e424b2
The information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus supplement and
accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not
soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or
sale is not permitted.
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statements Nos. 333-139459 and 333-139459-01
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER , 2009
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated December 18, 2006)
Petrobras International Finance Company
Unconditionally guaranteed by
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.Petrobras
(Brazilian Petroleum CorporationPetrobras)
U.S.$ % Global Notes due 20
U.S.$ % Global Notes due 20
The %
Global Notes due 20 (the 20
Notes) and the % Global
Notes due 20 (the 20
Notes) (each a series and collectively the notes) are general, unsecured, unsubordinated
obligations of Petrobras International Finance Company, or PifCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.Petrobras, or Petrobras. The notes will be unconditionally and
irrevocably guaranteed by Petrobras. The 20 Notes will mature on , 20
, and will
bear interest at the rate of % per annum. Interest on the 20 Notes is payable on
and of each year, beginning on . The 20 Notes will mature on , 20 , and
will bear interest at the rate of % per annum. Interest on the 20 Notes is payable on
and of
each year, beginning on .
PifCo will pay additional amounts related to the deduction of certain withholding taxes in respect
of certain payments on the notes. PifCo may redeem, in whole or in part, the notes at any time by
paying the greater of the principal amount of the notes and the applicable make-whole amount,
plus, in each case, accrued interest. The notes will also be redeemable without premium prior to
maturity at PifCos option solely upon the imposition of certain withholding taxes. See
Description of the Notes Optional RedemptionRedemption for Taxation Reasons.
PifCo intends to apply to have the notes approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, or
the NYSE.
See
Risk Factors on page S-14 to read about factors you should consider before buying the notes
offered in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per |
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Note |
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Total |
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Initial price to the public(1): |
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20 Notes |
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% |
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U.S.$ |
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20 Notes |
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% |
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U.S.$ |
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Underwriting discount: |
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20 Notes |
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% |
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U.S.$ |
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20 Notes |
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% |
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U.S.$ |
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Proceeds, before expenses, to PifCo: |
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20 Notes |
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% |
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U.S.$ |
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20 Notes |
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% |
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U.S.$ |
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(1) |
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Plus accrued interest from , 2009, if settlement occurs after that date. |
The underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form only through the facilities of The
Depository Trust Company and its direct and indirect participants, including Clearstream Banking,
société anonyme and Euroclear S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, against payment in New
York, New York on or about October , 2009.
Joint Bookrunners
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Citi
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HSBC
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J.P.Morgan
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Santander |
Co-managers
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BB Securities
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SOCIETE GENERALE |
October , 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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S-3 |
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S-3 |
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S-4 |
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S-5 |
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S-6 |
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S-7 |
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S-14 |
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S-16 |
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S-17 |
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S-20 |
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S-31 |
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S-34 |
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S-41 |
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S-44 |
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S-48 |
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S-48 |
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PROSPECTUS
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Page |
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About This Prospectus |
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2 |
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Forward-Looking Statements |
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3 |
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Petrobras and PifCo |
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4 |
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The Securities |
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5 |
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Legal Ownership |
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5 |
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Description of Debt Securities |
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8 |
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Description of Mandatory Convertible Securities |
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24 |
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Description of Warrants |
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25 |
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Description of the Standby Purchase Agreements |
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31 |
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Description of the Guarantees |
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38 |
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Description of American Depositary Receipts |
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40 |
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Form of Securities, Clearing and Settlement |
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48 |
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Plan of Distribution |
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53 |
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Expenses of the Issue |
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54 |
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Experts |
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54 |
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Validity of Securities |
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55 |
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Enforceability of Civil Liabilities |
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55 |
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Where You Can Find More Information |
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57 |
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Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference |
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58 |
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S-2
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document consists of two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which
describes the specific terms of the notes PifCo is offering and certain other matters relating to
PifCo and Petrobras and their financial condition. The second part, the accompanying prospectus,
gives more general information about securities that PifCo and Petrobras may offer from time to
time. Generally, references to the prospectus mean this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus combined. If the description of the notes in this prospectus supplement differs from the
description in the accompanying prospectus, the description in this prospectus supplement
supersedes the description in the accompanying prospectus.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this
prospectus supplement or in the accompanying prospectus. PifCo and Petrobras have not authorized
anyone to provide you with different information. Neither PifCo nor Petrobras is making an offer to
sell the notes in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the
information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated
by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the relevant document.
In this prospectus supplement, unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise
indicated, references to Petrobras mean Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.Petrobras and its consolidated
subsidiaries taken as a whole, and references to PifCo mean Petrobras International Finance
Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petrobras, and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a
whole. Terms such as we, us and our generally refer to both Petrobras and PifCo, unless the
context requires otherwise or as otherwise indicated.
DIFFICULTIES OF ENFORCING CIVIL LIABILITIES AGAINST NON-U.S. PERSONS
Petrobras is a sociedade de economia mista (mixed capital company), a public sector company
with some private sector ownership, established under the laws of Brazil, and PifCo is an exempted
limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. A substantial portion
of the assets of Petrobras and PifCo are located outside the Unites States, and at any time all of
their executive officers and directors, and certain advisors named in this prospectus supplement,
may reside outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for you to effect service
of process on any of those persons within the United States. In addition, it may not be possible
for you to enforce a judgment of a United States court for civil liability based upon the United
States federal securities laws against any of those persons outside the United States. For further
information on potential difficulties in effecting service of process on any of those persons or
enforcing judgments against any of them outside the United States, see Enforceability of Civil
Liabilities in the accompanying prospectus.
S-3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Many statements made or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, that are not based on historical facts and are not assurances of
future results. Many of the forward-looking statements contained, or incorporated by reference, in
this prospectus supplement may be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as
believe, expect, anticipate, should, planned, estimate and potential, among others.
We have made forward-looking statements that address, among other things, but are not limited to
our:
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regional marketing and expansion strategy; |
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drilling and other exploration activities; |
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import and export activities; |
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projected and targeted capital expenditures and other costs, commitments and revenues; |
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liquidity; and |
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development of additional revenue sources. |
Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:
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our ability to obtain financing; |
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general economic and business conditions, including crude oil and other commodity prices,
refining margins and prevailing exchange rates; |
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global economic conditions and the current global credit crisis; |
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our ability to find, acquire or gain access to additional reserves and to successfully
develop our current ones; |
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uncertainties inherent in making estimates of our oil and gas reserves including recently
discovered oil and gas reserves; |
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competition; |
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technical difficulties in the operation of our equipment and the provision of our
services; |
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changes in, or failure to comply with, laws or regulations; |
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receipt of governmental approvals and licenses; |
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international and Brazilian political, economic and social developments; |
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military operations, acts of terrorism or sabotage, wars or embargoes; |
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the cost and availability of adequate insurance coverage; and |
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other factors discussed below under Risk Factors. |
These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could
differ materially from those expressed or forecast in any forward-looking statements as a result of
a variety of factors, including those in Risk Factors set forth in this prospectus supplement and
in documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus.
All forward-looking statements attributed to us or a person acting on our behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We undertake no obligation to publicly
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future
events or for any other reason. Because of these uncertainties, potential investors should not rely
on any forward-looking statements.
S-4
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
We are incorporating by reference into this prospectus supplement the following documents that
we have filed with the SEC:
PifCo
(1) The combined Petrobras and PifCo Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December
31, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 22, 2009.
(2) The PifCo Report on Form 6-K containing financial information for the six-month period
ended June 30, 2009, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, furnished to the SEC on September 9,
2009.
(3) Any future filings of PifCo on Form 20-F made with the SEC after the date of this
prospectus supplement and prior to the completion of the offering of the securities offered by this
prospectus supplement, and any future reports of PifCo on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC during that
period that are identified in those forms as being incorporated into this prospectus supplement or
the accompanying prospectus.
Petrobras
(1) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to Petrobras Business Plan for 20092013, furnished to the SEC on January 26, 2009.
(2) The combined Petrobras and PifCo Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December
31, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 22, 2009.
(3) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to the downgrade by Standard & Poors of
Petrobras and PifCos debt ratings, furnished to the SEC on June 11, 2009.
(4) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to the approval by Petrobras board of directors
of an interest-on-own-capital payment to shareholders in the amount of R$2.6 billion, furnished to
the SEC on June 26, 2009.
(5) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to Petrobras R$25 billion loan from the Banco
Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES), the Brazilian National Development Bank,
furnished to the SEC on July 31, 2009.
(6) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to the approval by Petrobras board of directors
of an interest-on-own-capital payment to shareholders, furnished to the SEC on August 11, 2009.
(7) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to an increase in planned investments in the
Abreu e Lima Refinery, furnished to the SEC on August 27, 2009.
(8) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K outlining the new exploration and production regulatory
model for the pre-salt layer and in potentially strategic areas, furnished to the SEC on August 31,
2009.
(9) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to a new discovery in the central region of the
Gulf of Mexico, furnished to the SEC on September 2, 2009.
(10) The Petrobras Reports on Form 6-K containing financial information for the six-month
period ended June 30, 2009, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, furnished to the SEC on
September 9, 2009, and September 10, 2009.
(11) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to Petrobras strategy for the construction of drilling rigs in Brazil, furnished to the SEC on September 14, 2009.
(12) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to new discoveries in the Santos Basin Pre-Salt
concession area, furnished to the SEC on September 15, 2009.
(13) The Petrobras Report on Form 6-K relating to the approval by Petrobras board of
directors of an interest-on-own-capital payment to shareholders in the amount of R$1.76 million,
furnished to the SEC on September 22 2009.
(14) Any future filings of Petrobras on Form 20-F made with the SEC after the date of this
prospectus supplement and prior to the completion of the offering of the securities offered by this
prospectus supplement, and any future reports of Petrobras on Form 6-K
furnished to the SEC during that period that are identified in those forms as being
incorporated into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
S-5
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Information that we file with or furnish to the SEC after the date of this prospectus
supplement, and that is incorporated by reference herein, will automatically update and supersede
the information in this prospectus supplement. This means that you should look at all of the SEC
filings and reports that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in any documents previously incorporated by
reference have been modified or superseded.
Documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement are available without
charge. Each person to whom this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are
delivered may obtain documents incorporated by reference herein by requesting them either in
writing or orally, by telephone or by e-mail from us at the following address:
Investor Relations Department
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.Petrobras
Avenida República do Chile, 65 22nd Floor
20031-912 Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil
Telephone: (55-21) 3224-1510/3224-9947
Email: petroinvest@petrobras.com.br
In addition, you may review copies of the materials we file with or furnish to the SEC without
charge, and copies of all or any portion of such materials can be obtained at the Public Reference
Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the public reference room. We also file materials with the SEC
electronically. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains materials that we file
electronically with the SEC. The address of the SECs website is http://www.sec.gov.
S-6
SUMMARY
This summary highlights key information described in greater detail elsewhere, or incorporated
by reference, in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This summary is not
complete and does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in the
notes. You should read carefully the entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus
including Risk Factors and the documents incorporated by reference herein, which are described
under Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference and Where You Can Find More Information.
In this prospectus supplement, unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise
indicated, references to Petrobras mean Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.Petrobras and its consolidated
subsidiaries taken as a whole, and references to PifCo mean Petrobras International Finance
Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petrobras, and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a
whole. Terms such as we, us and our generally refer to both Petrobras and PifCo, unless the
context requires otherwise or as otherwise indicated.
PifCo
PifCo is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petrobras, incorporated under the laws of the Cayman
Islands. PifCo was formed to facilitate and finance the import of crude oil and oil products by
Petrobras into Brazil. PifCo acts as an intermediary between third-party oil suppliers and
Petrobras by engaging in crude oil and oil product purchases from international suppliers, and
reselling crude oil and oil products in U.S. dollars to Petrobras on a deferred payment basis, at a
price which includes a premium to compensate PifCo for its financing costs. PifCo also purchases
crude oil and oil products from Petrobras for sale outside Brazil. Additionally, PifCo sells and
purchases crude oil and oil products to and from third parties and related parties, mainly outside
Brazil. PifCo is generally able to obtain credit to finance purchases on the same terms granted to
Petrobras, and it buys crude oil and oil products at the same price that suppliers would charge
Petrobras directly.
As part of Petrobras strategy to expand its international operations and facilitate its
access to international capital markets, PifCo engages in borrowings in international capital
markets unconditionally guaranteed by Petrobras or supported by Petrobras through standby purchase
agreements.
In addition, PifCo engages in a number of activities that are conducted by four wholly-owned
subsidiaries:
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Petrobras Europe Limited, or PEL, a United Kingdom company that acts as an agent and
advisor in connection with Petrobras activities in Europe, the Middle East, the Far East
and North Africa; |
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Petrobras Finance Limited, or PFL, a Cayman Islands company that carries out a financing
program supported by future sales of fuel oil; |
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Bear Insurance Company Limited, or BEAR, a Bermuda company that contracts insurance for
Petrobras and its subsidiaries; and |
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Petrobras Singapore Private Limited, or PSPL, a company incorporated in Singapore to
trade crude oil and oil products in connection with our trading activities in Asia. |
PifCos principal executive office is located at Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, 4th
Floor, P.O. Box 1034GT-BWI, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I., and its telephone
number is (55-21) 3487-2375.
S-7
Petrobras
Petrobras is one of the worlds largest integrated oil and gas companies, engaging in a broad
range of oil and gas activities. For the year ended December 31, 2008, and the six-month period
ended June 30, 2009, Petrobras had sales of products and services of U.S.$146.5 billion and
U.S.$49.9 billion, net operating revenues of U.S.$118.3 billion and U.S.$39.8 billion and net
income of U.S.$18.9 billion and U.S.$6.6 billion, respectively. Petrobras engages in a broad range
of activities, which cover the following segments of its operations:
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Exploration and ProductionThis segment encompasses oil and gas exploration, development
and production activities in Brazil, sales and transfers of crude oil in domestic and
foreign markets, transfers of natural gas to the Gas and Energy segment and sales of oil
products produced at natural gas processing plants. |
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SupplyThis segment comprises Petrobras downstream activities in Brazil, including
refining, logistics, transportation, export and purchase of crude oil, as well as the
purchase and sale of oil products and ethanol. Additionally, this segment includes the
petrochemical and fertilizers division, which includes investments in domestic petrochemical
companies and two domestic fertilizer plants. |
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DistributionThis segment encompasses the oil product and ethanol distribution
activities conducted by Petrobras majority owned subsidiary, Petrobras Distribuidora
S.A.BR, in Brazil. |
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Gas and EnergyThis segment consists primarily of the purchase, sale and transportation
and distribution of natural gas produced in or imported into Brazil. This segment also
includes Petrobras participation in domestic natural gas transportation, natural gas
distribution and thermoelectric power generation. |
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InternationalThis segment comprises Petrobras international activities conducted in 23
countries, which include Exploration and Production, Supply (refining, petrochemicals and
fertilizers), Distribution and Gas and Energy. |
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CorporateThis segment includes financing activities not attributable to other segments,
including corporate financial management, central administrative overhead and actuarial
expenses related to Petrobras pension and health care plans for non-active participants. |
Petrobras principal executive office is located at Avenida República do Chile, 65 20031-912
Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil, and its telephone number is (55-21) 3224-4477.
S-8
The Offering
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Issuer
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Petrobras International Finance Company, or PifCo. |
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The 20 Notes
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U.S.$ aggregate
principal amount of % Global Notes due , 20 , or the 20 Notes. |
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The 20 Notes
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U.S.$ aggregate principal amount of % Global Notes due , 20 , or the 20 Notes (each of the 20 Notes
and the 20 Notes a series and collectively the notes). |
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Closing Date
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October , 2009 |
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Maturity Date
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For the 20 Notes: , 20 . |
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For the 20 Notes: , 20 . |
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Interest
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For the 20 Notes: The 20 Notes will bear interest from October , 2009, the date of original issuance of
the notes, at the rate of % per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on each interest payment date. |
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For the 20 Notes: The 20 Notes will bear interest from October , 2009, the date of original issuance
of the notes, at the rate of % per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on each interest payment date. |
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Interest Payment Dates
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For the 20 Notes: and of each year, commencing on . |
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For the 20 Notes: and of each year, commencing on . |
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Denominations
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PifCo will issue the notes only in denominations of U.S.$2,000 and integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof. |
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Trustee, Registrar, Paying Agent and
Transfer Agent
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The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York). |
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Codes |
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(a) Common Code
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For the 20 Notes: |
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For the 20 Notes: |
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(b) ISIN
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For the 20 Notes: |
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For the 20 Notes: |
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(c) CUSIP
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For the 20 Notes: |
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For the 20 Notes: |
S-9
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Use of Proceeds
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PifCo intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay the U.S.$4.5 billion aggregate amount
borrowed
by PifCo under lines of credit with Banco Santander S.A., London Branch, Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A. and Société Générale, affiliates of certain of the underwriters, between March 24, 2009, and June 5,
2009, to finance Petrobras planned capital expenditures. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, there is U.S.$3.168 billion outstanding under these
loans, which will mature in 2011 and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor plus spreads reflecting prevailing rates
at the time of incurrence. |
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PifCo will initially apply the proceeds of this offering to reduce the total amount outstanding under the loans with
Banco Santander S.A., London Branch, Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. prior to their
maturity dates, until the amount owed by PifCo to each bank is reduced to U.S.$500 million or less. At that time, in
addition to repaying the loans mentioned above, the proceeds of this offering will also be used to reduce the total
amount outstanding under the loan with Société Générale. |
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PifCo will use any proceeds of this offering that may remain after the repayment of the loans mentioned above for
general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of the purchase of oil product imports and the repayment of
existing trade-related debt and inter-company loans. PifCo may also lend some portion of the net proceeds to Petrobras,
which Petrobras would use for general corporate purposes, including financing its planned capital expenditures. See Use of
Proceeds. |
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Conflicts of Interest
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As described in Use of Proceeds, PifCo intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay the
U.S.$4.5 billion aggregate amount borrowed by PifCo from affiliates of certain of the underwriters between March 24,
2009, and June 5, 2009. Because more than 5% of the proceeds of this offering, not including underwriting compensation,
may be received by affiliates of the underwriters in this offering, this offering is being conducted in compliance with
NASD Rule 2720, as administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Pursuant to that rule, the
appointment of a qualified independent underwriter is not necessary in connection with this offering, as the offering is
of a class of securities rated Baa3 or better by Moodys rating
service or BBB- or better by Standard & Poors rating
service or rated in a comparable category by another rating service acceptable to FINRA. |
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Indenture
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The notes offered hereby will be issued pursuant to an indenture between PifCo and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly
The Bank of New York), a New York banking corporation, as trustee, dated as of December 15, 2006, as supplemented by
the third supplemental indenture in the case of the 20 Notes, and by the fourth supplemental indenture in the case
of the 20 Notes, each dated as of the closing date, among PifCo, Petrobras and the trustee. When we refer to the
indenture in this prospectus supplement, we are referring to the indenture as supplemented by each of the third
supplemental indenture and the fourth supplemental indenture. See Description of the Notes. |
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Guaranties
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The notes will be unconditionally guaranteed by Petrobras under the guaranties. See Description of the Guaranties. |
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Ranking
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The notes constitute general senior unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of PifCo which will at all times rank pari
passu among themselves and with all other senior unsecured obligations of PifCo that are not, by their terms, expressly
subordinated in right of payment to the notes. |
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The obligations of Petrobras under the guaranties constitute general senior unsecured obligations of Petrobras which
will at all times rank pari passu with all other senior unsecured obligations of Petrobras (including is obligations
under standby purchase agreements) that are not, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of |
S-10
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payment to
Petrobras obligations under the guaranties. |
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Optional Redemption
|
|
PifCo may redeem any of the notes at any time in whole or in part by paying the greater of the principal amount of such
series of the notes and the relevant make-whole amount, plus, in each case, accrued interest, as described under
Description of the Notes Optional Redemption. |
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|
Early Redemption at
PifCos Option Solely
for Tax Reasons
|
|
The notes will be redeemable in whole at their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
relevant date of redemption, at PifCos option at any time only in the event of certain changes affecting taxation. See
Description of the Notes Optional RedemptionRedemption for Taxation Reasons. |
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Covenants
|
|
The terms of the indenture will require PifCo, among other things, to: |
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(a) PifCo
|
|
pay all amounts owed by it under the indenture and the notes when such amounts are due; |
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|
maintain an office or agent in New York for the purpose of service of process and maintain a paying agent located in
the United States; |
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|
ensure that the notes continue to be senior obligations of PifCo; |
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|
use proceeds from the issuance of the notes for specified purposes; |
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|
give notice to the trustee of any default or event of default under the indenture; |
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provide certain financial statements to the trustee; |
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take actions to maintain the trustees or the holders rights under the
relevant transaction documents; and |
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replace the trustee upon any resignation or removal of the trustee. |
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|
In addition, the terms of the indenture will restrict the ability of PifCo
and its subsidiaries, among other things, to: |
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|
undertake certain mergers, consolidations or similar transactions; and |
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create certain liens on its assets or pledge its assets. |
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PifCos covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and
exceptions. See Description of the Notes Covenants |
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(b) Petrobras
|
|
The terms of the guaranties will require Petrobras, among other things, to: |
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|
pay all amounts owed by it in accordance with the terms of the guaranties
and the indenture; |
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|
maintain an office or agent in New York for the purpose of service of
process; |
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|
ensure that its obligations under the guaranties will continue to be
senior obligations of Petrobras; |
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|
give notice to the trustee of any default or event of default under the
indenture; and |
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|
provide certain financial statements to the trustee. |
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|
In addition, the terms of the guaranties will restrict the ability of
Petrobras and its subsidiaries, among other things, to: |
S-11
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|
undertake certain mergers, consolidations or similar transactions; and |
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|
create certain liens on its assets or pledge its assets. |
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|
Petrobras covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications
and exceptions. See Description of the GuarantiesCovenants. |
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Events of Default
|
|
The following events of default will be events of default with respect to
each series of the notes: |
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|
|
failure to pay principal on the notes of such series within three
calendar days of its due date; |
|
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|
|
failure to pay interest on the notes of such series within 30 calendar
days of any interest payment date; |
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|
breach by PifCo of a covenant or agreement in the indenture or by
Petrobras of a covenant or agreement in the guaranty for such series of the
notes if not remedied within 60 calendar days; |
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|
acceleration of a payment on the indebtedness of PifCo, Petrobras or any
material subsidiary that equals or exceeds U.S.$100 million; |
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a final judgment against PifCo, Petrobras or any material subsidiary that
equals or exceeds U.S.$100 million; |
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|
certain events of bankruptcy, liquidation or insolvency of PifCo,
Petrobras or any material subsidiary; |
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|
|
certain events relating to the unenforceability of the notes, the
indenture or the guaranty for such series of the notes against PifCo or
Petrobras; |
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|
|
Petrobras ceasing to own at least 51% of PifCos outstanding voting
shares. |
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The events of default are subject to a number of important qualifications
and limitations. See Description of the Notes Events of Default. |
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Modification of Notes, Indenture and Guaranties
|
|
The terms of the indenture may be modified by PifCo and the trustee, and
the terms of the guaranties may be modified by Petrobras and the trustee,
in some cases without the consent of the holders of the relevant series of
the notes. See Description of Debt SecuritiesSpecial
SituationsModification and Waiver in the accompanying prospectus. |
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Clearance and Settlement
|
|
The notes will be issued in book-entry form through the facilities of The
Depository Trust Company, or DTC, for the accounts of its direct and
indirect participants, including Clearstream Banking, société anonyme and
Euroclear S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, and will trade in
DTCs Same-Day Funds Settlement System. Beneficial interests in notes held
in book-entry form will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of
certificated notes except in certain limited circumstances. For a
description of certain factors relating to clearance and settlement, see
Clearance and Settlement. |
|
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|
Withholding Taxes; Additional Amounts
|
|
Any and all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect
of the notes will be made free and clear of, and without withholding or
deduction for, any taxes, duties, assessments, levies, imposts or charges
whatsoever imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by Brazil, the
jurisdiction of PifCos incorporation or any other jurisdiction in which
PifCo appoints a paying agent under the indenture, or any political
subdivision or any taxing authority thereof or therein, unless such
withholding or deduction is required by law. If PifCo is required by law to
make such withholding or deduction, it will pay such additional |
S-12
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|
amounts as are necessary to ensure that the holders receive the same amount as they
would have received without such withholding or deduction, subject to
certain exceptions. In the event Petrobras is obligated to make payments to
the holders under the guaranties, Petrobras will pay such additional
amounts as are necessary to ensure that the holders receive the same amount
as they would have received without such withholding or deduction, subject
to certain exceptions. See Description of the Notes
CovenantsAdditional Amounts. |
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Governing Law
|
|
The indenture, the notes, and the guaranties will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. |
|
|
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Listing
|
|
PifCo intends to apply to have the notes approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange. |
|
|
|
Risk Factors
|
|
You should carefully consider the risk factors discussed beginning on page S-14 before purchasing any notes. |
S-13
RISK FACTORS
Our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, which is incorporated by
reference herein, includes extensive risk factors relating to our business and to Brazil. You
should carefully consider those risks and the risks described below, as well as the other
information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus, before making a decision to invest in the notes.
Risks Relating to PifCos Debt Notes
The market for the notes may not be liquid.
The notes are not listed on any securities exchange and are not quoted through an automated
quotation system. We intend to apply to have the notes approved for listing on the New York Stock
Exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or trading markets for the notes offered
by this prospectus supplement. We cannot guarantee that holders will be able to sell their notes in
the future. If a market for the notes does not develop, holders may not be able to resell the notes
for an extended period of time, if at all.
Restrictions on the movement of capital out of Brazil may impair your ability to receive payments
on the guaranties and restrict Petrobras ability to make payments to PifCo in U.S. Dollars.
The Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the conversion of Brazilian
currency into foreign currencies and on the remittance to foreign investors of proceeds from their
investments in Brazil. Brazilian law permits the Brazilian government to impose these restrictions
whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazils balance of payments or there are reasons to
foresee a serious imbalance.
The Brazilian government imposed remittance restrictions for approximately six months in 1990.
The Brazilian government could decide to take similar measures in the future. Similar restrictions,
if imposed, could impair or prevent the conversion of payments under the guaranties from reais into
U.S. Dollars and the remittance of the U.S. Dollars abroad, or prevent Petrobras from making funds
available to PifCo in U.S. Dollars abroad. If Brazilian law were to impose restrictions,
limitations or prohibitions on Petrobras ability to convert reais into U.S. Dollars, Petrobras may
not be able to pay its obligations under the guaranties in U.S. Dollars and PifCo may not have
sufficient U.S. Dollar funds available to make payment on the notes. In the event that the holders
of the notes receive payments in reais, it may not be possible to convert these amounts into U.S.
Dollars.
In addition, payments by Petrobras under the guaranties and payments to PifCo for the import
of oil, the expected source of PifCos cash resources to pay its obligations under the notes, do
not currently require approval by or registration with the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank
of Brazil may nonetheless impose prior approval requirements on the remittance of U.S. Dollars
abroad, which could cause delays in such payments.
Petrobras would be required to pay judgments of Brazilian courts enforcing its obligations under
the guaranties only in reais.
If proceedings were brought in Brazil seeking to enforce Petrobras obligations in respect of
the guaranties, Petrobras would be required to discharge its obligations only in reais. Under
Brazilian exchange control regulations, an obligation to pay amounts denominated in a currency
other than reais, which is payable in Brazil pursuant to a decision of a Brazilian court, may be
satisfied in reais at the rate of exchange, as determined by the Central Bank of Brazil, in effect
on the date of payment.
A finding that Petrobras is subject to U.S. bankruptcy laws and that either of the guaranties
executed by it was a fraudulent conveyance could result in the relevant PifCo holders losing
their legal claim against Petrobras.
PifCos obligation to make payments on the notes is guaranteed by Petrobras. Petrobras has
been advised by its external U.S. counsel that the guaranties are valid and enforceable in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York. In addition, Petrobras has been advised by its
general counsel that the laws of Brazil do not prevent the guaranties from being valid, binding and
enforceable against Petrobras in accordance with their terms. In the event that U.S. federal
fraudulent conveyance or similar laws are applied to a guaranty, and Petrobras, at the time it
issued the relevant guaranty:
S-14
|
|
|
was or is insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of its entry into such guaranty; |
|
|
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|
was or is engaged in business or transactions for which the assets remaining with it
constituted unreasonably small capital; or |
|
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|
intended to incur or incurred, or believed or believes that it would incur, debts beyond
its ability to pay such debts as they mature; and |
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|
|
in each case, intended to receive or received less than reasonably equivalent value or
fair consideration therefor, |
then Petrobras obligations under such guaranty could be avoided, or claims with respect to such
guaranty could be subordinated to the claims of other creditors. Among other things, a legal
challenge to a guaranty on fraudulent conveyance grounds may focus on the benefits, if any,
realized by Petrobras as a result of PifCos issuance of the series of the notes supported by such
guaranty. To the extent that either guaranty is held to be a fraudulent conveyance or unenforceable
for any other reason, the holders of the series of PifCo notes supported by such guaranty would not
have a claim against Petrobras under such guaranty and will solely have a claim against PifCo.
Petrobras cannot assure you that, after providing for all prior claims, there will be sufficient
assets to satisfy the claims of the PifCo holders relating to any avoided portion of the relevant
guaranty.
S-15
USE OF PROCEEDS
PifCo intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay the U.S.$4.5 billion
aggregate amount borrowed by PifCo under lines of credit with Banco Santander S.A., London Branch,
Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Société Générale, affiliates of
certain of the underwriters, between March 24, 2009, and June 5, 2009, to finance Petrobras
planned capital expenditures. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, there is U.S.$3.168 billion outstanding under these loans,
which will mature in 2011 and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor plus spreads reflecting
prevailing rates at the time of incurrence.
PifCo will initially apply the proceeds of this offering to reduce the total amount
outstanding under the loans with Banco Santander S.A., London Branch, Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank
USA, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. prior to their maturity dates, until the amount owed by
PifCo to each bank is reduced to U.S.$500 million or less. At that time, in addition to repaying
the loans mentioned above, the proceeds of this offering will also be used to reduce the total
amount outstanding under the loan with Société Générale.
PifCo will use any proceeds of this offering that may remain after the repayment of the loans
mentioned above for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of the purchase of
oil product imports and the repayment of existing trade-related debt and inter-company loans. PifCo
may also lend some portion of the net proceeds to Petrobras, which Petrobras would use for general
corporate purposes, including financing its planned capital expenditures.
S-16
CAPITALIZATION
PifCo
The following table sets out the consolidated debt and capitalization of PifCo as of June 30,
2009, excluding accrued interest, and as adjusted to reflect certain additional indebtedness
incurred by PifCo after June 30, 2009 as described below, and as further adjusted to give effect to
the issue of the notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As Adjusted for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Long- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term Indebtedness |
|
As Further |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incurred after |
|
Adjusted for this |
|
|
Actual |
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
Offering |
|
|
|
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars) |
|
Short-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
414,088 |
|
|
|
414,088 |
|
|
|
414,088 |
|
Notes payablerelated parties |
|
|
20,195,511 |
|
|
|
20,195,511 |
|
|
|
20,195,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
20,609,599 |
|
|
|
20,609,599 |
|
|
|
20,609,599 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt (less current portion) |
|
|
11,537,955 |
(1) |
|
|
13,887,955 |
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders deficit: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock(2) |
|
|
300,050 |
|
|
|
300,050 |
|
|
|
300,050 |
|
Additional paid in capital |
|
|
266,394 |
|
|
|
266,394 |
|
|
|
266,394 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(776,725 |
) |
|
|
(776,725 |
) |
|
|
(776,725 |
) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
(17,304 |
) |
|
|
(17,304 |
) |
|
|
(17,304 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders deficit |
|
|
(277,585 |
) |
|
|
(277,585 |
) |
|
|
(277,585 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization |
|
|
31,869,969 |
|
|
|
34,219,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes U.S.$4,500,000 thousand borrowed by PifCo under a line of credit with Banco
Santander S.A., London Branch, Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
and Société General, between March 24, 2009 and June 5, 2009. The loans will mature in 2011
and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor plus spreads reflecting prevailing rates at the
time of incurrence. |
|
(2) |
|
Comprising 300,050,000 shares of common stock, par value U.S.$1.00, which have been
authorized and issued. |
Additional Indebtedness Incurred by PifCo after June 30, 2009
On July 9, 2009, PifCo issued U.S.$1,250,000 thousand 7.875% Global Notes due 2019. This
issuance was a reopening of the original U.S.$1,500,000 thousand 7.875% Global Notes due 2019
issued on February 11, 2009.
On July 13, 2009, PifCo borrowed U.S.$500,000 thousand under a line of credit with Banco
Santander S.A. The loan will mature in June 2012 and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor
plus a spread reflecting the prevailing rate at the time of incurrence.
On September 1, 2009, PifCo borrowed U.S.$600,000 thousand under a line of credit with Banco
do Brasil S.A. The loan will mature in August 2012 and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor
plus a spread reflecting the prevailing rate at the time of incurrence.
S-17
Petrobras
The following table sets out the consolidated debt and capitalization of Petrobras as of June
20, 2009, excluding accrued interest, and as adjusted to reflect certain additional indebtedness
incurred by Petrobras after June 30, 2009 as described below, and as further adjusted to give
effect to the issue of the notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As Adjusted for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Long- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term Indebtedness |
|
As Further |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incurred after |
|
Adjusted for this |
|
|
Actual |
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
Offering |
|
|
|
(In millions of U.S. Dollars) |
|
Short-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term debt |
|
|
2,182 |
|
|
|
2,182 |
|
|
|
2,182 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
1,809 |
|
|
|
1,809 |
|
|
|
1,809 |
|
Current portion of project financings |
|
|
1,828 |
|
|
|
1,828 |
|
|
|
1,828 |
|
Current portion of capital lease obligations |
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
6,068 |
|
|
|
6,068 |
|
|
|
6,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency denominated |
|
|
17,843 |
(1) |
|
|
20,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
Local currency denominated |
|
|
6,983 |
|
|
|
20,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt |
|
|
24,826 |
|
|
|
41,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt (less current portion) |
|
|
23,017 |
|
|
|
39,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
Project financings |
|
|
5,292 |
|
|
|
5,292 |
|
|
|
5,292 |
|
Capital lease obligations |
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
1,814 |
|
|
|
1,814 |
|
|
|
1,814 |
|
Shareholders equity(2) |
|
|
79,146 |
|
|
|
79,146 |
|
|
|
79,146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization |
|
|
115,599 |
|
|
|
131,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes U.S.$4,500 million borrowed by PifCo under a line of credit with Banco Santander S.A.,
London Branch, Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Société General,
between March 24, 2009 and June 5, 2009. The loans will mature in 2011 and bear interest at an
initial rate of Libor plus spreads reflecting prevailing rates at the time of incurrence.
|
|
(2) |
|
Comprising (a) 5,073,347,344 shares of common stock and (b) 3,700,729,396 shares of preferred
stock, in each case with no par value and in each case which have been authorized and issued. These
figures give effect to a two-for-one stock split that occurred on April 25, 2008.
|
Additional Indebtedness Incurred by Petrobras after June 30, 2009
On July 9, 2009, PifCo issued U.S.$1,250 million 7.875% Global Notes due 2019. This issuance
was a reopening of the original U.S.$1,500 million 7.875% Global Notes due 2019 issued on February
11, 2009.
On July 13, 2009, PifCo borrowed U.S.$500 million under a line of credit with Banco Santander
S.A. The loan will mature in June 2012 and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor plus a spread
reflecting the prevailing rate at the time of incurrence.
On July 30, 2009, Petrobras borrowed R$25,000 million (U.S.$12,810 million using the
period-end real/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of June 30, 2009) under a line of credit with the
Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES), the Brazilian National Development
Bank. The loan will mature in March 2029 and bear interest at a fixed rate reflecting the
prevailing rate at the time of incurrence.
On September 1, 2009, PifCo borrowed U.S.$600 million under a line of credit with Banco do
Brasil S.A. The loan will mature in August 2012 and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor plus
a spread reflecting the prevailing rate at the time of incurrence.
On September 22, 2009, Petrobras borrowed R$580 million (U.S.$297 million using the
period-end real/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of June 30, 2009) from Banco Nossa Caixa S.A. The
loan will mature in August 2017 and bear interest at an initial rate of CDI, the Brazilian
S-18
Interbank Deposit Certificate rate, plus a spread reflecting the prevailing rate at
the time of incurrence.
On September 28, 2009, Petrobras borrowed R$1,500 million (U.S.$769 million using the
period-end real/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of June 30, 2009) from Banco do Brasil S.A. The loan
will mature in September 2014 and bear interest at an initial rate of CDI plus a spread reflecting the
prevailing rate at the time of incurrence.
S-19
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The following description of the terms of the notes supplements and modifies the description
of the general terms and provisions of debt securities and the indenture set forth in the
accompanying prospectus, which you should read in conjunction with this prospectus supplement. In
addition, we urge you to read the indenture, the third supplemental indenture in connection with
the 20 Notes and the fourth supplemental indenture in connection with the 20 Notes,
because they, and not this description, will define your rights as holders of the 20 Notes and
the 20 Notes, respectively. If the description of the terms of the notes in this summary
differs in any way from that in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on this summary. You
may obtain copies of the indenture, the third supplemental indenture and the fourth supplemental
indenture upon written request to the trustee or with the SEC at the addresses set forth under
Where You Can Find More Information.
The Third Supplemental Indenture and the Fourth Supplemental Indenture
PifCo will issue the notes under an indenture dated as of December 15, 2006 between PifCo and
The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), a New York banking corporation, as
trustee, as supplemented by the third supplemental indenture in the case of the 20 Notes, and
the fourth supplemental indenture in the case of the 20 Notes, each dated as of the closing
date, which provide the specific terms of the notes offered by this prospectus supplement,
including granting holders rights against Petrobras under the respective guaranties. Whenever we
refer to the indenture in this prospectus supplement, we are referring to the indenture as
supplemented by the third supplemental indenture in the case of the 20 Notes, and the fourth
supplemental indenture in the case of the 20 Notes.
General
The 20 Notes
The 20 Notes will be general, senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of PifCo
having the following basic terms:
The title of the 20 Notes will be the % Global Notes due 20 ;
The 20 Notes will:
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be issued in an aggregate principal amount of U.S.$ ; |
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mature on , 20 ; |
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bear interest at a rate of % per annum from October , 2009, the date of
issuance of the 20 Notes, until maturity or early redemption and until all required
amounts due in respect of the 20 Notes have been paid; |
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be issued in global registered form without interest coupons attached; |
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be issued and may be transferred only in principal amounts of U.S.$2,000 and in
integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof; and |
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be unconditionally guaranteed by Petrobras on terms comparable to the standby
purchase agreements previously entered into by Petrobras pursuant to a guaranty described
below under Guaranties. |
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Interest on the 20 Notes will be paid semiannually on and of each
year (each of which we refer to as an interest payment date), commencing on , and
the regular record date for any interest payment date will be the business day preceding
that date; and |
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In the case of amounts not paid by PifCo under the indenture and the 20 Notes (or
Petrobras under the guaranty for the 20 Notes), interest will continue to accrue on such
amounts at a default rate equal to 0.5% in excess of the interest rate on the 20 Notes,
from and including the date when such amounts were due and owing and through and excluding
the date of payment of such amounts by PifCo or Petrobras. |
Despite the Brazilian governments ownership interest in Petrobras, the Brazilian government
is not responsible in any manner for PifCos obligations under the 20 Notes and Petrobras
obligations under the guaranty for the 20 Notes.
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The 20 Notes
The 20 Notes will be general, senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of PifCo
having the following basic terms:
The title of the 20 Notes will be the % Global Notes due 20 ;
The 20 Notes will:
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be issued in an aggregate principal amount of U.S.$ ; |
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mature on , 20 ; |
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bear interest at a rate of % per annum from October , 2009, the date of
issuance of the 20 Notes, until maturity or early redemption and until all required
amounts due in respect of the 20 Notes have been paid; |
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be issued in global registered form without interest coupons attached; |
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be issued and may be transferred only in principal amounts of U.S.$2,000 and in
integral multiples of U.S.$1,000 in excess thereof; and |
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be unconditionally guaranteed by Petrobras on terms comparable to the standby
purchase agreements previously entered into by Petrobras pursuant to a guaranty described
below under Guaranties. |
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Interest on the 20 Notes will be paid semiannually on and of each
year (each of which, together with the interest payment date with respect to the 20
Notes, as applicable, we refer to as an interest payment date ), commencing on ,
and the regular record date for any interest payment date will be the business day preceding
that date; and |
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In the case of amounts not paid by PifCo under the indenture and the 20 Notes (or
Petrobras under the guaranty for the 20 Notes), interest will continue to accrue on such
amounts at a default rate equal to 0.5% in excess of the interest rate on the 20 Notes,
from and including the date when such amounts were due and owing and through and excluding
the date of payment of such amounts by PifCo or Petrobras. |
Despite the Brazilian governments ownership interest in Petrobras, the Brazilian government
is not responsible in any manner for PifCos obligations under the 20 Notes and Petrobras
obligations under the guaranty for the 20 Notes.
Guaranties
Petrobras will unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and punctual payment when
due, whether at the maturity date of the notes, or earlier or later by acceleration or otherwise,
of all of PifCos obligations now or hereafter existing under the indenture and the notes, whether
for principal, interest, make-whole premium, fees, indemnities, costs, expenses or otherwise. The
guaranties will be unsecured and will rank equally with all of Petrobras other existing and future
unsecured and unsubordinated debt
including standby purchase agreements and guaranties previously
issued by Petrobras in connection with prior issuances of indebtedness. See Description of the Guaranties.
Depositary with Respect to Global Notes
The notes will be issued in global registered form with The Depository Trust Company, or
DTC, as depositary. For further information in this regard, see Clearance and Settlement.
Events of Default
The following events will be events of default with respect to each series of the notes:
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PifCo does not pay the principal on the notes of such series within three calendar days
of its due date and the trustee has not received such amounts from Petrobras under the
relevant guaranty by the end of that three-day period. |
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PifCo does not pay interest or other amounts, including any additional amounts, on the
notes within 30 calendar days of their due date and the trustee has not received such
amounts from Petrobras under the relevant guaranty by the end of that thirty-day period. |
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PifCo or Petrobras remains in breach of any covenant or any other term of the indenture
or guaranty for such series for 60 calendar days (inclusive of any cure period contained in
any such covenant or other term for compliance thereunder) after receiving a notice of
default stating that it is in breach. The notice must be sent by either the trustee or
holders of 25% of the principal amount of such series of the notes. |
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The maturity of any indebtedness of PifCo or Petrobras or a material subsidiary in a
total aggregate principal amount of U.S.$100,000,000 (or its equivalent in another currency)
or more is accelerated in accordance with the terms of that indebtedness, it being
understood that prepayment or redemption by us or the material subsidiary of any
indebtedness is not acceleration for this purpose; |
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One or more final and non-appealable judgments or final decrees is entered against PifCo,
Petrobras or a material subsidiary involving in the aggregate a liability (not paid or fully
covered by insurance) of U.S.$100,000,000 (or its equivalent in another currency) or more,
and all such judgments or decrees have not been vacated, discharged or stayed within 120
calendar days after rendering of that judgment. |
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PifCo, Petrobras or any material subsidiary stop paying or admits that it is generally
unable to pay its debts as they become due, is adjudicated or found bankrupt or insolvent or
is ordered by a court or passes a resolution to dissolve. |
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PifCo, Petrobras or any material subsidiary commences voluntarily proceedings under any
applicable liquidation, insolvency, composition, reorganization or any other similar laws,
or files an application for the appointment of an administrator, receiver or other similar
official in relation to PifCo, Petrobras or any material subsidiary, or any events occur or
action is taken that has effects similar to those events or actions described in this
paragraph. |
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PifCo, Petrobras or any material subsidiary enters into any composition or other similar
arrangement with its creditors (such as a concordata, which is a type of liquidation
agreement), or proceedings are initiated against PifCo, Petrobras or any material subsidiary
under applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or intervention law or law with similar effect and
is not discharged or removed within 90 calendar days, or an administrator, receiver or
similar official is appointed in relation to, or a distress, execution, attachment,
sequestration or other process is levied, enforced upon, sued out or put in force against,
the whole or a substantial part of the undertakings or assets of PifCo, Petrobras or any
material subsidiary and is not discharged or removed within 90 calendar days, or any events
occur or action is taken that has effects similar to those events or actions described in
this paragraph. |
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The notes of such series, the indenture, the relevant guaranty, or any part of those
documents, ceases to be in full force and effect or binding and enforceable against PifCo or
Petrobras, or it becomes unlawful for PifCo or Petrobras to perform any material obligation
under any of the foregoing documents to which it is a party. |
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PifCo or Petrobras contests the enforceability of the notes, the indenture or the
guaranties, or denies that it has liability under any of the foregoing documents to which it
is a party. |
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Petrobras fails to retain at least 51% direct or indirect ownership of the outstanding
voting and economic interests (equity or otherwise) of and in PifCo. |
For purposes of the events of default:
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indebtedness means any obligation (whether present or future, actual or contingent and
including any guaranty) for the payment or repayment of money which has been borrowed or
raised (including money raised by acceptances and all leases which, under generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States, would be a capital lease obligation); and |
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material subsidiary means a subsidiary of PifCo or Petrobras which on any given date of
determination accounts for more than 10% of Petrobras total consolidated assets (as set
forth on Petrobras most recent balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP). |
Covenants
PifCo will be subject to the following covenants with respect to the notes:
Payment of Principal and Interest
PifCo will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest and other
amounts (including any additional amounts in the event withholding and other taxes are imposed in
Brazil or the jurisdiction of incorporation of PifCo) on the notes in accordance with the notes and
the indenture.
Maintenance of Corporate Existence
PifCo will maintain its corporate existence and take all reasonable actions to maintain all
rights, privileges and the like necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of business,
activities or operations, unless PifCos board of directors determines that preserving PifCos
corporate existence is no longer desirable in the conduct of PifCos business and is not
disadvantageous in any material respect to holders.
Maintenance of Office or Agency
So long as notes are outstanding, PifCo will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of
New York, an office or agency where notices to and demands upon it in respect of the indenture and
the notes may be served.
Initially, this office will be located at 570 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022-6837.
PifCo will not change the designation of the office without prior written notice to the trustee and
designating a replacement office in the same general location.
Ranking
PifCo will ensure that the notes will at all times constitute its general senior, unsecured
and unsubordinated obligations and will rank pari passu, without any preferences among themselves,
with all of its other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations (other than
obligations preferred by statute or by operation of law).
Use of Proceeds
PifCo intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay the U.S.$4.5 billion
aggregate amount borrowed by PifCo under lines of credit with Banco Santander S.A., London Branch,
Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Société Générale, affiliates of
certain of the underwriters, between March 24, 2009, and June 5, 2009, to finance Petrobras
planned capital expenditures. As of the date of this prospectus
supplement, there is U.S.$3.168 billion outstanding under these loans,
which will mature in 2011 and bear interest at an initial rate of Libor plus spreads reflecting
prevailing rates at the time of incurrence.
PifCo will initially apply the proceeds of this offering to reduce the total amount
outstanding under the loans with Banco Santander S.A., London Branch, Citibank, N.A., HSBC Bank
USA, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. prior to their maturity dates, until the amount owed by
PifCo to each bank is reduced to U.S.$500 million or less. At that time, in addition to repaying
the loans mentioned above, the proceeds of this offering will also be used to reduce the total
amount outstanding under the loan with Société Générale.
PifCo will use any proceeds of this offering that may remain after the repayment of the loans
mentioned above for general corporate purposes, which may include the financing of the purchase of
oil product imports and the repayment of existing trade-related debt and inter-company loans. PifCo
may also lend some portion of the net proceeds to Petrobras, which Petrobras would use for general
corporate purposes, including financing its planned capital expenditures.
Statement by Officers as to Default and Notices of Events of Default
PifCo will deliver to the trustee, within 90 calendar days after the end of its fiscal year,
an officers certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of its signers PifCo is in
default on any of the terms, provisions and conditions of the indenture or the notes (without
regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under the indenture) and, if PifCo
(or any obligor) are in default, specifying all the
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defaults and their nature and status of which the signers may have
knowledge. Within 10 calendar days (or promptly with respect to certain events of default relating
to PifCos insolvency and in any event no later than 10 calendar days) after PifCo becomes aware or
should reasonably become aware of the occurrence of any default or event of default under the
indenture or the notes, it will notify the trustee in writing of the occurrence of such default or
event of default.
Provision of Financial Statements and Reports
In the event that PifCo files any financial statements or reports with the SEC or publishes or
otherwise makes such statements or reports publicly available in Brazil, the United States or
elsewhere, PifCo will furnish a copy of the statements or reports to the trustee within 15 calendar
days of the date of filing or the date the information is published or otherwise made publicly
available.
PifCo will provide, together with each of the financial statements delivered as described in
the preceding paragraph, an officers certificate stating (i) that a review of PifCos activities
has been made during the period covered by such financial statements with a view to determining
whether PifCo has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its covenants and agreements under this
indenture; and (ii) that no event of default, or event which with the giving of notice or passage
of time or both would become an event of default, has occurred during that period or, if one or
more have actually occurred, specifying all those events and what actions have been taken and will
be taken with respect to that event of default or other event.
Delivery of these reports, information and documents to the trustee is for informational
purposes only and the trustees receipt of any of those will not constitute constructive notice of
any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including
PifCos compliance with any of its covenants under the indenture (as to which the trustee is
entitled to rely exclusively on officers certificates).
Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in Office of Trustee
PifCo, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of trustee, will appoint a
successor trustee in the manner provided in the indenture so that there will at all times be a
trustee with respect to the notes.
Payments and Paying Agents
PifCo will, prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business day preceding any payment
date of the principal of or interest on the notes or other amounts (including additional amounts),
deposit with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay such principal, interest or other amounts
(including additional amounts) so becoming due.
Additional Amounts
Except as provided below, PifCo will make all payments of amounts due under the notes and the
indenture and each other document entered into in connection with the notes and the indenture
without withholding or deducting any present or future taxes, levies, deductions or other
governmental charges of any nature imposed by Brazil, the jurisdiction of PifCos incorporation or
any jurisdiction in which PifCo appoints a paying agent under the indenture, or any political
subdivision of such jurisdictions (the taxing jurisdictions). If PifCo is required by law to
withhold or deduct any taxes, levies, deductions or other governmental charges, PifCo will make
such deduction or withholding, make payment of the amount so withheld to the appropriate
governmental authority and pay the holders any additional amounts necessary to ensure that they
receive the same amount as they would have received without such withholding or deduction. For the
avoidance of doubt, the foregoing obligations shall extend to payments under the guaranties.
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PifCo will not, however, pay any additional amounts in connection with any tax, levy,
deduction or other governmental charge that is imposed due to any of the following (excluded
additional amounts):
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the holder has a connection with the taxing jurisdiction other than merely holding the
notes, receiving principal or interest payments on the notes, or enforcing any rights with
respect to the notes (such as citizenship, nationality, residence, domicile, or existence of
a business, a permanent establishment, a dependent agent, a place of business or a place of
management, present or deemed present within the taxing jurisdiction); |
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any tax imposed on, or measured by, net income; |
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the holder fails to comply with any certification, identification or other reporting
requirements concerning its nationality, residence, identity or connection with the taxing
jurisdiction, if (x) such compliance is required by applicable law, regulation,
administrative practice or treaty as a precondition to exemption from all or a part of the
tax, levy, deduction or other governmental charge, (y) the holder is able to comply with
such requirements without undue hardship and (z) at least 30 calendar days prior to the
first payment date with respect to which such requirements under the applicable law,
regulation, administrative practice or treaty will apply, PifCo has notified all holders or
the trustee that they will be required to comply with such requirements; |
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the holder fails to present (where presentation is required) its notes within 30 calendar
days after PifCo has made available to the holder a payment under the notes and the
indenture, provided that PifCo will pay additional amounts which a holder would have been
entitled to had the notes owned by such holder been presented on any day (including the last
day) within such 30 calendar day period; |
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any estate, inheritance, gift, value added, use or sales taxes or any similar taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges; |
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where such taxes, levies, deductions or other governmental charges are imposed on a
payment on the notes to, or for, an individual and are required to be made pursuant to
Council Directive 2003/48/EC or other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN
Council meeting of November 26-27, 2000, on the taxation of savings income, or any law
implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such directive; |
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where the holder could have avoided such taxes, levies, deductions or other governmental
charges by requesting that a payment on the notes be made by, or presenting the relevant
notes for payment to, another paying agent of PifCo located in a member state of the
European Union; or |
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where the holder would have been able to avoid the tax, levy, deduction or other
governmental charge by taking reasonable measures available to such holder. |
PifCo shall promptly pay when due any present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes or
any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that are imposed by Brazil, the
jurisdiction of PifCos incorporation or any other jurisdiction in which PifCo appoints a paying
agent or any political subdivision or any taxing authority thereof or therein that arise from any
payment under the notes or under any other document or instrument referred in the indenture or from
the execution, delivery, enforcement or registration of the notes or any other document or
instrument referred to in the indenture. PifCo shall indemnify and make whole the holders for any
present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges
or similar levies payable by PifCo as provided in this paragraph paid by such holder. PifCo shall
maintain a paying agent hereunder in a member state of the European Union that will not be obliged
to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to the European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other
Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN council meeting of November 26-27, 2000, or
any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive.
Negative Pledge
So long as any note of a series remains outstanding, PifCo will not create or permit any lien,
other than a PifCo permitted lien, on any of its assets to secure (i) any of its indebtedness or
(ii) the indebtedness of any other person, unless PifCo contemporaneously creates or permits such
lien to secure equally and ratably its obligations under such series of the notes and the indenture
or PifCo provides such other security for such series of the notes as is duly approved by a
resolution of the holders of such series of the notes in accordance with the indenture. In
addition, PifCo will not allow any of its material subsidiaries to create or permit any lien, other
than a PifCo permitted lien, on any of its assets to secure (i) any of its indebtedness, (ii) any
of the material subsidiarys indebtedness or (iii) the indebtedness of any other person, unless it
contemporaneously creates or permits the lien to secure equally and ratably its obligations under each series of the notes and the indenture
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or PifCo provides such other
security for such notes as is duly approved by a resolution of the holders of such series of the
notes in accordance with the indenture. This covenant is subject to a number of important
exceptions, including an exception that permits PifCo to grant liens in respect of indebtedness the
principal amount of which, in the aggregate, together with all other liens not otherwise described
in a specific exception, does not exceed 15% of PifCos consolidated total assets (as determined in
accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS) at any time as at which PifCos balance sheet is prepared and
published in accordance with applicable law.
Limitation on Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance
PifCo will not, in one or a series of transactions, consolidate or amalgamate with or merge
into any corporation or convey, lease or transfer substantially all of its properties, assets or
revenues to any person or entity (other than a direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras) or
permit any person (other than a direct or indirect subsidiary of PifCo) to merge with or into it
unless:
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either PifCo is the continuing entity or the person (the successor company) formed by
the consolidation or into which PifCo is merged or that acquired or leased the property or
assets of PifCo will assume (jointly and severally with PifCo unless PifCo will have ceased
to exist as a result of that merger, consolidation or amalgamation), by a supplemental
indenture (the form and substance of which will be previously approved by the trustee), all
of PifCos obligations under the indenture and the notes; |
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the successor company (jointly and severally with PifCo unless PifCo will have ceased to
exist as part of the merger, consolidation or amalgamation) agrees to indemnify each holder
against any tax, assessment or governmental charge thereafter imposed on the holder solely
as a consequence of the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease with respect to
the payment of principal of, or interest, the notes; |
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immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no default
has occurred and is continuing; |
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PifCo has delivered to the trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel,
each stating that the transaction, and each supplemental indenture relating to the
transaction, comply with the terms of the indenture dated as of December 15, 2006, and that
all conditions precedent provided for in the indenture and relating to the transaction have
been complied with; and |
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PifCo has delivered notice of any such transaction to the trustee. |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, so long as no default or event of
default under the indenture or the notes will have occurred and be continuing at the time of the
proposed transaction or would result from the transaction:
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PifCo may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties, assets or revenues to a
direct or indirect subsidiary of PifCo or |
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Petrobras in cases when PifCo is the surviving entity in the transaction and the
transaction would not have a material adverse effect on PifCo and its subsidiaries taken as
a whole, it being understood that if PifCo is not the surviving entity, PifCo will be
required to comply with the requirements set forth in the previous paragraph; or |
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of PifCo may merge or consolidate with or into, or
convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of assets to, any person (other than PifCo or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) in cases when the transaction would not have a
material adverse effect on PifCo and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; or |
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of PifCo may merge or consolidate with or into, or
convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of assets to, any other direct or indirect
subsidiary of PifCo or Petrobras; or |
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of PifCo may liquidate or dissolve if PifCo determines
in good faith that the liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of Petrobras, and
would not result in a material adverse effect on PifCo and its subsidiaries taken as a whole
and if the liquidation or dissolution is part of a corporate reorganization of PifCo or
Petrobras. |
PifCo may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in certain covenants
applicable to a series of the notes or any term, provision or condition of the indenture, if before
the time for the compliance the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding notes of such series waive the compliance, but no waiver can operate except to the
extent expressly waived, and, until a waiver
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becomes effective, PifCos obligations and the duties of the trustee in
respect of any such term, provision or condition will remain in full force and effect.
As used above, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
indebtedness means any obligation (whether present or future, actual or contingent and
including any guaranty) for the payment or repayment of money that has been borrowed or raised
(including money raised by acceptances and all leases which, under generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States, would be a capital lease obligation).
A guaranty means an obligation of a person to pay the indebtedness of another person
including, without limitation:
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an obligation to pay or purchase such indebtedness; |
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an obligation to lend money or to purchase or subscribe for shares or other securities or
to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such
indebtedness; |
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an indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such indebtedness;
or |
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any other agreement to be responsible for such indebtedness. |
A lien means any mortgage, pledge, lien, hypothecation, security interest or other charge or
encumbrance on any property or asset including, without limitation, any equivalent created or
arising under applicable law.
A PifCo permitted lien means a:
(a) lien arising by operation of law, such as merchants, maritime or other similar liens
arising in PifCos ordinary course of business or that of any subsidiary or lien in respect of
taxes, assessments or other governmental charges that are not yet delinquent or that are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
(b) lien arising from PifCos obligations under performance bonds or surety bonds and appeal
bonds or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
PifCos past practice;
(c) lien arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with indebtedness maturing
not more than one year after the date on which that indebtedness was originally incurred and
which is related to the financing of export, import or other trade transactions;
(d) lien granted upon or with respect to any assets hereafter acquired by PifCo or any
subsidiary to secure the acquisition costs of those assets or to secure indebtedness incurred
solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of those assets, including any lien existing
at the time of the acquisition of those assets, so long as the maximum amount so secured does not
exceed the aggregate acquisition costs of all such assets or the aggregate indebtedness incurred
solely for the acquisition of those assets, as the case may be;
(e) lien granted in connection with indebtedness of a wholly-owned subsidiary owing to PifCo
or another wholly-owned subsidiary;
(f) lien existing on any asset or on any stock of any subsidiary prior to the acquisition
thereof by PifCo or any subsidiary, so long as the lien is not created in anticipation of that
acquisition;
(g) lien existing as of the date of the third supplemental indenture in the
case of the 20 Notes, and as of the date of the fourth supplemental indenture in the case of the 20 Notes;
(h) lien resulting from the indenture or the guaranties, if any;
(i) lien incurred in connection with the issuance of debt or similar securities of a type
comparable to those already issued by PifCo, on amounts of cash or cash equivalents on deposit in
any reserve or similar account to pay interest on those securities for a period of up to 24
months as required by any rating agency as a condition to the rating agency rating those
securities as investment grade;
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(j) lien granted or incurred to secure any extension, renewal, refinancing, refunding or
exchange (or successive extensions, renewals, refinancings, refundings or exchanges), in whole or
in part, of or for any indebtedness secured by liens referred to in paragraphs (a) through (i)
above (but not paragraph (c)), so long as the lien does not extend to any other property, the
principal amount of the indebtedness secured by the lien is not increased, and in the case of
paragraphs (a), (b) and (f), the obligees meet the requirements of the applicable paragraph; and
(k) lien in respect of indebtedness the principal amount of which in the aggregate, together
with all other liens not otherwise qualifying as PifCo permitted liens pursuant to another part
of this definition of PifCo permitted liens, does not exceed 15% of PifCos consolidated total
assets (as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP) at any date as at which PifCos balance sheet
is prepared and published in accordance with applicable law.
A wholly-owned subsidiary means, with respect to any corporate entity, any person of which
100% of the outstanding capital stock (other than qualifying shares, if any) having by its terms
ordinary voting power (not dependent on the happening of a contingency) to elect the board of
directors (or equivalent controlling governing body) of that person, is at the time owned or
controlled directly or indirectly by that corporate entity, by one or more wholly-owned
subsidiaries of that corporate entity or by that corporate entity and one or more wholly-owned
subsidiaries.
Optional Redemption
PifCo will not be permitted to redeem the notes before their stated maturity, except as set
forth below. The notes will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fundmeaning that we
will not deposit money on a regular basis into any separate account to repay your notes. In
addition, you will not be entitled to require us to repurchase your notes from you before the
stated maturity.
Optional Redemption With Make-Whole Amount
PifCo will have the right at our option to redeem any of the notes in whole or in part, at any
time or from time to time prior to their maturity, on at least 30 days but not more than 60 days
notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of such
notes and (2) the sum of the present values of each remaining scheduled payment of principal and
interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the
redemption date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months)
at the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points (the Make-Whole Amount), plus in each case accrued
interest on the principal amount of such notes to the date of redemption.
Treasury Rate means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the
semiannual equivalent yield to maturity or interpolated maturity (on a day count basis) of the
Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a
percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption
date.
Comparable Treasury Issue means the United States Treasury security or securities selected
by an Independent Investment Banker as having an actual or interpolated maturity comparable to the
remaining term of the notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in
accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of
a comparable maturity to the remaining term of such notes.
Independent Investment Banker means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by us.
Comparable Treasury Price means, with respect to any redemption date (1) the average of the
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and
lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation or (2) if the trustee obtains fewer than four such
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.
Reference Treasury Dealer means each of HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. or, in each case, their affiliates, which are primary United States government
securities dealers and two other leading primary United States government securities dealers in New
York City reasonably designated by us in writing; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing
shall cease to be a primary United States government securities dealer in New York City (a Primary
Treasury Dealer), we will substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer
and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the trustee, of the bid and asked prices for
the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount)
quoted in writing to the trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 pm New York time on the
third business day preceding such redemption date.
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On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or any portion of
the notes called for redemption (unless we default in the payment of the redemption price and
accrued interest). On or before the redemption date, we will deposit with the trustee money
sufficient to pay the redemption price of and (unless the redemption date shall be an interest
payment date) accrued interest to the redemption date on the notes to be redeemed on such date. If
less than all of the notes of any series are to be redeemed, the notes to be redeemed shall be
selected by the trustee by such method as set forth in the indenture.
Redemption for Taxation Reasons
We have the option, subject to certain conditions, to redeem each series of the notes in whole
at their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the relevant date of
redemption, if and when, as a result of a change in, execution of, or amendment to, any laws or
treaties or the official application or interpretation of any laws or treaties, we would be
required to pay additional amounts related to the deduction of certain withholding taxes in respect
of certain payments on such series of the notes. See Description of Debt SecuritiesSpecial
SituationsOptional Tax Redemption in the accompanying prospectus.
The Optional Tax Redemption set forth in the accompanying prospectus shall apply with the
reincorporation of PifCo being treated as the adoption of a successor entity. Such redemption shall
not be available if the reincorporation was performed in anticipation of a change in, execution of
or amendment to any laws or treaties or the official application or interpretation of any laws or
treaties in such new jurisdiction of incorporation that would result in the obligation to pay
additional amounts.
Further Issuances
The indenture by its terms does not limit the aggregate principal amount of securities that
may be issued under it and permits the issuance, from time to time, of additional notes (also
referred to as add-on notes) of the same series as those offered under this prospectus supplement.
The ability to issue add-on notes is subject to several requirements, however, including that (i)
no event of default under the indenture or event that with the passage of time or other action may
become an event of default (such event being a default) will have occurred and then be continuing
or will occur as a result of that additional issuance and (ii) the add-on notes will rank pari
passu and have equivalent terms and benefits as the notes offered under this prospectus supplement
except for the price to the public and the issue date. Any add-on notes with respect to either
series of the notes will be part of the same series as such notes that PifCo is currently offering
and the holders will vote on all matters in relation to the applicable notes as a single series.
Covenant Defeasance
Any restrictive covenants of the indenture may be defeased as described in the accompanying
prospectus.
Conversion
The notes will not be convertible into, or exchangeable for, any other securities.
Listing
PifCo intends to apply to have the notes approved for listing on the NYSE.
Currency Rate Indemnity
PifCo has agreed that, if a judgment or order made by any court for the payment of any amount
in respect of any notes is expressed in a currency (the judgment currency) other than U.S.
Dollars (the denomination currency), PifCo will indemnify the relevant holder against any
deficiency arising from any variation in rates of exchange between the date as of which the
denomination currency is notionally converted into the judgment currency for the purposes of the
judgment or order and the date of actual payment. This indemnity will constitute a separate and
independent obligation from PifCos other obligations under the indenture, will give rise to a
separate and independent cause of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted from
time to time and will continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a
liquidated sum or sums in respect of amounts due in respect of the relevant note or under any
judgment or order described above.
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The Trustee and the Paying Agent
The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), a New York banking corporation,
is the trustee under the indenture and has been appointed by PifCo as registrar and paying agent
with respect to the notes. The address of the trustee is 101 Barclay Street, 4E, New York, New York, 10286. PifCo will at all times maintain a paying agent
in New York City until the notes are paid.
Any corporation or association into which the trustee may be merged or converted or with which
it may be consolidated, or any corporation or association resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which the trustee shall be a party, or any corporation or association to which all
or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the trustee may be sold or otherwise
transferred, shall be the successor trustee hereunder without any further act.
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CLEARANCE AND SETTLEMENT
Book-Entry Issuance
Except under the limited circumstances described below, all notes will be book-entry notes.
This means that the actual purchasers of the notes will not be entitled to have the notes
registered in their names and will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the notes in
definitive (paper) form. Instead, upon issuance, all the notes will be represented by one or more
fully registered global notes.
Each global note will be deposited directly with The Depository Trust Company, a securities
depositary, and will be registered in the name of DTCs nominee. Global notes may also be deposited
indirectly with Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear, as indirect participants of DTC. For
background information regarding DTC and Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear, see Depository
Trust Company and Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear below. No global note representing
book-entry notes may be transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC, or by a nominee
of DTC to another nominee of DTC. Thus, DTC will be the only registered holder of the 20 Notes
and the 20 Notes and will be considered the sole representative of the beneficial owners of the
notes for purposes of the indenture. For an explanation of the situations in which a global note
will terminate and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing the
notes, see Legal OwnershipGlobal Securities in the accompanying prospectus.
The registration of the global notes in the name of DTCs nominee will not affect beneficial
ownership and is performed merely to facilitate subsequent transfers. The book-entry system, which
is also the system through which most publicly traded common stock is held in the United States, is
used because it eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The laws of
some jurisdictions, however, may require some purchasers to take physical delivery of their notes
in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability of beneficial holders to transfer the notes.
In this prospectus supplement, unless and until definitive (paper) notes are issued to the
beneficial owners as described below, all references to registered holders of notes shall mean
DTC. PifCo, Petrobras, the trustee and any paying agent, transfer agent or registrar may treat DTC
as the absolute owner of the notes for all purposes.
Primary Distribution
Payment Procedures
Payment for the notes will be made on a delivery versus payment basis.
Clearance and Settlement Procedures
DTC participants that hold securities through DTC on behalf of investors will follow the
settlement practices applicable to United States corporate debt obligations in DTCs Same-Day Funds
Settlement System. Notes will be credited to the securities custody accounts of these DTC
participants against payment in the same-day funds, for payments in U.S. Dollars, on the settlement
date.
Secondary Market Trading
We understand that secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the
ordinary way in accordance with DTCs rules. Secondary market trading will be settled using
procedures applicable to United States corporate debt obligations in DTCs Same-Day Funds
Settlement System. If payment is made in U.S. Dollars, settlement will be free of payment. If
payment is made in other than U.S. Dollars, separate payment arrangements outside of the DTC system
must be made between the DTC participants involved.
The Depository Trust Company
The policies of DTC will govern payments, transfers, exchange and other matters relating to
the beneficial owners interest in the notes held by that owner. Neither the Trustee, Registrar,
Paying Agent, Transfer Agent nor we have any responsibility for any aspect of the actions of DTC or
any of their direct or indirect participants. Neither the Trustee, Registrar, Paying Agent,
Transfer Agent nor we have any responsibility for any aspect of the records kept by DTC or any of
their direct or indirect participants. In addition, neither the Trustee, Registrar, Paying Agent,
Transfer Agent nor we supervise DTC in any way. DTC and their participants perform these clearance
and settlement functions under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers.
Investors should be aware that DTC and its participants are not obligated
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to perform these procedures and may
modify them or discontinue them at any time. The description of the clearing systems in this
section reflects our understanding of the rules and procedures of DTC as they are currently in
effect. DTC could change its rules and procedures at any time.
DTC has advised us as follows:
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a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York; |
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a member of the Federal Reserve System; |
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a clearing corporation within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code; and |
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a clearing agency registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. |
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DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the
clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through
electronic book-entry changes to accounts of its participants. This eliminates the need
for physical movement of certificates. |
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Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and
clearing corporations and may include certain other organizations. DTC is partially owned by
some of these participants or their representatives. |
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Indirect access to the DTC system is also available to banks, brokers, dealer and trust
companies that have relationships with participants. |
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The rules applicable to DTC and DTC participants are on file with the SEC. |
Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear
Clearstream, Luxembourg has advised that: it is a duly licensed bank organized as a société
anonyme incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg and is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg
Commission for the supervision of the financial sector (Commission de surveillance du secteur
financier); it holds securities for its customers and facilitates the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions among them, and does so through electronic book-entry transfers between the
accounts of its customers, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates; it
provides other services to its customers, including safekeeping, administration, clearance and
settlement of internationally traded securities and lending and borrowing of securities; it
interfaces with the domestic markets in over 30 countries through established depositary and
custodial relationships; its customers include worldwide securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other professional financial
intermediaries; its U.S. customers are limited to securities brokers and dealers and banks; and
indirect access to the Clearstream, Luxembourg system is also available to others that clear
through Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or that have custodial relationships with its customers,
such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies.
Euroclear has advised that: it is incorporated under the laws of Belgium as a bank and is
subject to regulation by the Belgian Banking and Finance Commission (Commission Bancaire et
Financière) and the National Bank of Belgium (Banque Nationale de Belgique); it holds securities
for its participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among
them; it does so through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payments, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates; it provides other services to its
participants, including credit, custody, lending and borrowing of securities and tri-party
collateral management; it interfaces with the domestic markets of several countries; its customers
include banks, including central banks, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and
clearing corporations and certain other professional financial intermediaries; indirect access to
the Euroclear system is also available to others that clear through Euroclear customers or that
have custodial relationships with Euroclear customers; and all securities in Euroclear are held on
a fungible basis, which means that specific certificates are not matched to specific securities
clearance accounts.
Clearance and Settlement Procedures
We understand that investors that hold their notes through Clearstream, Luxembourg or
Euroclear accounts will follow the settlement procedures that are applicable to securities in
registered form. Notes will be credited to the securities custody accounts of Clearstream,
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Luxembourg and Euroclear participants on the business day following the
settlement date for value on the settlement date. They will be credited either free of payment or
against payment for value on the settlement date.
We understand that secondary market trading between Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or Euroclear
participants will occur in the ordinary way following the applicable rules and operating procedures
of Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear. Secondary market trading will be settled using procedures
applicable to securities in registered form.
You should be aware that investors will only be able to make and receive deliveries, payments
and other communications involving the notes through Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear on
business days. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other
institutions are open for business in the United States or Brazil.
In addition, because of time-zone differences, there may be problems with completing
transactions involving Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear on the same business day as in the
United States or Brazil. U.S. and Brazilian investors who wish to transfer their interests in the
notes, or to make or receive a payment or delivery of the notes on a particular day may find that
the transactions will not be performed until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels,
depending on whether Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear is used.
Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear will credit payments to the cash accounts of participants
in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear in accordance with the relevant systemic rules and
procedures, to the extent received by its depositary. Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear, as
the case may be, will take any other action permitted to be taken by a registered holder under the
indenture on behalf of a Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear participant only in accordance with
its relevant rules and procedures.
Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of the debt securities among participants of Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear.
However, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform those procedures, and they
may discontinue those procedures at any time.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTIES
General
In connection with the execution and delivery of the third supplemental indenture, the fourth
supplemental indenture and the notes offered by this prospectus supplement, Petrobras will
guarantee the 20 Notes and the 20 Notes (each, a guaranty and together, the guaranties)
for the benefit of the holders.
The guaranties will provide that Petrobras will unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the
notes on the terms and conditions described below.
The following summary describes the material provisions of the guaranties. You should read the
more detailed provisions of the applicable guaranty, including the defined terms, for provisions
that may be important to you. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the provisions of the applicable guaranty.
Despite the Brazilian governments ownership interest in Petrobras, the Brazilian government
is not responsible in any manner for PifCos obligations under the 20 Notes or the 20
Notes, as applicable, or Petrobras obligations under the guaranties. Petrobras obligations under
the guaranties are no less binding or enforceable than its obligations generally under the prior
standby purchase agreements.
Due to a change in Brazilian law, in addition to the standby purchase agreements used in prior
issuances by PifCo, Petrobras is also allowed to render guaranties in connection with the notes.
Petrobras intends to use guaranties in future issuances of debt securities. The obligations of
Petrobras under the guaranties are similar to its obligations under the standby purchase agreements
used in prior issuances of indebtedness by PifCo.
Ranking
The obligations of Petrobras under the guaranties will constitute general unsecured
obligations of Petrobras which at all times will rank pari passu with all other senior unsecured
obligations of Petrobras (including all obligations under previously issued standby purchase
agreements) that are not, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the
obligations of Petrobras under the guaranties.
Nature of Obligation
Petrobras will unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and punctual payment when
due, whether at the maturity date of the notes, or earlier or later by acceleration or otherwise,
of all of PifCos obligations now or hereafter existing under the indenture and the notes, whether
for principal, interest, make-whole premium, fees, indemnities, costs, expenses, tax payments or
otherwise (such obligations being referred to as the guaranteed obligations).
The obligation of Petrobras to pay amounts in respect of the guaranteed obligations will be
absolute and unconditional upon failure of PifCo to make, at the maturity date of the 20 Notes
or the 20 Notes, as applicable, or earlier upon any acceleration of the applicable notes in
accordance with the terms of the indenture, any payment in respect of principal, interest or other
amounts due under the indenture and the applicable series of the notes on the date any such payment
is due. If PifCo fails to make payments to the trustee in respect of the guaranteed obligations,
Petrobras will, upon notice from the trustee, immediately pay to the trustee such amount of the
guaranteed obligations payable under the indenture and the notes. All amounts payable by Petrobras
under the guaranties will be payable in U.S. Dollars and in immediately available funds to the
trustee. Petrobras will not be relieved of its obligations under either guaranty unless and until
the trustee receives all amounts required to be paid by Petrobras under such guaranty (and any
related event of default under the indenture has been cured), including payment of the total
non-payment overdue interest.
Events of Default
There are no events of default under the guaranties. The third supplemental indenture and the
fourth supplemental indenture, however, contain events of default relating to Petrobras that may
trigger an event of default and acceleration of the 20 Notes or the 20 Notes. See
Description of Debt SecuritiesDefault and Related MattersEvents of Default in the
accompanying prospectus. Upon any such acceleration (including any acceleration arising out of the
insolvency or similar events relating to Petrobras), if PifCo fails to pay all amounts
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then due under the 20 Notes or the 20 Notes, as applicable,
and the indenture, Petrobras will be obligated to make such payments pursuant to the relevant
guaranty.
Covenants
For so long as any of the 20 Notes or 20 Notes, as applicable, are outstanding and
Petrobras has obligations under the guaranties, Petrobras will, and
will cause each of its subsidiaries, as
applicable, to comply with the terms of the following covenants:
Performance Obligations under the Guaranties and Indenture
Petrobras will pay all amounts owed by it and comply with all its other obligations under the
terms of the relevant guaranty and the indenture in accordance with the terms of those agreements.
Maintenance of Corporate Existence
Petrobras will maintain in effect its corporate existence and all necessary registrations and
take all actions to maintain all rights, privileges, titles to property, franchises, concessions
and the like necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, activities or
operations. However, this covenant will not require Petrobras to maintain any such right,
privilege, title to property or franchise if the failure to do so does not, and will not, have a
material adverse effect on Petrobras taken as a whole or have a materially adverse effect on the
rights of the holders of the notes.
Maintenance of Office or Agency
So long as a series of the notes is outstanding, Petrobras will maintain in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where notices to and demands upon Petrobras in
respect of the guaranty for such series may be served. Initially this office will be located at
Petrobras existing principal U.S. office at 570 Lexington Avenue, 43rd Floor, New York, New York
10022-6837. Petrobras will agree not to change the designation of their office without prior
written notice to the trustee and designation of a replacement office in the same general location.
Ranking
Petrobras will ensure at all times that its obligations under the guaranties will be its
general senior unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and will rank pari passu, without any
preferences among themselves, with all other present and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations of Petrobras (other than obligations preferred by statute or by operation of law) that
are not, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of Petrobras
under the guaranties.
Notice of Certain Events
Petrobras will give written notice to the trustee, as soon as is practicable and in any event
within ten calendar days after Petrobras becomes aware, or should reasonably become aware, of the
occurrence of any event of default or a default under the indenture, accompanied by a certificate
of Petrobras setting forth the details of that event of default or default and stating what action
Petrobras proposes to take with respect to it.
Provision of Financial Statements and Reports
Petrobras will provide to the trustee, in English or accompanied by a certified English
translation thereof, (i) within 90 calendar days after the end of each fiscal quarter (other than
the fourth quarter), its unaudited and consolidated balance sheet and statement of income
calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS, if Petrobras adopts IFRS as its primary reporting
or accounting standard in reports filed with the SEC, (ii) within 120 calendar days after the end
of each fiscal year, its audited and consolidated balance sheet and statement of income calculated
in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS and (iii) such other financial data as the trustee may
reasonably request.
Petrobras will provide, together with each of the financial statements delivered as described
in the preceding paragraph, an officers certificate stating that a review of Petrobras and
PifCos activities has been made during the period covered by such financial statements with a view
to determining whether Petrobras and PifCo have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled their
covenants and agreements under the guaranties and the indenture, as applicable, and that no event
of default has occurred during such period.
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In addition, whether or not Petrobras is required to file reports with the SEC, Petrobras will
file with the SEC and deliver to the trustee (for redelivery to all holders of the notes, upon
written request, of the 20 Notes or the 20 Notes, as applicable) all reports and other
information it would be required to file with the SEC under the Exchange Act if it were subject to
those regulations. If the SEC does not permit the filing described above, Petrobras will provide
annual and interim reports and other information to the trustee within the same time periods that
would be applicable if Petrobras were required and permitted to file these reports with the SEC.
Upon written request of any holder or The Depository Trust Company, the reports and other
information described above shall be delivered to DTC at 55 Water Street, 25th Floor, New York, NY
10041, Attention: Proxy Department, or such other address as DTC may provide to the trustee in
writing.
Delivery of these reports, information and documents to the trustee is for informational
purposes only and the trustees receipt of any of those shall not constitute constructive notice of
any information contained in them or determinable from information contained therein, including
Petrobras compliance with any of its covenants in the guaranties (as to which the trustee is
entitled to rely exclusively on officers certificates).
Negative Pledge
So long as any note remains outstanding, Petrobras will not create or permit any lien, other
than a Petrobras permitted lien, on any of its assets to secure (i) any of its indebtedness or (ii)
the indebtedness of any other person, unless Petrobras contemporaneously creates or permits the
lien to secure equally and ratably its obligations under the guaranties or Petrobras provides other
security for its obligations under the guaranties as is duly approved by a resolution of the
holders of each series of the notes in accordance with the indenture. In addition, Petrobras will
not allow any of its material subsidiaries to create or permit any lien, other than a Petrobras
permitted lien, on any of Petrobras assets to secure (i) any of its indebtedness, (ii) any of the
material subsidiarys indebtedness or (iii) the indebtedness of any other person, unless Petrobras
contemporaneously creates or permits the lien to secure equally and ratably Petrobras obligations
under the guaranties or Petrobras provides such other security for its obligations under the
guaranties as is duly approved by a resolution of the holders of each series of the notes in
accordance with the indenture.
As used in this Negative Pledge section, the following terms have the respective meanings
set forth below:
A guaranty means an obligation of a person to pay the indebtedness of another person
including without limitation:
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an obligation to pay or purchase such indebtedness; |
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an obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe for shares or other securities or
to purchase assets or services in order to provide funds for the payment of such
indebtedness; |
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an indemnity against the consequences of a default in the payment of such indebtedness;
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any other agreement to be responsible for such indebtedness. |
Indebtedness means any obligation (whether present or future, actual or contingent and
including, without limitation, any guaranty) for the payment or repayment of money which has been
borrowed or raised (including money raised by acceptances and all leases which, under generally
accepted accounting principles in the country of incorporation of the relevant obligor, would
constitute a capital lease obligation).
A lien means any mortgage, pledge, lien, hypothecation, security interest or other charge or
encumbrance on any property or asset including, without limitation, any equivalent created or
arising under applicable law.
A project financing of any project means the incurrence of indebtedness relating to the
exploration, development, expansion, renovation, upgrade or other modification or construction of
such project pursuant to which the providers of such indebtedness or any trustee or other
intermediary on their behalf or beneficiaries designated by any such provider, trustee or other
intermediary are granted security over one or more qualifying assets relating to such project for
repayment of principal, premium and interest or any other amount in respect of such indebtedness.
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A qualifying asset in relation to any project means:
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any concession, authorization or other legal right granted by any governmental authority
to Petrobras or any of Petrobras subsidiaries, or any consortium or other venture in which
Petrobras or any subsidiary has any ownership or other similar interest; |
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any drilling or other rig, any drilling or production platform, pipeline, marine vessel,
vehicle or other equipment or any refinery, oil or gas field, processing plant, real
property (whether leased or owned), right of way or plant or other fixtures or equipment; |
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any revenues or claims that arise from the operation, failure to meet specifications,
failure to complete, exploitation, sale, loss or damage to, such concession, authorization
or other legal right or such drilling or other rig, drilling or production platform,
pipeline, marine vessel, vehicle or other equipment or refinery, oil or gas field,
processing plant, real property, right of way, plant or other fixtures or equipment or any
contract or agreement relating to any of the foregoing or the project financing of any of
the foregoing (including insurance policies, credit support arrangements and other similar
contracts) or any rights under any performance bond, letter of credit or similar instrument
issued in connection therewith; |
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any oil, gas, petrochemical or other hydrocarbon-based products produced or processed by
such project, including any receivables or contract rights arising therefrom or relating
thereto and any such product (and such receivables or contract rights) produced or processed
by other projects, fields or assets to which the lenders providing the project financing
required, as a condition therefore, recourse as security in addition to that produced or
processed by such project; and |
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shares or other ownership interest in, and any subordinated debt rights owing to
Petrobras by, a special purpose company formed solely for the development of a project, and
whose principal assets and business are constituted by such project and whose liabilities
solely relate to such project. |
A Petrobras permitted lien means a:
(a) lien granted in respect of indebtedness owed to the Brazilian government, Banco Nacional
de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social or any official government agency or department of Brazil
or of any state or region of Brazil;
(b) lien arising by operation of law, such as merchants, maritime or other similar liens
arising in Petrobras ordinary course of business or that of any subsidiary or lien in respect of
taxes, assessments or other governmental charges that are not yet delinquent or that are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
(c)
lien arising from Petrobras obligations under performance bonds or surety bonds and
appeal bonds or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with Petrobras past practice;
(d) lien arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with indebtedness maturing
not more than one year after the date on which that indebtedness was originally incurred and
which is related to the financing of export, import or other trade transactions;
(e) lien granted upon or with respect to any assets hereafter acquired by Petrobras or any
subsidiary to secure the acquisition costs of those assets or to secure indebtedness incurred
solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of those assets, including any lien existing
at the time of the acquisition of those assets, so long as the maximum amount so secured will not
exceed the aggregate acquisition costs of all such assets or the aggregate indebtedness incurred
solely for the acquisition of those assets, as the case may be;
(f) lien granted in connection with the indebtedness of a wholly-owned subsidiary owing to
Petrobras or another wholly-owned subsidiary;
(g) lien existing on any asset or on any stock of any subsidiary prior to its acquisition by
Petrobras or any subsidiary so long as that lien is not created in anticipation of that
acquisition;
(h) lien over any qualifying asset relating to a project financed by, and securing
indebtedness incurred in connection with, the project financing of that project by Petrobras, any
of Petrobras subsidiaries or any consortium or other venture in which Petrobras or any
subsidiary has any ownership or other similar interest;
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(i) lien existing as of the date of the third supplemental indenture in the case of the 20
Notes, and as of the date of the fourth supplemental indenture in the case of the 20 Notes;
(j) lien resulting from the indenture, the notes, and the guaranties, if any;
(k) lien, incurred in connection with the issuance of debt or similar securities of a type
comparable to those already issued by PifCo, on amounts of cash or cash equivalents on deposit in
any reserve or similar account to pay interest on such securities for a period of up to 24 months
as required by any rating agency as a condition to such rating agency rating such securities
investment grade, or as is otherwise consistent with market conditions at such time, as such
conditions are satisfactorily demonstrated to the trustee;
(l) lien granted or incurred to secure any extension, renewal, refinancing, refunding or
exchange (or successive extensions, renewals, refinancings, refundings or exchanges), in whole or
in part, of or for any indebtedness secured by any lien referred to in paragraphs (a) through (k)
above (but not paragraph (d)), provided that such lien does not extend to any other property, the
principal amount of the indebtedness secured by the lien is not increased, and in the case of
paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (g), the obligees meet the requirements of that paragraph, and in
the case of paragraph (h), the indebtedness is incurred in connection with a project financing by
Petrobras, any of Petrobras subsidiaries or any consortium or other venture in which Petrobras
or any subsidiary have any ownership or other similar interest; and
(m) lien in respect of indebtedness the principal amount of which in the aggregate, together
with all liens not otherwise qualifying as Petrobras permitted liens pursuant to another part of
this definition of Petrobras permitted liens, does not exceed 15% of Petrobras consolidated
total assets (as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS) at any date as at which
Petrobras balance sheet is prepared and published in accordance with applicable law.
A wholly-owned subsidiary means, with respect to any corporate entity, any person of which
100% of the outstanding capital stock (other than qualifying shares, if any) having by its terms
ordinary voting power (not dependent on the happening of a contingency) to elect the board of
directors (or equivalent controlling governing body) of that person is at the time owned or
controlled directly or indirectly by that corporate entity, by one or more wholly-owned
subsidiaries of that corporate entity or by that corporate entity and one or more wholly-owned
subsidiaries.
Limitation on Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance
Petrobras will not, in one or a series of transactions, consolidate or amalgamate with or
merge into any corporation or convey, lease or transfer substantially all of its properties, assets
or revenues to any person or entity (other than a direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras) or
permit any person (other than a direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras) to merge with or into
it unless:
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either Petrobras is the continuing entity or the person (the successor company) formed
by such consolidation or into which Petrobras is merged or that acquired or leased such
property or assets of Petrobras will assume (jointly and severally with Petrobras unless
Petrobras will have ceased to exist as a result of such merger, consolidation or
amalgamation), by an amendment to the applicable guaranty (the form and substance of which
will be previously approved by the trustee), all of Petrobras obligations under such
guaranty; |
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the successor company (jointly and severally with Petrobras unless Petrobras will have
ceased to exist as part of such merger, consolidation or amalgamation) agrees to indemnify
each holder against any tax, assessment or governmental charge thereafter imposed on such
holder solely as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease
with respect to the payment of principal of, or interest on, the 20 Notes or the 20
Notes, as applicable; |
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immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no default
has occurred and is continuing; |
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Petrobras has delivered to the trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of
counsel, each stating that the transaction and the amendment to the applicable guaranty
comply with the terms of the applicable guaranty and that all conditions precedent provided
for in such guaranty and relating to such transaction have been complied with; and |
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Petrobras has delivered notice of any such transaction to the trustee. |
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, so long as no default or event of
default under the indenture or the 20 Notes or the 20 Notes, as applicable, has occurred
and is continuing at the time of such proposed transaction or would result therefrom and Petrobras
has delivered notice of any such transaction to the trustee:
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Petrobras may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease
or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties, assets or revenues to a
direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras in cases when Petrobras is the surviving entity
in such transaction and such transaction would not have a material adverse effect on
Petrobras and its subsidiaries taken as whole, it being understood that if Petrobras is not
the surviving entity, Petrobras will be required to comply with the requirements set forth
in the previous paragraph; or |
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras may merge or consolidate with or into, or
convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of assets to, any person (other than Petrobras
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) in cases when such transaction would not have a
material adverse effect on Petrobras and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; or |
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras may merge or consolidate with or into, or
convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of assets to, any other direct or indirect
subsidiary of Petrobras; or |
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras may liquidate or dissolve if Petrobras
determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of
Petrobras, and would not result in a material adverse effect on Petrobras and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole and if such liquidation or dissolution is part of a corporate
reorganization of Petrobras. |
Amendments
The guaranties may only be amended or waived in accordance with their terms pursuant to a
written document which has been duly executed and delivered by Petrobras and the trustee, acting on
behalf of the holders of the 20 Notes or the 20 Notes, as applicable. Because the
guaranties form part of the indenture, they may be amended by Petrobras and the trustee, in some
cases without the consent of the holders of the applicable notes. See Description of Debt
SecuritiesSpecial SituationsModification and Waiver in the accompanying prospectus.
Except as contemplated above, the indenture will provide that the trustee may execute and
deliver any other amendment to the guaranties or grant any waiver thereof only with the consent of
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the 20 Notes or 20 Notes then
outstanding, as applicable.
Governing Law
The guaranties will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
Jurisdiction
Petrobras has consented to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court of the State of New
York or any U.S. federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York,
United States and any appellate court from any thereof. Service of process in any action or
proceeding brought in such New York State federal court sitting in New York City may be served upon
Petrobras at Petrobras New York office located at 570 Lexington Avenue, 43rd Floor, New York, New
York 10022-6837. The guaranties provide that if Petrobras no longer maintains an office in New York
City, then it will appoint a replacement process agent within New York City as its authorized agent
upon which process may be served in any action or proceeding.
Waiver of Immunities
To the extent that Petrobras may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets immunity
from a suit, execution, attachment, whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise, or
other legal process in connection with the guaranties (or any document delivered pursuant thereto)
and to the extent that in any jurisdiction there may be immunity attributed to Petrobras, PifCo or
their assets, whether or not claimed, Petrobras has irrevocably agreed with the trustee, for the
benefit of the holders, not to claim, and to irrevocably waive, the immunity to the full extent
permitted by law.
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Currency Rate Indemnity
Petrobras has
agreed that, if a judgment or order made by any court for the payment of any amount in respect of any of its obligations under the guaranties is expressed in a currency (the
judgment currency) other than U.S. Dollars (the denomination currency), Petrobras will
indemnify the trustee, on behalf of the relevant holders, against any deficiency arising from any
variation in rates of exchange between the date as of which the denomination currency is notionally
converted into the judgment currency for the purposes of the judgment or order and the date of
actual payment. This indemnity will constitute a separate and independent obligation from
Petrobras other obligations under the guaranties, will give rise to a separate and independent
cause of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted from time to time and will
continue in full force and effect.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement dated
October , 2009, by and among PifCo, Petrobras, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., with offices at
388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., with offices at 452 Fifth
Avenue, New York, New York 10018, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., with offices at 270 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10017, Santander Investment Securities Inc., with offices at 45 East 53rd Street,
New York, New York 10022, BB Securities Ltd., with offices at 7th Floor 16 St. Martins Le Grand
London U.K. EC1A 4NA and SG Americas Securities, LLC, with offices at 1221 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10020, as underwriters, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, and PifCo
has agreed to sell to the underwriters, the number of notes set forth opposite the name of such
underwriters below:
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Principal Amount of |
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Principal Amount of |
Underwriters |
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the 20 Notes |
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the 20 Notes |
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
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U.S. $ |
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U.S. $ |
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. |
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J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. |
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Santander Investment Securities Inc. |
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BB Securities Ltd. |
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SG Americas Securities, LLC |
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Total |
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U.S. $ |
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The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the underwriters to pay for and
accept delivery of the notes is subject to, among other conditions, the delivery of certain legal
opinions by its counsel. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the notes
offered by this prospectus supplement if any notes are taken. The notes will initially be offered
at the price indicated on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. After the initial offering
of the notes, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the
underwriters.
The underwriting agreement provides that PifCo and Petrobras will indemnify the underwriters
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and will contribute to
payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of the underwriting agreement.
PifCo has been advised by the underwriters that the underwriters intend to make a market in
the notes as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The underwriters are not obligated,
however, to make a market in the notes and any such market-making may be discontinued at any time
at the sole discretion of the underwriters. In addition, such market-making activity will be
subject to the limits imposed by the Exchange Act. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the
liquidity of, or the development or continuation of trading markets for, the notes.
In connection with this offering, certain persons participating in this offering may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the notes. Specifically, the
underwriters may bid for and purchase notes in the open market to stabilize the price of the notes.
The underwriters may also over-allot this offering, creating a short position, and may bid for and
purchase notes in the open market to cover the short position. In addition, the underwriters may
bid for and purchase the notes in market-making transactions and impose penalty bids. These
activities may stabilize and maintain the market price of the notes above market levels that may
otherwise prevail. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end
these activities at any time.
Conflicts of Interest
As described in Use of Proceeds, PifCo intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the
notes to repay the U.S.$4.5 billion aggregate amount borrowed by PifCo from affiliates of certain
of the underwriters between March 24, 2009, and June 5, 2009. Because more than 5% of the proceeds
of this offering, not including underwriting compensation, may be received by affiliates of the
underwriters in this offering, this offering is being conducted in compliance with the NASD Rule
2720, as administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Pursuant to that
rule, the appointment of a qualified independent underwriter is not necessary in connection with
this offering, as the offering is of a class of securities rated Baa3 or better by Moodys rating
service or BBB- or better by Standard & Poors rating service or rated in a comparable category by
another rating service acceptable to FINRA.
BB Securities Ltd. is not a U.S. registered broker-dealer and, therefore, to the extent that
it intends to effect any sales of the notes in the United States, it will do so through one or more
U.S. registered broker-dealers as permitted by FINRA regulations.
S-41
The underwriters have from time to time in the past provided, and may in the future provide,
investment banking, financial advisory and other services to Petrobras, PifCo and their affiliates
for which the underwriters have received or expect to receive customary fees. As described in Use
of Proceeds, affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders under bridge loans entered into
by PifCo between March 24, 2009 and June 5, 2009 in an aggregate amount of U.S.$4.5 billion. In
addition, on July 13, 2009, PifCo borrowed an aggregate amount of U.S.$500 million under a line of
credit with Banco Santander S.A., London Branch, an affiliate of Santander Investment Securities
Inc.; on September 1, 2009, PifCo borrowed an aggregate amount of U.S.$600 million under a line of
credit with Banco do Brasil S.A., an affiliate of BB Securities Ltd.; on September 22, 2009,
Petrobras borrowed R$580 million (U.S.$297 million using the period-end real/U.S. dollar exchange
rate as of June 30, 2009) from Banco Nossa Caixa S.A, an affiliate of BB Securities Ltd.; and on
September 28, 2009, Petrobras borrowed R$1,500 million (U.S.$769 million using the period-end
real/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of June 30, 2009) from Banco do Brasil S.A., an affiliate of BB
Securities Ltd.
In compliance with FINRA guidelines, the maximum compensation to the underwriters or agents in
connection with the sale of the notes pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus will not exceed 8% of the aggregate total offering price to the public of the notes as
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement; however, it is anticipated that the
maximum compensation paid will be significantly less than 8%.
European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a
Relevant Member State) an offer to the public of any notes which are the subject of the offering
contemplated by this prospectus may not be made in that Relevant Member State except that an offer
to the public in that Relevant Member State of any notes may be made at any time under the
following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if they have been implemented in that Relevant
Member State:
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to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets
or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in
securities; |
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to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees
during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than 43,000,000 and (3)
an annual net turnover of more than 50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated
accounts; |
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by the underwriters to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified
investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of
PifCo for any such offer; or |
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in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, |
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provided that no such offer of notes shall result in a requirement for the publication by
PifCo or any underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive. |
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer to the public in relation to any
notes in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of
sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any notes to be offered so as to enable an
investor to decide to purchase any notes, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any
measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State.
Cayman Islands
No invitation may be made to the public in the Cayman Islands to subscribe for any of the
notes.
United Kingdom
The underwriters have represented and agreed that: (i) they have only communicated or caused
to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or
inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the UK Financial
Services and Markets Act 2000 (the FSMA) received by them in connection with the issue or sale of
any notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to PifCo and (ii) they
have complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything
done by them in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
S-42
The notes are offered for sale in the United States and other jurisdictions where it is legal
to make these offers. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, and the offering of the notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law.
Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus come and
investors in the notes should inform themselves about and observe any of these restrictions. This
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in
connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or
solicitation is not authorized, or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not
qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
The underwriters have agreed that they have not offered, sold or delivered, and they will not
offer, sell or deliver any of the notes, directly or indirectly, or distribute this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material relating to the notes, in or
from any jurisdiction except under circumstances that will, to the best knowledge and belief of the
underwriters, after reasonable investigation, result in compliance with the applicable laws and
regulations of such jurisdiction and which will not impose any obligations on PifCo except as set
forth in the underwriting agreement.
Neither PifCo nor the underwriters have represented that the notes may be lawfully sold in
compliance with any applicable registration or other requirements in any jurisdiction, or pursuant
to an exemption, or assumes any responsibility for facilitating these sales.
The expenses of the offering, excluding the underwriting discount, are estimated to be
U.S.$500,000 and will be borne by PifCo.
The underwriters propose to offer the notes initially at the public offering price set forth
on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to dealers at that price less a selling
concession not in excess of 0.25% of the principal amount of the notes. After the initial public
offering of the notes, the public offering price and concession and discount to dealers may be
changed.
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TAXATION
There currently are no income tax treaties between Brazil and the United States. Although the
tax authorities of Brazil and the United States have had recent discussions that may culminate in
such a treaty, we cannot assure you as to whether or when a treaty will enter into force or how it
will affect holders of the notes.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 230, HOLDERS ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED
THAT: (A) ANY DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX ISSUES IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS NOT INTENDED
OR WRITTEN TO BE RELIED UPON, AND CANNOT BE RELIED UPON, BY HOLDERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING
PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON HOLDERS UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE
CODE); (B) SUCH DISCUSSION IS INCLUDED HEREIN BY THE ISSUER IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROMOTION OR
MARKETING (WITHIN THE MEANING OF CIRCULAR 230) BY THE ISSUER OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS
ADDRESSED HEREIN; AND (C) HOLDERS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM
AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be
relevant to a beneficial owner of a note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a citizen
or resident of the United States, a domestic corporation or an entity otherwise subject to U.S.
federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of the note (a U.S. Holder). This
summary addresses only U.S. Holders that purchase notes as part of the initial offering, and that
hold such notes as capital assets. The summary does not address tax considerations applicable to
investors that may be subject to special tax rules, such as banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance
companies, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market,
persons that will hold the notes as a position in a straddle or conversion transaction, or as
part of a synthetic security or other integrated financial transaction or persons that have a
functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar. A Non-U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of the
notes (other than a partnership or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income
tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder.
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) holds the notes, then the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will
depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or
partnership should consult its own tax advisor as to the tax consequences of acquiring, owning and
disposing of the notes.
This summary is based on the Code, existing, proposed and temporary U.S. Treasury regulations
and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case as in effect and available on
the date hereof. All of the foregoing are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect) or
to differing interpretations, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences described
herein.
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION TO THEIR PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS DISCUSSED BELOW, AS WELL AS THE
APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE, GIFT AND ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX LAWS, U.S. STATE AND LOCAL TAX
LAWS AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
Payments of Interest and Additional Amounts
Payments of interest on a note (which may include additional amounts) generally will be
taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income when such interest is accrued or received, in
accordance with the U.S. Holders regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. Interest income in respect of the notes generally will constitute foreign-source income
for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable under the U.S. federal income tax laws.
The limitation on foreign income taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to
specific classes of income. Such income generally will constitute passive category income for
foreign tax credit purposes. The calculation and availability of foreign tax credits and, in the
case of a U.S. Holder that elects to deduct foreign income taxes, the availability of such
deduction involves the application of complex rules that depend on the U.S. Holders particular
circumstances. In addition, foreign tax credits generally will not be allowed for certain
short-term or hedged positions in the notes.
S-44
U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax
credits or deductions in respect of foreign taxes and the treatment of additional amounts.
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on
interest income earned in respect of notes unless such income is effectively connected with the
conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States. Non-U.S. Holders should
consult their own tax advisors in the event interest income with respect to the notes is
effectively connected with their trade or business in the United States.
Sale or Disposition of Notes
A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale, exchange,
retirement or other taxable disposition of a note in an amount equal to the difference between the
amount realized upon such disposition (other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid
interest, which will be taxed as ordinary income) and such U.S. Holders tax basis in the note. A
U.S. Holders tax basis in the note will generally equal such U.S. Holders purchase price of the
Note. Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the disposition of a Note generally will be
long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the disposition, the Note has been held for more
than one year. The net amount of long-term capital gain realized by an individual U.S. Holder
generally is subject to tax at a reduced rate, which rates currently are scheduled to increase on
January 1, 2011. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Capital gain or
loss recognized by a U.S. Holder generally will be U.S.-source gain or loss. Consequently, if any
such gain is subject to foreign withholding tax, a U.S. Holder may not be able to credit the tax
against its U.S. federal tax liability unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable
limitation) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. U.S. Holders
should consult their own tax advisors as to the foreign tax credit implications of a disposition of
the notes.
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on
gain realized on the sale or other taxable disposition of notes unless (i) such gain is effectively
connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States or
(ii) in the case of gain realized by an individual, such Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United
States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are
met. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors in the event either of the foregoing
conditions applies.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Payments in respect of the notes that are paid within the United States or through certain
U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting, and may be subject to
backup withholding, unless the U.S. Holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient, and
demonstrates this fact when so required, or (ii) provides a correct taxpayer identification number,
certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules. The amount of any backup withholding collected from a
payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holders U.S. federal income
tax liability, and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that certain required
information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Although Non-U.S. Holders generally are exempt from backup withholding, a Non-U.S. Holder may,
in certain circumstances, be required to comply with certification procedures to prove entitlement
to this exemption.
Brazilian Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of the Brazilian tax considerations relating to an
investment in the notes by a non-resident of Brazil. The discussion is based on the tax laws of
Brazil as in effect on the date of this prospectus supplement and is subject to any change in
Brazilian law that may come into effect after such date. The information set forth below is
intended to be a general discussion only and does not address all possible tax consequences
relating to an investment in the notes.
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF
PURCHASING THE NOTES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT OF INTEREST
AND THE SALE, REDEMPTION OR REPAYMENT OF THE NOTES OR COUPONS.
Generally, an individual, entity, trust or organization domiciled for tax purposes outside
Brazil, or a Non-resident, is taxed in Brazil only when income is derived from Brazilian sources
or when the transaction giving rise to such earnings involves assets in Brazil. Therefore, any
S-45
gains or interest (including original issue discount), fees,
commissions, expenses and any other income paid by PifCo in respect of the notes issued by it in
favor of Non-resident holders are not subject to Brazilian taxes.
Interest, fees, commissions, expenses and any other income payable by a an issuer or guarantor
resident in Brazil to a Non-resident are generally subject to income tax withheld at source. The
rate of withholding tax in respect of interest payments is generally 15%, unless (i) the holder of
the notes is resident or domiciled in a tax haven jurisdiction (that is deemed to be a
jurisdiction which does not impose any tax on income or which imposes such tax at a maximum
effective rate lower than 20%), in which case the applicable rate is 25% (the withholding rate
remains 15% in the case of interest income payable by a Brazilian obligor to an individual,
company, trust or organization domiciled outside Brazil in respect of debt obligations resulting
from the issuance by a Brazilian issuer of international debt securities previously registered with
the Central Bank, including commercial papers, as provided for in Section 10 of Normative
Instruction no. 252, dated December 3, 2002 issued by the Brazilian Revenue Service); or (ii) such
other lower rate as provided for in an applicable tax treaty between Brazil and another country
where the beneficiary is domiciled.
If the payments with respect to the notes are made by Petrobras, as provided for in the
guaranties, the holders will be indemnified so that, after payment of all applicable Brazilian
taxes collectable by withholding, deduction or otherwise, with respect to principal, interest and
additional amounts payable with respect to the notes (plus any interest and penalties thereon), a
holder will retain an amount equal to the amounts that such holder would have retained had no such
Brazilian taxes (plus interest and penalties thereon) been payable. The Brazilian obligor will,
subject to certain exceptions, pay additional amounts in respect of such withholding or deduction
so that the holder receives the net amount due.
Gains on the sale or other disposition of the notes made outside Brazil by a Non-resident,
other than a branch or a subsidiary of Brazilian resident, to another Non-resident are not subject
to Brazilian taxes. Gains made by a Brazilian Non-resident from the sale or other disposition of
these notes to a Brazilian resident, subject to certain assumptions and conditions, are not subject
to Brazilian taxes.
In addition, payments made from Brazil are subject to the tax on foreign exchange transactions
(IOF/Câmbio), which is levied on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currency at a
current rate of 0.38%.
Generally, there are no inheritance, gift, succession, stamp, or other similar taxes in Brazil
with respect to the ownership, transfer, assignment or any other disposition of the notes by a
Non-resident, except for gift and inheritance taxes imposed by some Brazilian states on gifts or
bequests by individuals or entities not domiciled or residing in Brazil to individuals or entities
domiciled or residing within such states.
Cayman Islands Tax Considerations
The Cayman Islands currently have no exchange control restrictions and no income, corporate or
capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax applicable to PifCo or
any holder of notes issued by PifCo. Accordingly, payment of principal of (including any premium)
and interest on, and any transfer of, the notes will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman
Islands; no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be required on such payments to any holder of a
note; and gains derived from the sale of notes will not be subject to Cayman Islands capital gains
tax. The Cayman Islands are not party to any double taxation treaties, other than a double taxation
agreement entered into between the governments of the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands on June
15, 2009. The Cayman Islands government has recently entered into certain agreements with various
governments in relation to information with respect to tax matters.
No stamp duties or similar taxes or charges are payable under the laws of the Cayman Islands
in respect of the execution and issue of notes by PifCo unless they are executed in or brought
within (for example, for the purposes of enforcement) the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands, in
which case stamp duty of 0.25% of the face amount of the notes may be payable on each Note (up to a
maximum of 250 Cayman Islands Dollars (CI$) (U.S.$312.50)) unless stamp duty of CI$500
(U.S.$625.00) has been paid in respect of the entire issue of notes.
The foregoing conversions of Cayman Island Dollars to U.S. Dollars have been made on the
currently applicable basis of U.S.$1.25 = CI$1.00.
S-46
European Union Savings Directive
Under Council Directive 2003/48/EC (the Directive) on the taxation of savings income, each
Member State of the European Union is required to provide to the tax or other relevant authorities
of another Member State details of payments of interest or other similar income paid by a person
within its jurisdiction to, or collected by such a person for, an individual beneficial owner (or
certain other types of person) who is resident in that other Member State. However, for a
transitional period, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg have instead opted to apply (unless during
such period they elect otherwise) a withholding system in relation to such payments, withholding
tax at rates rising over time to 35 percent unless the recipient of the interest payment elects
instead for an exchange of information procedure. Any withholding tax levied pursuant to the
Directive may be in addition to any domestic withholding tax levied by Member States.
The transitional period is to terminate at the end of the first full fiscal year following
agreement by certain non European Union countries to similar exchange of information procedures
relating to interest and other similar payments.
A number of non-European Union countries and certain dependent or associated territories of
certain Member States have agreed to adopt similar measures (either provision of information or
transitional withholding) in relation to payments made by a person within their respective
jurisdictions to, or collected by such a person for, an individual beneficial owner (or certain
other types or person) who is resident in a Member State. In addition, the Member States have
entered into reciprocal provision of information or transitional withholding arrangements with
certain of those dependent or associated territories in relation to payments made by a person in a
Member State to, or collected by such a person for, an individual beneficial owner (or certain
other types of person) who is resident in one of those territories.
The European Commission has published proposals for amendments to the Directive which, if
implemented, will amend and broaden the scope of the requirements set out above.
Holders who may be affected by any of these arrangements are advised to consult with their own
professional advisors.
S-47
LEGAL MATTERS
Walkers, special Cayman Islands counsel for PifCo, will pass upon the validity of the notes
and the indenture for PifCo as to certain matters of Cayman Islands law. Mr. Nilton Antonio de
Almeida Maia, Petrobras general counsel, will pass upon, for PifCo and Petrobras, certain matters
of Brazilian law relating to the notes, the indenture and the guaranties. The validity of the
notes, the indenture and the guaranties will be passed upon for PifCo and Petrobras by Cleary
Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as to certain matters of New York law.
Souza,
Cescon Barrieu & Flesch Advogados will pass upon the validity of the
indenture and the guaranties for the underwriters as to certain matters of Brazilian law. Shearman
& Sterling LLP will pass upon the validity of the notes, the indenture and the guaranties for the
underwriters as to certain matters of New York law.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Petrobras (and its subsidiaries) and of PifCo (and
its subsidiaries) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and managements
assessments of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2008, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG Auditores
Independentes, an independent registered public accounting firm, which is incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of KPMG Auditores Independentes as experts in accounting and
auditing.
With respect to the unaudited interim financial information of Petrobras and PifCo for the
periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein, KPMG Auditores
Independentes has reported that it applied limited procedures in accordance with professional
standards for a review of such information. However, its reports included in the Petrobras Form 6-K
furnished to the SEC on September 10, 2009, and PifCo Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on September 9,
2009, and incorporated by reference herein, state that it did not audit and it does not express an
opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on its reports
on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures
applied. KPMG Auditores Independentes is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of
the Securities Act for its reports on the unaudited interim financial information because those
reports are not reports or a part of the registration statement prepared or certified by the
accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.
S-48
PROSPECTUS
Petróleo
Brasileiro S.A. PETROBRAS
Debt
Securities, Warrants,
Preferred Shares,
Preferred Shares represented by American Depositary Shares,
Common Shares,
Common Shares represented by American Depositary Shares,
Mandatory Convertible Securities,
Guarantees and
Standby Purchase Agreements
Petrobras
International Finance Company
Debt
Securities, accompanied by Guarantees or
Standby Purchase Agreements of Petrobras
Debt
Warrants, accompanied by
Guarantees or Standby Purchase Agreements of Petrobras
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras may from
time to time offer debt securities, warrants, preferred shares,
common shares, mandatory convertible securities, guarantees and
standby purchase agreements, and Petrobras International Finance
Company may issue debt securities accompanied by guarantees or
standby purchase agreements of Petrobras and debt warrants
accompanied by guarantees or standby purchase agreements of
Petrobras. This prospectus describes some of the general terms
that may apply to these securities and the general manner in
which they may be offered. When we offer securities, the
specific terms of the securities, including the offering price,
and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be
described in supplements to this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
December 18, 2006
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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1
In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires,
references to Petrobras mean Petróleo
Brasileiro S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a
whole and references to PIFCo mean Petrobras
International Finance Company and its consolidated subsidiaries
taken as a whole. Terms such as we, us
and our generally refer to Petróleo Brasileiro
S.A. and Petrobras International Finance Company, unless the
context requires otherwise.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(which we refer to as the SEC) utilizing a shelf
registration process. Under this shelf process, Petrobras may
sell any combination of debt securities, warrants, preferred
shares, common shares and securities mandatorily convertible
into its preferred or common shares, and PIFCo may sell debt
securities accompanied by guarantees or standby purchase
agreements of Petrobras and debt warrants accompanied by
guarantees or standby purchase agreements of Petrobras in one or
more offerings. Any preferred shares or common shares of
Petrobras, in one or more offerings, may be in the form of
American depositary shares (which we refer to as ADSs) evidenced
by American depositary receipts (which we refer to as ADRs).
This prospectus only provides a general description of the
securities that we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we
will prepare a prospectus supplement containing specific
information about the particular offering and the terms of those
securities. We may also add, update or change other information
contained in this prospectus by means of a prospectus supplement
or by incorporating by reference information we file with the
SEC. The registration statement that we filed with the SEC
includes exhibits that provide more detail on the matters
discussed in this prospectus. Before you invest in any
securities offered by this prospectus, you should read this
prospectus, any related prospectus supplement and the related
exhibits filed with the SEC, together with the additional
information described under the headings Where You Can
Find More Information and Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference.
2
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
Many statements made or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act) and Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act), that are not based on historical
facts and are not assurances of future results. Many of the
forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus
supplement may be identified by the use of forward-looking
words, such as believe, expect,
anticipate, should, planned,
estimate and potential, among others. We
have made forward-looking statements that address, among other
things, our:
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regional marketing and expansion strategy;
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drilling and other exploration activities;
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import and export activities;
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projected and targeted capital expenditures and other costs,
commitments and revenues;
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liquidity; and
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development of additional revenue sources.
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Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or
implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors
include:
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our ability to obtain financing;
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general economic and business conditions, including crude oil
and other commodity prices, refining margins and prevailing
exchange rates;
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our ability to find, acquire or gain access to additional
reserves and to successfully develop our current ones;
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uncertainties inherent in making estimates of our reserves;
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competition;
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technical difficulties in the operation of our equipment and the
provision of our services;
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changes in, or failure to comply with, governmental regulations;
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receipt of governmental approvals and licenses;
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international and Brazilian political, economic and social
developments;
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military operations, terrorist attacks, wars or
embargoes; and
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the costs and availability of adequate insurance coverage.
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These statements are not guarantees of future performance and
are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that
are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could
differ materially from those expressed or forecast in any
forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors,
including those in Risk Factors set forth in this
prospectus supplement and in documents incorporated by reference
in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
All forward-looking statements attributed to us or a person
acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety
by this cautionary statement. We undertake no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information or future events or for
any other reason.
3
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. is a mixed-capital company created
pursuant to Law No. 2,004 (effective as of October 3,
1953).
A mixed-capital company is a Brazilian corporation created by
special law of which a majority of the voting capital must be
owned by the Brazilian federal government, a state or a
municipality. Petrobras is controlled by the Brazilian federal
government, but its common and preferred shares are publicly
traded.
Petrobras is one of the worlds largest integrated oil and
gas companies, engaging in a broad range of oil and gas
activities.
Petrobras engages in a broad range of activities, which cover
the following segments of its operations:
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Exploration and Production This segment encompasses
exploration, development and production activities in Brazil.
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Supply This segment encompasses refining, logistics,
transportation and the purchase of crude oil, as well as the
purchase and sale of oil products and fuel alcohol.
Additionally, this segment includes Petrobras
petrochemical and fertilizers division, which includes
investments in domestic petrochemical companies and
Petrobras two domestic fertilizer plants.
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Distribution This segment encompasses oil product
and fuel alcohol distribution activities conducted by
Petrobras majority owned subsidiary, Petrobras
Distribuidora S.A.-BR in Brazil.
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Natural Gas and Power This segment encompasses the
purchase, sale and transportation of natural gas produced in or
imported into Brazil. This segment includes Petrobras
domestic electric energy commercialization activities as well as
investments in domestic natural gas transportation companies,
state owned natural gas distributors and thermal electric
companies.
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International This segment encompasses international
activities conducted in several countries, which include
Exploration and Production, Supply, Distribution and Gas and
Energy.
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Corporate This segment includes those activities not
attributable to other segments, including corporate financial
management, overhead related with central administration and
other expenses, including pension and health care expenses.
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Petrobras principal executive office is located at Avenida
República do Chile, 65
20031-912
Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil, and its telephone number
is (55-21)
3224-4477.
PIFCo
PIFCo is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petrobras, incorporated
under the laws of the Cayman Islands. PIFCo is a tax exempt
company incorporated with limited liability. PIFCo was formed to
facilitate and finance the import of crude oil and oil products
by Petrobras into Brazil. PIFCo engages in borrowings in
international capital markets supported by Petrobras, primarily
through standby purchase agreements. Since 2004, as part of
Petrobras restructuring of its offshore subsidiaries in
order to centralize trading operations, PIFCo has engaged in
limited exports of oil and oil products and has begun to store
oil and oil products in Asia.
PIFCos principal executive office is located at Harbour
Place, 4th Floor, 103 South Church Street, George Town,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I., and its telephone number
is (55-21)
3224-1410.
4
Petrobras may from time to time offer under this prospectus,
separately or together:
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senior or subordinated debt securities that may be convertible
into our common shares or preferred shares, which may be in the
form of ADSs and evidenced by ADRs;
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securities that are mandatorily convertible into preferred or
common shares (or ADSs representing our preferred or common
shares);
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common shares, which may be represented by ADSs;
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preferred shares, which may be represented by ADSs;
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warrants to purchase common shares, which may be represented by
ADSs;
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warrants to purchase preferred shares, which may be represented
by ADSs;
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warrants to purchase debt securities;
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guarantees accompanying debt securities, including debt
warrants, of PIFCo; and
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standby purchase agreements accompanying debt securities,
including debt warrants, of PIFCo.
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PIFCo may from time to time offer under this prospectus:
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senior or subordinated debt securities, accompanied by
guarantees or standby purchase agreements of Petrobras or other
credit enhancements, including letters of credit, political risk
insurance or other similar instruments; and
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warrants to purchase debt securities, accompanied by guarantees
or standby purchase agreements of Petrobras, including letters
of credit, political risk insurance or other similar instruments.
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In this prospectus and in any attached prospectus supplement,
when we refer to the holders of securities as being
entitled to specified rights or payments, we mean only the
actual legal holders of the securities. While you will be the
holder if you hold a security registered in your name, more
often than not the registered holder will actually be either a
broker, bank, other financial institution or, in the case of a
global security, a depositary. Our obligations, as well as the
obligations of the trustee, any warrant agent, any transfer
agent, any registrar, any depositary and any third parties
employed by us or the other entities listed above, run only to
persons who are registered as holders of our securities, except
as may be specifically provided for in a warrant agreement,
warrant certificate, deposit agreement or other contract
governing the securities. For example, once we make payment to
the registered holder, we have no further responsibility for the
payment even if that registered holder is legally required to
pass the payment along to you as a street name customer but does
not do so.
If we choose to issue preferred shares or common shares, they
may be evidenced by ADRs and you will hold them indirectly
through ADSs. The underlying preferred shares or common shares
will be directly held by a depositary. Your rights and
obligations will be determined by reference to the terms of the
relevant deposit agreement. A copy of the deposit agreements, as
amended from time to time, with respect to our preferred shares
and common shares is on file with the SEC and incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. You may obtain copies of the
deposit agreements from the SECs Public Reference Room.
See Where You Can Find More Information.
Street
Name and Other Indirect Holders
Holding securities in accounts at banks or brokers is called
holding in street name. If you hold our securities
in street name, we will recognize only the bank or broker, or
the financial institution that the bank or broker uses to hold
the securities, as a holder. These intermediary banks, brokers,
other financial institutions and depositaries pass along
principal, interest, dividends and other payments, if any, on
the securities, either because they agree to do so in their
customer agreements or because they are legally required to do
so. This means that if you are an indirect
5
holder, you will need to coordinate with the institution through
which you hold your interest in a security in order to determine
how the provisions involving holders described in this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement will actually apply to
you. For example, if the debt security in which you hold a
beneficial interest in street name can be repaid at the option
of the holder, you cannot redeem it yourself by following the
procedures described in the prospectus supplement relating to
that security. Instead, you would need to cause the institution
through which you hold your interest to take those actions on
your behalf. Your institution may have procedures and deadlines
different from or additional to those described in the
applicable prospectus supplement.
If you hold our securities in street name or through other
indirect means, you should check with the institution through
which you hold your interest in a security to find out:
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how it handles payments and notices with respect to the
securities;
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whether it imposes fees or charges;
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how it handles voting, if applicable;
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how and when you should notify it to exercise on your behalf any
rights or options that may exist under the securities;
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whether and how you can instruct it to send you securities
registered in your own name so you can be a direct holder as
described below; and
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how it would pursue rights under the securities if there were a
default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to
protect their interests.
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Global
Securities
A global security is a special type of indirectly held security.
If we choose to issue our securities, in whole or in part, in
the form of global securities, the ultimate beneficial owners
can only be indirect holders. We do this by requiring that the
global security be registered in the name of a financial
institution we select and by requiring that the securities
included in the global security not be transferred to the name
of any other direct holder unless the special circumstances
described below occur. The financial institution that acts as
the sole direct holder of the global security is called the
depositary. Any person wishing to own a security
issued in global form must do so indirectly through an account
with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn
has an account with the depositary. The prospectus supplement
indicates whether the securities will be issued only as global
securities.
As an indirect holder, your rights relating to a global security
will be governed by the account rules of your financial
institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws
relating to securities transfers. We will not recognize you as a
holder of the securities and instead deal only with the
depositary that holds the global security.
You should be aware that if our securities are issued only in
the form of global securities:
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you cannot have the securities registered in your own name;
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you cannot receive physical certificates for your interest in
the securities;
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you will be a street name holder and must look to your own bank
or broker for payments on the securities and protection of your
legal rights relating to the securities;
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you may not be able to sell interests in the securities to some
insurance companies and other institutions that are required by
law to own their securities in the form of physical certificates;
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the depositarys policies will govern payments, dividends,
transfers, exchange and other matters relating to your interest
in the global security. We, the trustee, any warrant agent, any
transfer agent and any registrar have no responsibility for any
aspect of the depositarys actions or for its records of
ownership interests in the global security. We, the trustee, any
warrant agent, any transfer agent and any registrar also do not
supervise the depositary in any way; and
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the depositary will require that interests in a global security
be purchased or sold within its system using
same-day
funds for settlement.
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In a few special situations described below, a global security
representing our securities will terminate and interests in it
will be exchanged for physical certificates representing the
securities. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold
securities directly or in street name will be up to you. You
must consult your bank or broker to find out how to have your
interests in the securities transferred to your name, so that
you will be a direct holder.
Unless we specify otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the
special situations for termination of a global security
representing our securities are:
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when the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable
to continue as depositary and we do not or cannot appoint a
successor depositary within 90 days;
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when we notify the trustee that we wish to terminate the global
security; or
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when an event of default on debt securities has occurred and has
not been cured. (Defaults are discussed later under
Description of Debt Securities Events of
Default.)
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The prospectus supplement may also list additional situations
for terminating a global security that would apply to the
particular series of securities covered by the prospectus
supplement. When a global security terminates, the depositary
(and not us, the trustee, any warrant agent, any transfer agent
or any registrar) is responsible for deciding the names of the
institutions that will be the initial direct holders.
In the remainder of this document, you means
direct holders and not street name or other indirect holders of
securities. Indirect holders should read the previous subsection
starting on page 7 entitled Street Name and Other
Indirect Holders.
7
DESCRIPTION
OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following briefly summarizes the material provisions of
the debt securities and the Petrobras or PIFCo indenture that
will govern the debt securities, other than pricing and related
terms disclosed in the accompanying prospectus supplement. You
should read the more detailed provisions of the applicable
indenture, including the defined terms, for provisions that may
be important to you. You should also read the particular terms
of a series of debt securities, which will be described in more
detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. This summary is
subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the
provisions of such indenture, the debt securities and the
prospectus supplement relating to each series of debt
securities.
Indenture
Any debt securities that we issue will be governed by a document
called an indenture. The indenture is a contract entered into
between any one of us and a trustee, currently The Bank of New
York. The trustee has two main roles:
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first, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we
default, although there are some limitations on the extent to
which the trustee acts on your behalf that are described under
Default and Related Matters Events of
Default Remedies if an Event of Default
Occurs; and
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second, the trustee performs administrative duties for us, such
as sending interest payments to you, transferring your debt
securities to a new buyer if you sell and sending notices to you.
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Each of the Petrobras and PIFCo indentures and their associated
documents contain the full legal text of the matters described
in this section. We have agreed that New York law governs the
indenture and the debt securities. We have filed a copy of the
Petrobras indenture and PIFCo indenture with the SEC as exhibits
to our registration statement. We have consented to the
non-exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal court
sitting in the borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, New
York, United States and any appellate court from any thereof.
Types of
Debt Securities
Together or separately, we may issue as many distinct series of
debt securities under our indentures as are authorized by the
corporate bodies that are required under applicable law and our
corporate organizational documents to authorize the issuance of
debt securities. Specific issuances of debt securities will also
be governed by a supplemental indenture, an officers
certificate or a document evidencing the authorization of any
such corporate body. This section summarizes material terms of
the debt securities that are common to all series and to each of
the Petrobras and PIFCo indentures, unless otherwise indicated
in this section and in the prospectus supplement relating to a
particular series.
Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every
aspect of the debt securities. This summary is subject to and
qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of
the indenture, including the definition of various terms used in
the indenture. For example, we describe the meanings for only
the more important terms that have been given special meanings
in the indenture. We also include references in parentheses to
some sections of the indenture. Whenever we refer to particular
sections or defined terms of our indentures in this prospectus
or in any prospectus supplement, those sections or defined terms
are incorporated by reference herein or in such prospectus
supplement.
We may issue the debt securities at par, at a premium or as
original issue discount securities, which are debt securities
that are offered and sold at a substantial discount to their
stated principal amount. We may also issue the debt securities
as indexed securities or securities denominated in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar, currency units or composite
currencies, as described in more detail in the prospectus
supplement relating to any such debt securities. We will
describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences and any
other special considerations applicable to original issue
discount, indexed or foreign currency debt securities in the
applicable prospectus supplement(s).
In addition, the material financial, legal and other terms
particular to a series of debt securities will be described in
the prospectus supplement(s) relating to that series. Those
terms may vary from the terms described
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here. Accordingly, this summary also is subject to and qualified
by reference to the description of the terms of the series
described in the applicable prospectus supplement(s).
The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt
securities will describe the following terms of the series:
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the title of the debt securities of the series;
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any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt
securities of the series (including any provision for the future
offering of additional debt securities of the series beyond any
such limit);
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whether the debt securities will be issued in registered or
bearer form;
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whether the debt securities will be accompanied by a standby
purchase agreement or guarantee or other credit enhancements,
including letters of credit, political risk insurance or other
similar instruments;
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the date or dates on which the debt securities of the series
will mature and any other date or dates on which we will pay the
principal of the debt securities of the series;
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the annual rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, at
which the debt securities will bear interest, if any, and the
date or dates from which that interest will accrue;
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the date or dates on which any interest on the debt securities
of the series will be payable and the regular record date or
dates we will use to determine who is entitled to receive
interest payments;
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the place or places where the principal and any premium and
interest in respect of the debt securities of the series will be
payable;
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any period or periods during which, and the price or prices at
which, we will have the option to redeem or repurchase the debt
securities of the series and the other material terms and
provisions applicable to our redemption or repurchase rights;
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whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated
securities;
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whether the debt securities will be our secured or unsecured
obligations;
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any obligation we will have to redeem or repurchase the debt
securities of the series, including any sinking fund or
analogous provision, the period or periods during which, and the
price or prices at which, we would be required to redeem or
repurchase the debt securities of the series and the other
material terms and provisions applicable to our redemption or
repurchase obligations;
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if other than $1,000 or an even multiple of $1,000, the
denominations in which the series of debt securities will be
issuable;
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if other than U.S. dollars, the currency in which the debt
securities of the series will be denominated or in which the
principal of or any premium or interest on the debt securities
of the series will be payable;
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if we or you have a right to choose the currency, currency unit
or composite currency in which payments on any of the debt
securities of the series will be made, the currency, currency
unit or composite currency that we or you may elect, the period
during which we or you must make the election and the other
material terms applicable to the right to make such elections;
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if other than the full principal amount, the portion of the
principal amount of the debt securities of the series that will
be payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity of
the debt securities of the series;
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any index or other special method we will use to determine the
amount of principal or any premium or interest on the debt
securities of the series;
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the applicability of the provisions described under
Defeasance and Discharge;
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if we issue the debt securities of the series in whole or part
in the form of global securities as described under Legal
Ownership Global Securities, the name of the
depositary with respect to the debt securities of the series,
and the circumstances under which the global securities may be
registered in the name of a person
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other than the depositary or its nominee if other than those
described under Legal Ownership Global
Securities;
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whether the debt securities will be convertible or exchangeable
at your option or at our option into equity securities, and, if
so, the terms and conditions of conversion or exchange;
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any covenants to which we will be subject with respect to the
debt securities of the series; and
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any other special features of the debt securities of the series
that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the indenture.
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In addition, the prospectus supplement will state whether we
will list the debt securities of the series on any stock
exchange(s) and, if so, which one(s).
Additional
Mechanics
Form,
exchange and transfer
The debt securities will be issued, unless otherwise indicated
in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations that
are even multiples of $1,000 and in global registered form.
(Petrobras Section 3.02; PIFCo Section 3.02)
You may have your debt securities broken into more debt
securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt
securities of larger denominations, as long as the total
principal amount is not changed. This is called an exchange.
(Petrobras Section 3.05; PIFCo Section 3.05)
You may exchange or transfer your registered debt securities at
the office of the trustee. The trustee will maintain an office
in New York, New York. The trustee acts as our agent for
registering debt securities in the names of holders and
transferring registered debt securities. We may change this
appointment to another entity or perform the service ourselves.
The entity performing the role of maintaining the list of
registered holders is called the security registrar.
It will also register transfers of the registered debt
securities. (Petrobras Section 3.05; PIFCo
Section 3.05)
You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or
exchange debt securities, but you may be required to pay any tax
or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or
transfer. The transfer or exchange of a registered debt security
will only be made if the security registrar is satisfied with
your proof of ownership.
If we designate additional transfer agents, they will be named
in the prospectus supplement. We may cancel the designation of
any particular transfer agent. Petrobras may also approve a
change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.
(Petrobras Section 10.02; PIFCo Section 10.03)
If the debt securities are redeemable and we redeem less than
all of the debt securities of a particular series, we may block
the transfer or exchange of debt securities in order to freeze
the list of holders to prepare the mailing during the period
beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of
redemption and ending on the day of that mailing. We may also
refuse to register transfers or exchanges of debt securities
selected for redemption. However, we will continue to permit
transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt
security being partially redeemed. (Petrobras
Section 3.05; PIFCo Section 3.05)
Payment
and paying agents
If your debt securities are in registered form, we will pay
interest to you if you are a direct holder listed in the
trustees records at the close of business on a particular
day in advance of each due date for interest, even if you no
longer own the security on the interest due date. That
particular day, usually about two weeks in advance of the
interest due date, is called the regular record date
and will be stated in the prospectus supplement. (Petrobras
Section 3.07; PIFCo Section 3.07)
We will pay interest, principal, additional amounts and any
other money due on the registered debt securities at the
corporate trust office of the trustee in New York City (which is
currently located at 101 Barclay Street, 4E, New York, New York
10286, Attention: Global Trust Services
Americas) or at the office of JPMorgan Trust Bank
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Limited, a bank established under the laws of Japan (which is
currently located at Tokyo Building, 7-3, Marunouchi 2-chome,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
100-6432,
Japan). You must make arrangements to have your payments picked
up at or wired from that office. We may also choose to pay
interest by mailing checks. Interest on global securities will
be paid to the holder thereof by wire transfer of
same-day
funds.
Holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between
themselves how to compensate for the fact that we will pay all
the interest for an interest period to, in the case of
registered debt securities, the one who is the registered holder
on the regular record date. The most common manner is to adjust
the sales price of the debt securities to pro-rate interest
fairly between the buyer and seller. This pro-rated interest
amount is called accrued interest.
Street name and other indirect holders should consult their
banks or brokers for information on how they will receive
payments.
We may also arrange for additional payment offices, and may
cancel or change these offices, including our use of the
trustees corporate trust office. These offices are called
paying agents. We may also choose to act as our own
paying agent. We must notify you of changes in the paying agents
for the debt securities of any series that you hold.
(Petrobras Section 10.02; PIFCo Section 10.03)
Notices
We and the trustee will send notices only to direct holders,
using their addresses as listed in the trustees records.
(Petrobras Section 1.06; PIFCo Section 1.06)
Regardless of who acts as paying agent, all money that Petrobras
pays to a paying agent that remains unclaimed at the end of two
years after the amount is due to direct holders will be repaid
to Petrobras. After that two-year period, direct holders may
look only to Petrobras for payment and not to the trustee, any
other paying agent or anyone else. (Petrobras
Section 10.03)
Special
Situations
Mergers
and similar events
Under the indenture, except as described below, we are generally
permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We are
also permitted to sell or lease substantially all of our assets
to another entity or to buy or lease substantially all of the
assets of another entity. No vote by holders of debt securities
approving any of these actions is required, unless as part of
the transaction we make changes to the indenture requiring your
approval, as described later under
Modification and Waiver. We may take
these actions as part of a transaction involving outside third
parties or as part of an internal corporate reorganization. We
may take these actions even if they result in:
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a lower credit rating being assigned to the debt
securities; or
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additional amounts becoming payable in respect of withholding
tax, and the debt securities thus being subject to redemption at
our option, as described later under Optional
Tax Redemption.
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We have no obligation under the indenture to seek to avoid these
results, or any other legal or financial effects that are
disadvantageous to you, in connection with a merger,
consolidation or sale or lease of assets that is permitted under
the indenture.
Petrobras
Petrobras may merge into or consolidate with or convey, transfer
or lease its property to another entity, provided that it may
not take any of these actions unless all the following
conditions are met:
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If Petrobras merges out of existence or sell or lease its
assets, the other entity must unconditionally assume its
obligations on the debt securities, including the obligation to
pay the additional amounts described under
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Payment of Additional Amounts. This assumption may
be by way of a full and unconditional guarantee in the case of a
sale or lease of substantially all of its assets.
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Petrobras must indemnify you against any tax, assessment or
governmental charge or other cost resulting from the
transaction. This indemnification obligation only arises if the
other entity is organized under the laws of a country other than
the United States, a state thereof or Brazil.
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Petrobras must not be in default on the debt securities
immediately prior to such action and such action must not cause
a default. For purposes of this no-default test, a default would
include an event of default that has occurred and not been
cured, as described later under Default and Related
Matters Events of Default What is An
Event of Default? A default for this purpose would also
include any event that would be an event of default if the
requirements for notice of default or existence of defaults for
a specified period of time were disregarded.
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The entity to which Petrobras sells or leases such assets
guarantees our obligations or the entity into which it merges or
consolidates with must execute a supplement to the indenture,
known as a supplemental indenture. In the supplemental
indenture, the entity must promise to be bound by every
obligation in the indenture. Furthermore, in this case, the
trustee must receive an opinion of counsel stating that the
entitys guarantees are valid, that certain registration
requirements applicable to the guarantees have been fulfilled
and that the supplemental indenture complies with the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939. The entity that guarantees our
obligations must also deliver certain certificates and other
documents to the trustee.
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Petrobras must deliver certain certificates, opinions of its
counsel and other documents to the trustee.
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Petrobras must satisfy any other requirements specified in the
prospectus supplement. (Petrobras Section 8.01)
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PIFCo
PIFCo will not, in one or a series of transactions, consolidate
or amalgamate with or merge into any corporation or convey,
lease or transfer substantially all of its properties, assets or
revenues to any person or entity (other than a direct or
indirect subsidiary of Petrobras) or permit any person (other
than a direct or indirect subsidiary of PIFCo) to merge with or
into it unless:
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either PIFCo is the continuing entity or the person (the
successor company) formed by the consolidation or
into which PIFCo is merged or that acquired or leased the
property or assets of PIFCo will assume (jointly and severally
with PIFCo unless PIFCo will have ceased to exist as a result of
that merger, consolidation or amalgamation), by a supplemental
indenture (the form and substance of which will be previously
approved by the trustee), all of PIFCos obligations under
the indenture and the notes;
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the successor company (jointly and severally with PIFCo unless
PIFCo will have ceased to exist as part of the merger,
consolidation or amalgamation) agrees to indemnify each
noteholder against any tax, assessment or governmental charge
thereafter imposed on the noteholder solely as a consequence of
the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease with
respect to the payment of principal of, or interest, the notes;
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immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of
default, and no default has occurred and is continuing;
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PIFCo has delivered to the trustee an officers certificate
and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the transaction
complies with the terms of the indenture and that all conditions
precedent provided for in the indenture and relating to the
transaction have been complied with; and
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PIFCo must deliver a notice describing that transaction to
Moodys to the extent that Moodys is at that time
rating the notes.
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, so
long as no default or event of default under the indenture or
the notes will have occurred and be continuing at the time of
the proposed transaction or would result from the transaction:
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PIFCo may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into, or
convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its properties, assets or revenues to a
direct or indirect subsidiary of PIFCo or Petrobras in cases
when PIFCo is the surviving entity in the transaction and the
transaction would not have a material adverse effect on PIFCo
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, it being understood that
if PIFCo is not the surviving entity, PIFCo will be required to
comply with the requirements set forth in the previous
paragraph; or
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of PIFCo may merge or
consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of assets to, any person (other than PIFCo or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) in cases when the
transaction would not have a material adverse effect on PIFCo
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; or
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of PIFCo may merge or
consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of assets to, any other direct or indirect
subsidiary of PIFCo or Petrobras; or
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of PIFCo may liquidate or
dissolve if PIFCo determines in good faith that the liquidation
or dissolution is in the best interests of Petrobras, and would
not result in a material adverse effect on PIFCo and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole and if the liquidation or
dissolution is part of a corporate reorganization of PIFCo or
Petrobras.
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It is possible that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service may
deem a merger or other similar transaction to cause for
U.S. federal income tax purposes an exchange of debt
securities for new securities by the holders of the debt
securities. This could result in the recognition of taxable gain
or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes and possible
other adverse tax consequences.
Modification
and waiver
There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture
and the debt securities.
Changes Requiring Your Approval. First,
there are changes that cannot be made to your debt securities
without your specific approval. These are the following types of
changes:
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change the stated maturity of the principal, interest or premium
on a debt security;
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reduce any amounts due on a debt security;
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change any obligation to pay the additional amounts described
under Payment of Additional Amounts;
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reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the
maturity of a debt security following a default;
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change the place or currency of payment on a debt security;
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impair any of the conversion or exchange rights of your debt
security;
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impair your right to sue for payment, conversion or exchange;
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reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose
consent is needed to modify or amend the indenture;
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reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose
consent is needed to waive compliance with various provisions of
the indenture or to waive specified defaults; and
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modify any other aspect of the provisions dealing with
modification and waiver of the indenture. (Petrobras
Section 9.02; PIFCo Section 9.02)
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Changes Requiring a Majority Vote. The
second type of change to the indenture and the debt securities
is the kind that requires a vote of approval by the holders of
debt securities that together represent a majority of the
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outstanding principal amount of the particular series affected.
Most changes fall into this category, except for clarifying
changes, amendments, supplements and other changes that would
not adversely affect holders of the debt securities in any
material respect. For example, this vote would be required for
us to obtain a waiver of all or part of any covenants described
in an applicable prospectus supplement or a waiver of a past
default. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default
or any other aspect of the indenture or the debt securities
listed in the first category described previously beginning
above under Changes Requiring Your Approval unless
we obtain your individual consent to the waiver. (Petrobras
Sections 5.13 and 9.02; PIFCo Sections 5.13 and
9.02)
Changes Not Requiring Approval. The
third type of change does not require any vote by holders of
debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications of
ambiguities, omissions, defects and inconsistencies, amendments,
supplements and other changes that would not adversely affect
holders of the debt securities in any material respect, such as
adding covenants, additional events of default or successor
trustees. (Petrobras Section 9.01; PIFCo
Section 9.01)
Further Details Concerning Voting. When
taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how
much principal amount to attribute to a security:
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For original issue discount securities, we will use the
principal amount that would be due and payable on the voting
date if the maturity of the debt securities were accelerated to
that date because of a default.
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Debt securities that we, any of our affiliates and any other
obligor under the debt securities acquire or hold will not be
counted as outstanding when determining voting rights.
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For debt securities whose principal amount is not known (for
example, because it is based on an index), we will use a special
rule for that security described in the prospectus supplement
for that security.
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For debt securities denominated in one or more foreign
currencies, currency units or composite currencies, we will use
the U.S. dollar equivalent as of the date on which such
debt securities were originally issued.
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Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and
therefore will not be eligible to vote, if we have deposited or
set aside in trust for you money for their payment or
redemption. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote if
they have been fully defeased as described under
Defeasance and Discharge. (Petrobras
Section 14.02; PIFCo Section 14.02)
We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date
for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding debt
securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under
the indenture. In limited circumstances, the trustee will be
entitled to set a record date for action by holders. If we or
the trustee set a record date for a vote or other action to be
taken by holders of a particular series, that vote or action may
be taken only by persons who are holders of outstanding debt
securities of that series on the record date and must be taken
within 180 days following the record date or another period
that we or, if it sets the record date, the trustee may specify.
We may shorten or lengthen (but not beyond 180 days) this
period from time to time. (Petrobras Section 1.04; PIFCo
Section 1.04)
Street name and other indirect holders should consult their
banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted
or denied if we seek to change the indenture or the debt
securities or request a waiver.
Redemption
and repayment
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, your debt security will not be entitled to the
benefit of any sinking fund; that is, we will not deposit money
on a regular basis into any separate custodial account to repay
your debt securities. In addition, other than as set forth in
Optional Tax Redemption below, we will not be
entitled to redeem your debt security before its stated maturity
unless the applicable prospectus supplement specifies a
redemption commencement date. You will not be entitled to
require us to buy your debt security from you, before its stated
maturity, unless the applicable prospectus supplement specifies
one or more repayment dates.
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If the applicable prospectus supplement specifies a redemption
commencement date or a repayment date, it will also specify one
or more redemption prices or repayment prices, which may be
expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of your debt
security or by reference to one or more formulae used to
determine the redemption price(s). It may also specify one or
more redemption periods during which the redemption prices
relating to a redemption of debt securities during those periods
will apply.
If the applicable prospectus supplement specifies a redemption
commencement date, we may redeem your debt security at our
option at any time on or after that date. If we redeem your debt
security, we will do so at the specified redemption price,
together with interest accrued to the redemption date. If
different prices are specified for different redemption periods,
the price we pay will be the price that applies to the
redemption period during which your debt security is redeemed.
If less than all of the debt securities are redeemed, the
trustee will choose the debt securities to be redeemed by lot,
or in the trustees discretion, pro rata. (Petrobras
Section 11.03; PIFCo Section 11.03)
If the applicable prospectus supplement specifies a repayment
date, your debt security will be repayable by us at your option
on the specified repayment date(s) at the specified repayment
price(s), together with interest accrued and any additional
amounts to the repayment date. (Petrobras Section 11.04;
PIFCo Section 11.04)
In the event that we exercise an option to redeem any debt
security, we will give to the trustee and the holder written
notice of the principal amount of the debt security to be
redeemed, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days
before the applicable redemption date. We will give the notice
in the manner described above under Additional
Mechanics Notices.
If a debt security represented by a global security is subject
to repayment at the holders option, the depositary or its
nominee, as the holder, will be the only person that can
exercise the right to repayment. Any indirect holders who own
beneficial interests in the global security and wish to exercise
a repayment right must give proper and timely instructions to
their banks or brokers through which they hold their interests,
requesting that they notify the depositary to exercise the
repayment right on their behalf. Different firms have different
deadlines for accepting instructions from their customers, and
you should take care to act promptly enough to ensure that your
request is given effect by the depositary before the applicable
deadline for exercise.
Street name and other indirect holders should contact their
banks or brokers for information about how to exercise a
repayment right in a timely manner.
In the event that the option of the holder to elect repayment as
described above is deemed to be a tender offer
within the meaning of
Rule 14e-1
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we will comply with
Rule 14e-1
as then in effect to the extent it is applicable to us and the
transaction.
Subject to any restrictions that will be described in the
prospectus supplement, we or our affiliates may purchase debt
securities from investors who are willing to sell from time to
time, either in the open market at prevailing prices or in
private transactions at negotiated prices. Debt securities that
we or they purchase may, in our discretion, be held, resold or
canceled.
Optional
tax redemption
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, we may
have the option to redeem, in whole but not in part, the debt
securities where, as a result of a change in, execution of or
amendment to any laws or treaties or the official application or
interpretation of any laws or treaties, we would be required to
pay additional amounts as described later under Payment of
Additional Amounts. This applies only in the case of
changes, executions or amendments that occur on or after the
date specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable
series of debt securities and in the jurisdiction where we are
incorporated. If succeeded by another entity, the applicable
jurisdiction will be the jurisdiction in which such successor
entity is organized, and the applicable date will be the date
the entity became a successor. (Petrobras Section 11.08;
PIFCo Section 11.08)
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If the debt securities are redeemed, the redemption price for
debt securities (other than original issue discount debt
securities) will be equal to the principal amount of the debt
securities being redeemed plus accrued interest and any
additional amounts due on the date fixed for redemption. The
redemption price for original issue discount debt securities
will be specified in the prospectus supplement for such
securities. Furthermore, we must give you between 30 and
60 days notice before redeeming the debt securities.
Conversion
Your debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for
shares of our capital stock at your option or at our option,
which may be represented by ADSs, or other securities if your
prospectus supplement so provides. If your debt securities are
convertible or exchangeable, your prospectus supplement will
include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is at
your option or at our option. Your prospectus supplement would
also include provisions regarding the adjustment of the number
of securities to be received by you upon conversion or exchange.
Payment
of Additional Amounts
Petrobras
Brazil (including any authority therein or thereof having the
power to tax) may require Petrobras to withhold amounts from
payments on the principal or any premium or interest on a debt
security for taxes or any other governmental charges. If Brazil
requires a withholding of this type, Petrobras is required,
subject to the exceptions listed below, to pay you an additional
amount so that the net amount you receive will be the amount
specified in the debt security to which you are entitled.
However, in order for you to be entitled to receive the
additional amount, you must not be a resident of Brazil.
Petrobras will not have to pay additional amounts
under any of the following circumstances:
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The withholding is imposed only because the holder has some
connection with Brazil other than the mere holding of the debt
security or the receipt of the relevant payment in respect of
the debt security.
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In the case of Petrobras, the withholding is imposed due to the
presentation of a debt security, if presentation is required,
for payment on a date more than 30 days after the security
became due or after the payment was provided for.
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The amount is required to be deducted or withheld by any paying
agent from a payment on or in respect of the debt security, if
such payment can be made without such deduction or withholding
by any other payment agent and Petrobras duly provides for such
other paying agent.
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The withholding is on account of an estate, inheritance, gift,
sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax or other
governmental charge.
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The withholding is for any taxes, duties, assessments or other
governmental charges that are payable otherwise than by
deduction or withholding from payments on the debt security.
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The withholding is imposed or withheld because the holder or
beneficial owner failed to comply with any of Petrobras
requests for the following that the statutes, treaties,
regulations or administrative practices of Brazil required as a
precondition to exemption from all or part of such withholding:
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to provide information about the nationality, residence or
identity of the holder or beneficial owner; or
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to make a declaration or satisfy any information requirements.
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The holder is a fiduciary or partnership or other entity that is
not the sole beneficial owner of the payment in respect of which
the withholding is imposed, and the laws of Brazil require the
payment to be included in the income of a beneficiary or settlor
of such fiduciary or a member of such partnership or another
beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such
additional amounts had it been the holder of such debt security.
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Where any additional amounts are imposed on a payment on the
debt securities to an individual and is required to be made
pursuant to any European Union directive on the taxation of
savings income relating to
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the directive approved by the European Parliament on
March 14, 2002, or otherwise implementing the conclusions
of the Economic and Financial Council of Ministers of the member
states of the European Union (ECOFIN) Council meeting of
November 26 and 27, 2000 or any law implementing or complying
with, or introduced in order to conform to, any such directive.
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The prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities may
describe additional circumstances in which Petrobras would not
be required to pay additional amounts. (Petrobras
Section 10.04)
PIFCo
Except as provided below, PIFCo will make all payments of
amounts due under the notes and the indenture and each other
document entered into in connection with the notes and the
indenture without withholding or deducting any present or future
taxes, levies, deductions or other governmental charges of any
nature imposed by Brazil, the jurisdiction of PIFCos
incorporation or any jurisdiction in which PIFCo appoints a
paying agent under the indenture, or any political subdivision
of such jurisdictions (the taxing jurisdictions). If
PIFCo is required by law to withhold or deduct any taxes,
levies, deductions or other governmental charges, PIFCo will
make such deduction or withholding, make payment of the amount
so withheld to the appropriate governmental authority and pay
the noteholders any additional amounts necessary to ensure that
they receive the same amount as they would have received without
such withholding or deduction.
PIFCo will not, however, pay any additional amounts in
connection with any tax, levy, deduction or other governmental
charge that is imposed due to any of the following
(excluded additional amounts):
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the noteholder has a connection with the taxing jurisdiction
other than merely holding the notes or receiving principal or
interest payments on the notes (such as citizenship,
nationality, residence, domicile, or existence of a business, a
permanent establishment, a dependent agent, a place of business
or a place of management present or deemed present within the
taxing jurisdiction);
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any tax imposed on, or measured by, net income;
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the noteholder fails to comply with any certification,
identification or other reporting requirements concerning its
nationality, residence, identity or connection with the taxing
jurisdiction, if (x) such compliance is required by
applicable law, regulation, administrative practice or treaty as
a precondition to exemption from all or a part of the tax, levy,
deduction or other governmental charge, (y) the noteholder
is able to comply with such requirements without undue hardship
and (z) at least 30 calendar days prior to the first
payment date with respect to which such requirements under the
applicable law, regulation, administrative practice or treaty
will apply, PIFCo has notified all noteholders that they will be
required to comply with such requirements;
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the noteholder fails to present (where presentation is required)
its note within 30 calendar days after PIFCo has made available
to the noteholder a payment under the notes and the indenture,
provided that PIFCo will pay additional amounts which a
noteholder would have been entitled to had the note owned by
such noteholder been presented on any day (including the last
day) within such 30 calendar day period;
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any estate, inheritance, gift, value added, use or sales taxes
or any similar taxes, assessments or other governmental charges;
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where such taxes, levies, deductions or other governmental
charges are imposed on a payment on the notes to an individual
and are required to be made pursuant to any European Union
Council Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN
Council meeting of November
26-27, 2000
on the taxation of savings income, or any law implementing or
complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such
directive;
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where the noteholder could have avoided such taxes, levies,
deductions or other governmental charges by requesting that a
payment on the notes be made by, or presenting the relevant
notes for payment to, another paying agent of PIFCo located in a
member state of the European Union; or
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where the noteholder would have been able to avoid the tax,
levy, deduction or other governmental charge by taking
reasonable measures available to such noteholder.
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PIFCo undertakes that, if European Council Directive 2003/48/EC
or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of ECOFIN
council meeting of November
26-27, 2000
is brought into effect, PIFCo will ensure that it maintains a
paying agent in a member state of the European Union that will
not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to the
Directive.
PIFCo will pay any stamp, administrative, excise or property
taxes arising in a taxing jurisdiction in connection with the
execution, delivery, enforcement or registration of the notes
and will indemnify the noteholders for any such stamp,
administrative, excise or property taxes paid by noteholders.
(PIFCo Section 10.10)
Restrictive
Covenants
Petrobras
The Petrobras indenture does not contain any covenants
restricting the ability of Petrobras to make payments, incur
indebtedness, dispose of assets, enter into sale and leaseback
transactions, issue and sell capital stock, enter into
transactions with affiliates, create or incur liens on
Petrobras property or engage in business other than its
present business. Restrictive covenants, if any, with respect to
any securities of Petrobras will be contained in the applicable
supplemental indenture and described in the applicable
prospectus supplement with respect to those securities.
(Petrobras Section 10)
PIFCo
PIFCo will be subject to the following covenants with respect to
the notes:
Ranking
PIFCo will ensure that the notes will at all times constitute
its general senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and
will rank pari passu, without any preferences among
themselves, with all of its other present and future unsecured
and unsubordinated obligations (other than obligations preferred
by statute or by operation of law). (PIFCo
Section 10.04)
Statement
by officers as to default and notices of events of
default
PIFCo (and each other obligor on the notes) will deliver to the
trustee, within 90 calendar days after the end of its fiscal
year, an officers certificate, stating whether or not to
the best knowledge of its signers PIFCo is in default on any of
the terms, provisions and conditions of the indenture or the
notes (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of
notice provided under the indenture) and, if PIFCo (or any
obligor) are in default, specifying all the defaults and their
nature and status of which the signers may have knowledge.
Within 10 calendar days (or promptly with respect to certain
events of default relating to PIFCos insolvency and in any
event no later than 10 calendar days) after PIFCo becomes aware
or should reasonably become aware of the occurrence of any
default or event of default under the indenture or the notes, it
will notify the trustee of the occurrence of such default or
event of default. (PIFCo Section 10.05)
Provision
of financial statements and reports
In the event that PIFCo files any financial statements or
reports with the SEC or publishes or otherwise makes such
statements or reports publicly available in Brazil, the United
States or elsewhere, PIFCo will furnish a copy of the statements
or reports to the trustee within 15 calendar days of the date of
filing or the date the information is published or otherwise
made publicly available.
PIFCo will provide, together with each of the financial
statements delivered as described in the preceding paragraph, an
officers certificate stating (i) that a review of
PIFCos activities has been made during the period covered
by such financial statements with a view to determining whether
PIFCo has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its covenants
and agreements under this indenture; and (ii) that no event
of default, or event which with the giving of notice or passage
of time or both would become an event of default, has occurred
during that period or, if one or more have actually occurred,
specifying all those events and what actions have been taken and
will be taken with respect to that event of default or other
event.
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Delivery of these reports, information and documents to the
trustee is for informational purposes only and the
trustees receipt of any of those will not constitute
constructive notice of any information contained in them or
determinable from information contained in them, including
PIFCos compliance with any of its covenants under the
indenture (as to which the trustee is entitled to rely
exclusively on officers certificates). (PIFCo
Section 10.06)
Additional restrictive covenants with respect to securities of
PIFCo may be contained in the applicable supplemental indenture
and described in the applicable prospectus supplement with
respect to those securities.
Defeasance
and Discharge
The following discussion of full defeasance and discharge and
covenant defeasance and discharge will only be applicable to
your series of debt securities if we choose to apply them to
that series, in which case we will state that in the prospectus
supplement. (Petrobras Section 14.01; PIFCo
Section 14.01)
Full
defeasance
We can legally release ourselves from any payment or other
obligations on the debt securities, except for various
obligations described below (called full
defeasance), if we, in addition to other actions, put in
place the following arrangements for you to be repaid:
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We must irrevocably deposit in trust for your benefit and the
benefit of all other direct holders of the debt securities a
combination of money and U.S. government or
U.S. government agency debt securities or bonds that, in
the opinion of a firm of nationally recognized independent
public accounts, will generate enough cash to make interest,
principal and any other payments, including additional amounts,
on the debt securities on their various due dates.
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We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel,
based upon a ruling by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or
upon a change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law,
confirming that under then current U.S. federal income tax
law we may make the above deposit without causing you to be
taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not
make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves.
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If the debt securities are listed on any securities exchange, we
must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel
confirming that the deposit, defeasance and discharge will not
cause the debt securities to be delisted. (Petrobras
Section 14.04; PIFCo Section 14.04)
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If we ever did accomplish full defeasance as described above,
you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment
on the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment
in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust
deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our
lenders and other creditors if we ever become bankrupt or
insolvent. However, even if we take these actions, a number of
our obligations relating to the debt securities will remain.
These include the following obligations:
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to register the transfer and exchange of debt securities;
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to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities;
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to maintain paying agencies; and
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to hold money for payment in trust.
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Covenant
defeasance
We can make the same type of deposit described above and be
released from all or some of the restrictive covenants (if any)
that apply to the debt securities of any particular series. This
is called covenant defeasance. In that event, you
would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but
would gain the protection of having
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money and securities set aside in trust to repay the debt
securities. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do
the following:
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We must irrevocably deposit in trust for your benefit and the
benefit of all other direct holders of the debt securities a
combination of money and U.S. government or
U.S. government agency debt securities or bonds that, in
the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent
accountants, will generate enough cash to make interest,
principal and any other payments, including additional amounts,
on the debt securities on their various due dates.
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We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel
confirming that under then current U.S. federal income tax
law we may make the above deposit without causing you to be
taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not
make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves.
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If the debt securities are listed on any securities exchange, we
must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel
confirming that the deposit, defeasance and discharge will not
cause the debt securities to be delisted. (Petrobras
Section 14.04; PIFCo Section 14.04)
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If we accomplish covenant defeasance, the following provisions
of the indenture
and/or the
debt securities would no longer apply:
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Any covenants applicable to the series of debt securities and
described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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The events of default relating to breach of those covenants
being defeased and acceleration of the maturity of other debt,
described later under Default and Related
Matters Events of Default What is An
Event of Default?
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If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us
for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall
in the trust deposit. In fact, if any event of default occurred
(such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities become
immediately due and payable, there may be such a shortfall.
Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able
to obtain payment of the shortfall. (Petrobras
Sections 14.03 and 14.04; PIFCo Sections 14.03 and
14.04)
Default
and Related Matters
Ranking
The applicable prospectus supplement will indicate whether the
debt securities are subordinated to any of our other debt
obligations and whether they will be secured by any of our
assets. If they are not subordinated, they will rank equally
with all our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. If
they are not secured, the securities will effectively be
subordinate to our secured indebtedness and to the indebtedness
of our subsidiaries.
Events
of default
You will have special rights if an event of default occurs and
is not cured, as described later in this subsection.
What Is an Event of Default? The term event of
default means any of the following:
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We do not pay the principal or any premium on a debt security
within 14 calendar days of its due date and in the case of
PIFCo, the trustee has not received such payments from amounts
on deposit, from Petrobras under a standby purchase agreement by
the end of that
fourteen-day
period.
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We do not pay interest, including any additional amounts, on a
debt security within 30 calendar days of its due date and in the
case of PIFCo, the trustee has not received such payments from
amounts on deposit, from Petrobras under a standby purchase
agreement by the end of that
thirty-day
period.
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We remain in breach of any covenant or any other term of the
indenture for 60 calendar days after we receive a notice of
default stating that we are in breach. The notice must be sent
by either the trustee or holders of 25% of the principal amount
of debt securities of the affected series.
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In the case of any convertible security of Petrobras, it remains
in default in the conversion of any security of such series for
30 days after it receives a notice of default stating that
it is in default. The notice must be sent by either the trustee
or the holders of 25% of the principal amount of debt securities
of the affected series.
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The maturity of any indebtedness of Petrobras or PIFCo in a
total aggregate principal amount of U.S.$100,000,000 or more is
accelerated in accordance with the terms of that indebtedness,
considering that prepayment or redemption by us of any
indebtedness is not acceleration for this purpose.
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In the case of PIFCo, one or more final and non-appealable
judgments or final decrees is entered against it involving an
aggregate liability (not paid or not fully covered by insurance)
valued at the equivalent of U.S.$100,000,000 or more, where such
judgments or final decrees have not been vacated, discharged or
stayed within 120 calendar days after first being rendered.
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In the case of Petrobras, if it is adjudicated or found bankrupt
or insolvent or it is ordered by a court or pass a resolution to
dissolve.
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We stop paying or we admit that we are generally unable to pay
our debts as they become due, except in the case of a
winding-up,
dissolution or liquidation for the purpose of and followed by a
consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer duly approved by
the debt security holders.
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In the case of PIFCo, if proceedings are initiated against it
under any applicable liquidation, insolvency, composition,
reorganization or any other similar laws, or under any other law
for the relief of, or relating to, debtors, and such proceeding
is not dismissed or stayed within 90 calendar days.
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An administrative or other receiver, manager or administrator,
or any such or other similar official is appointed in relation
to, or a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other
process is levied or put in force against, the whole or a
substantial part of our undertakings or assets and is not
discharged or removed within 90 calendar days.
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We voluntarily commence proceedings under any applicable
liquidation, insolvency, composition, reorganization or any
other similar laws, or we enter into any composition or other
similar arrangement with our creditors under applicable
Brazilian law (such as a concordata, which is a type of
liquidation agreement).
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We file an application for the appointment of an administrative
or other receiver, manager or administrator, or any such or
other similar official, in relation to us, or we take legal
action for a readjustment or deferment of any part of our
indebtedness.
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An effective resolution is passed for, or any authorized action
is taken by any court of competent jurisdiction, directing our
winding-up,
dissolution or liquidation, except for the purpose of and
followed by a consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer duly
approved by the debt security holders.
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In the case of PIFCo, if any event occurs that under the laws of
any relevant jurisdiction has substantially the same effect as
the events referred to in the six immediately preceding
paragraphs.
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In the case of PIFCo, if the relevant indenture for the debt
securities, in whole or in part, ceases to be in full force or
enforceable against it, or it becomes unlawful for PIFCo to
perform any material obligation under the indenture, or it
contests the enforceability of or deny its liability under the
indenture.
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In the case of PIFCo, if Petrobras fails to retain at least 51%
direct or indirect ownership of PIFCos outstanding voting
and economic interests, equity or otherwise.
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Any other event of default described in the applicable
prospectus supplement occurs. (Petrobras Section 5.01;
PIFCo Section 5.01)
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For these purposes, indebtedness means any
obligation (whether present or future, actual or contingent and
including any guarantee) for the payment or repayment of money
which has been borrowed or raised (including money raised by
acceptances and all leases which, under generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States, would be a capital
lease obligation).
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An event of default for a particular series of debt securities
does not necessarily constitute an event of default for any
other series of debt securities issued under the indenture,
although the default and acceleration of one series of debt
securities may trigger a default and acceleration of another
series of debt securities.
Remedies if an Event of Default
Occurs. If an event of default has occurred
and has not been cured, the trustee or the holders of 25% in
principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series
may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt
securities of that series to be due and immediately payable.
This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. If an
event of default occurs because of certain events in bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization, or an equivalent proceeding under
Brazilian law, the principal amount of all the debt securities
of that series will be automatically accelerated without any
action by the trustee, any holder or any other person. A
declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the
holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt
securities of the affected series. (Petrobras
Section 5.02; PIFCo Section 5.02)
Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special
duties, the trustee is not required to take any action under the
indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer
the trustee reasonably satisfactory protection from expenses and
liability. This protection is called an indemnity.
(Petrobras Section 6.03; Section 6.03) If
reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the
relevant series may direct the time, method and place of
conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any
remedy available to the trustee. These same holders may also
direct the trustee in performing any other action under the
indenture. (Petrobras Section 5.12; PIFCo
Section 5.12) Before you bypass the trustee and bring
your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other
steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating
to the debt securities, the following must occur:
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You must give the trustee written notice that an event of
default has occurred and remains uncured.
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The holders of 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt
securities of the relevant series must make a written request
that the trustee take action because of the default, and must
offer satisfactory indemnity to the trustee against the cost and
other liabilities of taking that action.
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The trustee must have not taken action for 60 days after
receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity.
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The holders of a majority in principal amount of all outstanding
debt securities of the relevant series must not have given the
trustee a direction during the
sixty-day
period that is inconsistent with the above notice. (Petrobras
Section 5.07; PIFCo Section 5.07)
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However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the
payment of money due on your debt security on or after its due
date and if your debt security is convertible or exchangeable
into another security to bring a lawsuit for the enforcement of
your right to convert or exchange your debt security or to
receive securities upon conversion or exchange. (Petrobras
Section 5.08; PIFCo Section 5.08)
Street name and other indirect holders should consult their
banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or
direction to or make a request of the trustee and to make or
cancel a declaration of acceleration.
We will furnish to the trustee within 90 days after the end
of our fiscal year every year a written statement of certain of
our officers that will either certify that, to the best of their
knowledge, we are in compliance with the indenture and the debt
securities or specify any default. In addition, we will notify
the trustee within 15 days (or promptly in the case of
certain bankruptcy-related events of default) after becoming
aware of the occurrence of any event of default. (Petrobras
Section 10.05; PIFCo Section 10.05)
Regarding
the Trustee
We and some of our subsidiaries maintain banking relations with
the trustee in the ordinary course of our business.
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If an event of default occurs, or an event occurs that would be
an event of default if the requirements for giving us default
notice or our default having to exist for a specified period of
time were disregarded, the trustee may be considered to have a
conflicting interest with respect to the debt securities or the
indenture for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
In that case, the trustee may be required to resign as trustee
under the applicable indenture and we would be required to
appoint a successor trustee.
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DESCRIPTION
OF MANDATORY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
We may issue mandatorily convertible securities under which
holders receive a specified number of our common shares or
preferred shares at a future date or dates. The price per
mandatory convertible security and the number of common shares
or preferred shares, as the case may be, that holders receive at
maturity may be fixed at the time mandatory convertible
securities are issued or may be determined by reference to a
specific formula set forth in the mandatory convertible
security. The mandatory convertible securities also may require
us to make periodic payments to the holders of the mandatory
convertible securities, and such payments may be secured.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material
terms of the mandatory convertible securities. Reference will be
made in the applicable prospectus supplement to the mandatory
convertible securities, and, if applicable, collateral,
depositary or custodial arrangements, relating to the mandatory
convertible securities. Material U.S. and Brazilian federal
income tax considerations applicable to the holders of the
mandatory convertible securities will also be discussed in the
applicable prospectus supplement.
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We may issue warrants to purchase our debt securities, preferred
shares (which may be in the form of ADSs) or common shares
(which may be in the form of ADSs). Warrants may be issued
independently or together with any securities and may be
attached to or separate from those securities. Each series of
warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be
entered into by us and a bank or trust company, as warrant
agent, all as will be set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Debt
Warrants
The following briefly summarizes the material terms that will
generally be included in a debt warrant agreement. However, we
may include different terms in the debt warrant agreement for
any particular series of debt warrants and such other terms and
all pricing and related terms will be disclosed in the
applicable prospectus supplement. You should read the particular
terms of any debt warrants that are offered by us and the
related debt warrant agreement which will be described in more
detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus
supplement will also state whether any of the generalized
provisions summarized below do not apply to the debt warrants
being offered.
General
We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities.
As explained below, each debt warrant will entitle its holder to
purchase debt securities at an exercise price set forth in, or
to be determined as set forth in, the applicable prospectus
supplement. Debt warrants may be issued separately or together
with debt securities.
The debt warrants are to be issued under debt warrant agreements
to be entered into by us and one or more banks or trust
companies, as debt warrant agent, all as will be set forth in
the applicable prospectus supplement. At or around the time of
an offering of debt warrants, a form of debt warrant agreement,
including a form of debt warrant certificate representing the
debt warrants, reflecting the alternative provisions that may be
included in the debt warrant agreements to be entered into with
respect to particular offerings of debt warrants, will be filed
by amendment as an exhibit to the registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part.
Terms
of the debt warrants to be described in the prospectus
supplement
The particular terms of each issue of debt warrants, the debt
warrant agreement relating to such debt warrants and such debt
warrant certificates representing debt warrants will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement. This
description will include:
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the initial offering price;
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the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the
exercise price for the debt warrants is payable;
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the title, aggregate principal amount and terms of the debt
securities that can be purchased upon exercise of the debt
warrants;
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the title, aggregate principal amount and terms of any related
debt securities with which the debt warrants are issued and the
number of the debt warrants issued with each debt security;
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if applicable, whether and when the debt warrants and the
related debt securities will be separately transferable;
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the principal amount of debt securities that can be purchased
upon exercise of each debt warrant and the exercise price;
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the date on or after which the debt warrants may be exercised
and any date or dates on which this right will expire in whole
or in part;
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if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal and
Brazilian income tax, accounting or other considerations
applicable to the debt warrants;
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whether the debt warrants will be issued in registered or bearer
form, and, if registered, where they may be transferred and
registered;
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the maximum or minimum number of debt warrants that you may
exercise at any time; and
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any other terms of the debt warrants.
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You may exchange your debt warrant certificates for new debt
warrant certificates of different denominations but they must be
exercisable for the same aggregate principal amount of debt
securities. If your debt warrant certificates are in registered
form, you may present them for registration of transfer at the
corporate trust office of the debt warrant agent or any other
office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except
as otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, before the
exercise of debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not be
entitled to payments of principal or any premium or interest on
the debt securities that can be purchased upon such exercise, or
to enforce any of the covenants in the indenture relating to the
debt securities that may be purchased upon such exercise.
Exercise
of debt warrants
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus
supplement, each debt warrant will entitle the holder to
purchase a principal amount of debt securities for cash at an
exercise price in each case that will be set forth in, or to be
determined as set forth in, the applicable prospectus
supplement. Debt warrants may be exercised at any time up to the
close of business on the expiration date specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on
the expiration date or any later date to which we extend the
expiration date, unexercised debt warrants will become void.
Debt warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus
supplement applicable to the particular debt warrants. Upon
delivery of payment of the exercise price and the debt warrant
certificate properly completed and duly executed at the
corporate trust office of the debt warrant agent or any other
office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we
will, as soon as practicable, forward the debt securities that
can be purchased upon such exercise of the debt warrants to the
person entitled to them. If fewer than all of the debt warrants
represented by the debt warrant certificate are exercised, a new
debt warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining
unexercised debt warrants. Holders of debt warrants will be
required to pay any tax or governmental charge that may be
imposed in connection with transferring the underlying debt
securities in connection with the exercise of the debt warrants.
Street name and other indirect holders of debt warrants
should consult their bank or brokers for information on how to
exercise their debt warrants.
Modification
and waiver
There are three types of changes we can make to the debt warrant
agreement and the debt warrants of any series.
Changes Requiring Your Approval. First, there
are changes that cannot be made to your debt warrants or the
debt warrant agreement under which they were issued without your
specific approval. These are the following types of changes:
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any increase in the exercise price;
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any impairment of your ability to exercise the warrant;
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any decrease in the principal amount of debt securities that can
be purchased upon exercise of any debt warrant;
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any reduction of the period of time during which the debt
warrants may be exercised;
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any other change that materially and adversely affects the
exercise rights of a holder of debt warrant certificates or the
debt securities that can be purchased upon such
exercise; and
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any reduction in the number of outstanding unexercised debt
warrants whose consent is required for any modification or
amendment described under Changes Requiring a Majority
Vote.
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Changes Requiring a Majority Vote. The second
type of change to the debt warrant agreement or debt warrants of
any series is the kind that requires a vote of approval by the
holders of not less than a majority in number of the then
outstanding unexercised debt warrants of that series. This
category includes all changes other than those listed above
under Changes Requiring Your Approval or changes
that would not adversely affect holders of debt warrants or debt
securities in any material respect.
Changes Not Requiring Approval. The third type
of change does not require any vote or consent by the holders of
debt warrant certificates. This type is limited to
clarifications and other changes that would not adversely affect
such holders in any material respect.
Street name and other indirect holders of debt warrants
should consult their bank or brokers for information on how
approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change your debt
warrants or the debt warrant agreement under which they were
issued or request a waiver.
Merger,
consolidation, sale or other dispositions
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, under the
debt warrant agreement for each series of debt warrants, we may
consolidate with, or sell, convey or lease all or substantially
all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any other
corporation or firm to the extent permitted by the indenture for
the debt securities that can be purchased upon exercise of such
debt warrants. If we consolidate with or merge into, or sell,
lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our
assets to, another corporation or firm, that corporation or firm
must become legally responsible for our obligations under the
debt warrant agreements and debt warrants. If we sell or lease
substantially all of our assets, one way the other firm or
company can become legally responsible for our obligations is by
way of a full and unconditional guarantee of our obligations. If
the other company becomes legally responsible by a means other
than a guarantee, we will be relieved from all such obligations.
Enforceability
of rights; governing law
The debt warrant agent will act solely as our agent in
connection with the issuance and exercise of debt warrants and
will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or
trust for or with any holder of a debt warrant certificate or
any owner of a beneficial interest in debt warrants. The holders
of debt warrant certificates, without the consent of the debt
warrant agent, the trustee, the holder of any debt securities
issued upon exercise of debt warrants or the holder of any other
debt warrant certificates, may, on their own behalf and for
their own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any
suit, action or proceeding against us to enforce, or otherwise
in respect of, their rights to exercise debt warrants evidenced
by their debt warrant certificates. Except as may otherwise be
provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each issue of
debt warrants and the related debt warrant agreement will be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
Additional
Terms of the PIFCo Debt Warrants
Debt securities to be issued by PIFCo under the debt warrants
and the PIFCo debt warrant agreement will be effectively
guaranteed by Petrobras through the operation of a standby
purchase agreement or, in limited circumstances, a guarantee.
See Description of the Standby Purchase Agreements
and Description of the Guarantees.
Equity
Warrants
The following briefly summarizes the material terms that will
generally be included in an equity warrant agreement. However,
we may include different terms in the equity warrant agreement
for any particular series of equity warrants and such other
terms and all pricing and related terms will be disclosed in the
applicable prospectus supplement. You should read the particular
terms of any equity warrants that are offered by us and the
related equity
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warrant agreement which will be described in more detail in the
applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will
also state whether any of the general provisions summarized
below do not apply to the equity warrants being offered.
General
We may issue warrants for the purchase of our equity securities
(i.e., our common shares and preferred shares, which may
be in the form of ADSs). As explained below, each equity warrant
will entitle its holder to purchase equity securities at an
exercise price set forth in, or to be determined as set forth
in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Equity warrants may be
issued separately or together with equity securities.
We may issue equity warrants in connection with preemptive
rights of our shareholders in connection with any capital
increase, and in those circumstances we may choose to issue
equity warrants in uncertificated form to the extent permitted
by Brazilian law. In addition, if any equity warrants are
offered in connection with preemptive rights, we may exclude
holders resident in the United States from that offering to the
extent permitted by Brazilian law. Equity warrants (other than
equity warrants issued in connection with preemptive rights) are
to be issued under equity warrant agreements to be entered into
by us and one or more banks or trust companies, as equity
warrant agent, all as will be set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. At or around the time of an offering of
equity warrants, a form of equity warrant agreement, including a
form of equity warrant certificate representing the equity
warrants, reflecting the alternative provisions that may be
included in the equity warrant agreements to be entered into
with respect to particular offerings of equity warrants, will be
filed by amendment as an exhibit to the registration statement
of which this prospectus forms a part.
Terms
of the equity warrants to be described in the prospectus
supplement
The particular terms of each issue of equity warrants, the
equity warrant agreement (if any) relating to such equity
warrants and the equity warrant certificates (if any)
representing such equity warrants will be described in the
applicable prospectus supplement. This description will include:
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the initial offering price;
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the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the
exercise price for the equity warrants is payable;
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the designation and terms of the equity securities (i.e.,
preferred shares or common shares) that can be purchased upon
exercise of the equity warrants;
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the total number of preferred shares or common shares that can
be purchased upon exercise of each equity warrant and the
exercise price;
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the date or dates on or after which the equity warrants may be
exercised and any date or dates on which this right will expire
in whole or in part;
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the designation and terms of any related preferred shares or
common shares with which the equity warrants are issued and the
number of the equity warrants issued with each preferred share
or common share;
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if applicable, whether and when the equity warrants and the
related preferred shares or common shares will be separately
transferable;
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whether the equity warrants will be in registered or bearer form;
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if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal and
Brazilian income tax, accounting or other considerations
applicable to the equity warrants; and
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any other terms of the equity warrants, including terms,
procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise
of the equity warrants.
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You may exchange your equity warrant certificates for new equity
warrant certificates of different denominations but they must be
exercisable for the same aggregate principal amount of equity
securities. If your equity warrant certificates are in
registered form, you may present them for registration of
transfer and exercise them at the
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corporate trust office of the equity warrant agent or any other
office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless
otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, before the
exercise of equity warrants, holders of equity warrants will not
be entitled to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with
respect to the equity securities that can be purchased upon such
exercise, to receive notice as shareholders with respect to any
meeting of shareholders for the election of our directors or any
other matter, or to exercise any rights whatsoever as a
shareholder.
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise,
the exercise price payable and the number of common shares or
preferred shares that can be purchased upon the exercise of each
equity warrant (other than equity warrants issued in connection
with preemptive rights) will be subject to adjustment in certain
events, including the issuance of a stock dividend to holders of
common shares or preferred shares or a stock split, reverse
stock split, combination, subdivision or reclassification of
common shares or preferred shares. Instead of adjusting the
number of common shares or preferred shares that can be
purchased upon exercise of each equity warrant, we may elect to
adjust the number of equity warrants. No adjustments in the
number of shares that can be purchased upon exercise of the
equity warrants will be required until cumulative adjustments
require an adjustment of at least 1% of those shares. We may, at
our option, reduce the exercise price at any time. We will not
issue fractional shares or ADSs upon exercise of equity
warrants, but we will pay the cash value of any fractional
shares otherwise issuable.
Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, if there is a
consolidation, merger or sale or conveyance of substantially all
of our property, the holder of each outstanding equity warrant
will have the right to the kind and amount of shares and other
securities and property (including cash) receivable by a holder
of the number of common shares or preferred shares into which
that equity warrant was exercisable immediately prior to the
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance.
Exercise
of equity warrants
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus
supplement, each equity warrant will entitle the holder to
purchase a number of equity securities for cash at an exercise
price in each case that will be set forth in, or to be
determined as set forth in, the prospectus supplement. Equity
warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of
business on the expiration date specified in the applicable
prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the
expiration date or any later date to which we extend the
expiration date, unexercised equity warrants will become void.
Equity warrants for the purchase of preferred shares or common
shares may be issued in the form of ADSs.
Equity warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus
supplement applicable to the particular equity warrants. Upon
delivery of payment of the exercise price, delivery of the
equity warrant certificate (if any) properly completed and duly
executed at the corporate trust office of the equity warrant
agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement and satisfaction of any other applicable requirements
specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as
soon as practicable, forward the equity securities that can be
purchased upon such exercise of the equity warrants to the
person entitled to them. If fewer than all of the equity
warrants represented by the equity warrant certificate are
exercised, a new equity warrant certificate will be issued for
the remaining equity warrants. Holders of equity warrants will
be required to pay any tax or governmental charge that may be
imposed in connection with transferring the underlying equity
securities in connection with the exercise of the equity
warrants.
Street name and other indirect holders of equity warrants
should consult their bank or brokers for information on how to
exercise their equity warrants.
Modification
and waiver
There are three types of changes we can make to the equity
warrant agreement and the equity warrants of any series.
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Changes Requiring Your Approval. First, there
are changes that cannot be made to your equity warrants or the
equity warrant agreement under which they were issued without
your specific approval. These are the following types of changes:
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any increase in the exercise price;
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any impairment of your ability to exercise the warrant;
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any decrease in the total number of preferred shares or common
shares that can be purchased upon exercise of any equity warrant;
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any reduction of the period of time during which the equity
warrants may be exercised;
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any other change that materially and adversely affects the
exercise rights of a holder of equity warrant certificates or
the equity securities that can be purchased upon such
exercise; and
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any reduction in the number of outstanding unexercised equity
warrants whose consent is required for any modification or
amendment described under Changes Requiring a
Majority Vote.
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Changes Requiring a Majority Vote. The second
type of change to the equity warrant agreement or equity
warrants of any series is the kind that requires a vote of
approval by the holders of not less than a majority in number of
the then outstanding unexercised equity warrants of that series.
This category includes all changes other than those listed above
under Changes Requiring Your Approval or
changes that would not adversely affect holders of equity
warrants in any material respect.
Changes Not Requiring Approval. The third type
of change does not require any vote or consent by the holders of
equity warrant certificates. This type is limited to
clarifications, amendments, supplement and other changes that
would not adversely affect such holders in any material respect.
Street name and other indirect holders of equity warrants
should consult their bank or brokers for information on how
approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change your
equity warrants or the equity warrant agreement under which they
were issued or request a waiver.
Merger,
consolidation, sale or other dispositions
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, under the
equity warrant agreement for each series of equity warrants, we
may consolidate with, or sell, convey or lease all or
substantially all of our assets to, or merge with or into, any
other corporation or firm to the extent permitted by the terms
of the equity securities that can be purchased upon exercise of
such equity warrants. If we consolidate with or merge into, or
sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of
our assets to, another corporation or firm, that corporation or
firm must become legally responsible for our obligations under
the equity warrant agreements and equity warrants and we will be
relieved from all such obligations.
Enforceability
of rights; governing law
The equity warrant agent will act solely as our agent in
connection with the issuance and exercise of equity warrants and
will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or
trust for or with any holder of an equity warrant certificate or
any owner of a beneficial interest in equity warrants. The
holders of equity warrant certificates, without the consent of
the equity warrant agent, the holder of any equity securities
issued upon exercise of equity warrants or the holder of any
other equity warrant certificates, may, on their own behalf and
for their own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain
any suit, action or proceeding against us to enforce, or
otherwise in respect of, their rights to exercise equity
warrants evidenced by their equity warrant certificates. Except
as may otherwise be provided in the applicable prospectus
supplement, each issue of equity warrants and the related equity
warrant agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of
New York.
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DESCRIPTION
OF THE STANDBY PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The following summary describes the material provisions of the
standby purchase agreement. You should read the more detailed
provisions of the applicable standby purchase agreement,
including the defined terms, for provisions that may be
important to you. This summary is subject to, and qualified in
its entirety by reference to, the provisions of such standby
purchase agreement.
General
In connection with the execution and delivery of a supplemental
indenture, Petrobras will enter into a standby purchase
agreement with the trustee for the benefit of the noteholders.
The standby purchase agreement will provide that, in the event
of a nonpayment of principal, interest and other amounts on the
notes, Petrobras will be required to purchase the
noteholders rights to receive those payments on the terms
and conditions described below. The applicable supplemental
indenture will provide that the standby purchase agreement will
be considered part of the indenture. As a result, the holders of
the notes will have the benefit of the standby purchase
agreement. The standby purchase agreement is designed to
function in a manner similar to a guarantee and obligates
Petrobras to make the payments under debt securities or debt
warrants.
Despite the Brazilian governments ownership interest in
Petrobras, the Brazilian government is not responsible in any
manner for PIFCOs obligations under the debt securities or
debt warrants and Petrobras obligations under the standby
purchase agreement.
Ranking
The obligations of Petrobras under the standby purchase
agreement will constitute general unsecured obligations of
Petrobras which at all times will rank pari passu with all other
senior unsecured obligations of Petrobras that are not, by their
terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the
obligations of Petrobras under the standby purchase agreement.
Purchase
Obligations
Partial
purchase payment
In the event that, prior to the maturity date of the debt
securities or debt warrants, PIFCo fails to make any payment on
the debt securities or debt warrants on the date that payment is
due under the terms of the debt securities or debt warrants and
the indenture (which we refer to as the partial
non-payment due date), other than in the case of an
acceleration of that payment in accordance with the indenture:
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Petrobras will be obligated to pay immediately to the trustee,
for the benefit of the noteholders under the indenture, the
amount that PIFCo was required to pay but failed to pay on that
date (which we refer to as the partial non-payment
amount); and
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the trustee will provide notice to Petrobras of the failure of
PIFCo to make that payment.
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To the extent that Petrobras fails to pay the partial
non-payment amount immediately when required, Petrobras will be
obligated to pay, in addition to that amount, interest on that
amount at the default rate from the partial non-payment due date
to and including the actual date of payment by Petrobras. We
refer to this interest as the partial non-payment overdue
interest and, together with the partial non-payment
amount, as the partial non-payment amount with
interest.
Payment of the partial non-payment amount with interest will be
in exchange for the purchase by Petrobras of the rights of the
noteholders to receive that amount from PIFCo. The noteholders
will have no right to retain those rights, and, following the
purchase and sale described above, the debt securities or debt
warrants will remain outstanding with all amounts due in respect
of the debt securities or debt warrants adjusted to reflect the
purchase, sale and payment described above. Upon any such
payment, Petrobras will be subrogated to the noteholders to the
extent of any such payment.
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The obligation of Petrobras to pay the partial non-payment
amount with interest will be absolute and unconditional upon
failure of PIFCo to make, prior to the maturity date of the debt
securities or debt warrants, any payment on the debt securities
or debt warrants on the date any such payment is due. All
amounts payable by Petrobras under the standby purchase
agreement in respect of any partial non-payment amount with
interest will be payable in U.S. Dollars and in immediately
available funds to the trustee. Petrobras will not be relieved
of its obligations under the standby purchase agreement unless
and until the trustee indefeasibly receives all amounts required
to be paid by Petrobras under the standby purchase agreement
(and any related event of default under the indenture has been
cured), including payment of the partial nonpayment overdue
interest as described in this prospectus supplement.
Total
purchase payment
In the event that, at the maturity date of the debt securities
or debt warrants (including upon any acceleration of the
maturity date in accordance with the terms of the indenture),
PIFCo fails to make any payment on the debt securities or debt
warrants on the date that payment is due (which we refer to as
the total non-payment due date),
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Petrobras will be obligated to pay immediately to the trustee,
for the benefit of the noteholders under the indenture, the
amount that PIFCo was required to pay but failed to pay on that
date (which we refer to as the total non-payment
amount); and
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the trustee will provide notice to Petrobras of the failure of
PIFCo to make that payment.
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To the extent that Petrobras fails to pay the total non-payment
amount immediately when required, Petrobras will be obligated to
pay, in addition to that amount, interest on that amount at the
default rate from the total non-payment due date to and
including the actual date of payment by Petrobras. We refer to
this interest as the total non-payment overdue
interest and, together with the total non-payment amount,
as the total non-payment amount with interest.
Payment of the total non-payment amount with interest by
Petrobras will be in exchange for the purchase by Petrobras of
the rights of the noteholders to receive that amount from PIFCo.
The noteholders will have no right to retain those rights, and,
following the purchase and sale described above, Petrobras will
be subrogated to the noteholders to the extent of any such
payment.
The obligation of Petrobras to pay the total non-payment amount
with interest will be absolute and unconditional upon failure of
PIFCo to make, at the maturity date of the debt securities or
debt warrants, or earlier upon any acceleration of the debt
securities or debt warrants in accordance with the terms of the
indenture, any payment in respect of principal, interest or
other amounts due under the indenture and the debt securities or
debt warrants on the date any such payment is due. All amounts
payable by Petrobras under the standby purchase agreement in
respect of any total nonpayment amount with interest will be
payable in U.S. Dollars and in immediately available funds
to the trustee. Petrobras will not be relieved of its
obligations under the standby purchase agreement unless and
until the trustee receives all amounts required to be paid by
Petrobras under the standby purchase agreement (and any related
event of default under the indenture has been cured), including
payment of the total non-payment overdue interest.
Covenants
For so long as any of the debt securities or debt warrants are
outstanding and Petrobras has obligations under the standby
purchase agreement, Petrobras will, and will cause each of its
subsidiaries to, comply with the terms of the covenants set
forth below:
Ranking
Petrobras will ensure at all times that its obligations under
the standby purchase agreement will be its general senior
unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and will rank pari
passu, without any preferences among themselves, with all other
present and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations of Petrobras (other than obligations preferred by
statute or by operation of law) that are not, by their terms,
expressly subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of
Petrobras under the standby purchase agreement.
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Notice
of certain events
Petrobras will give notice to the trustee, as soon as is
practicable and in any event within ten calendar days after
Petrobras becomes aware, or should reasonably become aware, of
the occurrence of any event of default or a default under the
indenture, accompanied by a certificate of Petrobras setting
forth the details of that event of default or default and
stating what action Petrobras proposes to take with respect
to it.
Limitation
on consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance
Petrobras will not, in one or a series of transactions,
consolidate or amalgamate with or merge into any corporation or
convey, lease or transfer substantially all of its properties,
assets or revenues to any person or entity (other than a direct
or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras) or permit any person (other
than a direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras) to merge with
or into it unless:
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either Petrobras is the continuing entity or the person (the
successor company) formed by such consolidation or
into which Petrobras is merged or that acquired or leased such
property or assets of Petrobras will be a corporation organized
and validly existing under the laws of Brazil and will assume
(jointly and severally with Petrobras unless Petrobras will have
ceased to exist as a result of such merger, consolidation or
amalgamation), by an amendment to the standby purchase agreement
(the form and substance of which will be previously approved by
the trustee), all of Petrobras obligations under the
standby purchase agreement;
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the successor company (jointly and severally with Petrobras
unless Petrobras will have ceased to exist as part of such
merger, consolidation or amalgamation) agrees to indemnify each
noteholder against any tax, assessment or governmental charge
thereafter imposed on such noteholder solely as a consequence of
such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease with
respect to the payment of principal of, or interest on, the debt
securities or debt warrants;
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immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of
default, and no default has occurred and is continuing;
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Petrobras has delivered to the trustee an officers
certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the
transaction and the amendment to the standby purchase agreement
comply with the terms of the standby purchase agreement and that
all conditions precedent provided for in the standby purchase
agreement and relating to such transaction have been complied
with; and
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Petrobras has delivered notice of any such transaction to
Moodys describing that transaction to Moodys to the
extent that Moodys is at that time rating the debt
securities or debt warrants.
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, so
long as no default or event of default under the indenture or
the debt securities or debt warrants has occurred and is
continuing at the time of such proposed transaction or would
result from it:
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Petrobras may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into, or
convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its properties, assets or revenues to a
direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras in cases when
Petrobras is the surviving entity in such transaction and such
transaction would not have a material adverse effect on
Petrobras and its subsidiaries taken as whole, it being
understood that if Petrobras is not the surviving entity,
Petrobras will be required to comply with the requirements set
forth in the previous paragraph; or
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras may merge or
consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of assets to, any person (other than Petrobras
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) in cases when such
transaction would not have a material adverse effect on
Petrobras and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; or
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras may merge or
consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of assets to, any other direct or indirect
subsidiary of Petrobras; or
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any direct or indirect subsidiary of Petrobras may liquidate or
dissolve if Petrobras determines in good faith that such
liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of
Petrobras, and would not result in a material adverse effect on
Petrobras and its subsidiaries taken as a whole and if such
liquidation or dissolution is part of a corporate reorganization
of Petrobras.
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Negative
pledge
So long as any note remains outstanding, Petrobras will not
create or permit any lien, other than a Petrobras permitted
lien, on any of its assets to secure (i) any of its
indebtedness or (ii) the indebtedness of any other person,
unless Petrobras contemporaneously creates or permits the lien
to secure equally and ratably its obligations under the standby
purchase agreement or Petrobras provides other security for its
obligations under the standby purchase agreement as is duly
approved by a resolution of the noteholders in accordance with
the indenture. In addition, Petrobras will not allow any of its
subsidiaries to create or permit any lien, other than a
Petrobras permitted lien, on any of Petrobras assets to
secure (i) any of its indebtedness, (ii) any of the
subsidiarys indebtedness or (iii) the indebtedness of
any other person, unless Petrobras contemporaneously creates or
permits the lien to secure equally and ratably Petrobras
obligations under the standby purchase agreement or Petrobras
provides such other security for its obligations under the
standby purchase agreement as is duly approved by a resolution
of the noteholders in accordance with the indenture.
As used in this Negative Pledge section, the
following terms have the respective meanings set forth below:
A guarantee means an obligation of a person to pay
the indebtedness of another person including without limitation:
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an obligation to pay or purchase such indebtedness;
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an obligation to lend money, to purchase or subscribe for shares
or other securities or to purchase assets or services in order
to provide funds for the payment of such indebtedness;
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an indemnity against the consequences of a default in the
payment of such indebtedness; or
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any other agreement to be responsible for such indebtedness.
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Indebtedness means any obligation (whether present
or future, actual or contingent and including, without
limitation, any guarantee) for the payment or repayment of money
which has been borrowed or raised (including money raised by
acceptances and all leases which, under generally accepted
accounting principles in the country of incorporation of the
relevant obligor, would constitute a capital lease obligation).
A lien means any mortgage, pledge, lien,
hypothecation, security interest or other charge or encumbrance
on any property or asset including, without limitation, any
equivalent created or arising under applicable law.
A project financing of any project means the
incurrence of indebtedness relating to the exploration,
development, expansion, renovation, upgrade or other
modification or construction of such project pursuant to which
the providers of such indebtedness or any trustee or other
intermediary on their behalf or beneficiaries designated by any
such provider, trustee or other intermediary are granted
security over one or more qualifying assets relating to such
project for repayment of principal, premium and interest or any
other amount in respect of such indebtedness.
A qualifying asset in relation to any project means:
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any concession, authorization or other legal right granted by
any governmental authority to Petrobras or any of
Petrobras subsidiaries, or any consortium or other venture
in which Petrobras or any subsidiary has any ownership or other
similar interest;
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any drilling or other rig, any drilling or production platform,
pipeline, marine vessel, vehicle or other equipment or any
refinery, oil or gas field, processing plant, real property
(whether leased or owned), right of way or plant or other
fixtures or equipment;
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any revenues or claims that arise from the operation, failure to
meet specifications, failure to complete, exploitation, sale,
loss or damage to, such concession, authorization or other legal
right or such drilling or
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other rig, drilling or production platform, pipeline, marine
vessel, vehicle or other equipment or refinery, oil or gas
field, processing plant, real property, right of way, plant or
other fixtures or equipment or any contract or agreement
relating to any of the foregoing or the project financing of any
of the foregoing (including insurance policies, credit support
arrangements and other similar contracts) or any rights under
any performance bond, letter of credit or similar instrument
issued in connection therewith;
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any oil, gas, petrochemical or other hydrocarbon-based products
produced or processed by such project, including any receivables
or contract rights arising therefrom or relating thereto and any
such product (and such receivables or contract rights) produced
or processed by other projects, fields or assets to which the
lenders providing the project financing required, as a condition
therefore, recourse as security in addition to that produced or
processed by such project; and
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shares or other ownership interest in, and any subordinated debt
rights owing to Petrobras by, a special purpose company formed
solely for the development of a project, and whose principal
assets and business are constituted by such project and whose
liabilities solely relate to such project.
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A Petrobras permitted lien means a:
(a) lien granted in respect of indebtedness owed to the
Brazilian government, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento
Econômico e Social or any official government agency or
department of Brazil or of any state or region of Brazil;
(b) lien arising by operation of law, such as
merchants, maritime or other similar liens arising in
Petrobras ordinary course of business or that of any
subsidiary or lien in respect of taxes, assessments or other
governmental charges that are not yet delinquent or that are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
(c) lien arising from Petrobras obligations under
performance bonds or surety bonds and appeal bonds or similar
obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with Petrobras past practice;
(d) lien arising in the ordinary course of business in
connection with indebtedness maturing not more than one year
after the date on which that indebtedness was originally
incurred and which is related to the financing of export, import
or other trade transactions;
(e) lien granted upon or with respect to any assets
hereafter acquired by Petrobras or any subsidiary to secure the
acquisition costs of those assets or to secure indebtedness
incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of
those assets, including any lien existing at the time of the
acquisition of those assets, so long as the maximum amount so
secured will not exceed the aggregate acquisition costs of all
such assets or the aggregate indebtedness incurred solely for
the acquisition of those assets, as the case may be;
(f) lien granted in connection with the indebtedness of a
wholly-owned subsidiary owing to Petrobras or another
wholly-owned subsidiary;
(g) lien existing on any asset or on any stock of any
subsidiary prior to its acquisition by Petrobras or any
subsidiary so long as that lien is not created in anticipation
of that acquisition;
(h) lien over any qualifying asset relating to a project
financed by, and securing indebtedness incurred in connection
with, the project financing of that project by Petrobras, any of
Petrobras subsidiaries or any consortium or other venture
in which Petrobras or any subsidiary has any ownership or other
similar interest;
(i) lien existing as of the date of the indenture;
(j) lien resulting from the transaction documents;
(k) lien, incurred in connection with the issuance of debt
or similar securities of a type comparable to those already
issued by PIFCo, on amounts of cash or cash equivalents on
deposit in any reserve or similar account to pay interest on
such securities for a period of up to 24 months as required
by any rating agency as a condition to such rating agency rating
such securities investment grade, or as is otherwise consistent
with market conditions at such time, as such conditions are
satisfactorily demonstrated to the trustee;
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(l) lien granted or incurred to secure any extension,
renewal, refinancing, refunding or exchange (or successive
extensions, renewals, refinancings, refundings or exchanges), in
whole or in part, of or for any indebtedness secured by any lien
referred to in paragraphs (a) through (k) above (but
not paragraph (d)), provided that such lien does not extend to
any other property, the principal amount of the indebtedness
secured by the lien is not increased, and in the case of
paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (f), the obligees meet the
requirements of that paragraph, and in the case of paragraph
(h), the indebtedness is incurred in connection with a project
financing by Petrobras, any of Petrobras subsidiaries or
any consortium or other venture in which Petrobras or any
subsidiary have any ownership or other similar interest; and
(m) lien in respect of indebtedness the principal amount of
which in the aggregate, together with all liens not otherwise
qualifying as Petrobras permitted liens pursuant to another part
of this definition of Petrobras permitted liens, does not exceed
15% of Petrobras consolidated total assets (as determined
in accordance with U.S. GAAP) at any date as at which
Petrobras balance sheet is prepared and published in
accordance with applicable law.
A wholly-owned subsidiary means, with respect to any
corporate entity, any person of which 100% of the outstanding
capital stock (other than qualifying shares, if any) having by
its terms ordinary voting power (not dependent on the happening
of a contingency) to elect the board of directors (or equivalent
controlling governing body) of that person is at the time owned
or controlled directly or indirectly by that corporate entity,
by one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of that corporate
entity or by that corporate entity and one or more wholly-owned
subsidiaries.
Provision
of financial statements and reports
Petrobras will provide to the trustee, in English or accompanied
by a certified English translation thereof, (i) within 90
calendar days after the end of each fiscal quarter (other than
the fourth quarter), its unaudited and consolidated balance
sheet and statement of income calculated in accordance with
U.S. GAAP, (ii) within 120 calendar days after the end
of each fiscal year, its audited and consolidated balance sheet
and statement of income calculated in accordance with
U.S. GAAP and (iii) such other financial data as the
trustee may reasonably request. Petrobras will provide, together
with each of the financial statements delivered hereunder, an
officers certificate stating that a review of
Petrobras and PIFCos activities has been made during
the period covered by such financial statements with a view to
determining whether Petrobras and PIFCo have kept, observed,
performed and fulfilled their covenants and agreements under the
standby purchase agreement and the indenture, as applicable, and
that no event of default has occurred during such period. In
addition, whether or not Petrobras is required to file reports
with the SEC, Petrobras will file with the SEC and deliver to
the trustee (for redelivery to all holders of debt securities or
debt warrants) all reports and other information it would be
required to file with the SEC under the Exchange Act if it were
subject to those regulations. If the SEC does not permit the
filing described above, Petrobras will provide annual and
interim reports and other information to the trustee within the
same time periods that would be applicable if Petrobras were
required and permitted to file these reports with the SEC.
Additional
amounts
Except as provided below, Petrobras will make all payments of
amounts due under the standby purchase agreement and each other
document entered into in connection with the standby purchase
agreement without withholding or deducting any present or future
taxes, levies, deductions or other governmental charges of any
nature imposed by Brazil, the jurisdiction of PIFCos
incorporation or any other jurisdiction in which PIFCo appoints
a paying agent under the indenture, or any political subdivision
of such jurisdictions (the taxing jurisdictions). If
Petrobras is required by law to withhold or deduct any taxes,
levies, deductions or other governmental charges, Petrobras will
make such deduction or withholding, make payment of the amount
so withheld to the appropriate governmental authority and pay
the noteholders any additional amounts necessary to ensure that
they receive the same amount as they would have received without
such withholding or deduction.
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Petrobras will not, however, pay any additional amounts in
connection with any tax, levy, deduction or other governmental
charge that is imposed due to any of the following
(excluded additional amounts):
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the noteholder has a connection with the taxing jurisdiction
other than merely holding the debt securities or debt warrants
or receiving principal or interest payments on the debt
securities or debt warrants (such as citizenship, nationality,
residence, domicile, or existence of a business, a permanent
establishment, a dependent agent, a place of business or a place
of management present or deemed present within the taxing
jurisdiction);
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any tax imposed on, or measured by, net income;
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the noteholder fails to comply with any certification,
identification or other reporting requirements concerning its
nationality, residence, identity or connection with the taxing
jurisdiction, if (x) such compliance is required by
applicable law, regulation, administrative practice or treaty as
a precondition to exemption from all or a part of the tax, levy,
deduction or other governmental charge, (y) the noteholder
is able to comply with such requirements without undue hardship
and (z) at least 30 calendar days prior to the first
payment date with respect to which such requirements under the
applicable law, regulation, administrative practice or treaty
will apply, Petrobras has notified all noteholders that they
will be required to comply with such requirements;
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the noteholder fails to present (where presentation is required)
its note within 30 calendar days after Petrobras has made
available to the noteholder a payment under the standby purchase
agreement, provided that Petrobras will pay additional amounts
which a noteholder would have been entitled to had the note
owned by such noteholder been presented on any day (including
the last day) within such 30 calendar day period;
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any estate, inheritance, gift, value added, use or sales taxes
or any similar taxes, assessments or other governmental charges;
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where such taxes, levies, deductions or other government charges
are imposed on a payment on the debt securities or debt warrants
to an individual and are required to be made pursuant to any
European Council Union Directive implementing the conclusions of
the ECOFIN Council meeting of November
26-27, 2000
on the taxation savings income or any law implementing or
complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such
directive;
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where the noteholder could have avoided such taxes, levies,
deductions or other government charges by requesting that a
payment on the debt securities or debt warrants be made by, or
presenting the relevant debt securities or debt warrants for
payment to, another paying agent of Petrobras located in a
member state of the European Union; or
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where the noteholder would have been able to avoid the tax,
levy, deduction or other governmental charge by taking
reasonable measures available to such noteholder.
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Petrobras undertakes that, if European Council Directive
2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions
of ECOFIN council meeting of November
26-27, 2000
is brought into effect, Petrobras will ensure that it maintains
a paying agent in a member state of the European Union that will
not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to the
Directive.
Petrobras will pay any stamp, administrative, excise or property
taxes arising in a taxing jurisdiction in connection with the
execution, delivery, enforcement or registration of the debt
securities or debt warrants and will indemnify the noteholders
for any such stamp, administrative, excise or property taxes
paid by noteholders.
Events of
Default
There are no events of default under the standby purchase
agreement. The indenture, however, contains events of default
relating to Petrobras that may trigger an event of default and
acceleration of the debt securities or debt warrants. See
Description of Debt Securities Default and
Related Matters Events of Default. Upon any
such acceleration (including any acceleration arising out of the
insolvency or similar events relating to Petrobras), if
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PIFCo fails to pay all amounts then due under the debt
securities or debt warrants and the indenture, Petrobras will be
obligated to make a total purchase payment as described above.
Amendments
The standby purchase agreement may only be amended or waived in
accordance with its terms pursuant to a written document which
has been duly executed and delivered by Petrobras and the
trustee, acting on behalf of the holders of the debt securities
or debt warrants. Because the standby purchase agreement forms
part of the indenture, it may be amended by Petrobras and the
trustee, in some cases without the consent of the holders of the
debt securities or debt warrants.
Except as contemplated above, the indenture will provide that
the trustee may execute and deliver any other amendment to the
standby purchase agreement or grant any waiver thereof only with
the consent of the noteholders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the debt securities or debt warrants then
outstanding.
Governing
Law
The standby purchase agreement will be governed by the laws of
the State of New York.
Jurisdiction
Petrobras has consented to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any
court of the State of New York or any U.S. federal court
sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New
York, United States and any appellate court from any thereof.
Service of process in any action or proceeding brought in such
New York State federal court sitting in New York City may be
served upon Petrobras at Petrobras New York office. The
standby purchase agreement provides that if Petrobras no longer
maintains an office in New York City, then it will appoint a
replacement process agent within New York City as its authorized
agent upon which process may be served in any action or
proceeding.
Waiver of
Immunities
To the extent that Petrobras may in any jurisdiction claim for
itself or its assets immunity from a suit, execution,
attachment, whether in aid of execution, before judgment or
otherwise, or other legal process in connection with the standby
purchase agreement (or any document delivered pursuant thereto)
and to the extent that in any jurisdiction there may be immunity
attributed to Petrobras, PIFCo or their assets, whether or not
claimed, Petrobras has irrevocably agreed with the trustee, for
the benefit of the noteholders, not to claim, and to irrevocably
waive, the immunity to the full extent permitted by law.
Currency
Rate Indemnity
Petrobras has agreed that, if a judgment or order made by any
court for the payment of any amount in respect of any of its
obligations under the standby purchase agreement is expressed in
a currency (the judgment currency) other than
U.S. Dollars (the denomination currency),
Petrobras will indemnify the trustee, on behalf of the
noteholders, against any deficiency arising from any variation
in rates of exchange between the date as of which the
denomination currency is notionally converted into the judgment
currency for the purposes of the judgment or order and the date
of actual payment. This indemnity will constitute a separate and
independent obligation from Petrobras other obligations
under the standby purchase agreement, will give rise to a
separate and independent cause of action, will apply
irrespective of any indulgence granted from time to time and
will continue in full force and effect.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE GUARANTEES
The following description of the terms and provisions of the
guarantees summarizes the general terms that will apply to each
guarantee that we deliver in connection with an issuance of debt
securities or debt warrants by PIFCo. When PIFCo sells a series
of its debt securities or debt warrants, Petrobras may, in
limited circumstances, execute
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and deliver a guarantee of that series of debt securities or
debt warrants under a guarantee agreement for the benefit of the
holders of that series of debt securities or debt warrants.
Pursuant to any guarantee, Petrobras will agree, from time to
time upon the receipt of notice from the trustee that PIFCo has
failed to make the required payments under a series of debt
securities and the PIFCo indenture or under the debt warrants
and the PIFCo debt warrant agreement, to indemnify you for
unpaid claims against PIFCo, whether those claims are in respect
of principal, interest or any other amounts. The amount to be
paid by Petrobras under the guarantee will be an amount equal to
the amount of those claims plus interest thereon from the date
PIFCo was otherwise obligated to make its payments under the
PIFCo indenture to the date Petrobras actually makes payment
under the guarantee. Petrobras will be obligated to make these
payments by the expiration of any applicable grace periods under
the PIFCo indenture. Petrobras may defer its obligation under
the guarantee to make payments under certain circumstances
described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Only one guarantee will be issued by Petrobras in connection
with the issuance of a series of debt securities or debt
warrants by PIFCo. Each guarantee agreement will be qualified as
an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Unless
the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, The Bank
of New York will act as guarantee trustee under each guarantee
agreement.
The description of the applicable guarantee in the prospectus
supplement will summarize the material provisions thereof and
reference will be made to the guarantee agreement.
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DESCRIPTION
OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
General
Citibank, NA. has agreed to act as the depositary for the
American depositary shares. Citibanks depositary offices
are located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013.
American depositary shares are frequently referred to as ADSs
and represent ownership interests in securities that are on
deposit with the depositary. ADSs are normally represented by
certificates that are commonly known as American depositary
receipts or ADRs. The depositary has appointed a custodian to
safekeep the securities on deposit. In this case, the custodian
is Câmara de Liquidação e Custódia do Rio do
Janeiro, located at Praça XV de Novembro, 20
7th floor Rio de Janeiro RJ
20010-010,
Brazil.
Petrobras appointed Citibank as depositary under the terms of an
amended and restated deposit agreement for the common shares,
dated July 14, 2000, as amended by Amendment No. 1,
dated July 27, 2000, as amended by Amendment No. 2,
dated March 23, 2001 and as amended by Amendment No. 3
dated September 1, 2005, to the amended and restated
deposit agreement. Petrobras appointed Citibank as depositary
under the terms of an amended and restated deposit agreement for
the preferred shares, dated February 21, 2001, as amended
by Amendment No. 1, dated March 23, 2001 and as
amended by Amendment No. 2 dated September 1, 2005, to
the amended and restated deposit agreement. A copy of each of
these agreements is on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under cover of a registration statement on
Form F-6.
You may obtain a copy of each such agreement from the Securities
and Exchange Commissions Public Reference Room. See
Where You Can Find Additional Information. Please
refer to Registration Number
333-12298
for the common shares deposit agreement; to Registration Number
333-13168
for the amended and restated deposit agreement; and to
Registration Number
333-13660
for Amendment No. 1 to the amended and restated deposit
agreement, when retrieving your copy.
Petrobras is providing you with a summary description of the
material terms of the ADSs and of your material rights as an
owner of ADSs. Your rights and obligations as an owner of ADSs
will be determined by reference to the terms of the applicable
deposit agreement and not by this summary. This summary is not
intended as a substitute for the applicable deposit agreement.
Petrobras urges you to review the applicable deposit agreement
in its entirety.
Each ADS represents four of Petrobras preferred shares or
common shares on deposit with the custodian. An ADS will also
represent any other property received by the depositary or the
custodian on behalf of the owner of the ADS but that has not
been distributed to the owners of ADSs because of legal
restrictions or practical considerations.
If you become an owner of ADSs, you will become a party to the
applicable deposit agreement and therefore will be bound by its
terms and to the terms of the ADR that represents your ADSs. The
applicable deposit agreement and the ADR specify Petrobras
rights and obligations as well as your rights and obligations
and those of the depositary. As an ADS holder you have agreed to
appoint the depositary to act on your behalf in certain
circumstances. The deposit agreements and the ADRs are governed
by New York law. However, Petrobras obligations to the
holders of the preferred shares and common shares will continue
to be governed by the laws of Brazil, which may be different
from the laws in the United States.
As an owner of ADSs, your ADSs may be represented either by an
ADR registered in your name or through a brokerage or
safekeeping account. If you decide to hold your ADSs through
your brokerage or safekeeping account, you must rely on the
procedures of your broker or bank to assert your rights as an
ADS owner. Please consult with your broker or bank to determine
what those procedures are. This summary description assumes you
have opted to own the ADSs directly by means of an ADR
registered in your name and, as such, Petrobras will refer to
you as the holder. When Petrobras refers to
you, Petrobras assumes the reader owns ADSs and will
own ADSs at the relevant time.
Dividends
and distributions
As a holder, you will generally have the right to receive the
distributions Petrobras makes on the securities deposited with
the custodian bank. Your receipt of these distributions may be
limited, however, by practical
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considerations and legal limitations. You will receive
distributions under the terms of the applicable deposit
agreement in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a
specified record date.
Distributions of Cash. Whenever
Petrobras makes a cash distribution for the securities on
deposit with the custodian, it will notify the depositary. Upon
receipt of that notice the depositary will arrange for the funds
to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution
of the U.S. dollars to the holders, subject to Brazilian
laws and regulations.
The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if
practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the
United States. The depositary will reduce the distribution of
cash to holders by applicable fees, expenses, taxes and
governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the
applicable deposit agreement. The depositary will apply the same
method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property
(such as undistributed rights) held by the custodian in respect
of securities on deposit.
Distributions of Shares. Whenever
Petrobras makes a distribution consisting of a dividend and a
free distribution of preferred shares or common shares on
securities on deposit with the custodian, it will notify the
depositary and deposit the applicable number of preferred shares
or common shares with the custodian. Upon receipt of notice of
such deposit the depositary will either distribute to holders
new ADSs representing the aggregate preferred shares or common
shares deposited or modify the ratio of ADSs to preferred shares
or common shares, in which case each ADS you already hold will
represent rights and interests in the additional preferred
shares or common shares deposited. Only whole new ADSs will be
distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the
proceeds of the sale will be distributed to holders as in the
case of a cash distribution described above.
The distribution of new ADSs or the modification of the
ADS-to-share ratio upon a distribution of preferred shares or
common shares will be reduced by applicable fees, expenses,
taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the
terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay the taxes or
governmental charges, the depositary may sell all or a portion
of the new preferred shares or common shares so distributed.
No distribution of new ADSs as described above will be made if
it would violate the U.S. securities laws, or any other
law, or if it is not operationally practicable. If the
depositary does not distribute new ADSs as described above, it
will use its best efforts to sell the preferred shares or common
shares received and will distribute the proceeds of the sale as
in the case of a distribution of cash.
Distributions of Rights. If Petrobras
distributes rights to subscribe for additional preferred shares
or common shares, it will give at least 60 days prior
notice to the depositary and it will assist the depositary in
determining whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to
make these additional rights available to holders.
The depositary will establish procedures for the distribution of
rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders and to enable
holders to exercise rights when lawful and reasonably
practicable. You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other
governmental charges to subscribe for the new ADSs upon the
exercise of your right. The depositary is not obligated to make
available to holders of rights a method to exercise rights to
subscribe to preferred shares or common shares directly rather
than American depositary shares.
The depositary will not distribute rights to you if:
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Petrobras does not timely request that the rights be distributed
to you or it requests that the rights not be distributed to
you; or
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Petrobras fails to deliver satisfactory documents to the
depositary; or
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it is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights.
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The depositary will sell rights that are not exercised or
distributed if the sale is lawful and reasonably practicable.
The proceeds of the sale will be distributed to holders as in
the case of a cash distribution described above. If the
depositary is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the
rights to lapse.
Elective Distribution. If Petrobras
distributes a dividend payable at the election of shareholders
either in cash or in additional shares, it will give prior
notice to the depositary and it will indicate whether it wishes
the
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elective distribution to be made available to you. In this case,
Petrobras will assist the depositary in determining whether the
distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.
The depositary will make the election available to you only if
it is reasonably practical and if Petrobras has provided all of
the documentation contemplated in the applicable deposit
agreement. In this case, the depositary will establish
procedures to enable you to elect to receive either cash or
additional ADSs, in each case, as described in the applicable
deposit agreement.
If the election is not made available to you, you will receive
either cash or additional ADSs, depending on what a shareholder
in Brazil would receive upon failing to make an election, as
described more fully in the applicable deposit agreement.
Other Distributions. Petrobras
distributes property other than cash, preferred shares, rights
to purchase preferred shares, common shares or rights to
purchase additional common shares, it will notify the depositary
in advance and will indicate whether it wishes the distribution
to be made to you. If so, Petrobras will assist the depositary
in determining whether the distribution to holders is lawful and
reasonably practicable.
If it is reasonably practicable to distribute the property to
you and if Petrobras provides all of the documentation
contemplated in the applicable deposit agreement, the depositary
will distribute the property to the holders in a manner it deems
practicable.
The distribution will be reduced by any applicable fees,
expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders
under the terms of the applicable deposit agreement. In order to
pay the taxes and governmental charges, the depositary may sell
all or a portion of the property received.
The depositary will not distribute the property to you and will
sell the property if:
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Petrobras does not request that the property be distributed to
you or if it asks that the property not be distributed to
you; or
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Petrobras does not deliver satisfactory documents to the
depositary; or
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the depositary determines that all or a portion of the
distribution to you is not reasonably practicable.
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The proceeds of the sale will be distributed to holders as in
the case of a cash distribution as described above.
Redemption
If Petrobras decides to redeem any of the securities on deposit
with the custodian, it will notify the depositary at least
60 days prior to the date of redemption. If it is
reasonably practicable and if Petrobras provides all of the
documentation contemplated in the applicable deposit agreement,
the depositary will provide the holder with notice of the
proposed redemption.
The custodian will be instructed to surrender the shares being
redeemed against payment of the applicable redemption price.
After the redemption has taken place, the depositary will
convert, transfer and distribute the proceeds, reduced by any
applicable fees, expenses, taxes and other government charges.
The depositary will then retire the ADSs and cancel the ADRs. If
less than all of the outstanding ADSs are being redeemed, the
ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata
basis, as may be determined by the depositary.
Changes
affecting the preferred shares and common shares
The preferred shares or common shares held on deposit for your
ADSs may be affected by changes from time to time. For example,
there may be a change in nominal or par value, a
split-up,
cancellation, consolidation or reclassification of such
preferred shares or common shares or a recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets.
If a change were to occur, your ADSs would, to the extent
permitted by law, represent the right to receive the property
received or exchanged in respect of the preferred shares or
common shares, as applicable, held on deposit. The depositary
may in those circumstances deliver new ADSs to you or call for
the exchange of your existing ADSs
42
for new ADSs. If the depositary may not lawfully distribute such
property to you, the depositary may sell the property and
distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash
distribution as described above.
Issuance
of ADSs upon Deposit of preferred shares or common
shares
The depositary may create ADSs on your behalf if you or your
broker deposits preferred shares or common shares with the
custodian. The depositary will deliver these ADSs to the person
you indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and
any charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the preferred
shares or common shares, as applicable, to the custodian. Your
ability to deposit preferred shares or common shares and receive
ADSs may be limited by U.S. and Brazilian legal
considerations applicable at the time of deposit.
The issuance of ADSs may be delayed until the depositary or the
custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have
been given and that the preferred shares or common shares, as
applicable, have been duly transferred to the custodian. The
depositary will only issue ADSs in whole numbers.
When you make a deposit of preferred shares or common shares,
you will be responsible for transferring good and valid title to
the depositary. As such, you will be deemed to represent and
warrant that:
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the preferred shares or common shares, as applicable, are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and
legally obtained;
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all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to the
preferred shares or common shares, as applicable, have been
validly waived or exercised;
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you are duly authorized to deposit the preferred shares or
common shares, as applicable;
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the preferred shares or common shares, as applicable, presented
for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance,
security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are
not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be,
restricted securities (as defined in the deposit
agreement); and
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the preferred shares or common shares, as applicable, presented
for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements.
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If any of the representations or warranties, are incorrect in
any way, Petrobras and the depositary may, at your cost and
expense, take any and all actions necessary to correct the
consequences of the misrepresentations.
Withdrawal
of shares upon cancellation of ADSs
As a holder, you will be entitled to present your ADSs to the
depositary, at the custodians offices, for cancellation
and receive the corresponding number of underlying preferred
shares or common shares, as applicable. Your ability to withdraw
the preferred shares or common shares, as applicable, may be
limited by U.S. and Brazilian law applicable at the time of
withdrawal. In order to withdraw the preferred shares or common
shares represented by your ADSs, you will be required to pay to
the depositary the fees for cancellation of ADSs and any charges
and taxes payable upon the transfer of the preferred shares or
common shares being withdrawn. You assume the risk of delivery
of all funds and securities upon withdrawal. Once canceled, the
ADSs will not have any rights under the applicable deposit
agreement.
If you hold an ADR registered in your name, the depositary may
ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any
signature and such other documents as the depositary may deem
appropriate before it will cancel your ADSs. The withdrawal of
the preferred shares or common shares represented by your ADSs
may be delayed until the depositary receives satisfactory
evidence of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The depositary will only accept ADSs for cancellation that
represent a whole number of securities on deposit.
You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented
by your ADSs at any time unless any of these conditions exist:
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delays that may arise out of temporary closing of transfer books
of the preferred shares or common shares, as applicable, or
ADSs, or temporary suspension of transferability of preferred
shares or common shares, as applicable, are immobilized due to a
shareholders meeting or a payment of dividends;
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unsatisfied obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar
charges; or
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restrictions imposed by laws or regulations applicable to ADSs
or the withdrawal of securities on deposit.
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The applicable deposit agreement may not be modified to impair
your right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs
except to comply with mandatory provisions of law.
Voting
rights
According to Petrobras charter, preferred shares do not
entitle the holder to vote except as provided by Brazilian law
under limited circumstances, including upon default in the
payment of dividends for three consecutive years. A holder of an
ADS representing a common share will generally have the right
under the applicable deposit agreement to instruct the
depositary to exercise the voting rights for the common shares
represented by your ADSs. The voting rights of holders of
preferred shares and common shares are described in
Item 10. Memorandum and Articles of Association of
Incorporation Voting Rights in the annual
report on
Form 20-F
of Petrobras for the year ended December 31, 2005, which is
incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
At Petrobras request, the depositary will distribute to you any
notice of shareholders meeting received from Petrobras,
together with information explaining how to instruct the
depositary to exercise your voting rights on the securities
represented by ADSs.
If the depositary timely receives voting instructions from a
holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the securities
represented by the holders ADSs in accordance with the
voting instructions.
The ability of the depositary to carry out voting instructions
may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms
of the securities on deposit. Petrobras cannot assure you that
you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to
return voting instructions to the depositary in a timely manner.
Fees
and charges
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following
service fees to the depositary:
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Service Fees
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Fees
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Issuance of ADS
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Up to U.S.$5.00 per 100 ADSs issued
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Cancellation of ADS
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Up to U.S.$5.00 per 100 ADSs canceled
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Exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs
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Up to U.S.$5.00 per 100 ADSs issued
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Distribution of cash dividends
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No fee (so long as prohibited by NYSE)
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Distribution of ADSs in connection with stock dividends or other
free stock distributions
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No fee (so long as prohibited by NYSE)
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Distribution of cash
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Up to U.S.$2.00 per 100 ADSs held (i.e., upon sale of rights or
other entitlements)
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As an ADS holder you will also be responsible for paying some of
the fees and expenses incurred by the depositary and certain
taxes and governmental charges, including:
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fees and expenses as are incurred by the depositary in
connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and
other regulatory requirements applicable to preferred shares or
common shares, ADSs and ADRs;
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expenses incurred in converting foreign currency into
U.S. dollars;
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cable, telex and fax transmissions and delivery expenses, as
expressly provided for in the applicable deposit
agreement; and
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taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when
preferred shares or common shares are deposited or withdrawn
from deposit).
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Petrobras has agreed to pay certain other charges and expenses
of the depositary, however, it will not pay or be liable for
fees or related charges with respect to shares or ADSs. The fees
and charges you may be required to pay
44
may vary over time and may be changed by Petrobras and by the
depositary. You will receive prior notice of any changes in the
amount you may be required to pay.
Amendments
and termination
Petrobras may agree with the depositary to modify any applicable
deposit agreement at any time without your consent. Any
amendment which will increase any fees or charges or which will
otherwise materially prejudice an existing right you may have
will not become effective until 30 days after notice of the
amendment is given to the holders. Petrobras will not deem any
modifications or supplements that are reasonably necessary for
the ADSs to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or to
be traded solely in electronic book-entry form, and which do not
impose or increase the fees and charges you are required to pay,
to be materially prejudicial to your substantive rights. In
addition, Petrobras may not be able to provide you with prior
notice of any modifications or supplements that are required to
comply with applicable provisions of law.
You will be bound by the modifications to the applicable deposit
agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the
modifications to the applicable deposit agreement become
effective. Except as permitted by law, the applicable deposit
agreement cannot be amended so as to prevent you from
withdrawing the preferred shares or common shares represented by
your ADSs.
Petrobras has the right to direct the depositary to terminate
the applicable deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary may
terminate the applicable deposit agreement. In either case, the
depositary must give notice to the holders at least 30 days
before termination.
For a period of six months after termination of the applicable
deposit agreement, you will be able to request the cancellation
of your ADSs and the withdrawal of the preferred shares or
common shares represented by your ADSs and the delivery of all
other property held by the depositary in respect of those
preferred shares or common shares on the same terms as prior to
the termination. During this six month period, the depositary
will continue to collect all distributions received on the
preferred shares or common shares on deposit but will not
distribute anything to you until you request the cancellation of
your ADSs.
After the expiration of the six month period, the depositary may
sell the securities held on deposit. The depositary will hold
the proceeds from the sale and any other cash then held for the
holders of ADSs in a non-interest bearing, unsegregated account.
After making the sale, the depositary will have no further
obligations to holders under the applicable deposit agreement,
other than to account for the net proceeds and other cash then
held for the holders of ADSs still outstanding.
Books
of depositary
The depositary will maintain ADS holder records at its
depositary office. You may inspect these records at its office
during regular business hours; provided, however, that the
inspection will not be carried out for the purpose of
communicating with holders of ADRs in the interest of a business
or object other than Petrobras business or other than a
matter related to the applicable deposit agreement or ADRs.
The depositary will maintain an office and facilities in New
York to record and process the issuance, cancellation,
combination,
split-up and
transfer of ADRs. These facilities may be closed from time to
time, to the extent not prohibited by law.
Limitations
on obligations and liabilities
The deposit agreements limit Petrobras obligations and the
depositarys obligations to you as follows:
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Petrobras and the depositary are obligated to take only the
actions specifically stated in the applicable deposit agreement
without negligence or bad faith;
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the depositary will not be liable for any failure to carry out
voting instructions, for the manner in which any vote is cast or
for the effect of any vote, provided that the depositary acts in
good faith and in accordance with the terms of the applicable
deposit agreement;
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the depositary will not be liable for any failure by it to
determine that any distribution or action may be reasonably
practicable, for the content of any information submitted by
Petrobras for distribution to holders (or for any translation of
a distribution), for any investment risk associated with an
investment in the common shares, for the validity of the
preferred shares or common shares or from any tax consequences
that result from ownership of the ADSs, for the
credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to
lapse under the terms of the applicable deposit agreement, for
the timeliness of any of our notices or for our failure to give
notice;
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Petrobras and the depositary will not be obligated to perform
any act that is inconsistent with the terms of the applicable
deposit agreement;
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Petrobras and the depositary disclaim any liability if either of
them is prevented or forbidden from acting on account of any law
or regulation, any provision of either of their charters, any
provision of any securities on deposit or by reason of any act
of God or war or other circumstances beyond either of their
control;
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Petrobras and the depositary disclaim any liability by reason of
any exercise of or failure to exercise, any discretion granted
by the deposit agreements or in either of their charters or in
any provisions of securities on deposit;
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Petrobras and the depositary further disclaim any liability for
any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information
received from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting
preferred shares or common shares for deposit, any holder of
ADSs or authorized representatives thereof, or any other person
believed by either of Petrobras and the depositary in good faith
to be competent to give such advice or information;
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Petrobras and the depositary also disclaim liability for the
inability by a holder to benefit from any distribution,
offering, right or other benefit which is made available to
holders of preferred shares or common shares but is not, under
the terms of the applicable deposit agreement, made available to
you; and
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Petrobras and the depositary may rely without any liability upon
any written notice, request or other document believed to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper
parties.
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Pre-Release
transactions
The depositary may, in some circumstances, issue ADSs before
receiving a deposit of preferred shares or common shares or
release preferred shares or common shares before receiving ADSs.
These transactions are commonly referred to as pre-release
transactions. The deposit agreements limit the aggregate
size of pre-release transactions and impose a number of
conditions on these types of transactions such as:
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the need to receive collateral;
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the type of collateral required; and
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the representations required from brokers.
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The depositary may retain for its own account the compensation
received from the pre-release transactions.
You will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental
charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by
the ADSs. Petrobras, the depositary, and the custodian may
deduct the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders
from any distribution and may sell any and all property on
deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by
holders. You will be liable for any deficiency if the sale
proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due.
The depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver, transfer,
split and combine ADRs or to release securities on deposit until
all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable holder. The
depositary and the custodian may take reasonable administrative
actions to obtain tax refunds and reduced tax withholding for
any distributions on your behalf. However, you may be required
to provide to the depositary and to the custodian proof of
taxpayer status and residence and other information as the
depositary and the custodian may require to fulfill their legal
obligations. Under the applicable deposit agreement, you will be
required to indemnify Petrobras, the depositary, and the
custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any tax
benefit obtained for you.
46
Foreign
currency conversion
The depositary will arrange for the conversion of all foreign
currency received into U.S. dollars if the conversion can
be performed on a practicable basis or by sale, and it will
distribute the U.S. dollars in accordance with the terms of
the applicable deposit agreement. You may have to pay any fees
and expenses incurred in converting foreign currency, such as
fees and expenses incurred in complying with currency exchange
controls and other governmental requirements.
If the conversion of foreign currency is not practical or
lawful, or if any required approvals are denied or not
obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period,
the depositary may take the following actions in its discretion:
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convert (or cause the custodian to convert) the foreign currency
to the extent practical and lawful and distribute the
U.S. dollars to the holders for whom the conversion and
distribution is lawful and practical;
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distribute the foreign currency to holders for whom the
distribution is lawful and practical; or
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hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for
the accounts of the holders entitled to receive the foreign
currency.
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47
FORM OF
SECURITIES, CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT
Global
Securities
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the following information relates to the form,
clearing and settlement of U.S. dollar-denominated debt
securities.
We will issue the securities in global form, without interest
coupons. Securities issued in global form will be represented,
at least initially, by one or more global debt securities. Upon
issuance, global securities will be deposited with the trustee
as custodian for The Depository Trust Company, known as
DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as
nominee of DTC. Ownership of beneficial interests in each global
security will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC,
whom we refer to as DTC participants, or persons who hold
interests through DTC participants. We expect that, under
procedures established by DTC, ownership of beneficial interests
in each global security will be shown on, and transfer of
ownership of those interests will be effected only through,
records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of DTC
participants) and the records of DTC participants (with respect
to other owners of beneficial interests in the global
securities).
Beneficial interests in the global securities may be credited
within DTC to Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. and Clearstream,
Luxembourg Banking, société anonyme on behalf of the
owners of such interests. We refer to Euroclear S.A./N.V. and
Clearstream, Luxembourg Banking, société anonyme as
Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg,
respectively.
Investors may hold their interests in the global securities
directly through DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, if
they are participants in those systems, or indirectly through
organizations that are participants in those systems.
Beneficial interests in the global securities may not be
exchanged for securities in physical, certificated form except
in the limited circumstances described below.
Book-entry
procedures for global securities
Interests in the global securities will be subject to the
operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream,
Luxembourg. We provide the following summaries of those
operations and procedures solely for the convenience of
investors. The operations and procedures of each settlement
system are controlled by that settlement system and may be
changed at any time. We are not responsible for those operations
or procedures.
DTC has advised that it is:
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a limited purpose trust company organized under the New York
State Banking Law;
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a banking organization within the meaning of the New
York State Banking Law;
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a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System;
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a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code; and
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a clearing agency registered under Section 17A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between its participants through electronic
book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants.
DTCs participants include securities brokers and dealers;
banks and trust companies; clearing corporations; and certain
other organizations. Indirect access to DTCs system is
also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and
trust companies; these indirect participants clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either
directly or indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants
may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only
through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.
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So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a
global security, DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the securities represented by that global
security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as
provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global
security:
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will not be entitled to have securities represented by the
global security registered in their names;
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will not receive or be entitled to receive physical,
certificated securities; and
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will not be considered the registered owners or holders of the
securities under the indenture for any purpose, including with
respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval
to the trustee under the indenture.
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As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in a
global security must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise
any rights of a holder of securities under the indenture (and,
if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant
in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which
the investor owns its interest).
Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with
respect to the securities represented by a global security will
be made by the trustee to DTCs nominee as the registered
holder of the global security. Neither we nor the trustee will
have any responsibility or liability for the payment of amounts
to owners of beneficial interests in a global security, for any
aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
those interests by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records of DTC relating to those interests.
Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the
owners of beneficial interests in a global security will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices and
will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect
participants and not of DTC, its nominee or us.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under
DTCs procedures and will be settled in
same-day
funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg will be effected in the ordinary way
under the rules and operating procedures of those systems.
Cross-market transfers between DTC participants, on the one
hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participants, on
the other hand, will be effected within DTC through the DTC
participants that are acting as depositaries for Euroclear and
Clearstream, Luxembourg. To deliver or receive an interest in a
global security held in a Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg
account, an investor must send transfer instructions to
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be, under
the rules and procedures of that system and within the
established deadlines of that system. If the transaction meets
its settlement requirements, Euroclear or Clearstream,
Luxembourg, as the case may be, will send instructions to its
DTC depositary to take action to effect final settlement by
delivering or receiving interests in the relevant global
securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment under normal
procedures for
same-day
funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear and Clearstream,
Luxembourg participants may not deliver instructions directly to
the DTC depositaries that are acting for Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a
Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg participant that purchases
an interest in a global security from a DTC participant will be
credited on the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream,
Luxembourg immediately following the DTC settlement date. Cash
received in Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg from the sale
of an interest in a global security to a DTC participant will be
received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be
available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg
cash account as of the business day for Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg following the DTC settlement date.
DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg have agreed to the
above procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the
global securities among participants in those settlement
systems. However, the settlement systems are not obligated to
perform these procedures and may discontinue or change these
procedures at any time. Neither we nor the trustee have any
responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or
Clearstream, Luxembourg or their participants or indirect
participants of their obligations under the rules and procedures
governing their operations.
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Certificated
securities
Beneficial interests in the global securities may not be
exchanged for securities in physical, certificated form unless:
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DTC notifies us at any time that it is unwilling or unable to
continue as depositary for the global securities and a successor
depositary is not appointed within 90 days;
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DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a successor depositary is
not appointed within 90 days;
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we, at our option, notify the trustee that we elect to cause the
issuance of certificated securities; or
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certain other events provided in the indenture should occur,
including the occurrence and continuance of an event of default
with respect to the securities.
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In all cases, certificated securities delivered in exchange for
any global security will be registered in the names, and issued
in any approved denominations, requested by the depository.
For information concerning paying agents for any securities in
certificated form, see Description of Debt
Securities Payment Provisions Paying
Agents.
Clearstream,
Luxembourg and Euroclear
Clearstream, Luxembourg has advised that: it is a duly licensed
bank organized as a société anonyme
incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg and is subject to
regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the supervision of
the financial sector (Commission de surveillance du secteur
financier); it holds securities for its customers and
facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions among them, and does so through electronic
book-entry transfers between the accounts of its customers,
thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates; it provides other services to its customers,
including safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement
of internationally traded securities and lending and borrowing
of securities; it interfaces with the domestic markets in over
30 countries through established depositary and custodial
relationships; its customers include worldwide securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing
corporations and may include certain other professional
financial intermediaries; its U.S. customers are limited to
securities brokers and dealers and banks; and indirect access to
the Clearstream, Luxembourg system is also available to others
that clear through Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or that
have custodial relationships with its customers, such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies.
Euroclear has advised that: it is incorporated under the laws of
Belgium as a bank and is subject to regulation by the Belgian
Banking and Finance Commission (Commission Bancaire et
Financiére) and the National Bank of Belgium (Banque
Nationale de Belgique); it holds securities for its
participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions among them; it does so through
simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payments,
thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates; it provides other services to its participants,
including credit, custody, lending and borrowing of securities
and tri-party collateral management; it interfaces with the
domestic markets of several countries; its customers include
banks, including central banks, securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and certain
other professional financial intermediaries; indirect access to
the Euroclear system is also available to others that clear
through Euroclear customers or that have custodial relationships
with Euroclear customers; and all securities in Euroclear are
held on a fungible basis, which means that specific certificates
are not matched to specific securities clearance accounts.
Clearance
and Settlement Procedures
We understand that investors that hold their debt securities
through Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear accounts will
follow the settlement procedures that are applicable to
securities in registered form. Debt securities will be credited
to the securities custody accounts of Clearstream, Luxembourg
and Euroclear participants on the business day following the
settlement date for value on the settlement date. They will be
credited either free of payment or against payment for value on
the settlement date.
50
We understand that secondary market trading between Clearstream,
Luxembourg
and/or
Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way following
the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream,
Luxembourg and Euroclear. Secondary market trading will be
settled using procedures applicable to securities in registered
form.
You should be aware that investors will only he able to make and
receive deliveries, payments and other communications involving
the debt securities through Clearstream, Luxembourg and
Euroclear on business days. Those systems may not be open for
business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are
open for business in the United States or Brazil.
In addition, because of time-zone differences, there may be
problems with completing transactions involving Clearstream,
Luxembourg and Euroclear on the same business day as in the
United States or Brazil. U.S. and Brazilian investors who
wish to transfer their interests in the debt securities, or to
make or receive a payment or delivery of the debt securities on
a particular day may find that the transactions will not be
performed until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels,
depending on whether Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear is
used.
Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear will credit payments to the
cash accounts of participants in Clearstream, Luxembourg or
Euroclear in accordance with the relevant systemic rules and
procedures, to the extent received by its depositary.
Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear, as the case may be,
will take any other action permitted to be taken by a holder
under the indenture on behalf of a Clearstream, Luxembourg or
Euroclear participant only in accordance with its relevant rules
and procedures.
Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear have agreed to the
foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of the
debt securities among participants of Clearstream, Luxembourg
and Euroclear. However, they are under no obligation to perform
or continue to perform those procedures, and they may
discontinue those procedures at any time.
Same-day
settlement and payment
The underwriters will settle the debt securities in immediately
available funds. We will make all payments of principal and
interest on the debt securities in immediately available funds.
Secondary market trading between participants in Clearstream,
Luxembourg and Euroclear will occur in accordance with the
applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream,
Luxembourg and Euroclear and will be settled using the
procedures applicable to securities in immediately available
funds. See Clearstream, Luxembourg and
Euroclear above.
Certificated
debt securities
We will issue debt securities to you in certificated registered
form only if:
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the depositary is no longer willing or able to discharge its
responsibilities properly, and neither the trustee nor we have
appointed a qualified successor within 90 days; or
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we, at our option, notify the trustee that we elect to cause the
issuance of certificated debt securities; or
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certain other events provided in the indenture should occur,
including the occurrence and continuance of an event of default
with respect to the debt securities.
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If any of these three events occurs, the trustee will reissue
the debt securities in fully certificated registered form and
will recognize the registered holders of the certificated debt
securities as holders under the indenture.
In the event that we issue certificated securities under the
limited circumstances described above, then holders of
certificated securities may transfer their debt securities in
whole or in part upon the surrender of the certificate to be
transferred, together with a completed and executed assignment
form endorsed on the definitive debt security, at the offices of
the transfer agent in New York City. Copies of this assignment
form may be obtained at the offices of the transfer agent in New
York City. Each time that we transfer or exchange a new debt
security in certificated form for another debt security in
certificated form, and after the transfer agent receives a
completed assignment form, we will make available for delivery
the new definitive debt security at the offices of the transfer
agent in New York City. Alternatively, at the option of the
person requesting the transfer or exchange, we will mail, at
that persons risk, the
51
new definitive debt security to the address of that person that
is specified in the assignment form. In addition, if we issue
debt securities in certificated form, then we will make payments
of principal of, interest on and any other amounts payable under
the debt securities to holders in whose names the debt
securities in certificated form are registered at the close of
business on the record date for these payments. If the debt
securities are issued in certificated form, we will make
payments of principal and any redemption payments against the
surrender of these certificated debt securities at the offices
of the paying agent in New York City.
Unless and until we issue the debt securities in
fully-certificated, registered form,
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you will not be entitled to receive a certificate representing
our interest in the debt securities;
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all references in this prospectus supplement or in the
accompanying prospectus to actions by holders will refer to
actions taken by a depositary upon instructions from their
direct participants; and
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all references in this prospectus supplement or in the
accompanying prospectus to payments and notices to holders will
refer to payments and notices to the depositary as the
registered holder of the debt securities, for distribution to
you in accordance with its policies and procedures.
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At the time of offering any securities, we will supplement the
following summary of the plan of distribution with a description
of the offering, including the particular terms and conditions
thereof, set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to those
securities.
Each prospectus supplement with respect to a series of
securities will set forth the terms of the offering of those
securities, including the name or names of any underwriters or
agents, the price of such securities and the net proceeds to us
from such sale, any underwriting discounts, commissions or other
items constituting underwriters or agents
compensation, any discount or concessions allowed or reallowed
or paid to dealers and any securities exchanges on which those
securities may be listed.
We may sell the securities from time to time in their initial
offering as follows:
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through agents;
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to dealers or underwriters for resale;
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directly to purchasers; or
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through a combination of any of these methods of sale.
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In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or
distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our
existing security holders. In some cases, we or dealers acting
with us or on our behalf may also purchase securities and
reoffer them to the public by one or more of the methods
described above. This prospectus may be used in connection with
any offering of our securities through any of these methods or
other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The securities we distribute by any of these methods may be sold
to the public, in one or more transactions, either:
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at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
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at prices related to prevailing market prices; or
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at negotiated prices.
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We may solicit offers to purchase securities directly from the
public from time to time. We may also designate agents from time
to time to solicit offers to purchase securities from the public
on our behalf. The prospectus supplement relating to any
particular offering of securities will name any agents
designated to solicit offers, and will include information about
any commissions we may pay the agents, in that offering. Agents
may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is
defined in the Securities Act of 1933.
From time to time, we may sell securities to one or more dealers
acting as principals. The dealers, who may be deemed to be
underwriters as that term is defined in the
Securities Act of 1933, may then resell those securities to the
public.
We may sell securities from time to time to one or more
underwriters, who would purchase the securities as principal for
resale to the public, either on a firm-commitment or
best-efforts basis. If we sell securities to underwriters, we
may execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of
sale and will name them in the applicable prospectus supplement.
In connection with those sales, underwriters may be deemed to
have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting
discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from
purchasers of the securities for whom they may act as agents.
Underwriters may resell the securities to or through dealers,
and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters
and/or
commissions from purchasers for whom they may act as agents. The
applicable prospectus supplement will include any required
information about underwriting compensation we pay to
underwriters, and any discounts, concessions or commissions
underwriters allow to participating dealers, in connection with
an offering of securities.
53
If we offer securities in a subscription rights offering to our
existing security holders, we may enter into a standby
underwriting agreement with dealers, acting as standby
underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment
fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby
basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting
arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a
subscription rights offering for us.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers and agents to solicit
from third parties offers to purchase securities under contracts
providing for payment and delivery on future dates. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material
terms of these contracts, including any conditions to the
purchasers obligations, and will include any required
information about commissions we may pay for soliciting these
contracts.
Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled,
under agreements that they may enter into with us, to
indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Each series of securities will be a new issue, and there will be
no established trading market for any security prior to its
original issue date. We may not list any particular series of
securities on a securities exchange or quotation system. No
assurance can be given as to the liquidity or trading market for
any of the securities.
The following is a statement of expenses, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with the
distribution of the securities registered. All amounts shown are
estimates.
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Amount to be paid
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Legal Fees and Expenses
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$
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150,000
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Accounting Fees and Expenses
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100,000
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Printing and Engraving Expenses
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10,000
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Miscellaneous
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20,000
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Total
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$
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280,000
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The consolidated financial statements of Petrobras and PIFCo,
appearing in the combined Petrobras and PIFCo Annual Report on
Form 20-F
for the year ended December 31, 2005, have been audited by
Ernst & Young Auditores Independentes S/S, independent
registered public accounting firm as set forth in their reports
thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference.
Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein
by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The unaudited consolidated financial information of Petrobras
and PIFCo as of and for the nine-month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, incorporated by reference in
this Registration Statement on
Form F-3,
were reviewed by KPMG Auditores Independentes and
Ernst & Young Auditores Independentes S/S,
respectively. KPMG Auditores Independentes and Ernst &
Young Auditores Independentes S/S have reported that they have
applied limited procedures in accordance with professional
standards for a review of such information. However, their
separate reports included in the Petrobras Report on
Form 6-K
and the PIFCo Report on
Form 6-K
containing financial information for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, and incorporated herein
by reference, state that they did not audit and they do not
express an opinion on that unaudited interim financial
information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on such
information should be restricted considering the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. The independent accountants
are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11
of the Securities Act of 1933 for their report on the unaudited
interim financial information because that report is not a
report or a part of the registration
statement prepared or certified by the auditors within the
meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
The summary reports of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent
petroleum engineering consultants, which are referenced in this
prospectus, have been referenced in this prospectus in reliance
upon the authority of the firm as experts in estimating proved
oil and gas reserves.
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Mr. Nilton de Almeida Maia, Petrobras general
counsel, will pass upon the validity of the debt securities,
warrants, preferred shares, common shares, mandatory convertible
securities, guarantees and standby purchase agreements for
Petrobras as to certain matters of Brazilian law. Walkers,
special Cayman Islands counsel to PIFCo, will pass upon the
validity of the debt securities issued by PIFCo as to certain
matters of Cayman Islands law. The validity of the debt
securities and debt warrants will be passed upon by Cleary
Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP or any other law firm
named in the applicable prospectus supplement as to certain
matters of New York law.
ENFORCEABILITY
OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
Petrobras
Petrobras is a sociedade de economia mista (mixed-capital
company), a public sector company with some private sector
ownership, established under the laws of Brazil. All of its
executive officers and directors and certain advisors named
herein reside in Brazil. In addition, substantially all of its
assets and those of its executive officers, directors and
certain advisors named herein are located in Brazil. As a
result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service
of process upon Petrobras or its executive officers, directors
and advisors named herein within the United States or other
jurisdictions outside Brazil or to enforce against Petrobras or
its executive officers, directors and advisers named herein
judgments obtained in the United States or other jurisdictions
outside Brazil.
Mr. Nilton de Almeida Maia, Petrobras general
counsel, has advised Petrobras that, subject to the requirements
described below, judgments of United States courts for civil
liabilities based upon the United States federal securities laws
may be enforced in Brazil. A judgment against Petrobras or the
other persons described above obtained outside Brazil would be
enforceable in Brazil, without reconsideration of the merits,
only if the judgment satisfies certain requirements and receives
confirmation from the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice
(Superior Tribunal de Justiça). The foreign judgment
will only be confirmed if:
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it fulfills all formalities required for its enforceability
under the laws of the country where the foreign judgment is
granted;
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it is for the payment of a sum certain of money;
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it was issued by a competent court in the jurisdiction where the
judgment was awarded after service of process was properly made
in accordance with applicable law;
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it is not subject to appeal;
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it is authenticated by a Brazilian consular office in the
country where it was issued, and is accompanied by a sworn
translation into Portuguese; and
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it is not contrary to Brazilian national sovereignty, public
policy or good morals.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, no assurance can be given that
such confirmation would be obtained, that the process described
above could be conducted in a timely manner or that a Brazilian
court would enforce a monetary judgment for violation of the
U.S. securities laws with respect to any securities issued
by Petrobras.
Mr. Nilton de Almeida Maia has also advised Petrobras that:
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original actions based on the U.S. federal securities laws
may be brought in Brazilian courts and that, subject to
Brazilian public policy and national sovereignty, Brazilian
courts may enforce liabilities in such actions against
Petrobras, certain of its directors and officers and the
advisors named herein;
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if an investor resides outside Brazil and owns no real property
in Brazil, he or she must provide a bond sufficient to guarantee
court costs and legal fees, including the defendants
attorneys fees, as determined by the Brazilian court, in
connection with litigation in Brazil, except in the case of the
enforcement of a foreign judgment which has been confirmed by
the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice;
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Brazilian law limits an investors ability as a judgment
creditor of Petrobras to satisfy a judgment against Petrobras by
attaching certain of its assets;
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a new law has been enacted in Brazil to regulate judicial and
extrajudicial reorganization and liquidation of business
companies. Such law revoked the previous Brazilian Bankruptcy
law. The new law is not applicable to mixed capital companies,
such as Petrobras, and does not provide whether the federal
government of Brazil is liable for Petrobras obligations
in the event of bankruptcy;
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Brazilian law limits an investors ability as a judgment
creditor of Petrobras to satisfy a judgment against Petrobras by
attaching certain of its assets;
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according to recent changes to the Brazilian Corporate Law,
mixed-capital companies such as Petrobras, are no longer
protected from bankruptcy proceedings and its controlling
shareholder, the federal government of Brazil, is no longer
contingently liable for Petrobras obligations; and
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certain of Petrobras exploration and production assets may
be subject to reversion to the Brazilian government under
Petrobras concession agreements. Such assets, under
certain circumstances, may not be subject to attachment or
execution.
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PIFCo
PIFCo is duly incorporated as a tax exempt limited liability
company under the laws of the Cayman Islands. All of the
directors and officers of PIFCo reside in Brazil. All or a
substantial portion of the assets of PIFCo and of such directors
and officers are located outside of the United States. As a
result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of
process within the United States upon PIFCo or such persons or
to enforce, in the United States courts, judgment against PIFCo
or such persons or judgments obtained in such courts predicated
upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities
laws of the United States.
PIFCo has been advised by its Cayman Island counsel, Walkers,
that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman
Islands of judgments obtained in New York, the courts of the
Cayman Islands will, based on the principle that a judgment by a
competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an
obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given,
recognize and enforce a foreign judgment of a court having
jurisdiction over the defendant according to Cayman Islands
conflict of law rules, if such judgment is final, for a
liquidated sum not in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, is
not inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of
the same matters and was not obtained in a manner, and is not a
kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice,
statute or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. There is
doubt, however, as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands
will (i) recognize or enforce judgments of United states
courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the
securities laws of the United States or any state thereof, or
(ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands,
impose liabilities upon the civil liability provisions of the
securities laws of the United states or any state thereof, on
the grounds that such provisions are penal in nature.
A Cayman Islands court may stay proceedings if concurrent
proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
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WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC on
Form F-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the securities
offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which is a part of
that registration statement, does not contain all of the
information set forth in the registration statement. For more
information with respect to our company and the securities
offered by this prospectus, you should refer to the registration
statement and to the exhibits filed with it. Statements
contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
regarding the contents of any contract or other document are not
necessarily complete, and, where the contract or other document
is an exhibit to the registration statement or incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference, each of these statements
is qualified in all respects by the provisions of the actual
contract or other document.
We are subject to the information requirements of the United
States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the
Exchange Act, applicable to a foreign private issuer, and
accordingly file or furnish reports, including annual reports on
Form 20-F,
reports on
Form 6-K,
and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any
materials filed with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You
may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
Any filings we make electronically will be available to the
public over the Internet at the SECs web site at
www.sec.gov. These reports and other information may also be
inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock
Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
Preferred shares and common shares of Petrobras, each
represented by ADSs, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbols PBRA and PBR,
respectively. Additional information concerning us and our
securities may be available through the New York Stock Exchange.
57
INCORPORATION
OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information we file with it, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those
documents. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this prospectus, and certain later
information that we file with the SEC will automatically update
and supersede earlier information filed with the SEC or included
in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement. We incorporate by
reference the following documents:
PIFCo
(1) The PIFCo Report on
Form 6-K
containing financial information for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 2005, prepared in accordance with US GAAP,
furnished to the SEC on November 29, 2005.
(2) The combined Petrobras and PIFCo Annual Report on
Form 20-F
for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on
June 28, 2006.
(3) The PIFCo Report on
Form 6-K
containing financial information for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 2006, prepared in accordance with US GAAP,
furnished to the SEC on November 29, 2006.
(4) Any future filings of PIFCo on
Form 20-F
made with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the securities offered by
this prospectus, and any future reports of PIFCo on
Form 6-K
furnished to the SEC during that period that are identified in
those forms as being incorporated into this prospectus.
Petrobras
(1) The Petrobras Report on
Form 6-K
containing financial information for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 2005, prepared in accordance with US GAAP,
furnished to the SEC on November 23, 2005.
(2) The combined Petrobras and PIFCo Annual Report on
Form 20-F
for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the SEC on
June 28, 2006.
(3) The Petrobras Report on
Form 6-K
containing financial information for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 2006, prepared in accordance with US GAAP,
furnished to the SEC on November 28, 2006.
(4) Any future filings of Petrobras on
Form 20-F
made with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the securities offered by
this prospectus, and any future reports of Petrobras on
Form 6-K
furnished to the SEC during that period that are identified in
those forms as being incorporated into this prospectus.
58