will depend upon various other risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those detailed in Weatherford Delaware's other filings with the SEC. For additional information regarding risks and uncertainties, please read Weatherford Delaware's other current filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, particularly under "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Weatherford Delaware's Annual Report on Form 10-K for our year ended December 31, 2001. These filings are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. As you make your decision how to vote, please take into account that forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document or, in the case of documents incorporated by reference, the date of any such document. We will generally update our assumptions in our filings as circumstances require. v QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE SPECIAL MEETING BE HELD? The special meeting will be held on [DAY], [MONTH DAY], 2002 at 11:00 a.m. (Houston time) at The St. Regis Hotel, located at 1919 Briar Oaks Lane in Houston, Texas. WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO VOTE ON AT THE SPECIAL MEETING? You are being asked to vote on a proposed merger for the purpose of reorganizing your company. As a result of the merger, Weatherford Delaware will become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda, and you will become a shareholder of Weatherford Bermuda. The board of directors recommends you vote FOR this proposal. HOW WILL THE MERGER BE ACCOMPLISHED? A new Delaware company, Weatherford Merger, Inc., which has been formed specifically for the merger and is owned by Weatherford Bermuda, will merge with and into Weatherford Delaware. Weatherford Delaware will be the surviving company in the merger and will become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda. Each share of Weatherford Delaware common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will automatically convert into the right to receive a common share of Weatherford Bermuda. Weatherford Bermuda will be the new Bermuda parent company of the entire Weatherford International group of companies, which will continue to be engaged in the same business that Weatherford Delaware and its subsidiaries were engaged in before the merger. The additional steps in the merger are more fully described in "The Merger -- Structure of the Merger" on page 11. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE COMPANY OF COMPLETING THIS MERGER? A significant portion of our business is currently generated from non-U.S. markets. We believe the merger will allow us to take advantage of financial and other business opportunities that are not available under our current corporate structure, including: - maximization of our potential business growth and cash flow; - expansion of our international businesses as a result of greater flexibility in financing arrangements, transaction structuring and access to global capital; - increased competitiveness regarding domestic and international acquisition opportunities; - potential improvement of our global tax position and global cash management; - use of the greater cash flow to invest for further earnings growth; and - expansion of our investor base as our company's shares may become more attractive to non-U.S. investors. We believe these benefits should enhance stockholder value. However, we cannot predict what impact, if any, the merger will have in the long term because the achievement of our objectives depends on many things, including our ability to react to any changes in the tax laws and treaties of the various jurisdictions in which we operate or where we are incorporated or are resident. Please read "The Merger -- Background and Reasons for the Merger" beginning on page 11. It is important to note that currently proposed legislation, if enacted, would have the effect of eliminating or reducing the anticipated tax benefits of the transaction. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY EXISTING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF WEATHERFORD DELAWARE IN THE MERGER? Your Weatherford Delaware shares will automatically be converted into the right to receive Weatherford Bermuda shares. The number of Weatherford Bermuda shares you will own as a result of the vi merger will be the same as the number of Weatherford Delaware shares you own immediately prior to the completion of the merger, and your relative economic ownership in the company will remain unchanged. The shares of Weatherford Bermuda will have substantially the same attributes as your existing shares of common stock of Weatherford Delaware and will be listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFT", which is the same symbol under which your existing shares of common stock of Weatherford Delaware are currently listed. WILL THE MERGER DILUTE MY OWNERSHIP INTEREST? No. The merger will not dilute your ownership interest. Immediately after the merger is consummated you will own the same percentage of Weatherford Bermuda common shares as you own of Weatherford Delaware common stock immediately prior to the completion of the merger. WILL I BE TAXED AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER? Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, stockholders who are U.S. persons will recognize gain, if any, but not loss, on the receipt of Weatherford Bermuda common shares in exchange for Weatherford Delaware common stock in connection with the merger. A U.S. holder will generally recognize gain equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares received in the merger over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock. Generally, this gain will be capital gain. Further, the holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by a U.S. holder recognizing gain with respect to the merger will begin the day after the effective date of the merger. Stockholders will not be permitted to recognize any loss realized on the exchange of their shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock in the merger. In the case of a loss, the adjusted tax basis in each Weatherford Bermuda common share received would equal the adjusted tax basis of each share of Weatherford Delaware common stock surrendered in exchange therefor, and the holding period relative to the Weatherford Delaware common stock would carry over to the Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Thus, subject to any subsequent changes in the fair market value of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares, any loss would be preserved. WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING YOUR PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER. WILL WEATHERFORD DELAWARE OR WEATHERFORD BERMUDA BE TAXED AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER? We believe that Weatherford Delaware and Weatherford Bermuda should not incur any significant taxes in connection with consummation of the merger. However, changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations or the interpretation or enforcement of these tax laws, treaties or regulations, could adversely affect the tax consequences of the merger to Weatherford Bermuda, its subsidiaries and the shareholders of Weatherford Bermuda and its subsidiaries. In addition, if the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities do not agree with our assessment of the effects or interpretation of these laws, treaties and regulations, this could have a material adverse effect on the tax consequences of the merger. It is important to note that several members of the United States Congress have introduced legislation that, if enacted, would have the effect of eliminating or reducing the anticipated tax benefits of the transaction. In addition, several other members of the United States Congress and the Treasury Department have recently announced the intent to investigate transactions such as the merger. As a result of the increased scrutiny of these transactions, changes in the tax laws, tax treaties or tax regulations may occur, with prospective or retroactive effect, which could have an adverse effect on the expected benefits of the merger. If in response to any of these changes Weatherford Bermuda or its subsidiaries undertake a corporate restructuring, such restructuring could result in additional adverse tax consequences to Weatherford Bermuda, its subsidiaries or its shareholders. vii WHEN DO YOU EXPECT TO COMPLETE THE MERGER? We intend to complete the merger promptly after the stockholders of Weatherford Delaware approve the merger agreement at the special meeting, although the board of directors may delay completion of the merger for some period of time after stockholder approval pending receipt of third party consents or for other business reasons. WHY WAS BERMUDA SELECTED AS THE PLACE OF INCORPORATION OF THE NEW PARENT COMPANY? We chose Bermuda for its political stability, legal framework and business friendly environment. The first international (i.e., not locally owned) company was incorporated in Bermuda in the 1930s, and there are currently many companies incorporated there that are publicly traded on U.S. and European markets. We also chose Bermuda because of our familiarity with Bermuda and its corporate legal system through our experience with a subsidiary of Weatherford Delaware that has been incorporated in Bermuda since 1983. Under current Bermuda law, a Bermuda company is not required to pay taxes in Bermuda on either income or capital gains. In addition, despite some differences, the corporate legal system, based on English law, is such that your rights as a Weatherford Bermuda shareholder will be substantially similar to your rights as a stockholder in Weatherford Delaware. We encourage you to read the section "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders" beginning on page 29 for a more detailed description of the differences between your rights under Delaware law and under Bermuda law. WILL THE PROPOSAL AFFECT CURRENT OPERATIONS? WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? The merger will have no immediate major impact on how we conduct day-to-day operations. The location of future operations will depend on the needs of our business, independent of our place of incorporation. Although Weatherford Bermuda will be incorporated under Bermuda law, Weatherford Bermuda will be legally managed and controlled through an executive office located in Barbados and consequently will become resident in Barbados. Weatherford Bermuda will be registered as an external company in Barbados under the Barbados Companies Act, Cap. 308 of the laws of Barbados, and licensed to operate as an "International Business Company" or "IBC." As a resident of Barbados, Weatherford Bermuda should be entitled to the benefits under the income tax treaty entered into between the United States and Barbados. Under current Barbados law, an IBC will be required to pay a maximum rate of 2.5% income tax, which is gradually reduced to a minimum of 1% as income increases, on its non-Barbados source income. WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE TRANSACTION? In order for us to effect the merger, we need affirmative votes from holders of a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock outstanding on [MONTH DAY], 2002. SHARES FOR WHICH NO VOTES ARE CAST EFFECTIVELY WILL BE TREATED AS THOUGH THEY WERE VOTED AGAINST THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, SO IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR ALL STOCKHOLDERS TO VOTE. Please read "The Special Meeting -- Vote Required for Approval" on page 18. WILL I BE ABLE TO TRADE MY SHARES DURING THE TIME IT TAKES TO COMPLETE THE MERGER? Yes. DO I HAVE TO CHANGE MY STOCK CERTIFICATES? Yes. At the effective time of the merger, a subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda who is a party to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Weatherford U.S. Holdings, L.L.C., will cause certificates representing a sufficient number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares to be deposited with an exchange agent for the purpose of enabling stockholders to exchange their Weatherford Delaware common stock for an equal number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. After the merger occurs, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the exchange agent appointed by Weatherford U.S. Holdings in connection with the viii merger, will send a letter of transmittal to stockholders of Weatherford Delaware that will provide instructions on these exchange procedures. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME. For further information, please read "The Merger -- Share Conversion; Exchange of Shares" beginning on page 14. WHO CAN VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING? All holders of record of Weatherford Delaware common stock as of the close of business on [MONTH DAY], 2002 are entitled to vote, or to grant proxies to vote, at the special meeting. Each share of Weatherford Delaware common stock is entitled to cast one vote. WHO IS SOLICITING THESE PROXIES? Your vote and proxy is being solicited by Weatherford Delaware's board of directors for use at the special meeting. This proxy statement/prospectus and enclosed proxy card are being sent to stockholders beginning on or about [MONTH DAY], 2002. In addition, Weatherford Delaware has retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. to solicit proxies at an estimated fee of $6,500, plus expenses. This fee does not include the costs of preparing, printing, assembling, delivering and mailing the proxy materials. Some of our directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies personally, without any additional compensation, by telephone or mail. Proxy materials also will be furnished without cost to brokers and other nominees to forward to the beneficial owners of shares held in their names. HOW DO I VOTE IF MY SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN MY NAME? By completing, signing and returning your proxy card in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope, you will authorize the persons named on the proxy card to vote your shares according to your instructions. You may also vote by following the Internet or telephone voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card. Please vote as soon as possible even if you currently plan to attend the meeting in person, so that your shares may be represented and voted at the special meeting. HOW DO I VOTE IF MY BROKER HOLDS MY SHARES IN "STREET NAME"? You should follow the voting instructions provided by your broker. IF MY BROKER HOLDS MY SHARES IN "STREET NAME," WILL MY BROKER VOTE MY SHARES FOR ME? If you do not provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your "street name" shares, your broker will not be permitted to vote them for or against the merger. You should complete and return the enclosed form of proxy or be sure to provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your shares. WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO CHANGE MY VOTE? There are three ways in which you may revoke your proxy and change your vote: - First, you may send a written notice to our proxy solicitor, Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc., stating that you would like to revoke your proxy. This notice must be received prior to the special meeting. - Second, you may complete and submit a new, later-dated proxy either by Internet, by telephone or in writing. The latest dated proxy actually received by Weatherford Delaware prior to the special meeting will be the one that is counted, and all earlier proxies will be revoked. - Third, you may attend the special meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the meeting, however, will not revoke your proxy. At the special meeting, the chairman of the meeting will ix announce instructions for you to follow if you wish to revoke your proxy and vote in person at the meeting. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow the directions received from your broker to change or revoke your proxy. WHAT DO I DO IF I RECEIVE MULTIPLE PROXY CARDS? If you receive multiple proxy cards, this indicates that your shares are held in more than one account, such as two brokerage accounts, and are registered in different names. You should vote each of the proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted. HOW WILL MY SHARES BE VOTED IF I DO NOT INDICATE HOW I WISH TO VOTE? If you sign the proxy card but do not indicate how you wish to vote for the merger, the persons named on the proxy card will vote FOR the merger. If you "withhold" your vote for the merger, this will be counted as a vote AGAINST the merger. HOW MANY SHARES CONSTITUTE A QUORUM? As of [MONTH DAY], 2002, there were [SHARE NUMBER] shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock issued and outstanding. The holders of the common stock have the right to cast a total of [SHARE NUMBER] votes. The presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders entitled to cast at least [SHARE NUMBER]votes will constitute a quorum at the special meeting. If you have followed the Internet or telephone voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card, or properly signed and returned your proxy card by mail, you will be considered part of the quorum. If a broker holding your shares in "street name" indicates to us on a proxy card that the broker lacks discretionary authority to vote your shares, we will not consider your shares as present or entitled to vote for any purpose. WHO DO I CONTACT WITH FURTHER QUESTIONS? You should contact: Weatherford Delaware: Weatherford International, Inc. 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77027 Attention: Investor Relations (713) 693-4000 the Proxy Solicitor: Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. 17 State Street New York, New York 10004 1-800-223-2064 x SUMMARY This summary highlights selected information from this document and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the merger and related transactions more fully and for a more complete description of the legal terms of the merger, you should read carefully this entire document, including the annexes, and the other documents to which we have referred you. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 46. The Agreement and Plan of Merger is attached as Annex I to this document. The Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws that will govern Weatherford Bermuda, the company of which you will own common shares if the merger is approved, are attached as Annexes II and III. THE MERGER PARTIES TO THE MERGER WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, INC. Weatherford Delaware is one of the world's leading providers of equipment and services used for the drilling, completion and production of oil and natural gas wells. Weatherford Delaware, as we know it today, was formed in connection with the May 1998 merger of Weatherford Enterra, Inc. into EVI, Inc. We were incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1972. Many of our businesses, including those of Weatherford Enterra, have been conducted for more than 50 years. We conduct operations in approximately 100 countries and have approximately 485 service and sales locations, which are located in nearly all of the oil and natural gas producing regions in the world. We are among the leaders in each of our primary markets, and our distribution and service network is one of the most extensive in the industry. Our business is divided into three principal operating divisions: - Drilling and Intervention Services -- This division provides (1) drilling systems, (2) well installation services, (3) cementing products and (4) underbalanced drilling. It is a leader in each of these markets, and this division offers its products and services worldwide. Currently, this division generates approximately 54% of its revenues outside North America. - Completion Systems -- This division provides a full range of completion products and services. It maintains a growing share of the world's completion market and offers leading proprietary and patented technologies, such as our expandable systems, aimed at minimizing formation damage and maximizing production. Currently, this division generates approximately 61% of its revenues outside North America. - Artificial Lift Systems -- This division is the only organization in the world that is able to provide all forms of artificial lift used primarily for the production of oil. It also provides production optimization services and automation and monitoring of well head production. The current geographical mix of this division's revenues is 63% North American and 37% international. In addition to the above operations, historically we operated a Compression Services Division and a Drilling Products Division. In February 2001, we completed the merger of essentially all of our Compression Services Division into a subsidiary of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc. in exchange for 13.75 million shares of Universal, or approximately 48% of Universal's then outstanding common stock. In April 2000, we completed the spin-off to our stockholders of our Drilling Products Division through a distribution of the stock of our Grant Prideco, Inc. subsidiary. Grant Prideco's operations have been classified as discontinued in our financial statements. 1 WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD. Weatherford Bermuda is a newly formed Bermuda exempted company and is currently wholly owned by Weatherford Delaware. Weatherford Bermuda has no significant assets or capitalization and has not engaged in any business or other activities other than in connection with its formation and the merger and related transactions. As a result of the merger, it will become the indirect parent holding company of Weatherford Delaware. WEATHERFORD U.S. HOLDINGS, L.L.C. Weatherford U.S. Holdings, L.L.C. is a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda. Weatherford U.S. Holdings was formed to accomplish the proposed merger and to hold directly all of the stock of Weatherford Delaware immediately subsequent to the merger. It has no significant assets or capitalization unrelated to the merger and has not engaged in any business or other activities except in connection with its formation and the merger and related transactions. WEATHERFORD MERGER, INC. Weatherford Merger, Inc. (which we refer to as Merger Sub) is a newly formed Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned, direct subsidiary of Weatherford U.S. Holdings. Merger Sub will merge with and into Weatherford Delaware. Please read "The Merger -- Structure of the Merger" on page 11. It has no significant assets or capitalization unrelated to the merger and has not engaged in any business or other activities except in connection with its formation and the merger and related transactions. The principal executive offices of Weatherford Delaware, Weatherford U.S. Holdings and Merger Sub are located at 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77027. The telephone number of each party at that address is (713) 693-4000. The registered office of Weatherford Bermuda is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda. The principal executive offices of Weatherford Bermuda are currently located at c/o Corporate Managers (Barbados) Ltd., First Floor, Trident House, Lower Broad Street, Bridgetown, Barbados and its telephone number at that address is (246) 427-3174. THE MERGER (Please read page 11) Weatherford Delaware's board of directors has approved and recommends that you adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger. The terms of the merger are set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger attached as Annex I to this proxy statement/prospectus. As a result of the merger, you will own shares in a Bermuda company rather than a Delaware corporation. For a more detailed description of the differences between your rights under Delaware law and under Bermuda law, please read "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders" beginning on page 29. After completion of the merger, Weatherford Bermuda and its subsidiaries will continue to conduct the same business that Weatherford Delaware and its subsidiaries now conduct. The merger involves the following steps: 1. Merger Sub will merge with and into Weatherford Delaware. Weatherford Delaware will be the surviving entity and become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda. 2. In the merger, each outstanding share of common stock of Weatherford Delaware will automatically convert by operation of law into the right to receive one common share of Weatherford Bermuda. Stockholders of Weatherford Delaware will own exactly the same number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares immediately after the merger as they owned in Weatherford Delaware immediately before the merger. For a description of the terms of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares, please read the discussion under "Description of Authorized Shares of Weatherford International Ltd." beginning on page 21. 2 Stockholders will be required to exchange their stock certificate(s) as a result of the merger. Each outstanding certificate representing shares of Weatherford Delaware shall automatically represent the right to receive the same number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Following the merger, certificates for common shares of Weatherford Bermuda will be issued upon surrender of certificates for existing shares of common stock of Weatherford Delaware to an exchange agent appointed by Weatherford U.S. Holdings. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME. REASONS FOR THE MERGER (Please read page 11) International activities are an important part of our current business, and we believe that international operations will account for a greater percentage of our total revenues in the future. For the year ended December 31, 2001, non-U.S. revenues accounted for 59% of our revenues. Expansion of our international business is an important part of our current business strategy, and we believe that significant growth opportunities exist in the international marketplace. We believe that the merger will allow us to implement our business strategy more effectively. We believe that the merger should increase our access to international capital markets and acquisition opportunities, increase our attractiveness to non-U.S. investors, improve global cash management, improve our global tax position and result in a more favorable corporate structure for expansion of our current business. We anticipate that the merger may result in significant global tax savings. However, we cannot give any assurance as to what our global tax savings will be after the merger. In addition, a number of our competitors are incorporated outside of the United States and already have these competitive advantages. We believe the merger will allow us to compete more effectively on a global scale. For a discussion of the risk factors associated with the merger, please read the discussion under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8. MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO STOCKHOLDERS (Please read page 38) Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, stockholders who are U.S. persons will recognize gain, if any, but not loss, on the receipt of Weatherford Bermuda common shares in exchange for Weatherford Delaware common stock in connection with the merger. A U.S. holder will generally recognize gain equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares received in the merger over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock. Generally, this gain will be capital gain. Further, the holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by a U.S. holder recognizing gain with respect to the merger will begin the day after the effective date of the merger. Stockholders will not be permitted to recognize any loss realized on the exchange of their shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock in the merger. In the case of a loss, the adjusted tax basis in each Weatherford Bermuda common share received would equal the adjusted tax basis of each share of Weatherford Delaware common stock surrendered, and the holding period relative to the Weatherford Delaware common stock would carry over to the Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Thus, subject to any subsequent changes in the fair market value of Weatherford Bermuda common shares, any loss would be preserved. WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING YOUR PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER. CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER (Please read page 13) The consummation of the merger is conditioned on several factors, including the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Weatherford Delaware entitled to vote at the special meeting and that none of the parties to the Agreement and Plan of Merger is subject to any governmental authority that in the discretion of the board of directors of Weatherford Delaware would make the consummation of the merger inadvisable. 3 CREDIT FACILITIES (Please read page 16) As a result of the merger, Weatherford Delaware may fail to comply with certain covenants contained in its credit agreements and other debt instruments. In addition, the merger may be deemed a "change of control" or constitute a "termination event" under these facilities. A change of control, termination event or failure to comply with covenants could - require mandatory prepayment of all amounts borrowed under these debt instruments, - result in a default under certain debt instruments, or - terminate Weatherford Delaware's ability to sell receivables under its receivables facility. Weatherford Delaware intends to seek waivers in connection with any violations, change of control or termination events that require mandatory prepayments or trigger defaults, although we cannot assure you that Weatherford Delaware will be able to obtain these waivers. If waivers are not obtained, Weatherford Delaware will need to refinance amounts under the relevant agreements. Weatherford Delaware does not believe the mandatory prepayments, defaults or termination events will adversely affect it, its operations or its stockholders or Weatherford Bermuda or its shareholders if the merger is completed. RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS (Please read page 29) The principal attributes of the existing Weatherford Delaware common stock and the Weatherford Bermuda common shares will be substantially similar. There are differences, however, between the rights of stockholders under Delaware law and shareholders under Bermuda law. In addition, there are differences between Weatherford Delaware's certificate of incorporation and by-laws and Weatherford Bermuda's memorandum of association and bye-laws. We encourage you to read the section titled "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders" beginning on page 29 for a more detailed discussion of these differences. STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING; RECENT STOCK PRICES (Please read page 16) Immediately following the merger, Weatherford Bermuda's common shares will be listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFT", the same symbol under which Weatherford Delaware's common stock is currently listed. The closing price per share of Weatherford Delaware's common stock on The New York Stock Exchange was $44.99 on April 4, 2002. The high and low sales prices of Weatherford Delaware's common stock on The New York Stock Exchange were $47.16 and $44.55 on April 4, 2002, the last trading day before the public announcement of the merger. NO RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS (Please read page 15) Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, you will not have "dissenters" or appraisal rights in connection with the merger. ACCOUNTING TREATMENT OF THE MERGER (Please read page 16) The merger will be accounted for as a merger of entities under common control that will not result in changes in our historical consolidated carrying amounts of assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity. RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WEATHERFORD DELAWARE APPROVED THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND DECLARED ITS ADVISABILITY AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" ITS ADOPTION. VOTE REQUIRED (Please read page 18) ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER REQUIRES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES OF WEATHERFORD DELAWARE COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING ON [MONTH DAY], 2002. ABSTENTIONS 4 AND BROKER NON-VOTES WILL THEREFORE EFFECTIVELY BE COUNTED AS VOTES AGAINST ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT. As of the [MONTH DAY], 2002 record date, there were [NUMBER]Weatherford Delaware shares outstanding and entitled to vote. GENERAL PROVISIONS SPECIAL MEETING (Please read page 18) TIME, DATE, PLACE The special meeting of stockholders will be held at 11:00 a.m. (Houston time) on [DAY] [MONTH DAY], 2002 at The St. Regis Hotel, located at 1919 Briar Oaks Lane in Houston, Texas. RECORD DATE Only stockholders of record at the close of business on [MONTH DAY], 2002, as shown in our records, will be entitled to vote, or to grant proxies to vote, at the special meeting. QUORUM The presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders holding a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware entitled to vote will constitute a quorum. PROXIES (Please read page 19) GENERAL Stockholders of record may vote by marking, signing and mailing their proxy card in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope or by following the Internet or telephone voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If you hold your Weatherford Delaware shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by such bank, broker or nominee when voting your shares. To be effective, a form of proxy must be received by us prior to the beginning of voting at the special meeting. REVOCATION There are three ways in which you may revoke your proxy and change your vote: - First, you may send a written notice to our proxy solicitor, Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc., stating that you would like to revoke your proxy. This notice must be received prior to the special meeting. - Second, you may complete and submit a new later-dated proxy either by Internet, by telephone or in writing. The latest dated proxy actually received by Weatherford Delaware prior to the special meeting will be the one that is counted, and all earlier proxies will be revoked. - Third, you may attend the special meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the meeting, however, will not revoke your proxy. At the special meeting, the chairman of the meeting will announce instructions for you to follow if you wish to revoke your proxy and vote in person at the meeting. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow the directions received from your broker to change or revoke your proxy. 5 SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA The selected historical consolidated financial data of Weatherford Delaware in the table below were derived from Weatherford Delaware's audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the five years ended December 31, 2001. This data should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Weatherford Delaware, including the notes to the financial statements, incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. We have not included data for Weatherford Bermuda, Merger Sub or Weatherford U.S. Holdings because they did not conduct business during any of the periods discussed below. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) Revenues.................. $2,328,715 $1,814,261 $1,240,200 $1,363,849 $1,357,374 Operating Income.......... 409,474 120,328(a) 66,818 36,171(b) 216,082 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations... 214,651 (38,892)(a)(c) 16,206 (883)(b) 129,745 Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations.............. 1.88 (0.36)(a)(c) 0.16 (0.01)(b) 1.35 Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations... 1.76 (0.36)(a)(c) 0.16 (0.01)(b) 1.33 Total Assets.............. 4,296,362 3,461,579 3,513,789 2,638,612 2,508,034 Long-term Debt............ 1,097,294(d) 730,176(e) 226,603 220,398 224,935 5% Convertible Subordinated Preferred Equivalent Debentures... 402,500 402,500 402,500 402,500 402,500 Stockholders' Equity...... 1,838,240 1,338,458(f) 1,843,684 1,500,090 1,462,409 Cash Dividends Per Share................... -- -- -- -- -- --------------- (a) Reflects $56.3 million, $43.0 million net of taxes, of impairment charges related to the merger of essentially all of our Compression Services Division into Universal. (b) Reflects $160.0 million, $104.0 million net of taxes, of merger and other charges relating to the merger between EVI and Weatherford Enterra and a reorganization and rationalization of our business in light of industry conditions. (c) Includes $76.5 million of deferred tax provision associated with the deconsolidation of our Compression Services Division. (d) Includes $347.1 million of our 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011, issued November 2001. (e) Includes $910.0 million face amount of our Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Debentures, at the accreted discount amount of $509.2 million as of December 31, 2000, issued June 2000. (f) Reflects the distribution of our Grant Prideco, Inc. subsidiary to our stockholders. SUMMARY PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION A pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet for Weatherford Bermuda is not presented in this proxy statement/prospectus because there would be no significant pro forma adjustments required to be made to the historical consolidated balance sheet of Weatherford Delaware as of December 31, 2001. That balance sheet is included in Weatherford Delaware's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. 6 A pro forma condensed consolidated income statement for Weatherford Bermuda is not presented in this proxy statement/prospectus because there would be no significant pro forma adjustments required to be made to income from operations in the historical consolidated income statements of Weatherford Delaware for the year ended December 31, 2001. That income statement is included in Weatherford Delaware's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001. Costs incurred in connection with the merger are not expected to be material and are expensed as incurred. 7 RISK FACTORS SOME WEATHERFORD DELAWARE STOCKHOLDERS WILL RECOGNIZE A TAXABLE GAIN AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER. Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, stockholders who are U.S. persons will recognize gain, if any, but not loss, on the receipt of Weatherford Bermuda common shares in exchange for Weatherford Delaware common stock in connection with the merger. A U.S. holder will generally recognize gain equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares received in the merger over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock. Generally, this gain will be capital gain. Further, the holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by a U.S. holder recognizing gain with respect to the merger will begin the day after the effective date of the merger. Stockholders will not be permitted to recognize any loss realized on the exchange of their shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock in the merger. In the case of a loss, the adjusted tax basis in each Weatherford Bermuda common share received would equal the adjusted tax basis of each share of Weatherford Delaware common stock surrendered, and the holding period relative to the Weatherford Delaware common stock would carry over to the Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Thus, subject to any subsequent changes in the fair market value of Weatherford Bermuda common shares, any loss would be preserved. WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING YOUR PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER. THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND OTHER NON-U.S. TAXING AUTHORITIES MAY NOT AGREE WITH OUR TAX TREATMENT OF VARIOUS ITEMS. We believe that Weatherford Delaware and Weatherford Bermuda will not incur any significant taxes in connection with consummation of the merger. However, changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations or the interpretation or enforcement of these tax laws, treaties or regulations, could adversely affect the tax consequences of the merger to Weatherford Bermuda, its subsidiaries and the shareholders of Weatherford Bermuda and its subsidiaries. In addition, if the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities do not agree with our assessment of the effects or interpretation of these laws, treaties and regulations, Weatherford Delaware could incur a material amount of U.S. federal income tax as a result of the merger. WEATHERFORD BERMUDA MAY BECOME SUBJECT TO U.S. CORPORATE INCOME TAX, WHICH WOULD REDUCE WEATHERFORD BERMUDA'S NET INCOME. Weatherford Delaware currently is subject to U.S. corporate income tax on its worldwide income. After the merger, Weatherford Delaware and its then-existing U.S. subsidiaries will continue to be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on their worldwide income, and Weatherford Delaware's then existing foreign subsidiaries will continue to be subject to U.S. corporate income tax on their U.S. operations. Weatherford Bermuda anticipates that its non-U.S. operations will not be subject to U.S. corporate income tax. Weatherford Bermuda and other non-U.S. Weatherford affiliates will conduct their operations in a manner intended to ensure that Weatherford Bermuda and its non-U.S. affiliates do not engage in the conduct of a U.S. trade or business and, thus, we believe that Weatherford Bermuda and its non-U.S. affiliates should not be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax, other than withholding tax on U.S. source income. However, if the IRS successfully contends that Weatherford Bermuda or any of its non-U.S. affiliates are engaged in a trade or business in the United States, Weatherford Bermuda or such non-U.S. affiliate would be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax on income that is subject to the taxing jurisdiction of the United States, and possibly the U.S. branch profits tax. LEGISLATION HAS BEEN PROPOSED THAT WOULD TREAT WEATHERFORD BERMUDA AS A U.S. CORPORATION FOR TAX PURPOSES AFTER THE MERGER. Several members of the United States Congress have introduced legislation that, if enacted, may cause Weatherford Bermuda to be treated as a U.S. corporation for tax purposes. One bill would apply 8 beginning in 2003 to corporations regardless of when such corporations effectuated their restructuring. Two bills would apply immediately to any corporation restructuring after September 11, 2001 and would apply beginning in 2004 to corporations restructuring on or before September 11, 2001. A fourth bill would apply to corporations restructuring on or after January 1, 2002. In addition, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the ranking Republican member have expressed concern with restructurings of the sort we are proposing and stated that they will introduce a bipartisan bill on the issue. In a separate initiative, the United States Treasury Department has indicated that it will study such restructurings. It is impossible at this time to predict what legislation, if any, may be enacted. Weatherford Delaware will review all legislative developments prior to completing the merger to determine whether it is advisable to proceed. If the merger is completed, it is possible that legislation may be enacted thereafter with retroactive effect, which will treat Weatherford Bermuda as a U.S. corporation for tax purposes or reduce certain other benefits of the merger. In this event, under certain circumstances, Weatherford Bermuda might be subjected to more burdensome U.S. taxes than an ordinary U.S. corporation. Moreover, if Weatherford Bermuda for this or any other reason decided to redomesticate in the United States, the shareholders would possibly incur a tax on any incremental post-merger gain or possibly on their share of the earnings and profits, as determined for tax purposes, of Weatherford Bermuda. WEATHERFORD BERMUDA IS A BERMUDA EXEMPTED COMPANY, AND IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO ENFORCE JUDGMENTS AGAINST WEATHERFORD BERMUDA OR ITS DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. Weatherford Bermuda is a Bermuda exempted company. As a result, the rights of holders of Weatherford Bermuda common shares will be governed by Bermuda law and Weatherford Bermuda's memorandum of association and bye-laws. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. One of the persons who will be a director of Weatherford Bermuda after the merger and some of the named experts referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus are not residents of the United States, and a substantial portion of Weatherford Bermuda's assets will be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on those persons in the United States or to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against Weatherford Bermuda or those persons based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. We have been advised by our Bermuda counsel, Conyers Dill & Pearman, that uncertainty exists as to whether courts in Bermuda will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, including the United States, against Weatherford Bermuda or its directors or officers under the securities laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in Bermuda against Weatherford Bermuda or its directors or officers under the securities laws of other jurisdictions. WEATHERFORD BERMUDA'S BYE-LAWS RESTRICT SHAREHOLDERS FROM BRINGING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST WEATHERFORD BERMUDA'S OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS. Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws contain a broad waiver by Weatherford Bermuda's shareholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on Weatherford Bermuda's behalf, against any of Weatherford Bermuda's officers or directors. The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director. This waiver limits the right of shareholders to assert claims against Weatherford Bermuda's officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty. 9 WEATHERFORD BERMUDA'S BYE-LAWS HAVE ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS THAT MAY DISCOURAGE A CHANGE OF CONTROL. Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions provide for: - directors only to be removed for cause; - restrictions on the time period in which directors may be nominated; and - the board of directors to determine the powers, preferences and rights of Weatherford Bermuda's preference shares and to issue the preference shares without shareholder approval. Similar to the current authority of Weatherford Delaware's board of directors, the board of directors of Weatherford Bermuda may issue preferred shares and determine their rights and qualifications. The issuance of preferred shares may delay, defer or prevent a merger, amalgamation, tender offer or proxy contest involving Weatherford Bermuda. This may cause the market price of Weatherford Bermuda shares to decrease significantly. These provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire Weatherford Bermuda, even if the third party's offer may be considered beneficial by many shareholders. As a result, shareholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares. YOUR RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER WILL CHANGE AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER. Because of differences in Bermuda law and Delaware law and differences in the governing documents of Weatherford Bermuda and Weatherford Delaware, your rights as a stockholder will change if the merger is completed. For a description of these differences, please read "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders -- Comparison of Corporate Governance Provisions" beginning on page 29. 10 THE MERGER STRUCTURE OF THE MERGER The board of directors of Weatherford Delaware has approved and recommends that you adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger. Under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into Weatherford Delaware. Weatherford Delaware will be the surviving company in the merger and become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda. The terms of the merger are set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger attached as Annex I to this proxy statement/prospectus. As a result of the merger, your shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock will automatically convert into the right to receive the same number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. After completion of the merger, you will own an interest in a Bermuda holding company which, through Weatherford Delaware and its other subsidiaries, will be engaged in the same business that Weatherford Delaware and its subsidiaries were engaged in prior to the merger. The merger involves the following steps: 1. Merger Sub will merge with and into Weatherford Delaware. Weatherford Delaware will be the surviving entity and become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda. 2. In the merger, each outstanding share of common stock of Weatherford Delaware will automatically convert by operation of law into the right to receive one common share of Weatherford Bermuda. Stockholders of Weatherford Delaware will own exactly the same number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares immediately after the merger as they owned in Weatherford Delaware immediately before the merger. For a description of the terms of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares, please read the discussion under "Description of Authorized Shares of Weatherford International Ltd." beginning on page 21. Although Weatherford Bermuda will be incorporated under Bermuda law, Weatherford Bermuda will be legally managed and controlled through an executive office located in Barbados. Weatherford Bermuda will be registered as an external company in Barbados under the Barbados Companies Act, Cap. 308 of the laws of Barbados, and licensed to operate as an "International Business Company" or "IBC." BACKGROUND AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION International activities are an important part of our current business. Internationally, operating revenues were approximately $1,020 million in 2000 and $1,379 million in 2001, accounting for approximately 56% and 59%, respectively, of our total operating revenues in these years. We believe that a substantial portion of future opportunities for our services will be outside of the United States and accordingly, we believe international operations will account for a greater percentage of our total revenues in the future. We believe the merger will give us competitive advantages not available to a U.S. company. As a Bermuda company, we believe we will have greater access to international capital markets and international acquisition opportunities, which will allow us to implement our international expansion strategy more effectively. In addition, a number of our competitors are incorporated outside of the United States and already have these competitive advantages. We believe the merger will allow us to compete more effectively on a global scale. GLOBAL TAX POSITION The board of Weatherford Delaware is recommending the merger in part because it believes that the merger will improve our global tax position and should maximize potential growth and cash flow. We anticipate that the reorganized structure may enhance our ability to realize significant tax savings. However, we cannot give any assurance as to what our tax savings will be after the merger. After the merger, our tax rate will depend on, among other things, profitability and the relative mix of our operations 11 worldwide and our ability to react to any changes in tax laws, treaties and policies and the interpretation of these laws, treaties and policies in the jurisdictions where we operate or are incorporated or are resident. Our actual effective tax rate may vary materially from our expectations. As a result of the expected improvement in cash flow, we believe we will be able to: - maximize growth of existing businesses; and - commit additional capital to international expansion. Weatherford Bermuda will be indirectly subject to U.S. tax on income earned from its U.S. business much as we are now. However, we believe the merger may: - improve our global tax position; - facilitate foreign tax savings through a more flexible corporate structure; and - provide future U.S. tax savings to the extent that new foreign businesses may be held by Weatherford Bermuda without any intervening U.S. owners. Thus, the new corporate structure should give us greater flexibility in seeking to lower our worldwide tax liability and effective tax rate. In addition, Weatherford Delaware's board believes that the merger will result in a more favorable corporate structure for expansion of our current business because it will facilitate the cost effective acquisition and operation of non-U.S. businesses. It is important to note that several members of the United States Congress have introduced legislation that, if enacted, would have the effect of eliminating or reducing the anticipated tax benefits of the transaction. In addition, several other members of the United States Congress and the Treasury Department have recently announced the intent to investigate transactions such as the merger. As a result of the increased scrutiny of these transactions, changes in the tax laws, tax treaties or tax regulations may occur, with prospective or retroactive effect, which could have an adverse effect on the expected benefits of the merger. If in response to any of these changes Weatherford Bermuda or its subsidiaries undertake a corporate restructuring, such restructuring could result in additional adverse tax consequences to Weatherford Bermuda, its subsidiaries or its shareholders. POTENTIAL EXPANSION OF INVESTOR BASE The board of Weatherford Delaware also believes that the merger may increase Weatherford Bermuda's attractiveness to non-U.S. investors. Estate taxes are payable in some cases in respect of the value of shares in a U.S. corporation owned by a non-U.S. investor. Although Weatherford Delaware has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock, distributions with respect to stock in a U.S. corporation to nonresident aliens could be subject to withholding taxes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. As you will own common shares of a non-U.S. corporation following the merger, these taxes will generally no longer be applicable to non-U.S. investors. Under existing Bermuda law, there will be no Bermuda income or withholding tax on dividends, if any, paid by Weatherford Bermuda to its shareholders. Furthermore, no Bermuda tax or other levy is payable on the sale or other transfer (including by gift or on the death of the shareholder) of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Likewise, under existing Barbados law, there will be no Barbados income or withholding tax on dividends, if any, paid by Weatherford Bermuda to its shareholders. Furthermore, U.S. shareholders will not be subject to any Barbados taxation on the sale or other transfer (including by gift or on the death of the shareholder) of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Weatherford Bermuda is not aware of any other taxes that non-U.S. residents might incur that could discourage an investment in Weatherford Bermuda as compared to an investment in Weatherford Delaware. As a result, non-U.S. investors may be more receptive to an investment in Weatherford Bermuda common shares. In addition to the potential benefits described above, the merger will expose you to some risks. Please read the discussion under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8. There are also differences between 12 Delaware and Bermuda corporate law and the organizational documents of Weatherford Delaware and Weatherford Bermuda. For a discussion of these differences, please read "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders" beginning on page 29. The board of directors of Weatherford Delaware has determined that the potential advantages of the merger substantially outweigh these risks and differences. Accordingly, the board of directors of Weatherford Delaware has approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger and declared its advisability and recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" its adoption. However, no assurances can be given that the anticipated benefits of the merger will be realized. THE MERGER AGREEMENT Weatherford Delaware, Weatherford Bermuda, Merger Sub and Weatherford U.S. Holdings will enter into the Agreement and Plan of Merger, which is the legal document that governs the merger. We recommend that you read carefully the complete merger agreement for the precise legal terms of the merger and other information that may be important to you. The merger agreement is included in this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex I and is incorporated in this document by reference. CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER The merger will not be completed unless, among other things, the following conditions are satisfied or, if allowed by law, waived: - the Agreement and Plan of Merger is adopted by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock outstanding on the record date; - none of the parties to the Agreement and Plan of Merger is subject to any governmental decree, order or injunction that in the discretion of the board of directors of Weatherford Delaware would make the consummation of any of the steps in the merger inadvisable; - the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and no stop order is in effect; - the Weatherford Bermuda common shares to be issued in connection with the merger have been approved for listing on The New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, for at least 10 trading days prior to the effective time of the merger; - all filings required by any governmental or regulatory agency are made; and - all consents and approvals required by any governmental or regulatory agency and all other material third-party consents are received. We are parties to agreements that require the consent of third parties prior to the implementation of the merger. We believe that we will obtain all material consents required prior to the completion of the merger and that the failure to obtain any other consents will not have a material impact on our business or our ability to consummate the merger. EFFECTIVE TIME If the Agreement and Plan of Merger is adopted by the requisite vote of Weatherford Delaware stockholders, the merger will become effective upon the filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with Delaware law. If the merger agreement is adopted, Weatherford Delaware expects to file the certificate of merger and have the merger become effective promptly following the special meeting, although the board of directors may delay completion of the merger for some period of time after stockholder approval pending receipt of third-party consents or for other business reasons. In the event the conditions to the merger are not satisfied, the merger may be abandoned or delayed even after the Agreement and Plan of Merger has been adopted by our stockholders. In addition, the merger may be abandoned or delayed for any reason by the board of directors of Weatherford Delaware at 13 any time prior to its becoming effective, even though the Agreement and Plan of Merger has been adopted by our stockholders and all conditions to the merger have been satisfied. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION The Agreement and Plan of Merger may be amended, modified or supplemented at any time before or after its adoption by Weatherford Delaware stockholders. However, after adoption, no amendment, modification or supplement may be made or effected that does any of the following: - alters or changes the amount or kind of shares to be received by Weatherford Delaware stockholders in the merger; - alters or changes any term of the certificate of incorporation of the surviving corporation; or - alters or changes any other terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger if any of the alterations or changes would adversely affect the holders of Weatherford Delaware common stock. Weatherford Delaware's board of directors may terminate the Agreement and Plan of Merger and abandon the merger at any time prior to its effectiveness. SHARE CONVERSION; EXCHANGE OF SHARES Each share of Weatherford Delaware common stock will automatically convert by operation of law into the right to receive one common share of Weatherford Bermuda upon the consummation of the merger. If you desire to sell some or all of your Weatherford Bermuda common shares after the effective date of the merger, delivery of the stock certificate(s) that previously represented shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock will be sufficient. The holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by a U.S. holder recognizing a gain, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, with respect to the merger will begin the day after the effective date of the merger. The holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by U.S. holders with a loss, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, on their Weatherford Delaware common stock will include the holding period of the Weatherford Delaware common stock exchanged therefor. Your right to sell shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock before the effective date of the merger will not be affected. Weatherford U.S. Holdings will appoint American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as exchange agent to handle the exchange of Weatherford Delaware stock certificates for Weatherford Bermuda common share certificates. Prior to or at the time of the merger, Weatherford U.S. Holdings will cause certificates representing a sufficient number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares to be deposited with the exchange agent for the purpose of enabling stockholders to exchange their Weatherford Delaware common stock for an equal number of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Soon after the closing of the merger, the exchange agent will send a letter of transmittal, which is to be used to exchange Weatherford Delaware stock certificates for Weatherford Bermuda share certificates, to each former Weatherford Delaware stockholder. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions explaining the procedure for surrendering Weatherford Delaware stock certificates. YOU SHOULD NOT RETURN STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. Weatherford Delaware stockholders who surrender their stock certificates, together with a properly completed letter of transmittal, will receive share certificates representing the common shares of Weatherford Bermuda. After the merger, each certificate that previously represented shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock will represent only the right to receive the common shares of Weatherford Bermuda. Although Weatherford Bermuda anticipates that it will not pay any cash dividends on its common shares for the foreseeable future, if it does pay any dividends it will not pay dividends to holders of 14 Weatherford Delaware stock certificates in respect of the common shares of Weatherford Bermuda into which the Weatherford Delaware shares represented by those certificates have been converted until the Weatherford Delaware stock certificates are surrendered to the exchange agent. After the merger becomes effective, Weatherford Delaware will not register any further transfers of shares of the Weatherford Delaware common stock that were outstanding prior to the merger. Any certificates for Weatherford Delaware shares that you present for registration after the effective time of the merger will be exchanged for certificates for Weatherford Bermuda common shares. If you surrender a Weatherford Delaware stock certificate and request the new Weatherford Bermuda certificate to be issued in a name other than the one appearing on the surrendered certificate, you must endorse the stock certificate or otherwise prepare it to be in proper form for transfer. MANAGEMENT OF WEATHERFORD BERMUDA When the merger is completed, all of the directors and all of the executive officers of Weatherford Delaware will also be the directors and executive officers of Weatherford Bermuda. The current directors of Weatherford Delaware will also continue as directors of Weatherford Delaware. REQUIRED VOTE FOR THE MERGER In order to complete the merger, the merger agreement must be adopted by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock outstanding on [MONTH DAY], 2002. Because of this vote requirement, ABSTENTIONS WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL TO ADOPT THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER. THE FAILURE OF A STOCKHOLDER TO SUBMIT A FORM OF PROXY OR TO VOTE IN PERSON AT THE MEETING WILL ALSO HAVE THE EFFECT OF A VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER. Under the rules of The New York Stock Exchange, brokers who hold shares in "street name" for customers have the authority to vote on many "routine" proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. Under these rules, brokers are precluded from exercising their voting discretion with respect to proposals for non-routine matters like the merger. THUS, ABSENT SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOU, YOUR BROKER IS NOT EMPOWERED TO VOTE YOUR SHARES WITH RESPECT TO THE ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (I.E., "BROKER NON-VOTES"). Because the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock is required for adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, A BROKER NON-VOTE WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A VOTE AGAINST ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER. NO RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS Under Delaware law, you will not have "dissenters" or appraisal rights in connection with the merger because, among other reasons, Weatherford Delaware common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and Weatherford Bermuda common shares will be listed on The New York Stock Exchange following the effective time of the merger. DIVIDENDS Weatherford Delaware has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. We do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. If the Agreement and Plan of Merger is adopted and the merger is completed, Weatherford Bermuda anticipates that it will not pay any cash dividends on its common shares for the foreseeable future. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS If the merger is completed, Weatherford Delaware will amend and revise its employee and director stock option and other stock-based plans and arrangements to: - provide that Weatherford Delaware will continue to sponsor the employee plans and Weatherford Bermuda will assume sponsorship of certain director plans; 15 - provide that common shares of Weatherford Bermuda will be issued upon the exercise of any options or the payment of any other stock-based awards under the plans and arrangements; and - otherwise appropriately reflect the substitution of common shares of Weatherford Bermuda for common stock of Weatherford Delaware under the plans and arrangements and related agreements. Your approval of the merger will also constitute approval of those amendments and revisions to our stock option and other stock-based plans and arrangements providing for future use of Weatherford Bermuda common shares in lieu of common stock of Weatherford Delaware after the merger. STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING Our common stock is currently listed on The New York Stock Exchange. There is currently no established public trading market for the common shares of Weatherford Bermuda. We will make an application so that, immediately following the merger, the common shares of Weatherford Bermuda will be listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFT", the same symbol under which Weatherford Delaware common stock is currently listed. ACCOUNTING TREATMENT OF THE MERGER The merger will be accounted for as a merger of entities under common control that will not result in changes in Weatherford Delaware's historical consolidated carrying amounts of assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity. CREDIT FACILITIES As a result of the merger, a "change of control" of Weatherford Delaware may be deemed to have occurred under: - our credit agreement, dated as of May 27, 1998, as amended, among Weatherford Delaware, one of its subsidiaries, Chase Bank of Texas, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia, and ABN AMRO Bank NV, which we refer to as the Chase credit agreement; - our credit agreement, dated as of April 26, 2001, as amended, among Weatherford Delaware, two of its subsidiaries, Bank One, NA, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Canada, ABN AMRO Bank NV and Banc One Capital Markets, Inc., which we refer to as the Bank One credit agreement; - our credit agreement, dated as of June 18, 2001, as amended, among several subsidiaries of Weatherford Delaware and The Royal Bank of Scotland, which we refer to as the Royal Bank of Scotland credit agreement; and - the agreements dated as of July 2, 2001 among Weatherford Delaware, several of its subsidiaries, and several financial institutions relating to the sale of U.S. accounts receivable by Weatherford Delaware's subsidiaries, which we refer to collectively as the U.S. receivables facility. A change of control of Weatherford Delaware under the Chase credit agreement and the Bank One credit agreement would require a mandatory prepayment of all amounts borrowed under these facilities within 15 days after the change of control, and would constitute an event of default under the Royal Bank of Scotland credit agreement. A change of control of Weatherford Delaware would constitute a "termination event" under the U.S. receivables facility, which would terminate our ability to sell any additional receivables under this facility and would require that all receipts on previously sold receivables be applied to repay investments made by the purchasers under this facility until they had received a specified return on their investment. As of February 28, 2002, borrowings under the Chase credit agreement totaled $50.0 million, under the Bank One credit agreement totaled $90.2 million, and under the Royal Bank of Scotland credit agreement totaled $24.4 million. As of that date, we also had $38.1 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Chase credit agreement. Also as of that date, purchasers under the U.S. receivables facility would be entitled to receive approximately $116.5 million 16 from the collection of our receivables upon a termination event. Weatherford Delaware presently intends to seek waivers in connection with any such change of control and any resulting mandatory prepayments, default, and termination event, although we cannot assure you that Weatherford Delaware will be able to obtain these waivers. If waivers are not obtained, we will need to refinance amounts under the relevant agreements. Weatherford Delaware does not believe such mandatory prepayments, default or termination event will adversely affect it, its operations or its stockholders or Weatherford Bermuda or its shareholders if the merger is completed. 17 THE SPECIAL MEETING This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Weatherford Delaware common stock by the Weatherford Delaware board of directors relating to the merger and other matters to be voted upon at the special meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. This proxy statement/prospectus is also a prospectus for Weatherford Bermuda common shares to be issued in connection with the merger. Weatherford Delaware mailed this proxy statement/prospectus to stockholders beginning on or about [MONTH DAY], 2002. You should read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully before voting your shares. WHEN AND WHERE THE SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD The special meeting of stockholders will be held at 11:00 a.m. (Houston time) on [DAY] [MONTH DAY], 2002, at The St. Regis Hotel, located at 1919 Briar Oaks Lane in Houston, Texas. Please note that our annual meeting of stockholders is being held on June 26, 2002, at 9:00 a.m. You should have already received a proxy statement and a proxy card for the annual meeting. IN ORDER FOR YOUR SHARES TO BE VOTED AT BOTH THE ANNUAL MEETING AND THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN BOTH PROXY CARDS. We urge you to return both proxy cards for the annual meeting and the special meeting. WHAT WILL BE VOTED UPON At the special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following items: - To adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, substantially in the form attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex I, among Weatherford Delaware, Merger Sub, Weatherford Bermuda and Weatherford U.S. Holdings whereby Weatherford Delaware will become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda and you will become a shareholder of Weatherford Bermuda. The merger will be accomplished by merging Merger Sub with and into Weatherford Delaware. Weatherford Delaware will be the surviving entity and become an indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda; - To transact any other business as may properly come before the special meeting. ONLY WEATHERFORD DELAWARE STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD AS OF [MONTH DAY], 2002 ARE ENTITLED TO VOTE Only stockholders of record at the close of business on [MONTH DAY], 2002, as shown in our records, will be entitled to vote, or to grant proxies to vote, at the special meeting. On the record date, there were [NUMBER] shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting. MAJORITY OF OUTSTANDING SHARES MUST BE REPRESENTED FOR A VOTE TO BE TAKEN In order to have a quorum, the holders of a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock outstanding on the record date must be represented in person or by proxy at the special meeting. VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL The Agreement and Plan of Merger must be adopted by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock outstanding on [MONTH DAY], 2002. Each share of Weatherford Delaware common stock is entitled to cast one vote. VOTING YOUR SHARES AND CHANGING YOUR VOTE VOTING YOUR SHARES The Weatherford Delaware board of directors is soliciting proxies from the Weatherford Delaware stockholders. This will give you the opportunity to vote at the special meeting. When you deliver a valid 18 proxy, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted in accordance with your instructions. IF YOU DO NOT VOTE BY MARKING, SIGNING AND MAILING YOUR PROXY CARD OR BY ATTENDING THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTING IN PERSON, IT WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER. Stockholders of record may vote by marking, signing and mailing their proxy card in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope or by following the Internet or telephone voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If you hold your Weatherford Delaware shares in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or nominee when voting your shares. To be effective, a form of proxy must be received by us prior to the beginning of voting at the special meeting. CHANGING YOUR VOTE BY REVOKING YOUR PROXY There are three ways in which you may revoke your proxy and change your vote: - First, you may send a written notice to our proxy solicitor, Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc., stating that you would like to revoke your proxy. This notice must be received prior to the special meeting. - Second, you may complete and submit a new later-dated proxy either by Internet, by phone, or by marking, signing and mailing a new proxy card. The latest dated proxy actually received by Weatherford Delaware prior to the special meeting will be the one that is counted, and all earlier proxies will be revoked. - Third, you may attend the special meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the meeting, however, will not revoke your proxy. At the special meeting, the chairman of the meeting will announce instructions for you to follow if you wish to revoke your proxy and vote in person at the meeting. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow the directions you receive from your broker to change or revoke your proxy. HOW PROXIES ARE COUNTED If you return a signed and dated proxy card but do not indicate how the shares are to be voted, those shares represented by your proxy card will be voted for the merger. A valid proxy also gives the individuals named as proxies authority to vote in their discretion when voting the shares on any other matters that are properly presented for action at the special meeting. A properly executed proxy marked "ABSTAIN" will not be voted. However, it will be counted to determine whether there is a quorum present at the special meeting. Accordingly, because the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Weatherford Delaware common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting is required to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, A PROXY MARKED "ABSTAIN" WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF A VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL. Broker non-votes (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees which are represented at a meeting but with respect to which the broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a particular proposal) will also be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum at the special meeting. The New York Stock Exchange rules do not permit brokers and nominees to vote the shares that they hold beneficially either for or against the adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger without specific instructions from the person who beneficially owns those shares. THEREFORE, IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD BY A BROKER OR OTHER NOMINEE AND YOU DO NOT GIVE THEM INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE YOUR SHARES, THIS WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING AGAINST THE MERGER. COST OF SOLICITATION Weatherford Delaware will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to solicitation by mail, telephone or other means, Weatherford Delaware will make arrangements with brokerage houses and other 19 custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxy material to beneficial owners. Weatherford Delaware will, upon request, reimburse these institutions for their reasonable expenses. Weatherford Delaware has retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. to aid in the solicitation of proxies. Weatherford Delaware will pay Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. a fee of $6,500 and reimburse Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. for its expenses in connection with its services. WEATHERFORD DELAWARE STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR PROXY CARDS. 20 DESCRIPTION OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD. Weatherford Bermuda is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and is registered with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda under registration number 31953. Weatherford Bermuda was incorporated on April 2, 2002 under the name Weatherford International Ltd. Weatherford Bermuda's registered office is located at 2 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda. Weatherford Bermuda's agent for service of process in the United States is Weatherford International, Inc., 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77027-3415, USA. The memorandum of association and bye-laws of Weatherford Bermuda and the Companies Act 1981 (Bermuda), as amended, govern the terms of the share capital of Weatherford Bermuda. The memorandum of association of Weatherford Bermuda is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex II. Prior to the merger, Weatherford Bermuda's directors and shareholders will approve certain amendments to its bye-laws. The bye-laws of Weatherford Bermuda that will be in effect upon consummation of the merger will be in the form attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex III. Since April 2, 2002, there have been no (i) material changes to Weatherford Bermuda's share capital, (ii) mergers, amalgamations or consolidations of Weatherford Bermuda or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) material changes in the mode of conducting Weatherford Bermuda's business, (iv) material changes in the types of products produced or services rendered and (v) name changes. There have been no bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar proceedings with respect to Weatherford Bermuda or its subsidiaries. There have been no public takeover offers by third parties for Weatherford Bermuda's shares nor any public takeover offers by Weatherford Bermuda for the shares of another company that have occurred during the last or current financial years. The following discussion is a summary of the terms of the share capital of Weatherford Bermuda that will be in effect immediately following the merger. This summary is not complete and is subject to the complete text of Weatherford Bermuda's memorandum of association and bye-laws that are attached as Annex II and Annex III, respectively, and incorporated by reference. We encourage you to read those documents carefully. AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL Immediately following the completion of the merger, Weatherford Bermuda's authorized share capital will consist of 500,000,000 common shares, par value US$1.00 per share and 10,000,000 undesignated preference shares, par value US$1.00 per share. Upon completion of the merger, there will be common shares issued and outstanding, excluding common shares issuable upon exercise of options granted as of 2002, and no preference shares issued and outstanding. All of Weatherford Bermuda's issued and outstanding common shares prior to the merger will be fully paid, and all of Weatherford Bermuda's shares to be received by Weatherford Delaware's stockholders in the merger will be fully paid. Pursuant to Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws, and subject to the requirements of any stock exchange on which Weatherford Bermuda's shares will be listed and to any resolution of the shareholders to the contrary, Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors is authorized to issue any of Weatherford Bermuda's authorized but unissued shares. There are no limitations on the right of non-Bermudians or non-residents of Bermuda to hold or vote Weatherford Bermuda's shares. MEETINGS, QUORUMS AND VOTING Under Bermuda law, a company is required to convene at least one general meeting of shareholders each calendar year. Bermuda law provides that a special general meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors of a company and must be called upon the request of shareholders holding not less than 10% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote. Bermuda law also requires that shareholders be given at least five days' advance notice (unless shorter notice is agreed, as described 21 below) of a general meeting, but the accidental omission to give notice to any person does not invalidate the proceedings at a meeting. Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws provide that the chairman or Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors may convene an annual general meeting or a special general meeting. Under Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws, at least 10 days' notice of an annual general meeting or a special general meeting must be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting. This notice requirement is subject to the ability to hold such meetings on shorter notice if such notice is agreed: (i) in the case of an annual general meeting, by all of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at such meeting; or (ii) in the case of a special general meeting, by a majority of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting holding not less than 95% of the shares entitled to vote at such meeting. The quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders is two or more persons present in person and representing in person or by proxy a majority of the shares entitled to vote at such meeting. The holders of Weatherford Bermuda common shares will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of common shares of Weatherford Bermuda. Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws do not provide for cumulative voting. Except as specifically provided in Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws or in the Companies Act, any action to be taken by the shareholders at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance shall be decided by a majority of the issued shares present in person or represented by proxy and voting at such meeting. There are no limitations imposed by Bermuda law or Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws on the right of shareholders who are not Bermuda residents to hold or vote their Weatherford Bermuda common shares. DIVIDEND RIGHTS Under Bermuda law, a company's board of directors may declare and pay dividends from time to time unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and share premium accounts. Each Weatherford Bermuda common share is entitled to dividends if, as and when dividends are declared by its board of directors, subject to any preferred dividend right of the holders of any preference shares. There are no restrictions on Weatherford Bermuda's ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S. residents who are holders of Weatherford Bermuda's common shares. Any cash dividends payable to shareholders of Weatherford Bermuda at any time when the corresponding shares are quoted on The New York Stock Exchange will be paid to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Weatherford Bermuda's transfer agent in the United States, for disbursement to those holders. Weatherford Bermuda does not anticipate that it will pay any cash dividends on its common shares for the foreseeable future. PREEMPTIVE, REDEMPTION, SINKING FUND AND CONVERSION RIGHTS Holders of Weatherford Bermuda's common shares have no preemptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights. STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING Immediately following the merger, Weatherford Bermuda's common shares will be listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFT", the same symbol under which Weatherford Delaware's common stock is currently listed. CAPITALIZATION OF PROFITS AND RESERVES Pursuant to Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws, its board of directors may (i) capitalize any part of the amount of Weatherford Bermuda's share premium or other reserve accounts or any amount credited to its profit and loss account or otherwise available for distribution by applying such sum in paying up unissued shares to be allotted as fully paid bonus shares pro-rata (except in connection with the conversion of 22 shares) to the shareholders; or (ii) capitalize any sum standing to the credit of a reserve account or sums otherwise available for dividend or distribution by paying up in full partly paid shares of those shareholders who would have been entitled to such sums if they were distributed by way of dividend or distribution. UNTRACED SHAREHOLDERS Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws provide that its board of directors may forfeit any dividend or other monies payable in respect of any shares that remain unclaimed for 12 years from the date when such monies became due for payment. In addition, Weatherford Bermuda is entitled to cease sending dividend warrants and checks by post or otherwise to a shareholder if such instruments have been returned undelivered to, or left uncashed by, such shareholder on at least two consecutive occasions or, following one such occasion, reasonable inquiries have failed to establish the shareholder's new address. This entitlement ceases if the shareholder claims a dividend or cashes a dividend check or a warrant. CHANGES TO RIGHTS OF A CLASS If at any time Weatherford Bermuda has more than one class of shares, the rights attached to any class, unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the relevant class, may be varied either: (i) with the consent in writing of the holders of 75% in nominal value of the issued shares of that class; or (ii) with the sanction of a majority of votes cast at a general meeting of the relevant class of shareholders at which a quorum, consisting of two or more persons holding or representing by proxy one-third of the issued shares of the class, is present. Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws specify that the creation or issue of shares ranking equally with existing shares will not, unless expressly provided by the terms of issue of those shares, vary the rights attached to existing shares. In addition, the creation or issue of preferred shares ranking prior to common shares will not be deemed to vary the rights attached to common shares. RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION In the event of Weatherford Bermuda's liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of its common shares are entitled to share equally and ratably in Weatherford Bermuda's assets, if any, remaining after the payment of all of Weatherford Bermuda's debts and liabilities, subject to any liquidation preference on any outstanding preference shares. LIABILITY FOR FURTHER CALLS OR ASSESSMENTS Weatherford Bermuda's common shares to be acquired by Weatherford Delaware's stockholders in the merger will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. TRANSFER OF SHARES Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors may in its absolute discretion and without assigning any reason refuse to register the transfer of a share that is not fully paid. Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors may also refuse to recognize an instrument of transfer of a share unless it is accompanied by the relevant share certificate and such other evidence of the transferor's right to make the transfer as Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors shall reasonably require. Subject to these restrictions, a holder of common shares may transfer the title to all or any of its common shares by completing a form of transfer in the form set out as Form "C" in the Schedule to Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws (or as near thereto as circumstances admit) or in such other common form as the board of directors may accept. The instrument of transfer must be signed by the transferor and transferee, although in the case of a fully paid share Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors may accept the instrument signed only by the transferor. REPURCHASE RIGHTS The board of directors may, at its discretion, authorize the purchase by Weatherford Bermuda of its own shares of any class, at any price (whether at par or above or below par), as long as the purchase is made in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. 23 ACCESS TO BOOKS AND RECORDS AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION Under Bermuda law, members of the general public have the right to inspect the public documents of a company available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda. These documents include the company's memorandum of association, including its objects and powers, and certain alterations to its memorandum of association. The shareholders have the additional right to inspect the bye-laws of the company, minutes of general meetings and the company's audited financial statements, which must be presented at the annual general meeting. The register of shareholders of a company is also open to inspection by shareholders without charge and by members of the general public on the payment of a fee. The register of shareholders is required to be open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day (subject to the ability of a company to close the register of shareholders for not more than 30 days in a year). A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, establish a branch register outside Bermuda. A company is required to keep at its registered office a register of directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right of shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records. COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF SHARES HELD BY MINORITY HOLDERS An acquiring party is generally able to acquire compulsorily the common shares of minority holders in the following ways: - By a procedure under the Companies Act known as a "scheme of arrangement". A scheme of arrangement could be effected by obtaining the agreement of Weatherford Bermuda and of holders of common shares, representing in the aggregate a majority in number and at least 75% in value of the common shareholders present and voting at a court ordered meeting held to consider the scheme of arrangement. The scheme of arrangement must then be sanctioned by the Bermuda Supreme Court. If a scheme of arrangement receives all necessary agreements and sanctions, upon the filing of the court order with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda, all holders of common shares could be compelled to sell their shares under the terms of the scheme of arrangement. - If the acquiring party is a company, by acquiring pursuant to a tender offer 90% of the shares or class of shares not already owned by, or by a nominee for, the acquiring party (the offeror), or any of its subsidiaries. If an offeror has, within four months after the making of an offer for all the shares or class of shares not owned by, or by a nominee for, the offeror, or any of its subsidiaries, obtained the approval of the holders of 90% or more of all the shares to which the offer relates, the offeror may, at any time within two months beginning with the date on which the approval was obtained, require by notice any nontendering shareholder to transfer its shares on the same terms as the original offer. In those circumstances, nontendering shareholders will be compelled to sell their shares unless the Bermuda Supreme Court (on application made within a one-month period from the date of the offeror's notice of its intention to acquire such shares) orders otherwise. - Where the acquiring party or parties hold not less than 95% of the shares or a class of shares of the company, by acquiring, pursuant to a notice given to the remaining shareholders or class of shareholders, the shares of such remaining shareholders or class of shareholders. When this notice is given, the acquiring party is entitled and bound to acquire the shares of the remaining shareholders on the terms set out in the notice, unless a remaining shareholder, within one month of receiving such notice, applies to the Bermuda Supreme Court for an appraisal of the value of their shares. This provision only applies where the acquiring party offers the same terms to all holders of shares whose shares are being acquired. REGISTRAR OR TRANSFER AGENT A register of holders of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares will be maintained by Codan Services Limited in Bermuda, and a branch register will be maintained in the United States by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, who will serve as branch registrar and transfer agent. 24 PREFERRED SHARES Pursuant to Bermuda law and Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws, its board of directors by resolution may establish one or more series of preference shares having such number of shares, designations, dividend rates, relative voting rights, conversion or exchange rights, redemption rights, liquidation rights and other relative participation, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions as may be fixed by the board of directors without any further shareholder approval. Such rights, preferences, powers and limitations as may be established could also have the effect of discouraging an attempt to obtain control of the Company. ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws have provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect. Generally, these provisions are intended to substantively replicate provisions currently in Weatherford Delaware's restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws. In addition, Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws include an "advance notice" provision that places time limitations on shareholders' nominations of directors and submission of proposals for consideration at an annual general meeting. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the board of directors and in the policies formulated by the board of directors and to encourage negotiations with the board of directors in transactions that may involve an actual or potential change of control of Weatherford Bermuda. Directors can be removed from office at a special general meeting of shareholders only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of Weatherford Bermuda on the relevant record date. The board of directors does not have the power to remove directors. These provisions can delay a shareholder from obtaining majority representation on the board of directors. The bye-laws also provide that the board of directors will consist of not less than three nor more than 18 persons, the exact number to be set from time to time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office. Accordingly, the board of directors, and not the shareholders, has the authority to determine the number of directors and could delay any shareholder from obtaining majority representation on the board of directors by enlarging the board of directors and filling the new vacancies with its own nominees. The bye-laws of Weatherford Bermuda provide that at any annual general meeting, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors, by any shareholder who complies with certain procedures set forth in the bye-laws or by any shareholder pursuant to the valid exercise of the power granted under the Companies Act. For business to be properly brought before an annual general meeting by a shareholder in accordance with the terms of the bye-laws, the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of Weatherford Bermuda and satisfied all requirements under applicable rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or by The New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange on which Weatherford Bermuda's securities are traded. To be timely for consideration at the annual general meeting, such shareholder's notice must be received by the Secretary at Weatherford Bermuda's principal executive offices and its registered office in Bermuda not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting, provided that in the event that the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not within 60 days before or after such anniversary date, not later than the 7th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual general meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting was made, whichever occurs first. In order for a shareholder to nominate directors in connection with an annual general meeting of shareholders, a shareholder's notice of his intention to make such nominations must be received in proper written form as specified in the bye-laws of Weatherford Bermuda by the Secretary of Weatherford Bermuda within the time limits described above. In addition, the Companies Act provides for a mechanism by which not less than 100 shareholders or shareholders holding at least 5% of the voting power of a Bermuda company may require the company to give notice of a resolution that may properly be moved at an annual general meeting of the company, or to circulate to members entitled to notice of any 25 general meeting a statement with respect to any proposed resolution or business to be dealt with at that meeting. Please read "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders -- Advance Notice Requirements for Matters to be Considered at a General Meeting" beginning on page 32. Subject to the terms of any other class of shares in issue, any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of Weatherford Bermuda's common shares must be taken at a duly called special or annual general meeting of shareholders unless taken by written resolution signed by or on behalf of all holders of common shares. Under the bye-laws, special general meetings may be called at any time by the chairman, the board of directors or when requisitioned by shareholders pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act. The Companies Act permits shareholders holding at least 10% of the paid-up capital of a company entitled to vote at general meeting to requisition a special general meeting. The board of directors is authorized to issue, from time to time, without obtaining any vote or consent of the holders of any class or series of shares unless expressly provided by the terms of issue of a class or series, any authorized and unissued shares on such terms and conditions as it may determine. For example, the board of directors could authorize the issuance of preferred shares with rights that could discourage a takeover or other transaction that holders of some or a majority of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares might believe to be in their best interests or in which holders might receive a premium for their shares over the then market price of the shares. ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws provide that its board of directors shall consist of between three and 18 directors. Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors will initially consist of 9 directors. Each director is elected for a one-year term of office, expiring at each annual general meeting. Any shareholder wishing to propose for election as a director someone who is not an existing director or is not proposed by Weatherford Bermuda's board of directors must give notice of the intention to propose the person for election. Such notice must be given not later than 60 days and not more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting, provided that in the event that the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not within 60 days before or after such anniversary date, not later than the 7th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual general meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting was made, whichever occurs first. A director may be removed, with cause, by the shareholders, provided notice is given to the director of the shareholders' meeting convened for the purpose of removing the director. The notice must contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and a summary of the facts justifying the removal and must be served on the director not less than 14 days before the meeting. The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal. PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws provide that its business is to be managed and conducted by its board of directors. Bermuda law requires that Weatherford Bermuda's directors be individuals, but there is no requirement in its bye-laws or Bermuda law that directors hold any of its shares. There is also no requirement in Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws or Bermuda law that its directors must retire at a certain age. The remuneration of Weatherford Bermuda's directors is determined by its board of directors, and there is no requirement that a specified number or percentage of "independent" directors must approve any such determination. Weatherford Bermuda's directors may also be reimbursed for all travel, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in connection with Weatherford Bermuda's business or their duties as directors. Provided a director discloses a direct or indirect interest in any contract or arrangement with Weatherford Bermuda as required by Bermuda law, such director is entitled to vote in respect of any such 26 contract or arrangement in which he or she is interested unless he or she is disqualified from voting by the chairman of the relevant board of directors meeting. A director (including the spouse or children of the director or any company of which such director, spouse or children own or control more than 20% of the capital or loan debt) can not borrow from Weatherford Bermuda, (except loans made to directors who are bona fide employees or former employees pursuant to an employees' share scheme) unless shareholders holding 90% of the total voting rights have consented to the loan. CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF BERMUDA LAW Weatherford Bermuda has been designated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a non-resident for Bermuda exchange control purposes. This designation allows Weatherford Bermuda to engage in transactions in currencies other than the Bermuda dollar, and there are no restrictions on Weatherford Bermuda's ability to transfer funds (other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents who are holders of Weatherford Bermuda's common shares. Weatherford Bermuda intends to apply for, and expects to receive the consent of, the Bermuda Monetary Authority for the issue and free transferability of all of the common shares that are to be issued in connection with the merger to and between non-residents of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, provided Weatherford Bermuda's shares remain listed on an appointed stock exchange, which includes The New York Stock Exchange. Approvals or permissions given by the Bermuda Monetary Authority do not constitute a guarantee by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as to Weatherford Bermuda's performance or its creditworthiness. Accordingly, in giving such consent or permissions, the Bermuda Monetary Authority shall not be liable for the financial soundness, performance or default of Weatherford Bermuda's business or for the correctness of any opinions or statements expressed in this proxy statement/prospectus. Certain issues and transfers of common shares involving persons deemed a resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes require the specific consent of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. This proxy statement/prospectus will be filed with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda pursuant to Part III of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda. In accepting this proxy statement/prospectus for filing, the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda shall not be liable for the financial soundness, performance or default of Weatherford Bermuda's business or for the correctness of any opinions or statements expressed in this proxy statement/prospectus. In accordance with Bermuda law, share certificates are only issued in the names of companies, partnerships or individuals. In the case of a shareholder acting in a special capacity (for example, as a trustee), certificates may, at the request of the shareholder, record the capacity in which the shareholder is acting. Notwithstanding such recording of any special capacity, Weatherford Bermuda is not bound to investigate or see to the execution of any such trust. Weatherford Bermuda will take no notice of any trust applicable to any of its shares, whether or not it has been notified of such trust. 27 ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES Weatherford Bermuda is a Bermuda exempted company. As a result, the rights of holders of its common shares will be governed by Bermuda law and its memorandum of association and bye-laws. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in other jurisdictions. One of the persons who will be a director of Weatherford Bermuda after the merger and some of the named experts referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus are not residents of the United States, and a substantial portion of Weatherford Bermuda's assets will be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process on those persons in the United States or to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against Weatherford Bermuda or those persons based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. However, Weatherford Bermuda will irrevocably agree that it may be served with process with respect to actions based on offers and sales of securities made in the United States and other violations of U.S. securities laws by having Weatherford Delaware, located at 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77027, be its United States agent appointed for that purpose. Weatherford Bermuda has been advised by its Bermuda counsel, Conyers Dill & Pearman, that uncertainty exists as to whether courts in Bermuda will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions (including the United States) against Weatherford Bermuda or its directors or officers under the securities laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in Bermuda against Weatherford Bermuda or its directors or officers under the securities laws of other jurisdictions. 28 COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS Your current rights as a stockholder of Weatherford Delaware are governed by Delaware law and Weatherford Delaware's restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws. After the merger, you will become a holder of Weatherford Bermuda common shares and your rights will be governed by the Companies Act and Weatherford Bermuda's memorandum of association and bye-laws. The principal attributes of the existing common stock of Weatherford Delaware and the Weatherford Bermuda common shares will be substantially similar; however, there are certain differences between your rights as a stockholder under Delaware law and as a shareholder under Bermuda law, which is largely modeled after the law of England. In addition, there are certain differences between Weatherford Delaware's restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws and Weatherford Bermuda's memorandum of association and bye-laws. Other than the addition of the advance notice provision in the bye-laws, it is our intention that your rights as a shareholder of Weatherford Bermuda be substantially the same as your rights as a stockholder of Weatherford Delaware before the merger and, accordingly, any differences that may arise would be as a consequence of the difference between Bermuda and Delaware law. In addition, actions that constitute violations of U.S. federal securities laws would not necessarily constitute violations of Bermuda law. Under Bermuda law, criminal liability may arise where any person makes or authorizes the making of an untrue statement in a prospectus unless that statement is immaterial or the person making the statement had reasonable grounds to believe that it was true at the time that he made the statement. In addition, under the Companies Act, civil liability for loss or damage sustained by persons purchasing shares from a company as a result of any untrue statement included in the company's prospectus may arise in respect of promoters of the company, persons who are or are named as officers of the company, and persons who have authorized the issue to the public of the prospectus. Civil liability on the part of the company may also arise as a result of untrue or misleading statements included in a prospectus. The memorandum of association and the bye-laws of Weatherford Bermuda that will be in effect upon consummation of the merger are included in this proxy statement/prospectus as Annexes II and III, respectively, and are incorporated by reference herein. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Weatherford Delaware is included as Exhibit 3.1 to Weatherford Delaware's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed March 31, 1999. The amended and restated by-laws of Weatherford Delaware are included as Exhibit 3.2 to Weatherford Delaware's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 1998. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated by-laws of Weatherford Delaware are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 46. The following is a comparison of the material rights of holders of existing common stock of Weatherford Delaware and common shares of Weatherford Bermuda. COMPARISON OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PROVISIONS PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- BOARD OF DIRECTORS Size of Board Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws Weatherford Delaware's organiza- provide that the board will tional documents provide that the consist of not less than three number of directors shall be nor more than 18 directors, as determined by the board of determined by the board pursuant directors. to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors in office. Term of Office The term of office of each Weatherford Delaware's organiza- director shall be until the next tional documents state that annual meeting following his or directors hold office until their her election and until the successors are elected and election of his or her successor. qualified or until their 29 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- resignation or removal, which ever comes first. Vacancies Any vacancy arising from the Weatherford Delaware's organiza- removal of a director for cause tional documents state that any may be filled by the shareholders vacancy on the board of directors at the meeting at which such may be filled by any vote of the director was removed. If the remaining directors or by the shareholders do not fill such vote of the stockholders. vacancy, it may be filled by the board of directors. Any other vacancy among directors, including a vacancy that results from an increase in the number of directors, may be filled for the unexpired term by the remaining directors, provided that a quorum remains in office. During any vacancy the remaining directors shall have full power to act as the board of directors of Weatherford Bermuda. Removal of Directors Directors can be removed from Under Weatherford Delaware's office at a special general organizational documents, a meeting only for cause by the director may be removed from affirmative vote of the holders office (a) with or without cause of a majority of the voting power by a vote of the majority of of Weatherford Bermuda on the shares of stock entitled to vote relevant record date. in the election of directors or (b) to the extent permitted by law, for cause by the vote of the majority of the directors then in office. However, a director may be removed for cause only after reasonable notice and op- portunity to be heard. Indemnification of Directors and Weatherford Bermuda shall indem- Weatherford Delaware's organiza- Officers nify any current or former tional documents state that director, officer, resident Weatherford shall indemnify representative, or any person directors and officers to the serving or who has served at the fullest extent that the General request of the company as a Corporation Law of the State of director, officer, employee or Delaware allows against expenses agent of another corporation, (including attorney's fees), partnership, joint venture, trust judgments, fines and amounts paid or other enterprise, against in settlement actually and expenses actually and reason- reasonably incurred in connection ably incurred in connection with with any suit or proceeding to any threatened, pending or which such director or officer is completed action, suit or made a party by reason of holding proceeding. such office. The organizational documents further state that no Under the Companies Act, no director of the corporation shall indemnification may be provided be personally liable to the if the individual is fraudulent corporation or its stockholders or dishonest in the performance for monetary damages for breach of his or her duties to of fiduciary duty as a director, Weatherford Bermuda (unless a except for liability (a) for any court determines otherwise). breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its Under Weatherford Bermuda's bye- stockholders, (b) for acts or laws, each shareholder waives any omissions not in good faith or claim whether on his behalf or on which involved intentional behalf of the company, against misconduct or a knowing viola- any director or officer for any tion of law, (c) for unlawful action taken by the director or payment of dividends or unlawful officer, or the failure of the stock purchase or redemption, or director or officer to take any (d) for any transaction from action in the performance of his which the director derived an duties, provided that this waiver improper personal benefit. In does not extend to any matter addition, Weatherford involv- 30 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- ing any fraud or dishonesty on Delaware may purchase and the part of the director or maintain indemnification officer. insurance on behalf of its directors and officers. The indemnification provided for in the bye-laws is not exclusive Delaware law generally permits a of other rights to which a corporation to indemnify its director or officer may be directors and officers against entitled, including rights pro- expenses, judgments, fines and vided pursuant to the memorandum amounts paid in settlement of association, bye-laws, any actually and reasonably in- agreement, any insurance curred in connection with a purchased by Weatherford Bermuda, third- party action, other than a vote of shareholders or derivative action, and against disinterested directors, or expenses actually and reasonably otherwise, provided that incurred in the defense or indemnification does not extend settlement of a derivative to fraud and dishonesty. action, provided that there is a determination that the individual acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. That determination must be made, in the case of an individual who is a director or officer at the time of the determination: - by a majority of the disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum; - by a committee of disinterested directors, designated by a majority vote of disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum; - by independent legal counsel, regardless of whether a quorum of disinterested directors exists; quorum of disinterested directors exists; or - by a majority vote of the stockholders, at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Without court approval, however, no indemnification may be made in respect of any derivative action in which an individual is adjudged liable to the corporation. Delaware law requires indemnification of directors and officers for expenses relating to a successful defense on the merits or otherwise of a derivative or third-party action. Delaware law permits a corporation to advance expenses relating to the defense of any proceeding to directors and officers contingent upon those individuals' commitment to repay any advances, unless it is determined ultimately that those individuals are entitled to be indemnified. 31 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS Calling a Special Meeting A special general meeting may be Weatherford Delaware's organiza- called by the Chairman of the tional documents do not address board, the board of directors or who can call a special meeting, by the shareholders when thus Delaware's General requisitioned by the holders of Corporation Law determines this at least 10% of the paid up issue. Under Delaware law, a voting share capital of Wea- special meeting may be called by therford Bermuda as provided by the board of directors or by any the Companies Act. person or persons that the certificate of incorporation or by the by-laws authorizes. Quorum Requirements; Adjournment Holders of shares entitling them Weatherford Delaware's organiza- to exercise a majority of the tional documents define a quorum voting power of Weatherford as the holders of a majority in Bermuda on the relevant date interest of all stock issued, constitutes a quorum. At any outstanding and entitled to vote meeting duly called, holders of a at a meeting. Any meeting may be majority of the voting shares adjourned by a majority of the represented at the meeting may votes cast for adjournment, adjourn the meeting if a quorum irrespective of whether a quorum is present, and if not present, is present. the meeting must be adjourned and Weatherford Bermuda must provide notice to shareholders in the event the meeting is to be reconvened. Action by Written Consent The Companies Act provides that Weatherford Delaware's organiza- shareholders may take action by tional documents provide that any written consent with 100% action to be taken at an annual shareholder consent required. or special meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing is signed by all of the holders of outstanding stock having at least the number of votes that would be necessary to take any such action at a meeting at which all of the shares that were entitled to vote were present and voted. Advance Notice Requirements for The Companies Act provides that Weatherford Delaware's organiza- Matters to be Considered at a shareholders may, as set forth tional documents do not address General Meeting below and at their own expense when or how a stockholder may (unless a company otherwise bring a resolution to the vote of resolves), require a company to stockholders. give notice of any resolution that the shareholders can Weatherford Delaware's by-laws properly propose at the next provide that any vacancy annual general meeting and/or to occurring in the board of circulate a statement prepared by directors may be filled by any the requesting shareholders in vote or other occurrence of the respect of any matter referred to remaining directors or by vote of in a proposed resolution or any the stockholders. business to be conducted at a general meeting. The number of Weatherford Delaware is subject shareholders necessary for such a to the Securities Exchange Act of requisition is either that number 1934, as amended, which provides of shareholders representing at that a shareholder who least 5% of the total voting continuously holds at least rights of all shareholders having US$2,000 in market value or 1% of a right to vote at the meeting to a company's voting securities for which the requisition relates or at least one year prior to the not less than 100 shareholders. submission of a proposal and through the meeting date may, subject to certain conditions, include the proposal in the 32 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws company's proxy materials sent to provide that all nominations for shareholders. election to the board of directors must be made following written notice to the secretary of Weatherford Bermuda accompanied by certain background and other information specified in the bye-laws. In connection with any annual general meeting, written notice of a shareholder's intention to make such nominations must be given to the secretary of Weatherford Ber- muda not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting, provided that in the event the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not within 60 days before or after such anniversary date, not later than the 7th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual general meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting was made, whichever occurs first. In addition to shareholders' rights under the Companies Act referred to above, a shareholder may bring other business before a shareholder meeting, provided timely notice is received by the secretary of Weatherford Bermuda within the time limits described above. The notice must include a description of the proposed item, the reasons the shareholder believes support its position concerning the item, and other specified matters. Weatherford Bermuda will be subject to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which provides that a shareholder who continuously holds at least US$2,000 in market value or 1% of a company's voting securities for at least one year prior to the submission of a proposal and through the meeting date may, subject to certain conditions, include the proposal in the company's proxy materials sent to shareholders. AMENDMENTS TO ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS Memorandum of Association/ Bermuda law provides that the Weatherford Delaware's Certificate of Incorporation memorandum of association of a certificate of incorporation may company may be amended by a be amended as prescribed by the resolution passed at a general Delaware General Corporation Law. meeting of shareholders of which Delaware law requires that the due notice has been given. An board of directors adopt a amendment to the memorandum of resolution setting forth the association that alters the amendment proposed, declaring its company's business objects may advisability, and either calling re- a spe- 33 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- quire approval of the Bermuda cial meeting of the stockholders Minster of Finance, who may grant entitled to vote on the proposed or withhold approval at his or amendment or directing that the her discretion. proposed amendment be considered at the next annual meeting of the Under Bermuda law, the holders of stockholders. Notice of such an aggregate of not less than 20% meeting must describe such in par value of the company's proposed amendment in full or issued share capital have the briefly summarize the changes to right to apply to the Bermuda be effected by the proposed courts for an annulment of any amendment. If a majority of the amendment of the memorandum of outstanding stock entitled to association adopted by vote on the proposed amendment shareholders at any general and a majority of the outstanding meeting, other than an amendment stock of each class entitled to which alters or reduces a vote on the proposed amendment as company's share capital as a class have been voted in favor provided in the Companies Act. of the proposed amendment, the Where such an application is amendment is adopted. made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda court. An application for an annulment of an amendment of the memorandum of association must be made within twenty-one days after the date on which the resolution altering the company's memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose. No application may be made by shareholders voting in favor of the amendment. Bye-laws/By-laws Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws Weatherford Delaware's by-laws provide that no bye-law shall be may be amended by the board of rescinded, altered or amended, directors, provided that (a) the and no new bye-law shall be made, board of directors may not amend unless it shall have been or repeal any section of the approved by a resolution of by-laws which by law, by the Weatherford Bermuda's board of certificate of incorporation or directors and by a resolution of by the by-laws requires action by the shareholders. the stockholders, and (b) any amendment or repeal of the by-laws by the board of directors may be amended or repealed by the stockholders. The board of directors may amend or repeal any provision of the by-laws by the vote of a majority of the entire board of directors. The affirmative vote of the holders of 80% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock of all classes or series of stock the holders of which are entitle to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to adopt, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the by-laws. VOTING REQUIREMENT FOR Except as otherwise specifically Weatherford Delaware's organiza- STOCKHOLDER ACTION provided in the bye-laws or the tional documents provide that Companies Act, any action to be when a quorum is present, any taken by the shareholders may be matter shall be decided by vote taken by the of the holders of a 34 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- affirmative vote of a simple majority of the shares of stock majority of the shares voting at entitled to vote on the matter a general meeting of Weatherford except where a larger vote is Bermuda. required by law, by the certificate of incorporation or by the by-laws. The corporation shall not directly or indirectly vote any share of its own stock unless it is voting shares that it holds in a fiduciary capacity to the extent permitted by law. PURCHASE OF SHARES Any issued shares may be Under Delaware law, Weatherford purchased by Weatherford Bermuda, Delaware's board may, to the to the extent not prohibited by extent not prohibited by applicable law, by action of the applicable law, purchase any board. Upon purchase by issued shares of Weatherford Weatherford Bermuda, such shares Delaware stock. will be cancelled. OPTIONS AND WARRANTS Directors may, in their Under Delaware law, Weatherford discretion, grant options for any Delaware's board may, in their class or series of class, to any discretion, grant options for any persons for any period and upon class or series of class, to any such terms as the board may deem persons for any period and upon advisable, and cause ap- such terms as the board of propriate instruments evidencing directors may deem advisable, and such options to be issued. cause appropriate instruments evidencing such options to be issued. ISSUANCE OF PREFERENCE The bye-laws provide that the Weatherford Delaware's organiza- SHARES/STOCK board of directors of Weatherford tional documents allows the board Bermuda may from time to time of directors to establish or authorize by means of a board change the number of shares of resolution the issuance of preferred stock and to fix the preference shares in one or more designation and relative powers, series of preference shares, and preferences and rights and the in the resolution or resolutions qualifications or limitations or providing for the issue of such restrictions of such preferred shares, the board of directors is stock. expressly authorized to fix for each such series the number of shares that shall constitute such series, voting power, designa- tions, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. Such a "blank check" preference share provision could have certain "anti-takeover" effects. Please read "Description of Authorized Shares of Weatherford International Ltd. -- Anti-Takeover Provisions" beginning on page 25. APPROVAL OF MERGER/SALE OF ASSETS The Companies Act permits an In general, under the Delaware amalgamation between two or more General Corporation Law, a plan Bermuda companies, or between one of merger or consolidation must or more Bermuda "exempted be approved by the affirmative companies' and one or more vote of holders of a majority of foreign companies. As permitted shares of each such corporation by Bermuda law, Weatherford entitled to vote thereon. Bermuda's bye-laws provide that However, no vote of stock- an amalgamation (other than with holders of a constituent a wholly-owned subsidiary) shall corporation surviving a merger be approved by the board of shall be necessary to authorize a directors and by shareholders merger if certain conditions are holding a majority of the shares met. entitled to vote 35 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- thereon. Similarly, a sale of all or substantially all of such Under Bermuda law, Weatherford corporation's assets other than Bermuda is an "exempted company" in the ordinary course of busi- since it will be owned ness, or a voluntary dissolution predominantly by non-Bermudians. of such corporation, requires the approval of such corporations' Please read "Description of board of directors and the Authorized Shares of Weatherford affirmative vote of holders of a International Ltd. -- Compulsory majority of the shares entitled Acquisition of Shares Held by to vote therein. Minority Holders" on page 24. Dissenters' Rights Under Bermuda law, in the event Delaware General Corporation Law of an amalgamation of a Bermuda provides that a stockholder shall company with another company or not have a right of appraisal of corporation, a shareholder of the the fair value of the Bermuda company who is not stockholder's shares of its satisfied that fair value has company's stock if such stock, on been offered for such share- the record date, is (i) listed on holder's shares may apply to a a national securities exchange or Bermuda court within one month of designated as a national market notice of the shareholders system security on an interdealer meeting to appraise the fair quotation system by the National value of those shares. The Association of Securities amalgamation of a Bermuda company Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held of with another company or record by more than 2,000 corporation (other than certain holders. Weatherford Delaware's affiliated companies) requires common stock has been, and will the amalgamation agreement to be be on the record date, listed on approved by the company's board The New York Stock Exchange under of directors and by a meeting of the symbol "WFT", thus stock- its shareholders. Such holders of Weatherford Delaware shareholder approval, unless the do not have rights of appraisal. bye-laws otherwise provide, requires 75% of the share- holders voting at such meeting in respect of which the quorum shall be two persons holding or representing at least one third of the issued shares of the company. The bye-laws provide that an amalgamation (other than with a wholly-owned subsidiary) shall be approved by the board of directors and by shareholders holding a majority of shares entitled to vote thereon. SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE SUITS Class actions and derivative Delaware General Corporation Law actions are generally not requires that a stockholder available to shareholders under bringing a derivative suit Bermuda law. The Bermuda courts, against a Delaware corporation however, would ordinarily be have been a stockholder at the expected to permit a shareholder time of the disputed transac- to commence an action in the name tion, or its shares thereafter of a company to remedy a wrong to passed to the stockholder by the company where the act operation of law from a person complained of is alleged to be who was a holder at that time. beyond the corporate power of the company or is illegal or would Under Delaware law, a complaint result in the violation of the in a derivative suit must: company's memorandum of association or bye-laws. Fur- - state the plaintiff was a thermore, consideration would be stockholder at the time of the given by a Bermuda court to acts transaction with respect to that are alleged to constitute a which the plaintiff complains fraud against the minority or that the plaintiff's shares shareholders or, for instance, thereafter became the where an act requires the plaintiff's by operation of approval of a greater percentage law; and 36 PROVISION WEATHERFORD BERMUDA WEATHERFORD DELAWARE --------- ------------------- -------------------- of the company's shareholders than that which actually approved - (1) allege with particularity it. the efforts plaintiff has made to obtain the action the plaintiff When the affairs of a company are desires from the directors of being conducted in a manner which the corporation or (2) state is oppressive or prejudicial to the reasons for the plain- the interests of some part of the tiff's failure to obtain the shareholders, one or more action or for not making the shareholders may apply to a effort to obtain the action. Bermuda court, which may make such order as it sees fit, including an order regulating the conduct of the company's affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the shares of any shareholders by other sharehold- ers or by the company. ALTERATION OF CAPITAL Weatherford Bermuda may, by reso- Under the Delaware General Corpo- lution of the shareholders and, ration Law, Weatherford Delaware where required, of a separate may amend its certificate of class of shareholders: incorporation to: - increase its authorized share - increase, decrease or capital; reclassify its authorized capital stock; - divide its shares into several classes and attach thereto - change the number, par value, respectively any preferential, designations, preferences or deferred, qualified or special relative, participating, rights, privileges or optional or other special conditions; rights of the shares; - consolidate and divide all or - change shares with par value any of its share capital into into shares without par value, or shares of larger par value; shares without par value into shares with par value; - subdivide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller par - subdivide or combine the value than is fixed by the outstanding shares of any class memorandum of association; or series of a class of shares into a greater or lesser number - make provision for the issue of outstanding shares; or and allotment of shares that do not carry any voting rights; - create new classes of stock having rights and preferences - cancel shares which, at the either prior and superior or date of the passing of the subordinate and inferior to the resolution in that behalf, have stock of any class then not been taken or agreed to be authorized. taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares cancelled; and - change the currency denomination of its share capital. 37 INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER U.S. INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO STOCKHOLDERS Scope of Discussion The following general discussion summarizes the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to holders of Weatherford Delaware common stock as a result of the merger, and of the post-merger ownership and disposition of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to Weatherford Delaware shareholders in light of their individual circumstances or to particular Weatherford Delaware shareholders who, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are subject to special rules, such as: - dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies; - tax-exempt entities; - banks, financial institutions, or insurance companies; - grantor trusts; - real estate investment trusts or regulated investment companies; - holders who hold Weatherford Delaware common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, wash sale, synthetic security, conversion transaction, or other integrated investment comprised of Weatherford Delaware common stock and one or more other investments; - holders who have been, but are no longer, citizens or residents of the United States; - holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; - holders who acquired their Weatherford Delaware common stock in compensatory transactions; - non-U.S. holders, as hereinafter defined, that are or previously have been engaged in the conduct of a trade or business, or that have or previously had a permanent establishment, in the United States; and - holders who own, or are deemed to own, 10% or more, determined by voting power or value, of Weatherford Delaware common stock or Weatherford Bermuda common shares. Further, this discussion does not address any U.S. federal estate and gift or alternative minimum tax consequences or any state, local, or foreign tax consequences relating to the merger or the ownership and disposition of Weatherford Delaware common stock or Weatherford Bermuda common shares. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case as in effect and available on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply with retroactive effect and could affect the tax consequences described below. Neither Weatherford Delaware nor Weatherford Bermuda will request any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the Service) as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the merger or the ownership and disposition of Weatherford Delaware common stock or Weatherford Bermuda common shares. For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of Weatherford Delaware common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (2) a corporation or any other entity taxable as a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of a state of the United States or the District of Columbia, (3) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (4) a trust, if such trust validly has elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if (a) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over its administration and (b) one or more 38 U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust. A "non-U.S. holder" is any beneficial owner of Weatherford Delaware common stock other than a U.S. holder. In the case of a holder that is a partnership, determinations as to material tax consequences are generally made at the partner level, but special considerations not set forth herein may apply. This discussion assumes that Weatherford Delaware stockholders hold their Weatherford Delaware common stock and Weatherford Bermuda common shares as capital assets. In addition, this discussion is based on certain customary assumptions and representations made or to be made by Weatherford Delaware and Weatherford Bermuda, including (1) that the facts set forth in this registration statement are true, accurate, and complete, and (2) that the merger will be consummated as described in this registration statement. Any change in the truth, accuracy or completeness of any of the facts, assumptions or representations on which this discussion is based could affect the tax consequences described below. THIS SUMMARY IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL ANALYSIS OF THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO A WEATHERFORD DELAWARE STOCKHOLDER. EACH WEATHERFORD DELAWARE STOCKHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT SUCH STOCKHOLDER'S OWN TAX ADVISER REGARDING THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF WEATHERFORD BERMUDA COMMON SHARES IN LIGHT OF SUCH STOCKHOLDER'S OWN SITUATION. MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO U.S. HOLDERS Receipt of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares The merger should qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Code. However, pursuant to special rules contained in section 367(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, U.S. holders exchanging their Weatherford Delaware common stock for Weatherford Bermuda common shares pursuant to the merger will recognize gain, if any, but not loss. In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder will recognize gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by the U.S. holder pursuant to the merger over such holder's adjusted basis in the Weatherford Delaware common stock exchanged therefor. Any such gain will be capital gain, and will be long-term capital gain if the Weatherford Delaware common stock has been held for more than one year at the effective time of the merger. A U.S. holder that recognizes gain pursuant to the merger will have an adjusted tax basis in its Weatherford Bermuda common shares received equal to the adjusted tax basis of the Weatherford Delaware common stock exchanged therefor, increased by the amount of gain recognized. A U.S. holder will not be permitted to recognize any loss realized on the exchange of its Weatherford Delaware common stock in the merger. In such case, the adjusted tax basis of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by a U.S. holder with a loss on its Weatherford Delaware common stock will be equal to such U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in its Weatherford Delaware common stock surrendered in exchange therefor. Thus, subject to any subsequent changes in the fair market value of the Weatherford Bermuda common shares, any loss will be preserved. In determining the amount of gain recognized, each of the Weatherford Delaware shares transferred is treated as the subject of a separate exchange. Thus, if a U.S. holder transfers some Weatherford Delaware common stock on which gains are realized and other Weatherford Delaware common stock on which losses are realized, the U.S. holder may not net the losses against the gains to determine the amount of gain recognized. The holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by a U.S. holder recognizing gain with respect to the merger will begin the day after the effective time of the merger. The holding period for any Weatherford Bermuda common shares received by U.S. holders with a loss on their Weatherford Delaware common stock will include the holding period of the Weatherford Delaware common stock exchanged therefor. 39 MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO U.S. HOLDERS OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF WEATHERFORD BERMUDA COMMON SHARES Distributions on Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares Weatherford Bermuda does not anticipate that it will pay any cash dividends on its common shares for the foreseeable future. Subject to this and the discussion below under "-- Passive Foreign Investment Company Provisions," in general, U.S. holders will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the gross amount of any distribution on the Weatherford Bermuda common shares to the extent that the distribution is paid out of Weatherford Bermuda's current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a "dividend"). These dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction, which is generally allowed to U.S. corporate shareholders on dividends received from certain domestic and foreign corporations. Distributions in excess of the current and accumulated earnings and profits will be applied first to reduce the U.S. holder's tax basis in its Weatherford Bermuda common shares, and thereafter will constitute gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of such stock. Weatherford Bermuda will calculate its earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. For foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid by a foreign corporation generally constitute foreign source income. However, under section 904(g) of the Code, dividends paid by a foreign corporation that is more than 50% owned by U.S. persons may be treated as U.S. source income for foreign tax credit purposes to the extent that the foreign corporation itself has more than an insignificant amount of U.S. source income. It is expected that a portion of any dividends paid by Weatherford Bermuda will be treated as U.S. source income under section 904(g) of the Code. To the extent that any dividends distributed by Weatherford Bermuda are treated as foreign source income, however, such dividends generally will constitute passive income or, in the case of certain U.S. holders, financial services income for foreign tax credit purposes. Sale of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares Subject to the discussion below under "-- Passive Foreign Investment Company Provisions," a U.S. holder of Weatherford Bermuda common shares generally will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the sale or other taxable disposition of such shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized from such sale or other taxable disposition and the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in such shares. The gain or loss will generally be capital in nature. In the case of a noncorporate U.S. holder, the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to such gain will be lower than the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to ordinary income if such U.S. holder's holding period for such Weatherford Bermuda common shares exceeds twelve months. The gain or loss generally will be U.S. source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Passive Foreign Investment Company Provisions A foreign corporation is a passive foreign investment company, PFIC, if either (1) at least 75% or more of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income, or (2) the average percentage of assets held by such corporation during the taxable year which produces passive income or which is held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. For purposes of applying the tests in the preceding sentence, the foreign corporation is deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets, and to receive directly its proportionate share of the income, of any other corporation of which the foreign corporation owns, directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of the stock. In addition, special rules provide that for purposes of determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC, "qualified stock" held by certain domestic corporate subsidiaries of the foreign corporation is treated as an asset which does not produce passive income (and is not held for the production of passive income), and any amount included in gross income with respect to such stock is treated as active income. It is anticipated that the stock of certain indirect, domestic subsidiaries of Weatherford Bermuda may constitute qualified stock after the merger. 40 Based upon estimates with respect to its income, assets and operations, Weatherford Bermuda believes that it will not be a PFIC immediately following the merger, and it does not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However, because the determination of PFIC status must be made on an annual basis, and will depend on the composition of the income and assets, as well as the nature of the activities, of Weatherford Bermuda and its subsidiaries, from time to time, there can be no assurance that Weatherford Bermuda will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. Moreover, neither an opinion from counsel nor a ruling from the Service will be obtained regarding whether Weatherford Bermuda is or will be a PFIC. The highly complex rules which apply to PFIC's are generally intended to end the ability under prior law of all direct and indirect U.S. holders of PFIC stock to defer federal income tax with respect to the earnings of the PFIC until distributions are received from the PFIC or the shares of the PFIC are sold. Classification of a foreign corporation as a PFIC can have various adverse U.S. tax consequences to U.S. holders. These include taxation of gain on a sale or other disposition of the shares of the corporation (possibly including a disposition by way of gift or exchange in a corporate reorganization, or the grant of the stock as security for a loan) at ordinary income rates and imposition of an interest charge on gain or on distributions with respect to the shares. Accordingly, if Weatherford Bermuda is classified as a PFIC, such classification could change the tax consequences of the distributions and sales or exchanges described above. Moreover, a step-up in the tax basis of the stock of a PFIC may not be available upon the death of an individual U.S. holder. If Weatherford Bermuda should determine in the future that it is a PFIC, it will endeavor to so notify U.S. holders, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so in a timely and complete manner. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the PFIC rules, including the availability of certain elections. BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX AND INFORMATION REPORTING Currently, any distributions with respect to Weatherford Delaware common stock and proceeds from the sale or redemption of Weatherford Delaware common stock would be subject to U.S. backup withholding tax and information reporting rules. After the merger, it is anticipated that the same rules would apply to distributions with respect to Weatherford Bermuda common shares and to proceeds from the sale or redemption of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. U.S. backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally apply to certain payments to certain noncorporate holders of stock. Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the sale or redemption of, Weatherford Bermuda common shares made within the United States to a holder of Weatherford Bermuda common shares (other than an "exempt recipient," including a corporation, a payee that is not a U.S. person that provides an appropriate certification and certain other persons). A payor will be required to withhold at the then applicable rate on any payments of dividends on, or proceeds from the sale or redemption of Weatherford Bermuda common shares within the United States to a holder (other than an "exempt recipient") if such holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements. In the case of such payments by a payor or middleman within the United States to a foreign simple trust, a foreign grantor trust, or a foreign partnership (other than payments to a foreign simple trust, a foreign grantor trust, or a foreign partnership that qualifies as a "withholding foreign trust" or a "withholding foreign partnership" within the meaning of such U.S. Treasury regulations and payments to a foreign simple trust, a foreign grantor trust, or a foreign partnership that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States), the beneficiaries of the foreign simple trust, the persons treated as the owners of the foreign grantor trust, or the partners of the foreign partnership, as the case may be, will be required to provide the certification discussed above in order to establish an exemption from backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements. Moreover, a payor or middleman may rely on a certification provided by a payee that is not a U.S. person only if such payor or middleman does not have actual knowledge or a reason to know that any information or certification stated in such certificate is incorrect. 41 MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF THE MERGER AND OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF WEATHERFORD BERMUDA COMMON SHARES Receipt of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares Non-U.S. holders will generally be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gain realized, if any, on the exchange of Weatherford Delaware common stock for Weatherford Bermuda common shares only if: - Such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States or, if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States; - In the case of certain capital gains, the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which the capital gain is recognized and certain other conditions apply; - The non-U.S. holder does not qualify for an exemption from backup withholding; or - Either Weatherford Delaware is or has been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" within the meaning of section 897(c)(2) of the Code at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the merger or such non-U.S. holder's holding period, and the non-U.S. holder holds, or has held at any time during such shorter period, more than 5% of the Weatherford Delaware common stock. Weatherford Delaware does not believe that it is or has been within the last five years a U.S. real property holding corporation. Owning and Disposing of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on distributions made by Weatherford Bermuda on the Weatherford Bermuda common shares. In addition, a non-U.S. holder generally would not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of Weatherford Bermuda common shares provided: - such gain is not effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States or, if a tax treaty applies, is not attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States; - in the case of certain capital gains recognized by a non-U.S. holder that is an individual, such individual is either not present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which the capital gain is recognized or otherwise qualifies for an exemption; and - the non-U.S. holder qualifies for an exemption from U.S. federal backup withholding. In order to qualify for an exemption from backup withholding tax on certain dividends on, and proceeds from the sale, exchange, or disposition of, Weatherford Bermuda common shares paid within the United States, a non-U.S. holder may be required to certify such holder's foreign status or otherwise establish an exemption. THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SUMMARIZED ABOVE ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. EACH WEATHERFORD DELAWARE STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR HER TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER THAT MAY APPLY TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER FEDERAL TAX LAWS. BERMUDA INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER At the present time, there is no Bermuda income or profits tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or inheritance tax payable by Weatherford Bermuda or by Weatherford Bermuda shareholders in respect of its shares. Weatherford Bermuda expects to obtain an assurance from 42 the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax shall not, until March 28, 2016, be applicable to Weatherford Bermuda or to any of its operations or to its shares or other obligations except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or to any taxes payable by Weatherford Bermuda in respect of real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda held by it. BARBADOS INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER Weatherford Bermuda will be registered to operate as an IBC for Barbados tax purposes and Weatherford Bermuda will be legally managed and controlled through an executive office located in Barbados. Under current Barbados law, an IBC is subject to tax on its international business profits generated outside of Barbados at a maximum rate of 2.5%. This tax rate gradually decreases to 1% as taxable income increases. The benefits of these lower tax rates for companies registered as IBCs can be guaranteed by the Minister for up to 15 years. Barbados imposes no income tax on capital gains. In addition to Barbados income tax, Weatherford Bermuda will be subject to Barbados property transfer tax to the extent that it transfers real property owned in Barbados and certain other taxes to the extent that it employs persons in Barbados. Under existing Barbados law, there will be no Barbados income or withholding tax imposed on any dividends, interest, royalties or other amounts paid by Weatherford Bermuda to any person resident outside of Barbados. Furthermore, U.S. shareholders will not be subject to any Barbados taxation on the sale or other transfer (including by gift or on the death of the shareholder) of Weatherford Bermuda common shares. 43 OTHER INFORMATION INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS The firm of Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young"), independent public accountants, served as our auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and has been selected as auditors for Weatherford Delaware and Weatherford Bermuda for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002. Ernst & Young replaced Arthur Andersen LLP ("Arthur Andersen") who had served as Weatherford Delaware's auditors from 1972 to 2000. On August 13, 2001, Weatherford Delaware dismissed Arthur Andersen as its independent public accountants and engaged Ernst & Young as its new independent public accountants. The decision to change the Company's independent public accountants was recommended by Weatherford Delaware's Audit Committee. Arthur Andersen's reports on Weatherford Delaware's consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were such reports qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the two years ended December 31, 2000, and the subsequent interim period preceding the decision to change independent public accountants, there were no disagreements with Arthur Andersen on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of Arthur Andersen, would have caused the former accountant to make a reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with its reports covering such periods. During the two years ended December 31, 2000, and the subsequent interim period preceding the decision to change independent public accountants, there were no "reportable events" (hereinafter defined) requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 304(a)(1)(v)(A)-(D) of Item 304 of Regulation S-K. During the two years ended December 31, 2000, and the subsequent interim period preceding the decision to change independent public accountants, neither Weatherford Delaware nor anyone on its behalf consulted Ernst & Young regarding either the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on Weatherford Delaware's financial statements, nor has Ernst & Young provided to Weatherford Delaware a written report or oral advice regarding such principles or audit opinion. In addition to audit services, Ernst &Young also provided certain non-audit services to the Company in 2001. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of these additional services is compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young. Following is a summary of Ernst & Young's fees for (i) services rendered for the audit of Weatherford Delaware's 2001 annual financial statements and reviews of its 2001 quarterly financial statements, (ii) financial information and systems design and implementation services rendered in 2001 and (iii) all other services rendered in 2001. Audit Fees, excluding audit related......................... $615,000 ======== Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees...................................................... $ 0 ======== All Other Fees Audit related fees(1)..................................... $635,000 Other non-audit services.................................. 190,000 -------- Total all other fees........................................ $825,000 ======== --------------- (1) Audit related fees consisted principally of review of registration statements and performance of statutory audits. 44 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS The board of directors of Weatherford Delaware is not aware of any matters that are expected to come before the special meeting other than those referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus. If other matters should properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy intend to vote the proxies in accordance with their best judgment. The deadline for submitting stockholder proposals pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to be considered for inclusion in Weatherford Delaware's proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2003 annual meeting is [Month Day], 2002. These proposals must otherwise comply with the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement for that year. If a stockholder desires to bring business before the meeting that is not the subject of a proposal meeting the Securities and Exchange Commission proxy rule requirements for inclusion in the proxy statement, the proposal must be received by us by [Month Day], 2003. Any stockholder proposal, whether or not to be included in our proxy materials, must be sent to our Corporate Secretary at 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77027. Weatherford Bermuda's bye-laws provide that all shareholder nominations for nominees for election to the board of directors must be made following written notice to the Secretary of Weatherford Bermuda accompanied by certain background and other information specified in the bye-laws. In connection with any annual general meeting, written notice of a shareholder's intention to make such nominations must be received by the Secretary at Weatherford Bermuda's principal executive offices and its registered office in Bermuda not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting, provided that in the event that the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not within 60 days before or after such anniversary date, not later than the 7th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual general meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting was made, whichever occurs first. In order for a shareholder to bring other business before a general meeting of shareholders, timely notice must be received by the secretary of Weatherford Bermuda within the time limits described above. The notice must include a description of the proposed item and other specified matters. These requirements are separate from and in addition to the requirements you must meet to have a proposal included in Weatherford Bermuda's proxy statement. The foregoing time limits also apply in determining whether notice is timely for purposes of rules adopted by the Securities Exchange Commission relating to the exercise of discretionary voting authority. These time limits are separate from those which apply to the shareholder requisition rights under the Companies Act. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements (including the related financial statement schedule) of Weatherford International, Inc. appearing in Weatherford International, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The consolidated financial statements of Weatherford International, Inc. and the related consolidated financial statement schedule incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus, to the extent and for the periods indicated in their report, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, and are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports. 45 LEGAL MATTERS Certain legal matters in connection with the Weatherford Bermuda common shares have been passed upon for Weatherford Bermuda by its special Bermuda counsel, Conyers Dill & Pearman. Conyers Dill & Pearman has also rendered an opinion to Weatherford Bermuda regarding Bermuda tax consequences of the merger described in "Income Tax Consequences of the Merger -- Bermuda Income Tax Consequences of the Merger." Baker & McKenzie has rendered an opinion to Weatherford Bermuda regarding U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to stockholders of Weatherford Delaware described in "Income Tax Consequences of the Merger -- U.S. Income Tax Consequences of the Merger." David King & Co. has rendered an opinion to Weatherford Bermuda regarding Barbados income tax consequences of the merger described in "Income Tax Consequences of the Merger -- Barbados Income Tax Consequences of the Merger." WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION Weatherford Bermuda has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). This proxy statement/prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement. Statements made in this proxy statement/prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission, reference is made to the copy so filed, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. Weatherford Delaware is, and after the merger Weatherford Bermuda as successor issuer will be, subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and in accordance therewith files and will file reports, proxy and information statements, and other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy and information statements, and other information filed with the Commission, can be inspected and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically (including Weatherford International, Inc.) are available on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Upon completion of the merger, Weatherford Bermuda common shares will be traded on The New York Stock Exchange. At the time of commencement of such trading, the existing common stock of Weatherford Delaware will be delisted and will no longer be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. At such time, your shares will have automatically converted into the right to receive shares of Weatherford Bermuda and Weatherford Bermuda will be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The following documents filed by Weatherford Delaware with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act are hereby incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus: - Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 1-13086); and - Current Reports on Form 8-K filed February 1, 2002 and March 4, 2002 (File No. 1-13086). Each document filed by Weatherford Delaware pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and prior to the date of the 46 special meeting shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus and to be a part of this proxy statement/prospectus from the date of filing of such document. Any statement contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the Registration Statement and this proxy statement/prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or in any subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of the Registration Statement or this proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates documents by reference which are not included in or delivered with this document. Copies of the incorporated documents (other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference therein) will be furnished upon written or oral request without charge to each person to whom this proxy statement/prospectus is delivered. Requests should be made by [MONTH DAY], 2002 and should be directed to Weatherford International, Inc., 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77027, Attention: Investor Relations, or you may telephone (713) 693-4000, or visit our website "http://www.weatherford.com". Website materials are not part of this proxy statement/prospectus. No dealer, salesman or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. 47 ANNEX I AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"), dated as of , 2002, among Weatherford International Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company ("Weatherford Bermuda"), Weatherford International, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Weatherford Delaware"), Weatherford U.S. Holdings, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company ("U.S. Holdings") and Weatherford Merger Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub") and a newly formed, indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Holdings. WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Weatherford Bermuda, Weatherford Delaware, U.S. Holdings and Merger Sub deem it advisable and in the best interests of their respective stockholders to reorganize such that Weatherford Bermuda will become the ultimate parent of the Weatherford group through the merger of Merger Sub with and into Weatherford Delaware; WHEREAS, subject to the approval of the stockholders of Weatherford Delaware, the respective Boards of Directors of Weatherford Bermuda, Weatherford Delaware, U.S. Holdings and Merger Sub (and the stockholders of Weatherford Bermuda, U.S. Holdings and Merger Sub) have each approved the merger of Merger Sub with and into Weatherford Delaware, pursuant to which Weatherford Delaware will be the surviving company in the merger and become a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda (and a wholly-owned, direct subsidiary of U.S. Holdings), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement (the "Merger"), and whereby each issued share of common stock, par value US$1.00 per share, of Weatherford Delaware ("Weatherford Delaware Common Stock"), including those shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock held by Weatherford Delaware or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Weatherford Delaware, shall be automatically converted into the right to receive one common share, par value US$1.00 per share, of Weatherford Bermuda ("Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares"); WHEREAS, Weatherford Bermuda, Weatherford Delaware, U.S. Holdings and Merger Sub intend, by approving resolutions authorizing this Agreement, to adopt this Agreement as a plan of reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder and that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be undertaken pursuant to such plan; and WHEREAS, the consummation of the Merger requires, among other things, the adoption of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Weatherford Delaware Common Stock entitled to vote on such adoption (the "Weatherford Delaware Stockholder Approval"); NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: ARTICLE I MERGER 1.01 Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Weatherford Delaware at the Effective Time of the Merger. Following the Effective Time of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and Weatherford Delaware shall continue as the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"), becoming a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Weatherford Bermuda (and a wholly-owned, direct subsidiary of U.S. Holdings), and shall succeed to and assume all the rights and obligations of Merger Sub in accordance with the DGCL. 1.02 Effective Time. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, as soon as practicable following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 5.01, the parties shall duly prepare, execute and file a certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") in accordance with Section 251 of the DGCL with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Merger shall become effective upon the I-1 filing of the Certificate of Merger (or at such later time reflected in such Certificate of Merger as shall be agreed to by Weatherford Bermuda, U.S. Holdings, Weatherford Delaware and Merger Sub). The date and time when the Merger shall become effective is referred to as the "Effective Time." 1.03 Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects as provided in the DGCL. The Surviving Corporation specifically assumes any obligation of Merger Sub which requires that such obligation is specifically assumed by the Surviving Corporation. ARTICLE II NAME, CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 2.01 Name of Surviving Corporation. The name of the Surviving Corporation shall be "Weatherford International, Inc." 2.02 Certificate of Incorporation; By-laws. (a) The Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended as of the Effective Time pursuant to the Certificate of Merger to contain the provisions in the Certificate of Incorporation of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that Article FIRST of such Certificate shall provide that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be "Weatherford International, Inc." (b) The By-laws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the By-laws of the Surviving Corporation until amended in accordance with applicable law. 2.03 Directors. The directors of Weatherford Delaware immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation, until his or her successor shall be elected and qualify, subject to prior death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of the Surviving Corporation, or as otherwise provided by applicable law. 2.04 Officers. Each officer of Weatherford Delaware immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be an officer of the Surviving Corporation, until his or her successor shall be elected and qualify, subject to prior death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of the Surviving Corporation, or as otherwise provided by applicable law. ARTICLE III CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF STOCK 3.01 Weatherford Delaware Common Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any shares: (a) Each issued and outstanding share of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock shall be converted into and become the right to receive one fully paid and nonassessable Weatherford Bermuda Common Share. (b) Each issued share of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock that is owned by Weatherford Delaware or by any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Weatherford Delaware prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become the right to receive one fully paid and nonassessable Weatherford Bermuda Common Share. 3.02 Merger Sub Common Stock. Each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value US$1.00 per share, of Merger Sub, shall be converted into and become one share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation with the same rights, power and privileges as the shares so converted and shall constitute the only outstanding shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation. I-2 3.03 Stock Option and Award Plans. Weatherford Delaware currently maintains and sponsors the Weatherford International Incorporated 1987 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated, the Weatherford Enterra, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated, the Weatherford Enterra, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Weatherford Enterra, Inc. Restricted Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, the Weatherford International, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Stock Ownership Plan and Related Trust Agreement, the Energy Ventures, Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan, the Weatherford International, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Option Plan, the Amendment to Stock Option Programs, and certain other plans and agreements providing for the grant or award to its officers and employees of options or other rights to purchase or receive Weatherford Delaware Common Stock (the "Employee Stock Plans"). Weatherford Delaware also maintains and sponsors the Weatherford International, Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan and the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, and certain other plans and agreements providing for the grant or award to its directors of options or other rights to purchase or receive Weatherford Delaware Common Stock (the "Director Stock Plans"). Weatherford Delaware shall continue to maintain and sponsor the Employee Stock Plans and Weatherford Bermuda shall assume the rights and obligations of Weatherford Delaware under the Employee Stock Plans and the Director Stock Plans. The outstanding options and other awards under the Employee Stock Plans and Director Stock Plans shall be exercisable or issuable upon the same terms and conditions as under such plans and the agreements relating thereto immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, except that upon the exercise or issuance of such options or awards, Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares shall be issuable in lieu of shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock. The number of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares issuable upon the exercise or issuance of such an option or award immediately after the Effective Time and the option price of each such option or award shall be the number of shares and option price in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time. All options or awards issued under the Employee Stock Plans and Director Stock Plans after the Effective Time shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares in accordance with the terms of the Employee Stock Plans and Director Stock Plans. 3.04 Exchange Agent; Exchange of Shares. (a) Exchange Agent. As soon as reasonably practicable, U.S. Holdings shall designate a bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to Weatherford Delaware (the "Exchange Agent") for the purpose of exchanging certificates representing shares of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares (the "Bermuda Certificates") upon surrender of certificates representing shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock (the "Delaware Certificates"). Not later than the Effective Time, U.S. Holdings will cause to be deposited with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock, certificates representing Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares to be provided in exchange for Weatherford Delaware Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger as set forth in Section 3.01 (the "Exchange Fund"). (b) Exchange Procedure. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a Delaware Certificate(s) that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock whose shares were converted into and became the right to receive Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares pursuant to Section 3.01, (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Delaware Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Delaware Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as Weatherford Bermuda may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Delaware Certificates in exchange for Bermuda Certificates. Upon surrender of a Delaware Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with such letter of transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, and such other documents as may be reasonably required by the Exchange Agent, the holder of such Delaware Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a Bermuda Certificate or Bermuda Certificates representing the number of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares which such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article III, and the Delaware Certificate so surrendered shall be canceled. In the event of a I-3 transfer of ownership of a Delaware Certificate after the Effective Time, exchange may be made to a person other than the person in whose name the Delaware Certificate so surrendered is registered, if such Delaware Certificate shall be properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer and shall be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Exchange Agent that any transfer or other taxes required by reason of such exchange in the name other than that of the registered holder of such Delaware Certificate or instrument either has been paid or is not payable. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 3.04, each Delaware Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares in accordance with Section 3.01. (c) No Further Ownership Rights in Weatherford Delaware Common Stock. All Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares issued upon the Merger, including any Bermuda Certificates issued upon the surrender for exchange of Delaware Certificates in accordance with the terms of this Article III, shall be deemed to have been issued (and paid) in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock theretofore represented by such certificates, subject, however, to the Surviving Corporation's obligation (if any) to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which may have been declared or made by Weatherford Delaware on such shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or prior to the date of this Agreement and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation of the shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock which were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Delaware Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation or Exchange Agent they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article III, except as otherwise provided by law. (d) Termination of Exchange Fund; No Liability. At any time following the first anniversary of the Effective Time, U.S. Holdings shall be entitled to require the Exchange Agent to deliver to it any remaining portion of the Exchange Fund, and holders shall be entitled to look only to U.S. Holdings (subject to abandoned property, escheat or other similar laws) with respect to the Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares and any dividends or other distributions with respect thereto payable upon due surrender of their Delaware Certificates, without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither U.S. Holdings nor the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any holder of a Delaware Certificate for Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) from the Exchange Fund in each case delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law. (e) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any Delaware Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such Delaware Certificate(s) to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by Weatherford Bermuda, the posting by such person of a bond in such sum as Weatherford Bermuda may reasonably direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it or the Surviving Corporation with respect to such Delaware Certificate(s), the Exchange Agent will issue the Bermuda Certificates pursuant to Section 3.01(a) deliverable in respect of the shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock represented by such lost, stolen or destroyed Delaware Certificates. (f) Dividends; Distributions. No dividends or other distributions with respect to Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Delaware Certificate with respect to the Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares represented thereby, and all such dividends, other distributions, if any, shall be paid by Weatherford Bermuda to the Exchange Agent and shall be included in the Exchange Fund, in each case until the surrender of such Delaware Certificate in accordance with this Article III. Subject to the effect of applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws, following surrender of any such Delaware Certificate there shall be paid to the holder of a Delaware Certificate representing the right to receive Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective I-4 Time theretofore paid with respect to such Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and with a payment date subsequent to such surrender payable with respect to such Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares. Weatherford Bermuda shall make available to the Exchange Agent cash for these purposes, if necessary. 3.05 Warrants. Effective at the Effective Time, the outstanding warrants of Weatherford Delaware to acquire Weatherford Delaware Common Stock shall be thereafter exercisable, in accordance with their terms, for the number of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares to which a holder of the shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock issuable at the time of the Merger upon the exercise of such warrants would have been entitled to receive as a result of the Merger, in accordance with this Article III, if such exercise had taken place immediately prior to the Merger. 3.06 Convertible Debt. Effective at the Effective Time, the Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Debentures and the 5% Convertible Subordinated Preferred Equivalent Debentures of Weatherford Delaware shall be thereafter convertible, in accordance with their terms, for the number of Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares to which a holder of the shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock issuable at the time of the Merger upon the conversion of such debentures would have been entitled to receive as a result of the Merger, in accordance with this Article III, if such conversion had taken place immediately prior to the Merger. 3.07 Withholding Taxes. U.S. Holdings shall be entitled to deduct and withhold, or cause the Exchange Agent to deduct and withhold, from the consideration otherwise payable to any person pursuant to this Article III any such amounts as are required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any applicable provision of state, local or foreign tax law; provided, however, that if such withholding may be eliminated or reduced through the delivery of any certificate or other documentation, U.S. Holdings shall provide each holder of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock with a reasonable opportunity to deliver such certificate or other documentation. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by U.S. Holdings, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by U.S. Holdings. ARTICLE IV BENEFIT AND COMPENSATION PLANS 4.01 At the Effective Time, (i) Weatherford Delaware shall continue to sponsor and maintain each employee benefit and program to which Weatherford Delaware is then a party (the "Employee Benefit Plans"), and (ii) Weatherford Bermuda shall assume the rights and obligations of Weatherford Delaware under each director benefit plan and program to which Weatherford Delaware is then a party (the "Director Benefit Plans"). To the extent any Employee Benefit Plan or Director Benefit Plan provides for the issuance or purchase of, or otherwise relates to, Weatherford Delaware Common Stock, after the Effective Time, such plan shall be deemed to provide for the issuance or purchase of, or otherwise relate to, Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares. ARTICLE V CONDITIONS PRECEDENT 5.01 The respective obligation of each party to effect the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions: (a) Stockholder Approval. The Weatherford Delaware Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained. I-5 (b) Form S-4. The registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Weatherford Bermuda in connection with the issuance of the Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares in the Merger shall have become effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and shall not be the subject of any stop order or proceedings seeking a stop order. (c) NYSE Approval. The New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") shall have confirmed that the Weatherford Bermuda Common Shares have been approved for listing on the NYSE for at least ten trading days prior to the Effective Time, subject to notice of issuance, and may trade on the NYSE and succeed to the ticker symbol "WFT." (d) Governmental, Regulatory and Other Material Third-Party Consents. All filings required to be made prior to the Effective Time of the Merger with, and all material consents, approvals, permits and authorizations required to be obtained prior to the Effective Time from, any court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency, domestic or foreign, or other person in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will have been made or obtained (as the case may be). (e) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or restriction that, in the discretion of the board of directors of Weatherford Delaware, would make the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby inadvisable shall be in effect. ARTICLE VI TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER 6.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the Weatherford Delaware Stockholder Approval, by action of the Board of Directors of Weatherford Bermuda, Weatherford Delaware, U.S. Holdings or Merger Sub. 6.02 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 6.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of Weatherford Delaware, U.S. Holdings, Merger Sub or Weatherford Bermuda, other than the provisions of this Article VI and Article VII. 6.03 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties at any time before or after the Weatherford Delaware Stockholder Approval; provided, however, that after any such approval, there shall not be made any amendment that alters or changes the amount or kind of shares to be received by stockholders in the Merger; alters or changes any term of the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation; or alters or changes any other terms and conditions of this Agreement if any of the alterations or changes, alone or in the aggregate, would adversely affect the holders of shares of Weatherford Delaware Common Stock. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties. 6.04 Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties may waive compliance by the other parties with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such rights. 6.05 Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver. A termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.01, an amendment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.03 or a waiver pursuant to Section 6.04 shall, in order to be effective, require action by the Board of Directors of Weatherford Delaware, Weatherford Bermuda, U.S. Holdings and Merger Sub. I-6 ARTICLE VII GENERAL PROVISIONS 7.01 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (which is confirmed) or sent by overnight courier (providing proof of delivery) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice): (a) if to Weatherford Bermuda: Weatherford International Ltd. c/o Corporate Managers (Barbados)Ltd. First Floor, Trident House Lower Broad Street Bridgetown, Barbados Attention: Office of the Secretary (b) if to Weatherford Delaware: Weatherford International, Inc. 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77027 Attention: Burt Martin (c) if to Merger Sub: Weatherford Merger, Inc. c/o Weatherford U.S. Holdings, L.L.C. 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77027 Attention: Burt Martin (d) if to U.S. Holdings: Weatherford U.S. Holdings, L.L.C. 515 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77027 Attention: Burt Martin 7.02 Entire Agreement; No Third-party Beneficiaries. This Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to herein) (a) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and (b) except for the provisions of Article III, is not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties any rights or remedies. 7.03 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. I-7 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Weatherford Delaware, Weatherford Bermuda, U.S. Holdings and Merger Sub have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first written above. WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: WEATHERFORD MERGER, INC. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: WEATHERFORD U.S. HOLDINGS, L.L.C. By: ------------------------------------ Name: Title: I-8 ANNEX II MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION II-1 ANNEX III BYE-LAWS III-1 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party 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 such corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer or director of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person 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 such person's conduct was unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify past or present officers and directors of such corporation or of another corporation or other enterprise at the former corporation's request, in an action by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action referred to above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the corporation must indemnify such person against the expenses (including attorneys' fees) that such person actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Section 145 further provides that any indemnification shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in each specific case upon a determination that indemnification of such person is proper because he has met the applicable standard of conduct (i) by the stockholders, (ii) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (iii) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iv) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, if there are no such disinterested directors, or if such disinterested directors so direct. Section 145 further 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. As permitted by the DGCL, the amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that directors of Weatherford Delaware shall have no personal liability to Weatherford Delaware or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Weatherford Delaware or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. David J. Butters and Robert B. Millard, employees of Lehman Brothers Inc., or Lehman Brothers, constitute two of the eight members of the board of directors of Weatherford Delaware. Under the restated certificates of incorporation, as amended to date, of Lehman Brothers and its parent, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., or Holdings, both Delaware corporations, Messrs. Butters and Millard, in their capacity as directors of Weatherford Delaware, are to be indemnified by Lehman Brothers and Holdings to the fullest extent permitted by Del aware law. Messrs. Butters and Millard are serving as directors of Weatherford Delaware at the request of Lehman Brothers and Holdings. The amended and restated by-laws of Weatherford Delaware provide that Weatherford Delaware shall to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL indemnify each of its present and former officers and directors, and each of its present or former officers, directors, agents or employees who are serving or have served at the request of Weatherford Delaware as an officer, director or partner (or in any similar position) of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether by or in the right of Weatherford Delaware, by a third party or otherwise, to which such person is made a party or threatened to be made a party by reason II-1 of such office in Weatherford Delaware or in another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The amended and restated by-laws also provide that to the fullest extent that the DGCL permits, under general or specific authority granted by the board of directors, (a) Weatherford Delaware may furnish such indemnification to its agents and employees with respect to their activities on behalf of Weatherford Delaware; (b) Weatherford Delaware may furnish such indemnification to each present or former officer, director, employee or agent of a constituent corporation absorbed in a consolidation or merger with Weatherford Delaware and to each officer, director, agent or employee who is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as an officer, director, agent or employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise; and (c) Weatherford Delaware may purchase and maintain indemnification insurance on behalf of any of the officers, directors, agents or employees whom it is required or permitted to indemnify. Section 145 of the DGCL also empowers a Delaware corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporations, 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 any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of Section 145. Policies of insurance are maintained by Weatherford Delaware under which its directors and officers are insured, within the limits and subject to the limitations of the policies, against certain expenses in connection with the defense of actions, suits or proceedings, and certain liabilities that might be imposed as a result of such actions, suits or proceedings, to which they are parties by reason of being or having been such directors or officers. Messrs. Butters and Millard are insured against certain liabilities that they may incur in their capacity as directors pursuant to insurance maintained by Holdings. Weatherford International Ltd. is a Bermuda exempted company. Section 98 of the Companies Act of 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the Companies Act), provides generally that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability which by virtue of any rule of law otherwise would be imposed on them in respect to any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud or dishonesty of which such director, officer or auditor may be guilty in relation to the company. Section 98 further provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors, officers and auditors against any liability incurred by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is awarded in their favor or in which they are acquitted or granted relief by the Supreme Court of Bermuda pursuant to Section 281 of the Companies Act. In addition, Weatherford International Ltd. expects to enter into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain executive officers substantially similar to those of Weatherford International, Inc. described above. Weatherford International Ltd. has adopted provisions in its bye-laws that provide that it shall indemnify its officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted under the Companies Act. ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Weatherford International, Inc., Weatherford Merger, Inc., Weatherford International Ltd. and Weatherford U.S. Holdings, L.L.C. (included as Annex I to the proxy statement/prospectus). 3.1* Memorandum of Association of Weatherford International Ltd. (included as Annex II to the proxy statement/prospectus). 3.2* Bye-Laws of Weatherford International Ltd. (included as Annex III to the proxy statement/prospectus). 5.1* Opinion of Conyers Dill & Pearman as to the legality of the securities being issued. 8.1* Opinion of Baker & McKenzie LLP as to certain tax matters. 8.2* Opinion of Conyers Dill & Pearman as to certain tax matters (included in Exhibit 5.1). II-2 EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 8.3* Opinion of David King & Co. 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP. 23.3* Consent Baker & McKenzie LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1). 23.4* Consent of Conyers Dill & Pearman (included in Exhibit 5.1). 23.5* Consent of David King & Co. (included in Exhibit 8.3) 24.1 Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to the Registration Statement). 99.1 Form of Proxy Card. --------------- * To be filed by amendment. ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer of controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus that is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other times of the applicable form. The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (1) that is filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, or (2) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other II-3 equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective. II-4 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York on the 3rd day of April, 2002. WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD. By: /s/ BERNARD J. DUROC-DANNER ----------------------------------- Name: Bernard J. Duroc-Danner Title: President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director (Principal Executive Officer) In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates stated. Each person whose signature to this Registration Statement appears below hereby appoints Bernard J. Duroc-Danner or Burt M. Martin as his attorney-in-fact to sign on his behalf, individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda any and all amendments and post-effective amendments to this Registration Statement which amendment or amendments or Registration Statement may make such changes and additions as such attorney-in-fact may deem necessary or appropriate. SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------- ----- ---- /s/ BERNARD J. DUROC-DANNER President, Chief Executive Officer, April 3, 2002 ------------------------------------------------ Chairman of the Board and Director Bernard J. Duroc-Danner (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ LISA W. RODRIGUEZ Treasurer (Principal Financial and April 3, 2002 ------------------------------------------------ Accounting Officer) Lisa W. Rodriguez /s/ BURT M. MARTIN Vice President and Director April 3, 2002 ------------------------------------------------ Burt M. Martin II-5 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Weatherford International, Inc., Weatherford Merger, Inc., Weatherford International Ltd. and Weatherford U.S. Holdings LLC (included as Annex I to the proxy statement/prospectus). 3.1* Memorandum of Association of Weatherford International Ltd. (included as Annex II to the proxy statement/prospectus). 3.2* Bye-Laws of Weatherford International Ltd. (included as Annex III to the proxy statement/prospectus). 5.1* Opinion of Conyers Dill & Pearman as to the legality of the securities being issued. 8.1* Opinion of Baker & McKenzie LLP as to certain tax matters. 8.2* Opinion of Conyers Dill & Pearman as to certain tax matters (included in Exhibit 5.1). 8.3* Opinion of David King & Co. 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP. 23.3* Consent Baker & McKenzie LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1). 23.4* Consent of Conyers Dill & Pearman (included in Exhibit 5.1). 23.5* Consent of David King & Co. (included in Exhibit 8.3) 24.1 Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to the Registration Statement). 99.1 Form of Proxy Card. --------------- * To be filed by amendment.